Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be given to you in several ways:

• Through an IV or injection
• By mouth
• As a topical medication applied to the skin.

The stage and type of cancer dictate which method we use to give chemotherapy.

You may receive chemotherapy treatment in one of a few places:

• At home
• At your doctor’s office
• In the hospital

The location depends on the drugs we recommend and your health insurance requirements.

Getting chemotherapy usually doesn’t hurt. Some IV drugs may cause a temporary burning or cold sensation. However, your doctor or nurse will warn you before treatment if this is expected.

Everyone responds to chemotherapy treatment differently. Side effects depend on the drug itself, the dosage and personal tolerance of the medication. Possible side effects include:

• Chemo brain (mental fogginess or fuzziness)
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Weakened immune system (low white blood cell count)
• heart problems, also known as cardiotoxicity which is managed by our cardio oncology team

Because nausea is a common side effect, your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medications during chemotherapy. We will also test your white blood cell count before we begin chemotherapy treatment. If your count is low, we’ll give you medications to boost your immune system and ward off additional illness.

OncoStat clinic for side effects

While your care team is always available to answer questions and offer support for side effects, our OncoStat clinic provides an extra level of care for any urgent health needs. OncoStat offers convenient, same-day appointments if you are experiencing side effects from your cancer treatment. Call (313) 916-9840.

• Chemotherapy treatment can range from several months to years, depending on the type of cancer, the type of drug and how your tumor responds.
• Most chemotherapy drugs are given weekly or monthly, but some are given daily.
• During treatment, many people can work, go to school, and participate in their regular activities. However, we encourage rest if you feel tired after treatments.

We provide nutrition services to you during your treatment. A cancer-trained dietitian will work with you to ensure good nutrition, which will help combat the side effects of cancer drugs. Some people tolerate chemotherapy better when they eat a light meal before and after treatment. We recommend increasing fluid intake before, during and after chemotherapy treatment by two to four glasses of water daily.

For many people, one cocktail or glass of wine in a day will not be harmful. Ask your doctor if it’s safe to drink alcohol with the type of chemotherapy you’re taking. Some types of medications may interfere with chemotherapy, including:

• Antibiotics
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Aspirin
• Barbiturates
• Cough medicine
• Diabetes medication
• Hormones

Your doctor will review your list of medications before starting chemotherapy to make any necessary adjustments.