By Sarah Lewis, Healthgrades
A Potent Weapon to Fight Cancer
Chemotherapy—or chemo—is using medicines to treat disease. Most commonly, it means using potent drugs to fight cancer. Chemotherapy can be a systemic cancer treatment, meaning it goes throughout your whole body to destroy cancer cells wherever it finds them. Chemotherapy can sometimes be a local cancer treatment for just a specific area.
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Chemotherapy Stops the Rapid Growth of Cancer Cells
[post_ads]Chemotherapy interferes with a cell’s ability to grow and divide. Cancer cells are growing and dividing out of control. Chemotherapy is effective at stopping this rapid growth. However, chemotherapy isn’t specific. This means that it can affect normal cells too. Normal cells that tend to grow and turn over quickly include cells of the hair follicles and linings of the mouth, nose, and digestive tract. This accounts for many side effects of chemotherapy.
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The Goal of Chemotherapy Depends on the Stage of Cancer
The goal of chemotherapy varies depending on the type of cancer and its stage. Chemotherapy may cure some cancers, especially in early stages. Cure means that your doctor can’t detect any cancer cells or their markers. Chemotherapy can also help control cancers that have spread by killing cancer cells throughout the body. Finally, chemotherapy can help ease the symptoms of terminal cancers.
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Chemotherapy Is Often Used in Combination With Other Treatments
Sometimes, doctors use chemotherapy alone to treat a cancer. More often, chemotherapy is part of a combination treatment plan. Doctors use chemotherapy before surgery or radiation to shrink a tumor and make it more manageable. This is neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Doctors can also use chemotherapy after surgery or radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells. This is adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Chemotherapy Can Be Given as an Injection, Pill or Liquid
Depending on the cancer, chemotherapy can be either systemic (throughout the body) or local. Doctors put local chemotherapy directly into the area with cancer. This includes injecting it into the spine, bladder or belly, or applying it on the skin. Systemic chemotherapy through an IV (intravenous) line is the more common method. Doctors also give systemic chemotherapy by a shot or in a pill or liquid form.
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Common Side Effects Include Fatigue, Nausea and Vomiting
[post_ads]People react to chemotherapy differently. It depends on the type and stage of cancer, your general health before starting chemotherapy, and the specific drug and dose. The most common side effects are fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor how to prevent and deal with side effects. Prepare for treatments by arranging a ride, planning for a few days of rest, and arranging child care if necessary.
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Chemotherapy May Affect Your Ability to Work
Many people are able to continue their normal routines during chemotherapy. But the side effects may make some days more difficult than others. Fortunately, some state and federal laws require employers to make adjustments in work schedules to accommodate cancer treatment. A social worker can provide guidance on your rights in this regard. You can also learn more by contacting the American Cancer Society.
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Chemotherapy May Interact With Your Other Medications
As with any drug treatment, interactions with other medications are possible. It depends on the specific chemotherapy drug and the medicines you take regularly. It’s a good idea to make a list of all your medicines. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Keep the list up-to-date and talk to your doctor and pharmacist about it on a regular basis. Ask about drug interactions with your chemotherapy regimen.
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Keep Healthy Habits to Feel Your Best
Strategies for feeling good and staying health vary for each person. Talk with your doctor about the right approach for you. Some people feel better getting light exercise, such as walking or yoga. But balance exercise with plenty of rest. Pay attention to nutrition and make a meal schedule for the day. Some people benefit from many smaller meals throughout the day. Drink plenty of fluids and pay extra attention to hand washing and hygiene because chemotherapy can make you more prone to infection.
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Be Proactive
Chemotherapy regimens can vary widely. There are numerous chemotherapy drugs and countless combinations. And people’s responses to chemotherapy can vary widely too. It’s vital to understand the goals of your chemotherapy, how and when you’ll take it, and how it might affect you. Be proactive with your doctor. Find out how you might expect to feel and what you can do to keep yourself feeling good.
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