An IV treatment, which lasts about two hours, often includes antinausea medications along with the chemo drugs. The treatment is painless, and you can usually relax in a reclining chair and read or chat while receiving it. Chemo may also be used before surgery. This is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy and is used to shrink a large tumor that otherwise cannot be removed completely by surgery. It's also used to shrink large tumors so they can be removed by lumpectomy rather than mastectomy.
Chemotherapy is notorious for causing nausea and vomiting.
Some cancer patients even start to experience anticipatory nausea before their chemo appointments. But many of these side effects can be treated, and some can be prevented entirely. The most serious side effect of chemotherapy is suppression of your immune system, which can greatly increase the risk of serious infection. Chemo lowers your levels of red and white blood cells and platelets, an effect that's likely to make you tired and lower your immunity. It's very important to wash your hands carefully and often and, if possible, avoid being around sick people while you're undergoing chemo.