Cancer Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy : Kidney and Bladder, Flu-Like Symptoms, Effects on Sexual Organs
by National Cancer Institute
Some anticancer drugs can irritate the bladder or cause temporary or permanent damage to the bladder or kidneys. If you are taking one or more of these drugs, your doctor may ask you to collect a 24-hour urine sample.

Chemotherapy : Central Nervous System Problems
by National Cancer Institute
Chemotherapy can interfere with certain functions in your central nervous system (brain) causing tiredness, confusion, and depression. These feelings will go away once the chemotherapy dose is lowered or you finish chemotherapy.

Cancer : Bleeding, Dry Mouth
by National Cancer Institute
Bleeding may occur during chemotherapy when anticancer drugs affect the ability of blood to clot. Areas of gum disease may bleed on their own or when irritated by eating, brushing, or flossing.

Paying for Chemotherapy: Insurance Coverage
by National Cancer Institute
The cost of chemotherapy varies with the kinds and doses of drugs used, how long and how often they are given, and whether you get them at home, in a clinic or office, or in the hospital.

Chemotherapy : Diarrhea, Constipation, Nerve and Muscle, Skin and Nails
by National Cancer Institute
When chemotherapy affects the cells lining the intestine, it can cause diarrhea (watery or loose stools). If you have diarrhea that continues for more than 24 hours, or if you have pain and cramping along with the diarrhea, call your doctor.

Chemotherapy Side Effects: Pain, Hair Loss, Anemia
by National Cancer Institute
Chemotherapy drugs can cause some side effects that are painful. The drugs can damage nerves, leading to burning, numbness, tingling or shooting pain, most often in the fingers or toes. Some drugs can also cause mouth sores, headaches, muscle pains

Gastrointestinal Complications : Impaction, Bowel Obstruction
by National Cancer Institute
Regular use of laxatives for constipation contributes most to the development of constipation and impaction. Repeated use of laxatives in higher and higher doses makes the colon less able to signal the need to have a bowel movement.

Cancer : Fatigue, Pain, Tissue and Bone Loss
by National Cancer Institute
Cancer patients who are undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy often experience fatigue (lack of energy) that is related to either the cancer or its treatment. Some patients may have difficulty sleeping.

Eating Well During Chemotherapy, Support
by National Cancer Institute
It is very important to eat well while you are getting chemotherapy. Eating well during chemotherapy means choosing a balanced diet that contains all the nutrients the body needs.

Chemotherapy : Infection, Bleeding, Dry Mouth
by National Cancer Institute
Damage to the lining of the mouth and a weakened immune system make it easier for infection to occur. Oral mucositis breaks down the lining of the mouth, allowing germs and viruses to get into the bloodstream.

Cisplatin Chemotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
by National Cancer Institute
Combined data from five large randomized clinical trials confirmed that cisplatin-based chemotherapy extends survival for patients with stage II or stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

Chemotherapy Side Effects: Fatigue, Nausea and Vomiting
by National Cancer Institute
Because cancer cells may grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells, many anticancer drugs are made to kill growing cells. But certain normal, healthy cells also multiply quickly, and chemotherapy can affect these cells, too.

Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
by National Cancer Institute
Oral complications are common in patients receiving chemotherapy or undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck. The oral cavity is at high risk of side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy for a number of reasons.

What Can I Expect During Chemotherapy?
by National Cancer Institute
Some people with cancer want to know every detail about their condition and their treatment. Others prefer only general information. The choice of how much information to seek is yours, but there are questions every person getting chemotherapy should ask.

Childhood Cancer : Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy
by National Cancer Institute
Chemotherapy is the use of 'anticancer drugs' to treat cancer. Chemotherapy is systemic therapy, which means that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body to kill cancer cells wherever they may be.

Chemotherapy : Tooth Decay, Taste Changes, Fatigue, Pain ...
by National Cancer Institute
Dry mouth and changes in the balance of oral bacteria increase the risk of tooth decay. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular care by a dentist can help prevent cavities. Changes in taste are common during chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Radiation
by National Cancer Institute
Oral complications are common in patients receiving chemotherapy or undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck. The oral cavity is at high risk of side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy for a number of reasons.

Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
by National Cancer Institute
A lumpectomy usually is followed by radiation therapy. During radiation therapy, high-energy x-rays are used to destroy cancer cells that still may be present in the affected breast or in nearby lymph nodes.

Bladder Cancer Chemotherapy, Biological Therapy, Rehabilitation
by National Cancer Institute
The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the drugs and the doses the patient receives as well as how the drugs are given. In addition, as with other types of treatment, side effects vary from patient to patient.

Chemotherapy and You: Self-Help Guide
by National Cancer Institute
How can you take care of yourself during chemotherapy? You can eat the right foods to build up your strength. Stay away from people who have colds or the flu. Get the rest you need and pace yourself.