Having chemotherapy

Most cancers have treatment protocols that set out which drugs to have, how much and how often. You can find information about protocols for chemotherapy at eviQ Cancer Treatments Online. Your specialist may need to tailor the protocols to your individual situation.

Learn more about:

• Overview
• The treatment course
• Making treatment decisions
• What to expect when having chemotherapy
• Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy
• Other ways of having chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy with other treatments
• Waiting for chemotherapy
• Is the treatment working?

Overview

You might have treatment with a single chemotherapy drug or a combination of two or more drugs. Your specialist will record the choice of chemotherapy drugs, the dose and the treatment schedule in a treatment plan.

You will have tests throughout treatment to monitor your response and your treatment plan may be adjusted based on the results and any side effects you have.

The treatment course

How often and for how long you have chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer you have, the reason for having treatment, the drugs used and whether you have any side effects.

Chemotherapy is commonly given as a period of treatment followed by a break. This is called a cycle. You will usually have a number of treatment cycles, and these may be daily, weekly or monthly. The length of the cycle depends on the chemotherapy drugs being given.

The break between cycles lets your body recover and regain its strength. If you need more time to recover, the specialist may decide to delay your next cycle. If you have any concerns about changes to your treatment or any delays, talk to your specialist.