A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

CHEMOTHERAPY

Why is Chemotherapy performed ?

Chemotherapy uses particular medicines which enter the bloodstream and get to every part of the body. They then kill off the cancer cells by stopping them from growing and multiplying. There are two main situations where chemotherapy is useful. First, it is not always possible to remove all cancer cells when operations are done for tumours. Secondly, an operation may not be suitable for certain types of cancer. Sometimes, x-ray treatment (radiotherapy) will be used as well.

Preparations needed for Chemotherapy

You will probably receive your chemotherapy as an outpatient by making regular visits to the hospital or clinic. Sometimes it is necessary to have the treatment as an inpatient, especially if it is to be given as a series of injections. You can usually continue to work during the chemotherapy treatment. The length of the treatment depends on how well the cancer responds to the drugs. It may be necessary to try different drugs to find those which are best suited to the individual. Most chemotherapy treatment plans can be adapted so that any holidays or other arrangements do not need to be cancelled. Sometimes it is necessary to reduce activities and take life more slowly during this time. However, most people can lead a virtually normal life in every respect during their treatment. Usually it is safe to drink alcohol during chemotherapy treatment. However, some drugs interact with the alcohol, so check with the doctor.

What Happens during Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs may be given by mouth, by injection under the skin or into the muscle, or by injection into a vein using a drip. Some patients are given one or a combination of several drugs together during their treatment, but each treatment plan is tailor-made for the individual. Chemotherapy is usually given over several days, followed by a rest period which is longer than the treatment period. This allows the body time to recovery from any side-effects of the treatment.

Possible Complications of Chemotherapy

It is important to tell the doctor about any other tablets which you are taking, before the treatment is planned. Chemotherapy is not painful, but sometimes veins become sore and hard following injections. There are side-effects but these depend on the type of chemotherapy that is used. It is important to remember that every person is different and reacts differently to any treatment. Some people may have no side-effects at all. As well as affecting cancer cells, chemotherapy may affect normal cells. Bone marrow normally produces cells in your blood. Anti-cancer drugs can stifle the bone marrow and so lower the number of blood cells made. This is usually only a temporary problem. It is therefore necessary to have regular blood tests.

Some drugs discolour or inflame the skin at the site of the injection. Some can also damage the skin if they leak out of the vein during an injection. It is important that any pain during the treatment is reported. Chemotherapy drugs may affect the lining of the mouth which may become sore. It will be necessary to brush teeth carefully and use regular mouthwashes to prevent infections. It may be wise to avoid spicy foods and very hot or cold drinks. Some people notice that their sense of smell and taste are affected during treatment, but these return to normal after treatment. Nausea or actual vomiting may occur during treatment but this is a side-effect of one or two drugs only. It would therefore be wise for you to avoid a heavy meal just before treatment.

If you experience side-effects and lose your appetite, it is important to continue to drink as much as possible. Small frequent meals are better than one main meal. You may get diarrhoea or constipation with certain drugs but these can be counteracted with other tablets. Hair loss is for many people the most worrying side-effect, but is restricted to certain drugs. Hair loss may be partial or even complete, but is always temporary. It will grow again normally when the treatment is finished. Cooling of the scalp with ice packs is used in some types of chemotherapy treatments to prevent hair loss. Various wigs are available and you should choose these before treatment starts. Chemotherapy may affect the reproductive system and menstrual periods may become irregular or stop during treatment. It is still necessary to use contraceptive precautions because one should not become pregnant during chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy is dangerous to a developing baby.

In men, production of sperm can be reduced with some drugs. If there is a risk that this may be permanent, then it may be possible to bank (store) the sperm before treatment starts. Careful monitoring will be carried out during and after treatment by the doctor, by regular visits and blood tests. Any pain or other symptoms that develop should be reported immediately. Usually a chemotherapy nurse will give you the treatment. Should there be any queries or problems regarding the disease or treatment, please contact the hospital doctor or chemotherapy nurse for further advice and information.

After Chemotherapy

You will need to keep contact with the supervising doctor. Sometimes further courses of treatment will be necessary.

If Chemotherapy is not performed

Without chemotherapy, cancer cells are more active and destructive. This may result in rapidly worsening health. Doctors consider each person's condition carefully. They will not suggest chemotherapy for you unless they are fairly certain that there will be some benefit. In some types of tumour, the possibility of complete cure makes chemotherapy essential.