Treatment

Chemotherapy: If You Are Considering It

Choose a preferred language


Questions for the healthcare provider

  • What is chemotherapy and how does it work?

  • What is chemotherapy used for?

  • Why do I need this treatment?

  • What medicines will I be taking? How often? For how long? What will they do?

  • What are the goals of chemotherapy for me?

  • How soon do I need to start treatment?

  • How effective is the treatment likely to be for me?

  • How will I know the chemotherapy is working?

  • What are the risks of taking chemotherapy?

  • Where will I get treatment? Should I bring anything with me?

  • Will I be able to drive myself or take public transportation to and from treatment?

  • Who will give me the treatment?

  • Should I do anything to prepare for treatment?

  • Can I take my other medicines during treatment?

  • Do I need other treatments as well?

  • What are the short- and long-term side effects that I can expect?

  • How long will the side effects last?

  • Will there be side effects I need to call you about? How do I get help on evenings, weekends, or holidays?

  • What can I do to ease or prevent the side effects?

  • Will I be able to have children after chemo?

  • Will I be able to go to work and be around my family?

  • Will I need to change my diet or activities in any way? Are there foods I should not eat?

  • Are there support groups that I can join?

  • How much will it cost? Will my insurance cover it?

  • Should I get a second opinion?

  • Are there any clinical trials I should look for?

Featured in

Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2023

© 2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
doctor icon

Find the right provider to meet your needs

From primary care to specialty services and more.

Find a Doctor
appointment clock icon

Call for an Appointment

Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.

Call Now
Related Articles
Read article
Oncology
Chemotherapy Safety at Home

Chemotherapy medicines can be harmful if they touch skin. So you need to make sure caregivers and others close to you are not exposed to body fluids during a treatment and for up to 48 hours afterward.

Read article
Oncology
Preparing for Cancer Treatment

The first step in preparing for your cancer treatment is to find an oncologist and treatment center. Ask your general or primary healthcare provider for a referral or contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Medical Association, for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area.

Read article
Oncology
Oral Cancer: Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anticancer medicines to kill cancer cells. The medicines are made to attack and kill cancer cells that grow quickly. Some normal cells also grow quickly. Because of this, chemotherapy can also harm those cells. This can cause side effects.

Read article
Oncology
Parotidectomy

The parotid is a gland near the ear. It helps make and control the release of saliva. If a tumor forms in the parotid gland, it can press on the facial nerve, causing discomfort and pain. Part or all of the face may be weak or paralyzed. To treat a parotid tumor, part or all of the gland is removed. This surgery is called parotidectomy. This sheet explains the surgery and what to expect.