Chemotherapy for cancer, including Hodgkin's and Non-hodgkin's lymphoma, typically operates by targeting cells that divide rapidly. This affects cancer cells, but also affects certain cells within the body, including hair follicles, bone marrow, and the digestive tract. As a result, many of the side effects of chemotherapy revolve around these tissue groups. Everyone will respond differently to chemotherapy, but since it is designed to be cytotoxic (that is, designed to kill cells), chemotherapy will always cause harm to healthy tissues as it tackles cancerous cells. Some of the many side effects of chemotherapy include:
In addition to these not insignificant effects, chemotherapy can also result in damage to the organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and inner ear. Such damage may or may not be reversible, and will carry its own set of symptoms. An oncologist or chemotherapy support group will help a patient cope with the side effects of chemotherapy and may be able to provide advice on lessening the impact of those effects on a patient's life.
More Information at LymphomaInfo.net.