Treatment
Chapter: 6 - Treatment
Subchapter: 8 - Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses a combination of drugs to either destroy cancer cells or slow cancer cell growth. Cytotoxic drugs (meaning “toxic to cells”) are taken intravenously (through the bloodstream) or orally. Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning that the drugs travel in the bloodstream through the entire body.
Chemotherapy is offered to most patients based on several factors: tumor type, grade, size, receptor status, lymph node involvement and the risk for spread elsewhere. Your medical team will work to select the right blend of chemotherapy drugs to suppress each stage of the cancer cells’ growth. Chemotherapy is commonly prescribed along with other treatment methods such as hormonal and targeted therapies. It can also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery for easier and safer removal.
If you receive chemotherapy, your doctor will administer it in short courses, with several weeks in between to allow your normal cells to recover. This treatment period can be a challenging time emotionally and physically; it is important for you to develop a support team of family or friends that can help comfort and encourage you in this time.
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Sub Chapters
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Introduction 02:03
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Surgery 02:03
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Breast Reconstruction 02:08
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Lymph Node Removal 02:35
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Radiation Therapy 02:43
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Chemotherapy 01:44
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Hormone Therapy 02:03
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Targeted Therapy 01:52
Related Questions
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I just started chemo . It has been quite a roller coaster ride! Has anyone experienced itching and red hands. It got so bad they started me on steroids. Will it get better?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer -
What are the side effects of halaven or eribulin ?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Stage 2B Patient
I was diagnosed with a recurrence in February and my doctor decided to give me halaven. I could not tolerate it. It made me nauseous, extremely fatigued and made my blood counts drop to a dangerous level. I got mouth sores really bad too. I had three infusions of it before my doctor switched me...
Comment 0I was diagnosed with a recurrence in February and my doctor decided to give me halaven. I could not tolerate it. It made me nauseous, extremely fatigued and made my blood counts drop to a dangerous level. I got mouth sores really bad too. I had three infusions of it before my doctor switched me to CMF. I have done great on CMF but I honestly believe I would have died from the chemo if I had continued with halaven. Some people tolerate it well but I did not. My oncologist said he had four other patients on it when I was taking it and we all had the same problems. Good luck to you. Keep us posted!
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I was Diagnosed With IDC, Stage 2A grade2/3 no Lymph nodes, Lumpectomy right breast, Waiting too see my oncologist too see if I have too do chemo. I hope not. So Scared
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A Patient-
anonymous
Stage 2B Patient
My diagnosis was the same as yours. I am assuming you had an oncatype-dx test that you are waiting on the results for? THis test saved me from having to do chemo, as the original plan was mastectomy and 20 weeks of chemo! My cancer is estrogen based, so I gave up both breasts and my ovaries. ...
2 comments 0My diagnosis was the same as yours. I am assuming you had an oncatype-dx test that you are waiting on the results for? THis test saved me from having to do chemo, as the original plan was mastectomy and 20 weeks of chemo! My cancer is estrogen based, so I gave up both breasts and my ovaries. Now the projected reoccurance rate is so low that I didn't have to do chemo. I hope the same for you. Keep us posted. If you'd like another support group, I belong to a facebook group called "We Are Sisters" that has been a wonderful help. Hope the best for you.
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anonymous
Survivor since 2012
Thinking or you this morning and praying for you. This was the worst time for me. When I got the plan, my time and energy was directed into the positive action of fighting the mean thing. :-D Jo
1 comment 0
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Was anyone else told too much water is bad while going thru chemo? I drink about 100-120 oz of water with a combination of Gatorade.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Stage 2A Patient
I was drinking 3 liters. You should be fine
3 comments 1 -
anonymous
Stage 2A Patient
At least 2 litres a day I was told
Comment 0
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Related Topics
- Pregnancy
- Diagnosis
- Hope
- Surgery
- Loved Ones
- Therapy
- Cytotoxic
- Chemotherapy
- Treatment
- Support
- Loved Ones
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