Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells. These drugs often are called “anti-cancer” drugs. Your doctor will recommend an appropriate chemotherapy plan based on your medical history, type of cancer, extent of cancer, current state of health, and updated research.
Many people hear about chemotherapy from friends and family or read about it in books or brochures. What you hear and read can give you a general idea about chemotherapy treatments; however, all of the information may not apply to you and your specific situation. Before deciding to begin chemotherapy, you should ask your doctor questions that will help you understand treatment and what to expect during treatments.
Some of the important questions to ask your doctor are:
Why do I need chemotherapy?
What are the risks of chemotherapy?
What are the benefits of chemotherapy?
What do you hope the chemotherapy will do for me?
What are the specifics of chemotherapy treatments in my case?
Are there any other possible treatment methods for my type of cancer?
What type of chemotherapy drugs will I be...