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Chemotherapy is one of the first lines of treatment for patients with various types of cancer. But like all other treatments and medication forms, it has side effects. Studies show that about 65% of chemo patients experience a wide range of side effects. These effects vary per patient, but this article will focus on some more common ones. Here they are.

• Hair loss

Hair loss is one of the major signs associated with chemotherapy. It can affect any part of your body where hair grows, including your scalp, legs, and arms. It typically starts a few weeks after your first chemotherapy session. The reason why that happens is that there are various types of chemo treatments that damage the cells responsible for hair growth. 

Because hair loss happens frequently, most people remain one step ahead and shave their heads completely. But you can expect your hair to grow back after successfully undergoing chemo, so keep this in mind. Losing your hair can be devastating, but you can work around it. You can purchase a wig, and if you choose to maintain your hair during the process, you must take some safety precautions. Ensure you wash your hair gently, protect your scalp when stepping out by wearing a hat, and avoid using hair products that might be too harsh for your skin. 

• Nausea & vomiting

Undergoing chemo can take a toll on your gastrointestinal tract and even affect your nervous system, both of which can cause you to feel nauseous and induce vomiting. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling, and frequent vomiting can leave you feeling weak. To beat this side effect, speak to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medications to keep the unpleasant feeling down. You would also have to change your diet and switch to bland meals. You might also have to drink more liquids. Also, you can break down your meals into different portions of the day instead of eating big meals. You can also try breathing exercises when you feel like vomiting. It can keep the vomit down and calm you down. 

• Pain 

Unfortunately, chemotherapy causes a lot of pain, which manifests in numbness, sharp pains, stomach and muscle pain, and headaches. Although sometimes, the pain can result from cancer and not the chemo. Nonetheless, the pain can be severe and bring a lot of discomforts. Ensure that you speak to your doctor about the pain, including important information like where it’s located, how it feels, the frequency and severity, and the treatment options. Your doctor would prescribe painkillers, and you can also speak to them about other pain treatment options. Products like Delta 8 gummies and other types relieve pain. You can also try yoga or other pain-relieving activities. 

Undergoing chemotherapy is not easy, and its side effects can make the experience even more unpleasant. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate these symptoms, and don’t forget to seek support from your loved ones to help you get through your sessions.