How long do chemo side affects take to go?

Hi Wilma Flintstone/ Cara,

Thanks for getting in touch with us. I can see from your activity that you’re chatting to others in our bowel cancer forum. We hope that you’re finding the support helpful.

We’re sorry to read that you’re still experiencing side effects from your chemotherapy Having the symptoms that you have described can affect how you’re feeling.

Having sore cracked lips that won’t heal can be painful.

Capecitabine can cause changes in the skin and cause an itchy rash, but it can then make the skin blister and peel. Some people may experience joint pain and flu like symptoms.

Once treatment stops these symptoms should start to get better rather than worse. It’s important that you let your team at the hospital know that these symptoms are persisting so that this can be assessed too. They should be able to prescribe you creams or medicines to help.

You will have been given a 24-hour chemotherapy number that you can call. You can still use this to contact them for advice.

It’s understandable why you would want to have some idea of how long you can expect these side effects to last for so that you can plan some sort of return to work.

But it can be difficult to predict how long these symptoms can last for in individuals. This is because everyone reacts differently to the drugs.

Most chemotherapy side effects are temporary and disappear once your treatment is over. For some people chemotherapy can cause long term changes in the body months or years after treatment. It’s still early days for you.

Fatigue and lack of concentration can be one of the most common side effects and the one that most people find difficult to cope with. It’s important that you learn to pace yourself and listen to your body. We have this information about ways that can help you cope with fatigue.

It’s encouraging that you are thinking about going back to work, but it’s important that you don’t go back too soon. Deciding what to do about work after you have finished cancer treatments can depend on your situation.

For many people, going back to work can be a big step in their recovery. Your healthcare team can help you to decide when the best time for you to return to work.

It can be a good idea to also talk to your employer who should be able to support you with your return to work.

We also have Work Support Advisors that can offer you guidance on your rights at work and how to talk to your employer. You can post your question here. Or you can call our Support Line on 0808-808-0000 and talk to them. They are available from 8am till 6pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes and take care

Ellen-Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref/ SMc