Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families
TOPICS
- Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families
- Learning about chemotherapy treatment
- A checklist of questions to ask your doctor or nurse
- Should I get a second opinion?
- Where will I get chemo?
- How will the chemo be given to me?
- What are clinical trials?
- Can I take other medicines while I am getting chemo?
- How will I know if the chemo is working?
- How do I give my permission for this treatment?
- Chemo safety
- Will I be able to work during treatment?
- Chemo side effects
- What are common side effects?
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Increased chance of bruising, bleeding, and infection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Other chemo side effects and tips to manage them
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Mouth, gum, and throat problems
- Nerve and muscle problems
- Skin and nail changes
- Urine changes and bladder and kidney problems
- Weight gain
- Other questions you may have
- When to call your doctor
- Sex, fertility, and chemo
- Thoughts, emotions, and chemo
- Paying for chemo treatment
- Glossary
- More information from your American Cancer Society
How do I give my permission for this treatment?
You’ll be asked to give your written permission to get chemo based on your understanding of the drugs your doctor recommends. Know the answers to all of these questions before you sign the consent form.
- Which chemo drugs will I be given?
- How will the drugs be given to me?
- How often will I need to get chemo?
- How long will my treatments last?
- What side effects could I have?
- How likely is it that this treatment will work?
The specifics of the consent form may vary from state to state, but the form usually states that your doctor has explained your condition to you, how the chemo will benefit you, the risks of treatment, and the other options available to you. Your signature on the form means that you have gotten this information and you are willing to be treated with chemo. This process is called giving informed consent.
Last Medical Review: 03/07/2013
Last Revised: 03/07/2013