Step five: High-dose therapy

High-dose therapy will include high-dose chemotherapy and sometimes total body irradiation (TBI). The purpose of this therapy is to destroy cancer cells with higher doses of chemotherapy than are used in standard chemotherapy treatments.

Chemotherapy treatment plans vary with the type of cancer, its stage, and the treatment protocols being used. These chemotherapy drugs  are typically given while you are in the hospital. The treatment lasts several days. The daily treatment may take up to eight hours and requires the administration of large amounts of fluid.

Some of the drugs used to prevent nausea and vomiting may make you drowsy or forgetful. Your caregiver is welcome to remain with you as long as he or she desires.