Treatment related side effects
When treatment kills cancer cells, it also damages healthy cells. This can cause a range of different side effects. Speak to your treating team about any side effects or symptoms you might be experiencing.
When its urgent that you contact the hospital
If it is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 000.
You may have one or more of the following symptoms. If so, please contact us straight away on (03) 8559 5000 and ask for the registrar.
A temperature over 38˚C or fever and chills (these might show an infection)
Diarrhoea that continues over 24 hours, particularly if watery
Persistent vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
Nausea lasting more than 48 hours (about two days) despite taking antinausea medication
Any abnormal bruising and bleeding
Constipation: if you have not opened your bowels for more than two days
A cough or shortness of breath
A sudden decline in your health
Any changes in mood including feeling withdrawn, depressed or anxious
Infection
Red and white blood cells and platelets are specific cells made by bone marrow. Neutrophils are one type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are important in helping your body to fight infections.
Chemotherapy can reduce the number of neutrophils in your blood. This means you are "neutropenic" and more at risk of infection.
It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you feel you are developing a cold or other signs of infection. Even if the symptoms do not seem severe to you, you are at much greater risk. If early signs are not treated, you may become very ill quite fast. Signs of infection include:
Fever (temperature at or above 38˚C)
Chills or sweating
Sore throat or sores in the mouth
Abdominal pain
Pain and burning when passing urine or frequent urination
Diarrhoea or sores around the anus
A cough or breathlessness
Any redness, swelling, or pain, particularly around a cut or wound
Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
It is important to know when you are neutropenic and take measures to lower your risk of infection.
Speak to your treating team about how to manage neutropenia. This includes getting advice on avoiding exposure to infection. It also includes how to prevent infections from occurring.
Contact the hospital IMMEDIATELY if you have:
A fever (temperature at or above 38˚C) AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY OR NIGHT
Any of the other symptoms of infection listed above
If it is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 000
Be prepared to give the following information:
Last treatment date
Your highest temperature in the last 24 hours
If you are having any shaking or chills
Any other symptoms of infection you have had
If you are feeling dizzy or light-headed
Other common side effects
Some patients experience many side effects, whilst others experience none. The side effects experienced depends on:
The type and dose of drugs or radiation used
The individual patient
You may also experience side effects related to your illness because of medications.
We offer many services that can help manage the side effects of cancer and its treatment. You may experience side effects from your cancer or its treatment. If so, speak to your treating team. They can offer advice, support and resources. They may also refer you to services that can help to manage or treat these symptoms.