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Chemotherapy may be used if the cancer comes back, or has spread to other parts of the body, and does not respond to hormonal treatment. In some people, chemotherapy may help to shrink the cancer and relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Some of the chemotherapy drugs that may be used to treat womb cancer are carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin and paclitaxel (Taxol®).
These chemotherapy drugs are given by injection into a vein (intravenously).
Chemotherapy drugs tend to temporarily reduce the number of normal cells in the blood. When your blood count is low you are more likely to get an infection and may tire easily. During chemotherapy your blood will be tested regularly and, if necessary, you will be given antibiotics to treat infection. Blood transfusions may be given if you are anaemic.
Other side effects may include tiredness, feeling sick (nausea), vomiting and hair loss. Nausea and vomiting can now be well controlled with anti-sickness medicines. Some chemotherapy drugs also make the mouth sore and cause small ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important and the nurses will explain how to use these properly. If you don’t feel like eating meals, you can supplement your diet with nutritious drinks or soups. A wide range of these drinks are available and you can buy them at most chemists.
Occasionally, women may have an allergic reaction to a chemotherapy drug, which can be very frightening. Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any skin rashes and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, dizziness, headache, breathlessness, or anxiety and a need to pass urine. Treatment can be given to reduce allergic reactions.
Although these side effects may be hard to bear at the time, they disappear once your treatment is over and your hair will grow back within a few months of finishing chemotherapy. Our section on coping with hair loss describes the different options for head coverings.
Some people do not have many side effects. Your doctor will tell you what problems to expect from your treatment.
Our chemotherapy section discusses the treatment and its side effects in more detail.
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