How to Learn About Other Treatments Used With Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy, doctors use medications to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments that also fight cancer. Follow these steps to learn more about them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Biological therapy is the term used for treatments designed to boost your immune system so that it will fight the cancer. With some forms of cancer, hormonal therapy may be used. Hormonal therapy blocks the effects of hormones that are associated with certain cancers such as breast cancer.
2. Ask your doctor about radiation treatment. Doctors use radiation to shrink tumors in specific locations, whereas chemotherapy attacks cancer cells that may have migrated to other parts of the body.
3. Remember that you can undergo chemotherapy both before and after surgery. Combining chemotherapy with other forms of treatment can more effectively fight the cancer.
4. Visit the Web site of the National Cancer Institute (see Resources below) for the most current information on the various cancer treatments that may be used with chemotherapy . The Web site also has helpful information on how to prepare for and cope with chemotherapy.
5. Conserve your energy when going through different kinds of cancer treatment. Fatigue is a common side effect of many treatments. Carefully managing your energy levels can improve the quality of your life during treatment.
6. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, you may be eligible for a clinical trial investigating new forms of treatment. You can ask your doctor about clinical trials, or learn more about them at the Web site of the National Cancer Institute (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional if you or members of your family experience symptoms of depression during your cancer treatment. Depression is treatable and you don't have to suffer from it during cancer treatment.
• Know that chemotherapy is typically used either alone or in conjunction with biological therapy, radiation or surgery.
• Consider joining an online support group to deal with the effects of your treatment. Speaking with people online may be the best option as sometimes, during treatment, you may not feel well enough to leave your house.
• No matter what type of cancer treatments you undergo or how successful they are, plan to attend regular follow-up visits with your doctor for a period after treatment.
• If you join a clinical trial, you are not obligated to continue. You may leave the trial at any time.