Chemotherapy is the use of chemical drugs to control the growth and proliferation of tumor tissues for the purpose of treating tumors. Chemotherapy can effectively control the growth and metastasis of tumors, but chemotherapy drugs also have certain toxic reactions or develop drug resistance.
For most patients with advanced cancer, chemotherapy is an effective treatment option. Compared to supportive therapy, chemotherapy not only prolongs survival, but also helps to slow the progression of disease and improve quality of life.
Chemotherapy is given in a cyclical fashion, meaning that a period of treatment is followed by a break before moving on to the next treatment cycle. Anti-cancer drugs are administered orally or intravenously and circulated throughout the body. Usually some patients receive chemotherapy in the hospital outpatient clinic or at home, but depending on the method of administration, the drug chosen and the patient’s health condition, sometimes a short hospital stay may be required.
Because anti-cancer drugs are toxic to cells, they can have some side effects as they kill cancer cells and also affect the normal cells in our body. These side effects usually occur as the cumulative dose of the drugs you receive increases, but will lessen or fade away after treatment ends.
What should you tell your doctor before you receive chemotherapy?
Your blood counts and liver and kidney function must be tested before chemotherapy to ensure that the treatment is feasible. Your height and weight will be measured, and your body surface area will be used to calculate the appropriate dose for you.
If you have any of the following conditions, please inform your physician first.
1.Have other intestinal diseases or a history of intestinal infarction
2.Have had allergic reactions during chemotherapy in the past
3.Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
4.Have liver disease
5.Use of other drugs not prescribed by your physician
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take health food (e.g. propolis) or Chinese herbal stew supplements?
A: If you are going to use special foods, please pay attention to the content of the ingredients and let your doctor know all about it. Some foods (e.g. propolis is often dissolved in alcohol, canned beverages contain excess sugar and salt) may worsen your existing diabetes or high blood pressure condition instead of replenishing your body. Even if some foods do have healing properties, they may interfere with the effects of medication and become an additional burden to the body. In fact, a balanced diet is the greatest source of nutrition.
Q: What should I eat to be nutritious?
A: Small and frequent meals with high protein (fish, meat, beans, eggs and dairy) and high calorie foods are the most important, balanced and varied. Also try to take into account the convenience of eating and promote appetite.
It is recommended to have 1 egg per day, steamed, boiled, stir-fried and brined, 2 cups of milk or soy milk of 200 cc (the size of a drinking glass), beans or meat (deep-sea fish is more nutritious) at all three meals, and meat the size of your hand (without fingers) is enough for daily consumption. Beans, vegetables or soy products such as tofu are fine; vegetarians eat more seeds, underground vegetables and mushrooms, such as sesame, almonds, oats, walnuts, chestnuts, yams, etc. (Please consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional for information)
Q: Will my body be too weak to withstand chemotherapy right after the operation? When is the best time to start treatment?
A：As long as the wound is healing well after the operation, you can start chemotherapy.
Q: Can I receive chemotherapy if I have a cold?
A: Your doctor will decide whether you can start treatment depending on the severity of your cold and your resistance (white blood cell count). Please record your symptoms and inform your physician of your condition.