What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs or medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. Depending on the type of cancer and stage (how advanced it is), chemotherapy can:
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cure the cancer
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slow the growth of the cancer
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control the cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body
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destroy cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body from the original tumour
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relieve symptoms caused by the cancer
How is chemotherapy given?
Depending on the type of cancer and the drugs prescribed by the doctor, chemotherapy may be given in many ways:
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Injection with a syringe into the muscle in the arm, thigh and hip or under the skin in the fatty part of the arm, leg or belly
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Through an infusion (drip) into a vein
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In the form of tablets or capsules or liquids to be taken orally
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By application onto the skin
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By placing a catheter into the bladder or chest
Is it painful?
Receiving chemotherapy by mouth, injection or on the skin is no more painful than taking medicine by these methods. However, your vein may become hardened or sore after repeated intravenous injections. Be sure to report to the doctor or nurse any pain or discomfort that occurs during or after an injection or infusion.
How often do I receive chemotherapy?
You may receive chemotherapy daily, weekly or monthly. The treatment is often given in cycles, which includes a period of rest in-between each treatment cycle. This is to allow your body to regenerate new cells to replace normal cells that were affected by the chemotherapy drugs.
How long will the entire chemotherapy treatment last?
The duration of your chemotherapy treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have, the goals of the treatment, the drugs used, and the response of the cancer cells as well as the side effects you may have.
Do I need to stay in the hospital to receive chemotherapy?
Generally, chemotherapy is given in the outpatient clinic. However, you may need to stay in the hospital if your doctor feels that it is necessary to closely monitor your body response to chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy regimes may take many hours as the drug need to be infused over 24 hours for 4 to 5 days or longer. This can be done as an inpatient or outpatient.
How long does each chemotherapy session last?
How long it takes will depend on the type and the number of drugs used in your chemotherapy regime as well as how the drugs are given. Each treatment session may last from a few minutes to several hours, as some drugs are given as an intravenous infusion which may take a longer time.
Can I miss a chemotherapy session or skip a dose of medication?
It is very important to keep to the chemotherapy schedule prescribed by your doctor. Missing a dose of drug may affect the effectiveness of the chemotherapy regimen.
Sometimes, your next cycle of chemotherapy has to be delayed due to low blood counts or severe side effects. Your doctor may then consider adjusting the dosage and he will discuss this with you.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you miss a dose of medication. He will advise you on the most appropriate course of action. Do not try to take a double dose of the medication on the next visit.
Can I take other medication while on chemotherapy?
Some medicine, including over-the-counter medicine, herbal and traditional medicine, may interfere with the effects of drugs used in chemotherapy or they may have their own unsafe effects too. It is therefore important to let your doctor know exactly what other medicine you are taking before starting or while you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Can I take vitamin and mineral supplements?
It is advisable to obtain your vitamin and minerals from your DAILY DIET rather than from supplements.dbo. Do inform your doctor of any supplements you may be taking.
Can I drink alcohol?
It is advisable to avoid alcohol while you are undergoing chemotherapy as alcohol may interact with some of the chemotherapy drugs.
Will I have to adjust my diet while on chemotherapy?
Generally, there is no need to adjust your diet. However you may be required to adjust your diet in the event that you experience certain side effects.
One point to note: as chemotherapy will weaken your immune system, it is important to avoid any uncooked or raw food (such as sushi etc) to prevent infection. Bacteria present in uncooked food are usually killed by the cooking process. All vegetables and fruits should be carefully washed for the same reason.
It is also very important to have a well-balanced diet while you are undergoing chemotherapy. People who eat well can cope with the side effects better and can fight infection more effectively. Moreover, having sufficient nutrients, especially proteins, will ensure that your body rebuilds tissues faster.
All information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your doctor.
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