Chemotherapy is treatment that uses drugs. There are many different chemotherapy drugs in common use. Sometimes they are given singly and but usually a combination of drugs is used. The treatment you are offered will be one the doctors consider is best for you. They will discuss the reasons for their decisions with you.
Most chemotherapy is given through a drip into your arm or sometimes via a semi-permanent 'central line' such as a Hickman line or a porta-cath. Some chemotherapy can be given in other ways - for example, as tablets.
Most of our treatments can be carried out in the chemotherapy daycare unit but some more complex treatments must be given as an in-patient.
The side-effects for each drug/combination of drugs varies according to the treatment you are having. The more common side effects are described in the chemotherapy record booklet. The nurses or doctors caring will also provide you with an individual fact sheet for you.
Please contact the chemotherapy nurses or your nurse specialist if you have any questions about your treatment. Please contact us with any concerns no matter how small so that we can help you immediately. If you have any concerns outside office hours then please contact ward 11 East on 020 7830 2989.