Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of medication or drugs to slow tumor growth and destroy cancer cells. Cancer fighting drugs can be given through the vein(by injection) or by-mouth (oral medication). The way chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer. A combination of drugs may be given to treat cancer as sometimes it is more effective than just one drug alone.

Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with radiation therapy and surgery. It is used to treat areas inaccessible with surgery or radiation. Some of the drugs commonly used to treat uterine cancer:

1) Doxorubixin (brand name: Doxil)
2) Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxin)
3) Cisplatin (Platinol)
4) Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
5) Paclitaxel (Taxol)

Drugs used in treating cancer kills the cancer cells but also kills certain normal cells and thus causing side effects. These side effects depend on the specific drug, the length of treatment and the dosage (how much) used. Some of the common side effects of anti-cancer drugs:

a) Nausea and vomiting
b) Hair loss
c) Mouth sores
d) Fatique
e) Low blood cell counts (anemia)

Each drugs has a different side effects profile. Make sure you ask your doctor about the side effects that could occur with your medication. Fortunately, most of these side effects will go away after the chemotherapy is completed.