Side Effects of Treatment
All treatments for breast cancer have side effects and these are completely normal. However, each individual is unique and will experience a difference in severity and type.
Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy:
- Premature menopause
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mouth sores
- Changes in taste
- Hair loss
- Joint aches
- Fatigue and anemia
- Depression
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- "Chemo brain"
Common Side Effects of Radiation:
- Skin Irritation
- Fatigue
- Breast Soreness
- Swelling in the chest area from fluid buildup
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. It also kills normal healthy cells and that is why the side effects are so potent. Learning the toxic effects will help you understand your own responses to treatment and will also provide information which will help you make decisions regarding chemotherapy treatment. Remember that emotional support is just as important as the treatment you receive. Please talk to your family, friends, or our group.
C.E. - Common Effects
R.E. - Rare Effects
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE (CYTOXAN) -
C.E. - hair loss, fatigue, bladder toxicity, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, menstrual irregularities which can result in permanent cessation of menstrual cycle, fever and chills, impaired wound healing, and low blood counts. Can also cause birth defects.
R.E. - liver problems and infertility.
Recommended to drink lots of fluids with this drug.
ADRIAMYCIN
C.E. - hair loss, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, low blood counts, red urine (but it’s not blood), and injury to skin if leakage occurs at injection site.
R.E. - disturbances to the heart for several days after the dosing, but taking other drugs or slow administration techniques can prevent heart damage. Also nail and skin darkening, and liver problems.
METHOTREXATE
C.E. - can damage kidneys but this can be prevented with the use of leucovorin. Can also result in mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, low blood counts, ulcers, conjunctivitis, birth defects, menstrual dysfunction, infertility and rashes.
R.E. - fibrosis of the lumps, hair loss, headaches, liver problems, and blurred vision.
FLUOROURACIL
C.E. - mouth sores, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, low blood counts, loss of appetite, hair loss, weakness sore throat, nerve damage, and skin discoloration at injection site area that fades away very slowly.
R.E. - rashes, nail color changes, chest pains, shortness of breath, fever and chills.
EDATREXATE
C.E. - mouth sores, although in conjunction with leucovorin preliminary results show excellent recovery from mouth sores
EPIRUBICIN
In CEF combination, epirubicin is given in high dose. Results produced by the National Cancer Institute of Canada on July 30, 1998 comparing CEF to CMF show that there is a 29% reduction in the recurrence of breast cancer and a 19% reduction in mortality. There are also more side effects with CEF.
C.E. - hair loss, nausea
R.E. - small increased risk of leukemia
Each one of us is unique. The side effects you experience or don’t experience will be different from others. If you suspect that a side effect is too intense, or if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to call your doctor.
Information has been provided by, Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book, 1995, What to do if you get Breast Cancer, 1995, What you should know about Breast Cancer-But May Not be Told, The Complete Book of Breast Care, 1996.
