When we think of cancer treatment, chemotherapy is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Chemo makes the news almost every day, in part because of its sometimes brutal side effects including hair loss, nausea/vomiting, fatigue and weight loss/weight gain. There are just over 250 chemotherapy drugs that are utilized in the treatment of all different types of cancer. 

We may think, “Well, chemo is chemo.”

That’s true, but chemotherapy is used in different ways for different...

Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and targeted therapy or locally from radiation therapy. Looking back at my first oncology appointment, I remember my husband asking her, “Is my wife going to lose her hair?” He was asking because he knew losing my hair would probably be distressing to me. 

Hair Loss from Chemotherapy May Become a Rare Side Effect for Certain Cancer Patients

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of...

The first oral chemotherapy dates back to 1992 when Xeloda (capecitabine) was patented. It was first approved for the treatment of breast cancer in 1998 and approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in 2001. In 2018, oral chemotherapy drugs are commonly prescribed for many types of cancer. It’s estimated that about over 25 percent of the new cancer drugs now in the pipeline will be oral. Is Oral Chemotherapy Covered by Insurance?

If you were like me, you’ve never heard of neutropenia (pronounced noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh). When I went in for my fourth chemotherapy infusion, my oncologist came in after receiving my lab results. She was always upbeat and had a smile on her face. She said, “No chemo for you today!”

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many people with cancer. It is not unusual to feel fear and uneasiness before going into one’s first chemotherapy treatment. Being prepared may help you feel less unsettled about going to your first round.  We asked the WhatNext Comunity how they would prepare. The information listed here is how WhatNexters prepared for chemo. This information does not represent medical advice and all input is from WhatNext members themselves.

WhatNexters...

Those of us that have had the displeasure to sit in "the chair" for any length of time know how it can be a long sit, or at least seem like it's taking forever. Some patients report taking 8 hours or more to receive all of their pre-meds, fluids and actual chemo. In other cases, some patients have a slow drip for 24 hours. You're going to need something to keep your mind occupied. Here are some suggestions from patients that have come before you to keep occupied while having chemo.

There are...

Cancer can throw your entire life into disarray. Constant visits to the hospital or doctor’s office can dominate your schedule. Fatigue can sap your energy and leave you unable to enjoy the activities you once did. You and your family may experience stress and anxiety due to uncertainty about your prognosis. This article will help you find the right wig when cancer takes your hair.

Even your outward appearance can be changed by a cancer diagnosis, especially if you’re one of the...

You have been given the three-word sentence that none of us ever wants to hear... YOU HAVE CANCER! For many of us, your head is spinning and you may not even be able to hear anything else that the Dr. tells you after that. The information starts coming at you like water out of a hose drowning you in the face. 

They will tell you the type of cancer, the location, eventually, they will tell you the stage, and maybe a plan of treatment. One common part of treatment is chemotherapy. There...

The fogginess. The forgetfulness. The feeling of cluelessness. That’s chemo brain , one of the most frustrating side effects of cancer treatment. There’s even an official name for it – bet you didn’t know that. It’s called “Post-Chemotherapy Cognitive Impairment.”

Of course, cancer patients probably have some more colorful ways to describe the condition, but it wouldn’t be polite to print those here.

One of the problems with chemo brain is that because it’s been given a familiar name,...

A cancer diagnosis can cause a whirlwind of questions and emotions. Often the specifics of the road ahead are unknown. Many WhatNexters agree that it felt easier once they found out more, got familiar with treatment plans, and found ways to stay positive and cope in their everyday life.

“I took it one thing at a time. I keep thinking each procedure, each treatment, is one more step towards recovery and that keeps me moving forward.” -- Beannie, Breast Cancer, Stage I

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