How is breast cancer chemo done?
Chemotherapy for breast cancer uses drugs to target and destroy breast cancer cells. These drugs are usually injected directly into a vein through a needle or taken by mouth as pills. Chemotherapy for breast cancer frequently is used in addition to other treatments, such as surgery, radiation or hormone therapy.
What is the first step in breast cancer treatment?
Surgery. Surgery is usually the first step in treating early breast cancer. You may have mastectomy (the entire breast is removed) or lumpectomy (only the tumor and some surrounding tissue are removed).
How do you explain breast cancer to a child?
Talking to ChildrenPlan out the conversation in advance. ... Use direct, simple language to define what cancer is, where it is in your body, and how it will be treated. ... Make sure children know that the cancer isn't their fault and they cannot “catch” it. ... Tell children how treatment for cancer will affect you.More items...•
What stage of breast cancer do you start chemo?
Chemotherapy – In most cases, chemotherapy is the first step for Stage 3 breast cancers, followed by surgery and other treatments. Chemotherapy helps destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Surgery – While a lumpectomy can be an option in some cases at this stage, a mastectomy is most likely.
What happens after first chemo treatment for breast cancer?
Following Your First Treatment “You may not feel side effects right away, but your body is hard at work, battling alongside your new medication.” Patients often ask how much time they will need away from work or how much help they will need at home.
How many rounds of chemo is normal for breast cancer?
Typically, you receive chemotherapy in cycles. You may receive chemo every week or every two, three or even four weeks. Cycles are usually two to three treatments long. Each cycle includes a rest period to allow your body to recover.
How do you explain chemotherapy to a child?
Kids in this age group tend to think in concrete terms, so try to explain your treatment plan using very simple words. The attention span of preschoolers is short, so keep conversations brief. For example, you might describe chemotherapy as a "good medicine" that will fight bad cells or "make mom's sickness go away."
Can 13 year olds get breast cancer?
It's almost unheard of for girls ages 14 years and younger to develop breast cancer. The chances increase slightly as girls move through their teenage years, but breast cancer in this age group is still very rare.
What to say to a child who has cancer?
I read online it helps cure cancer. I know exactly how you feel. I don't know how you do it. I could never handle this....Positive things to say may include:I want to help you. ... I can't imagine how you must feel. ... You're handling this with so much courage and strength. ... I'm thinking of you.More items...•
How long does a chemo session last?
Some last as long as three or four hours, while others may only take a half-hour. Your doctor can provide an estimate of the time involved during your first consultation. Because of the effects of chemotherapy, you will receive regular blood work to make sure a chemotherapy session can be performed.
Is 4 cycles of chemo enough for breast cancer?
Four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy are sufficient for most breast cancer patients, according to results of a Phase III trial of 3,173 women reported at the CTCR-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
How many rounds of chemo is normal?
During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.