Chemotherapy can be given in these forms:
-
An IV (intravenously)
-
A shot (injection) into a muscle or other part of the body
-
A pill or a liquid that is swallowed
-
A cream that is rubbed on the skin
If your prescribed chemo is a pill or liquid, it can often be taken it at home, according to doctor’s directions. Chemo shots are given in a hospital, clinic or at home. But most often, chemo is given into the veins through a needle or tiny plastic tube called a catheter. This is called IV (intravenous) chemo. At St. Vincent Hospital Cancer Centers, IV chemo can be administered in a private, semi-private or general infusion area—whatever is most comfortable for you.
You may get chemo once a day, once a week, or even once a month. It depends on the type of cancer and chemo. The length of time also depends on how your body responds to the drugs. The treatment period is followed by a period of rest allowing the body a chance to build healthy new cells.