Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the specific drugs and
the dose. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly:
Blood cells: These cells fight infection, help your blood
to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of your body. If your blood cells are affected, you are more likely to get
infections, may bruise or bleed easily, and may feel very weak and tired.
Cells in hair roots: Chemotherapy can lead to hair loss, but hair
will grow back. However, the new hair
may be different in color and texture.
Cells that line the digestive tract: Chemotherapy can cause poor appetite, nausea
and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth and lip sores. Many of these side effects can be controlled with new or improved
drugs.
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