Benefits of Chemo / Risks of Chemo

My dad called last night and was asking questions about my chemo, so I thought I would give a few more details the best I can. My first chemo session is this Friday, June 7 at 10 o'clock. (I have listed my chemo schedule on the top right-hand column of my blog under Chemo Calendar.)  I'll go to the cancer center at Sutter Roseville. There is a room next to my oncologist's office that probably holds about 20 recliners for patients and a chair next to each one for a guest.  I will have an IV placed and then 2 different types of drugs will be given to me, one after the other.  The drugs I will be given are taxotere and cytoxan. (To find out more details about these drugs and side effect, click on their link.)  It should take 1 1/2 -2 hours.

I will eat and drink before I go and I suppose I can eat there if I want to bring a snack.  Also I will take an anti-nausea drug before chemo. I think I won't start feeling the side effect for a few hours or even days after.  I'll let you know!  I hear day 3 or 4 are the toughest.  My doctor said that about 2 weeks after my first treatment I will loose my hair : ( But I am prepared!  I got my free wig yesterday!  Thanks American Cancer Society!

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

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Benefits Of Chemotherapy in Invasive Breast Cancer Treatment

When used appropriately, chemotherapy offers benefits for certain breast cancer patients that may outweigh the risks associated with side effects. Specifically, chemotherapy:

• can reduce the number of cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body, reducing the likelihood that breast cancer will return and potentially prolonging life 
• can be used before surgery to shrink larger tumors, making less invasive surgery possible 

Risks Of Chemotherapy in Invasive Breast Cancer Treatment

The following list is an overview of possible short- and long-term side effects that can occur as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Keep in mind that some side effects are temporary, and others can be minimized through medication and management by your breast cancer physician.

• Hair loss 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Infection 
• Fatigue 
• Nerve pain and muscle pain 
• Decrease in red blood cells and/or white blood cells 
• Heart disorders 
• Leukemia 

The side-effect profiles vary for each chemotherapeutic drug. For information about the risks associated with specific therapies, please consult your treating healthcare provider.

Although chemotherapy may cause side effects that affect quality of life, it is important to remember the potential benefits of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer as well. In addition, it is important to note that there are medications available to minimize some of the side effects of chemotherapy. You and your healthcare team should carefully consider the benefits and risks of chemotherapy before deciding whether it is appropriate for your individual breast cancer diagnosis.


The above information is from My Breast Cancer Treatment Org
http://www.mybreastcancertreatment.org/en-US/MyBreastCancerTreatment/IsRightForMe.aspx#.UZOunbXryXU

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