Chemotherapy: How It Is Given and Common Side Effects

कीमोथेरेपी कैसे होती है, इसके साइड इफेक्ट कितने दिन रहते हैं, और कीमो के बाद क्या खाना चाहिए — आसान भाषा में।

Need help understanding your reports? Talk to a patient counselor: +91 99307 09000 · WhatsApp +91 98803 78899

“Chemo” is one of the most searched cancer words in Hindi and English, along with questions like “chemotherapy kaise hoti hai” and “chemo ke baad kya khana chahiye”. This guide answers these questions simply, for patients and caregivers.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses medicines that kill fast-growing cells or stop them from dividing. It may be used to shrink a tumour before surgery (neoadjuvant), to lower the risk of cancer returning after surgery (adjuvant), together with radiation (chemoradiation), or to control cancer and relieve symptoms in advanced disease. Your oncologist chooses the drugs and the aim of treatment based on the cancer type, stage, biopsy report and your overall health.

How is chemotherapy given? (Chemotherapy kaise hoti hai)

• Drip (IV infusion): the most common way, in a daycare unit. A session may take from 30 minutes to several hours. Most patients go home the same day.
• Tablets or capsules taken at home on a fixed schedule.
• Injections under the skin or into a muscle.
• Port or PICC line: a long-term line placed in a vein so that repeated needles are not needed. Ask your doctor if this suits you.

Before each session, blood tests (blood counts, kidney and liver tests) are done to check that it is safe to continue. Your height and weight are used to calculate the dose.

What is a “cycle”?

Chemo is given in cycles: a treatment day (or days) followed by a rest period so the body can recover, often every 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks. A course may have, for example, 4 to 8 cycles, but this varies widely. Do not skip or delay cycles without talking to your oncologist.

Common side effects and how long they last

Side effects depend on the drugs. Not everyone gets all of them. Many are mild and get better between cycles.

• Tiredness: very common; often worst a few days after each cycle.
• Nausea and vomiting: usually well controlled with anti-sickness medicines. Take them as prescribed, even before you feel sick.
• Low blood counts: low white cells raise the risk of infection, usually about 7 to 14 days after chemo. Low haemoglobin causes tiredness; low platelets cause easy bruising.
• Hair loss: with some drugs; it usually starts 2 to 3 weeks after the first cycle and grows back after treatment ends.
• Mouth sores, loss of taste, loose motions or constipation.
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet with some drugs. Tell your doctor early.

Most short-term effects improve within days to weeks after each cycle and settle after the course ends. Some, like tiredness or nerve tingling, can last longer. Ask your team which effects are expected with your specific drugs.

When to call the hospital immediately

Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or more during chemo is an emergency. Call your team or go to the hospital the same day. Also seek help for: chills, breathlessness, chest pain, bleeding, vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, severe diarrhoea, confusion, or very little urine. See our guide on fever during chemotherapy.

Food after chemo (Chemo ke baad kya khana chahiye)

• Small, frequent meals: khichdi, dal-chawal, curd rice, upma, poha, idli, soft roti with dal or paneer, eggs if you eat them.
• Protein at every meal helps recovery: dal, paneer, curd, eggs, chicken or fish (well cooked), soya, besan chilla.
• Plenty of fluids: water, coconut water, buttermilk, nimbu pani, clear soup.
• Food safety: freshly cooked, hot food; wash fruit well; avoid street food, raw salads from outside, and unpasteurised milk when counts are low.
• Talk to your oncologist before taking herbal products, kadha or supplements; some can interact with chemo.

Cost questions to ask

Chemotherapy cost depends on the drugs (generic vs. branded), number of cycles, daycare vs. admission, supportive medicines and tests. Ask for a written per-cycle estimate and the total plan. Check eligibility for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, state schemes, and the hospital’s support options.

Frequently asked questions

Chemotherapy kaise hoti hai?

Most often as a drip in a daycare unit, sometimes as tablets or injections. It is given in cycles with rest periods in between.

Is chemotherapy painful?

The drip itself is usually not painful beyond the needle. Tell the nurse at once if the drip site burns or swells.

How many days do chemo side effects last?

Many short-term effects improve within days to a couple of weeks after each cycle. Some, like tiredness, can last longer.

Will I lose my hair?

Only with certain drugs. If it happens, it usually grows back after treatment ends.

What should I eat after chemo?

Small, soft, protein-rich home meals and plenty of fluids. Keep food fresh and hot, especially when counts are low.

Can I go to work during chemo?

Many people do light work, depending on their energy and job. Discuss with your doctor.

Is fever during chemo serious?

Yes. A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or more during chemo needs urgent medical attention.

Can I take Ayurvedic or herbal medicine with chemo?

Ask your oncologist first. Some herbs and supplements can interact with chemotherapy drugs.

Related guides

• Fever during chemotherapy: what to do
• Eating during treatment: Indian food ideas
• Radiation therapy (sikai) side effects
• Getting a written treatment-cost estimate

Sources

• National Cancer Institute: Chemotherapy to treat cancer (cancer.gov)
• American Cancer Society: Chemotherapy side effects (cancer.org)
• Macmillan Cancer Support: Chemotherapy (macmillan.org.uk)