Managing Side Effects

While each person is different and will respond differently to treatments, many of today's newer drugs, including chemotherapy drugs, cause fewer side effects than older drugs. Also, significant progress has been made in the ability to manage side effects should they occur.

Our medical oncologists are experts in pain management, prevention and treatment of chemotherapy side effects, as well as trained in psychological care. Our goal is to treat your cancer with the drugs most likely to be effective, while also helping you manage your side effects so that you can continue to lead your normal life with minimal disruptions. It is important to tell your doctor how you're feeling and if you notice any changes during your treatment, so he or she can help alleviate your symptoms.

The most common complaint of people receiving chemotherapy is that they tire easily. Plan to rest occasionally during the day, and report any changes in your energy level to your doctor. Other side effects, depending on the drugs used, may include:

Anemia (abnormally low number of red blood cells)
Anxiety
Appetite Loss
Bleeding and Clotting Problems
Cognitive Problems (such as problems with memory and/or concentration)
Constipation
Depression
Diarrhea
Difficulty Chewing
Difficulty Swallowing
Dry Mouth
Edema (fluid retention/swelling)
Fatigue
Fluid Around the Lungs
Fluid in the Abdomen
Fluid in the Arms or Legs
Hair Loss
Hand-Foot Syndrome
Headaches
Hormone Deprivation Symptoms
Hypercalcemia (elevated calcium level)
Infection
Menopausal Symptoms
Mental Confusion
Mouth Sores
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervous System Disturbances
Neutropenia (abnormally low number of white blood cells, chiefly neutrophils)
Pain
Sexual Dysfunction
Shortness of Breath
Skin Problems
Sleeping Problems
Swelling Around Joints
Taste Changes
Weight Gain or Loss


We want to assure you that NO patient experiences all of these side effects, and some patients have few, if any, side effects from treatment.

Two excellent sources of information for dealing with cancer and treatment-related side effects are the American Cancer Society and the Oncology Nursing Society.