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 was diagnosed Infiltrating ductal carcinoma with a .7 mm tumor and had a lumpectomy. Tumor turned out to be 3.3 mm and had invaded one lymph node. Is it common to have chemotherapy before mastectomy?
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2B Patient- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Stage 2B Patient
That's exactly what I'm doing! Chemo is done, it shrunk the tumor tremendously, surgery is schedule for the 25th of this month! Good luck to you!
Comment 2 -
anonymous
Survivor since 2011
Have you had the onco test? That can determine whether you need chemo. I was diagnosed with.6 mm, but after my lumpectomy it was determined the size was much larger, 3.4 cm. I had to. Have a mastectomy, but because my onco test number was low I did not need chemo. Chemo is done before or after....
1 comment 2Have you had the onco test? That can determine whether you need chemo. I was diagnosed with.6 mm, but after my lumpectomy it was determined the size was much larger, 3.4 cm. I had to. Have a mastectomy, but because my onco test number was low I did not need chemo. Chemo is done before or after. Before is to shrink it, and after is to make sure any cancer cells are killed off. Wishing you only the best.
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Is anyone else on Dexamethasone after chemo for 3 days? Does if make your mind race and make you cranky?
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2B Patient- View all 9 answers
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anonymous
Stage 4 Patient
They give it to me in my IV on chemo day. Yes, I can't believe the weight gain! I'm looking forward to finishing all my treatments so I can feel halfway normal again. I know I'll get the weight off later on. :)
Comment 1 -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I take it for 4 days after chemo. It makes me so y
Comment 1
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I will Start Chemo in September, I have Been Praying that I will get through this and still be able too work.
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A Patient- View all 9 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Anonymous... we are all so different. Each chemo drug is different and how we react to it. One can't predict how you are going to feel. You just have to put one foot in front of another and hope you won't lose much work time. The suggestion to look into a temporary disability plan would sure...
Comment 1Anonymous... we are all so different. Each chemo drug is different and how we react to it. One can't predict how you are going to feel. You just have to put one foot in front of another and hope you won't lose much work time. The suggestion to look into a temporary disability plan would sure takt a burden off of you. Chemo treatments aren't easy but some people are able to work through it. If you are not one of them, do not beat yourself up because of it. This is tough stuff. Hang in there and take care, Sharon
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anonymous
Patient
Depends on your job setting what u do for a living physical , mental , working w the public etc .. I'm self employed have 4 kids 3 at home so I had to work " no paid sick days off", but I also took time off here n there because I felt too sick , you never know how your gonna react to chemo...
Comment 1Depends on your job setting what u do for a living physical , mental , working w the public etc .. I'm self employed have 4 kids 3 at home so I had to work " no paid sick days off", but I also took time off here n there because I felt too sick , you never know how your gonna react to chemo everyone is different so take it as it goes cycle by cycle basis if u can , u can do it , stay strong !
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Did anyone ever try hard as nails on their nails while on taxotere to help not lift or color but just grow? I did 4 txs of A/C and 12 txs of Taxol 2 yrs ago and never had discolored I just cant get into the iceing stuff.
Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2010-
anonymous
Survivor since 2011
You could take biotin which is a supplement available at local drugstores. It promotes healthy skin, hair and nails. Also, during my treatments, I took a prenatal vitamin for a little boost. The folic acid would help keep your nails strong. I had a successful experience during chemo in not...
3 comments 0You could take biotin which is a supplement available at local drugstores. It promotes healthy skin, hair and nails. Also, during my treatments, I took a prenatal vitamin for a little boost. The folic acid would help keep your nails strong. I had a successful experience during chemo in not getting sick and not having big issues with my nails. Only my thumb nails were slightly discolored.
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anonymous
Survivor since 2012
I used Sally he sons
2 comments 0
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Related Topics
- Cytotoxic
- Chemotherapy
- Treatment
- Support
- Loved Ones
- Cytotoxic
- Chemotherapy
- Treatment
- Support
- Loved Ones
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