This treatment is usually given in regular cycles.
Heres what it’s crucial that you know about what happens during chemotherapy.
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What Is Chemotherapy?
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Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses chemicals to attack and kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment because the medication travels throughout your body.
This is different from surgery that affects one specific area of the body.
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.
Chemotherapy fights cancer by interrupting the cell cycle.
Any time a new cell is formed, it goes through the process of becoming a mature cell.
During this period of maturing, chemotherapy targets cells at different points in the cell cycle.
Fortunately, normal cells can recover from the effects of chemotherapy.
Cancer cells, on the other hand, cannot.
Chemotherapy works by targeting and killing fast-growing cells in the body.
It does this by interrupting the cell cycle.
The first goal of chemotherapy is always to cure cancer.
However, a cure is not always possible.
How It Controls Cancer
The next goal of chemotherapy is to control cancer.
Finally, the last goal of chemotherapy is to provide palliative care.
In cases ofadvanced cancer, chemo may be used to provide better pain control and comfort.
This is possible when chemotherapy shrinks a large tumor to relieve pain or shortness of breath.
What Happens During Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy drugs can also cause harm to anyone who handles them or comes in contact with them.
The health provider who administers your treatment will likely wear protective clothing and goggles or a face shield.
This is referred to as combination chemotherapy.
How Do I Know What throw in I Need?
Chemotherapy is usually given in regular intervals known as cycles.
A cycle often includes a day of treatment followed by several days to recover.
This gives your body a chance to rest and recover from any side effects.
This may include trying a new drug.
During a chemotherapy appointment, you will receive chemotherapy from a healthcare provider.
It is also possible to take oral chemotherapy at home.
How Long Does the Treatment Last?
Chemotherapy treatments may be given daily, weekly, or monthly.
Most treatments require recovery time afterward.
Ask your medical team how to best prepare for your first chemotherapy appointment.
Ask your doctor if there is any reason that you should avoid food before treatment.
Each person is different, and your chemotherapy regimen will be unique to you.
Let your doctor know as soon as you develop any new side effects.
There are medications available to relieve some of the symptoms due to chemotherapy.
Many chemotherapy side effects resolve quickly.
However, some are long term and may last for months or even years.
Occasionally, the side effects from chemotherapy are permanent.
Possible permanent complications include heart damage, lung damage, kidney damage, and infertility.
Its important to stay in close contact with your medical team during and after chemotherapy treatment cycles.
This means that you and anyone else who comes in contact with your bodily fluids must take precautions.
This is not always possible.
After using the restroom, flush the toilet twice and then keep the lid closed when not in use.
If you vomit into the toilet, flush twice and wipe away any splashes.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom or coming in contact with any of your bodily fluids.
Any clothing items or bed linens with bodily fluids on them must be washed right away.
If that is not possible, keep them sealed in two plastic bags.
After chemotherapy, you may experience short-term side effects, long-term side effects, or both.
Summary
Chemotherapy is a powerful cancer treatment that can lead to significant side effects.
Chemotherapy works by targeting fast-growing cells.
This is because cancer cells tend to reproduce quickly.
The three goals of chemotherapy are to cure cancer, control cancer, and provide palliative care.
Undergoing a round of chemotherapy is exhausting, so seek out support where you’re able to.
Talk with your doctor if you experience side effects, and never hesitate to ask questions.
There is no set time limit on chemotherapy treatment.
Talk with your medical team about the right treatment schedule for you.
Chemotherapy is able to destroy cancer cells by targeting and changing their DNA.
By damaging the DNA of the cancer cell, chemotherapy can cause the cell to die and stop reproducing.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy side effects.
American Cancer Society.How chemotherapy drugs work.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy safety.
American Cancer Society.How is chemotherapy used to treat cancer?
American Cancer Society.Getting oral or topical chemotherapy.
American Cancer Society.Getting IV or injectable chemotherapy.
