HOST Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for cancer, but it can cause side effects that range from mild to medically serious. For more on side effects and what you can do about them, let's hear from Doctor Keri Peterson. DOCTOR PETERSO he reason chemotherapy changes the way you feel is the same reason it's so effective in fighting cancer. The drugs used in the treatment reach all parts of the body. That means both cancerous cells and healthy cells will be affected by the medication. The good news is that many of these side effects will go away after chemotherapy treatments ends. There are also some complimentary drug treatments on the market to make it easier on the body. Now let's talk about the side effects. This is the tough part of chemotherapy, but there are some things that can help you cope with them. Feel free to pause and write down any of the following to discuss with your doctor. The most common problems that you may feel includ 00Mouth sores which can appear a few days after treatment begins, and last up to two weeks once the chemotherapy ends. You can cut your chances of getting mouth sores by taking good care of your teeth and eating right. Dry Mouth. Sucking on hard candies throughout the day may increase saliva production. Changes in the way food taste his is a common complaint, especially a metallic taste in the mouth. Some patients say zinc lozenges help. Now let's talk about digestive problems Nausea and Vomitin his happens more in women under 50, but can affect anyone. You can help avoid these symptoms by eating smaller meals, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding foods and smells that are unpleasant. Diarrhea can be caused by either the chemotherapy or the cancer itself. While this is normal under some Chemo treatments, it may be the sign of a larger, more serious problem. Your doctor may lower the dosage of your Chemo or tell you to limit certain foods. You may also experience pain while swallowing and loss of appetite. Because chemo attacks rapidly-dividing cells, you may lose your hair. But not all types of chemo have this side effect. If hair loss does happen, it'll probably start 10 to 14 days after the first treatment, and for many patients this can be the most difficult part of chemotherapy. Sometimes, you may feel itchy when the hair begins to thin. Be sure to cover your head if you'll be out in the sun. It will begin to grow back about four to six months after the Chemo ends. Wigs are an option for people who aren't comfortable being bald. And, some insurance plans even cover the cost of these hair pieces. You may have some skin problems, like redness, itching, dryness, acne, and increased sensitivity to the sun. These symptoms will go away after the Chemo ends. If you feel a burning pain where the IV is inserted, tell your doctor right away. You may become more susceptible to infection or bleedin ome chemo affects your bone marrow, which causes changes in your blood by reducing the number of white blood cells and platelets. A low number of white blood cells weakens your immune system and leaves you more open to infection. A low number of platelets means that you may bleed or bruise more easily than usual, even if you don't have an injury. Fatigue is the most common side effect of chemotherapy therapy. It's more than just feeling tired. It's exhaustion even when you've slept, overall weakness, and difficulty performing normal activities. But there are some strategies to help. First, don't push yourself. You made need to decrease some activities and play your days in advance to spread out tasks. Next, stay hydrated. And if you can, get some exercise like a short walk. Moderate exercise has been found to help some patients. Some people also experience what they call "Chemobrain." This can affect your short-term memory and emotions, you may have trouble finding your keys, remembering words or feel depressed or unfocused. Most side effects will last only while you are going through Chemo and will end soon after you finish. However, many people continue to feel run down for several months afterward. In a small number of cases, Chemo may cause some long-term changes in your body, like fertility problems, damage to the heart or lungs, or even, in rare cases, leukemia or lymphoma. Doctors are very aware of these serious problems, and will consider the risks carefully based on your specific medical condition. Chemotherapy is one of the toughest things that anyone can go through. So ask questions, work with your doctor and get the support you need.