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Living with treatment side effects

Chapter 09 of 15 · 8 cards · about 5 min

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Chapter 09 · Living with treatment side effects
THE QUESTION

Fatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 8

Everyone is different

Side effects depend on the treatment and on the person. Some have few, others more. Always report them to the care team.

Source: ACS, 2026

2 / 8

Fatigue

It is the most common effect. Rest, but a gentle walk can also help.

Source: ACS, 2026

3 / 8

Hair

Some chemotherapies make hair fall out. It usually grows back after treatment ends.

Source: ACS, 2026

4 / 8

Nausea and appetite

There are medicines for nausea. Eat small amounts, several times a day.

Source: ACS, 2026

5 / 8

Fever: a warning sign

lowers your defences. A fever during treatment means calling the medical team straight away.

Source: ACS, 2026

6 / 8

A swollen arm

After surgery on the or , the arm can swell (). Report it quickly: it is easier to treat early.

Source: ACS, 2026

7 / 8

Skin and hormones

can irritate the skin. can cause hot flushes. Solutions exist.

Source: ACS, 2026

8 / 8

Morale matters

Fear, sadness or anger are normal. Talking to a relative, an association or a health worker helps.

Source: ACS, 2026

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2024, the Ithar association provided 3,871 breakfasts and 690 food baskets to the patients it supports.

Source: Ithar association (إيثار), 2024

TRUE OR FALSE?

“A fever during chemotherapy can wait.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Hair usually grows back after chemotherapy.”

KEY POINTS
  • Report every side effect to the team.
  • Fever = call straight away.
  • Emotional support is part of care.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: Life after →
Sources: ACS, 2026…

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

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Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.