How is Chemotherapy Administered for Mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer typically caused by exposure at some point to Asbestos, it can be overwhelming to consider what is next. One of the most important questions becomes what are the treatment options for those with Mesothelioma. Typically if someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, their medical team will recommend a chemotherapy to treat the disease. It is important to understand how chemotherapy is administered and what to expect from these treatments.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the name given to the drug therapies given to treat various forms of cancer, including Mesothelioma. These drugs are specifically made to target a given type of cancer and the cells that make up that cancer. They are very powerful drugs that are not often given as a simple prescription that you fill at your pharmacy and then take at home.
 There is a variety of chemotherapy treatments  and your medical team will decide which therapy is best for you.
Types of Chemo Treatments
These chemotherapy treatments can be given by an IV into the vein, by mouth, or into the organ or body part affected by the cancer. Chemotherapy treatments are often given over a series of treatment over a period of scheduled times. The treatments themselves are often done in a hospital or outpatient clinic so that your medical team can carefully monitor you as it is administered.
IV Chemotherapy
If given through an IV, which is the most common way chemotherapy is given, it comes by way of a needle inserted into the vein, or in some cases a catheter, that allows the drug to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. An IV is similar to having a needle put into your arm for a blood test but will remain in place during the treatments until all the drugs are given.
Venous Catheters, Pills, and Injections
In some cases, your physician may decide it is best to administer via catheter. A venous catheter is put under the skin and inserted into a larger and reliable vein and will remain in place during the time you are undergoing your treatments. While they are easy to maintain, they do need to be properly cleaned and flushed by your medical team to avoid an infection. Even if a chemotherapy is administered via pill or a treatment given by injection directly to the affected organ, these treatments still require medical supervision while you are undergoing the process due to powerful nature of the drugs and the affects it can have on your body.
The amount, the dose, and the cycle of treatments is determined by your doctor to make sure they are getting the best results while balancing the side effects of the chemotherapy on your body.
For this reason regular bloodwork is taken, and you should be active in communicating with your doctors any side effects that you may be experiencing. Then treatments can be adjusted by your doctor, or other drugs can be given to help with you get through the process.
Contact our Attorneys for Guidance with Important Issues Related to Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, contact our lawyers at Charles Boyk Law today so we can discuss these important issues with you. We are experienced in Mesothelioma and have the skill to help you recover for your asbestos related injuries. Contact our caring and compassionate team today.
