Chemotherapy in Corinth, MS
Cancer Care at MRHC
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop or slow the unwanted growth and spread of cancer cells. It can eliminate cancer cells at sites that are far from the original cancer and, as a result, is called a systemic treatment. The duration and type of drugs used depends on the type of cancer being treated, the goal of the treatment therapy and how well your body responds to the treatment. Our center offers care to patients throughout Northern Mississippi including Corinth, Tupelo, and Booneville.
Chemotherapy Treatment in Corinth, MS
What are the types of Chemotherapy?
Depending on the type of cancer being treated, chemotherapy can be administered alone or together with other treatments. For example, chemotherapy may be administered before or after surgery or before a stem cell transplant. Additionally, depending on the type of cancer being treated, chemotherapy is administered in one or several of the following ways:
- Intravenously
- Injection directly into a muscle or other body part
- Pills
- Topical creams that are rubbed on the skin
When is Chemotherapy administered?
Depending on the type of treatment prescribed by your physician, when you receive your chemotherapy can vary. You may receive a treatment daily, weekly or even monthly. The treatment schedule will generally include a period of rest to give your body a chance to build healthy new cells.
What are the effects of Chemotherapy?
Since chemotherapy can harm healthy cells as it works to control or eliminate the cancer cells, patients are counseled on potential side effects. Today, many side effects can be prevented or controlled. You should speak with your physician to discuss potential side effects and how they can be managed.
Since each person and treatment is different, it is difficult to predict how you will feel. For some patients there may no side effects while others may have mild to moderate discomfort. They can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain and hair loss
- Tiredness
Since healthy cells will generally recover, most side effects will go away. Many people who experience minor or no symptoms keep their normal schedules at home or at work Approximately 50% of people diagnosed with cancer receive chemotherapy, and for millions of them, chemotherapy helps treat their cancer effectively – enabling them to enjoy full, productive lives.
What are cancer clinical trials?
Clinical trials test new treatments for cancer. By participating in a clinical trial you can try new treatments that may or may not be better than your current treatment. For more information, ask your physician or contact the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-422- 6237.
