Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.
Skip to main content

Chemotherapy

Ravneet Grewal, MD -  - Board Certified Medical Oncologist

Virginia Cancer Care

Ravneet Grewal, MD

Board Certified Medical Oncologist located in Reston, VA & Leesburg, VA

Early detection and state-of-the-art treatment options can increase success rates for men and women with cancer. If you receive a cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy may be just one part of the comprehensive treatment plan provided for you by Dr. Ravneet Grewal, a board-certified medical oncologist at Virginia Cancer Care. At her offices in Reston and Leesburg, Virginia, Dr. Grewal takes a holistic approach to caring for you during this critical time in your life. For acclaimed cancer care in Virginia, call either location or schedule a consultation online.

Chemotherapy Q & A

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, or “chemo,” is a systemic therapy intended to stop or slow the growth of your cancer cells. With this approach, Dr. Grewal and her expert oncology team create a treatment plan that targets your specific type of cancer. Then, they make adjustments to optimize your treatment, depending on how your body responds.

You may receive chemotherapy treatment daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the treatment protocol. Chemotherapy delivery methods vary and include oral medications, injections, and intravenous solutions.

Before undergoing chemotherapy, the compassionate cancer care team takes the time to explain the anticipated benefits and potential side effects. They answer all your questions, such as how they anticipate the chemotherapy will impede your cancer cells from multiplying.

How does chemotherapy work against cancer?

Either alone or combined with other cancer medications, chemotherapy can induce a variety of benefits:

  • Prevent cancer cells from returning or spreading to other parts of your body
  • Shrink tumors before surgical removal
  • Cure cancer by killing the cancer cells
  • Send cancer into remission

What are the side effects associated with chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a powerful, systemic cancer treatment with the potential for serious side effects. You can expect to need a considerable amount of rest on the day of and following your treatment.

You’re likely to experience side effects to some degree because chemo kills or slows the growth of healthy cells too — for example, in your stomach, mouth, or hair follicles. That’s why you may temporarily lose your hair, develop sores in your mouth, or experience other side effects such as:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

You may find that some or all of your side effects are manageable with dietary and lifestyle adjustments as well as medications like anti-nausea drugs. Dr. Grewal and her team work with you to create a plan that, as much as possible, minimizes your side effects. Chemotherapy side effects are temporary and typically diminish after treatment as your body recovers.

To learn more about chemotherapy and receive the most comprehensive cancer treatment plan in Virginia, call the Reston or Leesburg office, to make an appointment.