Starting your first cycle of chemo can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare. Here are the most common side effects you may experience:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Skin problems
- Pain or Show Full Answer
Starting your first cycle of chemo can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare. Here are the most common side effects you may experience:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Skin problems
- Pain or tingling in hands or feet
Some treatments can also affect your blood counts, which may lead to:
- Anemia (low red blood cells), causing dizziness or shortness of breath
- Low white blood cell counts, raising your infection risk
- Low platelet counts, which can cause bleeding problems If you're also taking steroids alongside chemo (which is common in myeloma treatment), you might notice additional side effects like mood changes, sleep problems, weight gain, or higher blood sugar levels.
Everyone's experience is different, and not everyone gets every side effect. Your care team can suggest ways to manage them, so don't hesitate to report anything new or uncomfortable as it comes up.
August 21
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