Anemia and Fatigue

Anemia is a condition in which the patient does not have enough red blood cells. Chemotherapy can cause anemia. Anemic patients suffer from fatigue. Anemia causes a person to feel very weak and tired. Whether or not taking iron supplements will help is something chemotherapy patients must discuss with their doctors.

Nausea and Appetite

Many patients undergoing chemotherapy feel nausea as a result. There is no other underlying cause to the nausea. On better days when there is no nausea, the patient still does not feel like eating. If they eat, the nausea may return. As a result, many chemotherapy patients lose weight. Chemotherapy patients are well advised to consult with their doctors about getting enough nutrition.

Hair Loss

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Chemotherapy harms the cells that make hair, so many chemotherapy patients' hair begins to fall out two or three weeks into the course of treatment. Alopecia is a temporary side effect of chemotherapy. When the course of chemotherapy treatment is over, most to all patients experience hair regrowth just as it was before treatment.

Elimination

Chemotherapy causes constipation in some patients and diarrhea in others. Either way, patients are well advised to ask their physicians what foods and drinks may help.

Infection

Chemotherapy patients are more likely to get sick than the general population. Chemotherapy patients should wash their hands frequently and avoid sick people. They must also go to the doctor if they develop signs of a cold or virus, such as fever, cough or chills.

Sex and Fertility

Both men and women may experience lack of interest in sex and possible physical problems. Women must not get pregnant during treatment because chemotherapy is harmful to unborn children. Chemotherapy may cause the patient to become sterile.

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