Tracking side effects
You know your body best.
To help track any side effects and minimize the chance that you will need to pause or stop treatment, listen to how you are feeling.
Be sure to:
- Communicate any side effect to your healthcare provider
- Track any side effects you experience by writing them down in a treatment journal
- Talk to your friends and family
- Reach out to support groups
For caregivers:
You can help observe and take note of any side effects your loved one may be experiencing. Encourage them to be honest about their symptoms. Proactively talk with your loved one’s healthcare team about any side effects they may be facing.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, call or see your healthcare provider right away:
Lung promblems
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
Kidney problems
- Decrease in your amount of urine
- Blood in your urine
- Swelling of your ankles
- Loss of appetite
Intestinal problems
- Diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual
- Stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus
- Severe stomach area (abdomen) pain or tenderness
Liver problems
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
- Dark urine (tea colored)
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Skin problems
- Rash
- Itching
- Skin blistering or peeling
- Painful sores or ulcers in your mouth or in your nose, throat, or genital area
- Fever or flu-like symptoms Swollen lymph nodes
Immune system problems in other organs
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles
- Confusion, sleepiness, memory problems, changes in mood or behavior, stiff neck, balance problems, tingling or numbness of the arms or legs
- Double vision, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, changes in eyesight
- Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps
- Low red blood cells, bruising
Hormone gland problems
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual
- Headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches
- Eye sensitivity to light
- Eye problems
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased sweating
- Extreme tiredness
- Urinating more often than usual
- Hair loss
- Feeling cold
- Constipation
- Your voice gets deeper
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in mood or behavior such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness
Reactions during or shortly after the infusion that can sometimes be severe or life-threatening:
- Chills or shaking
- Itching or rash
- Flushing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Dizziness
- Feeling like passing out
- Fever
- Back or neck pain
For caregivers:
Your well-being matters too. Here are ways to maintain it during the treatment experience:
- Join a caregiver support group for guidance and to share your experiences
- Delegate tasks when feeling overwhelmed
- Prioritize healthy habits (eg, balanced diet, proper hydration, sleep, attending your own appointments)
- Enjoy activities and time with people you love
- Celebrate every success and embrace time with your loved one