Understand what creates good communication between patients and their doctors.
Normal, healthy cells of the body grow and multiply in a controlled pattern. Cancer cells, however, grow out of control and without pattern. Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly growing cells and attack them. Cancer cells are damaged so badly that they can no longer grow or multiply.
How is treatment given?
Most chemotherapy is given at your doctor’s office or the hospital. It is usually given intravenously through a vein in your arm. Some patients may receive their drugs through a catheter, or through a central port, a small round disc placed under the skin and connected to a catheter. These can be left in place and used again, avoiding more “needle sticks.” A few chemotherapy drugs come in pill, capsule, or oral liquid form.
Why does chemotherapy cause side effects?
Chemotherapy drugs are good at killing cancer cells, but they can damage some healthy cells as well—especially more-rapid-growing cells like those that line your stomach. When this happens, nausea, vomiting, diminished appetite, poor blood clotting, fatigue, hair loss, or infection may occur. Some people may experience easy bruising, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, or mouth sores. For this reason, chemotherapy usually is given just a few days at a time. The time between treatments allows normal cells to recover.
Will it make me sick?
Every patient is different, but most experience at least some side effects. Some patients experience side effects within a day of beginning treatment. Others feel fine at first but then have a reaction a few days later. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse about all side effects whenever they occur.
