WHAT IS IT?

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells via the blood stream. There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs and in most cases they are used in combination.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

The average length of chemotherapy varies depending on the proposed use. Chemotherapy prior to gastric surgery generally involves three cycles of chemotherapy over nine weeks. Normally the chemotherapy is a combination of intravenous drugs with sometimes an overnight stay as well as a tablet form of chemotherapy.

CHEMOTHERAPY CAN BE USED TO:

  • Cure in conjunction with other treatment
  • Adjuvant – Chemotherapy can be given before and/or after other treatments
  • Relief of symptoms (palliative)

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:

  • Mouth sores
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Lack of energy
  • Drop in your white blood cells (putting you at an increased risk of infection)

These side effects can all be managed and supported during the time of treatment by your medical oncologist and chemotherapy nurses.

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