What is chemotherapy?
- Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells,
particularly those that have spread to areas other than the area
of the primary breast cancer.
- If given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in
the body, it is called adjuvant chemotherapy.
- If given before surgery to shrink the tumor before removal,
it is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
- For the tumors that have spread and cannot be removed by
surgery, chemotherapy may be the main type of treatment.
- The drugs used in chemotherapy are called cytotoxic drugs
because they kill cells. Most work by interfering with the
growth and division of cancer cells. Several different types of
cytotoxic agents are used to treat breast cancer. The best
results are usually obtained when several drugs are used
together, which is known as combination chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy drugs affect both healthy cells and cancer
cells. When healthy cells are affected, you may experience side
effects.
How is chemotherapy given?
- Chemotherapy is given in cycles, with breaks between cycles
to help reduce side effects. These breaks also allow the cells
in normal tissues, and the patient, to recover. The number of
cycles depends on the type of cancer you have and how well it is
responding to the drugs.
- Chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer usually consist of
four to eight cycles, with each cycle ranging in length from 14
to 28 days. You may not receive chemotherapy on every day of a
cycle and you may not always receive the same drug or drugs on
treatment days. Your doctor will determine what drug or
combination of drugs is the most appropriate for you by
considering your type and stage of breast cancer, previous
treatments, other illnesses, and the possible side effects of
the therapy.
- The drugs used for chemotherapy come in different forms and
may be given directly into a vein (intravenous) or taken by
mouth. Some of the drugs must be given in the doctor's office or
clinic, while others can be taken at home. Some chemotherapy
needs to be given in the hospital to allow for special
monitoring of both the treatment and side effects.
What to expect with chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs circulate throughout the whole body and affect
both healthy cells and cancer cells. When healthy cells are
affected, you may experience side effects. The specific side effects
depend upon which drugs and regimens are used.
Common side effects may include hair loss, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, a tingling or numbing sensation in the hands and feet,
temporary or permanent loss of menstruation, blisters or sores in
the mouth and throat, and a feeling of tiredness.
More serious side effects include lowered blood counts, reduced
ability of the blood to clot, an increased risk of infection, and
heart or lung disorders. You may need to receive other medications
to treat or prevent these serious side effects.
Some side effects occur temporarily or are more noticeable at the
start of treatment. Many of the side effects disappear when the
drugs are stopped.
Learn more about these side effects of
chemotherapy and how to manage them:
Nausea and vomiting
Hair loss
Fatigue
Dry skin and weak nails
Possible reduction in fertility
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are sometimes experienced during the course
of chemotherapy. Very mild nausea may just be a nuisance to you.
More bothersome, treatment-related nausea and vomiting can often be
controlled or minimized with specific medications, including
anti-nausea medications and anti-acid medications to help with
heartburn. Tell your doctor if you experience nausea or vomiting at
any time during your treatment.
Some tips for managing nausea and vomiting:
- Choose bland foods, like toast, clear broth, or yogurt.
- Avoid greasy foods and foods with strong tastes or smells.
- Eat small meals frequently during the day rather than three
large meals.
- Rest after meals to help digestion.
- Refrain from eating one or two hours before treatment if you
find that it makes you nauseous.
- After vomiting, try drinking small amounts of water or clear
broth. If those stay down, try other liquids or soft foods.
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Hair loss
Ask your doctor or nurse if your particular chemotherapy will
likely make your hair fall out. If your chemotherapy is likely to
cause hair loss, there are things you can do to prepare yourself
ahead of time:
- Cut your hair short before you start treatment. Short hair
is easier to style and can help you adjust to losing your hair.
- Use mild shampoos and soft hairbrushes to protect your hair
as it starts to thin. If you plan to wear a wig and want it to
match your natural hair color, shop for it before your hair
falls out.
- Invest in comfortable cotton or terry cloth turbans,
scarves, or caps.
- Consider wearing makeup and earrings to draw attention to
your face.
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Fatigue
Chemotherapy-related fatigue can be physically, emotionally, and
mentally draining and can have a major impact on many aspects of
your daily routine as well as on your relationships and general
sense of well-being. You may experience fatigue in the following
ways:
- Feeling "wiped out," even after getting plenty of rest
- Having a hard time concentrating or thinking clearly
Treatment-related fatigue may be related to anemia, a manageable
condition that occurs when your red blood cell count is low. The key
to managing fatigue is to be aware of your energy levels and to pace
yourself accordingly.
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Dry skin and weak nails
Chemotherapy reduces the amount of oil your glands secrete and
can affect your skin's natural moisture. Using moisturizer more
frequently, or using a heavier-weight moisturizer, can help. During
the day, use a product with sunscreen to protect your skin from the
sun. Using a moisturizing soap may also be helpful.
With some types of chemotherapy, your nails may change their color
or shape and become more brittle. The area around the nail bed may
become dry, and your cuticles may fray. It's important to keep the
area around the nails clean to avoid infection. Do not manually
remove loose cuticles. Cut them carefully with clean nail scissors.
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Possible reduction in fertility
If you wish to become pregnant in the future, and your doctor
believes chemotherapy may put you into early menopause, you may be
able to preserve your fertility by having some eggs removed prior to
treatment. Your eggs can be frozen, or fertilized in a laboratory
and then frozen in the embryonic stage, for later use. If you would
like to have a baby in the future, make sure everyone on your
medical team is aware of your plans.
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If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed, you need answers
� and reassurance, call or
email us at (972) 284-0080.
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