Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is most frequently given intravenously (through a drip into the vein). Depending on the types and number of drugs prescribed, the length of intravenous (i/v) treatment may range from 30 minutes up to several hours. It will usually be given during day visits at a hospital or treatment centre. Sometimes, chemotherapy is given via a portable pump programmed to deliver a prescribed dosage and amount of chemotherapy continuously over a few days.

•Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often given through a small fine plastic tube (IV cannula) that is inserted into a vein at the back of the hand or lower arm. The cannula is secured with tapes during treatment and removed after each treatment. IV chemotherapy may also be given through catheters or ports, sometimes attached to a pump.

Catheter – A catheter is a thin, soft hollow tube to be inserted in a large vein, usually at the chest area. The other end of the catheter stays outside the body and stay in place till chemotherapy is completed. The catheter can be used for other prescribed IV drugs and draw blood for test. Care to be taken to watch for signs of infection around the catheter.

Implanted Port- An implanted port is a small round disc placed underneath the skin through a minor surgical procedure. It is put in place by a doctor before chemotherapy treatment starts and remains until treatment is completed. A catheter from the port connects the port to a large vein. A needle is inserted through the port externally for chemotherapy infusion and blood draws for tests.

Pump- pumps are often attached to catheter or ports. It can be programmed with the prescribed dosage and duration of chemotherapy to be delivered via the catheter or the port.

• Oral chemotherapy
The chemotherapy comes in pills or capsules to be swallowed. The pharmacist will tell you how and when to take them, and how to handle the drugs safely.

• Injections
The chemotherapy is given by a shot in a muscle in the arm, thigh or buttocks or under the skin (subcutaneous) in the fatty part of the arm, leg or abdominal area.

• Intrathecal injection
The chemotherapy is injected into the space between the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.

•Intraperitoneal (IP)
The chemotherapy goes directly into the peritoneal cavity, the area in the body that contains organs such as intestines, stomach and liver.

•Intra-arterial (IA)
The chemotherapy is injected directly into the artery that leads to the cancer.

•Topical
The chemotherapy comes in a cream to be rubbed onto the skin.

化疗是如何进行的?

Chemotherapy not only kills fast-growing cancer cells, but also kills or slows the growth of healthy cells that grow and divide quickly like the cells that line the mouth and intestines as well as the cells that cause the hair to grow. Damage to healthy cells may cause side effects, such as mouth sores, nausea, and hair loss. Side effects often get better after completion of chemotherapy regime.

化疗的副作用

1. Pack a bag for treatment
This bag could include warm clothing, healthy snacks, drinks, lip balm and something to keep you entertained like a book, magazine, music with earpiece, laptop or tablet.

2. Arrange for someone to accompany you
It will be ideal to arrange for someone to bring you home after chemotherapy as some medications can cause drowsiness.

3. Arrange for help at home
Make arrangements for childcare for your young children before and after your treatment session. Ask a friend or family member to help coordinate or help out.

4. Seek support from your employer
Make work arrangements with your employer and discuss about any time off or leave required especially on day of treatment and day after.

5. Look after yourself
Stay healthy before and during the treatment. Drinks lots of water, have adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, stay physically active and have enough rest. All these can help reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

6. Seek support on your concerns
The diagnosis of cancer can affect people differently. Speak to a family member, a friend or your doctor or call the Cancer Helpline to speak with the Nurse Counsellors at (65) 6225 5655 for support.

7. Be aware and prepare for possible side effects
Find out about the side effects you are likely to have and ways to manage them. You may wish to cut your hair before treatment starts if one of the side effects is hair loss.

8. Inform about other medicines
Inform your doctor of any other medication you are taking as they may interfere with the chemotherapy.

准备接受化疗

The cost of chemotherapy depends on:
• The types and doses of chemotherapy used
• How long and how often chemotherapy is given• Whether chemotherapy is administered at home, in clinic or during a hospital stay

化疗的费用