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What are the side effects of high-dose chemotherapy for cancer?

Aurora Health Care
Aurora Health Care
answer
During high-dose chemotherapy, the patient receives high doses of chemotherapy, and possibly radiation therapy, in order to kill the cancer cells. While chemotherapy affects the cancer cells, normal cells also may be affected (side effects). The major side effect is bone marrow damage, which causes low blood cell counts. A patient who is receiving chemotherapy may experience nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, sore throat and mouth, fatigue, hair loss, and skin changes. There are medications to prevent or decrease some of these side effects. Intravenous fluids will be given.

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