Chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer... shall we talk about this?

When the doctor tells you that you have breast cancer, it's very common to feel a great sense of fear and shock when you next hear the word 'chemotherapy.' When we say "chemo" we have a somewhat difficult picture in our minds. But if we are fully informed about this treatment method, you will gain great strength to face this journey. So today, let's talk about what chemotherapy is, what happens with it, and how to face it.

Simply put, what is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a very powerful type of medicine used to kill cancer cells. It's like a special medicine that goes deep inside your body, seeks out and kills cancer cells. Your doctor may use this treatment in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

There are three main goals of chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer:

• Preventing cancer from coming back after surgery: After the cancer has been removed through surgery, this treatment is given to prevent the cancer from coming back by destroying any cancer cells that may remain in the body, which are not visible to the naked eye. This is medically called 'Adjuvant Therapy'.
• Shrink the tumor before surgery: Sometimes, if the cancer is large, chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink it. This makes it easier to remove the tumor completely during surgery. This is called 'Neo-adjuvant therapy'.
• Destroy cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body: If the cancer has spread (metastasized) from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or bones, chemotherapy is also used to destroy those cells.

You and your doctor will decide together when it's best for you to start chemotherapy, what medications to use, and your treatment schedule. So be sure to ask any questions you have.

How is chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy can be given in two main ways. One is by swallowing pills . The other, which is most commonly done in our country, is by injecting it into the body through a vein like saline (intravenous or IV) .

Sometimes, to avoid the hassle of finding a vein in your arm and inserting a cannula each time you have a treatment, your doctor may recommend surgically placing a small device (central port) under the skin on your upper chest. This will allow you to administer medications and draw blood easily through it. It will be removed once your treatment is complete.

Treatment is given in 'cycles' , or rounds. This means that you take the medicine for a few days, then stop taking it for a few days or weeks to give your body a rest. Then you start the next round again. This treatment plan is different for everyone. It depends on the type of cancer you have.

Most commonly used drugs for breast cancer

Doctors often prescribe not just one of these medications, but several of them in a 'combination'. It's like a special 'recipe' designed to get the best results. They use short names for them. If your doctor calls you by these names, you can now get a little idea about it.

Side effects that may occur during treatment

When chemotherapy kills cancer cells, it can also affect some of the healthy cells in our body that divide rapidly (for example, hair cells, cells in the lining of our mouths, and blood cells). That's why side effects occur. But remember, most of these side effects are temporary. And there are now very good medications to control them.

These side effects do not affect everyone the same. Some people may experience more, some less. It is very important to tell your doctor about any discomfort you experience.

How do you prepare for chemo?

It is very important to keep your body as strong as possible before starting treatment.

• Rest well.
• Eat nutritious foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.
• Drink as much water as possible.
• See a dentist. Check for any infections in your teeth and gums and treat them before starting treatment.
• Reduce stress. Do something you enjoy, meditate, talk to someone you trust.
• Get the blood tests your doctor gives you to see if your heart, liver, and kidneys are working properly.

How to recognize an emergency?

This is a very important part. Since your body's immune system is weakened during chemotherapy, there are some symptoms you should be especially aware of. If you have any of these, tell your doctor right away.

• If the fever is higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
• If you have a fever with shock. (If you cannot reach a doctor, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. )
• New sores or white spots in the mouth, swollen tongue.
• Dryness, burning, and scratchiness in the throat.
• Burning when urinating, frequent need to urinate, blood in the urine.
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea that lasts more than two or three days.
• Blood in the stool.

Even after treatment is complete, your doctor will continue to check you regularly (follow-up). You will usually see your doctor at least once every 4-6 months for the first 5 years.

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