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
Should I get a second opinion?
One way to find out if a suggested treatment is the best one for you is to get the opinion of at least one other doctor before starting treatment. Your doctor should not mind if you get a second opinion. In fact, some insurance companies require you to get one. Often, the results of any tests you have already had can be sent to the second doctor, so you won’t have to repeat them.
Find out if your insurance company covers second opinions before you get one.
Last Medical Review: 03/07/2013
Last Revised: 03/07/2013
