Early (onset days to weeks)
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Low red blood cells (anaemia)
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- You may feel dizzy, light-headed, tired and appear more pale than usual.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these signs or symptoms. You might need a blood transfusion.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any chest pain, trouble breathing, or feel like your heart is racing.
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Infection risk (neutropenia)
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- This treatment lowers the amount of white blood cells in your body. The type of white blood cells that help to fight infection are called neutrophils. Having low level of neutrophils is called neutropenia. If you have neutropenia, you are at greater risk of getting an infection. It also means that your body can’t fight infections as well as usual. This is a serious side effect, and can be life threatening.
- Wash your hands often.
- Keep a thermometer at home and take your temperature regularly, and if you feel unwell.
- Do your mouth care regularly.
- Inspect your central line site (if you have one) daily for any redness, pus or swelling.
- Limit contact with people who are sick.
- Learn how to recognise the signs of infection.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Infection during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
- a temperature of 38°C or higher
- chills, shivers, sweats or shakes
- a sore throat or cough
- uncontrolled diarrhoea
- shortness of breath
- a fast heartbeat
- become unwell even without a temperature.
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Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
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- This treatment lowers the amount of platelets in your blood. Platelets help your blood to clot. When they are low, you are at an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Try not to bruise or cut yourself.
- Avoid contact sport or vigorous exercise.
- Clear your nose by blowing gently.
- Avoid constipation.
- Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
- Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen or other similar anti-inflammatory medications unless your doctor tells you to.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any bruising or bleeding.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have any uncontrolled bleeding.
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Joint and muscle pain and stiffness
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- You may get muscle, joint or general body pain and stiffness.
- Applying a heat pack to affected areas may help.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about other ways to manage these symptoms. You may need medication to help with any pain.
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Diarrhoea
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- You may get bowel motions (stools, poo) that are more frequent or more liquid.
- You may also get bloating, cramping or pain.
- Take your antidiarrhoeal medication as directed by your doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Eat and drink small amounts more often.
- Avoid spicy foods, dairy products, high fibre foods, and coffee.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Diarrhoea during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department if your diarrhoea is not controlled, you have 4 or more loose bowel motions per day, and if you feel dizzy or light-headed.
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Dizziness or feeling light-headed
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- You may feel dizzy or light-headed.
- These symptoms may be caused by your treatment, or other problems like dehydration.
- If you are feeling dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted) as this can be a cause of dizziness.
- If you are feeling dizzy, try lying down until the dizziness passes.
- When you want to get up from a sitting or lying down position, get up slowly to let your body adjust to the new position.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Tiredness and lack of energy (fatigue)
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- You may feel very tired, have no energy, sleep a lot, and not be able to do normal activities or things you enjoy.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired.
- Nap for short periods (only 1 hour at a time)
- Prioritise your tasks to ensure the best use of your energy.
- Eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Try some gentle exercise daily.
- Allow your friends and family to help.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Extra fluid in the body (fluid retention)
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- You may gain weight over a short amount of time.
- Your hands and feet may become swollen, appear red or feel hot and uncomfortable.
- Wear loose clothing and shoes that are not too tight.
- Try not to stand up or walk around too much at one time.
- If your ankles or legs get swollen, try raising them.
- Make sure that any cuts or areas of broken skin are treated as soon as possible.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you get any of the symptoms listed above or gain 1 to 2 kg in a week.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you become short of breath.
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High blood pressure (hypertension)
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- You may not have any signs or symptoms if you have high blood pressure.
- If it is severe you may get headaches, shortness of breath or feel dizzy.
- Your blood pressure will be taken regularly during your treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
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Oesophagus inflammation (oesophagitis)
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- You may get heartburn or have difficult or painful swallowing.
- Eat small meals that are high in protein and calories.
- Avoid eating acidic, hot, salty or spicy foods, and drinking alcohol.
- Sit upright when eating.
- Ask to speak with a dietitian if you are having trouble eating.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have the any of the symptoms listed above and they are suddenly getting worse.
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Mouth pain and soreness (mucositis)
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- You may have:
- bleeding gums
- mouth ulcers
- a white coating on your tongue
- pain in the mouth or throat
- difficulty eating or swallowing.
- Avoid spicy, acidic or crunchy foods and very hot or cold food and drinks.
- Try bland and soft foods.
- Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush after each meal and at bedtime. If you normally floss continue to do so.
- Rinse your mouth after you eat and brush your teeth, using either:
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, or
- 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 1 cup of warm water
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Mouth problems during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Skin that is more sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity)
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- After being out in the sun you may develop a rash like a bad sunburn.
- Your skin may become red, swollen and blistered.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Kidney damage
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- This treatment can cause changes to how your kidneys work.
- You will have blood tests to make sure your kidneys are working properly.
- You may need to drink more fluids while you are having treatment. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do this.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice that your urine changes colour or you don't need to empty your bladder as often.
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Skin rash from radiation therapy
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- Your skin may become red after your first radiation therapy treatment and may last for approximately 3 to 4 days.
- This is usually mild and not as severe as sunburn.
- Apply a cream recommended by your treating team and use this when your doctor or nurse tells you.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information - Skin changes and skin care during radiation therapy.
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Liver changes
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- You may get:
- shortness of breath
- bloating or feeling full
- pain in the upper left side of your stomach (abdomen)
- weight gain
- a bigger stomach
- puffy hands and feet.
- Your doctor or nurse will regularly weigh you and measure around your stomach.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
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Dry mouth
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- You may have:
- thick or rope-like saliva
- not as much saliva as normal
- a sticky or dry feeling in your mouth
- difficulty chewing, tasting and swallowing
- problems talking.
- This is caused by the radiation therapy.
- Use artificial saliva, oral moisturisers or sugarless lollies.
- Eat moist, soft foods, or moisten dry foods with gravy or sauce.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
- Do your mouth care regularly.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for the eviQ patient information sheet - Mouth care during cancer treatment.
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