There are different ways of giving Chemotherapy such as intravenously (through a vein), by mouth, through an injection (shot), or applied on the skin.
By vein (intravenous, or IV, treatment)
Chemotherapy is mostly given intravenously (IV), through a vein. A thin needle is inserted into a vein on the hand or lower arm at the beginning of each treatment session and is removed at the end of the session. If you feel a coolness, burning, or other unusual sensation in the area of the needle stick when the IV is started, tell your doctor or nurse. Also report any pain, burning, skin redness, swelling, or discomfort that occurs during or after an IV treatment.
Chemotherapy can also be delivered by IV through catheters, ports, and pumps
A catheter is a soft, thin, flexible tube that is placed in a large vein in the body and remains there as long as it is needed. Patients who need to have many IV treatments often have a catheter, so a needle does not have to be used each time. Drugs can be given and blood samples can be drawn through this catheter. Sometimes the catheter is attached to a port ? a small round plastic or metal disc placed under the skin. The port can be used for as long as it is needed. A pump, which is used to control how fast the drug goes into a catheter or port, is sometimes used. There are two types of pumps. An external pump remains outside the body. Most are portable; they allow a person to move around while the pump is being used. An internal pump is placed inside the body during surgery, usually right under the skin. Pumps contain a small storage area for the drug and allow people to go about their normal activities. Catheters, ports, and pumps cause no pain if they are properly placed and cared for, although a person is aware they are there. Catheters are usually placed in a large vein, most commonly in your chest, called a central venous catheter. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is inserted into a vein in the arm. Catheters can also be placed in an artery or other locations in the body, such as: Intrathecal. Delivers drugs into the spinal fluid and Intracavitary (IC) catheter. Placed in the abdomen, pelvis, or chest.
Orally through mouth
The drug is given in pill, capsule, or liquid form. Swallow the drug, just as you do many other medicines.
By injection: A needle and syringe are used to give the drug in one of several ways
Intramuscularly, or IM. (Into a muscle) Subcutaneously, or SQ or SC. (Under the skin) Intralesionally, or IL. (Directly into a cancerous area in the skin)
Topically: The drug is applied on the surface of the skin.
Most people receiving chemotherapy find that they tire easily, but many feel well enough to continue to lead active lives. Each person and treatment is different, so it is not always possible to tell exactly how one will react. General state of health, the type and extent of cancer, and the kind of drugs received can all affect how well one feel.
Most people can continue working while receiving chemotherapy. However, one need to change the work schedule for a while if chemotherapy makes you feel very tired or have other side effects.