Chemotherapy may be given by mouth or by injection through the skin into a vein. These treatments can be self-administered and last from as little as ten minutes to a few days. A portable pump for treatment into the veins is now available. This pump makes sure the prescribed dosage of medicine is given over the correct time period. A hospital stay is no longer necessary in most cases.
Chemotherapy treatments can last from several weeks to several months.
Chemotherapy may sometimes cause unpleasant side effects. Your healthcare provider will be watching closely for any side effects. They can provide many options to help manage them. If the side effects become severe, the dose of the drug may be lowered or the treatment may be postponed. In extreme cases, treatment might be discontinued.