At Willmar Regional Cancer Center, we try to make treatment more comfortable for patients receiving chemotherapy by providing open and semi-private rooms that include recliners, TVs, DVD player, wireless internet and snacks if desired. Our registered nurses provide education about the chemotherapy medications being administered, and closely monitor and care for patients during treatment.
Chemotherapy and infusion therapy services are also available to patients who are receiving care from a physician not affiliated with Willmar Regional Cancer Center.
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, control their growth, or relive pain symptoms. Chemotherapy may involve one drug, or a combination of two or more drug, depending on the type of cancer and its rate of progression. Chemotherapy can be used in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation, to make sure all cancer cells have been eliminated.
Chemotherapy is administered in three ways:
- Intravenous (IV) is the most common method. A needle is inserted into a vein and attached with tubing to a plastic bag holding the chemotherapy drugs. The needle is taken out at the end of each treatment. For some patients, a catheter is inserted into one of the large veins, and left in place during the entire treatment regimen.
- Oral chemotherapy drugs are taken by mouth, either in pill or liquid form
- Injections are administered into the muscle, under the skin, or directly into a cancer lesion, depending on the type or location of the cancer. Side effects vary from patient to patient and with the type of chemotherapy drugs used. Our team will work with you to manage the symptoms. There are therapies to help you cope with some side effects.
