What exactly goes on in chemotherapy? (chemo)?

Answer 1

Every cancer type (there are over 200) has a different protocol of treatment that they follow. The three most common types of treatment are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation . . some stages and types of cancer demand all three treatments . . some only surgery.

There are hundreds of different types of chemotherapy drugs used for various stages and cancers. Some chemo can be used as a single agent, but the most common way is in combinations with other drugs to make them more potent. Chemotherapy can be given orally, but the most effective way is through an IV or a surgically implanted 'port' or 'central line'. A central line is generally placed on the right or left side of the chest and is used all during a cancer patients treatment. The central line can be used to draw blood (so no needles!!), to administer fluids or medication, and for chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy protocols will all differ in dosages and amount of time needed for treatment. Some chemotherapy is given in the hospital as an inpatient (high dose chemotherapy) but the majority is given on an outpatient basis in a cancer clinic or at home with a visiting nurse.

My son has had all three . . inpatient chemotherapy, outpatient in a clinic, but the most convenient is always right in the home.

All his chemotherapy treatments have been different. The inpatient high dose chemo was rough and lasted anywhere from three to seven days. The outpatient chemo lasts a few hours a day but sometimes up to ten days. It varies.
He always has plenty of meds to control side effects and is rarely uncomfortable.

You can learn more about chemotherapy at the following sites:
http://www.chemotherapy.com/

NCI: Chemo and You
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemotherapy-and-you

Medline Plus: Chemotherapy
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cancerchemotherapy.html

Answer 2

You are given a poison that kills cells that are undergoing mitosis or cytokenesis--the two processes by which cells grow. The basic principal is that cancer cells are cells that grow at relatively fast, uncontrollable rate, so if you kill all cells that are growing, you will kill all the cancer cells. The tricky part is to avoid killing the patient at the same time, so chemotherapy is a careful balancing act between killing as many cells as possible while still keeping the patient alive.

Some drugs target only certain cells types, but nearly all drugs used in chemotherapy kill healthy cells along with the cancer cells. This is one reason why chemotherapy has so many side effects, such as fatigue, loss of taste sensations, and hair loss--the drugs kill the nerves and cells that insulate nerve tissue, and cells that produce hair.

Answer 3

Radiation is the place they "shine a easy on you". actual, this is in basic terms a speedy thank you to declare it, yet radiation is a beam this is directed on the tumor or broken section that has the main cancers in it. Chemotherapy even though, can get carry of in 2 varieties. the two by means of tablet - frequently Xeloda - in distinctive strengths reckoning on the main cancers - and infusion treatment chemo. A port is placed the two on your greater arm, or chest by means of surgical technique. then you definately pass to the scientific institution, or health center and the chemo is run from IV bags into the port by means of a needle this is inserted into the port. The port actual has a tube that travels to the heart to permit the chemo to be pushed by means of your physique. I gained the two between the above varieties of treatment. i don't understand something approximately all people being given benedryl. i don't understand what that purpose could be for. they provide you a prescription for a cream and a particular form of bandage/tape. you place the cream and bandage/tape on the port a pair of million/2 hour to a million hour until now you pass to the treatment facility. This facilitates to alleviate the discomfort of the needle being inserted into the port. You lie returned in a recliner and take your treatment. they often have a television so which you will observe and you will do this or take a snooze or study, in spite of. maximum folk then pass abode with a pump and get carry of something of their treatment at abode contained in direction of the pump. then you definately pass returned, have the pump and needle bumped off, then initiate yet returned based upon it gradual table. Chemo treatment has come a protracted way from the "previous days".

Answer 4

Some medications are taken orally, others are in shot form, port form and radiation.

It depends on what type of disease and treatment.

Answer 5

if i told you you would scream. both in horror and in fright!! there is various levels of the dreaded treatment!!! and MOST of the sideeffects, reactions during and after! ugh! to nasty to mention { friends} know too much about it! and it is heartbreaking to watch!!

Answer 6

they put a shunt into you where the needle will go each visit and then they put chemicals into your body intraveniously

Answer 7

they give you cytotoxic drugs to help fight off cancer