chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses specific drugs to kill cancer cells. The protocol for breast cancer patients is one of the harshest chemotherapy regimens that exists.

It is hard to anticipate what to expect during chemotherapy as everyone tolerates the treatment differently. Coping with the physical side effects along with the mental challenges of chemotherapy can be very difficult.  

A PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter that has a long tube that is inserted through a vein, typically in your arm, that passes through larger veins near your heart. The advantage to the PICC line is it removes the need to have an IV inserted directly into a vein in your hand/arm with each chemotherapy infusion. The PICC line requires weekly dressing changes and you have to keep it dry at all times to avoid infection.

• Consider preparing a "chemo bag" that has a water bottle, chapstick, headphones, and a book/electronic device. This will also help you carry your medications home from treatment.
• As part of your treatment, you may be given steroids that help reduce allergic reactions and nausea. Beware that these may cause disruption to your sleep pattern.
• Our hair started falling out within days of our second Doxorubicin infusion. Nothing will prepare you for this. This handout will help you better understand why this happening - http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Documents/ForthePatientHairLossduetoChemotherapy_1Feb2008.pdf
• Expect to have routine bloodwork before every chemotherapy session. Look to see if your local lab has an online portal so you can book your appointment online to reduce your wait time and exposure to others while your immune system is most vulnerable. 
• To keep your PICC line dry, you may want to consider ordering some plastic arm sleeves to wear when bathing/showering. 
• Your period might stop while you are receiving treatment, this is normal. Don't feel embarrassed to mention it to your oncologist. 
• Get ahead of your dental hygiene to reduce the possibility of mouth sores. We recommend a warm water salt-rinse daily or using Biotene.
• Don't be afraid to call the Cancer Centre Pharmacy if you have questions about your symptoms and side effects.
• With time, you will begin to understand how your body handles chemotherapy and you will develop a rhythm to help you get through each cycle.