Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. This form of treatment can be hard on children and families, but our team is here to help minimize stress and discomfort associated with chemotherapy.

Our affiliation with the Children’s Oncology Group means eligible Mary Bridge Children’s patients can get access to promising new chemotherapy drugs only available through clinical trials.

What is chemotherapy?

Physicians use chemotherapy to treat many different cancers that include childhood leukemia and lymphoma. Some chemotherapy drugs are available as an oral medication, while doctors administer others through intravenous (IV) infusion. Cancer treatment typically involves multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

Most chemotherapy infusions take place in the clinic, although sometimes patients are admitted for additional monitoring.

Chemotherapy side effects

Chemotherapy is designed to kill cancer cells, but these strong drugs are also capable of harming healthy tissues. Side effects of different chemotherapy drugs vary widely, with some drugs causing little to no side effects.

Our specialists prepare you in advance about what to expect, specific symptoms to watch for and how to manage side effects to keep your child comfortable. One common side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss. We understand how difficult this can be, so we help children get wigs to cope with this challenge.

Call your child’s doctor immediately if you observe symptoms such as:

• Fever above 101 degrees
• Extreme lethargy or tiredness
• Symptoms of dehydration such as lack of urination
• Severe pain

Comprehensive chemotherapy support

We provide a full range of support services to help make treatment like chemotherapy easier on you and your child. Resources available at Mary Bridge Children’s include:

• Child life specialists to explain chemotherapy procedures in child-friendly terms and provide support during procedures
• Neuropsychologists who assess your child’s risk of developing learning problems after chemotherapy, providing detailed plans to ensure a successful return to school
• Dietitians who provide personalized nutrition planning to support your child’s treatment
• Support groups to help siblings cope with the emotional challenges of a loved one’s cancer diagnosis

Learn more about how we help children and families.