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Patients Against Lymphoma

 

Support >  Managing Late Effects of Cancer Therapy 

Last update: 04/13/2010

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The side effects of cancer therapy will vary  - depending on the individual factors such as age, and the therapies received, and just difference in how individuals metabolize and respond to the same drugs.  

The effects can range from minor to severe; can be temporary, will often improve with time, but can also emerge late and persist as chronic conditions.  

Late and Long-term effects can emerge from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.  Long-term effects may present early, while late effects can occur long after treatment has been completed.

"Keep in mind that not everyone who has cancer treatment gets each of the long-term or late side effects, and some people might not experience any aftereffects of treatment. Different chemotherapy drugs cause different late effects. So if you didn't take the chemotherapy drugs that can cause infertility, then you aren't believed to be at risk of that particular late effect. Radiation and surgery will only affect the area of the body they're used to treat. So, for example, if you had radiation to a part of your body other than your head or neck, then you won't be at risk of cavities and tooth decay as a result of your radiation therapy."   Mayo Clinic 

Long-term effects
Late effects
Anxiety and depression
Chemo brain 
Chronic pain (common)
Fatigue (common)
Heart failure (some chemo agents)
Infertility
Kidney failure
Liver problems
Menopausal symptoms
Neuropathy
Scars (surgery)
Skin sensitivity and rashes
Anxiety and depression
Cataracts (chemo or radio-therapy)
Cavities and tooth decay (radiotherapy)
Heart problems (radiotherapy)
Hypothyroidism (radiotherapy)
Infertility (chemo or radio-therapy)
Intestinal problems (chemo or radio-therapy)
Liver problems (chemotherapy)
Lung disease (chemo or radio-therapy)
Lymphedema (surgery)
Metabolic abnormalities (causing cramps for example)
Memory problems (radiotherapy)
Osteoporosis (chemotherapy)
Reduced lung capacity (chemotherapy)
Second primary cancers (chemo or radio-therapy)

Tips:

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Mayo Clinic:  

"Take steps to make yourself strong and healthy, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. This can help you deal better with late effects, should they develop." 
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Mayo Clinic: 

"Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can speed your recovery." 

Resources

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Cancer survivors: Managing late effects of cancer treatment (Mayo clinic)  http://bit.ly/2pRN9B 
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Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment in Adults leukemia-lymphoma.org    pdf 
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Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs books.nap.edu  
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Cancer survivors: Care for your body after treatment (Mayo clinic)  mayoclinic.com 

 

 
Disclaimer:  The information on Lymphomation.org is not intended to be a substitute for 
professional medical advice or to replace your relationship with a physician.
For all medical concerns,  you should always consult your doctor. 
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