Intrathecal chemotherapy is one of the many types of chemotherapy used to treat cancer. It is done by injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the spinal canal. Intrathecal chemotherapy is used for certain types of cancer and your doctor will only recommend this type of treatment if they feel that it will give you the best chance at survival against the cancer.
If Intrathecal chemotherapy is performed, it is likely that your doctor believes this is the best method in which the chemotherapy drugs can reach the cancer cells and kill them. This is essential to beating the cancer. And, while almost all people get nervous about the idea of having something injected into their spine, know that the procedure will only be performed by qualified health care professionals.
How Intrathecal Chemotherapy is Administered
There are actually two different ways that Intrathecal chemotherapy can be given. It may be given by injection, directly into the spinal canal. This method is known as an intralumbar injection. It may be painful and the healthcare provider may give a local numbing agent before giving you the injection to help reduce the pain. An intralumbar injection requires no extra treatment after you go home, outside of general care needed for chemotherapy.Another way that the intrathecal chemotherapy can be given is through the left ventricle of the brain. This is done by placing an Ommaya reservoir underneath the scalp. This will allow the health care provider to easily administer the chemotherapy drugs into the area between your brain and your spinal cord. Before you receive your first round of chemotherapy, you will go in for a surgical implant of the Ommaya reservoir. The back of your head will be shaved and you will be sedated before the reservoir is put into place. Once your chemotherapy treatments are over, the reservoir will be removed.
The method will be determined by your doctor and it will be based upon certain factors. Where exactly your cancer is located could be one of the determining factors. However, the type of cancer as well as the severity will also be considered when making the decision of how your chemotherapy drugs will be given.
Important Information You Need to Know About Chemotherapy
Following your doctor’s instructions and taking care of yourself is important during chemotherapy. This helps to prevent illness and can decrease the potential of serious side effects. Your doctor should give you detailed instructions on how to care for your Ommaya reservoir if you have one. But there are also some other very important things that you need to know about taking care of your body before, during, and after chemotherapy.Before you actually start treatment, you need to try and keep yourself as healthy as possible. Avoid coming into contact with anyone who is ill and be sure that you are eating a well-balanced diet. This is not the time to try and lose weight. You will need to continue eating healthy and avoiding individuals that are sick throughout your chemotherapy treatments.
Your diet should be high in protein and calories while you are receiving chemotherapy. Your body will need the extra calories to sustain itself during your treatment. After treatment, until your body produces new healthy cells, you will still need to consume more calories to promote the healing process.
To avoid illness, you may want to stay away from large groups of people, if at all possible. Try to get others to go to the grocery store for you and stay away from children, if you can, especially those that go to daycare. Children can often carry illnesses, even if they are not sick.
You should also drink plenty of water and try to get as much rest as possible. Avoid overexerting yourself. This could wear you out very quickly. Remember, your body is fighting cancer right now. You need all of the energy you can possibly get.
You may experience gum, mouth, or throat sores. These can sometimes be prevented, if you take the time to talk to your doctor. If you should notice these sores, you should notify your doctor. While the condition is not serious, it can become painful, making it difficult to eat.
Dizziness or blurred vision can sometimes occur with intrathecal chemotherapy. Balance problems are also common. Generally, the symptoms disappear within just hours of treatment. You can sometimes decrease the problem by lying flat for a while after treatment is completed.
