Chemotherapy
Understanding Chemotherapy
It’s reasonable for a cancer patient to have concerns about the effects of chemotherapy on their body or appearance.
At City of Hope, we offer the counsel of caring, sympathetic experts and a library of other resources to help you understand chemotherapy treatment, its side effects and how to manage the symptoms of side effects.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy, also called “chemo,” destroys, stops or slows the growth of cancer cells using anticancer drugs. While these powerful medications can be effective in killing cancer cells, they can also damage healthy cells in the process.
Whether done alone, or paired with other treatment options like radiation therapy and surgery, chemotherapy can play an essential role in your cancer treatment plan.
When and How Is Chemotherapy Given During Treatment?
Chemotherapy is typically administered in an outpatient location, like a hospital or doctor’s office. Treatment can be given:
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Treatment sessions can last for hours at a time, so patients are encouraged to bring books, music or movies—anything that will provide comfort and help pass the time. It is also important to have a friend or family member available to take you to and from each appointment, since it is difficult to gauge how you will feel after treatment.
Chemotherapy treatment schedules are tailored to each patient. They can occur daily, weekly, every few weeks or monthly, depending on the cancer type and stage. Each treatment is followed by a rest period, giving the body time to recover and re-build healthy cells.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemotherapy
Side Effects
The side effects of chemotherapy vary from person to person. By working closely with your doctor and caregiver, it is possible to successfully prepare for and manage any side effects you might experience. Knowledge can be critical to restoring the health and well-being of our patients and their families. We invite you to download our literature on the following topics:
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Watch the Mobile Chemotherapy Infusion Pump Education video on how to give yourself an infusion at home.
Mire el video educativo de la bomba de infusión de quimioterapia móvil sobre cómo administrarse una infusión en casa.
觀看移動化療輸液泵教育視頻，了解如何在家給自己輸液。
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Ask your health care team for a one-on-one chemotherapy teaching appointment at the clinic. During this education appointment, a nurse will give you important information about your chemotherapy treatment, how to manage side effects of treatment, direct you resources for information and support and to answer any questions or concerns that you or your family may have. Please call your health care team to schedule a chemotherapy teaching appointment.
Many of the downloadable booklets below are also available in print format at the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center located on the Duarte main campus.
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Chemotherapy and You: Support For People With Cancer (NCI) - English / La quimioterapia y usted (NCI) - Spanish
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Drugs, supplements and herbal information including chemotherapy drugs on Medline Plus - English / Medicinas, hierbas y suplementos Medline Plus - Spanish
Our Department of Supportive Care Medicine provides an integrated, interdisciplinary array of supportive care services and programs that address the many physical and emotional issues that can arise during and after treatment to help you navigate City of Hope and ensure access to the resources you need.