How Chemotherapy Works: Process, Side Effects & Recovery Tips

Chemotherapy used for different treatment purposes

Here’s how chemotherapy used as treatment purposes, including:

• Curative purpose: To completely eliminate cancer in patients.
• Adjuvant therapy: To destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery or radiation in patients. 
• Neoadjuvant therapy: These are chemotherapy treatments, used to shrink a tumor before surgery.
• Palliative care: To relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in advanced-stage cancer patients.

Administration of chemotherapy

A certified healthcare provider delivers chemotherapy to cancer patients. Here’s how Chemotherapy can be delivered in different ways, including:

• Intravenous (IV): These types of chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein. 
• Oral : (Pills or capsules)
• Injection: Some of these chemo drugs are given into a muscle or under the skin
• Topical application: These are specific creams applied to the skin for certain types of cancers. 

Treatments are usually given in cycles, which is a period of treatment followed by proper rest and a healthy diet, which allows the body to recover before the next round.

Monitoring and Follow-up: During the chemotherapy, many doctors closely monitor the blood counts, organ function, and overall progress. Practicing regular check-ups will help to ensure the treatment is responding well and side effects are managed immediately.

Recovery Tips for Managing Chemotherapy Side effects

If you or any loved ones of yours have undergone chemotherapy, understand that recovering from chemotherapy might require patience, self-care, and a lot of emotional and mental support.

Here are some of practical tips to make the journey more smoother, including:

Eat, an healthy, balanced diet:

Try to focus on nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Eating small, frequent meals can help to manage nausea and vomiting, to maintain your energy levels.

Stay hydrated:

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to help your body to flush out the toxins from chemotherapy drugs and prevent the risk of dehydration. 

Rest and sleep well:

Experiencing fatigue is common, so try to listen to your body. Taking short naps and a consistent sleep schedule can help you to recover faster.

Practice gentle exercise:

Practicing light activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can help to boost energy levels, improve the mood, and enhance blood circulation in the body.

Protect against infection:

Chemotherapy can lower the immunity levels, so try to wash your hands regularly. Avoid going to the crowds, and stay away from people who are already sick. 

Get emotional and mental support:

Join cancer support groups, talk to a professional therapist or counselor, or connect with loved ones. Understand that emotional well being is as important as physical and mental health. 

Openly communicate with your doctor:

If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or side effects, then consult your doctor immediately. Openly discussing your healthcare team can adjust several medications or ways to reduce your discomfort.