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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Australia
March 22
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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Brain fog is possible with the chemo drugs. The nervous system is very strong and not easy to be attacked by anything. A person should be given a list of what is attacked during a treatment so they can take care of their health between treatment. Why are treatments given stronger and stronger each visit unless there is a health problem with being injected by toxic chemicals.

March 22
MyLeukemiaTeam

Is chemotherapy harmful?

Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment that effectively destroys leukemia cells, but it does come with side effects because it also affects healthy cells in your body.

Common side effects during treatment include
* Hair loss
* Mouth sores
* Loss of appetite
* Low blood counts
* Nausea and vomiting Show Full Answer

Is chemotherapy harmful?

Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment that effectively destroys leukemia cells, but it does come with side effects because it also affects healthy cells in your body.

Common side effects during treatment include:
* Hair loss
* Mouth sores
* Loss of appetite
* Low blood counts
* Nausea and vomiting
* Fatigue

Most of these side effects are temporary and go away once treatment ends. Your care team can help manage these effects with medications, blood transfusions if needed, or antibiotics for infections.

Long-term considerations:

Some people may experience late effects months or years after treatment, such as:
* Cognitive changes (chemo brain) - memory issues and difficulty concentrating
* Increased risk of secondary cancers
* Heart or lung damage (especially with chest radiation)
* Fertility issues

Despite these risks, chemotherapy remains highly effective at treating leukemia. Many people go on to live long, healthy lives after treatment. Regular follow-up appointments help catch and manage any late effects early.

The benefits of treating leukemia typically outweigh the risks of side effects, but it's important to discuss your specific concerns with your oncologist.

March 22

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