The goal of chemotherapy (chemo) is to kill cancer cells or slow cancer's growth over time. Chemo is often given several times over weeks or months in what is known as a course of treatment. A course of treatment is made up of a series of treatment periods, called cycles. During a cycle, you may get chemo every day for one or more days. Since chemo also kills normal cells, these chemo days are followed by periods of rest when you receive no treatment. This rest lets your body recover and produce new healthy cells.


Chemotherapy Schdule

Your Chemo Regimen

Your doctor will create a plan, or regimen, that includes the type of chemo medications you will receive. The regimen also includes the medication dose and how often you will receive it. Your doctor will choose certain medications that can best fight your cancer. You may also receive medications that help support your body's ability to better tolerate the chemo from start to finish. Talk to your doctor and care team about what you can do to help you meet your treatment goals.

Click here for a discussion guide about chemo and infection to use with your healthcare team.

Next: How Chemo Is Given

  • The Chemotherapy and Infection Discussion Guide can help you understand your
    risk of infection

    Infection can be a serious side effect of strong chemo. Find out the factors that affect your risk of infection. Simply answer a few questions, and then print your results to share with your doctor.

    Use the Chemotherapy and Infection Discussion Guide to find out more.