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1st Chemo Treatment Side Effects You Must Know Before Starting
By Prashant Baghel
It can be scary to start chemotherapy, especially if you don't know what to expect. A lot of people are nervous before their first session because they've heard different things about side effects. Some people say it's painful, others say it's tiring, and still others say it's manageable.
The truth is simple: everyone has a different experience, but knowing what might happen during your first chemo can help you feel more ready and less scared. Knowing what the 1st chemo treatment side effects are in simple, clear language can help you feel more in control and ready for what comes next.
Chemotherapy is a powerful way to fight cancer. It works by going after cells that grow quickly in the body. Some healthy cells, like hair roots, the stomach lining, and cells in the mouth, also grow very quickly. This is why chemotherapy can also have an effect on these areas. In this article, you will learn what you might feel during and after your first round of chemotherapy, how your body might react, and how to stay calm and take care of yourself during the whole process in this article.
What chemotherapy is and why it has side effects
Chemotherapy drugs move through your blood and kill cancer cells no matter where they are. But the medicine can't tell the difference between cancer cells and some healthy cells, so your body might react in different ways. We call this reaction a side effect.
Side effects don't mean that the treatment is bad for you. It actually means that the medicine is working inside of you. Doctors know exactly how to deal with most of the 1st chemo treatment side effects, which are usually only temporary. Before you start treatment, your doctor will go over the plan with you, tell you what medicine you'll be taking, and talk about the possible side effects of your first chemotherapy treatment.
Everyone reacts in their own way. Some people only feel a little different, while others may feel worse. It's important to talk to your doctor honestly and pay attention to what your body is telling you.
What You Might Feel During Your First Chemo
The first time you get chemotherapy, it may feel more emotional than physical. You might feel nervous or confused, but the treatment itself usually goes well. You sit comfortably in a chair while a nurse connects the medicine to a drip. A lot of people are surprised that the process itself doesn't hurt.
Some people might feel warm, tired, or a little dizzy while the medicine is being given. Some people don't feel anything at all. Your doctors will keep a close eye on you to see if you have any reactions. Most reactions on the first day are mild and easy to handle.
If you have any real 1st chemo treatment side effects, they usually start a few hours or days after your first treatment.
Common Side Effects of First Chemo Treatment
Side effects usually start out slowly and get worse after a day or two. In very simple, friendly language, here are the most common things you might feel after your first round of chemotherapy.
Tiredness
One of the most common 1st chemo treatment side effects is feeling tired. You might feel like you need to take a break more often, even after doing small things. Your body is using extra energy to deal with the medicine, which is why you feel tired.
You might sleep more than usual or feel tired all day. This is normal and to be expected. Eating simple foods, drinking water, and getting enough rest can all help your body stay strong.
Feeling sick to your stomach or nauseous
After their first round of chemotherapy, a lot of people feel sick or like they might throw up. Chemotherapy can make the stomach lining feel bad, which is why this happens. But don't worry, doctors often give people special medicines before chemotherapy to help with nausea.
If you're still feeling sick, eating small meals, drinking warm water, or eating plain foods like rice, toast, or soup can help. Once you know what foods your body likes best during treatment, this side effect usually gets easier to deal with.
No Appetite
After your first round of chemotherapy, you might not feel hungry. You might not want to eat at all, or food might taste different. This is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Instead of forcing yourself to eat big meals, try to eat small amounts of food throughout the day. Fruits, smoothies, and light foods can be easier to handle. It's also very important to drink enough water.
Thinning hair or losing hair
You don't always lose hair right away after the first treatment, but it usually starts a few weeks after you start chemo. Some people notice that their hair gets weaker or falls out more than usual.
This can make you feel bad, but remember that hair loss is only temporary. Your hair usually grows back healthy after the treatment is over. A lot of people wear scarves, hats, or wigs to feel better during this time.
Sores or dryness in the mouth
After their first round of chemo, some people get small sores in their mouths or feel dry. This happens because the cells in the mouth grow quickly and are easily affected by chemotherapy.
To keep your mouth healthy, brush gently, stay away from spicy foods, and drink plenty of water. Your doctor can suggest a mouthwash that will help if your sores hurt.
Changes in Taste
After your first treatment, food may taste bland, metallic, or completely different. This can be hard to understand, but it's normal. Most of the time, these changes in taste go away after the treatment or later in the treatment.
You might like cold foods better than hot foods. Try out different tastes to find the one that works best for you.
Changes to Skin and Nails
Some people notice that their skin is getting dry or sensitive. Your nails might feel weaker or change color a little bit. These effects will go away on their own and get better with gentle care. To keep your skin safe, use mild moisturizers and stay away from strong soaps.
Changes in Mood
When you start chemotherapy, you may feel scared, sad, relieved, or confused. This is totally normal. You might also be more emotional because your body is under a lot of stress.
You can stay mentally strong by talking to family, friends, or a counselor. Keep in mind that you are not alone on this journey.
How to Deal with the Side Effects of Your First Chemo Treatment
Talking to your doctor makes it easier to deal with your side effects. Every symptom you have, even the small ones, tells your doctor something important. They can change your medications, change the doses, or give you supplements to help your body feel better.
You can make your trip easier by drinking water, eating simple meals, resting when you need to, and taking your medicines as directed. To help you feel better, your doctor may also suggest vitamins, mouth care products, or relaxation exercises.
Consult Today
The first time you get chemotherapy, it may feel like too much, but knowing what the side effects are can help. Keep in mind that every reaction your body has is a sign that it is healing. Most 1st chemo treatment side effects are normal, go away on their own, and can be handled. The most important thing is to pay attention to your body, stay in touch with your doctor, and take care of yourself during treatment.
Oncare Cancer Hospital is one of the best places to go for expert advice, comfort, and advanced cancer care. Their team gives you gentle help, clear explanations, and the best treatment options so you can feel safe and confident during your chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
After their first chemotherapy session, most people feel tired or a little sick.
Usually, hair loss doesn't happen right away after the first session. It happens a few weeks later.
Yes, but you might not be hungry. It can help to eat small meals or light foods.
Yes, it's very normal and common for your emotions to change a lot in the early stages of treatment.
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