Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for cancer. The term chemotherapy refers to the drugs that prevent cancer cells from dividing and multiplying, by killing the dividing cells.
If you have to undergo chemotherapy, a team of highly trained medical professionals will work together to give you the best possible care. Your team may include the following people:
Oncology nurse:
An oncology nurse cares for patients with cancer and administers chemotherapy. Your nurse will answer questions or concerns you may have, help to support you and your family, and assist in keeping track of your health during treatment, including managing any side effects that you may experience. Your nurse will also check your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and temperature after treatment sessions.
Other healthcare professionals:
Other team members who may be involved in your care during chemotherapy include oncology pharmacists, social workers, nutritionists, physical therapists and dentists.
When you have your first treatment, make sure to ask for your oncologist’s consulting room and answering service phone numbers so that you can call him or her with any questions or concerns.
Ways in which chemotherapy is administered Depending on the type of cancer, patients may take chemotherapy orally, intravenously, or injected into a vein or elsewhere.
Orally:
Chemotherapy drugs for oral intake can be in tablet, capsule or liquid form. If the patient’s health allows, oral medication can sometimes be taken at home. However, the patient will have to make regular hospital visits for their health and response to treatment to be monitored. Oral doses must be taken exactly when specified. If the patient forgets to take even one at a specific time, they should immediately alert their oncology team.
Intravenously:
Chemotherapy drugs may be injected directly into a vein with a needle or delivered through an intravenous infusion. If you receive intravenous treatment, your nurse or another team member will remove your intravenous line after each treatment session.
Chemotherapy drugs can also be administered:
• as an injection into a muscle in the arm, thigh, or other part of the body;
• intrathecally, injected into the space between layers of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord;
• as an intraperitoneal (IP) injection, delivered directly into the part of the body where the intestines, stomach, and liver are located;
• topically, as a cream or ointment for rubbing into the skin;
or
• intra-arterially (IA), injected into the artery that leads to the site of the cancer.
• The drug may also be given through a drip or pushed through a pump, to ensure a constant rate of delivery. If a patient needs continuous infusion, protracted venous infusion,
or
ambulant infusion, they may have to wear the pump for several weeks or months. They can carry on with their daily activities while receiving the medication. Devices used to deliver the solution include a catheter, a central line, and a portacath (‘port’). A portacath is an implantable port, a thin, soft, flexible plastic tube that is inserted into a vein. It has a port, or opening, just under the skin of the chest or arm. The port has a thin rubber disc through which special needles can pass medicines, or take blood from the tube. If you have a port, it will remain inserted until all of your treatments have been completed.
TREATMENT CYCLES
Most chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles. The length of a cycle depends on the specific treatment. Most cycles range from two to six weeks. The number of treatment doses scheduled within each cycle also varies depending on the drugs being administered.
SUPPORTIVE CARE
An important part of cancer care is relieving side effects through palliative care, or supportive care. It is important to discuss the specific side effects that you experience with your healthcare team, to establish the best ways to manage and treat them. Depending on the most common side effects of your chemotherapy, your oncologist may recommend planning for managing nausea and vomiting, hair loss, reproductive issues, and other side effects. Your oncologist
SUPPORTIVE CARE
An important part of cancer care is relieving side effects through palliative care, or supportive care. It is important to discuss the specific side effects that you experience with your healthcare team, to establish the best ways to manage and treat them. Depending on the most common side effects of your chemotherapy, your oncologist may recommend planning for managing nausea and vomiting, hair loss, reproductive issues, and other side effects. Your oncologist or nurse will prescribe medication and give you handy advice on how to best manage the side effects.
Also take note of the following:
• Avoid being around people with colds or other infections. Chemotherapy weakens your body’s immune system, which helps fight infections.
• Drink lots of fluids for 48 hours after chemotherapy. This helps move the drugs through your body.
• Make sure to get rid of all your body fluids and waste properly after chemotherapy. Body fluids and waste include urine, bowel movements, vomit, semen and vaginal fluid. For example, flush the toilet twice after using it. This is important because the medication stays in your body for about 48 hours after treatment and could cause harm to healthy people in your home.
• Certain activities should be avoided on the days you receive treatment. Your medical team will advise you on what activities to do or avoid at these times.