How to Understand Chemotherapy

Trying to understand what your body will go through during chemotherapy treatment can be confusing. Not everyone experiences the same side effects with chemo treatment, and your physician can't predict what you will experience with yours. There are dozens of chemotherapeutic treatments, and it's important to first speak with your physician on what type of treatment you'll be undergoing. Your physician can then recommend further information on your form of treatment.

Instructions

Discussing Chemotherapy

• 1

  Discuss what type of treatment you will be receiving for your cancer, such as whether you'll be getting radiation therapy along with chemo treatment, or whether chemo will be the only form of treatment you'll be receiving.

• 2

  Make an outline with your physician to help you understand why you're getting chemo. An outline can help you determine if the chemo will be slowing down the growth of cancer cells, if the chemo is being used to destroy cancer cells, or if the treatment is going to stop the spread of cancer cells to other locations within your body.

• 3

  Make a list of what form of chemo treatment you'll be given with your physician. For example, write down if you'll be given treatment through an IV, orally, with a cream or if the medication will be injected.

• 4

  Discuss with your nurse or physician what your treatment schedule will be. Chemo treatments can be given every day, every week or every month depending on your treatment plan. Be sure to have your nurse or physician provide you with a copy of your treatment schedule.

• 5

  Discuss with your physician what potential side effects you may have with your treatment plan. Consider whether you will need to take time off of work, or have family members help care for you during your treatment.

Familiarizing Yourself with Staff

• 6

  Before your treatment starts, become familiar with the staff who'll be helping you with your treatments. Ask them about any concerns or questions you'll have regarding your treatment. Getting to know your staff can also make the experience less frightening.

• 7

  Don't be afraid to ask your nurses or physician questions such as "What happens if this treatment doesn't work?" Ask your physician if you can partake in clinical studies for your cancer. Getting into clinical studies can sometimes get you forms of treatment that may help when other options fail.

• 8

  Ask your physician or nurses for pamphlets on your condition, and potential side effects for your treatment. You can also download free guides on information for patients and families through the American Cancer Society. The guides for "Making Treatment Decisions," "Types of Treatments," and " Coping with Treatment" are excellent guides to begin with.