Chemotherapy

If your cancer has or could metastasize (spread) to other parts of your body, your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy. For your convenience, we offer chemotherapy in our Outpatient Cancer Center, so you can go home after treatment without the inconvenience of an overnight hospital stay. 

Our compassionate specialists will be by your side to help make your treatments as comfortable as possible, including telling you what to expect and addressing any questions or concerns you have along the way. 

What is Chemotherapy?

Doctors treat different types of cancer with chemotherapy, which uses medications to stop cancer cells from growing or multiplying. Chemotherapy medications typically travel throughout your body rather than focusing on just one area.

Chemotherapy can include medications taken by mouth, but commonly require infusion, which involves intravenous (IV) delivery into a vein. A nurse or other specialist inserts an IV needle into a vein in your arm. A nearby machine automatically delivers medicine through a connected line that goes into your bloodstream.

During chemo, you’ll sit in a large, comfortable chair. You can relax, rest, read or talk while you receive your medication.

Chemo Ports and Chemo Implant Devices

If your veins are small, difficult to access or damaged or you’ll need chemo for several months or longer, your doctor may recommend an implant. The surgeon implants a small port or other medical device beneath the skin in your chest or arm. It stays connected to a blood vessel so providers can inject medication directly into your bloodstream. This prevents discomfort and potential vein damage from frequent needle sticks.

Your doctor can discuss ports and other implant options. Some have a short or long catheter (tube) to help deliver medication for short or longer periods.

Tailored Chemotherapy Treatment Plans

Since some medications work better together, your oncologist may prescribe combination chemo. You may get medications by mouth, through an IV or other methods. These include an implanted port or device or placement of medication in part of your body, such as the bladder.

Our specialists will discuss the best approach for your condition and treatment goals. If you’re having surgery, doctors might recommend chemo before surgery so the tumor gets smaller and easier to remove. If you need chemo after surgery, you’ll have time to heal first.

It’s normal to worry about chemo, especially at first. Over time, it gets easier as your body’s response becomes routine.

Understanding and Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects

Because cancer cells grow and divide rapidly, chemo targets and kills fast-growing cells in your body. Some healthy cells, such as hair and fingernails, also grow fast, so chemotherapy affects those cells, too. It can also harm other healthy cells, including digestive tract cells and blood cells in your bone marrow. Related side effects can include nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, hair loss, fatigue, infection, anemia and bleeding.

All chemo medicines work differently. Certain medications may affect other parts of your body, such as your heart, kidney, bladder, lungs and nervous system. Your oncologist may refer you to another specialist, such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist to monitor and manage specific symptoms and risks.

Your healthcare team will talk about benefits, risks and side effects for each medicine you receive. It’s important to report severe side effects to your care providers right away.

Whatever your condition or treatments, you’ll have caring experts to ease your journey. Your care team can also help you find personal support and services ranging from nail care to finding stylish scarves, hats or wigs.

Home Chemotherapy Safety Precautions

 In some instances, doctors may discuss the option of getting chemotherapy at home. Because chemotherapy medicines are toxic, it’s important to follow your care team’s instructions and take these and other precautions:

• Abstain from sexual contact or use latex condoms during sex for the first 48 hours after treatment.
• Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
• Label all medications accurately and add labels that clearly identify them as hazardous.
• Store medicines in a moisture-free, temperature-controlled place.
• Wear gloves when opening or handling chemo medications.

For the first 48 hours after chemotherapy, anyone handling blood, urine, vomit or other bodily fluids should:

• Flush the toilet twice with the toilet lid down to avoid splashing.
• Machine-wash linens and cloth diapers twice in hot water with regular detergent. Wash these items separately from other laundry.
• Place soiled disposable diapers in a disposal bag marked “Hazardous Waste.” Put the bag inside a plastic garbage bag along with any other hazardous waste.

Central Line (Catheters) for Chemo

Your doctor may recommend a central line to deliver chemo. Your surgeon connects this catheter line (tube) to the superior vena cava (SVC), your body’s largest vein, which carries blood through your body. A central line helps dilute medications limiting irritation or damage to your veins. Providers can also use central lines to draw blood for lab tests.

Your doctor and care team will discuss options based on your condition, lifestyle and goals. If you have an implant, your care team will show you how to keep it clean and covered with a special dressing to prevent infection.

Types of central lines include: