When the doctor tells you or a loved one that they need to undergo chemotherapy, you may feel a lot of fear and anxiety. That's normal. When we hear the word "chemo," we often have a difficult, painful image in our minds. But when we learn more about this treatment, that fear goes away. So today, let's talk about what chemotherapy is, what it does, and how to cope with it in a very simple and friendly way.
What exactly is chemotherapy?
Simply put, chemotherapy is a type of medicine that is given to kill cancer cells. It is also called "chemo" for short. This is just one type of treatment for cancer. There are other types of medicine that are also used to fight cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: Hormones help some types of cancer grow. This treatment works by stopping the cancer from getting those hormones.
- Immunotherapy: These are drugs that help our body's own immune system fight cancer.
- Targeted therapy: These drugs work by changing the way cancer cells divide and behave, stopping their growth.
These treatments are supervised by a medical oncologist . Sometimes chemotherapy is given in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
How does this treatment work?
Cancer cells are cells that divide and multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Chemotherapy drugs work by destroying these rapidly dividing cancer cells and stopping them from dividing further.
Your doctor may use chemotherapy for different purposes. Check out this table to understand.
| Purpose of treatment | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Adjuvant therapy | After surgery or radiation treatment, completely destroy any tiny, invisible cancer cells that may remain in the body. |
| Curative therapy | Completely cure the cancer and make it so that it does not grow back (perhaps in combination with surgery and radiation therapy). |
| Neoadjuvant therapy | Before undergoing surgery or radiation therapy, shrink the tumor to make it easier to treat. |
| Palliative therapy | In cases where cancer cannot be completely cured, the goal is to shrink the tumor, reduce symptoms (such as pain), and help the patient live more comfortably. |
How do we prepare for chemo treatment?
Before starting treatment, your doctor will do some tests to see if your health is up to it. In the meantime, you can prepare yourself in this way. This preparation will give you a lot of strength, both mentally and physically.
- Learn about the treatment: Ask your doctor about the types of chemotherapy drugs you will receive, their benefits, and possible side effects. The more you know about this, the easier it will be for you to cope.
- Prepare for side effects in advance: For example, if you know that you may lose your hair, you can make up your mind to wear a wig or a nice scarf in advance. There may be skin changes and sensitivity to the sun. You can prepare gentle skin care products in advance to use during such times.
- See a dentist: Chemotherapy can cause mouth sores and changes in the taste of food. Therefore, it is very important to treat any dental problems or gum infections before starting treatment.
- Think about financial matters: Find out about insurance coverage and hospital benefits in advance. When you have these things planned in advance, it will be easier for you to focus solely on treatment.
- Plan your work schedule: You may need to change your work days and hours. Talk to your doctor about how your treatment will affect your work, and then talk to your employer and make arrangements accordingly.
- Make a plan for the day of treatment: Plan how long the treatment will take and what you can do during it (read a book, listen to music). Eating a small meal about an hour before treatment can help reduce side effects like nausea.
What happens during treatment?
Your experience may vary depending on how you are given chemotherapy. Usually, chemotherapy is given in a way that travels throughout the body. This is called `systemic chemotherapy`.
| Method of treatment | That means... |
|---|---|
| Through a vein (Intravenous - IV) | This is the most commonly used method. The medicine is injected into a vein, like saline. |
| As an injection | It is given as a regular injection into the skin or muscle. |
| Oral medications | It is given as a pill or liquid. |
| As a topical ointment | For some types of cancer, it is applied to the skin as a cream. |
Sometimes, chemotherapy is given to target only the cancer. For example, intrathecal chemotherapy is given into the fluid between the brain and spinal cord.
How chemotherapy is given through an IV (intravenous route)
Various devices are used to administer medication intravenously.
- Needle: Usually connected to a vein in the arm.
- Catheter: A thin, flexible tube, usually inserted into a vein in the chest.
- Port: A small disk-like device that is surgically implanted under the skin. A needle is attached to this port when medication needs to be administered.
- Pump: A device attached to a catheter or port that controls the delivery of medication into the body at the correct rate and in the correct amount.
These catheters and ports are very useful in preventing needles from being inserted every time you continue to receive treatment.
What are the side effects of chemo?
This is the thing that scares everyone the most. Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells. Cancer cells are cells that divide rapidly. But in our bodies, there are not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells that divide rapidly. For example:
- Hair cells
- Cells of the digestive system
- Blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells)
- Skin cells
Because chemo drugs cannot distinguish between these healthy cells and cancer cells, they can also damage these healthy cells. That's why side effects occur.
Some common side effects that many people experience are:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Anorexia
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Being easily susceptible to infections (due to decreased immunity)
- Anemia
The important thing is that not all of these side effects will affect everyone. And there are now many good medications and ways to manage many of them. Tell your doctor or medical team right away about any discomfort you experience.
Can side effects persist after treatment?
Most side effects go away after treatment is stopped. However, some effects may appear months or even years later. These are called `late effects`.
- Memory and thinking difficulties ("chemo brain")
- Heart disease (`Cardiotoxicity`)
- Nerve damage (Neuropathy)
- Early menopause
- Effects on the ability to have children (Infertility)
You can also talk to your doctor about this and get the necessary advice.
Can chemo completely cure cancer?
Yes, it is possible. Some types of cancer respond very well to chemotherapy. In such cases, the cancer disappears completely after treatment. Doctors use the word ``cure`` with some caution, because there is always a very small chance that the cancer will come back.
However, there are millions of people around the world who have completely recovered from cancer and are living healthy lives thanks to chemotherapy. So don't be afraid. This is a very effective and powerful weapon against cancer.
Take-Home Message
- Chemotherapy is a powerful drug treatment that destroys cancer cells. There is no need to be afraid of it, it is important to understand it correctly .
- Side effects may occur, but most of them are manageable. Talk openly with your doctor about them.
- Preparing well before treatment will give you great mental and physical strength.
- You are not alone in this journey. Your medical team, family, and friends are there to support you. So stay strong.
- Never hesitate to ask your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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