О химиотерапии в центре MSK

In this video, we’ll explain what to expect while you’re getting chemotherapy at MSK.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, also called chemo, is a cancer treatment that uses medicines to kill cancer cells. Chemo can be given alone or with other treatments. 

Your body goes through cycles to grow and make new cells. Cancer cells grow and make more cancer cells much faster than normal cells. Chemo can help stop cancer cells from growing and making more cancer cells.

There are many types of chemo treatments designed to fight and stop these fast-growing cancer cells. Some types of chemo harm cancer cells, while others stop cells from growing and making more. 

Some types of chemo come as pills or liquids you can swallow. Some chemo treatment goes into your veins through an IV or part of your body as an injection, or shot. Other chemo comes in a cream that's rubbed into your skin or as eye drops.

The way you get chemo depends on the type of cancer and the type of chemo used to treat it. 

Chemo is given in specific time periods. Your care team will talk with you about your treatment schedule. 

Side effects of chemo

The goal of chemo is to kill as many fast-growing cancer cells as possible while causing the least harm to normal cells. Chemo helps control or get rid of the cancer, but chemo can also affect healthy cells that grow fast. These include

• hair cells,
• skin cells, and
• cells in the lining of your GI tract, including your stomach, small intestine, and colon.

Chemo can also lower your blood cells. Your white blood cells help your body fight infection. Your red blood cells carry oxygen, which gives your body energy. Your platelets help stop bleeding. When your blood counts get lower, you are at higher risk of infection and may feel tired or have less energy and may bruise more easily.

Common side effects include

• lowered white and red blood cell counts,
• hair thinning and hair loss,
• feeling weakness and fatigue,
• appetite loss,
• feeling nauseous,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea or constipation,
• mouth sores, and 
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

Most people don’t have all of these and do not feel side effects right away after starting their treatment. If you have any side effects, you'll likely feel them hours or days after your appointment, not right away.

Many chemo treatment plans include medicines to help prevent and manage side effects. These can be premeds (medicines you get before you get chemo) and supportive medicines (medicines you can take at home). 

The side effects you may have can depend on your cancer diagnosis and the type of chemo you get. Your care team will go over your treatment plan. They'll let you know what side effects you may have, how long they may last, and how to manage them.

How to get ready for your chemo treatment

Watch the video What To Expect During Your Treatment at MSK’s Infusion Units by visiting msk.org/pe and search for “infusion unit video.” This video shows what you can expect during your appointment at an MSK infusion unit. 

Based on your treatment, you may be at the infusion unit for most of the day. Some treatments last up to 12 hours. Talk with your care team about how long you can expect to be there.

Remember to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment. We have blankets you can use, but you can bring a non-electric blanket if you want.

It's best to bring a responsible care partner, such as a family member or friend, to stay with you and take you home after your treatment.

Bring a notebook with any questions you may have.

It's a good idea to bring snacks or a meal to your appointment.

You should also bring things to help pass the time before and during your treatment. There are TVs in the infusion unit, but feel free to bring your laptop or any other devices. 

What to expect after your treatment

After your treatment, you'll have many support services available to you at MSK. These include social workers, spiritual counselors, and clinical dietitian-nutritionists. If you would like to make an appointment with a clinical dietitian-nutritionist, talk with your nurse or care coordinator. 

To see a full list of MSK support services, visit msk.org/pe/support or ask your nurse for a copy for more information about support services.

Online support groups are also available through MSK. To learn more about these and see a schedule, visit msk.org/vp. 

Once you're at home, go over any educational resources your care team gave you.

Call your healthcare provider if

• you have a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher,
• you have chills or are shaking, or
• you have mouth sores or mouth pain that makes it hard to swallow eat or drink.

You should also call your healthcare provider if

• you have loose watery poop 4 or more times in 24 hours even after taking medicine to help,
• you have not pooped or passed gas for more than 3 days,
• you have blood in your urine, poop, throw up, or when you cough, or
• you throw up or feel like you're going to throw up even after taking medicine to help. 

You should also call your healthcare provider if you have signs of infection, such as

• sore throat,
• a new cough,
• feeling burning when you pee, or
• redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around your surgical cut or central line.

If you have any questions, contact your healthcare provider. You can also visit msk.org/pe to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.