Chemotherapy Scares Me
- teresaamadrigal
- May 9, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Chemotherapy is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight cancer but it’s also tough on the body.
Chemo Targets All Fast-Growing Cells: Not Just Cancer
Cancer cells grow fast, and that’s what chemo targets. But so do healthy cells in places like your gut, hair follicles, bone marrow, and skin. When chemo hits these cells, it causes side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and mouth sores.
Your Immune System Takes a Hit
Chemotherapy can lower your white blood cell count, making it harder for your body to fight infections. You might feel weak, get sick more easily, or feel like you’re fighting off a bad flu.
Stress Hormones and Inflammation
Chemo can trigger your body’s stress response, increasing levels of hormones like cortisol. It also causes inflammation as your body tries to repair the damage. These responses can make you feel worn out, achy, and emotionally drained, like your body is not under your control anymore.
Why This Is A Good Sign:
Even though it feels terrible, these reactions show that your body is working hard to fight the cancer and recover from the chemo. Your body isn’t actually “dying”: it’s fighting on multiple fronts, which takes a lot of energy.
How to Recover:
Rest and nourish your body with healthy food and hydration. Talk to your doctor about managing side effects, there are many medications that can help with nausea, fatigue, and pain.
Remember:
Every chemo session brings you closer to beating cancer. It may feel slow, but it goes by faster than you think. Be kind to yourself, this is still you, even in the hardest moments. Love yourself through it all.
Sources:
American Cancer Society – Chemotherapy Side Effects
Cleveland Clinic – Chemotherapy Side Effects Chemotherapy damages healthy fast-growing cells, such as those in the skin, hair follicles, mouth, digestive system, and bone marrow, causing various side effects. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10257-chemotherapy-side-effects cancervic.org.au
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Macmillan Cancer Support – Chemotherapy Side Effects
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