The Process of Chemotherapy: What You Need to Know

If you or someone you love is preparing for chemotherapy, knowing the process can make the experience feel a little less frightening. We will walk you through the chemotherapy process from the first appointment to treatment days, and possible side effects in this post. 

Let’s take it step by step.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, often called chemo, is a cancer treatment that uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Different chemotherapy medicines work in different ways, and the treatment chosen depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer and the person's overall health. 

Cancer cells often grow and divide quickly. Chemotherapy targets cells during this growth and division process. However, some healthy cells also grow quickly, including cells involved in hair growth and cells lining the mouth and digestive system. This is one reason chemotherapy can cause side effects. 

Chemotherapy may be used on its own or together with treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Sometimes it is given before surgery or radiation to shrink a tumor. In other cases, it is given after surgery or radiation to help destroy cancer cells that may remain in the body. 

Chemotherapy Steps

Step 1: Your Doctor Creates a Treatment Plan

Chemotherapy does not look the same for everyone. Before treatment begins, your cancer care team develops a plan based on your specific situation. Your doctor will also decide which medicines to use, the appropriate dose, and how frequently you should receive them. 

This is a good time to ask questions. Try this; Write down three questions before your appointment. For example:

1. How often will I receive chemotherapy?
2. What side effects should I expect?
3. Who should I contact if I feel unwell?

You do not have to remember everything during an emotional appointment. Having a trusted person with you or taking notes can help.

Step 2: Chemotherapy Cycles

You may hear your doctor talk about “cycles.” A chemotherapy cycle usually includes a treatment period followed by a rest period. The exact schedule depends on your treatment plan. For example, you might receive treatment during one week and then have several weeks without chemotherapy before the next cycle begins.

Why the break? Your body needs time to recover. The rest period can allow healthy cells to recover before the next treatment.  Your entire treatment may involve several cycles. The number of cycles and length of treatment can vary greatly from person to person.

So, if someone you know says, “My chemotherapy lasted three months,” that does not necessarily mean your treatment will last the same amount of time. Remember; Your chemotherapy plan is personal to you.

Step 3: Preparing for Your First Treatment

Once your treatment schedule is ready, your healthcare team will explain how to prepare. Depending on your treatment, you may receive chemotherapy at a hospital, cancer center, clinic, doctor's office, or sometimes at home. 

Chemotherapy can be given in several ways, including through an IV, as an injection, or by mouth as pills or capsules.  If you are receiving IV chemotherapy, a nurse may place an IV in your hand or arm. Some people receive chemotherapy through a port or catheter instead.

Before treatment, your care team may check your weight, vital signs, and blood counts to make sure it is safe to proceed.  You may also receive medicines before chemotherapy. These can include medicines to help prevent nausea, allergic reactions, or other treatment related problems. 

Step 4: What Happens During Chemotherapy?

Now comes the part many people worry about: the actual treatment. Once you are settled, your nurse will connect your IV, port, or other treatment method. If you need pretreatment medicines or fluids, these may be given first.

Then the chemotherapy medicine is administered. During an IV infusion, the medicine enters your bloodstream through the IV or port. Your healthcare team will monitor you during treatment and check for possible reactions. 

Step 5: What Happens After Chemotherapy?

When the treatment is finished, your healthcare team will disconnect your IV or port and check how you are feeling. They may provide medicines to take at home and explain what side effects to watch for.

You will also receive information about your next appointment, tests, or treatment cycle. Some people feel fairly normal immediately after chemotherapy. Others may feel tired or sleepy. Side effects do not always begin during the infusion itself and can appear later. 

What About Hair Loss During Chemotherapy?

Hair loss is one of the chemotherapy side effects people often think about first. Certain chemotherapy medicines can affect the cells responsible for hair growth. As a result, some people lose some or all of their hair during treatment. Others may experience little or no hair loss. It depends on the specific chemotherapy treatment.

But hair loss does not have to mean losing your sense of style. Some people choose scarves, turbans, hats, headband wigs, or braids wig. Others prefer to embrace their natural appearance while waiting for their hair to grow back. What's important here is to choose what makes you feel comfortable.

Common Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Because of this, side effects are possible. Some common side effects include:

1. Tiredness or fatigue
2. Nausea or vomiting
3. Hair loss
4. Mouth sores
5. Changes in appetite
6. Skin or nail changes
7. Changes in blood cell counts
8. Numbness or tingling in some cases

However, not everyone experiences the same side effects. The type and severity can depend on the specific medicines, dose, cancer, and individual health. Always tell your healthcare team about side effects. They may be able to recommend medicines or other ways to manage them.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy is different for every person. Your doctor and cancer care team are the best people to explain your specific treatment, expected side effects, and what you should do before and after each session.

And if chemotherapy causes hair loss, remember that your personal style does not have to disappear. Whether you choose a scarf, hat, your natural look, or a beautiful braided wig, the decision is yours. You are more than your treatment. You are still you.

If a braided wig helps you feel confident while navigating this chapter, Express Wig Braids is here to help you keep your style simple, beautiful, and uniquely yours with stunning braided wig styles.