How is the chemotherapy given?
You usually have chemotherapy by injection or a ‘drip’ into a vein, or as tablets. Sometimes, it’s given in other ways, such as a pump you can take home
How will I know if the treatment is working?
Your doctor will monitor your progress throughout your treatment. This may include scans, x-rays, blood tests and examinations. All the tests check on your health and the way chemotherapy is affecting you. They will vary person to person and will be discussed with you on an individual basis.
What are the side-effects?
Not everyone will have side-effects from their treatment. There are several general side-effects associated with chemotherapy. The main areas that can be affected are those areas where cells divide and grow quickly, such as your skin, hair, mouth, digestive system and your bone marrow (where your new blood cells are made)
In addition there are specific side-effects related to the individual drugs you will receive.
Whether or not you have side-effects from chemotherapy is not an indication of how well the treatment is working.
The next section will discuss some of the most common side effects of treatment,
Remember some of these side effects may not apply to your treatment, and there may also be some specific side effects related to your treatment that are not listed. The nurse will discuss which side effects are applicable to your treatment.