Chemotherapy FAQ
1. How does chemotherapy work? Chemotherapy destroys cells. Cancer cells grow faster than normal cells and chemotherapy targets these cells. When chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream, the blood carries the drugs to the cancer cells throughout the body.
2. How is chemotherapy given? Chemotherapy can be given in a variety of ways:
- By mouth (pill form)
- By injection into a vein or artery
- By injection into a body space, such as abdomen or around lungs
- By direct application onto skin
- By injection into muscle or tissue
3. How long will my chemotherapy treatment last? The length of the treatment depends on the drugs used and the type of treatment. The time also depends on whether you need blood drawn or other tests before your treatment.
4. How long will I receive chemotherapy? Your chemotherapy treatment plan will depend on the type of caner you have and how it responds to chemotherapy. Your physician can give you a general idea of the planned length of treatment. This plan could change during treatment.
5. Will I have any side effects? Chemotherapy drugs affect both normal cells and cancer cells. Although, chemotherapy affects fast-growing cancer cells, it also can damage or destroy normal cells. This effect on normal cells can cause side effects. However, most normal cells can repair or replace themselves over time.
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