Long-term Intravenous Chemotherapy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Long-term IV chemotherapy (kee-moh-THER-ah-pee) is given through an IV catheter (KATH-e-ter) placed into a large vein in your body. It is usually placed in your arm or upper chest. Long-term IV catheters can stay in you for many months or years. There are many types of IV catheters. You and your caregiver will decide which catheter is right for you.
  
  
• IV catheters are placed by a caregiver specially trained in putting them in. Once you have your IV catheter placed, your caregiver will begin your treatments. If you are receiving chemo for the first time, you may get it while you are a patient in the hospital. Your caregiver will watch you closely to see how your body handles the chemo. If you have a bad reaction, a caregiver will help you.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• There are risks with getting long-term IV chemo. There is a very small risk of the chemo leaking out of your vein. This could permanently harm your skin, vein, or the inside of your body. You could also develop an infection of your catheter or the vein where the catheter is placed. You may have an allergic reaction to the catheter and it will need to be removed. The catheter could move out of the right position, or come out completely. You may also develop blood clots from the catheter.
  
  
• You could have a bad reaction to the chemo medicine. You may also develop infection in your mouth or other places in your body. Chemo could permanently damage many organs in your body. The chemo may not work well for you, and the cancer could spread to other places in your body. A new cancer could grow. You could die. If you choose not to get chemo, the cancer may spread more quickly. You could die sooner. Ask your caregiver if you have any questions or concerns about your cancer or treatments.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

• IV: An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.
  
  
• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection like pneumonia, or to look for collapsed lungs. Chest x-rays may show tumors, broken ribs, or fluid around the heart and lungs.
  
  
• Special precautions: Chemo medicines are dangerous if you touch them. While you are in the hospital and getting chemo, your caregivers will wear special gloves and gowns. They will do this to help prevent getting the medicine on their skin or clothing. Special waste containers will be placed in your room for any leftover chemo and used supplies.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Long-term Intravenous Chemotherapy (Inpatient Care)