Early (onset days to weeks)
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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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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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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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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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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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Stomach pain
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- You may get:
- dull aches
- cramping or pain
- bloating or flatulence (gas).
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you have stomach pain that you are unable to control.
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Skin rash
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- You may get a red, bumpy rash and dry, itchy skin.
- Moisturise your skin with a gentle non-perfumed moisturising cream like sorbolene or aqueous cream.
- Do not scratch your skin.
- Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about other ways to manage your skin rash.
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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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Bleeding (haemorrhage)
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- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have a wound that does not heal.
- Tell your doctor or nurse immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department if you get any of the following signs or symptoms:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- bright red or black, tarry bowel motions (stools, poo)
- stomach pain
- slurred speech
- shortness of breath
- a fast heartbeat.
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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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