Chemotherapy and its effects

Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to treat cancer. It is a systemic treatment; which means that the drugs travel through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. These medicines prevent and control rapidly growing cancer cells. Certain normal cells also grow rapidly, and are maybe temporarily affected by the drugs. This is the reason for the experience of side effects.

Chemotherapy drugs are given in cycles; that is, a combination of drugs may be given every 3 weeks or two weeks or once a month. Chemotherapy cycles are carefully scheduled to allow normal cells to recover and to allow reduced white blood cell count to rebound back to an acceptable range.

Chemotherapy aims at:

• Destroying all cancer cells especially small cells that may have sustained through the surgery
• Decreasing the chances of the cancer coming back
• Controlling the growth and the spread of the tumor
• Reducing the size of the tumor so that surgery may be performed

Chemotherapy is primarily given intravenously; thus there is a need to start an IV line. Some people have veins that are difficult to access. If this is the case, make sure to have plenty of fluids before having the IV placed. A warm towel around the arm will also help the veins relax and enlarge. Once the IV is placed, there is no pain. If you do feel any pain or notice leakage or swelling, inform the nurses immediately.

REMEMBER: People react to treatment in different ways. Not everyone undergoing chemotherapy will experience all the side effects.

Different chemotherapy drugs have different side effects. It is helpful to ask your doctor about the specific side effects which may be caused by your own treatment. It is important to remember that you probably won't get every side effect that is listed. Each individual reacts differently. For some people, the side effects are minimal while others experience no side effects at all. Thus, everyone taking chemotherapy has:

• Different drugs
• Different doses
• Their own treatment plan