Chemotherapy (continued)

Side Effects

Although chemo often effectively damages or eliminates cancer cells, it also can damage normal, healthy cells. And this can lead to some uncomfortable side effects.

Chemotherapy side effects are different for each child. The type of anticancer drug used, the dosage, and a child's general health affect the risk of developing unpleasant side effects. The good news is that most side effects are temporary — as the body's normal cells recover, the side effects gradually go away.

Cancer treatment is multifaceted — that is, patients receive a lot of care (i.e., fluid and nutrition support, transfusion support, physical therapy, and medicines) to help them tolerate the treatments and treat or prevent side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

It's difficult to pinpoint which side effects a child might experience, how long they'll last, and when they'll end. Talk to your doctor if your child has side effects about how to cope with them.

Fatigue

Fatigue is the most common side effect of chemotherapy. Kids may need to reduce or eliminate all but the most essential activities during chemo, and may feel very tired even after sleeping and resting. Fatigue may last for days, weeks, or months, but it does go away once treatment is over.

Encourage your child to rest and sleep as often as possible — even if it doesn't immediately result in more energy — because rest helps the body recover from chemo. Short naps or breaks from activity may be more beneficial than longer ones.

Discomfort and Pain

There may be some initial discomfort when a chemotherapy catheter or IV needle is placed in the vein. Certain anticancer drugs also cause mouth pain, headaches, muscle pains, and stomach pains. Chemo medicine may cause temporary nerve damage, which can result in burning, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the fingers and toes.

Kids taking pain medication should not skip doses — waiting until pain is felt can make it harder to control. If your child's pain persists or worsens at any time, talk to your doctor. Also, be sure to discuss the use of alternative or over-the-counter medicines. There may be drug interactions you'd want to avoid.

Skin Damage or Changes

Skin may be red, sensitive, or easily irritated in the days, weeks, and months during and after treatment. If your child had radiation therapy prior to chemotherapy, the treated skin may turn red, blister, and peel once chemo begins. This condition is known as "radiation recall."

A child who has sensitive or irritated skin should wear loose, soft clothes and avoid using lotions or other commercial products on the affected area. Your doctor may recommend an ointment or cream to reduce irritation.

Hair Loss and Scalp Sensitivity

Because chemotherapy often kills the healthy cells responsible for hair growth, it's common for kids undergoing chemo to lose their hair or have a sensitive scalp.

Hair thinning and hair loss may occur all over the body during treatment, including the head, face, arms and legs, underarms, and pubic area. Your child's hair may become thinner and then fall out completely or in clumps.

Losing hair can be scary for kids and make them feel bad about standing out. Getting a shorter haircut may make it less traumatic once hair loss starts. Your child may also feel more comfortable wearing hats, bandannas, baseball caps, scarves, or wigs until the hair grows back. And it will grow back. Most kids' hair regrows before treatment ends or within 3 months following its end, though it may be a slightly different color or texture than it was before.