Chemotherapy and radiation are two entirely different treatment programs used to combat cancer. In general, doctors use chemotherapy after initial tumor removal to prevent the spread of cancer at the cellular level. Radiation involves a targeted therapy at the tumor site to kill any localized cancer cells. Side effects from chemotherapy tend to affect the entire body while radiation therapy directly affects the area being treated. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation can take many months and often results in cumulative side effects. However, most side effects are manageable and go away when the body recovers from treatment.
Fatigue
Fatigue represents one of the most common and longest-lasting side effects for cancer patients. Doctors frequently combine chemotherapy drugs for effectiveness, resulting in major changes to the normal function of the body. According to the American Cancer Society, fatigue causes lack of motivation, inability to concentrate and a whole body tiredness that doesn't resolve with adequate sleep. Most radiation treatment regimens involve a visit to the radiation oncologist every day of the week except weekends. Many individuals receive five to six weeks of daily treatments. The cumulative effects of repeated treatment can cause mental and physical fatigue. Many individuals feel overwhelming exhaustion that can be attributed to the combination of chemotherapy and radiation. When doctors choose an aggressive approach including chemotherapy and radiation at the same time, fatigue increases exponentially.
Nausea
Nausea is common with chemotherapy treatment but not radiation. If a patient receives chemotherapy before radiation, the effects of the chemo can last for quite a while in the body. Nausea can be a lasting, long-term side effect. While undergoing treatment, patients take strong anti-nausea drugs to combat stomach upset. Whether these drugs work adequately depends on the individual. However, the anti-nausea drugs can cause a slowdown in the intestinal processes. Stomach upset commonly lasts for a few weeks to a few months after chemotherapy treatment ends and often extends into radiation therapy. Radiation therapy does not cause stomach upset, nausea or bowel problems unless radiation is directed at these sites.
Hair Loss
Hair loss affects many people undergoing chemotherapy. Hair loss results from the powerful chemotherapy drugs attacking the cancer cells as well as those that divide rapidly. The American Cancer Society states that rapidly dividing cells are housed in the hair follicles, digestive tract, bone marrow, blood cells and reproductive tract. The side effects of hair loss and skin changes result from damage to these cells. What many people don't realize is that chemotherapy affects all of the hair on the body. Head hair is usually lost within the first few treatments. After multiple treatments, the remaining body hair might also slough off. This disconcerting side effect is temporary. Radiation therapy can damage hair follicles locally only. The targeted tumor sites experience topical skin changes, including the loss of hair at the radiation site.
Skin Changes
The skin undergoes radical changes during chemotherapy with sometimes-profound changes to an individual's skin texture. Many people find that their skin is completely blemish free for the first time in their lives. Others discover that subsequent treatments make their skin quite oily. One of the most common skin changes includes excessively dry skin because of the chemotherapy attacking the fast-growing cells of the skin, according to the National Cancer Institute. Sun sensitivity is common with both chemotherapy and radiation patients. Since radiation directly targets the skin, soreness and blistering can occur with treatment. This painful side effect will heal with time and by following the specific instructions of your radiation oncologist. Most chemotherapy skin side effects also resolve in time. However, radiation skin changes create a permanent area that is hypersensitive to sun exposure.
Low White Blood Cell Counts
As chemotherapy and radiation attack any remaining cancer cells in your body, these therapies also target the healthy cells, in particular the white blood cells. Low white blood cell counts are common in patients undergoing treatment with both chemotherapy and radiation. Both cancer treatments can result in lower immunity because a reduced amount of white blood cells are available to fight infection. Avoiding any infection is extremely important for chemotherapy and radiation patients. Doctors suggest that patients be very aware of cleanliness, avoid sick people, wash hands frequently and perform general good hygiene. Low white cell counts usually will resolve after treatment has ended.
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