Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with a drug like Herceptin to treat breast cancer. Chemotherapy works as a systemic treatment, unlike radiation which is a more localized form of treatment. Chemotherapy is an especially good choice for patients whose cancers have spread to other parts of the body besides the breast and surrounding tissue.

Chemotherapy and Prescription Drugs

Chemotherapy treatment is not always given intravenously, although this is a common way of administering the treatment. Chemotherapy can also be administered by mouth and in conjunction with other prescription treatment drugs. This type of treatment usually lasts about six months, with patients being treated in cycles and then given a recovery period. Chemotherapy often has negative side effects and can be rough on both the body and spirit of the patient. Below are a few types of chemotherapy drugs that may be administered during treatment.

Taxotere

Taxotere, the brand name for docetaxel, works during the mitosis—or dividing—stage of cell growth. This medication stops the growth of cancer cells, causing them to die. The drug is given by injection, although the amount and schedule of injection will vary depending upon the severity of the cancer and the patient’s health. Patients receiving this drug may also take another drug called dexamethasone to lessen the chance of swelling in the body, as well as an antinausea medication. The drug can lower your blood counts, making your body more likely to develop an infection. The drug can also cause hair loss. It is not recommended that patients take any form of aspirin while on this drug because it can lower platelet count.

Ellence

Ellence is also known as Epirubicin hydrochloride and is also used during chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. This drug stops the growth of cancerous cells much like Taxotere, causing the cells to die. This drug is also injected, and you may be given antinausea medication to counteract any vomiting. This drug can also lower blood cell counts and should not be taken by people with a history of heart problems. Like any chemotherapy treatment, it can also cause birth defects and sterility and should be used with caution.

Chemotherapy can consist of a number of different drugs and dosages. All can result in unpleasant side effects, the most infamous being hair loss. Consult your doctor to determine other solutions to hair loss or consider having a wig or special hat in place. This is often described as the most mentally draining side effect. However, the benefits of chemotherapy in killing cancer can be considerable, even when weighed against these negative side effects.