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Treatment side-effects

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​There are a range of side-effects that can occur from treatment with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. It’s important to remember that everyone will respond differently to treatment and side-effects vary greatly. You may experience mild side-effects, or more severe side-effects, or you may not experience any. 


Symptoms requiring urgent assessment


Please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms: 
  • New shortness of breath
  • Chest pain 
  • Uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting or diarrhoea (>6 episodes/day)
  • Fevers of 38°C
  • Persistent headaches
  • Sudden changes in your vision or acute pain in the eyes  
  • Severe or uncontrolled pain 
  • Excessive thirst 
  • Yellowing of the eyes, severe abdominal pain and dark urine 
  • Seizures 
  • If you feel generally unwell and are concerned about your wellbeing​
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Chemotherapy


Below are a list of common side-effects from chemotherapy that you may experience. Please be aware that not everyone will experience some or all of these side-effects.

  • Fevers/infection
  • Changes in blood count levels 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mouth ulcers 
  • Bowel changes, including diarrhea and constipation 
  • Bleeding and bruising 
  • Fatigue 
  • Changes in taste and appetite 
  • Skin changes, including skin dryness and rash 
  • Nail changes
  • Hair loss or thinning 
  • Sensory nerve damage to the hands and feet 
  • Tinnitus  
  • Dry eyes 
  • Impact on fertility and sexuality

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are concerned, please phone the Cancer Helpline on 1800 965 222 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 4.30pm).

For more information about treatment side-effects and management, please see the booklet PDF iconInformation for patients receiving cancer treatment.

Immunotherapy 


Below are a list of common side-effects from immunotherapy that you may experience. Please be aware that not everyone will experience some or all of these side-effects.
 
  • Skin rash and itch 
  • Pain in the joints and muscles 
  • Diarrhoea
  • Breathlessness  
  • Fatigue 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please phone the Cancer Helpline on 1800 965 222 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 4.30pm). The earlier we know about these symptoms, the quicker we can treat them and prevent them from becoming a bigger problem.

For more information about treatment side-effects and management, please see the bookletPDF iconInf​ormation for patients receiving cancer treatment.



Tips for staying well​​


For more information about general health and managing side-effects please see the nutrition talks videos.​



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General advice and safety​


​Recommendations to keep you and your family safe at home.​


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