The treatment schedule for chemotherapy depends on the specific drugs and combinations of drugs being given. Chemotherapy is often given in cycles, with days or weeks off between treatments. This cycling gives the body a chance to recover between treatments. A full course of chemotherapy generally lasts three to six months, depending on the drugs used.
Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form or injected intravenously. Often, a combination of two or three chemotherapy drugs is used. Most modern chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer involve intravenous drugs that are given in an outpatient setting at a hospital or clinic. At each visit, an IV is inserted into the arm, allowing the drugs to drip into the bloodstream. Some people may have a surgical procedure to insert a small device called a port-a-cath under the skin of the chest. The chemotherapy drugs are given through this device. A port-a-cath remains in place for the three to six months of treatment.
Each chemotherapy visit lasts from one to six hours, including time with the medical and nursing teams. At each visit, your blood counts will be checked and you may be given anti-nausea medicines and other treatments to make the chemotherapy easier to tolerate. You can bring a friend or family member with you during the visit. You may also choose to read or watch television. Beforehand, you should discuss with your health care provider any side effects that might occur and whether or not you need to have someone drive you home after each visit.
Updated 08/24/09
