As a result, the patient may have side effects such as a lower resistance to infection, less energy, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores. She may also lose her hair. Chemotherapy can also cause long-term side effects such as infertility. Hormone therapy can cause a number of side effects, depending on the specific drug or surgical procedure, but they usually are not severe. When treatment interferes with the body's production or use of estrogen, the patient may have some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, interrupted periods, and vaginal dryness.
Loss of appetite can be a serious problem for patients during therapy.
Patients who eat well may be better able to withstand the side effects of their treatments. So good nutrition is an important part of the treatment plan. Eating well means getting enough calories to prevent weight loss and having enough protein to build and repair muscles, organs, skin, and hair. Many patients find that eating several small meals and snacks during the day works better than trying to have three large meals. The side effects that patients have during cancer treatment vary for each person.