Treatment
Chapter: 6 - Treatment
Subchapter: 8 - Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses a combination of drugs to either destroy cancer cells or slow cancer cell growth. Cytotoxic drugs (meaning “toxic to cells”) are taken intravenously (through the bloodstream) or orally. Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning that the drugs travel in the bloodstream through the entire body.
Chemotherapy is offered to most patients based on several factors: tumor type, grade, size, receptor status, lymph node involvement and the risk for spread elsewhere. Your medical team will work to select the right blend of chemotherapy drugs to suppress each stage of the cancer cells’ growth. Chemotherapy is commonly prescribed along with other treatment methods such as hormonal and targeted therapies. It can also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery for easier and safer removal.
If you receive chemotherapy, your doctor will administer it in short courses, with several weeks in between to allow your normal cells to recover. This treatment period can be a challenging time emotionally and physically; it is important for you to develop a support team of family or friends that can help comfort and encourage you in this time.
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Sub Chapters
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Introduction 02:03
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Surgery 02:03
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Breast Reconstruction 02:08
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Lymph Node Removal 02:35
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Radiation Therapy 02:43
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Chemotherapy 01:44
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Hormone Therapy 02:03
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Targeted Therapy 01:52
Related Questions
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My 2nd surgery (mastectomy) is finally scheduled after delays due to infection at incision site. It has been 2 months since the 1st one.It is this Thurs 3/7. Any hints about surgery, etc?
Asked by anonymous
Stage 1 Patient-
anonymous
Stage 2B Patient
Mastectomy really to me wasn't too bad. The drains are like satan!!! Lol. Hated them. I'm 1 week out. I didn't have expanders put in so idk about that. I hear that adds extra pain. I'm doing reconstruction later down the road. Good luck girl! Prayers!! Ask away :)
2 comments 1 -
anonymous
Survivor since 2012
Happy to give you hints! Can you narrow it down?
4 comments 0
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Has anyone had tremors in their hands after chemo? ( I finished last week) It started about a month ago.
Asked by anonymous
Patient- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Jennifer,
Comment 0
It sounds like it could be a neuropathy problem. Ask your doctor as soon as you can. Nerves can recover it just takes time. Take care, Sharon -
anonymous
Patient
I haven't had tremors but my hands do ache at night .. I notice this at night n in morn ..weird things happen to our bodies ..i told dr but he didnt know , I'm 3 months post chemo .. But still on Herceptin n tamoxifen .. Ask yur dr , could b nerve issues u r having ?
Comment 0
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I had a lumpectomy of both breast 1 week ago, yesterday was my post op visit my pathology results where not in, but I have been told I will be getting radiation. How can they tell without the results?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Patient
They may have been able to tell by the size and/or area of the lump? Just a guess.
Comment 0 -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
It's often standard procedure with a lumpectomy. If your tumor was very small then it may be more of a preventive measure.
Comment 0
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Had anyone experienced joint pain while taking Tamoxifen?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Pain so unbearable @ times it's ridiculous...and for 5yrs to look forward to whenever it wants to flar up
2 comments 1 -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Yes! Unbearable pains with Tamoxifen and with Femara too!!
Comment 1
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