Treatment Solutions: Chemotherapy

The HHO board-certified oncologists work with specially trained and certified oncology nurses who will administer the chemotherapy and monitor you for side effects. At Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, in Flemington, New Jersey, our trained and certified nurses provide compassionate care in a convenient setting. They are a great resource for tips and practical advice to help with side effects. With their expert help, your chemotherapy treatment is less of an ordeal, meaning you can focus on your recovery from cancer.

Chemotherapy FAQs

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to stop or slow down the progression of cancer cells in your body.

The Hunterdon Hematology Oncology team uses chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells. They can also administer chemotherapy to shrink tumors before you have surgery and to follow surgery or other treatments like radiation therapy to ensure all the cancer cells are gone.

In addition, chemotherapy can be a useful palliative treatment for pain if you have advanced-stage cancer.

If you need surgery for cancer, your oncologist can refer you for treatment and coordinate your care with surgeons at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, or other cancer treatment centers.

If you need radiation therapy, your oncologist can coordinate your treatment with the Radiation Oncology Department at the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center or make referrals to other radiation treatment centers.

How do I take chemotherapy medication?

You can take chemotherapy medication in several ways:

By Mouth
Chemotherapy comes in an oral pill or liquid medicine form.

Injection
You may have a syringe or intravenous injection (via an infusion directly into a vein).

Direct Placement
Direct placement chemotherapy uses a lumbar puncture or a device your provider implants under your scalp.

How do I prepare for my chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can be tiring and leave you feeling weak, so before you have your treatment, you should:

• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat something light and healthy
• Drink lots of water

Ask for support, too. Make arrangements for transportation, as you won’t be able to drive after chemotherapy. Find someone who can stay with you while you have your chemotherapy, or ask them to take care of your home, so you feel less stressed during your chemotherapy session.

You might want to choose a wig before your treatment starts, as hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. The Hunterdon Hematology Oncology team also offers the revolutionary Paxman® Scalp Cooling System, which can reduce hair loss from chemotherapy.

What happens at my chemotherapy session?

You receive your chemotherapy treatment at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, in a comfortable reclining chair, or if you’re in need, there are also beds available. There’s free Wi-Fi access if you want to use a phone, tablet, or laptop, or you can read a book or magazine.

You might want to bring in a snack or lunch, depending on when your chemotherapy session takes place. There are facilities onsite that sell food and drink as well.

Before your chemotherapy begins, you go through a preparation process to check your vital signs, take blood, and meet your doctor. After your chemotherapy session, you go through a discharge process, then return home to rest.

If you have questions about chemotherapy or concerns about your health, call Hunterdon Hematology Oncology today, or book an appointment online.