Side Effects

Constipation What is Constipation? Constipation is a decrease in the number of bowel movements and/or the difficult passage of hard stool that often causes pain, discomfort and sometimes bleeding from the rectum. It is caused by too little fluid and not...
Diarrhea What is Diarrhea? Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools three or more times a day that may or may not cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen and/or rectum. Because diarrhea can cause many problems, including dehydration, loss of...
General Skin and Nail Care
Guide to Blood Counts Cancer therapy not only destroys cancerous cells, but may affect healthy cells in your body. Blood cells are commonly affected during cancer therapy, and this can lead to problems depending on the function of that blood cell. Use the blood count...
Guide to Blood Counts
Hairloss / Alopecia A common side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss. This "Helpful Facts" sheet answer questions about hair loss and offers alternatives for coping with this condition. Looking for information on Radiation therapy and hair loss? Why does...
Hand-Foot Syndrome This handout answers questions about and offers tips for managing hand-foot syndrome caused by chemotherapy.
Loss of Appetite
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) Answers to questions about thrombocytopenia, low platelet count, and it provides tips to prevent bleeding.
Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia) Answers to questions about anemia, low red blood cell count, and it provides tips to prevent infection.
Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia) White blood cells (WBC) are one part of our body's immune system, working to protect us against infection. A neutrophil is one type of WBC and they make up the majority of WBCs. They are the "first responders" and quickly appear at the site of...
Mouth Sores Mouth sores are small cuts or open ulcers that can occur anywhere in the mouth. The sores may be bright red or may have small white patches in the middle, and sometimes may bleed. Patients receiving chemotherapy to the head and neck area may...
Nausea and Vomiting
Peripheral Neuropathy
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) What is shortness of breath (Dyspnea)? Dyspnea is trouble breathing or difficulty catching your breath. Some people describe it as an awareness of uncomfortable breathing or a feeling of working very hard to breathe. What causes shortness of...
Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse