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| Chemotherapy for Cancer Treatment In India |
Cancer is a condition in which body continuously
divide or forms large number of cells for no use. This is unstoppable
process but it can be controlled with chemotherapy. Chemoor CTX or CTx
usechemotherapeutic agents, chemical substances and anti-cancer
medications to kill or shrink cancer cells. It is given along with
hormonal & targeted therapyto reduce symptoms.
Other conditions treated with chemo are:
- AL amyloidosis
- Scleroderma
- Crohn's diseases
- Psoriasis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Chemotherapy slows down the cancer growth
and stops them from dividing quickly. This therapy kills cancer cells as
well as healthy cells which may cause side effects. But side effects
become negligible once chemo is over.
What Does Chemotherapy Do?
Chemotherapy is used to cure and control
cancer. Once the cells are destroyed by chemotherapy then cancer cells
will never grow back. It stops cancer cells from spreading and growing
in other parts of your body. It also shrinks tumors which causes pain.
How is Chemotherapy Used?
Chemotherapy is used as a cancer treatment
but may be combined with surgery, radiation therapy,Oral chemo
medications and biological therapy as per severity. In neo-adjuvant
chemotherapy, large tumor is shrinked before surgery or radiation
therapy. In adjuvant chemotherapy, cancer cells that may remain live
after surgery or radiation therapy are destructed. Radiation therapy and
biological therapy is the best combination to make it work better.
Recurrent cancer or cancer cells (metastatic) which appear again or may
spread in the body are destructed with chemotherapy. Induction
chemotherapy is used for curative intent.Consolidation chemotherapy is
for improving overall survival and to make body cancer free. If detected
with side effects, your doctor or nurse will immediately make changes
in medications.
How Does My Doctor Decide Which Chemotherapy Drugs to Use?
Doctor decides and prescribeschemotherapy
drugs according to the type of cancer. Few drugs are meant for different
types of cancer and some only for just one or two types of cancer.
Whether you have undergone chemotherapy before, what is the response
rate, or investigate on prior medical conditions of heart and diabetes because chemo has toxicities.
Where do I go for Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is given in hospital, home or
in doctor's clinic. It is an outpatient procedure where you do not have
to stay overnight. Some hospitals may have private treatment rooms or
different settings or one large room to treat many patients
together.Doctors and nurses will watch for any side effects during the
treatment.
How Often will I Receive Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy has a cycle followed by rest
period because the doses are too high. For e.g.: you may receive 1st
chemo and then doctor asks you to take rest for 3 weeks. These 4 weeks
make up one cycle of therapy in which body builds up healthy and new
cells.
Chemotherapy totally depends upon:
- Type of cancer
- Its advancement
- Goal to cure, control or ease symptoms
- Chemotherapy type
- Body's reaction
Can I miss a Dose of Chemotherapy?
It is recommended never or not to miss any dose
because cancer cells may increase rapidly or you may get any other side
effect. Doctor will decide any changes in chemotherapy schedule
How is Chemotherapy Given?
There are various ways to give chemotherapy. They are:
- Injection: A shot is given in a muscle in your arm, thigh, or hip or right under the skin in the fatty part of your arm, leg, or belly.
- Intra-arterial (IA): the medicine directly goes into the artery which is linked with the cancer.
- Intraperitoneal (IP):Chemo directly goes to the affect area that contains organs such as your intestines, stomach, liver, and ovaries.
- Intravenous (IV): The chemotherapy is administered directly into the vein.
- Topically: The chemotherapy medicine which comes in cream can be applied onto your skin.
- Orally: through pills, capsules, or liquids that you swallow.
Things to know About Getting Chemotherapy Through an IV
In Intravenous dosage nurse will directly
give chemotherapy through a thin needle which is placed inside the vein
and remove it once treatment is over. If you feel any pain or irritation
or burning sensation, then immediately convey it to the doctor.
How will I Feel During Chemotherapy?
Different patient show different effects
during chemotherapy. It entirely depends on your health, cancer type and
its stage, chemotherapy type being taken and the amount of dose. Some
feel exhausted, tired, and numb. Whenever you undergo chemotherapy make
sure somebody or relative is with you for:
- Support
- Take you for chemo and drive back
- For taking care of your meals and children (if you have)
- For medical aid for any side effects
Can I Work During Chemotherapy?
If you feel alright after a day or 2 after
chemotherapy then definitely you can.And if your job allows then work
from home is the better option for few days. Full-time employees should
talk to their employers about the schedule and treatment to adjust work
timings.Many continue their daily activities to keep themselves
occupied.
Can I take Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs While I Get Chemotherapy?
It is always advisable to consult your
doctor first before taking any medicine. Now medications to entirely
depend on cancer & chemotype combined with medicines you take.Keep
them informed about the medicines list you take like laxatives, allergy
medicines, cold medicines, pain relievers, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
Properly arrange the drugs as per the dosage and reason.
Can I take Vitamins, Minerals, Dietary Supplements, or Herbs While I Get Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy has many side effects; you may
feel low or exhausted. Let your doctor know so that he will prescribe
suitable vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, or herbs to make you
feel better.
Chemotherapy costs less in India compared
to western countries. Fortis Hospitals helps in finding the
best-certified oncologist and chemo clinics which provide you with the
latest procedures. Our renowned and state of the art hospitals comprise
advanced technology and pool of medical experts. We arrange medical
travel, stay, and treatment along with exotic location tourism at very
affordable prices.
For more information please contact us at
Phone: +91-973-000-1540
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