What are the common side effects of chemotherapy for lymphoma?
Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly growing cells β but since it can't always tell the difference between cancer cells and healthy ones, it can cause a range of side effects. Here are the most commonly reported ones:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
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What are the common side effects of chemotherapy for lymphoma?
Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly growing cells β but since it can't always tell the difference between cancer cells and healthy ones, it can cause a range of side effects. Here are the most commonly reported ones:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Decreased appetite
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Increased risk of infection
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Diarrhea Some people also experience "chemo brain" β a kind of mental fogginess that can affect memory and concentration β as well as peripheral neuropathy, which often feels like tingling, numbness, or pins-and-needles sensations.
Nail changes are another lesser-known side effect. These can include discoloration, horizontal ridges (called Beau's lines), or inflammation around the nail fold. It's worth noting that older adults (65+) may be more likely to experience more serious side effects from chemotherapy.
Always let your care team know about any side effects you're experiencing β many can be managed or reduced with the right support. You're not alone in navigating this! π
5 days ago