By: Trevor Price Chemotherapy effects vary from patient to patient. The extent, type and length of any side effects often depend on the type of drugs used, the dosage and the overall well-being of the patient. Because cells like those found in your hair roots, nails, mouth or gastro-intestinal system are cells that reproduce very rapidly, they are the ones most vulnerable to chemotherapy treatments. Of course, no two people experience chemotherapy or its subsequent consequences the same way. This is partly because everyone is different, but also because each chemotherapy treatment is individual. One patient may receive more of a particular drug that induces nausea, while another is administered a drug that causes dramatic hair loss. The side effects may also change as treatment progresses. Keep reading for a breakdown of some of the most common chemotherapy effects - but remember that just because they're common doesn't mean they will always occur. Upset Stomach and Vomiting Nausea and vomiting are probably the two most common negative impacts of chemotherapy. Vomiting occurs when the drug stimulates a certain part of the brain called the chemoreceptor trigger zone - this then sends a message to the vomiting area of the brain. Fortunately, new drugs are being developed that limit the triggering of this response. Usually, if an upset stomach or vomiting occurs, it happens within a few hours or that same day. Thankfully, it also only lasts for a brief stretch of time. Diarrhea Diarrhea means having watery or loose stools three or more times in a day. It occurs during chemotherapy because the drugs are affecting the lining of your intestines. This chemotherapy reaction can last for a short period or intermittently throughout the duration of the treatment, depending on the drugs given and the dosage. Mouth Sores Because cells on the inside of the mouth are some of the fastest to regenerate in the body, they are the ones most susceptible to damage from chemotherapy. As a result, sores can develop, leading to possible infection and other problems. The esophagus is also vulnerable. A good defense is persistent oral hygiene. To soothe a sore mouth, use a cotton swab to apply milk of magnesia to mouth sores, eat soft foods cold or at room temperature, avoid acidic foods or, if none of this works, talk to your doctor about a pain medication. Hair Loss Not every chemotherapy program causes the patient to lose their hair. Some drugs lead to hair loss, others only cause a minimal amount and some don't result in it at all. Certain people lose only their head hair, and others lose hair from all over their bodies. Like every other symptom, the visible results depend on the patient, the drug and the dosage. Hair loss won't happen immediately and typically starts gradually, eventually escalating to hair coming out in larger clumps. It is one of the most dreaded chemotherapy effects, but it's also temporary.
