Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. To treat Hodgkin's disease, the doctor prescribes a combination of drugs that work together. The drugs travel through the bloodstream to almost every part of the body. The methods used to treat Hodgkin's disease are very powerful. The treatment often causes side effects, both short-term and permanent.
Side effects depend on the type of treatment and on the part of the body being treated.
Also, each patient may respond differently. During radiation therapy, patients may become unusually tired as therapy continues. Testing as much as possible is important. Patients should be gentle with the treated area of skin. Lotions and creams should not be used without the doctor's advice.