Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, or chemo, is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to destroy cancer cells. Medical oncologists at Aurora BayCare Medical Center create customized cancer care plans using the most advanced chemotherapy drugs.

Leading-edge chemotherapy treatment: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

For unparalleled expertise, turn to us for:

• Advanced chemotherapy options: We offer a range of chemotherapy types, all based on the latest clinical cancer research. Our experts create tailored treatment plans, from chemo pills to innovative therapies that deliver drugs directly to cancer cells.
• Leading cancer experts: Board-certified, fellowship-trained medical oncologists meet weekly with radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists to discuss treatment options in tumor boards. This care coordination means that you get the best treatment plan based on our years of cancer treatment expertise.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Our cancer treatment center offers valet parking, a dedicated entrance and individual chemotherapy bays for your comfort and privacy.
• Ongoing treatment support: Your nurse navigator is with you every step of the way, answering questions and providing resources to support you during chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy treatments and services

Chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer in different ways. Some chemo drugs change the way cancer cells divide, while others target abnormal cells. Chemotherapy treatments we offer include:

Chemotherapy infusions and injections

We give some chemotherapy drugs through infusion into a vein, known as intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. If you have IV chemotherapy, you will:

• Come to the chemotherapy unit: You’ll have a private chemo station, where a certified chemotherapy nurse monitors your treatment.
• Receive treatment through a catheter (flexible tube): We’ll insert a small needle through your skin and into your vein to attach the catheter. Chemotherapy drugs flow through the catheter into your vein, then move through your blood throughout your body.

The type of IV chemotherapy you have determines how long your treatment will take. You might have:

• Chemotherapy infusion: You’ll stay in the treatment center for a while – often a few hours – while specialists administer chemo drugs through the catheter. Feel free to bring a friend or family member, as well as blankets, socks, snacks and something to read or listen to.
• Continuous infusion: You’ll receive chemotherapy over a few days, controlled by a pump attached to your catheter. Once the pump and catheter are in place, you can go home.
• IV push: We’ll use a syringe to “push” the chemo drugs into the catheter all at once. An IV push takes a shorter amount of time than an infusion, so you’ll finish treatment quicker.

Oral chemotherapy

Your medical oncologist might treat you with oral chemotherapy drugs. You’ll take these drugs, which might be chemo pills or liquid medicines, by mouth at home. We’ll give you instructions on how much you should take (your dose) and when.

Topical chemotherapy

Some chemotherapy drugs are ointments, gels or creams that you put on your skin, known as topical chemo. You’ll apply these drugs at home, according to your cancer specialist’s instructions.

Specialized chemotherapy treatments

We offer sophisticated chemotherapy treatments designed to target cancer with precision. Specialized chemotherapy treatments we offer include:

• Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy: We use a catheter to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to the abdomen, close to the tumor’s location. We use IP chemotherapy in gynecologic oncology and other cancer types.
• Intrathecal chemotherapy: We inject chemo drugs into the spine or a small container inserted under the scalp. This injection delivers chemotherapy directly to the brain and spinal cord and is one of our specialized neurologic cancer treatments.

What to expect during chemotherapy treatment

Our medical oncologists tailor chemotherapy treatment to your unique needs. While no two people experience chemotherapy the same way, you can count on us for support during your treatment. We offer:

Preparation for treatment

Before chemotherapy treatment begins, our cancer specialists will help you prepare. You might have:

• Tests to make sure you’re healthy enough for chemotherapy treatment.
• Genetic testing to see if you have certain genes that might affect how your body responds to chemo drugs.

We may implant a port in your chest through a minor surgical procedure. This port allows you to receive intravenous chemotherapy directly instead of having a needle inserted for each treatment.

Support during treatment

You might experience chemotherapy side effects. If you do, let us know so we can help. We offer many treatments to minimize the side effects of chemo.

We also offer:

• Integrative therapies: Wellness therapies like massage, aromatherapy and music therapy can help manage stress and promote healing during and after chemo. Learn more about our complementary medicine
• Dedicated support: Your nurse navigator is at the center of your cancer care, offering the help and resources you need.

Request an appointment

Learn more about chemotherapy treatment at Aurora BayCare. Request an appointment with a cancer care specialist today.