Chemotherapy

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a common type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to slow or stop cancer cell growth.

How is it administered?

Most often, drugs are given intravenously, either into the arm or chest. Some types of chemotherapy drugs can be given through pills, shots or creams.

You may receive chemotherapy at a doctor's office, clinic, hospital or at home.

What should I know?

If you're going to receive chemotherapy infusion, ask a member of your health care team how long it will take.

The treatment can take a long time and you may get bored. Bring activities you enjoy or a friend to keep you company.

You may experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue or hair loss.

Why is chemotherapy used?

• To kill or slow cancer cells.
• To reduce a tumor's size before surgery or radiation (neo-adjuvant chemotherapy).
• To destroy remaining cells after surgery or radiation (adjuvant chemotherapy).

Lymph Node Recovery After Surgery

Lymphedema is a chronic swelling that occurs in arms or legs after lymph node damage or removal, which is not uncommon in certain surgeries. While there is no cure for lymphedema, we can help you reduce its effects.

Managing Lymphedema

All patients are referred to physical therapy for treatment.

To keep swelling under control, we use a combination of bandaging, exercise, skin care and manual drainage. Our patients usually experience few significant long-term changes to their everyday lives.

The Lexington Medical Center Foundation funds treatment for patients who lack insurance, or who are underinsured.