What Are Possible Late Effects of Chemotherapy?
The benefits ofchemotherapyfar outweigh the potential risks, but there are long-term side effects.
When it comes to long-term side effects, keep in mind that everyone is different.
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Some people may have several of these side effects, while many will have none.
Side effects also vary considerably depending on the particular chemotherapy medications that are used.
One notable example is heart damage following treatment with Adriamycin (doxorubicin).
Symptoms may include increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
If you have been treated withAdriamycin, your healthcare provider may recommend aMUGA scanto monitor your heart.
It is important to discuss this with your healthcare providermany causes of fatigue are treatable.
Coping can involve strategies like doing one thing at a time or slowing down.
In most cases, chemobrain symptoms improve over time.
Infertility
Loss of fertility after chemotherapy is primarily a concern for younger people with cancer.
Infertility following treatment varies with the dose and punch in of chemotherapy medications, and it doesnt affect everyone.
This is a common side effect after chemotherapy.
A history of diabetes, alcoholism, or malnutrition increases the risk.
While neuropathy may sometimes improve in time, it can also be a permanent late effect of chemotherapy.
Other medications may also cause hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Skeletal Effects
Osteoporosis(thinning of the bones) is the most common late effect of chemotherapy.
Most chemotherapy drugs cause accelerated bone loss.
Cancer and cancer treatment may also cause changes in diet, which can amplify the problem.
The greatest concern over the long run is the risk of fractures due to bone loss.
Many healthcare providers recommend getting a baseline bone density measurement when beginning these therapies.
This may be more pronounced when chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy to the chest area.
Liver Effects
Many chemotherapy medications can cause hepatotoxicity (toxic damage to the liver).
This can result in a decreased ability of your kidneys to filter your blood.
Damage to the bladder can also occur and may be temporary or permanent.
Symptoms of bladder irritation may include pain or urgency with urination, or blood in your urine.
This can hasten the development ofcataractsin some people.
An example of these is Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)).
For example, the risk of secondary cancer insurvivors of Hodgkin lymphomais substantial.
Coping With the Late Effects of Chemotherapy
Long-term effects and late effects of cancer treatment are common.
Cancer survival is improving.
Many of the larger cancer centers now provide cancer rehabilitation to help people maximize their new normal.
