Cochise Oncology

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How Long Does Chemo Take to Shrink a Tumor?

More than 1.8 million people in the United States receive a cancer diagnosis every year. Many of these patients will undergo chemotherapy to shrink tumors and stop cancer cells from dividing. If your oncologist has recommended chemo, you may wonder how long it will take. The answer is different for everyone.

What is Chemo?

Cancer cells divide faster than normal cells. Chemotherapy targets cancer by stopping the growth of rapidly dividing cells. This prevents cancer cells from dividing and can also affect fast cell turnover areas like your hair, nails, and digestive system.

More advanced forms of chemotherapy available today cause fewer unpleasant side effects and let your oncologist effectively target your specific type of cancer. In some cases, chemo can get rid of cancer altogether. In other instances, chemo can shrink tumors to relieve symptoms and slow cancer growth.

How Long Does Chemo Take to Shrink a Tumor?

Because there are so many types of cancer and types of chemotherapy, this question has no definitive answer. Every tumor responds differently to chemotherapy. How long your chemo takes to shrink your tumor depends on many factors, including:

Age, height, and weight
Type and stage of cancer
Chemotherapy agents used
Other medical conditions
How well you can tolerate side effects
How effectively the chemo works

Some tumors can shrink after just one session of chemo. Others may take multiple sessions to see any results. Sometimes one type of chemotherapy will not work to shrink your tumor. If this happens, your oncologist may switch you to a different kind of chemo.

You will often receive chemo in sessions where you have treatment for several weeks, followed by a few weeks off before resuming. Your tumor may start to shrink after one round, but it can also take months. Your oncologist will have a personal discussion with you about how long they think results might take.

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.

What Will Getting Chemo Be Like?

You can receive chemo in several ways. Many people are familiar with IV chemotherapy, where the patient stays in the facility for up to a few hours to have chemo infused into a vein. Some types of chemotherapy come in a pill form that you can take orally, letting you have your chemo without leaving home.

Your oncologist will determine what kind of chemo may work for your tumor and monitor your progress. If the tumor does not respond in the timeline your oncologist expects, they may change your treatment to include other drugs. The chemo you get will be different depending on your type of cancer and its location.

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.