Chemotherapy is the use of specialized medicines to treat cancer. There are over 100 chemotherapy drugs, used individually or in various combinations. You and your doctor will decide which drug or combination of drugs, dosages, frequency, and length of treatment is best for you. They can also be used in combination with radiation therapy before, during or after treatment.
The treatment plan for a patient is referred to as a PROTOCOL
Depending on the type of cancer and its stage of development, chemotherapy can be used to:
- Cure your cancer
- Keep the cancer from spreading
- Slow the cancer's growth
- Kill cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body from the original tumor (Called Metastases)
- Relieve symptoms caused by cancer including pain
Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse
- What is the goal of chemotherapy for my cancer?
- What are the chances that the chemotherapy will work?
- After chemotherapy, will I be cured, in remission, or relieved of my symptoms?
- Are there other ways to achieve the same goal?
- How will I know if the chemotherapy is working?
- If the chemotherapy does not work, are there other treatments for me?
- What are the potential risks and side effects of chemotherapy?
- Will my diet, activities, work, exercise, sexual activity be restricted in any way?
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