Medical Oncology Treatments

Your body’s immune system fights cancer cells. By definition, cancer cells are growing at a rapid rate and your doctor may recommend chemotherapy (medication) to stop the rapid growth of these cells. The doctor who prescribes chemotherapy is a Medical Oncologist.

Major advances in this field have occurred in the past few years. The side effects have been minimized and the time it takes to bounce back after treatment is quite short now. Also, several types of complementary therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure have been proven to help minimize side effects.

Your Medical Oncologist will have reviewed the pathology report after your surgery when you go to your appointment. Following a physical examination, the oncologist will discuss the treatment options with you. The pathology report indicates which specific type of tumor was removed and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Since there are many types of breast cancer, the oncologist determines what therapy options would best apply to your situation.

Hormonal Therapy

If your cancer pathology report indicates that your type of tumor is stimulated by estrogen or progesterone, your oncologist may recommend hormonal treatment such as Tamoxifen. These drugs are different than chemotherapy drugs and act by slowing down or preventing the growth of tumor cells. Get more information on Tamoxifen .

Chemotherapy

Most chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously (IV), although some are pills. The duration of treatment can be from four weeks to two years, depending on the stage of the cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor. Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery if there has been evidence in the lymph nodes (or other clues) that the cancer is aggressive and has a high likelihood of recurrence. Chemotherapy is given in cycles, allowing a rest period between treatments.

Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of the mucous membranes, temporary hair loss, weight change, low red blood cell count (anemia), low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell count (neutropenia) and early menopause.

Different people have different reactions to chemotherapy. There are many supports for the side effects of chemotherapy. Several new drugs reduce or eliminate nausea. Acupuncture may also have the same effect. Now, low blood counts are routinely prevented by the use of medications that promote blood cell production. Keeping your blood counts normal helps reduce the chance of developing infections during chemotherapy, and keeping your treatments on a schedule increases your best outcomes. Remember the phrase, "Full dose, on time, every time" for the best outcomes.

Your doctor and her/his team of providers will monitor your condition closely through physical examinations and testing.

Monoclonal Antibodies - If your body produces excess amounts of a protein called "HER2/neu," your doctor may recommend monoclonal antibody treatment. These drugs prevent the cancer cells from growing by targeting the HER2/neu coating on the cancer cells.

Bisphosphonates - When breast cancer spreads to the bones, medications called bisphosphonates are prescribed to strengthen the bones and relieve pain.

Aromatase Inhibitors - Estrogen can stimulate the growth of some tumors. An Aromatase Inhibitor can lower the amount of estrogen available in your body which will block the growth of the tumor. Get more information on Aromatase Inhibitors .

Taking Care of Yourself During Chemotherapy

1. Eat right to build your strength
2. Eat a high protein, high fiber, low calorie diet and maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids. It is not recommended to gain weight while on chemotherapy, any more than it is to lose weight.
3. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
4. Use ready to eat foods if you do not have help to prepare meals.
5. Sometimes eating smaller, more frequent meals or snacks rather than three larger meals per day is more appealing during chemotherapy – such as crackers and cheese, celery and peanut butter. On days when you feel like cooking, double the quantity and freeze the extra in individual serving sizes.
6. Talk to a nutritionist, or check out our nutrition suggestions.
7. Add a multivitamin to your daily regimen, and rest as much as you need.
8. Be assured that treatment related fatigue is not necessarily an indication that your cancer is getting worse. Exercise can help reduce your fatigue.
9. Simplify your work or activities by breaking them down into smaller steps.
10. Plan your activities for times when you have the energy, and then pace yourself.
11. Check with your doctor before beginning regular exercise. If approved, exercise for short periods but more frequently.
12. Alternate short frequent rests with activities.
13. Establish good sleeping habits at night, taking short naps during the day.

Talk to your doctors and other care providers, family, friends and others who have gone through this so you feel more in control of the situation. If your energy level is preventing you from completing your regular activities, let your doctor know.