Managing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for mesothelioma, working to destroy fast-growing cancer cells and slow the spread of the disease.

While chemotherapy drugs can be effective for many patients, they don’t just target cancer — they also damage healthy cells, which can lead to a range of side effects.

Some of the most common include:

• Chemo brain (brain fog)
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Infections and bleeding
• Kidney problems
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash or itching

Practical Tips to Relieve Chemotherapy Side Effects

Each patient reacts differently to chemotherapy. Learn how to keep the side effects of chemotherapy treatment under control with support from your care team.

Chemo Brain (Brain Fog)

Some patients develop memory and concentration problems during or after treatment. This is commonly called “chemo brain.”

To manage chemo brain, you can try:

• Asking a family member or friend for help with more complex tasks.
• Resting when needed, since fatigue can make symptoms worse.
• Talking to your care team if you feel confused, forgetful, or depressed.
• Using notes, reminders, or smartphone apps to stay organized.

Memory issues usually improve after treatment ends, but some people experience this side effect for a year or longer.

Decreased Appetite

Chemotherapy sessions can cause nausea, dull your taste buds, or make your mouth and throat sore. All of these can reduce your appetite or make food unappealing.

For help with loss of appetite, try to:

• Drink calorie-dense liquids like smoothies, nutritional shakes, and fruit juices.
• Enhance flavors with herbs, sauces, and marinades.
• Focus on small, high-protein meals like avocado, yogurt, nuts, eggs, and peanut butter.
• Talk to your doctor about appetite stimulants if needed.

Undergoing cancer treatment can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide shipped overnight to feel more prepared for the road ahead.

Diarrhea

When chemotherapy drugs damage the intestinal lining, it can cause diarrhea.

To reduce this symptom:

• Avoid fried, high-fiber (beans, fruits, whole grains), high-fat (butter, cream sauces, oil), and spicy foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8-10 (8-ounce) glasses of water per day.
• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
• Stay away from caffeinated foods and drinks like coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, energy bars, matcha, and kombucha.
• Stick with the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

Call your doctor if you have 3 or more watery bowel movements in a day, diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, there’s blood in your stool, or you have severe abdominal pain.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common chemotherapy side effects. Repeated chemo sessions can lower your red blood cell count, leading to anemia, which reduces the amount of oxygen your body gets.

If you’re feeling fatigued from chemo, try to:

• Ask for help from family and friends.
• Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8-10 (8-ounce) glasses of water per day.
• Rest when needed, and take short 15-20 minute naps.
• Take walks outside or on a treadmill.

Hair Loss

Mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs can damage the fast-growing cells in hair follicles that help hair grow.

If you experience hair loss, you can:

• Avoid chemical treatments like dyeing or perming.
• Consider wigs, scarves, hats, or other head coverings.
• Protect your head from the sun.
• Sleep on silk pillowcases.
• Try scalp cooling with a cold cap.
• Use gentle hair products.

Hair may begin falling out 2-3 weeks into treatment, sometimes in clumps, and can affect the scalp, face, and body.

Increased Risk of Infection

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma may lower white blood cells, which are crucial for defending against germs and bacteria. This can increase the risk of infections and sometimes make them more serious than they would be otherwise.

Be sure to:

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs.
• Refrain from touching your eyes or nose with unwashed hands.
• Report any signs of infection to your doctor immediately (fever, rash, cough, diarrhea, or painful urination).
• Steer clear of crowds and anyone who is ill.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.
• Wear a mask in public places and practice social distancing when able.

Risk of Bleeding

Mesothelioma chemotherapy can lower the number of platelets in your blood​. Platelets are the cells that help your blood clot when you get a cut or injury.

With fewer platelets, you can bruise more easily, bleed from your nose or gums, or develop a rash of tiny red dots on your skin.

To minimize bleeding risk:

• Avoid contact sports or situations where bruising can occur.
• Be careful when using any sharp tools, such as nail clippers.
• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
• Use an electric shaver instead of a razor.
• Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet.

Call your doctor if you have bloody or black tarry stools, gum bleeding, blood in your urine, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.

Kidney Problems

Some chemotherapy drugs are filtered through the kidneys and bladder, where they can cause damage.

Be sure to:

• Drink plenty of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Report changes in urination, including volume, color, or the presence of blood.
• Alert your care team to symptoms like shortness of breath, numbness, vision changes, or chest pain.

Kidney side effects may improve after treatment, but in some cases, they can be long-lasting or permanent.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Chemotherapy mesothelioma side effects can also include muscle aches, joint pain, and nerve pain.

For pain, you can try:

• Applying hot or cold packs to affected areas.
• Asking your doctor about NSAIDs, steroids, and other types of pain management.
• Incorporating physical therapy to improve movement and reduce discomfort.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe or persistent pain or weakness.

Nausea and Vomiting

Mesothelioma chemotherapy can affect parts of the brain that control nausea or irritate the stomach lining. Nausea may occur immediately or later on, hours or even days after treatment.

To manage nausea:

• Ask your doctor about anti-nausea medications.
• Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
• Stay hydrated with at least 8-10 (8-ounce) glasses of water or electrolyte drinks daily.
• Try the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

Call your doctor if you vomit 3 or more times in a day, your symptoms last over 48 hours, or you experience severe abdominal pain.

Rash and Itching

Chemotherapy can irritate the skin or trigger inflammation, leading to rashes, dryness, peeling, or itching. A weakened immune system may worsen these issues.

To manage rash and itching:

• Apply fragrance-free moisturizers like Eucerin®, CeraVe®, or Aquaphor®.
• Avoid direct sun exposure; wear long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats.
• Talk to your doctor about antihistamines, chemo-safe sunscreens, and topical/oral steroids.
• Use cool compresses to soothe affected skin.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce irritation.

Let your mesothelioma care team know if you develop a rash or peeling skin.

Our Free Mesothelioma Guide provides expert-reviewed information on symptoms, support, legal help, and more — delivered right to your doorstep overnight.

Mesothelioma Hope Is Here to Help

For over 25 years, we’ve provided free resources to mesothelioma patients and their families.

If you’re experiencing side effects of treatment or are still trying to get a diagnosis, our team of Patient Advocates is here to help. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and recommend next steps.

Get support now — whether it’s a caring ear, recommendations for support groups, or connections to top doctors and attorneys.