No one expects chemotherapy to be easy. It can be a tough fight. While chemo can be difficult, it’s proven to be an effective method for treating breast cancer, and it’s the one that is recommended for most women with metastatic breast cancer.
It’s true—you will have good days and you will have bad days. Understanding the potential benefits of chemo may help you better accept any treatment side effects you may experience. The goal of chemo is to weaken or destroy the cancer in your body. Chemo may also be used to help relieve the painful symptoms of your cancer. And remember, once chemo ends, most side effects will usually subside. It’s important to note, however, that depending on the treatment option and how your body reacts, the potential for side effects may vary.
Chemotherapy side effects—how you’ll feel
Many patients may wonder how they’ll feel during chemo. Everyone reacts differently, so it’s difficult to anticipate exactly how you’ll feel while undergoing treatment. You may have heard that chemotherapy is an unbearable experience. But side effects vary from person to person and can vary over the course of treatment. Some women experience severe side effects, while other women experience milder ones.
Researchers have spent a great deal of time and effort trying to develop treatments and treatment schedules that make it easier for people to live more normal lives during their treatment. Today many people feel well enough to continue to lead active lives—and even continue to work full- or part-time during their treatment if they choose. The most important thing is to take care of yourself—both physically and emotionally—so you can stay strong during your fight. Learn more about taking care of yourself during chemo.
How to know if your chemotherapy treatment is working
During chemo, you may wonder, “Is it working?” Sometimes, patients try to judge for themselves how well they think their treatment is working based on the side effects they experience: “If I feel sick, the treatment must be working.” The truth is, you shouldn’t have to wonder. Medical tests and physical exams that you will receive are designed to carefully measure your progress. Keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your doctor and ask him or her to share test results and offer feedback. If your current type of chemo isn’t working or stops working, you and your doctor will discuss what other treatment options may be right for you. Get the basics on talking to your doctor about chemotherapy.