Lymphomas

Managing the Side Effects of Treatment

No matter what type of cancer treatment you receive — chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or other types of therapy — you will most likely experience side effects, some mild, some severe. Don’t suffer in silence. Be sure to talk to you doctors so they can treat your side effects and improve your quality of life.

Common side effects of cancer treatment are pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue (feeling very tired), anemia, constipation and diarrhea. These are some ways doctors treat these side effects:

Pain. For mild pain, you may be given acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). For moderate to severe pain, you may be given opioids, sometimes in combination with NSAIDs. Other drugs, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, bisphosphonates and steroids, may be given alone or with a pain medication to increase their effectiveness.

Additional pain-relieving treatments include hot and cold packs, massage, exercise, controlled low-voltage electrical stimulation and acupuncture. Behavioral techniques, such as biofeedback, and support groups may help you develop coping skills.

Nausea and Vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic drug, which prevents nausea and vomiting, or a combination of two or more of these drugs, depending on how likely it is that your cancer treatment will make you sick to your stomach. Acupuncture may improve the drug’s effectiveness.

Behavioral treatments such as hypnosis and relaxation techniques may help, especially if you have vomiting in anticipation of your next treatment. Other suggestions to try: Eat bland, soft foods. Try eating several small meals daily. Sip water slowly if a full glass makes you sick.

Cancer-Related Fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue and pain-associated fatigue can be very debilitating. Your doctor will look for and treat any underlying physical conditions, such as an infection. Since emotional difficulty and stress contribute to fatigue, you may also try counseling, yoga, meditation and a support group. A nutritionist may help you eat a balanced diet that provides the fluids and minerals your body needs.

If your doctor approves, engage in light to moderate exercise to build up your energy level. Follow a regular sleep routine. Take any naps early in the day so they don’t interfere with a good night’s sleep. Your doctor may recommend a sleep medication if needed.

Anemia. This condition occurs when you have too few red blood cells to carry oxygen to cells throughout the body. Anemia may be treated with a transfusion of red blood cells. You and your doctor also may consider injections of a synthetic version of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the formation of red blood cells in your bone marrow.

Since a nutritional deficiency may cause anemia, you may be given iron or folic acid pills or vitamin B12 shots and be encouraged to eat foods high in iron or folic acid.

Constipation. Your doctor may change a medication you take (for example, an opioid for pain) if it causes constipation. Your doctor also will check for disorders of your nerves, muscles, bowel or metabolism that may cause constipation and treat those conditions. Laxatives should be used only if ordered by your doctor. Other steps you can take include drinking eight glasses of fluid each day, exercising regularly and eating more dietary fiber (unless your doctor advises otherwise).

Diarrhea. Your doctor may change your medications, laxative regimen, diet and fluid intake to treat diarrhea. Eating bananas, rice, apples and toast — the BRAT diet — plus drinking up to three quarts of clear fluids each day may rectify mild diarrhea. Eat foods containing the minerals potassium and sodium because they will be lost during diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may require intravenous fluids and nutrition. The doctor may also prescribe drugs to lessen bowel activity.

For more in-depth information on side effects please visit our Treatment Side Effects section.