Chemotherapy in Al Wosta

Chemotherapy drugs can be given in several different ways. These include:

• Chemotherapy infusions – chemotherapy is most commonly given intravenously, which means as an infusion into a vein. 

• Chemotherapy shots – the drugs can be delivered through an injection with a needle to your arm, thigh, or hip, or sometimes in the fatty part of your stomach, leg, or arm.

• Chemotherapy pills – some types of chemotherapy drugs can be taken orally in a form of pill or capsule that you swallow.

• Chemotherapy creams – creams or gels that contain chemotherapy drugs can be applied to your skin. This is usually used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

• Chemotherapy used to treat an area of the body – the drugs can be delivered directly to a specific area of the body. For example, the drugs may be given in your central nervous system (intrathecal chemotherapy), in your abdomen (intraperitoneal chemotherapy), or in your chest cavity (intrapleural chemotherapy).

Chemotherapy delivered directly to the cancer – in some cases, chemotherapy drugs may be given directly to cancer or the location where cancer once was (after surgery). 

Chemotherapy is usually given at regular intervals (cycles), meaning a period of treatment and then a period of rest. For instance, a 4-week cycle may include 1 week of treatment and then 3 weeks of rest to allow your normal cells to recover from the drug side effects. In some cases, the doses may be given in a certain number of days in a row or every other day for several days. Some drugs may also be delivered continuously over a set number of days. Your chemotherapy cycle will be customized depending on your individual case. Therefore, your length of stay in Al Wosta will depend on the schedule/cycle of your chemotherapy. Your doctor and medical travel team will be able to advise you on this matter.

Some patients are able to get back to work within 1-2 days. It is best that you ask your employer if you can work fewer hours, work from home, or adjust your schedule when you have cancer treatment.

Here are some things you need to keep in mind:

• Eat food with enough protein and calories to keep your weight up.

• Wear a hat and use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher when you are out in the sun.

• Each time you use the toilet, close the lid when flushing and flush twice.

• Do not have any sexual activity for 48 hours following chemotherapy.

After chemotherapy, you will need to attend regular checkups since your doctor will need to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment. 

If chemotherapy has not worked, or if you do not wish to undergo this procedure, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. All of these treatments can serve as either primary or complementary treatments.