Cells in hair roots and cells that line the digestive tract also divide rapidly. As a result, patients may lose their hair and may have other side effects such as poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, or mouth sores. Usually, these side effects go away gradually during the recovery periods between treatments or after treatment is over. Certain drugs used in the treatment of bladder cancer also may cause kidney damage. Patients are given large amounts of fluid while taking these drugs.
Anticancer drugs can also cause tingling in the fingers, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss.
These problems may not clear up after treatment stops. The National Cancer Institute booklet Chemotherapy and You has helpful information about chemotherapy and coping with side effects. Biological Therapy Treatment with BCG can irritate the bladder for a few days after treatment. This may cause pain, especially while urinating, and the feeling of an urgent need to urinate. Patients also may have some blood in their urine, have a low fever, or feel tired or nauseated.