The person will have to avoid sources of infection, such as raw food and people with infections, while the bone marrow is recovering. Severe anemia can cause other problems such as difficulty breathing. Red blood cells will be given to correct the anemia until the bone marrow recovers. The person will experience other side effects related to the type of medication administered. Biological response modifiers cause flu-like symptoms.
Nausea is common.
Hair loss, or alopecia , is another side effect of chemotherapy. Medications will be given to control these symptoms. After therapy has been completed, the person will recover normal bone marrow function over several weeks. Treatment followed by recovery may be repeated several times until all signs of leukemia are gone. Frequent blood tests will be taken to monitor treatment and recovery.