Chemotherapy

When the cancer care experts at Adventist Health Castle want to target fast-growing cells to stop or slow cancer from spreading, they use chemotherapy. They recommend the right chemotherapy medication and dosage for your needs, and provide them in our infusion center, a comfortable setting close to home, family and friends.

How chemotherapy works

Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells throughout your entire body. And with more than 100 types of chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer, depending on the location, type and stage of the cancer it’s good to know our experts are on the advanced edge of their medical field.

When you find out you need chemotherapy, you might feel overwhelmed and nervous about the side effects. Our experts are here to explain your treatment pathway, answer your questions and help prepare for care.

Here’s what to expect:

• Treatment regimen: Depending on your treatment plan, you will have routine chemotherapy infusion appointments, which alternate between visits for infusions and resting periods, which allow for a few days or weeks so the drugs can work in your body.
• During your sessions: Staff will welcome you, take vitals and prepare you for the infusion of chemotherapy medicine through a vein in your arm or chest.
• Supportive infusion centers: Our infusion center provides easy access to care in a calm, comfortable environment. Our specialty trained staff will put you at ease and address any questions and concerns you may have during your appointments.

Help for chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is known to be effective in treating cancer, but it can take a toll on your body and spirit. These drugs target fast-growing cells, but can affect healthy parts of your body, too. Not every person experiences the same side effects, but you might have symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sores in your mouth

Being educated and supported is important for your journey, so our experienced specialists stay closely in tune with what you are experiencing, helping you prevent and manage any side efforts during your care. Whether providing medications or praying with you, we provide the support you need to be positive and spiritually lifted at each step of the journey.

Chemotherapy may just be one part of your cancer treatment plan. And could also include immunotherapy, radiation therapy or cancer surgery.

For more information, call Adventist Health Castle’s oncology clinic (808) 263-5022.