What do you mean by side effects?
"A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores."
Side Effect - NCI Cancer Dictionary

My sister is starting cancer treatment next week. I know everyone reacts to treatment differently. However, it would help to have an idea of what people may experience during treatment. Do you have a list of side effects and how they’re managed?
Coping with Cancer - NCI Information about complications of cancer and its treatment.
Managing Side Effects of Chemotherapy – ACS
Radiation Therapy Effects – ACS
Other Side Effects – ACS
Coping with Physical and Emotional Changes – ACS
CancerSymptoms.org

I find myself tired all the time since being diagnosed. Is this normal?
Fatigue - CancerSymptoms.org
Fatigue - ACS
Fatigue - National Cancer Institute (NCI)

I get confused about low blood counts due to chemotherapy. Can you tell me what happens when my red blood cell count is low?
Anemia
"Chemotherapy can reduce the bone marrow's ability to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of your body. When there are too few red blood cells, body tissues do not get enough oxygen to do their work. This condition is called anemia. Anemia can make you feel short of breath, very weak, and tired." -Cancer Dictionary National Cancer Institute NCI

My doctor has said that anemia may explain why I am so exhausted since having several rounds of chemo. I need something that can explain that to me.
Cancer-Related Fatigue and Anemia - American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

My doctor has referred to my low white blood cell count as neutropenia? What is that exactly?
Neutropenia :
“An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.” – Cancer Dictionary NCI
What is neutropenia? - Neutropenia Support Association, Inc

My doctor has said that my father has neutropenia and I am concerned that he could catch something from his grandchildren. Are there any guidelines that would be helpful?
Fever and Neutropenia– ACS and NCCN

My mother is being treated for pancreatic cancer. I ask her if she is in pain and she tells me she's not. But she's likely to say that no matter what. Is there information on what to look for "indirectly" that might indicate someone is in pain?
Quality of life issues - Cancer-Pain.org

It's hard to know what questions to ask about pain and its treatment. Is there a list of common questions that people ask that might be helpful?
What you need to know about pain: a Guide for Patients and Families - MGH Cares About Pain Relief
FAQ's - Cancer-Pain.org

My mother is concerned about starting chemo and is worried she’ll vomit like people used to on chemo years ago. Any guidelines or tips I can read on this?
Nausea and Vomiting Treatment Guidelines for Patients with Cancer – NCCN
What Can I Do about Nausea and Vomiting? – ACS

I had some lymph nodes removed from under my arm and my arm seems swollen. My doctor told me that this is called lymphedema. Can you tell me exactly what that is?
What is lymphedema? - National Lymphedema Network
Lymphedema: What Every Woman with Breast Cancer Should Know – ACS

I have prostate cancer and have been told I have lymphedema. I thought only breast cancer patients got that?
Understanding Lymphedema (For Cancers Other Than Breast Cancer) - ACS

I’ve started treatment and so far my appetite is fine. I had always heard that loss of appetite was a common side effect of treatment. I would like some information, just in case.
Anorexia – cancersmptoms.org

Do all chemotherapy drugs make people lose their hair?
Hair Loss - American Cancer Society

I’ve heard there’s a catalogue online that has wigs, hats and other items in it?
“tlc” Tender Loving Care – ACS

I need to find a salon in my area that will fit me for a wig. Is there a list?
Find Local Resources - American Cancer Society
Click on “Prostheses and Accessories” and then enter your zip code. You will get a list of wig resources as well as breast prosthesis vendors.

Do you have a list of websites, books, and other resources on managing side effects?
Information Finder on Managing Side Effects

Revised 2008