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Treatments to destroy cancer cells can harm healthy cells at the same time, and that means treatment can cause side effects.
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Treating your cancer to get the best results is important. But your quality of life also matters. Let your doctor and nurse know if you experience any side effects or discomfort. Make sure you tell your doctor or nurse how these problems affect your day-to-day life. Your healthcare team is there to help you manage your symptoms as well as to treat your cancer.
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The side effects depend on what kind of surgery you have. Surgery for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) may cause any of these side effects.
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Doctors often use small doses of radiation to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). When the treatment is done just in one area of the skin, the side effects are mild.
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Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drugs you take and for how long you take them. Since chemotherapy drugs weaken white blood cells, you can have a higher risk of infection. These are some other side effects of chemotherapy.
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The immunotherapy drug interferon can cause any of these side effects. Flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, muscle aches, runny nose, or low-grade fever
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It's likely that you will have physical concerns since your cancer may cause symptoms and your treatment may cause side effects. In this section, you'll learn more about how to respond to some of the most common symptoms and side effects from treating Kaposi's sarcoma (KS).
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Chemotherapy can make your body less able to fight off infection. This happens because treatment reduces the number of white blood cells (infection fighters) in your body. To help prevent infections, try the tips on this handout.
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During chemotherapy, the energy provided by a healthy diet can help you rebuild normal cells. It can also help you keep up your strength and fight infection. As a result, you may feel better and be more able to cope with side effects. Ask your doctor about your nutrition needs.
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Having side effects of radiation therapy does not mean that your cancer is getting worse or that therapy isn't working.
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TIP: Ask a family member or friend to give you some help applying lotion in hard-to-reach spots.
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Chemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result. Anemia has many symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the signs listed here. You may need treatment.
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Chemotherapy can make your blood less able to clot. This happens because the treatment reduces the number of platelets (clotting agents) in your blood. As a result, your risk of bruising and bleeding increases. To help prevent problem bleeding, use the tips on this handout.
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You develop mouth sores Mouth pain keeps you from eating Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These side effects occur because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Using the tips on this handout may help you feel better.
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Caution: Call your doctor if your cuticles become red and painful or show other changes.
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Minor skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try the tips on this handout.
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Constipation (difficulty passing stool) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Constipation can be caused by the medications you are taking. It can also occur if you're not getting enough exercise and nourishment. Fluids are important in managing constipation.
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Diarrhea (loose stools) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Diarrhea results when treatment affects the normal cells lining the intestine. To help limit this problem, try the tips on this handout.
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Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite. Fatigue can also be a sign of anemia (a shortage of red blood cells). This could require medical treatment. The tips below can help you feel better.
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Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It occurs because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Not all types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause hair loss, but if it does happen, these tips can help.
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Nausea or vomiting lasts for 24 hours or more You have trouble keeping fluids down
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Now that you are facing treatment for cancer, you may have concerns that you want to share. If you do want to talk, you may not know how to start. These ideas may help.
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