Chemotherapy (also called chemo) is a type of medical treatment that uses chemicals to cure or treat disease and, in some cases, cancer. What it does is slow the growth of cells that grow and divide quickly, which would include cancer cells. Unfortunately it also slows the growth of other cells that grow and divide quickly, such as those in your mouth, intestines, and what makes your hair grow. In some stages of cancer, the cancer cells can be removed completely, but there are cases where the treatment will simply slow the spread and control the cancer cells, or if that isn't happening, ease certain cancer symptoms.
A doctor will be searching for certain things when deciding whether or not to use chemotherapy, such as the type of cancer or a family history of heart disease. Chemotherapy can be given in a number of different ways, including an injection shot into a muscle in your arm, thigh, or hip or right under the skin in the fatty part of your arm, leg, or stomach. It can also be injected directly into the artery that is feeding the cancer. Use of an IV can provide chemotherapy intravenously where the chemotherapy goes directly into a vein. It can also come in a cream that you rub onto your skin, or in pills, capsules, or liquids that you swallow.
It's common to feel sick after chemotherapy. Most people report fatigue, but some other serious side effects can include nausea and vomiting. Long term use can have more long term side effects, and left unchecked, can cause irreversible damage. Keep your doctor informed of any symptoms.
A doctor will be searching for certain things when deciding whether or not to use chemotherapy, such as the type of cancer or a family history of heart disease. Chemotherapy can be given in a number of different ways, including an injection shot into a muscle in your arm, thigh, or hip or right under the skin in the fatty part of your arm, leg, or stomach. It can also be injected directly into the artery that is feeding the cancer. Use of an IV can provide chemotherapy intravenously where the chemotherapy goes directly into a vein. It can also come in a cream that you rub onto your skin, or in pills, capsules, or liquids that you swallow.
It's common to feel sick after chemotherapy. Most people report fatigue, but some other serious side effects can include nausea and vomiting. Long term use can have more long term side effects, and left unchecked, can cause irreversible damage. Keep your doctor informed of any symptoms.
