Some clinics allow you to bring someone to sit with you during treatment. It’s important to arrange for transportation because you might not feel up to driving after treatment. The port can also be used for blood tests and other medications.īefore your first chemo infusion, the treatment center will provide you with specifics about what to expect. The port allows for easier access to your veins so you won’t have to deal with repeated needle sticks each time you have chemotherapy.ĭuring each treatment, the IV with the chemo drugs will be inserted directly into your port. This device is implanted into a large vein, typically in your upper chest, during minor outpatient surgery. If your treatment plan calls for lengthy chemotherapy treatment, your oncologist may recommend a central venous catheter, or chemo port. What to expect before getting chemo for the first time It’s best to go in with the understanding that the timetable is subject to change. the tumor grade, which indicates how abnormal the cancer cells are the higher the grade, the faster the cells grow and spread.the stage, including how far the cancer cells have progressed.the type of cancer, which is where the cancer cells originated.How long that takes involves many factors, such as: If chemo dose adjustments are needed, that could also affect the number of cycles.Ĭhemo is sometimes used to shrink a tumor before surgery. Your next treatment may be delayed by a week or two. If so, it’s typically not safe to get more chemo. A blood test before each treatment will show if your white blood cell count or platelet count is low. Chemotherapy would last about 4 months in this case.Ī lot depends on how your body responds to the chemotherapy drugs. For example, your plan might call for 4 infusions with one chemo drug at 2-week intervals, followed by 3 infusions with a different drug combination at 1-week intervals. Your oncologist will plan for you to have a set number of cycles. ![]() A new cycle begins with your next infusion. This rest period is typically 2 to 3 weeks, but it can be shorter or longer. Once your infusion is done, it’s followed by a rest period to allow your body to recover from the chemo drugs. Your oncologist will base this plan on:Ī dose takes a few minutes to a few days. That’s called a continuous infusion.Ĭhemo infusions and injections can also be administered other ways, including:Ĭhemotherapy usually takes more than one treatment and is typically given in cycles. When a slower speed is necessary, the infusion is controlled by a pump you carry with you. When a drug needs to get into the bloodstream quickly, it’s injected directly into the catheter. The drug slowly drips from a plastic bag, through a tube, and into the catheter where it enters the bloodstream. ![]() For an IV infusion, a catheter is placed in a vein. Many chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously. These are powerful drugs, so you’ll need to take special safety measures. TopicalĬertain skin cancers can be treated with topical chemotherapy in the form of gels, creams, or ointments. Not having to go in for infusions is an advantage, but oral chemotherapy requires strict precautions and adherence to your treatment plan. Some chemotherapy drugs are available in pill, capsule, or liquid form that you take at home. Just as there are different goals of chemotherapy, there are also different methods of administering chemo drugs.
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