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.
Introduction 02:03
Surgery 02:03
Breast Reconstruction 02:08
Lymph Node Removal 02:35
Radiation Therapy 02:43
Chemotherapy 01:44
Hormone Therapy 02:03
Targeted Therapy 01:52
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerAsked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI 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...
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 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!
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientMy 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. ...
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. 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.
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 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI was drinking 3 liters. You should be fine
3 comments 1At least 2 litres a day I was told
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