www.cancer.gov 3 How often will I receive chemotherapy? Treatment schedules for chemotherapy vary widely. How often and how long you get chemotherapy depends on: Î your type of cancer and how advanced it is Î the goals of treatment (whether chemotherapy is used to cure your cancer, control its growth, or ease the symptoms) Î the type of chemotherapy Î how your body reacts to chemotherapy You may receive chemotherapy in cycles. A cycle is a period of chemotherapy treatment followed by a period of rest. For instance, you might receive one week of chemotherapy followed by three weeks of rest. These four weeks make up one cycle. The rest period gives your body a chance to build new healthy cells. Can I miss a chemotherapy treatment? It is not good to skip a chemotherapy treatment. But sometimes your doctor or nurse may change your chemotherapy schedule due to side effects you are having. If your schedule changes, your doctor or nurse will explain what to do and when to start treatment again. How is chemotherapy given? Chemotherapy may be given in many ways, such as: Î Injection. The chemotherapy is given by a shot in a muscle in your arm, thigh, or hip, or right under the skin in the fatty part of your arm, leg, or belly. Î Intra-arterial (IA). The chemotherapy goes directly into the artery that is feeding the cancer. Î Intraperitoneal (IP). The chemotherapy goes directly into the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains organs such as your intestines, stomach, liver, and ovaries). Î Intrathecal (IT). The chemotherapy is injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Î Intravenous (IV). The chemotherapy goes directly into a vein. Î Topical. The chemotherapy comes in a cream that you rub onto your skin. Î Oral. The chemotherapy comes in pills, capsules, or liquids that you swallow.
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