Chemotherapy is not that scary: Myths, facts, and how modern treatment make it easier
Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary enough. But for many, it’s what comes next that sparks even more fear: chemotherapy. The word alone might conjure up the familiar scenes you’ve seen in movies, usually a person staring at their reflection before tearfully shaving their head, their lives seemingly drained away. Pop culture often portrays chemotherapy as the beginning of the end. However, the reality is far more hopeful than the movies would have you believe.
Chemotherapy has come a long way since its early days. It’s now more effective and less punishing on the body.
“I want to encourage patients not to be afraid. Chemotherapy is not as dangerous as it used to be. With modern medicine, improved premedication to prevent side effects and advanced equipment, we can significantly reduce the side effects,” Dr Vigrom Jennetisin, a medical oncologist at MedPark Hospital Bangkok, says.
Still, if you have never been through it or watched a loved one experience it, chemotherapy can feel like a mystery. Below, Dr Vigrom explains what chemotherapy actually is, what to expect if you’re getting it in Bangkok, and why it’s nowhere near as scary as you think.
What is chemotherapy, really?
In order to understand chemotherapy, we first need to understand cancer. Cancer cells don’t play by the rules. While normal cells know when it’s time to stop growing or die off, cancer cells keep multiplying uncontrollably, spreading to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy, at its core, is a type of drug treatment that destroys these rapidly growing cells. “The drug interferes with the cell cycle at specific points. When the cancer cell is proliferating and the drug inhibits it at that point, the cell dies,” Dr Vigron explains.
There are different ways chemotherapy can be used, each with different goals. When it’s used as the main treatment, it’s called curative chemotherapy. The goal is to achieve complete remission and prevent recurrence by eliminating cancer cells.
But sometimes, chemo plays a supporting role. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is administered before surgery or radiation to shrink the tumour. Adjuvant chemotherapy, on the other hand, is given after surgery or radiation to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Oncologists also use chemotherapy for advanced cancers that have spread. Called palliative chemotherapy, it’s used to slow tumour growth, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread for a period of time.
But why is chemotherapy so harsh on the body?
The goal of chemotherapy is to get rid of rapid-growing cells, but most treatments aren’t well targeted. Thus, they also affect other fast-dividing healthy cells, such as those in the hair follicles, digestive tract, and bone marrow.
That’s why side effects like hair loss, nausea, skin changes, mood swings, and fatigue are so common. Hair loss, one of the most visible signs of treatment, usually starts around the second cycle, often just when patients are adjusting to the new normal.
How is chemotherapy more comfortable now?
Thanks to medical advancements, the side effects of chemotherapy are much more manageable now.
“Nausea and vomiting used to be major issues, but now less than 5% of patients experience them,” Dr Vigrom assures. “Most only have mild nausea, if any at all. Modern anti-nausea medications are highly effective, so we give them to patients before chemotherapy to prevent these side effects.”
Hair loss is still a common concern, but even that isn’t a guarantee anymore. “We offer scalp-cooling technology that reduces hair loss. While it’s not 100% effective, it can significantly slow down the process,” he adds.
Another common concern is bone marrow suppression, which can lead to fatigue, infections, or easy bruising. “We counteract this with growth factor injections to help the body produce more blood cells. Patients who are older or have other health conditions are monitored closely so we can prevent complications before they happen,” he says.
And let’s address the elephant in the room. People often think that everyone who gets chemo will suffer unbearably, but that’s a myth.
Dr Virgrom told The Thaiger that oncologists no longer give the same chemotherapy to every patient. “Now, we use genetic profiling to see who will benefit the most. If someone won’t respond well to chemo, we don’t push it. We can also adjust the type of drugs to minimise side effects,” he explains.
What to expect in your first chemotherapy session at MedPark Hospital Bangkok
So, what’s it actually like? If you’re expecting a dark, depressing room filled with suffering patients, think again. MedPark Hospital has designed the experience to be as comfortable as possible for cancer patients.
“We have equipment to make patients more comfortable, including spacious, cosy rooms where they can receive chemotherapy with their families. It’s very homey to help reduce stress,” Dr Vigrom describes.
Each session varies in length, depending on the type of chemo being administered. Some treatments take just 30 minutes, while others last several hours. Patients may experience mild discomfort from the IV drip, but beyond that, most say the process is more boring than painful.
How MedPark Hospital Bangkok makes chemotherapy easier
In addition to prioritising patient comfort, there are various other ways MedPark Hospital makes chemotherapy easier for patients. The first is personalising the experience. They take the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and pain points.
“We evaluate at every visit to ensure the patient is still on the same page with us. If they have new concerns, we address them, whether it’s emotional, financial, or anything that could affect their comfort and outcomes,” he notes.
Furthermore, MedPark Hospital understands that support makes a big difference in the chemotherapy experience. That’s why they have a comprehensive team that will be with patients throughout their journey. These include oncologists, oncology nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and physical therapists.
Even the aftercare is thorough to keep the experience as stress-free as possible. He explains, “our follow-up care is comprehensive. We check in with patients 24 hours after treatment, then again after 2 to 3 days, seven days, and so on.”
How to prepare for chemotherapy
If you or a loved one is starting chemotherapy, here’s Dr Vigrom’s advice:
- Understand your treatment plan. “We give patients the whole plan upfront, educating them together with their families to make sure they understand everything. I encourage them to take a couple of days to discuss it as a family, then we meet again to address any questions. I will keep explaining until everything is clear from every point of view,” he says.
- Communicate with your medical team. Ask questions, report side effects, and keep your doctors informed.
- Take care of your body. A healthy diet and light exercise can help manage fatigue and improve overall well-being.
- Stay emotionally supported. Lean on family, friends, or professional support services if needed. “Sometimes in every case we have family meetings to discuss about how to do, how to educate, how their family can help patients to pass this difficult process,” he recalls.
So, is chemotherapy as scary as you think?
No. The idea of chemotherapy might still be intimidating, but the reality is far less dramatic than the movies make it out to be. “With modern medicine, we can make treatments more effective and comfortable,” Dr Vigrom reassures.
For anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, keep in mind that you’re not alone, and chemotherapy in Bangkok isn’t something to fear. With the right team and treatment plan, it’s simply another step on the road to recovery.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with MedPark Hospital Bangkok’s chemotherapy and oncology department, visit their website or complete the form below.
Curious about how blood cancer is diagnosed and treated? Check out our article on everything you need to know about blood cancer treatment in Bangkok!
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