Chemotherapy involves fighting the cancer cells and decreasing pain with a variety of chemicals, otherwise known as drugs. Chemo drugs are taken to harm all fast growing and dividing cells in the body. While the drugs are harming the abnormal cancer cells, they sadly affect other healthy fast growing cells like hair cells.

Chemo drugs can be taken in a variety of different ways. The more common method is intravenously using a central line that has been surgically implanted into a major vein prior to beginning treatment. Other methods include swallowing pills, drinking liquid, injections and internal and external pumps.

The most effective way to kill cancer is to use several different drugs (combination chemo) rather than relying on one drug to kill all of the cancer cells. Chemo treatments can be given daily, weekly or monthly, depending on the amount of time it takes for new healthy cells to grow in between treatments.