how to prepare for chemotherapy treatment

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Things You Can Do to Prepare for Treatment: Go to the dentist . This is especially true if you know you need dental work. Chemotherapy medications can cause you to be at risk for infection and dental work should not be done during this time. Also, your dentist may be able to offer suggestions to manage chemotherapy induced mouth problems.

What are the best ways to prepare for chemotherapy?

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 should I eat before starting 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... Avoid contact with anything that may contain chemotherapy. Chemotherapy leaves the body through bodily fluids during the... Keep a journal. ...

What to expect on your first day of chemotherapy?

May 18, 2020 · Preparing for Your First Day of Chemotherapy. Organize your Information. On your first day of treatment you will encounter a lot of new, possibly overwhelming, experiences. It's a good idea to ... Plan how you will get there. What to expect upon arrival. Dress comfortably. Bring a …

What to take with to first chemo treatment?

Mar 09, 2022 · The drugs commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy can be constipating as well. Between staying hydrated and eating fiber, you should gain the upper hand on constipation. Prepare for Fatigue You may feel tired or very fatigued the day after your first treatment. This differs from tiredness that can be cured with sleep.

How do you prepare your body for Chemo?

Try to stay as healthy as you can before and during treatment. Eat nourishing food, drink lots of water, get enough sleep, and balance rest and physical activity. Good nutrition and regular exercise can help reduce some chemotherapy side effects. If you smoke, try to quit.

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

What can I expect on my first day of chemo?

Once you're in the infusion suite, the nurse will order your chemotherapy cocktail and any pre-medications that are required from the pharmacy. It usually takes at least 30 minutes for the drugs to arrive. Some of the pre-medications may be steroids, anti-nausea medications and/or anxiety medications.Mar 8, 2013

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

What should I eat before chemo infusion?

What do I eat before going to chemotherapy?Plain or Fruited yogurt.Fresh fruit and cottage cheese.Poached egg and toast.Toasted bagel with a small amount of peanut butter.Cereal and milk (try Lactaid® milk, or Soy milk, if lactose intolerant)Chicken rice soup with saltine crackers.

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 do you wash clothes for chemo patients?

Any clothes or sheets that have body fluids on them should be washed in your washing machine – not by hand. Wash them in warm water with regular laundry detergent. Do not wash them with other clothes. If they can't be washed right away, seal them in a plastic bag.Nov 22, 2019

What do you wear to chemo?

The American Cancer Society recommends dressing in layers. Dress comfortably in sweatpants or yoga pants. Choose light materials so if you sweat, you won't feel sticky. Wear a low neck or V-neck shirt so nurses can easily place ports to administer the chemo, and bring an extra shirt in case you sweat through the first.Oct 20, 2017

Can you eat before chemo?

Before chemotherapy begins, a person should eat a healthy diet and try to maintain a moderate weight. A healthy diet should include various fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and legumes.Jul 29, 2021

Can you be alone after chemo?

Yes. It will take some extra planning and working out who can support you but it's possible to continue living alone when you have cancer. Having cancer and going through treatment raises many challenges and emotions. These may be harder to deal with when you live alone.

How to prepare for chemotherapy?

If you are the person responsible for meals, consider making some meals before you begin chemotherapy and freeze them in containers that offer the correct portions.

How to help someone with chemotherapy?

Consider help at home . Many times, your friends and family members want to know what they can do to help you during your chemotherapy. Give them a job - it will help both of you. Some ideas include: 1 Helping with meals 2 Helping with child care 3 Helping with house cleaning 4 Helping with transportation 5 Running errands 6 Keeping you company

What to wear for chemo?

Many times it's nice to have a support person with you during treatment as well. Wear comfortable clothing . If you will be getting chemotherapy, it is best to wear comfortable clothing .

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.

How to prepare for chemotherapy?

Freeze some meals. You may not feel like cooking during the weeks of your chemotherapy treatment. Consider making some meals ahead and freezing them or have ready-to-eat food available (e.g. tinned fruit, yoghurt, soup). Sometimes, family and friends will arrange a meal roster.

How to reduce side effects of chemotherapy?

Eat nourishing food, drink lots of water, get enough sleep, and balance rest and physical activity. Good nutrition and regular exercise can help reduce some chemotherapy side effects. If you smoke, try to quit. For support, call the Quitline on 13 7848 or visit iCanQuit.

Should I go to the dentist before chemo?

It is often a good idea to visit your dentist for a check-up before chemotherapy begins. The dentist can check for any decayed teeth that may cause issues if they need to be removed while you’re having chemotherapy.

Does chemotherapy affect fertility?

Some types of chemotherapy can affect your fertility. Whether you are a man or a woman, if you think you may want to have children in future, talk to your specialist about your options before chemotherapy begins.

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 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 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.

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.

How to get over chemotherapy?

Go grocery shopping. Make sure you have plenty of food and nutritious drinks in your house. You may also want to prepare some meals ahead of time, or have a meal schedule put in place . The first three to five days after chemotherapy are usually the worst and you may not feel up to cooking or going out.

How to pass time during treatment?

Passing the time during treatment takes planning. Decide what books, music, games, or other enjoyable distractions you want to have with you. Your companion can also be a good source of entertainment. Playing board games for two can make the hours go by quickly.

Can you bring a friend to chemo?

Most facilities allow patients to bring at least one family member or friend with them to chemotherapy. Your companion can help with answering questions, taking notes, understanding home medication instructions, and prepping for your next session. Also, make sure your companion is prepared to drive you to and from the treatment facility. Some of the chemotherapy medications may make you drowsy or too uncomfortable to drive.

What is a CVC in chemo?

Your oncologist may suggest you have a central venous catheter (CVC) inserted prior to your first chemotherapy infusion. Having a CVC makes it easier to put medicine, blood products, nutrients, or fluids directly into your bloodstream. The most common CVCs are peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) and ports. A PICC line is inserted into a large vein. Ports are inserted under the skin in your chest or upper arm by a surgeon or radiologist. Both can stay in for the duration of your chemotherapy. Ask your oncologist about the risks and benefits of each and which, if any, CVC is best for you.

What to keep on hand after a syringe?

It’s also a good idea to keep certain medical-related items on hand, like prescriptions, dressing supplies, and a thermometer. You may need these items after your treatment, when you’re likely going to be too tired to go to the store.

How to calm anxiety from cancer?

Meditation is another relaxation technique that can give you a sense of calm by focusing your attention to eliminate stressful thoughts. Other types of relaxation techniques that might help are hypnosis, massage, tai chi, music therapy, and aromatherapy.

What to wear to a PICC treatment room?

Treatment rooms can also be chilly, so pack a cozy sweatshirt, blanket, and warm socks. And if you have a PICC line or a port, make sure that your doctor will be able to access it easily.

How to prepare for chemo?

be unique, I hope these tips help you feel a little more prepared for your own chemotherapy journey. 1. Prepare Your Chemo Bag . Like packing for a trip, packing a chemo bag can make you feel a little more prepared for the experience. Most chemo days will be extremely long ...

What to drink before chemo?

Drinking lots of water, green tea (unsweetened) or bone broth* can really help. Drinking lots of liquid before, during and after chemotherapy sessions can also alleviate feelings of nausea and help flush the toxins out ...

How to deal with cancer?

3. Take Care of Your Mental Health 1 Familiarize yourself with calming breathing exercises. Check out this video guide I led. 2 Incorporate mindfulness practices 3 Educate yourself on the mental side of cancer can make the feelings themself feel less daunting. You are not along in these feelings and they are not abnormal 4 Read my post about Managing Cancer Induced Stress & Anxiety 5 Talk to a mental health professional - if the person has experience with cancer patients that is even better (check with your cancer center for referrals) 6 Talk to your doctor about medications you can try. I have been on a low dose Citalopram since the end of chemo and it helped so much. I was also on Ativan for the panic attacks during active treatment. 7 Determine what tools calm you and helps process your emotions. I liked journalling, listening to guided meditation tracks during appointments and reading inspirational stories

Does cold cap help hair grow back?

When using a cold-cap, any thinning you do experience will grow back faster because the hair doesn’t have to grow back from below the root.

Can chemo cause skin rash?

Chemotherapy can make your skin dry, and irritated, so be sure to moisturize everyday. I also experiences odd acne rashes on my chest, which is a another quite common side effect of the chemo. Also don't be afraid to ask your oncologists for topical steroids if you have hormonal reactions or rashes. PLEASE don't forget your sunscreen as well as your skin is super sensitive to the sun during chemo. There are so many safe sunscreens these days from La Roche Posay, Coola, EltaMD, BareRepublic, and more.

Can you paint your nails before chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy damages all rapidly-dividing cells, not just the cancerous ones. Thus, your nails, skin, and hair cells will likely be damaged in the process. One trick is to paint your nails ( with a safe nail polish) before treatment sessions to help preserve them. I kept my nails painted throughout treatment and was able to avoid any of them turning black and falling off. This is not guaranteed but is worth a try.

Can chemotherapy help nausea?

While there is no magic solution for everyone's nausea, there are tons of options you can try. In my experience it's all about trial and error as you go through your chemotherapy. Don't give up if the first medication doesn't work. Here are some of the things that worked for me: