Chemotherapy Care

Powerful cancer-fighting medicine used to slow or stop cancer growth—part of a personalized treatment plan.

At AnMed, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make your chemotherapy experience as comfortable and supportive as possible. From your first visit to your last treatment, you'll have a dedicated team by your side-focused on your health, your comfort, and your peace of mind.

Get chemotherapy close to home in Anderson, SC, with expert care for you and your loved ones across Greenville, Oconee, Anderson and Pickens counties in South Carolina, and Hartwell, Georgia.

Quality care is never far away.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, or chemo for short use drugs to attack cancer cells anywhere in the body. It reliably treats cancers such as:

  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Gynecologic cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer

When is Chemotherapy Used?

Your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy for several reasons:

  • Primary treatment: Sometimes chemo is the main way to fight cancer.
  • Before surgery or radiation: To shrink tumors and make other treatments easier (neoadjuvant therapy).
  • After surgery or radiation: To kill any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant therapy).
  • To relieve symptoms: In advanced cases, chemo can ease pain or discomfort (palliative chemotherapy).

How is Chemotherapy Given?

Most patients receive chemotherapy through an IV infusion in the Infusion Suite on the third floor of AnMed's Cancer Center. The medicine enters your bloodstream quickly so it can reach cancer cells throughout your body. Depending on your treatment plan, an infusion may last a few minutes or several hours. The suite is set up to help you stay comfortable throughout your visit, with a layout that lets nurses keep an eye on you while still giving you room to settle in and relax.

Other options include:

  • Oral medications: Pills you take at home.
  • Injections: Delivered under the skin or into muscle.
  • Targeted delivery: For certain cancers, medicine may go directly into the abdomen, chest, or bladder.

Your doctor will explain the best method for you.

What to Expect During Treatment

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles-periods of treatment followed by rest. This helps your body recover between doses. Your care team will:

  • Explain your schedule and what each cycle involves.
  • Monitor your progress with scans and blood tests.
  • Adjust your plan if needed to keep you safe and comfortable.

You'll meet regularly with your oncologist and nurses to review how you're feeling and answer any questions.

Managing Side Effects

Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, which means it can affect healthy cells too. Common side effects include:

  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mouth sores
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Skin and nail changes
  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Your AnMed care team will help manage these symptoms and offer support services for nutrition, counseling, and stress management.

If you experience fever, chills, bleeding, rash, or unusual pain, call us immediately.

AnMed's Infusion Suite

Chemotherapy infusion services take place in the Outpatient Infusion suite on the third floor of the AnMed Cancer Center. The suite is bright, modern, and designed with your comfort in mind. Flexible spaces allow for privacy or visiting with others, while still keeping you close to the nurses' station. Large windows let in natural sunlight, creating a warm and soothing environment for every visit.

Our infusion suite offers:

  • 24 private bays with recliners, Wi-Fi and TVs
  • Snacks and beds for those who need to lie down
  • Onsite lab services for quick blood draws
  • Expert nurses and pharmacists specializing in cancer care
  • A soothing environment for visiting with family, listening to music or quiet reflection

Hours

  • Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tips for Your Appointment

Many patients recommend bringing:

  • Snacks
  • Magazines or books
  • Cell phone or tablet
  • Portable DVD/music player with headphones
  • Laptop computer

Clothing tip: Wear a zip-up or button-up shirt for easy access to your port, or a shirt with sleeves that roll up easily for IV access. Blankets are available for your comfort.

If your infusion lasts several hours, pack a lunch or extra snacks. You may bring one visitor over age 16 to stay with you during treatment. Additional guests will need to wait in the lobby.

We’re Here for You

Chemotherapy is a big step, but you’re not alone. Our team will guide you every step of the way—with compassion, expertise, and care close to home.

Call us today at 864-512-4675 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Call 864-512-4675