[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/07\/chemotherapy-side-effects\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/07\/chemotherapy-side-effects\/","headline":"Coping With Chemotherapy Side Effects","name":"Coping With Chemotherapy Side Effects","description":"The downside of chemotherapy? It kills good cells along with cancerous ones. Discover simple tips to cope with the most common chemo side effects.","datePublished":"2020-07-08","dateModified":"2021-11-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/iStock-1165476409.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/iStock-1165476409.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/07\/chemotherapy-side-effects\/","about":["Cancer Care","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":813,"articleBody":"Chemotherapy is designed to rid your body of cancer. But as the treatment kills cancer cells, it can harm healthy tissues too, causing a rush of unwelcome side effects.Here we explain why you get side effects, which ones are most common and what you can do about them to feel better as you fight cancer.Why Do I Get Side Effects From Chemotherapy?Side effects depend on myriad factors, according to the National Cancer Institute, such as:The type of cancer you have and how advanced it isThe type of chemotherapy and how aggressive it isHow healthy you were before chemoAny underlying health problems you haveChemotherapy affects people in different ways. Your side effects won’t be the same as a friend’s, for example, even if you both had the same cancer treatment. What’s more, some side effects may bother you less \u2014 or more \u2014 as your chemo continues.A patient survey published in Supportive Cancer Care found 71 percent of breast cancer patients on anthracycline and cyclophosphamide-based regimens experienced nausea during treatment. However, breast and ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemo became less troubled by nausea and more disturbed by sleep troubles as their treatment progressed, according to a 2017 presentation before the European Society for Medical Oncology.There’s also a mind-over-matter element when it comes to side effects. A recent study reported in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that merely expecting to have a side effect made it more than twice as likely to appear.What Are The Most Common Side Effects?Chemotherapy can cause more than two dozen different side effects, as the National Cancer Institute notes. The most common one is fatigue, where you feel tuckered out. Other side effects include, but aren’t limited to:NauseaVomitingAnemiaInfectionsMouth soresTrouble sleepingMost side effects go away once you’ve stopped chemotherapy.What Works to Cope With Chemotherapy Side Effects?Whether you’re going to start chemo shortly or you’re in the midst of treatment now, these strategies can help you cope with common side effects.AnemiaMake sure you’re getting plenty of calories and protein daily to maintain your weight. Extra protein can help repair tissues damaged by chemo.Expect your doctor to test your blood regularly to make sure your red blood cells don’t drop too low. They may prescribe a medicine to increase your red blood cell production or suggest that you take an iron supplement to strengthen your blood.FatigueBe sure to get at least eight hours of sleep a night, and don’t be shy about taking naps during the day when you feel pooped. Shorter 10- to 15-minute naps are better than longer ones. A quick walk can give you an energy boost.InfectionsWash your hands often and thoroughly and carry hand sanitizer when you’re out and about. Avoid exposing yourself to germs. Skip large gatherings and clear of sick people. If you have a pet, ask a friend or loved one to clean the litter box or pick up Fido’s waste.Nausea and vomitingYour doctor can prescribe medicines to take before or after chemotherapy to prevent nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture and acupressure also may lessen these side effects.Also try making dietary changes. Eat smaller meals, choose bland foods that are easy to digest and avoid pungent foods or drinks.Sleeping problemsHack your bedtime routine. Limit screen time starting at least an hour before you go to bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark and free of distractions.If a bedtime routine doesn’t help, cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation therapy can teach you restful habits to get a good night’s sleep. Ask your doctor to recommend a practitioner.Mouth soresMouth sores usually appear five to 14 days after chemo begins. Try sipping water, sucking on ice chips, or chewing sugar-free gum throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.Good oral hygiene can help. Use a soft toothbrush and brush after every meal and before bedtime. Opt for soft foods, and skip ones that are sharp, crunchy, or spicy.To learn more visit the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center\u00a0or call\u00a0412-647-2811\u00a0to make an appointment with one of our cancer experts.SourcesNational Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment. National Institutes of Health.  LinkNational Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy and You. National Institutes of Health. LinkNational Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer. National Institutes of Health. LinkAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology. Side Effects of Chemotherapy. LinkEuropean Society of Medical Oncology. Change of Patient Perceptions of Chemotherapy Side Effects in Breast and Ovarian Cancer Patients. LinkJournal of Pain and Symptom Management. Cancer Treatment Side Effects: A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Response Expectancies and Experience. LinkSupportive Cancer Care. Defining Optimal Control of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting\u2014Based on Patients' Experience. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2020","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Coping With Chemotherapy Side Effects","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/07\/chemotherapy-side-effects\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]