Chemotherapy
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionChemotherapy is medicine(s) used to kill cancer cells. It is toxic to fast-growing cancer cells. However, it can also affect fast-growing health cells, like blood cells. Reasons for Procedure TOPIt may be the main treatment or part of an overall plan. It can be used to:
Side Effects TOPThe medicine attacks fast-growing cells. It can also hurt healthy cells. This can cause side effects. Side effects vary. It depends on the type of medicine and which healthy cells are affected. Damage to healthy cells that line the mouth, stomach, and intestines can cause:
Healthy blood cells can be damaged. Damage to blood cells can lead to:
Damage to healthy cells at the root of hairs can cause hair loss. Other areas may be harmed:
The medical team will choose a plan that works best and has the fewest problems. Other methods may also help manage problems. What to Expect TOPPrior to ProcedureYou may need medicine before treatment:
Description of the ProcedureThe medical team will talk to you about the best way to give you the medicines. They may be given by:
How Long Will It Take? TOPThe time it will take depends on the type of treatment, the number of medicines, and the amount needed. Will It Hurt? TOPGiving you the medicine will usually not cause pain. Side effects may start in the hours and days after. Average Hospital Stay TOPMost often, you can leave after the medicine is given to you. You may need to stay in a hospital for some treatments. This may be about 2-3 days. You may need to stay in the hospital if there are problems, such as vomiting. Post-procedure Care TOPAt the HospitalAfter you are given medicine, you may get:
At HomeThe time it takes you to feel better will depend on the treatment you had and how your body responds. Some people will need more rest than others. You may be able to do regular activities or they may be very impacted. Follow-up tests will show how the treatment is working. It can also help to find any complications. The tests will help guide future treatments. Call Your Doctor TOPTalk to your doctor if you are having problems such as:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:BC Cancer Agency http://www.bccancer.bc.ca Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca References:Chemotherapy. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy.html. Accessed October 9, 2017. Chemotherapy and you: Support for people with cancer.
National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/chemo-and-you. Updated June 2011.
Accessed October 9, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 5/15/2018 | |
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