Below you will find answers to questions frequently asked by colorectal cancer patients
undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
What is chemotherapy?
- Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs designed to destroy or prevent further
growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs
flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body.
- Many times, two or more chemotherapy drugs are used together in combination therapy
to enhance their effectiveness. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with surgery
or radiation treatment. Chemotherapy given before surgery and/or radiation is called
neoadjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy given with radiation or after surgery is known
as adjuvant therapy.
- Chemotherapy can be used to stop cancer from spreading, slow the growth of cancer,
relieve symptoms that are caused by cancer or cure cancer.
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How is chemotherapy given?
Chemotherapy can be given:
- By mouth in tablets, capsules or liquid form
- Intravenously (often called IV). Chemotherapy is delivered through a vein. A fine
needle is inserted into a vein in the hand or lower arm at the beginning of each
treatment and removed at the end of the treatment.
- By IV through a catheter. A catheter is a soft, flexible tube that is placed in
a large vein and remains there as long as necessary for treatment. The catheter
is usually placed in the upper chest. Sometimes a catheter is attached to a “port”
– a tiny disk with an opening – that is placed under the skin.
- Topically. Medication is applied directly onto the surface of the skin.
- By injection with a needle and syringe.
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How will I feel during chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy affects individuals differently depending on the type of cancer you
have, the kind of treatment you are receiving and your overall health as you begin
your treatment. Many people who receive chemotherapy may feel a bit more tired then
usual but are able to maintain their normal schedule. It is suggested you have a
friend or family member drive you to and from your appointments, especially if you
are taking additional medication for chemotherapy side effects.
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What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
- Side effects, and the degree to which they are experienced, vary from person to
person. Most side effects disappear once treatment has stopped. Common
side effects of chemotherapy may include the following:
- Numbness and/or tingling in the hands or feet
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Increased chance of developing infection
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Rash on hands, feet or elsewhere
- Lower than normal blood cell count
- Speak with your doctor about which side effects you may experience and how they
can be managed effectively. There are medications available to prevent some
side effects before they occur.
- Remember to give your doctor a list of all medications you are currently taking
(including over-the-counter) as they may affect your chemotherapy treatment.
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