If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, an oncologist or specialized care provider may have brought up chemotherapy as a treatment option. Chemotherapy can be used as the sole treatment for cancer or in conjunction with other methods, including surgery. Here’s what you should know about the treatment and how it works. 

Guide to Chemotherapy 

The Process

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to eliminate cancer cells. The drugs can be administered via pill, injection, or topical cream, but are most often given intravenously directly through the arm vein. Frequency varies significantly based on the type of cancer you have and how far advanced it is. However, the cycle typically consists of a series of specialized care treatments, followed by a rest period. For instance, you may have daily sessions lasting 30 minutes to four hours for a week, followed by a three-week break.

The Goals

Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy for different reasons at different times. Before surgery, they may use neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink tumors. After tumor removal, they may use adjuvant chemotherapy to kill any remaining cells. It may also be used as the sole treatment, particularly in cases where cancer is in the blood or lymphatic system. Your doctor may also suggest this therapy if cancer returns after surgery, or if the cancer is metastatic, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body.

The Side Effects

While the goal of chemotherapy is to help people fighting cancer feel like their best selves again, there are some side effects that are associated with the process. For example, you may experience fatigue, hair loss, appetite and weight changes, among more severe complications, like fertility and kidney issues. However, these symptoms vary by person and some people do not experience any. For more information about your particular risks or recovery time, speak to your specialized care team.

Santiam Hospital in the Mid-Willamette Valley region of Oregon offers specialized care to patients fighting cancer. From preventative care to diagnostic imaging and emergency room services, turn to them whenever you need compassionate and reliable health care. Call (503) 769-2175 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to learn more about their locations and offerings.