Chemotherapy is the use of any drug to treat any disease. It does not meant for cancer only. If it uses anticancer drugs it will remove, kill or damage cancer cells throughout the body.
Goal of chemotherapy is to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
It can be given alone or in combination with radiation therapy or after surgery/radiation.
Facts regarding side effects of chemotherapy:
- The severity of side effects varies greatly from person to person.
- Every person does not get every side effect and some people get few if any.
- Depend upon the type of drug used side effect varies. Not all patient receiving chemo will experience same side effects.
- You may given medicines to help prevent side effects before they happen.
- Discuss with your doctor regarding most common side effect of your chemo, how long they might last and when to report.