Childhood Leukemia Chemotherapy Side Effects

Late effects of treatments for childhood leukemia.

Childhood leukemia chemotherapy side effects.

Dr van der plas specializes in looking at the neurocognitive effects of childhood leukemia treatment. Children treated for brain tumors or acute lymphoblastic leukemia all are more likely to be affected due to the therapies used to treat these cancers. It is normal to feel frustrated sad angry embarrassed or self conscious. These problems may become noticeable months or even years after treatment and may change over time.

However chemotherapy side effects typically cause fear and apprehension. Low blood cell counts sore mouth and throat. These side effects may occur within days after beginning chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy damage to quickly dividing cells can cause side effects such as low blood cell counts nausea diarrhea or hair loss during treatment.

Many of these stop when treatment stops. Some common side effects of chemotherapy drugs used for childhood leukemia are. These problems are known as cognitive late effects. These side effects can include.

Some side effects can be hard to discuss. Patients and families often feel overwhelmed physically and emotionally. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause problems with mental functions such as concentration memory and the ability to multitask to keep track of and do different tasks at the same time. These short term side effects usually go away over time after treatment is over.

However cognitive problems have been. These effects are sometimes referred to as chemobrain or brain fog. Sometimes weeks or months later. In some cases however side effects follow a different.

A child s whole body is growing. Side effects of chemotherapy will depend mainly on the type of drug the dose how it s given and your child s overall health. She published a research paper in september last year showing that childhood all survivors are more likely to have difficulties with memory and inhibition or voluntary restraint of motor actions than children who have not had leukemia. Long term and late effects can include.

Hair loss mouth sores loss of appetite diarrhea nausea and vomiting. Coping with side effects. Dealing with side effects can be very difficult. Most people associate cancer treatment with well known side effects like nausea and hair loss.