Less Commonly Talked About Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a very personal journey, it affects everyone differently. Some side effects are well known, but there are some that aren’t discussed as often. These can affect your body, mind and spirit in unexpected ways.
We want to share some of these less commonly talked about side effects to reassure you that if you’re experiencing them, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone.
There are so many ways that chemotherapy can affect you, but not everyone will experience all or even any of these symptoms. The severity and duration of symptoms can also vary widely.
We believe it’s useful to have some idea of the potential side effects of chemotherapy, otherwise it can feel like you are the only one in this situation, or even that you are imagining it.
It’s important to let your doctor know about any side effects as they may be able to offer you something that will help.
Mucous Membranes
Chemotherapy can affect every mucous membrane in the body. This can cause nosebleeds or a constantly runny nose, mouth sores or ulcers, bleeding or sore gums, and dry, gritty, or watery eyes.
Eye and Vision Changes
This can include dry or gritty eyes, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurred or fluctuating vision.
Fatigue That Isn’t “Just Tired”
Many people experience a deep exhaustion that goes beyond normal tiredness. You might feel wiped out after small tasks, need naps throughout the day, or take much longer than usual to recover.
Brain Fog and Cognitive Changes
Changes in memory, concentration, and mental processing, often called “chemo brain”, can be another effect. This can include forgetting things, trouble focusing, word-finding difficulties, and feeling mentally slower. These changes are real and can impact daily life, though they usually improve gradually.
Cold Sensitivity and Temperature Changes
Chemotherapy can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. You may feel constantly cold, have cold hands or feet, experience hot flushes, or have night sweats. These changes can affect comfort and sleep and vary in intensity and duration from person to person.
Nerve and Sensory Changes
Chemotherapy can affect the nerves, leading to tingling, pins and needles, numbness in hands or feet, neuropathy, or heightened sensitivity to pain. These changes can impact daily activities and feel unsettling, but support is available to help manage symptoms.
Pain in Unexpected Places
Bone pain, joint pain, muscle aches, jaw pain, and headaches can occur during or after chemotherapy. This kind of pain can move around or come and go and may be unexpected.
Hair Loss – Not Just on the Head
Chemotherapy can affect hair growth across the body, not just on the scalp. You might lose eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair, or even nasal hair. These changes can feel deeply personal and emotional.
Skin and Nails
Chemotherapy can cause changes to the skin and nails. This may include weak or brittle nails, nail lifting, dry or itchy skin, or changes in skin tone.
Weight, Appetite, and Taste Changes
Chemotherapy can affect appetite, weight, taste, and smell. You might notice weight gain or loss, changes in appetite, strong cravings, metallic tastes, heightened smell sensitivity, or bloating. These changes can make simply eating feel challenging.
Digestive Issues
Digestive changes such as constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, or nausea are another potential side effect. Symptoms can fluctuate and affect daily life.
Emotional and Hormonal Impacts
Chemotherapy can affect mood, emotions, and hormones. This can include low mood, anxiety, emotional numbness, mood swings, sleep problems, and early menopause symptoms like hot flushes or night sweats.
If you’re experiencing any of these side effects, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone.
We’re here to support you. We offer:
→ Talking therapies – a safe space to process what you’re going through
→ Complementary therapies – to support relaxation, wellbeing and symptom management
→ Support groups – to connect with others who genuinely understand
We are here for you. You don’t have to do this on your own.