Childhood Leukemia Chemotherapy Side Effects

Many of these stop when treatment stops.

Childhood leukemia chemotherapy side effects.

These effects are sometimes referred to as chemobrain or brain fog. 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. However chemotherapy side effects typically cause fear and apprehension. 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. Low blood cell counts sore mouth and throat. Late effects of treatments for childhood leukemia. 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. However your medical team will be with you always and if your side effects are serious they will lower your dose and do anything that helps you feel better. 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. Some side effects can be hard to discuss.

These short term side effects usually go away over time after treatment is over. However cognitive problems have been. Sometimes weeks or months later. Chemotherapy damage to quickly dividing cells can cause side effects such as low blood cell counts nausea diarrhea or hair loss during treatment.

Long term and late effects can include. It is normal to feel frustrated sad angry embarrassed or self conscious. These problems are known as cognitive late effects. Dealing with side effects can be very difficult.

Coping with side effects. These side effects can include. These side effects may occur within days after beginning chemotherapy treatment. Most people associate cancer treatment with well known side effects like nausea and hair loss.

Learning problems can develop in children treated with high dose chemotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy with methotrexate or. Some common side effects of chemotherapy drugs used for childhood leukemia are. Dr van der plas specializes in looking at the neurocognitive effects of childhood leukemia treatment. Late effects on the other hand may happen many years later.