Chemotherapy is one of the treatments for breast cancer. It involves either inducing a certain drug in the patient’s vein or taking it with a combination of drugs depending upon the person’s body. Most patients show certain side effects while the drug is been taken. The side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer can be many.

The side effects of chemotherapy basically depend upon the type of therapy that is being offered. Most of the breast cancer chemotherapy side effects cease once the treatment is over. But in rare cases some people might face long term side effects. Proper medications to avoid the side effects are also essential while the therapy is on.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy for breast Cancer?

People undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer might complain of nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, anemia, mouth sores, taste and smell changes, infection, diarrhea, menopause, infertility or even rashes, fluid retention, irritated bladder, swelling and soreness of mucous membrane, numbness and aching of joints, feet and hand.

Treatment for chemotherapy side effects for Breast cancer

• Nausea: Nausea causes a sick feeling in your stomach, which makes you feel like vomiting. Mild nausea causes appetite loss whereas severe nausea may lead to vomiting.
  Treatment for Nausea while undergoing chemotherapy includes :-
  • Eat small amounts of food in a day. Do not overeat.
  • Eat dry foods. This won’t upset your stomach easily. Your food should include toast, cracker and cereals.
  • Stay away from oily foods
  • Have ginger based food to help ease the feeling of nausea
  • Do not lie down immediately after food
  • Rinse your mouth before and after meal. This would get rid of any bad taste that is left in your mouth.
  • Ask your doctor for anti-nausea medications
• Menopause: Menopause is a phase in a woman’s life when the hormone production level drops to such an extent that she stops getting her monthly menstrual cycle. Some of the treatments for breast cancer can cause menopause as a side effect. Menopause can be either permanent or temporary, depending upon your age and specific situation. In most cases the monthly cycle resumes once the treatment is over.
• Menopause symptoms: Menopause symptoms include; headaches, hot flashes, depression, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, changes in weight, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness or loss of libido.
  Treatment for Menopause while undergoing chemotherapy :-
  • If you are suffering from hot flashes, you need to talk to your doctor. You might be asked to stop the therapy for a week or two and restart it later at a lower dose and increase it gradually and slowly; this way your body will be able to adjust to the changes.
  • If you have constant headaches, place an icepack on the painful area, including the forehead, temples and the back of your neck. Reduce emotional and physical stress. Make sure you relax. Exercise a few times in a week and get plenty of sleep.
  • For depression and gradual mood swings, identify and avoid the source of stress. Talk about your emotions with a counselor, friends or your doctor. Eat healthy food and small meals throughout the day. Get plenty of rest and exercise as exercise can relive stress, balance your emotions and focus on your energy.
  • If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, use personal and water based lubricants.
  • If you are having some trouble in sleeping, ask your doctor if sleeping pills would be a good idea. Avoid alcohol, quit smoking and cut down on caffeine. Try reading a dull book before going to bed and avoid drinking water before bedtime. You might also have a warm bath before bedtime or go for a message therapy.

The side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer are many. But with proper medication and a healthy lifestyle, one can keep all the side effects at bay. Some patients are also given hormonal treatment for breast cancer, instead of the proposed chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. You need to ask questions about chemotherapy to get your doubts clarified about your chemotherapy treatment cycle by discussing it with your oncologist.