Treatment

Chemotherapy: If You Are Considering It

Choose a preferred language


Questions for the doctor

  • What is chemotherapy and how does it work?
  • What is chemotherapy used for?
  • Why do I need this treatment?
  • What medicines will I be taking? How often? For how long? What will they do?
  • What are the goals of chemotherapy for me?
  • How soon do I need to start treatment?
  • How effective is the treatment likely to be for me?
  • How will I know the chemotherapy is working?
  • What are the risks of taking chemotherapy?
  • Where will I get treatment? Should I bring anything with me?
  • Will I be able to drive myself or take public transportation to and from treatment?
  • Who will give me the treatment?
  • Should I do anything to prepare for treatment?
  • Can I take my other medicines during treatment?
  • Do I need other treatments as well?
  • What are the short- and long-term side effects that I can expect?
  • How long will the side effects last?
  • Will there be side effects I need to call you about? How do I get help after office hours, on weekends and holidays?
  • What can I do to ease or prevent the side effects?
  • Will I be able to have children after chemo?
  • Will I be able to go to work and be around my family and friends?
  • Will I need to change my diet or activities in any way? Are there foods I should not eat?
  • Are there in-person or online support groups that I can join?
  • How much will it cost? Will my insurance cover it?
  • Should I get a second opinion?
  • Are there any clinical trials I should look for?

Featured in

Date Last Reviewed: 09/01/2025

© 2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location

Related Services

Cancer Care

Related Articles
Read article
Oncology
Cancer of Unknown Primary: Treatment Choices

You may get just one type of treatment or a combination of treatments. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.

Read article
Oncology
Treating Bladder Cancer: Intravesical Therapy

Some types of bladder tumors are hard to remove completely with surgery. In certain cases, special medicines that kill cancer cells may be put right inside the bladder. This is called intravesical therapy. Read on to learn more.

Read article
Oncology
Thyroid Cancer: Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy uses a form of iodine that sends out radiation to treat thyroid cancer. The goal of this treatment is to target and kill any remaining thyroid cells or thyroid cancer cells anywhere in your body.

Read article
Oncology
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for Cancer

Radiation therapy is often used as a treatment against cancer. IMRT is a form of radiation therapy. Depending on your treatment goals, IMRT may be used to help treat your cancer. This sheet tells you more about IMRT and what to expect.