Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells to stop or slow cancer from spreading. Adventist Health’s specialists recommend the right chemotherapy medication and dosage for your needs.

Our infusion locations provide convenient outpatient care in a comfortable setting. Your care team offers physical, emotional and spiritual support at every step.

How chemotherapy works

Adventist Health’s cancer specialists may recommend chemotherapy as part of your treatment plan. Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. It typically works on a systemic level, which means it affects your entire body. (Radiation therapy or surgery usually target specific areas of the body.)

There are more than 100 types of chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer, depending on the location, type and stage of the cancer. We recommend the right medication and dosage for your needs.

When you find out you need chemotherapy, you might feel overwhelmed and nervous about the side effects. Our oncology nurse navigators streamline and explain your treatment journey. We’re here to answer your questions and help you feel as prepared as possible.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Treatment regimen: You’ll have regular chemotherapy infusion appointments. Then you’ll rest for a few days or weeks to allow the drugs to work in your body.
• During your sessions: You receive an infusion of chemotherapy drugs through a vein in your arm or chest.
• Comfortable infusion centers: Our infusion locations provide convenient outpatient care in a calm, comfortable environment. Our caring team members help you feel at home during your appointments.

Help for chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy can be effective in fighting cancer, but it can take a physical and emotional toll. These drugs target fast-growing cells, so they can affect healthy parts of your body, too. You might have symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sores in your mouth

Our experienced specialists help you prevent and manage the side effects of your treatment. Whether we’re prescribing medication or praying with you during your appointments, we provide physical, emotional and spiritual support throughout your healing process.

We may recommend chemotherapy along with other cancer treatments. Your care plan may also include immunotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.