Chemotherapy agents typically target cells that are growing and dividing rapidly. The cells that line the digestive system, make hair, and fight viruses and bacteria typically grow at a very rapid rate, so these are often affected by chemotherapy agents. Therefore, patients who are receiving chemotherapy often experience digestive problems (nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea), hair loss, and changes in the color and thickness of their hair, as well as decreases in immune system function (increased rate of infections). Other common side effects include slower wound healing, anemia (reduction in the number of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body), and fatigue.