1. Does It Really Help?
If you're one of those individuals averse to hospital tests, nothing could be more convenient than popping a pill at home. Oral chemo refers to any drug taken as a liquid, capsule or tablet by mouth to treat your cancer. As the American Cancer Society (ACS) explains, "Taking chemo at home gives you more freedom to carry on with your daily life without the trouble of frequent treatment visits."
2. Check What Your Doctor Ordered
Make sure that the oral chemo is really safe and effective, before getting started. Please let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications, food, vitamins, herbs and supplements. You may have questions related to the prescribed dosage or the side effects. And what if you missed a dose? Do you also have any concerns about insurance coverage for the oral chemo? Your doctor or nurse should explain the exact ways to take the drugs orally and what to expect once you are into it. You should know whether to take the chemo daily, weekly, every few weeks or every month.
3. Getting Started with Oral Chemo
Once you start taking the oral chemo you should feel better as the cancer cells die, but you'll also notice a few side effects. In fact, chemo is given in cycles to cut down on the harm to healthy cells. It allows the drugs to get rid of more cancer cells. Make sure you let your physician or nurse know any challenges you might run into, for example, if you are throwing up or feel queasy. However, that's not the time to alter the prescribed dose or timing, unless your doctored orders it. The American Cancer Society suggests that you keep in touch with your doctor from time to time. Your doctor should let you know if the cancer cells are dying by taking blood tests and scans.
4. But How Dreadful Can the Oral Chemo Be?
You can expect anything from stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, mouth sores and skin changes to low blood counts. Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital for the prevention of oral mucositis. Mucositis is now considered to be the most troublesome and serious side effect of cancer therapy, according to a U.S. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Task Force report. In oral mucositis, there is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the mouth.
5. Is Oral Chemo for You?
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Task Force Report on Oral Chemotherapy published in March 2008, "Generally, highly motivated, capable patients who want and can actively participate in their care are better suited to assume the increased responsibility that comes with chronic home oral administration of chemotherapy." So ask yourself if you're ready to assume the responsibility for at-home care, and if you can absorb the significant costs that may be associated with oral chemotherapy.
