By contrast, a person can rub topical chemotherapy medications directly onto cancerous cells. For instance, ingesting oral medications may take only a few seconds, whereas receiving IV treatments could take anywhere from several minutes to several days.
A cycle of chemotherapy is the amount of time that elapses between the start of one round of chemotherapy to the start of the next. Cancer Research UK states that it is very important for a person to receive their chemotherapy treatment in cycles.
While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they also kill fast-growing healthy cells within the body. A single course of chemotherapy will typically involve four to eight chemotherapy cycles. For instance, a 4-week cycle could involve someone taking medications on the first, second and third days, then no further medication until the 29th day.
Chemotherapy treatment typically lasts between 3—6 months. However, some people will receive chemotherapy for shorter or longer periods of time. Since chemotherapy drugs can harm healthy cells, a person needs to excrete as much chemotherapy medication as possible before receiving another treatment cycle. Different chemotherapy drugs remain in the body for different amounts of time.
Some examples are as follows:. Chemotherapy involves administering chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. There are many types of chemotherapy medication. Medical professionals classify these medications according to their chemical structure and how they work.
The different classes of chemotherapy medication include:. A person may receive a chemotherapy drug on its own or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Medical professionals can administer chemotherapy medications in the following ways:. A doctor will be able to indicate what the person can expect before undergoing their first chemotherapy session. These expectations will depend on different factors, such as the types of chemotherapy drugs the doctor prescribes and their method of administration.
The American Cancer Society ACS provides some useful information about the more common chemotherapy treatment types, as follows:. Oral chemotherapy involves ingesting pills, capsules, or liquid medicines. People receiving this form of chemotherapy may take these medications at home, although they must do so according to a pre-arranged schedule.
Some chemotherapy drugs require careful handling and storage. It is important to go into treatment with eyes open to long-term side effects so that you can make the best decision for your health and wellbeing. Long-term side effects may include higher risk of infection, heart problems, lung problems, endocrine system problems, loss of fertility, early menopause, diminished cognitive function, nerve damage, reduced lung capacity, hearing loss, increased risk of stroke, loss of tooth enamel and dental problems and more.
Some of these long-term side effects are associated with certain forms of chemotherapy so it is best to discuss potential side effects of the specific types of chemotherapy you use to treat cancer with your physician. Though these side effects sound harsh and it is frustrating and concerning that you may end up with long-term side effects, your life may just be saved by chemotherapy so it does not diminish the value of chemotherapy in cancer treatment.
Contact the Team at Palo Verde today to further discuss the right treatment option for you. Complete this form and we will contact you within hours. What are the side effects of chemotherapy? The drug is excreted with urine, stool, and sweat. How long it takes to leave your body depends on:. If your treatment plan calls for lengthy chemotherapy treatment, your oncologist may recommend a central venous catheter , or chemo port.
This device is implanted into a large vein, typically in your upper chest, during minor outpatient surgery. During each treatment, the IV with the chemo drugs will be inserted directly into your port. The port can also be used for blood tests and other medications. Before your first chemo infusion, the treatment center will provide you with specifics about what to expect. Some clinics allow you to bring someone to sit with you during treatment. Some infusion centers provide snacks and drinks.
Some have refrigerators and microwaves so you can bring your own snacks. Some items you may want to take with you include:. Chemo drugs and medications given with chemo can cause immediate symptoms such as:. Lots of people nap right through it. You can pass the time with conversation, reading, or working on your laptop.
Some people feel the effects of chemo right away, but for others, it takes a day or two. Not all chemo drugs have the same side effects. Keep your oncology team in the loop. Many side effects are treatable and some may signal serious complications.
Your oncology team is your best source of information. You might also find it helpful to download these free booklets about chemotherapy:. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer. Chemo is given in cycles, with a typical infusion time of several hours, although it can be a day or longer in some cases.
Your treatment plan may need to be adjusted along the way. Before starting chemotherapy, your oncology team will give you an overview of what to expect. These healthcare professionals are trained to answer all your questions and help you understand your treatment.
Chemotherapy can be a tough journey with ups and downs. Read our tips on what to expect and how to handle them. You may be able to use oral chemotherapy instead of traditional chemotherapy to treat your cancer.
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