Consent for chemotherapy

Question 1

purpose of chemo

Answer 1

curative - kill cancer cells

nao-adjuvant - shrink cancer before cells

adjuvant - enhance surgery/radio effect

palliative - alleviate symptoms

Question 2

how does chemo kill cancer cells

Answer 2

chemo kills fast-dividing cells

cancer cells divide very quickly hence affected by chemo most

other fast-dividing normal cells (hair) can be affected but can repair themselves

Question 3

how is chemo given

Answer 3

drip in outpx setting

some in tablets

Question 4

when to give chemo

Answer 4

one cycle every 3-4 wks (allows time to affected non-cancer cells to recover)

takes 30mins-8hrs

Question 5

how long do chemo regimes last for

Answer 5

most for 6 months

Question 6

side effects of chemo (good luck remembering them!)

Answer 6

GI - N/V/D/C, mucositis

fatigue

neuropathy - peripheral & hearing loss

renal - nephrotoxicity

skin - extravasation, palmar plantar erythema, photosensitivity

Question 7

safety net

Answer 7

neutropenic sepsis info

Question 8

mood & mental support

Answer 8

Macmillan & leaflet