A question about chemotherapy...?

[The Bunny]

My dad starts chemo for bowel cancer in the next couple of weeks. I've read up on side effects etc but is there anything more unexpected which might crop up? I'm pretty far away from him and would like to reassure him as much as possible....thanks.

[Spreedog]

Which chemotherapy regimen is your dad receiving for his bowel cancer?
People often think chemotherapy is one thing.
There are currently more than 75 different drugs used in hundreds of different combinations for more than 200 types of malignant diseases.
The oncologist and the oncology nurses should be explaining the possible side effects of the regimen chosen to treat his specific case.
If you are far away and have not been able to go to the oncology office with your dad, he may be better informed than you are.
Reading up does not truly predict what may occur in any one person's case.
Long experience is the best teacher.
Unexpected problems can develop since each individual is special and quite different from everyone else, but experience in the medical care team can usually deal with things as they come up.

[Tigerlily]

Give NHS Direct a call, they can tell you factually, rather than some idiots you get on here. Best wishes to your dad x