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By My Side™ Cancer Treatment Chemotherapy Guide
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Find out more about chemotherapy and different side effects associated with chemotherapy...
 
chemotherapy side effects
Nausea & Vomiting
Weight Change
Diarrhea & Constipation
Mouth Sores
Pain
Temporary Hair Loss
Depression & Anxiety
chemotherapy
It helps to know that hair loss (or alopecia, pronounced al-oh-pee-sha) is temporary. How much you lose, and how quickly, depends on your chemotherapy drugs. If your doctor tells you that hair loss is likely:
Remember: Your hair will grow back.
Before you start to lose hair, consider cutting it short. This will help make hair loss less troubling emotionally. For hair that is thinning, a short cut helps delay the need to cover up.
Be kind to your hair. Use mild shampoos and soft brushes.
Men generally choose to wear hats; women choose wigs, scarves (cotton is best), or hats. It's better to choose a wig before your hair loss so you can match your existing hairstyle. Your insurance company may cover the cost of wigs. If not, ask a social worker or nurse where you can get one free of charge. Local support organizations may know of a "wig bank."
Contact the American Cancer Society for their free program "Look Good... Feel Better." It provides professional instruction on looking better. To find out more, call 1-800-395-LOOK toll-free.
 

Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is prescribed to reduce the risk of infection (initially marked by fever) in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy that decreases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Important product safety information
Ruptured spleen (including fatal cases), serious allergic reactions, and a serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome have been reported. Call your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you have abdominal or shoulder tip pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, a fast rate of breathing, or any allergic reaction. The most common side effect of this injection is mild to moderate bone pain. If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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