Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects & Long-Term Recovery

Chemotherapy is treatment of disease, usually cancer, using chemicals--delivered orally or intravenously--that kill cells. All drugs have associated side and after effects, but for optimum health after chemotherapy treatments, it's helpful to be educated about the long-term risks and benefits beforehand. Chemotherapy after effects are numerous and varied; at best they're unpleasant, and at worst they're dangerous.

Memory Loss

• Some cancer patients experience memory loss or changes related to learning, comprehension and judgment after chemotherapy.

Cognitive Effects

• Research has shown that cancer patients who received surgery as well as chemotherapy suffered shrinkage in the area of the brain dealing with cognitive abilities.

Secondary Neoplasia

• Secondary neoplasia (usually acute myeloid leukemia) sometimes occurs after chemotherapy, and may be delayed by as much as 30 years.

Immune System

• Almost all chemotherapy causes immune system depression, and can lead to a decrease in white and red blood cells, as well as platelets.

Metabolic Complications

• Chemotherapy treatment for very large tumors may result in metabolic complications called tumor lysis syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Common Side Effects

• More common and less dangerous chemotherapy effects include nausea, vomiting, pain, hair loss, anemia, constipation and diarrhea.