Chemotherapy is the use of chemical agents to fight cancer cells, according to the Geisinger Health System. Although chemotherapy can be an effective way to kill cancer cells, the chemicals--which are administered intravenously, orally or via body cavity--have specific health risks and side effects that you should understand fully before you authorize and begin the treatment. Speaking to your oncologist and visiting with others who are battling cancer can give you a better idea of the benefits and risks involved in proceeding with chemotherapy.
Step 1
Ask your physician, oncologist or nurse any questions you have regarding chemotherapy. Your doctor is the best resource for information on symptoms and effectiveness. Asking questions like, "Will chemotherapy put my cancer into remission" and "Will I be able to maintain my normal activities?" help you grasp what chemotherapy will mean for you, according to the National Cancer Institute. Write a list of questions as they come to you, and bring the list to your next appointment.
Step 2
Read all the literature your doctor gives you. Make sure you get brochures and workbooks that explain chemotherapy in layman's terms so you can better understand the risks and benefits involved. The American Cancer Society prints a brochure called "Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families" that is available online at the American Cancer Society website. Ask your doctor for all the literature and information that you need to better understand chemotherapy.
Step 3
Talk to people that you know that have undergone chemotherapy treatments. Chances are you have a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer. If you don't know someone directly, ask your friends and family if they know someone you can talk to. It's important to get to know chemotherapy from the view of a patient, and not just the health expert. You can get invaluable insights into life before, during and after chemotherapy.
Step 4
Join a support group for those with cancer, according to Cancer Care. Support groups include patients in different stages of healing, from those newly diagnosed to those in remission after chemotherapy treatments. You can ask questions about the various benefits of chemotherapy and get a general consensus from cancer patients about chemotherapy. You can find support groups online, ask your doctor or hospital for suggestions, or contact Cancer Care or other cancer organizations.
