“How long do side effects typically last with chemotherapy?”
I'm undergoing chemotherapy to manage my breast cancer, but I haven't started yet. I'm aware that sometimes the side effects can be quite negative. How long do these side effect typically last?
3 Answers
One of the most feared effects of chemotherapy is the presence and appearance of side effects. The most common are hair loss, nausea and vomiting, and decreased blood counts potentially causing infections. There is a website published by the American Cancer Society which reviews side effects and treatments that can help prevent them. (Www.cancer.org). Search on Chemotherapy side effects.
Interestingly every chemotherapeutic agent has its own effectiveness and list of side effects. The three effects listed above generally resolve in a short time. Other side effects however, can be prolonged. Effects on the nerves can last indefinitely. Many times drugs are prescribed with chemotherapy to prevent or treat them. It is important to discuss these effects with the prescribing oncologist who may need to adjust the pre-medications.
For most cancer treatments it is important to receive the drugs on time. Any questions you may have should be discussed with your doctor.
Good luck.
Interestingly every chemotherapeutic agent has its own effectiveness and list of side effects. The three effects listed above generally resolve in a short time. Other side effects however, can be prolonged. Effects on the nerves can last indefinitely. Many times drugs are prescribed with chemotherapy to prevent or treat them. It is important to discuss these effects with the prescribing oncologist who may need to adjust the pre-medications.
For most cancer treatments it is important to receive the drugs on time. Any questions you may have should be discussed with your doctor.
Good luck.
It depends on what medications you are getting. Fatigue is the most common side effect and gradually improves. There are side effects day 1 of treatment and then sometimes for several days after again depending on which drugs.
Nausea/vomiting is rare. Numbness In feet and hands can occur with taxol, but improves over time but may be permanent. Hair starts growing back about a month after last chemo. Mostly tire about 2-3 days after each dose. Trouble multitasking may last.
