Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Often people can carry on many of their day-to-day activities while having chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, but sometimes drugs can cause side effects. The side effects of chemotherapy will vary from person to person and will depend on the type of drug(s) you are taking.

Many chemotherapy drugs will cause the number of blood cells produced by your bone marrow to drop. This usually begins around 7 days after you commence each treatment and can return to normal levels about three to four weeks after treatment. Your doctors will be regularly checking your blood to monitor your blood counts while you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

The drop in blood cells can lead to the following side effects:

• A drop in white blood cells can lead to an increased risk of infection. With fewer white blood cells, your body finds it harder to fight infections. Symptoms of infections can include headaches, feeling shivery, having a cough or sore throat and achy muscles and a high temperature (above 38^oC).

Infections can be serious. Let your doctor or nurse know immediately if you think you may have an infection.

• A drop in red blood cells (anaemia) can leave you very tired and breathless. Sometimes the levels drop so low a blood transfusion may be necessary.

• A drop in platelets (which help the blood clot) can cause bruising, nosebleeds and bleeding gums after brushing your teeth. Low platelet counts can also cause a rash consisting of tiny red dots or bruises on your arms and legs known as petechia

Interactions with other medicines:

It is important to tell your doctors about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are taking or planning to take as these may affect how the chemotherapy works in your body. Medicines include herbal remedies, antioxidant and nutritional supplements (such as vitamins and minerals) as well as pharmaceuticals

Depending on the drugs you are taking, other general side effects can include:

• Vomiting and nausea (feeling sick)
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Mouth ulcers
• Poor appetite
• Hair loss
• Redness and peeling on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (palmar-plantar syndrome)
• Nerve changes (e.g., pins & needles)
• Infertility (inability to have children)

Side effects are mostly temporary and often steps can be taken to prevent or reduce them. Speak to your medical team if you are concerned about any side effects you may be having.

Blood Clots:

Cancer can increase your risk of developing thrombosis (a blood clot), and having chemotherapy also increases this risk. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straight away if you have pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.

However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Speak to your doctor or nurse for more information.