Cochise Oncology

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How is Chemotherapy Administered?

Chemotherapy is a powerful medical intervention designed to destroy cancer cells, curtail their spread around the body, and reduce patient discomfort.

But what is it, exactly? And how do we administer it at Cochise Oncology?

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a name physicians give to a broad array of drugs designed to combat the growth and spread of cancer cells while preserving most of the body’s healthy tissues. Some have active ingredients that interrupt the ability of cancer cells to divide, while others destroy them directly.

Chemotherapy can have one of three aims:

to destroy cancer entirely
to prevent it from spreading further
as a palliative to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Which type of chemotherapy you receive will depend on your medical situation and prognosis.

How Chemotherapy is Administered

Because chemotherapy encompasses such a broad class of drugs, doctors at Cochise Oncology administer it in a large variety of ways. These include:

Oral consumption – typically capsules containing the active ingredients or liquids
IV injectables – where we attach a drip and deliver medications intravenously
Topicals – therapeutic agents rubbed into the skin, usually to address skin cancers

Again, how we administer chemotherapy will depend on your medical situation.

Benefits of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a powerful technique that offers a host of benefits. For instance, it can shut down cancer growth or even put you into remission. It can also shrink tumors sufficiently to make surgical removal possible.

Physicians often use chemotherapy as an adjunct therapy for patients after surgery. The medications treat any remaining cells, reducing the chance that cancer will come back in the future.

Chemotherapy is also helpful for slowing the growth of certain tumors. In this instance, it doesn’t destroy the tumors but instead prevents them from dividing as rapidly as before, improving the patient’s outlook.

As for pain, chemotherapy can help here too. By shrinking tumors and preventing them from releasing harmful factors into the body, many patients experience an overall reduction in discomfort. This type of chemotherapy is especially beneficial for patients in palliative care.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

While chemotherapy offers incredible benefits for patients, it also comes with several side effects. These include:

Loss of appetite
Changes in mood
Fertility issues
Reduction in sexual function and drive
Tingling in the hands and feet
Numbness and nerve pain
Hair loss
Gastric distress, including diarrhea and constipation
Feeling sick and vomiting
Mouth sores
Trouble concentration on tasks requiring focus
Lower red blood cell count

When Should You Consider Chemotherapy as a Cancer Treatment?

Your choice of chemotherapy depends considerably on your medical circumstances. Things like your current state of health, the stage of your cancer, the type of cancer, and your age can all determine the course of treatment. At Cochise Oncology, we can discuss the medication options, the combinations available to you, and the side effects associated with them.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to learn more about chemotherapy? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page. We look forward to meeting you!