Hi Shoeshine and thank you for your post.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's recent diagnosis. This must be a difficult time for both of you.

Chemotherapy. drugs are usually given in cycles over several months.   Different types of cancers require different chemotherapy treatments, and these treatments can be administered in various cycles.   Most chemotherapy cycles will consist of 21 days (three weeks).

The day your friend has her chemo will be considered day 1. Then, there will be no treatment from days 2 to 21, and Cycle 2 Day 1 will begin. Without any delays, if she is having 4 cycles, this will take 12 weeks.

Depending on the chemotherapy regime some people may have chemotherapy on D7 and/or D14. of each cycle, and in some regimes, people have intravenous (administered into the vein via a drip) chemotherapy on day 1 and then may have chemotherapy tablets for the rest of the cycle.

If your friend has a nurse specialist she could ask them to clarify which chemotherapy drugs she will have, and more detail about the cycle of chemotherapy.

Your friend is lucky to have a friend like you to support her. You may like to read our page on supporting someone with cancer.

It is also very important to remember to take care of yourself.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Tina