Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy

Breast cancer and chemotherapy can sometimes go hand-in-hand. 
After a woman (or man) is diagnosed with breast cancer, the oncologist may present chemotherapy drugs as a treatment option. Chemotherapy, also known as chemo, consists of specialized drugs that attack cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy may be used alone to treat your breast cancer or it may be used in conjunction with other drugs or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be given with pills or through IV injections.

Why Chemotherapy?

Your oncologist may decide to treat your breast cancer with chemotherapy. The goal of chemo is to keep cancer from spreading by slowing down cancer's growth. Chemo attacks all of cancer in your body, even cancer that may have spread to other areas in your body. The ultimate purpose of chemo is the CURE YOUR CANCER!

Chemo is a great weapon for breast cancer and other types of cancer. However, it also comes with come negatives. Along with attacking the cancer cells, it also attacks normal cells in your body. The good news: these normal cells can repair themselves and return to normal.

Side effects of Chemotherapy:

Using chemotherapy for your breast cancer may save your life but that doesn't mean the road will be easy. Here are a few side effects that may come with it:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hair Loss
• Mouth and Skin Changes
• Emotional Changes
• Sexual Changes

You may or may not experience any or all of these symptoms. Speak to your doctor about what you may experience with your treatment and how you can overcome these symptoms.

Keep in mind most of these side effects are TEMPORARY!