Chemotherapy Treatment for Breast Cancer

• How is chemotherapy given?
• When is chemotherapy given?
• Can I still work while receiving chemotherapy treatments?
• How will I know if the chemotherapy treatments are working?
• What are the potential side effects of chemotherapy drugs?
• How will chemotherapy affect my menstrual cycle?
• What is menopause?
• How does chemotherapy influence the onset of menopause?
• Will my menstrual flow be different after chemotherapy?
• Will my periods return after chemotherapy?
• Can I get pregnant while I'm receiving chemotherapy?
• What is the safest type of birth control during chemotherapy?
• After I've completed chemotherapy, how long must I wait before trying to get pregnant?
• Are there risks of chromosomal abnormalities or cancer in children conceived after chemotherapy?

In cancer treatment, chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of rapidly multiplying cells.

Chemotherapy usually includes a combination of drugs, since this is more effective than a single drug given alone. There are many drug combinations used to treat breast cancer. Ask your doctor for specific information and side effects you can expect from your chemotherapy medications.

How Is Chemotherapy Given?

Chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously (directly into a vein) or orally (by mouth). Once the drugs enter the bloodstream, they travel to all parts of the body in order to reach cancer cells that may have spread beyond the breast -- therefore chemotherapy is considered a "systemic" form of breast cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy is given in cycles of treatment followed by a recovery period. The entire chemotherapy treatment generally lasts three to six months, depending on the type of drugs given.

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