Chemotherapy, also known as chemo, destroys cancer cells through powerful drugs.
Chemotherapy stops or slows cancer cells to cure or control cancer, or ease cancer symptoms.
Chemotherapy is often combined with other cancer treatments such as surgery or radiation.
Most often, drugs are given intravenously into the arm or chest. Some types of chemotherapy can be given through pills, shots or creams.
You can receive chemotherapy during a hospital stay, at your doctor’s office, or even at home.
If you’re going to receive chemotherapy infusion, ask a member of your health care team how long it will take. If the treatment is going to take a while, you may get bored. Bring something to do, or a friend to visit with.
You may feel unwell or fatigued afterward, but not necessarily. Plan to rest the day after, and have someone drive you to and from your chemotherapy appointment.