Advice from other patients on preparing for chemotherapy
- Pack a bag. Bring warm clothing layers in case you get cold. Pack jackets, sweatshirts, scarves and warm socks. ...
- Stay healthy and strong. Take it easy. Don't compare your body to how it was before chemotherapy. ...
- Focus on the positive. Take along a small album with photos of your loved ones and favorite places. ...
- Take it easy.
- Don't compare your body to how it was before chemotherapy.
- Drink lots of water.
- Go for a walk every day, if possible.
- Try to eat something. ...
- Read the provided handouts regarding chemotherapy and its side effects.
- Try acupuncture to help alleviate pain and nausea.
What to expect on your first day of chemotherapy?
Feb 17, 2020 · After your first chemotherapy infusion. Listen to your body. You may want to rest after chemotherapy. Drink water in small sips to avoid dehydration. Eat what you can when you can. Avoid contact with anything that may contain chemotherapy. Chemotherapy leaves the body through bodily fluids during ...
What precautions should you take during chemotherapy treatment?
May 18, 2020 · Most treatment areas are cold, so bringing a blanket is a good option since you will be attached to your chemotherapy infusion making removing and adding clothing difficult. You may also want to bring a lip balm or lotion with you to keep your skin hydrated.
What to expect when having chemotherapy?
To lessen your chances of getting hurt, you can: Use plastic dishes that won’t break. Wear shoes. Remove portable rugs so you don’t trip. Put a nonslip bathmat or seat in the shower. Get an electric shaver instead of a razor.
How long after chemotherapy is my immune system compromised?
Jun 15, 2021 · Preparing for chemotherapy Learn about treatment. Every chemotherapy treatment works slightly differently, so it is important to ask questions... Ask about fertility. The American Cancer Society notes that chemotherapy can affect fertility and harm a developing... Tend to oral health. Many people ...
How do I prepare for my first chemo treatment?
Before your first chemotherapy infusionLet your oncology care team demystify chemotherapy for you. ... Keep your other medical care up-to-date. ... Eat well now and later. ... Arrange for help at home and work. ... Ask someone to come to your first appointment for support and company. ... Prepare a bag to bring with you.More items...•Oct 18, 2017
What should you not do during chemotherapy?
9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•May 5, 2021
Why can't chemo patients have ice?
However, it can continue and cause laryngeal spasms, which may make the patient feel like their throat is closing, or have difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, jaw spasm, or abnormal tongue sensations. (Ixnay on the ice, okay?) Because this can start quickly, avoid cold drinks even during the infusion.Jan 16, 2015
How many days after chemo do you feel better?
You may experience nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up) after your last chemotherapy treatment. It should go away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your appetite may continue to be affected due to taste changes you may have experienced during your treatment.Feb 7, 2022
How to rest after chemo?
After your first chemotherapy infusion 1 Listen to your body. You may want to rest after chemotherapy. Drink water in small sips to avoid dehydration. Eat what you can when you can. 2 Avoid contact with anything that may contain chemotherapy. Chemotherapy leaves the body through bodily fluids during the 48 hours after infusion. Ask your care team how to avoid contact with any fluids or soiled items. 3 Keep a journal. Write down your medical teams' names and the dates of chemotherapy. Between infusions, jot down how much sleep you're getting, what you're eating and how you're feeling. This can help you and your team understand what works best for you.
What to bring to the Infusion Center?
The infusion center has coffee, tea, juice, ginger ale and crackers to eat, and you can also bring special snacks or drinks that appeal to you. Dress for comfort. Wear comfortable clothing with layers, to adjust to temperature changes as needed. You can also bring sweaters, socks, and a hat.
What is the first treatment for osteosarcoma?
For osteosarcoma, the first treatment is usually a combination of two chemotherapies, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. Both of these are very strong chemos and have their associated side effects. The first thing most patients notice is the color of doxorubicin (nicknamed “the red devil”). It is a reddish orange color.
How to help a child with nausea?
When awake your child may find activity helps delay the onset of nausea... laughter can be the best medicine. Playing a game, becoming engrossed in a really good movie, using guided imagery to ‘take a trip somewhere else’, or doing homework can delay nausea a little. None of these activities will avoid it.
Does doxorubicin cause nausea?
While most anticipate nausea as a side effect of chemotherapy, it doesn’t happen immediately for most patients. It may be several hours or overnight before it hits.
Does adjuvant chemotherapy help with osteosarcoma?
Since the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy to osteosarcoma treatment, the relapse rates have decreased. So, while chemotherapy is difficult, it is very necessary to keep the osteosarcoma from returning.
How to recover from chemo?
Remember that chemo affects every cell in your body. Stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water or juice . If you feel fuzzy brained from the medications, try a hot tub soak.
How long before chemo do you eat?
Two to three hours before an infusion, eat light and make your choices high-fiber. Chemo drugs tend to slow peristalsis (digestion and bowel processes), so whatever you eat may be in your digestion for longer than usual and will dry out. 1
What is the blood test for chemo?
Before you have each round of chemo, you will have a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Your CBC provides a reading on all of the types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow which can be affected by chemotherapy.
When is the first round of chemo?
on September 23, 2020. If you're about to go for your first round of chemotherapy, you may have lots of questions along with some fears. Your oncologist will talk about the drugs you will receive and potential side effects, as well as how often you will need to be seen. Yet there are many tips that don't often make their way into those ...
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
If you have side effects from chemotherapy that are bothersome, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, swelling, or unusual pain around the injection site, write these down. Your doctor or nurse will need to know how often you're having problems, how severe they are, and how you're coping.
What does a low neutrophil count mean?
Your white blood cell count will tell your doctor if you have neutropenia, a deficiency of the type of white blood cells known as neutrophils. If your neutrophil level is too low, you may be at risk for infection. 2 .
Can you drive yourself to chemo?
Some people plan on driving themselves to chemo if their first infusion goes well. Yet there are many reasons why it's beneficial to have a chemo buddy who can drive you, take notes and help ask questions, and keep you company through your infusion.
What is the scariest thing you have ever heard?
When it comes to one’s health, cancer can be one of the scariest words you can hear. There are a few ways to treat it, namely surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment where chemicals are introduced to the body with the hopes that it will minimize the cancerous cells in the body. While chemotherapy can be a life-saving ...
Can you get behind the wheel after chemotherapy?
After your treatment, you might be dealing with nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, all reasons not to get behind the wheel. Prior to starting treatment, you should arrange transportation to and from your treatment center or hospital. Another thing to consider is getting a wheelchair to take maximum stress off yourself after the chemotherapy treatment.
Should I go to the dentist for chemo?
Chemotherapy has a number of effects on dental health which includes dry mouth, painful gums and mouth, and more importantly, it can make you more susceptible to infections. Because of this, it is absolutely necessary to visit a dentist prior to beginning any chemotherapy treatment.
What to bring to chemo infusion?
Most treatment areas are cold, so bringing a blanket is a good option since you will be attached to your chemotherapy infusion making removing and adding clothing difficult. You may also want to bring a lip balm or lotion with you to keep your skin hydrated.
How to take medication at home?
Once you are home, it is important to follow any instructions given to you. Take your medications on time, rest, hydrate, and eat. Keep track of any side effects or new feelings you have to report back to your provider. Keep a list of questions that come up to bring to your next visit.
How to Prepare Your Home
For starters, you should wash your hands often and stay away from crowds. You should also:
Other Steps You and Your Family Can Take
Wash your hands often andfor at least 20 seconds. Anyone who is around you should do the same. Don’t be shy about asking them to scrub up. It’s best to use regular soap with warm or cold water. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is the next best option.
What Happens if You Get Sick?
If you have a fever, call your doctor or go to the hospital right away. Don’t wait until the morning. If you go to the emergency room, make sure you let them know you’re getting chemotherapy. You’ll need fast treatment. It’s considered a medical emergency if you get an infection while you’re on chemotherapy.
What to do after chemo?
Planning for the days following chemotherapy is especially important. Dealing with stressed children, a disorganized house, and an empty refrigerator can make the challenges of chemotherapy feel worse. Getting support to reduce these challenges can help protect the body and mind.
How to recover from chemotherapy?
Prepare some meals. Good nutrition is important for helping the body heal, but preparing meals can be difficult when recovering from chemotherapy. People can overcome this issue by: prepping freezable meals ahead of treatment and then simply defrosting and reheating them afterward. asking a friend to deliver a few meals.
Why is it important to log chemo sessions?
It is helpful to log chemotherapy sessions so that all medical records are in one place. Listing treatments alongside any side effects may help people predict side effects and identify any lifestyle strategies — such as drinking more water or eating certain foods — that reduce them.
What to pack for chemo?
Pack a bag for treatment sessions. Chemotherapy can take a long time, and there is not much to do during treatment. People can pack a bag with items that help them feel comfortable and give them something to do. Examples of what to take to treatment include: layers of clothing and a blanket. a comfortable pillow.
Why do people drink fluids after chemotherapy?
Drinking lots of fluids after chemotherapy can prevent dehydration and help the body metabolize chemotherapy drugs. People who vomit so much that they cannot keep anything down should contact their healthcare team.
What are some things that make you sleepy?
earplugs, in case ambient noise is bothersome. an eye mask, if a person hopes to sleep. an item that provides an activity, such as a journal or planner, a great book, or crossword puzzles. a phone and a portable charger. chewing gum.
Does chemotherapy affect fertility?
The American Cancer Society notes that chemotherapy can affect fertility and harm a developing fetus. In some cases, it may also have long-term effects on a person’s ability to get pregnant or impregnate a partner. People who are trying to have a baby should speak with a fertility specialist to discuss their options, which might include freezing eggs or sperm.
