Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer medication to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. It may involve the use of one drug; however, therapy may be combined to include several drugs.

Like radiation therapy, chemotherapy may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery and radiation; or, after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Depending on your specific type of cancer; it's size and location; and your overall health; your physician will be able to assess which drugs are best for you. As with any physician office visit, inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking. Be sure to include over the counter medications such as vitamins, analgesics, laxatives, etc.

Chemotherapy may be administered in your doctor's office, or at an outpatient hospital clinic. It is a systemic treatment (i.e. it travels throughout the bloodstream) and can be taken as a pill; administered into the body intravenously; or injected into a muscle or subcutaneously underneath the skin. It may be necessary to receive chemotherapy every day, every week, or every month for a specified amount of time, depending on the kind of cancer that you have. In order to obtain the desired effect of chemotherapeutic agents, it is imperative to adhere to the specific schedule that your physician prescribes. If you can't do so, contact your physician for advice.

During your therapy, you may experience one or more side effects which are dependent on the particular types of drugs received. Since chemotherapy affects other rapid growing cells such as white blood cells; cells that line the mouth and digestive tract; and, cells in hair follicles, specific side effects may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, decreased energy and/or mouth sores.

Side effects are not an indication that the chemotherapy is working or not working; nor does every patient experience the same types of side effects or degrees of severity. Discuss possible side effects with your physician before beginning treatment. Report any side effects that occur during the course of treatment to your physician, as some may require you to seek immediate medical attention.