To kill cancerous growths, chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells. Certain healthy cells such as bone marrow and hair also divide rapidly, so they are often attacked by chemotherapy medications. This can result in side effects like fatigue, hair loss, lack of appetite and diarrhea. The severity of these side effects depends on the type of chemotherapy drug being used, the patient's overall physical condition and overall response to the medication.
Patients may notice mild side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy after their first session, while the more severe side effects may not develop until after a full cycle has been completed. Most mild side effects can be managed with dietary changes, exercise, rest and low-grade or over-the-counter medications. If side effects become too intense or pose serious health risks, the patient'soncologist may reduce the dose of the drug or change the chemotherapy schedule.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most frequently reported side effect of chemotherapy and affects up to 96 percent of cancer patients. Patients undergoing chemo may feel consistently exhausted or "drained."
Although it is natural to feel fatigued during chemotherapy, there are degrees of fatigue. You should call your doctor if you feel faint, dizzy or short of breath. If your fatigue results in insomnia or depression, your doctor may need to adjust your treatment.
Quick Tips for Managing Mild Fatigue:
- Get at least eight hours of sleep each night - Adequate rest can help reduce feelings of exhaustion while also having a positive effect on your physical and emotional well-being.
- Take short naps - Resting for 10 to 15 minutes can help restore your energy throughout the day.
- Participate in light exercise - Physical activity eases fatigue and helps you sleep better. This is particularly beneficial for patients who are experiencing chemotherapy-induced insomnia.
- Ask for help - If fatigue is making it hard for you to complete chores or errands, allow your friends and relatives to help with easy tasks such as grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting occur in approximately 70 to 80 percent of all chemotherapy patients. These symptoms can occur immediately after the drugs are administered or develop over several days, and they may disappear within hours or last up to a week.
Some chemotherapy drugs may be less likely to cause nausea and vomiting than others. About 90 percent of patients who take cisplatin experience nausea and vomiting, while between 10 and 30 percent of patients taking pemetrexed experience the same symptoms. Additionally, 1 in 3 patients experience anticipatory nausea before treatment, triggered by sensory associations such as the smells or sounds of their treatment center.
Mesothelioma patients often struggle to maintain a healthy weight while fighting nausea or bouts of vomiting. Prolonged periods of nausea can cause an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration and can make it difficult for patients to retain necessary nutrients. After vomiting, patients should immediately rehydrate with clear liquids, followed by small portions of easy-to-digest foods like bread or eggs.
Tip: Multiply your weight (in pounds) by 15 to estimate your daily calorie need while undergoing chemotherapy. If you've lost weight, add 500 calories to this number.
Nausea is typically managed with prescription medicines taken before and after chemotherapy sessions. Nausea is sometimes reduced by distraction techniques, dietary changes or hypnosis. For more alternative strategies for managing nausea and vomiting, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) of the National Institutes of Health.
Common Anti-Nausea Medications
- Aloxi (palonesetron)
- Anzemet (dolasetron)
- Emend (aprepitant)
- Kytril (granisetron)
- Zofran (ondanestron)
Mouth Sores
Chemotherapy drugs can damage cells inside the mouth, causing problems with a patient's teeth and gums. Mesothelioma patients may find it hard to eat, drink or swallow during chemo treatment. They also may experience painful sores inside of the mouth if dental hygiene is poor before beginning treatment. Seeing a dentist a month before beginning chemotherapy can help prevent these sores from developing. A teeth cleaning is a start, but the dentist can take X-rays to spot any potential problems and give you tips on how to self-treat sore gums and mouth sores.
Tip: During chemotherapy, use an extra-soft toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss and an alcohol-free mouthwash to maintain your dental hygiene.
Diarrhea and Constipation
Diarrhea and constipation may occur if chemotherapy drugs irritate a patient's gastrointestinal tract lining. Prolonged diarrhea can cause bodily imbalances. Diarrhea and constipation can be well managed with anti-diarrheal medications or laxatives, which are easily available at most drugstores. Simple changes such as an increased fluid intake and dietary adjustments may also help combat these side effects.
Fighting constipation?
Increase your fiber intake with whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Dealing with Diarrhea?
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, high-fat foods (such as dairy) and high-fiber foods/drinks (such as prune juice).
Hair Loss
Many mesothelioma patients worry about their hair falling out. Hair loss is one of the most common chemotherapy side effects, but unlike other side effects, hair loss is not treatable. Since hair is one of the most rapidly-dividing healthy cells in a patient's body, it is very susceptible to damage from chemotherapy drugs. Although this cannot be prevented, some patients choose to wear wigs, which may be even covered under some insurance plans.
Drug-Specific Chemotherapy Side Effects
Because no single chemotherapy drug is declared most effective in treating mesothelioma, oncologists may prescribe a number of different chemotherapeutic medications.
Each medication can cause a unique set of side effects as indicated in the chart below:
Blood Cell Side Effects
Low Blood Cell Counts as a Side Effect of Alimta + Cisplatin
Study unspecified on Alimta.com
Chemotherapy drugs can trigger a drop in blood cell count several days after the first dose of treatment is administered. Platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells can all be affected by chemotherapy drugs, but a drop in white blood cells is most common.
Diagnosed with a low white blood cell count? You are more susceptible to developing infections. Avoid crowds and anyone with a contagious illness/virus.
Diagnosed with a low platelet count? Your blood may not clot correctly. Be extra cautious to avoid cuts or bruises.
Diagnosed with a low red blood cell count?Your body may be struggling to transport oxygen and nutrients correctly. Rest frequently and maintain a nutrient-rich diet.
Rare but Serious Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Certain side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy are more serious and should be carefully monitored. These symptoms can indicate a negative reaction to chemotherapy medication or an infection.
If you experience any of these side effects, immediately alert your doctor:
- fever higher than 100.5 degrees
- bloody stool or urine
- unexplained bruising
- shortness of breath
- intense headaches
Patients who experience severe side effects from their chemotherapy drugs are encouraged to report the experiences to the Food and Drug Administration. Patients can file a report on the FDA website to help researchers more effectively tailor future treatment.
Emotional Side Effects of Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
Some physical side effects, such as hair loss and fluctuations in weight, can cause cancer patients to struggle with self-esteem, leading to depression and other emotional side effects. In fact, between 15 and 25 percent of cancer patients report feeling depressed during and after treatment. Counselors, support groups, anti-depressant medications or meditation can help patients manage these psychological side effects of chemotherapy.
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