Most chemotherapy drugs attack cells that divide rapidly, as cancer cells do. Other cells that divide rapidly include blood cells, cells in hair roots, and cells that line the digestive tract. This means that chemotherapy can temporarily cause hair loss, nausea and vomiting, bruising easily, and a susceptibility to infections. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy is the use of high energy rays to damage cancer cells so they stop reproducing or growing. After radiation treatments, patients may become fatigued, and the skin near the treatment area may become discolored, itchy, and sensitive.
Some patients have a dry, sore throat for a short while after treatment.
Rarely, because of fibrosis or scarring from radiation treatment, some patients must limit their activities because of shortness of breath. For details about how to make an appointment at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, click here . Link to the Radiation Oncology department at The James. This web site is an informational service and is not intended to replace your doctor.