Chemotherapy

There are many chemotherapy drugs in common use. Sometimes they are given singly, and sometimes in combination. The decision about which treatment to offer is based on many factors and will be assessed by the physicians. Chemotherapy cancer treatment can be used in combination with radiotherapy and/or surgery, and this increases the chances of completely getting rid of the cancer or, at least, being able to confine it from spreading.

Apart from being able to kill cancerous cells, chemotherapy drugs also offers relief from pain caused by the disease, contributing to the patient’s quality of life.

Most chemotherapy is administered to the patient through a drip into a vein in the arm, or sometimes into a major vein via a semi-permanent “central line” such as a Hickman Line or Porta-cath.

Some chemotherapy drugs can be given in other ways, for example with tablets.

Some more complex treatments might need to be administered at our wards as an inpatient.

Treatments are carried out according to the personal chemotherapy program which has been worked out by the medical team, always in cooperation and agreement with the patient.

Prior to surgery, in order to destroy the cancerous cells before they spread and cause metastases, but mainly to reduce the tumor in order to make it more operable with a more conservative surgical procedure.

Post surgery treatment, namely auxiliary, with the aim to destroy those cancerous cells which might of “escaped” during the major operation. This “additional chemo” treatment may reduce the possibility of the tumor coming back.

When we have metastasis, then chemotherapy is administered in order to control and eradicate symptoms. This treatment is called palliative care.

Some chemotherapy drugs have very-few side-effects, and between their treatment visits patients can often carry on living their normal, everyday lives. Other treatments, however, may be more disruptive. This depends on the type of chemotherapy you are having. Each drug is different.

Immediate

• Nausea and vomiting (feeling sick)
• Tiredness and weakness
• Hair loss
• Inflammation of mouth and lips (stomatitis), taste changes, gastritis, colitis.
• Skin rashes
• Allergic reactions
• Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) and fever
• Anaemia
• Myelotoxicity (bone marrow suppression), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and
• and hematoma (collection of blood outside of blood vessels)

Later – occurring mainly 6 weeks after treatment

Ultimate – they normally appear months or even years after chemo treatment.

• absence of menstruation (Amenorrhea)
• Sterilization

Each medication has side-effects.

These depend on the type and dose of the drug administered to the patient. There are specific things that one can do in order the patient can take to avoid or mitigate the so avoid or reduce the effects of chemotherapy.

All doctors are well informed about the possible occurrence of side effects and the best way to treat them. And of course are always available and willing to instruct and advice you accordingly. So, please feel free to ask whatever yoy feel that troubles you.