Timing - Generally, chemotherapy is given after surgery , although some women have chemotherapy before surgery. It may be given before or during radiation therapy . The timing of chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of cancer and the way your body responds to the drugs. Medications - There are many drugs that are used alone or in combination, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Depending on how your body responds, different drugs may be used during the course of your treatment.
Most chemotherapy drugs cause some side effects.
The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and hair loss. Different drugs cause different side effects. Your physician can discuss side effects of the drugs you will be receiving as well as resources for minimizing and managing side effects. We encourage you to learn as much as possible about your treatment. You will find more in-depth information on chemotherapy at the following websites.