What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancerous cells. These drugs can be administered orally (by mouth) or intravenously (into the vein). Chemotherapy is frequently given in cycles, to allow the body to recover between doses.

What is the purpose of chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is administered for several purposes. When possible, it is used to cure the cancer by eliminating all cancer cells. If all cancer cells cannot be eliminated, chemotherapy may be used to slow their growth or shrink tumors prior to surgery. Chemotherapy may also be administered after surgery or radiation to prevent the re-growth of stray cancer cells that may remain in the body.

Where is chemotherapy treatment given?

Chemotherapy is administered at the Chemotherapy Infusion Unit of the Brown Cancer Center on the second floor. The Chemotherapy Infusion Unit is designed to promote comfort and healing.

Our highly skilled medical oncologists, oncology nurses, and clinicians design a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to each patient. They then carefully monitor the administration of that treatment on an individual basis.

With 16 treatment stations, four private beds, and a high nurse-to-patient ratio we are well equipped to treat our patients efficiently and effectively.

What are the common side effects of chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy treatments sometimes cause side-effects. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, mouth sores, and pain. You may experience several side effects or none at all, depending on the type and amount of chemotherapy you receive and how your body reacts.

Before you start chemotherapy, talk with your doctor or nurse about which side effects to expect and how to deal with them. Make sure to let your doctor or nurse know about any side effects you experience.

Appointments

It is very important that you receive your chemotherapy treatments as scheduled. If you are unable to keep an appointment for any reason, please call 502.562.4370 immediately to reschedule.