These therapies affect healthy cells as well as cancerous cells. Side effects depend on the specific types and amounts of drugs given and may include:
Side effects of this treatment depend on the dose and area of body treated and may include:
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Anemia is a blood disorder in which your body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow, carry oxygen throughout your body. When your red blood cell count is low, your organs may not get enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen is what causes symptoms such as pale skin and fatigue. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to check for anemia and can prescribe medications or transfusions to increase your red blood cell count if needed.
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some patients feel sick to their stomach immediately following chemotherapy, while others experience anticipatory nausea, and feel queasy before treatment sessions. You may experience these side effects when receiving radiation to the stomach, colon, small intestine, or brain. Nausea and vomiting normally occur immediately after treatment or later on that day. You will usually feel better on days that you do not have treatment. Nausea and vomiting used to be two of the most debilitating side effects, but advances in chemotherapy drugs and anti-nausea medications have made this complication much more manageable. Only certain chemotherapy drugs cause these symptoms, and doctors usually prescribe anti-nausea medication to counteract this side effect.
Radiation therapy can cause the skin in your treatment area to become red, itchy, dry, sore, swollen, or tender. The severity of your skin changes depends on the dose of radiation you receive. High doses of radiation damage can kill your skin cells. These skin changes usually start within a few weeks after beginning treatment, and go away a few weeks after finishing. However, you may have some long-term changes, such as dark, blotchy, dry, or thick skin. Mild skin irritations are also a common side effect of chemotherapy. Your skin may become red, dry, or itchy, and your nails may become dark, brittle, or cracked. Treat your skin gently and remember that most of these changes will go away when you finish treatment.
Feelings of fatigue and exhaustion are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Many people undergoing radiation therapy feel weak and tired. Radiation therapy damages your normal, healthy cells, and your body expends a lot of energy healing itself in between treatments. Also, the daily routine of going for treatment and stress related to the disease can be quite exhausting. Most people begin to feel fatigue within a few weeks after starting radiation treatments, and regain their energy within six weeks to 12 months after their last therapy session. Chemotherapy drugs can deplete your red blood cells and lead to a condition known as anemia. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout your body. When your red blood cell count is low, your organs may not get enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen is what causes symptoms such as pale skin and fatigue.
Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) is another common side effect of some forms of chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the rapidly dividing cells in the digestive tract and lead to watery bowel movements. You may also experience this side effect when receiving radiation therapy to the pelvic or abdominal region. Talk to your doctor if you experience excessive or uncontrollable diarrhea. This side effect can be life-threatening if not properly managed. It can lead to more serious conditions like dehydration, malnutrition, pain, and inflammation. Your doctor can prescribe medications to prevent diarrhea and to help absorb all of the nutrients from your food.
Infections are another common side effect of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs can deplete your white blood cells and lead to a condition known as neutropenia. Neutrophils are a specific type of white blood cell that destroy bacteria and serve as your body’s primary defense against infection. Low levels of neutrophils make your body more susceptible to infection, and make it harder to fight any infection you do get. These infections usually come from bacteria on the skin or mouth or in the colon. Your doctor will perform routine blood tests to look for signs of infection and can prescribe medication to increase your white blood cell count.
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the major side effects of chemotherapy. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system carries information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The effects of neuropathy are not serious and do not necessarily last long, but can be very bothersome and are common following certain kinds of chemotherapy. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms so steps can be taken to ease the problem and ask your doctor if neuropathy is associated with the types of treatment you are receiving.
Mouth and throat sores are a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The mouth and throat are lined with rapidly dividing cells, which are susceptible to damage from some chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments. Mouth sores usually occur within a few days to a week following chemotherapy. You may experience a burning sensation, inflammation, sores, ulcers, discomfort, or pain inside your mouth. Mouth and throat sores from radiation therapy are usually short-term and go away when treatment ends. However, some changes may last for months or even years. If you are going to receive radiation to the head and neck region, it is important that you see an oncologic dentist before beginning treatment. Your dentist will make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible and you are ready to begin treatment. Keep your doctor informed about your mouth sores. If they become severe enough, the doctor may suggest reducing dosages or delaying treatment.
Having Hodgkin’s Lymphoma does not mean your life has to be put on hold. If you feel well enough to enjoy activities you enjoyed before being diagnosed, continue doing them. In order to build and maintain your body’s strength, exercising on a regular basis is important.
Proper nutrition is important to your health, especially while undergoing cancer treatment, drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals.
Educating yourself about Hodgkin’s Lymphoma will help you in the decision-making process as you progress toward recovery. Knowing what to expect will also help put you at a relative level of ease and remove any unnecessary doubt or confusion.
This is your treatment, and as such is completely between you and your doctor. Do not let others make decisions for you. Be proactive!
A support group may help some patients deal with the flood of emotions surrounding a cancer diagnosis. Anxiety and frustration are difficult issues to overcome alone, and the bonds and friendships developed in these groups are generally long-lasting. Groups are also a wonderful source of information for friends and families of patients, as well as the patient. Seek out local support groups in your area.
Many people discover that returning to work after or during treatment helps them cope. Discuss with your employer the FMLA (The Family and Medical Leave Act) and decide on a work schedule that will best accommodate you during and after your treatment.
Combating the stress and exhaustion that accompany cancer can be lessened by finding time to just let yourself relax. This is time to focus on yourself, and make your recovery a priority.
Due to continuing research into new treatment methods, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer patients have more treatment options available to them, prolonging and improving their quality of life.
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