Early (onset days to weeks)
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Heart problems
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- You may get:
- chest pain or tightness
- shortness of breath
- swelling of your ankles
- an abnormal heartbeat.
- Heart problems can occur months to years after treatment.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure.
- Before or during treatment, you may be asked to have a test to see how well your heart is working.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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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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Constipation
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- You may have bowel motions (stools, poo) that are less frequent, harder, smaller, painful or difficult to pass.
- You may also get:
- bloating, cramping or pain
- a loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are fluid restricted).
- Eat plenty of fibre-containing foods such as fruit, vegetables and bran.
- Take laxatives as directed by your doctor.
- Try some gentle exercise daily.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have not opened your bowels for more than 3 days.
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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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High blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia)
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- You may feel thirsty and need to urinate more often than normal.
- You may get repeated infections, especially thrush.
- If you are a diabetic you will need to have your blood sugar levels checked more often. You may also need to have your diabetes medication increased.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
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Low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)
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- This may be found from your routine blood tests and treated by your doctor.
- If it is severe you may get:
- muscle cramps or twitches
- constipation
- confusion
- an irregular heartbeat.
- Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
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Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
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- You may notice a change in the sensations in your hands and feet, including:
- tingling or pins and needles
- numbness or loss of feeling
- pain.
- You may find it difficult to do everyday activities, such as doing up buttons or picking up small objects.
- Test water temperature with your elbow when bathing to avoid burns.
- Use rubber gloves, pot holders and oven mitts in the kitchen.
- Wear rubber shoes or boots when working in the garden or garage.
- Keep rooms well lit and uncluttered.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for eviQ patient information – Nerve problems during cancer treatment.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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Changes in the way your brain works [reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)]
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- This treatment can have an effect on your brain, but this is rare.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
- headaches or vision problems
- nausea and vomiting
- tiredness
- confusion
- fits (seizures)
- high blood pressure.
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Side effects from steroid medication
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- Steroid medication may cause:
- mood swings and behaviour changes
- an increased appetite
- weight gain
- swelling in your hands and feet
- stomach upsets
- trouble sleeping
- fragile skin and bruising
- an increase in your blood sugar level
- weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis)
- Take your steroid medication with food to reduce stomach upset
- You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while you are taking steroids
- If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be tested more often and your diabetic medication may need to be adjusted because of the effects of steroids. Talk to your diabetes advisor if you have any concerns
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you get any of the symptoms listed above.
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