Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that destroy cancer cells. Cancer allows abnormal cells in the body to divide and multiply uncontrollably; chemotherapy destroys cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also harm healthy cells — this is what causes side effects.
Chemotherapy, also known as anticancer drugs, is often used in combination with other treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, and/or biological therapy. In combination, chemotherapy can help shrink a tumor before surgery or destroy cancer cells remaining after surgery or radiation therapy.
If your doctor recommends chemotherapy, there are a few things to discuss beforehand:
- Why do I need chemotherapy?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- Are there any other treatment options for my type of cancer?
- What is the standard care/procedure for dealing with my type of cancer?
- How long will treatments last?
- Where and how will I get my treatments?
- What are the potential side effects? How can they be eased?
Bring a friend or family member with you when you talk to your doctor — another set of ears can help keep track of what the doctor says and help you understand things you may be confused about. Be sure to ask your doctor for printed information about your cancer and the treatment options, for you to review later. Feel free to take notes, or even bring a tape recorder so you can review what was discussed at a later date. Always feel free to ask as many questions as you want — there are no stupid questions, especially when it comes to your health! You may want to keep a running list of questions between doctor visits.
Once you begin chemotherapy, you may want to have a friend or family member drive you to and from treatment. Some medicines that deal with side effects can make you sleepy and unable to drive. The chemotherapy itself may leave you feeling fatigued — you may want to take off work the day of and the day after your treatment. Most people can continue working while receiving chemotherapy, but you may need to adjust your work schedule based on the severity and duration of side effects.
And speaking of side effects, don’t assume the treatment isn’t working if you don’t have side effects! Some people have severe side effects; others have mild side effects. Ask your doctor about your test results and progress.