Chemotherapy

The use of drugs to kill cancer cells

Parts of the Body Involved

This depends on how the chemotherapy is given.

Reasons for Procedure

To treat cancer

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • History of allergies
  • Debilitation

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure - You may be asked to take some pre-medications, such as steroids, allergy medications (anti-histamines), anti-nausea medications, sedatives, and antibiotics

During Procedure - Youll be given the chemotherapy medication(s) by whichever route your physician thinks best. At the same time, you may be given other medications to fight the side effects of chemotherapy, including steroids, allergy medications (anti-histamines), anti-nausea medications, sedatives, and antibiotics

Anesthesia - None

Description of the Procedure

Outcome

Chemotherapy should help decrease the number of cancer cells, and shrink tumors.

Your doctor may order any of the following tests to monitor the progress of your treatment:
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Sores in your mouth or lip blisters
  • White patches in your mouth
  • Difficulty/pain with swallowing
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Vomiting that prevents you from holding down fluids
  • Blood in your vomit
  • Easy bruising
  • Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, new vaginal bleeding
  • Blood in your urine or stool
  • Burning or frequency of urination
  • Chest pain
  • Severe weakness
  • Shortness of breath, cough
  • Calf pain
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Pain in a new location
  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in your extremities
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or a "pimple" at the site of your IV
  • Headache, stiff neck
  • Hearing or vision changes
  • Exposure to someone with an infectious illness, including chicken pox