Understanding chemotherapy - Macmillan Cancer

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How chemotherapy is givenHaving intravenous chemotherapyChemotherapy drugs given into a vein (intravenously)can be delivered in different ways.As an injectionThe chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into a veinthrough your cannula or central line over a few minutes.Sometimes a bag of clear fluid is attached to plastictubing and connected to the cannula or line in your veinfirst (called a drip or infusion). The drug is injected intoa connection or tap on the plastic tubing and flushedinto your vein with fluid from the bag.Chemotherapy being given by injection into a cannula35
Understanding chemotherapyA drip through a pumpThe chemotherapy drugs are dissolved in a bag of fluid andgiven to you as a drip that runs through an infusion pump.The nurses set the pump to give you a controlled amountof chemotherapy over a fixed time. This can be from 20minutes to several hours depending on the chemotherapyyou’re having.A drip on its ownSometimes chemotherapy is given through a drip withouta pump. The nurses set the rate and check it regularly tomake sure it’s at the right speed.Through a small pumpSome types of chemotherapy are given over a few days andare set up at the hospital so you can go home with it. A nurseputs the chemotherapy into a small pump and connects it toyour central or PICC line. The pump is small enough to fitinto a pocket, or can be carried in a bag or belt holster.You, and sometimes a relative or friend, will be taught howto look after it. Some pumps are battery-operated so youneed to be careful not to get them wet when you’re washing.There are also disposable pumps that are operated by aballoon mechanism or spring control.Your nurse or pharmacist will explain how to look after thepump and who to contact if you have any problems.When the infusion is finished there may some fluid left in thepump. Some pumps need to be overfilled to get the correctdose so this may be normal. Your nurse or pharmacist cantell you if you should expect this.36
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