Chemotherapy Frequently Asked Questions

Will my hair fall out?

Tricky question. Some drugs, or combinations of drugs, do cause hair loss. Many others don't. The doctors and nurses who explained your treatment to you may well have discussed this problem in relation to your particular treatment. If you are still unsure about, then be sure to ask again. For those drugs that do cause hair loss there are measures, such as scalp cooling, that may help preserve the hair. One thing, that we often forget to mention, is that drugs causing hair loss may make all the body hair fall out. Usually any hair that has been lost regrows within about six months of the end of treatment. Sometimes it comes back rather different, dark instead of grey, curly instead of straight: usually, however, it comes back just as it was before.

Will I be sick?

Again, the answer very much depends upon the precise treatment you are on. Some drugs cause nothing more than mild queasiness; others can cause quite severe vomiting. Modern anti-sickness drugs take away much of the actual sickness but you may be left feeling a bit queasy and off your food for a few days after Chemotherapy. The important thing is that you are given anti-sickness drugs before and during your Chemotherapy and that you take anti-sickness medication regularly for a few days after each course of Chemotherapy. It is easier to prevent vomiting than it is to treat vomiting once it has actually started. If you have difficulty with tablets, then there are ways of giving anti-sickness drugs that don't involve having to swallow tablets: pastilles that melt in the mouth, suppositories; injections.

Is it safe to be with my family during Chemotherapy?

Yes, the drugs cannot pass from you to your family so you are no danger to them, even if young children and babies are around. The only caution here is that you are more vulnerable to infection so it is best to stay away from any children with chickenpox, other viruses or infectious diarrhoea.

Can I travel abroad during Chemotherapy?

With many Chemotherapy treatments there is probably no medical reason why you should not take a short trip abroad during treatment. This is something you could discuss with staff on the Chemotherapy unit. Remember that your immunity is a little low so be careful about what you eat and drink -even mild food poisoning may hit you harder than normal. Remember also that you may have problems obtaining travel insurance. If you are travelling by plane: drink plenty of fluid (not alcohol) during the flight; if it is a long haul flight then make sure you do your leg exercises and wear support stockings.