The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the specific drugs that are given and the response of the individual patient. These drugs commonly affect hair cells, blood-forming cells, and cells that line the digestive tract. As a result, they may cause various problems, including hair loss, lowered resistance to infection, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and mouth sores. Most men who receive chemotherapy for testicular cancer can continue to function sexually, although some anticancer drugs interfere with sperm production. Although this effect is permanent for some patients, many recover their fertility later on.
Loss of appetite can be a serious problem for patients receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Researchers are learning that patients who eat well are better able to withstand the side effects of their treatment. Therefore, good nutrition is important. Eating well means getting enough calories to prevent weight loss and having enough protein to build and repair skin, hair, muscles, and organs. Many patients find that having several small meals and snacks throughout the day is easier than trying to eat three large meals. The side effects of cancer therapy vary from person to person and may even be different from one treatment to the next.