Mesothelioma Treatment: Chemotherapy Side Effects May Include Fatigue and Nausea

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment: Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Most mesothelioma patients undergoing chemotherapy feel tired, and even exhausted. You may want to have a friend or relative drive you to your chemotherapy appointment. Besides providing emotional support, he or she can make sure you get home safely. If possible, try to minimize projects or chores for the first few days after a mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment. Consider planning your day so that you get plenty of rest. Some cancer patients say that yoga or meditation is helpful and calming during this stressful time. Doctors also recommend very light exercise such as a short walk to keep you in balance and lessen fatigue.

Chemotherapy sometimes causes anemia, which is a decrease in the level of red blood cells. Anemia can be one cause of fatigue. It may respond to iron supplements and erythropoietin, a substance that is normally produced by the kidneys and that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Your doctor will determine if treatment with erythropoietin is appropriate based on blood tests and the severity of your anemia.

Relieving Nausea and Vomiting During Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Nausea and vomiting are other common side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy. Your doctor may prescribe medications called antiemetics to combat this problem. Deciding on the appropriate drug depends upon your particular body reactions and on the chemotherapy drug that you are taking.

Alternative treatments for nausea and vomiting include biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation (relaxation by tensing and then letting go of different muscle groups). You will need to talk with your health care team to see if these techniques are appropriate for you.

If you experience nausea, the National Cancer Institute recommends that you eat and drink slowly, eat small meals throughout the day rather than three large meals, and chew carefully and thoroughly to aid digestion. They also suggest avoiding sweet, fried, or fatty foods. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published a very detailed booklet, Nausea and Vomiting Treatment Guidelines for Patients with Cancer, which includes other helpful suggestions.

Hair Loss and Chemotherapy

Hair loss may occur during chemotherapy, but not in every case. If you do lose hair, the process typically begins within two weeks of starting chemotherapy and continues until one to two months later (Hair Loss, American Cancer Society). This can be quite distressing, but understand that your hair will probably grow back after chemotherapy ends. You may consider wearing a wig, turban, or scarf in the meantime.

Find Out About Side Effects Before Starting Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

The severity of mesothelioma chemotherapy side effects varies with the person and with the drug. For example, cisplatin, a drug used in chemotherapy for mesothelioma patients, often causes nausea and vomiting. Some other chemotherapy drugs would be less likely to do so.

The important point is that you discuss possible side effects with your doctor before you begin taking a particular chemotherapy drug or drug combination. This will help both of you weigh the drug benefits against its risks and problems. But your communication should not stop there. Make sure to tell your doctor about any side effects and health concerns both during and after the chemotherapy. He or she may find ways to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and will also know if your health issues require immediate attention.

The American Cancer Society has come up with a worksheet that you can use to track the side effects of chemotherapy. You may find it useful, or prefer to simply write down some notes before your next doctor appointment. Whatever the method you use to focus your thoughts, we again recommend that you talk to your doctor about any discomfort that you are having.