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Post Chemotherapy Side Effects

member322
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In the middle of August I was taking oral chemotherapy (Cape) post surgery for TNBC.  After five days I had to stop taking the drug and was admitted into hospital with a severe infection, rapid heart rate and anemia. It was decide not to proceed with chemotherapy as the risks outweigh the benefits and I went on to radiotherapy which I have just finished.

Although it’s been 8 weeks since I stopped taking the chemo tablets I am experiencing what I am told are side effects from the chemotherapy. These are headaches, sore mouth and throat, distorted taste, brain fog, hair thinning and flu like symptoms.

Can you tell me if this usual and how long are these symptoms likely to carry on.

  • Dear member322,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us. I’m Alison one of the cancer information nurses on the support line here at Macmillan.

    I’m sorry to hear about the side effects you’ve been experiencing since your chemotherapy and what sounds like a worrying time for you in hospital.

    It is true that the symptoms you’re experiencing can be due to the Capecitabine. It’s not uncommon for these symptoms to last for some weeks after stopping treatment. It’s also possible that it could take your body a little longer to recover given the infection and anaemia you experienced.

    Flu-like symptoms can be caused by the treatment, but usually after 8 weeks your immune system should have recovered. If you’re having on-going symptoms of feeling unwell, please contact your GP for a review to rule out other causes.

    Mouth problems are common, and good mouth care can help prevent pain and infection. If you are struggling with this, speak with your team or GP as they can prescribe some mouthwashes or ointments to help with the discomfort.

    Hair loss tends to slow down once treatment has finished as well. You might find this information from Cancer Hair Care helpful to help encourage new hair growth.

    If you’d like to talk this through some more, please don’t hesitate to give our nurses a call on the support line.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Alison P, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

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