How Soon Do Chemo Side Effects Start?
Chemo, or chemotherapy, is a common form of cancer treatment that uses special drugs to kill fast-growing tumor cells. Chemotherapy drugs can cause several side effects. Discuss the management of chemo side effects with a doctor.
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Vomiting
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According to the American Cancer Society, patients may develop vomiting as early as several minutes after chemotherapy treatment. Vomiting may also develop 24 hours after treatment and last for several days and may be prevented or reduced if anti-emetic drugs are taken before a chemo session.
Hair Loss
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Cancer patients may begin losing hair two to three weeks after they receive chemotherapy. Hair loss is usually temporary and is likely to grow back at the end of treatment or after treatment has been stopped.
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Mouth Sores
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Chemo patients may develop sores in the mouth, throat or esophagus between five and 14 days after treatment. These sores gradually begin to improve within two to three weeks and fully heal after chemotherapy has ended.
Other Common Effects
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Cancer patients may develop fatigue, diarrhea or constipation from chemotherapy.
Side Effect Treatment
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Doctors may prescribe medications to lessen chemotherapy side effects. Most side effects are short-term in nature and end after therapy is completed.
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References
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