This accounts for common side effects like mouth sores, nausea, and hair loss.
It also offers tips on how to cope and speak with your cancer specialist about chemotherapy.
Local treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy, treat cancer where it begins.
Isaac Lane Koval/Corbis/VCG / Getty Images
Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, meaning toxic to cells.
They work by interfering with the cell division of any rapidly growing cells in the body.
These includemicrometastasesthat may not be spotted in imaging studies.
Chemotherapy is also invaluable in the treatment of blood cancers like leukemia that freely circulate in the bloodstream.
Cancer cells that grow rapidly respond well to chemotherapy.
In contrast, slow-growing cancers, like certain types of lymphoma, respond less well or not at all.
Cancer cells in a tumor are not all in the same place in the process of growth.
Combination Chemotherapy Acronyms
Acronyms are often used to describe chemotherapy protocols.
For example, BEACOPP is a seven-drug regimen used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How Chemotherapy Is Given
Chemotherapy may be given in several different ways depending on the particular drug.
Methods include:
How Long Does Chemotherapy Last?
Chemotherapy is typically given in a specialized infusion center.
Keep in mind that everyone responds to chemotherapy differently.
Some people may have several of these side effects, while others may have none.
Anti-nausea drugs (antiemetics) are frequently given along with chemotherapy drugs to prevent nausea.
Adjustment in diet can also help easechemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Some people deal with hair loss by preemptively shaving their heads or wearing a scarf or wig.
Others may be able to prevent it withscalp-cooling devicesthat may reduce hair follicle loss.
Since these are very rapidly dividing cells, all of them can be reduced by chemotherapy.
A few dietary adjustments can help ease symptoms.
There is also a product called “magic mouthwash” used to treat chemo-related mouth sores.
This affects roughly a third of people receiving chemotherapy.
Some drugs, most notably so-called platinum agents, are more likely to cause this.
Unlike many of the symptoms associated with chemotherapy, neuropathy often persists well after chemotherapy is completed.
The best way to deal with this is to stay out of the sun.
Radiation therapy to the chest may also increase the risk of heart-related problems.
ensure to have this discussionbeforestarting treatment.
These cancers often occur five to 10 years or more after chemotherapy has been completed.
Take a moment to consider what support you will need to keep your life running smoothly.
Reach out to friends for help with errands and childcare or to simply share your feelings.
To build a support team, launch a personal siteCaring Bridgeto share updates on how your treatment is going.
The treatment is delivered in cycles, most often by intravenous infusion but also by mouth or injection.
Support from your care team and loved ones can help you prepare for and cope with chemotherapy.
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