Medical Oncology and Hematology
Baptist Cancer Center provides compassionate care so we can ensure your comfort and well-being during all aspects of chemotherapy treatment.
Chemotherapy, often called chemo, uses medicines or drugs to eliminate cancer cells. Chemotherapy for cancer can be used alone or in combination with surgery and radiation.
Chemo can be used for different reasons, which your doctor will discuss with you before you start treatment. Chemo may be used to:
Going through chemo treatment can be a very difficult experience not only for patients but for their families as well. Remember, you are never alone when receiving care at Baptist. Our nurse navigators are there for you every step of the way from diagnosis to follow-up care offering education, care coordination, counseling and connecting patients to community resources.
There are more than 100 types of drugs that are used for different chemotherapy treatment plans. Most chemo treatments will use more than one of these drugs to eliminate cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be administered in a variety of ways including orally with a liquid or pill, in the form of a shot, but the most common chemo delivery method is an intravenous infusion. The duration of your chemo treatment will depend on your cancer treatment plan and the effectiveness of the chemo.
Chemotherapy infusion is generally not painful but there are potential side effects, including. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fertility problems, emotional changes, as well mouth and skin changes. Many side effects can be treated and possibly prevented, so talk to your doctor before you begin treatments to assess your risk for side effects and what can be done to prevent them.
Depending on the drugs and where the cancer is located, your chemo may be administered in one or more of the following ways:
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In addition to chemotherapy treatment, Baptist Cancer Center offers a wide range of cancer treatment services. Whether you or a loved one needs genetic counseling, reconstructive surgery, palliative care or another form of cancer support, we serve the Mid-South with close-to-home care. Learn more about our cancer services now.