Chemotherapy for gynecological cancer

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that works by killing the cancer cells and slowing cell division. During treatment, chemicals called cytostatics will be administered into the bloodstream that will spread throughout the entire body. 

What to expect?

Chemotherapy is often administered intravenously (by IV). You will have to come in several times for treatment, followed by time to rest. Chemotherapy can also be administered orally as a pill or through an injection. This treatment may be available in your referring hospital as well.

What are the side effects?

Different people respond differently to the treatment. The exact side effects that you will experience depend on the type of chemotherapy you will receive, and your sensitivity. 

Chemotherapy can affect your fertility. You might want to consider freezing your eggs or embryos prior to the treatment. Your physician will discuss your options with you. The treatment may cause early menopause. You may experience hot flashes, increased perspiration, and trouble regulating your body temperature. You may also experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. You are also at a higher risk of infections, anemia, a nose bleed, or small hemorrhaging on the skin. We will try and make the chemotherapy as comfortable as possible for you.