Chemotherapy is one of the most feared aspects of cancer treatment. We’re are afraid of the side effects — we are afraid that it may not work — and we don’t understand the process that occurs on “chemo day.”

After our first infusion, we have a new question, “Why does it take so long to get our chemotherapy?”

Many people work together to ensure that your chemotherapy session is as safe as possible. Once we understand the process, it may be easier for us to understand why our chemo may require...

What causes anemia in cancer patients? How can we fix it? Nothing is more frustrating than being told that we can’t have chemo or learn that our surgery has been postponed we are anemia.

What is anemia? 

Anemia is a common blood disorder. It occurs when we don’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are produced in our bone marrow, and they transport hemoglobin. The hemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs and delivers it throughout our body.

If our iron levels fall or if...

Hair loss – it’s the side effect most commonly associated with cancer.

Why? It is the single most visible sign that the person has cancer. This side effect has a far greater emotional impact on women than men. If we see a man with a bald head, we don’t automatically assume that they have cancer – we may just think that they are “making a statement” or “being hot.” Hollywood stars rock when they shave their heads. Many women even gravitate toward a man who shaves his head.

So why is being...

Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and targeted therapy or locally from radiation therapy. Looking back at my first oncology appointment, I remember my husband asking her, “Is my wife going to lose her hair?” He was asking because he knew losing my hair would probably be distressing to me. 

Hair Loss from Chemotherapy May Become a Rare Side Effect for Certain Cancer Patients

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of...

Loss of appetite (due to nausea, fatigue, mouth sores, difficulty in swallowing or taste changes) leads to unintentional weight loss during chemo. Unless your oncology team has recommended that you lose weight, it’s best to maintain your weight and muscle mass during treatment.

Be sure to tell your oncologist about these symptoms and their impact on your appetite.

• Nausea/vomiting . Your oncologist team wants to help you avoid nausea, but they can’t help you if you don’t tell them....

If you were like me, you’ve never heard of neutropenia (pronounced noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh). When I went in for my fourth chemotherapy infusion, my oncologist came in after receiving my lab results. She was always upbeat and had a smile on her face. She said, “No chemo for you today!”

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many people with cancer. It is not unusual to feel fear and uneasiness before going into one’s first chemotherapy treatment. Being prepared may help you feel less unsettled about going to your first round.  We asked the WhatNext Comunity how they would prepare. The information listed here is how WhatNexters prepared for chemo. This information does not represent medical advice and all input is from WhatNext members themselves.

WhatNexters...

Those of us that have had the displeasure to sit in "the chair" for any length of time know how it can be a long sit, or at least seem like it's taking forever. Some patients report taking 8 hours or more to receive all of their pre-meds, fluids and actual chemo. In other cases, some patients have a slow drip for 24 hours. You're going to need something to keep your mind occupied. Here are some suggestions from patients that have come before you to keep occupied while having chemo.

There are...

Cancer can throw your entire life into disarray. Constant visits to the hospital or doctor’s office can dominate your schedule. Fatigue can sap your energy and leave you unable to enjoy the activities you once did. You and your family may experience stress and anxiety due to uncertainty about your prognosis. This article will help you find the right wig when cancer takes your hair.

Even your outward appearance can be changed by a cancer diagnosis, especially if you’re one of the...

You have been given the three-word sentence that none of us ever wants to hear... YOU HAVE CANCER! For many of us, your head is spinning and you may not even be able to hear anything else that the Dr. tells you after that. The information starts coming at you like water out of a hose drowning you in the face. 

They will tell you the type of cancer, the location, eventually, they will tell you the stage, and maybe a plan of treatment. One common part of treatment is chemotherapy. There...