Chemotherapy usually lasts for about 6 months. You will probably need to have frequent blood tests as well during this time to help the doctor monitor your health. You don't need to stay in hospital to have chemotherapy. It is usually given to you in the outpatient department of most hospitals. Treatments can last only 10 minutes but may sometimes take a few hours.
Chemotherapy affects women in different ways.
For some women it makes no difference to their daily activities while other women feel tired and need to take things slowly and do less. Most of the side effects don't last. They usually go away soon after your treatment stops. Some women have no side effects. Your doctor will be able to help you control some side effects with medication.