Your doctor will talk with you about the possible risks and benefits of chemotherapy. Sometimes, chemotherapy treatment is ongoing as a maintenance therapy. Most people have several cycles of chemotherapy. Often, your doctor will check if the treatment is working after you finish 2 cycles. Or, a cycle may contain more than 1 dose given each week or each day. The number of treatment doses scheduled within each cycle also depends on the prescribed chemotherapy.įor example, each cycle may contain only 1 dose on the first day. The length of a cycle depends on the drug(s) you receive. Most chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles. Your health care team will explain when and how often you need chemotherapy.

Learn about your chemotherapy treatment schedule. Your doctor will also consider your age, your general health, and other factors, such as previous cancer treatments. Your exact treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer. You will also have tests done to help plan treatment. The doctor will look over your medical records and do a physical exam. But before treatment starts, you can expect to take these general steps. What happens before chemotherapy?Įach chemotherapy treatment plan is created to meet a patient's unique needs. Other team members may help care for your physical, emotional, and social needs during chemotherapy. Help you manage side effects of treatment An oncology nurse specializes in cancer care. Providing education and counseling for patients and families Prescribing and administering medications and other therapies, including chemotherapy Ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic test results These providers meet with patients and collaborate with a supervising medical oncologist. They also lead your chemotherapy treatments.Īdvanced providers, like oncology nurse practitioners (NPs) and oncology physician assistants (PAs). Your medical oncologist works closely with other team members to create your overall cancer treatment plan. This type of doctor specializes in treating cancer with medication. Your team may include these health care professionals: Who is on my chemotherapy team?Ī highly trained medical team will work together to give you the best possible care.

The information in this article can help you get ready for your first treatment. However, learning more about this type of cancer treatment may help you feel more prepared and less anxious. It is normal to feel worried or overwhelmed when you find out that you need chemotherapy.

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