Learning About Your Health

Chemotherapy

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What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a treatment option that uses medications to treat cancer. Chemotherapy is often used in addition to surgery, radiation therapy or both. Although surgery and radiation therapies destroy cancer cells in a very specific area, chemotherapy works throughout the body to destroy cancer cells.

Your chemotherapy treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have and its stage of development.
Chemotherapy can:

  • Cure your cancer.
  • Keep cancer from spreading.
  • Slow cancer's growth.
  • Destroy cancer cells that may have spread or metastasized to other parts of the body from the original tumor or site.
  • Relieve the symptoms caused by cancer.

Chemotherapy medications may be given in different combinations to treat cancer. Or, only one chemotherapy medication may be used for your treatment. Generally, combination chemotherapy is more powerful. Combination chemotherapy can destroy more cancer cells and reduce the chance of resistance to the medications used to treat cancer. Your doctor will discuss with you what type of chemotherapy is best for you. It is important to reduce the chance of reactions to medications by letting your doctor know about any other medications, herbal supplements, alternative treatments, and/or vitamins you are taking. Note: Please ask your doctor and nurse about more information on the specific type of chemotherapy medication(s) you will receive.

Chemotherapy medications can be given to you in different ways. The four most common methods of giving chemotherapy are by vein (intravenously), by mouth (orally), by injection into muscle (intramuscular), or by injection into the nervous system (intrathecal).

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What is the Goal of Chemotherapy Treatment?

Your doctor will discuss the goal of your chemotherapy regimen with you before you begin treatment. Understanding the expected benefits, risks, alternatives, and side effects is an important part of making informed decisions about your care. This general information, along with the information you receive directly from your doctor, should provide you with what you need to know about your treatment. It is important that you discuss any questions and concerns you may have about your treatment plan with your doctor and nurse.

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Will I Experience Any Side Effects?

Generally, side effects will vary from person to person. Most side effects are temporary and subside once the chemotherapy is completed. The staff will work closely with you to minimize any side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor and nurse about side effects that may occur with your specific treatment.

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Important Side Effects to Watch For

  • Fever or infection related to low white blood cell "infection-fighting cell" counts: _____________________________
  • Bleeding: ___________________________
  • Fatigue, malaise (bodily discomfort): ________________________
  • Diarrhea, constipation: _______________________
  • Mouth care (sores): ____________________________
  • Nausea, vomiting: ___________________________
  • Skin changes and sensitivities: ________________________
  • Hair changes (thinning or loss): ________________________
  • Other: ______________________________

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the chances that the chemotherapy will work?
  • After chemotherapy, will I be cured, in remission, or relieved of my symptoms?
  • Are there any other treatment options to achieve the same goals?
  • Do you have any tips for managing my symptoms, such as pain?
  • How will my daily life change because of chemotherapy (for example, diet, work, exercise, sexual activity)?
  • Are there any clinical trials I can take part in?

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Where Will I Receive Chemotherapy Treatment?

Where you receive your treatment depends on many factors such as your type of disease, the type of chemotherapy, the dosage, and the recommendations of your doctor. Most patients receive chemotherapy in their doctor’s office. Usually, patients receive chemotherapy on a “come & go” basis. This means that you come and go from your home to your doctor’s office or to the hospital each day to receive treatment. If you receive your chemotherapy as an "in-patient," (that is, while you are in the hospital), then you will receive specific instructions from your doctor and nurse about where to go for treatment.

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Instructions - How to Care for Yourself at Home

Please continue to do the following when you are at home:

1. __________________________________

2. __________________________________

3. __________________________________

4. __________________________________

Please call your doctor and nurse for the following symptoms:

1. __________________________________

2. __________________________________

3. __________________________________

4. __________________________________

My Next Appointment is: ___________________________________

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Important Phone Numbers

Oncologist: (___) _______________

Primary Doctor: (___) _______________

Pharmacist: (___) _______________

Nurse: (___) _______________

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More Ways to Learn

  • The American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.
  • Cancer Information Service through the National Cancer Institute.
  • Visit our Cancer Services page.
  • The Community Health Resource Center offers a variety of services for patients with cancer. For more information call (415) 923-3155.
  • The Women's Health Resource Center offers FREE Make-Overs for women with cancer. For more information call (415) 600-0500.
  • The Institute for Health & Healing for in-patient massage therapy and other supportive services. Call (415) 600-3939.
  • This Welcome Sheet is also available in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.


Produced by the Center for Patient and Community Education in association with the staff and physicians at California Pacific Medical Center. Date: 7/02

© 2002-2008 California Pacific Medical Center

Funded by: A generous donation from the Mr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Ciocca Foundation.

Note: This information is not meant to replace any information or personal medical advice which you get directly from your doctor(s). If you have any questions about this information, such as the risks or benefits of the treatment listed, please ask your doctor(s).

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