But many of these side effects can be treated, and some can be prevented entirely. The most serious side effect of chemotherapy is suppression of your immune system, which can greatly increase the risk of serious infection. Chemo lowers your levels of red and white blood cells and platelets, an effect that's likely to make you tired and lower your immunity. It's very important to wash your hands carefully and often and, if possible, avoid being around sick people while you're undergoing chemo. Exercising daily, getting lots of rest and frequent naps, and avoiding stress and unnecessary chores can help you cope.
Many patients try to keep life as normal as possible, and in the process, they overdo it.
Other common side effects of chemotherapy are hair loss, sores in the mouth, changes in the skin, and menstrual irregularities. Whether you have these problems may depend on which drugs you're given or the dosage and length of treatment. Once used only to treat advanced breast cancer and ovarian cancer, Taxol is now approved for treatment of early breast cancer. All patients receiving adriamycin-based therapy should have a special heart evaluation called a MUGA scan before starting therapy to assess for underlying heart disease. High doses of adriamycin can cause heart damage, so the dosage must be carefully monitored by your doctor.