What to Expect From Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be a scary treatment for someone who doesn't know what to expect. When you begin treatments, you are going to feel some pretty serious side effects. These include general weakness, nausea, headaches, body aches, chills and overall fatigue. Chemotherapy can also cause weight loss and loss of hair. Of course, not everyone experiences all of the effects, but it is always good to be prepared. - bart2012 on 1/17/2012 

It is a necessary evil; the memory of the side effects fade with the passage of time, for the survivors of cancer. At the start, the fear of the effects of chemotherapy can be diminished by the patients caregivers giving the patients a good heads-up as to what to expect. - jwilson on 1/18/2012 

The one thing you can expect from chemotherapy is that your experience will be different from everyone else's. While there are certain side effects that are common, each person's reaction to chemo is unique. Some people seem to breeze through without much trouble and some people get every issue known plus a few. Keeping a positive attitude and handling problems as they occur instead of worrying about them before they happen will help a great deal. - Pseudoflowers on 1/23/2012 

I agree with the poster before me. Although everybody has a different reaction physically to chemo, almost everybody suffers the same from it mentally. It's very important to remain positive and upbeat, because it will be very tempting to just give up. The most difficult trials when going through chemo will be mental! - Anonymous on 1/31/2012 

One of the things that you may not expect, but may experience as a result of chemotherapy, is damage to other organs. Chemotherapy can weaken the heart muscle and cause congestive heart failure. It also affects the kidneys or muscle tissue. Remember, chemotherapy kills healthy cells as well as cancer cells. - Whitney on 2/6/2012 

Chemotherapy treatment affects the patient physically, mentally and emotionally. It is said that of these three, the mental effects are the most difficult. Common side effects such as nausea, weakness, headaches, body aches and fatigue can occur with some patients. Some also experience hair loss and may experience weight loss. - jwilson on 2/14/2012 

Chemotherapy is perhaps one of the most exhausting procedures one can undertake in modern medicine. It requires great determination not only from the patient, but from their support network and family as well. As others have said, it is a necessary evil, but one that allows you to survive and prosper after. - carolois on 2/21/2012 

Chemotherapy is a challenge for anyone. No one who goes into it can expect to come out feeling and looking as when they came in. The first noticeable effect will be exhaustion and weakness, as well as a visibly gaunt appearance and loss of hair. It is also not uncommon to feel colder much more easily and as such it is vital to wear sweaters and maintain warmth whenever possible. - MikeyP on 2/27/2012 

While chemotherapy is a stressful procedure, you have to also remember that if, and when, the cancer has been eradicated, you will be able to go back to how you were before, for the most part. Your looks and physical health will return in time. Chemotherapy may be a terrifying prospect, but it would most definitely be the right choice in the long run. - Holliee on 3/7/2012 

Chemotherapy is pretty tough. The medications you have to take are often intravenous, so you have to go into the hospital and get them. Plus, getting nauseous and sick to your stomach is just as common as it's portrayed in movies and TV shows. You also have to get your medications at certain prescribed times for the best effect. It is not an easy thing to go through. - AllieD on 3/13/2012 

What can you expect to happen while on chemotherapy? You will become tired, worn out, and not have much energy after you begin treatment. You may lose your hair, and some people buy hats to wear or head scarfs when this happens. Just remember the chemotherapy is good for you and you will soon be feeling much better. - huskerlady75 on 3/23/2012 

Chemotherapy affects every patient differently. My grandmother had absolutely no symptoms from her chemo, but my neighbor was extremely ill and lost a lot of weight. The patient should go over all of their symptoms with their doctor, as many symptoms, like nausea, pain, vomiting and sleepiness, can be dealt with. - Michelle on 3/27/2012 

Yes,it's true that no one can tell just how a person will react to chemo. First I think that family and friends should know about the symptoms so they can help the person who is going through chemo to have hope. And also, be informed of options to help them through it. - searose on 3/30/2012 

Please remember that chemotherapy is a very painful, uncomfortable procedure. There will be hair loss and probably weight loss. You must be supportive and caring throughout the entire process. - lindseylane on 4/3/2012 

I agree that chemotherapy would be very painful. It takes a lot to go through it and the patient would have to be very strong I would imagine. I would expect tough times but once you go through it and are saved it will worth it. - John3585 on 4/7/2012