FAQs

1. What are the pros and cons of Chemotherapy?

The side effects of chemotherapy can be unpleasant. But it can help to try to see the problems in relation to the benefits of the treatment. Remember that almost all side effects are short term and will begin to go once treatment is finished.

If you find the treatment or side effects troublesome, make an appointment and tell your doctor. You may be able to:

• Take medicines to help
• Have your treatment changed or the drug dose reduced to minimize the side effects

2. Where do you get side effects?

• Mouth
• Digestive system
• Skin
• Hair
• Bone marrow (the spongy material that fills your bones and produces new blood cells)

Mouth and Chemotherapy: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause following problems in your mouth:

• A sore mouth
• Mouth Ulcer

These side effects are often referred to as mucositis and can happen about 5 to 10 days after you start taking the chemotherapy. They clear up in 3 to 4 weeks.

Some chemotherapy drugs cause your taste to change. Food may taste Salty, Bitter or Metallic

Your taste goes back to normal soon after the treatment is over.