Chemotherapy

When you get chemotherapy at Allina Health, it will be part of a larger treatment plan—a plan that you and your health care team will create together. Before you begin chemotherapy, your health care team will do everything possible to help you feel prepared. You’ll get instructions on what you should and shouldn’t eat before your appointment, what to bring and other ways to get ready.  

The most important part of chemotherapy is identifying the best plan, medicines and follow-up—and making sure you understand each step of your treatment. But almost as important are the smaller details—the things that make chemotherapy more tolerable.

At Allina Health, this includes a tour of the facility where you’ll receive chemotherapy and introducing you to the staff there. You’ll find flat-screen televisions and visitor chairs in each treatment room. We also provide valet parking at our larger facilities. These details aren’t medically necessary, but they go a long way toward reducing your stress and calming your nerves—which can make a big difference to your sense of well-being.  

There are many types of chemotherapy medicines, each one effective against different types and stages of cancer. You and your health care team will work together to find the best type of chemotherapy treatment, based on your condition and your specific needs. 

Chemotherapy is most often given in cycles. These cycles may last one day, several days, or a few weeks or more. There will usually be a rest period when no chemotherapy is given between each cycle. A rest period may last for days, weeks, or months. This allows the body and blood counts to recover before the next dose.

There are many ways to get chemotherapy medicines into your body, including:  

• Oral drugs. The chemotherapy medicine comes as pills or in liquid form that you can swallow.  

• Intravenous (IV). The chemotherapy goes directly into a vein, through a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) or a port (a small disk under your skin). 

• Intra-arterial (IA). Instead of a vein, the chemotherapy is injected into an artery that supplies blood to the cancer.  

• Injection. Chemotherapy medicine is injected into the muscle of your arm, thigh or hip. 

• Intrathecal. This is an injection into the space between the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. 

• Intraperitoneal (IP). The chemotherapy goes directly into the peritoneal cavity, the area that includes organs such as your intestines, stomach and liver. 

• Topical or cream. The chemotherapy medicine comes in a cream that you rub onto your skin. 

How you prepare for chemotherapy will depend on which type of medicine will be used and how it will be given. You and your health care team will talk about your options and create a plan for your specific needs. Here are some common ways to prepare:  

• Visit your dentist. It's a good idea to see your dentist before your treatment starts for any dental work or cleanings. 

• Take prescribed pre-chemotherapy medications, if any. Many treatment plans include medications, such as steroids, to take before you start chemotherapy.   

• Plan for possible side effects. It is common to have fatigue or nausea after your treatment. Plan ahead for work, household chores, meal preparation, child care and more. 

• Drink plenty of water. On treatment days, make sure you are hydrated. 

• Eat a light meal. Eat foods that you can tolerate well. 

• Arrange for someone to drive you home. 

• Get plenty of rest. 

At Allina Health, we do everything we can to make you feel comfortable, secure and supported. We offer bright, art-filled infusion rooms that promote tranquility, comfortable lounges for your loved ones, and nourishment stations to help you keep your strength up. You’ll also have access to stress-reducing treatments like massage therapy. Your peace of mind during treatment is an important part of your overall wellness. 

Here’s what to expect during your treatment: 

• What happens during chemotherapy? You will sit in a comfortable chair and have an IV line started, either in your arm or in a port in your chest. This will deliver fluids, medicines and the chemotherapy into your body. During the treatment, you can read, watch TV or talk with a loved one.  
• How long does chemotherapy take?  Each person’s treatment plan will be different. Some treatments can last several hours. Chemotherapy is often given over a six- or 12-month period, but it may be shorter or longer depending on your cancer type. 
• ​Is chemotherapy treatment painful? Aside from the possible discomfort of having an IV line started, receiving chemo should not be painful, though some people do have side effects during treatment. 

Learn more about what to expect during chemotherapy.

Everyone reacts differently to chemotherapy. Many people do not have any side effects or have only mild side effects. Your medical oncologist will talk with you about chemotherapy and possible side effects—and your health care team will give you tips and strategies to manage them.

• Being safe at home. Chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, so it’s important to protect yourself by washing your hands often. These medicines are also present in your body waste (urine, stool, vomit and blood) for two days after treatment. Learn more about safety at home after your treatment.  

• Side effects. Side effects happen because of how chemotherapy affects your body. Chemotherapy destroys fast-growing cancer cells, but it can also affect healthy cells such as those that line your mouth and intestines, or the cells that make your hair grow. Common side effects include: 

  • nausea and vomiting

  • hair loss 

  • mouth sores 

  • fatigue 

  • diarrhea 

  • constipation 

  • depression and/or anxiety 

  • cognitive (thinking) changes  

  • low white blood cell count 

  • low red blood cell count

Learn more about managing chemotherapy side effects.

The cost of chemotherapy depends on the type of medicines used, number of doses, how long and how often you have treatment and many other factors.  

• Does insurance cover chemotherapy? Insurance coverage varies from plan to plan. To learn about your specific coverage, call your insurance provider before you start your treatment. 

• Does Medicare cover chemotherapy? Medicare covers chemotherapy if you have cancer. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers it if you are hospitalized for treatment. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers it when you’re a patient in a doctor’s office or freestanding clinic. In both cases, you may be responsible for paying part of the cost. 

• Does Medicaid cover chemotherapy? Medicaid benefits are different from state to state. Check with your health insurance provider to find out what is and isn’t covered. 

Some chemotherapy medicine manufacturers offer copay assistance or other types of financial aid. Ask your health care team if you may be eligible.