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The side effects of chemotherapy

be light instead of dark. If you want to wear a wig you will be encouraged to choose a wig before you start chemotherapy. It is important that the wig is comfortable and does not hurt your scalp.

DIARRHEA -

You may experience frequent bowel movements that can be watery, loose or soft. This happens when chemotherapy harms the healthy cells that line your small and large intestine. You will be encouraged to eat foods that are high in sodium and potassium which are lost when you have frequent bouts of diarrhea. This includes bananas, oranges and boiled or mash potatoes. Fluids are very important and you will be told to drink 8 to 12 cups of clear liquids daily. This includes water, clear broth, ginger ale and Gatorade. If your diarrhea last for more than 24 hours you need to notify the doctor. He may prescribe medication to control the diarrhea. Sometimes you will need IV fluids to replace water and nutrients you have lost. Always ask your doctor before you take any medication for diarrhea.

ANEMIA -

This is when you have too few red blood cells which carry oxygen that your body needs. Anemia also contributes to fatigue symptoms and you can become short of breath, dizzy and feel like you are going to faint. Some chemotherapy causes anemia because it interferes with the bone marrow producing new red blood cells. The doctor or nurse will check your red blood count while you are receiving chemotherapy. Sometimes a blood transfusion may be necessary if your count falls too low.

INFECTION

Some chemotherapy makes it harder for bone marrow to produce new white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells that help your body to fight infection. You will be instructed on avoiding infections. Your doctor or nurse may tell you to check your temperature daily. Hand washing is a major prevention method to help avoid infections. You should keep a container of sanitizing wipes with you at all times. You will need to use the wipes on articles that you come in contact with like doorknobs, counter tops, telephones etc. Stay way from other people who are ill and stay away from crowds. Have someone else clean you cat's liter box or pick up your dog's waste. Always wash your hands after touching pets and other animals.

NAUSEA & VOMITING

Nausea is a feeling like you are going to throw up. Vomiting is when you actually throw up. Some individual's experience dry heaves which is when you are trying to vomit on an empty stomach. There are new medications on the market that are often


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The side effects of chemotherapy

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