Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs stop cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Chemotherapy may use one drug or many drugs. The drugs are usually given through an intravenous (I.V.) line. Some chemotherapy drugs such as pills are taken by mouth.
Other chemotherapy drugs are given by needle into a muscle.
In Northeastern Ontario, chemotherapy treatments are given at the Regional Cancer Program of the Sudbury Regional Hospital or at a community chemotherapy clinic. Ask your nurse or oncologist about the clinic closest to your home. You may also check the community listing on this website under the Services in Your Area tab.
Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drug and the amount given.
Some common side effects are:
- Fatigue
- Changes in memory/concentration (chemo brain)
- Muscle aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hair loss
- Taste changes
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhea
- Increased risk of infection
- Temporary memory disturbances
- Menopausal symptoms
Your health care team can tell you which side effects you may have and how to manage them.