what happens during chemo treatment

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What are the dangers of chemotherapy?

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What to expect when having chemotherapy?

blood tests to check how well your kidneys and liver are working and the number of blood cells. x-rays and scans to check that you are fit for treatment and see how the tumour is responding to treatment. For some chemotherapy drugs you may also have: heart monitoring tests to see if the drugs are affecting your heart.

What precautions should you take during chemotherapy treatment?

• The earlier cancer is detected, the sooner it can be managed.
• Delay in initiating treatment may turn curable cancer into incurable cancer.
• Holding or delaying ongoing cancer treatment can lead to the progression of well-controlled cancer.
• Operable cancer might become inoperable if you delay your cancer surgery leading to worse outcomes.

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What to expect after first round of chemotherapy?

• Avoid people with colds or other infections. Chemotherapy weakens your body's immune system. Your immune system helps fight infections.
• Drink lots of fluids for 48 hours after chemotherapy. This helps move the drugs through your body.
• Whether there are activities to do or avoid doing on future treatment days.

Before You Start Chemotherapy

Meeting with your oncologist. Before you start chemotherapy, you will meet with your medical oncologist. He or she will review your medical records...

Questions to Ask Before Chemotherapy Starts

Before chemotherapy starts is a good time to ask questions. These may include: 1. Learning more about the schedule and side effects of your specifi...

Planning For Your Chemotherapy Treatments

Preparing for side effects. Depending on the most common side effects of your chemotherapy, your doctor may recommend planning for nausea and vomit...

What Happens on Your First Day of IV Chemotherapy

You may want to bring a friend or family member on your first day of treatment. This person can support you and help you remember information. You...

Giving Chemotherapy With A Port

Before your first appointment, you might have minor surgery to put in a port. This is a round metal or plastic disk that the IV goes in during trea...

How Long Does IV Chemotherapy take?

Your IV chemotherapy can take minutes, hours, or several days if you have continuous infusion chemotherapy. You do not need to stay at the hospital...

After Your IV Chemotherapy

After your treatment is finished, the nurse or another team member will take out your IV. If you have a port, it will stay until you finish all of...

What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses chemicals to attack and kill cancer cells.

How Does It Work?

Chemotherapy fights cancer by targeting and killing fast-growing cells in the body. This is because cancer cells grow and divide quickly. Unfortunately, that means that chemotherapy also targets healthy cells in the body. When healthy cells are destroyed, side effects occur.

Types of Chemotherapy

Alkylating agents: These drugs keep cells from reproducing by damaging their DNA.

What Happens During Chemotherapy?

During a chemotherapy appointment, your healthcare provider will explain the drug being used, how long treatment will last, and which side effects may occur.

The Ways Patients Can Receive Chemo

IV push: The medication is given through an intravenous catheter with a syringe over a few minutes.

How Long Does the Treatment Last?

Your treatment schedule will depend on your type of cancer, how advanced it is, and how well your body is responding to treatment. Chemotherapy treatments may be given daily, weekly, or monthly. Most treatments require recovery time afterward.

Long- and Short-Term Symptoms of Chemotherapy

It’s helpful to remember that while there is a long list of possible side effects, you may experience very few. Each person is different, and your chemotherapy regimen will be unique to you.

How does chemotherapy work?

In general, chemotherapy medications work by attacking cells, or by preventing cells from growing and dividing . Cancer cells tend to grow and divide rapidly and uncontrollably.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Here are five common side effects and why they occur. 1. Anemia. Red blood cells provide your body with oxygen from the lungs. If chemotherapy harms red blood cells and lowers red blood cell counts, anemia occurs.

What is the treatment for cancer that can't be eliminated?

Palliative: If the cancer cells can’t be eliminated, treatment may focus on relieving symptoms or slowing cancer growth. Chemotherapy is often just one part of a larger treatment plan. It may be given with other treatments like radiation, surgery, or other medications.

What are the cells that are affected by chemo?

Here are some of the main types of healthy cells that chemotherapy impacts: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. hair cells. cells that make up the mucus membranes of the mouth, throat, and digestive system. The damage that chemotherapy causes ...

What is the goal of chemo?

The goal of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer, its location, and a person’s unique circumstances. Based on the specific goal, there are three main categories of chemotherapy treatment: Curative: The therapy attempts to destroy all cancer cells, so that a person is cancer-free.

Why is it important to take care of your body during chemotherapy?

It’s important for people getting chemotherapy to take steps to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands regularly, avoid crowded places, and stay away from people who may be sick.

Does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?

Chemotherapy treatments can’t differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells. That’s why chemotherapy harms or kills healthy cells, as well as cancer cells. Many common side effects of chemotherapy are caused by the treatment’s impact on healthy cells. These side effects include anemia, a weakened immune system, hair loss, and nausea.

Why is chemotherapy used?

To prepare you for other treatments. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor so that other treatments, such as radiation and surgery, are possible. Doctors call this neoadjuvant therapy. To ease signs and symptoms. Chemotherapy may help relieve signs and symptoms of cancer by killing some of the cancer cells.

What is the purpose of chemotherapy?

After other treatments, to kill hidden cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used after other treatments, such as surgery, to kill any cancer cells that might remain in the body. Doctors call this adjuvant therapy. To prepare you for other treatments. Chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor so that other treatments, such as radiation and surgery, ...

Why is chemo used for bone marrow transplant?

Chemotherapy is often used to prepare for a bone marrow transplant. Immune system disorders. Lower doses of chemotherapy drugs can help control an overactive immune system in certain diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the best treatment for skin cancer?

Chemotherapy creams. Creams or gels containing chemotherapy drugs can be applied to the skin to treat certain types of skin cancer. Chemotherapy drugs used to treat one area of the body. Chemotherapy drugs can be given directly to one area of the body.

How is chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy is most often given as an infusion into a vein (intravenously). The drugs can be given by inserting a tube with a needle into a vein in your arm or into a device in a vein in your chest.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Overview. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available.

What doctor do you see during chemotherapy?

You'll meet with your cancer doctor (oncologist) regularly during chemotherapy treatment. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing, since many can be controlled. Depending on your situation, you may also undergo scans and other tests to monitor your cancer during chemotherapy treatment.

What to do after chemo?

After the chemotherapy is finished, the nurse will "flush" your IV line with saline and then de-access your port or take out your IV.

How long after chemo can you go home?

They may have you wait 30 minutes after the chemotherapy is done to make sure you don't have any reactions to the medications. At that point, you can go home. Again, depending on your pre-medications and chemotherapy, you may have lots of energy or may feel very sleepy later in the day.

How early can you get blood work done for chemo?

First, you may be told to show up a couple of hours early to get blood work drawn. This is to make sure you're able to get your chemotherapy treatment.#N#It can be a pain, but, believe me, it's in your best interest.#N#Use the extra time to relax before you go to your chemotherapy appointment.#N#When you arrive at the infusion floor and they have your lab results and a room available, you'll be called back to have your vital signs taken.#N#Once you are cleared at the vitals station, you will be taken to your chemotherapy room for your infusion.#N#At MD Anderson, you will have a TV, Internet access, a bed or a recliner and best of all warm blankets.#N#They also have food service at lunch and dinner if you're hungry.#N#At MD Anderson, you're allowed to have one caregiver with you in the infusion room.

How long does it take for chemo to arrive?

It usually takes at least 30 minutes for the drugs to arrive. Some of the pre-medications may be steroids, anti- nausea medications and/or anxiety medications.

How do nurses start chemotherapy?

Your nurse will begin with a saline solution through your IV. As soon as the medications are delivered, your nurse will hang the bags of medication on the IV stand and then start the different IVs. You'll be given pre-medications first, then the chemotherapy.

Is chemotherapy a word?

Chemotherapy. It's not a word people want to hear and certainly not something they want to go through. But, for those of us with cancer, we often don't have a choice. I remember how terrified I was of getting my first chemotherapy treatment. Would I be sick?

Can steroids make you sleepy?

The steroids may give you energy; the allergy drugs and anti-anxiety drugs may make you sleepy. It's important that you have a caregiver with you to get you to and from chemotherapy the first time, as you don't know how you'll feel after you're done.

How does chemo work?

Also called “chemo,” it’s a way to treat cancerthat uses drugsto kill cancercells. How does chemotherapy work? It targets cells that grow and divide quickly, as cancercells do. Unlike radiation or surgery, which target specific areas, chemo can work throughout your body.

What is the goal of chemo?

The goal of treatment: cure, control growth, or ease pain. The type of chemotherapy. The way your body responds to the treatment. You may have chemotherapy in “cycles,” which means a period of treatment and then a period of rest. For example, a 4-week cycle may be 1 week of treatment and then 3 weeks of rest.

What is chemo therapy?

Chemotherapy ("Chemo") uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Learn more about how it works, what to expect during treatment, common side effects, and other FAQs. Skip to main content . Check Your Symptoms . Find A Doctor .

How is chemotherapy delivered?

It may be delivered by a special machine that bombards parts of your body from the outside, or by putting radioactive material on, near, and even inside your body. Biological therapy:Living material in the form of bacteria, vaccines, or antibodiesare carefully introduced to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used to:

What is the term for shrinking a tumor?

Chemotherapy may be used to: Shrink a tumor before radiation therapy or surgery -- called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery or radiation therapy -- called adjuvant chemotherapy. Make other therapies (biological or radiation) more effective.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Sometimes, it treats cancer by itself, but more often it’s used in combination with: Surgery:A doctor removes cancerous tumors or tissue, or organs contaminated with cancerous cells. Radiation therapy: A doctor uses invisible radioactive particles to kill cancer cells.

Where is chemo injected?

Intrathecal(IT) chemotherapy:Medicine is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is found in the area surrounding the spinal cord and the brain. Intravenous (IV):The chemotherapy goes directly into a vein.

How long does it take for chemo to leave the body?

Most chemotherapy medications will be out of your body in less than 48 hours. We have outlined general precautions that you should follow during your infusion and for 2 days (48 hours) after your chemotherapy is done.

How to get rid of chemo rash on skin?

Skin Care. Skin can become irritated from chemotherapy. If you get chemotherapy or body wastes on your skin, wash the body part with soap and water, then dry. Call your doctor if there is redness or irritation on the skin that lasts longer than one hour.

What should a pregnant woman wear for chemotherapy?

Pregnant or breast feeding women should wear Nitrile® gloves and gowns when caring for patients receiving chemotherapy. This includes changing chemotherapy bags, discarding wastes and cleaning body substances such as diapers and "baby spit".

How to know if you have a symtom?

Call your doctor for if have the following symptoms: 1 Any symptom that concerns you 2 A fever of 100.5 Fahrenheit or greater (38.05 C). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a temperature, do not delay 3 Bleeding or unusual bruising 4 Burning pain when you urinate 5 Constipation (no bowel movement in 2-3 days) 6 Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) for more than 24 hours 7 Nausea, vomiting or unable to eat or drink for more than 24 hours 8 Pain not controlled by your medications 9 Redness, pain or sores in your mouth 10 Unusual cough, sore throat, lung congestion or shortness of breath

Can you flush a toilet twice after chemotherapy?

If you are exposed to any body wastes, wash the body part with soap and water. Others in your household may use the same toilet as long as you close the lid and flush twice.

Is it sad to end cancer treatment?

You are probably relieved to be finished with the demands of treatment and are ready to put the experience behind you. Yet at the same time, you may feel sad and worried. It's common to be concerned about whether the cancer will come back and what you should do after treatment.

Can you go home after infusion?

It also has suggestions about caring for yourself during treatment. Once your infusion is done you can go home. Your doctor will review what you can expect after treatment.

How to prepare for chemo?

be unique, I hope these tips help you feel a little more prepared for your own chemotherapy journey. 1. Prepare Your Chemo Bag . Like packing for a trip, packing a chemo bag can make you feel a little more prepared for the experience. Most chemo days will be extremely long ...

How to get your teeth cleaned before chemo?

Chemo can wreck havoc on your mouth and you will not be cleared to return to the dentist until 3-4 after your last chemotherapy session. This is a precaution to avoid a bacterial bloodstream infection.

How to deal with cancer?

3. Take Care of Your Mental Health 1 Familiarize yourself with calming breathing exercises. Check out this video guide I led. 2 Incorporate mindfulness practices 3 Educate yourself on the mental side of cancer can make the feelings themself feel less daunting. You are not along in these feelings and they are not abnormal 4 Read my post about Managing Cancer Induced Stress & Anxiety 5 Talk to a mental health professional - if the person has experience with cancer patients that is even better (check with your cancer center for referrals) 6 Talk to your doctor about medications you can try. I have been on a low dose Citalopram since the end of chemo and it helped so much. I was also on Ativan for the panic attacks during active treatment. 7 Determine what tools calm you and helps process your emotions. I liked journalling, listening to guided meditation tracks during appointments and reading inspirational stories

What to drink before chemo?

Drinking lots of water, green tea (unsweetened) or bone broth* can really help. Drinking lots of liquid before, during and after chemotherapy sessions can also alleviate feelings of nausea and help flush the toxins out ...

Can you use biotene toothpaste during chemo?

This is a precaution to avoid a bacterial bloodstream infection. Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste are wonderful during chemotherapy for maintaining dental care and they won't irritate sensitive gums or mouth sores (another common side effect). 5. Prepare for Hair Loss.

Can chemo make your skin sensitive?

Chemotherapy can make your skin extremely sensitive and "fragrance" can be a term used to conceal chemicals that may have an adverse effect on your skin. If your face is particular dry, check out this DIY face mask post for an at home solution to dry sensitive skin.

Is cancer mental health?

Take Care of Your Mental Health. Anxiety, grief, sadness, anger... so much of the cancer experience is mental. While we focus so much on the physical symptoms to expect from chemo, we can gloss over the mental impacts. All of the emotional trauma is a normal part of the chemo experience but many people are not prepared.

How does chemotherapy work?

It works by using strong drugs to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide more quickly than many healthy cell types. However, it’s still possible for chemotherapy to target healthy cells that also divide quickly. Some examples include cells in the digestive tract, immune system, ...

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

When this happens, it can lead to side effects like lowered immunity, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. There are certain precautions that you can take to limit your side effects and help make treatment safer. We’ll explore nine things to avoid during chemotherapy treatment.

How to stop chemotherapy?

Avoid gyms. Since chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, it’s a good idea to avoid crowded gyms during your treatment. Know when to stop. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain during your workout, stop the workout and speak with your doctor about other ways to stay active.

What to do during chemotherapy?

These include things like eating a nutritious diet, staying active, and using support services like counseling and support groups. Last medically reviewed on May 5, 2021.

Why is it important to keep up with your body during chemotherapy?

Because of this, you’ll need to have extra calories and protein in your diet.

Can chemotherapy drugs cause urine?

Because of this, it’s possible for these drugs to be present in various body fluids, including urine, stool, and vomit during this time. Because chemotherapy drugs can affect healthy cells, coming into contact with them in various body fluids can be potentially harmful to yourself or others.

Does smoking affect chemotherapy?

As such, smoking during chemotherapy can negatively impact your treatment. One way that it can do this is by making side effects worse.

How to lose weight after chemo?

Work with a dietitian or nutritionist and add strength training exercises to your workout routine to help you shed some pounds. Energy. You probably remember the fatigue that hit you while you were getting chemo. But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends.

How long does chemo rash last?

Some side effects of chemotherapy only happen while you're having treatment and disappear quickly after it's over. But others can linger for months or years or may never completely go away. Watch out for signs of chemo's long-term changes, and let your doctor know how you feel.

Does chemo cause heart problems?

Heart. Certain chemo drugs can damage cells in your heart. Chemotherapy may also increase your odds of having heart problems, such as: Weakening of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy) Problems with your heart rhythm ( arrhythmia) Heart attack.

Does hair go back to normal after chemo?

But it's possible that at first it may not look like it used to. Its texture, shape, and color may be different. Over time, as the effects of the chemo on your hair follicles wear off, your hair will probably go back to the way it was before treatment. In rare cases, such as after years of strong chemotherapy, your hair follicles could shut down.

Does chemo make you gain weight?

Weight. Some types of chemo can make you put on extra pounds. You may find that the weight stays on even when your treatment ends. For instance, some drugs that treat breast cancer can cause you to lose muscle and gain fat, which makes it much more difficult to get the weight off.

Can you have children after chemo?

If chemo kills the immature stem cells in your testicles that become new sperm, you may become infertile, which means you can't have children . If you're a woman, chemotherapy can damage your eggs and harm your ovaries. You may stop having regular menstrual cycles after treatment.

Can chemotherapy make you tired?

But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends. You may find that even when you get enough rest, you still feel sluggish. Talk to your doctor for suggestions on how to raise your energy level. Chemotherapy can affect your ability to have children, whether you're a man or woman.

Overview

Why It's Done

Risks

How You Prepare

What You Can Expect

Results

• You'll meet with your cancer doctor (oncologist) regularly during chemotherapy treatment. Your oncologist will ask about any side effects you're experiencing, since many can be controlled. Depending on your situation, you may also undergo scans and other tests to monitor your cancer during chemotherapy treatment. These tests can give your doctor an...

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