Chemotherapy is one of the best ways to treat cancer. Medical advancements have made it more tolerable and effective than ever, but it can still come with side effects. Everyone’s experience is unique, so keep these tips from Erin Dunbar, M.D., a neuro-oncologist at Piedmont, in mind:

• Always report your symptoms to your healthcare team. The sooner they know, the sooner they can help you.

• There are many ways your doctor can help prevent or reduce these symptoms. Ask your oncologist what symptoms you may experience during your treatment. He or she can develop an individualized treatment plan to minimize and prevent side effects.

• Your experience may be different from a friend’s. Symptoms will vary based on the type of cancer you have, your health history, your age and the type of treatment you receive.

Chemotherapy's effects on each area of the body

Here is a quick overview of the most common chemotherapy side effects in each area of the body.

Bladder and kidneys

Chemo can affect the kidneys and bladder because these organs filter and excrete chemotherapy from the body. This can lead to:

• Burning during urination

• Decreased or increased urination

• Hand and foot swelling

• Headaches

Staying hydrated is crucial so your body can flush the medicine from your body.

Blood and bone marrow

Chemotherapy can affect how the body produces blood cells and platelets, leading to:

• Low white blood cell count: This can increase your risk of infection because your immune system isn’t functioning properly.

• Low red blood cell count (anemia): Anemia can make you feel fatigued.

• Low platelets count: This can increase your risk of bleeding.

Bones

Chemo can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis, especially in women who have already gone through menopause or who went into early menopause because of treatment.

Central nervous system

You’ve likely heard the phrase “chemo brain,” meaning chemotherapy affects your ability to think clearly. Chemo can cause:

• Difficulty with balance and coordination

• Mild cognitive impairment

• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)

• Slower reflexes

Digestion

Chemotherapy can damage cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or gut, which can lead to:

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Gas

• Hard stools

• Nausea

You can help prevent these uncomfortable symptoms by drinking plenty of water and staying well-hydrated. Try these infused water recipes for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

Hair and skin

Perhaps chemo’s most well-known side effect, temporary hair loss — including the head, eyelashes, eyebrows and elsewhere on the body — is common during treatment.

It can also make skin and nails drier, increasing the chances of:

• Itchiness

• Rashes

• Sensitivity

• Weak, brittle nails

Heart

Chemo can affect your heart’s blood-pumping ability, increasing the risk of a heart attack or an abnormal heart rhythm.

Mental health

The stress of going through cancer treatment can increase your risk of depression and anxiety. The following forms of stress relief can help:

• Counseling

• Exercise

• Good nutrition

• Journaling

• Massage

• Meditation

• Prayer

• Talking with a trusted friend

Sexual health and reproduction

Chemotherapy can disrupt normal hormone production, which can cause:

• Birth defects (if chemo is given to a woman who is unknowingly pregnant)

• Decreased sperm count in men

• Early menopause in women (which may be temporary or permanent)

• Infertility in women who go through permanent menopause

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse

While there are many potential side effects, there are numerous medical advances that make chemotherapy safer, more tolerable and more effective than ever before.