How long does the Chemotherapy process usually last?

Answer 1

There are a number of factors. The type of cancer, the stage it was in when diagnosed, the chemo agents to be used, and the protocol chosen for the chemo all play a part in determining the length of treatment. In some cases, such as stage II colon cancer in which a single tumor is removed and there's no other evidence of cancer anywhere else, there's no need for chemotherapy at all. (The advantages are insignificant.)

Answer 2

There are extremely effective drugs available now that can prevent anyone from getting sick from chemo. They are up to 75% effective. Be sure you/the patient has the oncologist prescribe Aloxi during the infustion, and Emend for after the infusion. Nausea and vomiting can begin immediately if these drugs are not taken, and can continue for several days. If the chemo being used has hair loss as a side effect, it generally occurs around 2 weeks after the first infusion. For me it was 15 days. It takes a LONG time for your hair to all come out, so best to clip it short before chemo starts, then buzz it when it starts coming out. It will get EVERYWHERE otherwise. You lose pretty much all your hair. Arms, legs, underarms, lashes, brows, pubic. Your mouth can develop sores. You can have some diarrhea or constipation depending on the chemo and pre-meds. Peripheral neuopathy is not uncommon (numb and/or tingly fingers, toes, etc.). Typical treatments run from an hour to 4-5 hours. Some are longer, but that's not typical. It doesn't hurt during the infusion. When I got Taxol, I developed muscle pain after about the 8th week. Taxotere is similar.

Answer 3

There are different cancers, and thus, the dosage and no. of cycles administered varies from cancer to cancer, person to person. I went through 6 cycles from 10 Aug 05 to 27 Dec 05. It could be faster, if not for postponements due to a low white blood count.

There are different types of drugs and "supplements".
Some drugs can be administered at a "faster speed" while some must be done "slower". The "speed" of the IV drip also varies from person to person.
Mine was a 12 course "banquet" lasting about 3 to 4 hours depending on how fast my body can take in the drugs. There were a few occasions when I needed iron as well, and it took me another additional 30-45 minutes as it cannot be administered too "fast". Even though the nurses told me it can be done within 20 minutes, it is not recommended to do so.

Answer 4

It depends on the cancer, what stage its at, where it is etc.

My friend has had a dozen different types of chemotherapy over the last three years, as well as surgery, radiation and stem cell therapy and he's still having chemo. He's still fighting strong and even got his wife pregnant after all that treatment.

The best person to ask is your specialist, who will give you a indication of initial treatment. Then they usually have to assess how affective the treatment has been before choosing the next course of action.

My mum's chemo lasted 6 months after having surgery.

Good luck. I hope all goes well.

Answer 5

So many different answers that could all be 'correct'!!!!!

Chemotherapy is tailored to the patient and the type of cancer.

There are a range of different drugs involved, in various combinations, in a variety of dosages.

Some are given daily, some weekly, some 3 weekly, some monthly ......

Then there are different numbers of "cycles" of treatment......

Mine took 6 months (roughly), my brother only had 3 months of chemo.

Check with your oncologist!

Answer 6

There have been some great nutritional breakthroughs in dealing with cancers. God made some foods to combat certain abnormalties. I've seen a diabetic eased alot also arthritis. It wouldn't hurt to get check out every book(not at once) from the library that has any credibility to it re the specific foods that actually attack cancerous cells. I remember reading something about that not too long ago. God Bless.

Answer 7

It usually depends on the type of cancer and it's location. It will also depend on the complimentary therapies that are being applied during that time. Also, it may depend on the patients ability to cope with it.