Managing Common Chemotherapy Side‑Effects
Why side‑effects occur? Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells but also some normal cells in the bone marrow, mouth, gut, hair follicles and reproductive organs. Damage to these normal cells can cause side‑effects such as low blood counts, mouth sores, hair loss, diarrhoea or constipation, and fatigue.
What to Expect During Chemotherapy
What chemotherapy is – and is not? Chemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the bloodstream to kill or control rapidly dividing cancer cells. These medicines may be given alone or along with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on your cancer and stage.
Your First Visit to a Medical Oncologist – What to Expect
Why this visit matters? Being referred to a medical oncologist can feel overwhelming. This first visit is not usually about starting treatment immediately; it is about understanding your diagnosis, reviewing all reports and building a clear plan together.