how to prepare for first chemo treatment

Here are some ways to prepare for your first session: Ensure safe and easy venous access. 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.

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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 …

What to eat before chemo?

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 to expect when having chemotherapy?

If you are female and preparing for chemotherapy, it may be wise to get your annual PAP smear before chemotherapy begins, to avoid false abnormal results. Sometimes chemotherapy can affect the cells on the cervix for 6 months to a year after chemotherapy. Get a wig if you will need one. If you are likely to lose your hair due to chemotherapy, plan to purchase your wig before …

How to recover from chemotherapy?

Jul 10, 2021 · If possible, ask your healthcare provider for a tour of your infusion center. Some cancer treatment centers have private rooms for chemotherapy; at others, patients are in a common area. Seeing the space in advance will help you prepare mentally—and decide what to bring along during chemo sessions.

What should I do the night before chemo?

Stay healthy and strong.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.More items...•Feb 4, 2014

How long after your first chemo treatment do you get sick?

Acute nausea and vomiting usually happens within minutes to hours after treatment is given, and usually within the first 24 hours. This is more common when treatment is given by IV infusion or when taken by mouth.

What do you do on the first day of chemotherapy?

What, When, and Why. Every chemotherapy infusion includes a mix of drugs. ... Bring a "Chemo Buddy" You definitely don't have to go to your first chemo appointment alone. ... Stay Hydrated. ... Eat Light. ... Prepare for Fatigue. ... Expect Pre-Chemo Blood Tests. ... You May Need Post-Chemo Medications. ... Tracking Your Side Effects Is Helpful.Mar 9, 2022

How do you prepare your body for chemotherapy?

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.

What should you not do after chemo?

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

How long after chemo do you lose your hair?

Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment. It could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually. You'll likely notice accumulations of loose hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain. Your scalp may feel tender.

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

How long does a chemo session take?

How long will each session of my chemotherapy treatment take? Chemotherapy treatment varies in length and frequency and depends on the individual treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Some last as long as three or four hours, while others may only take a half-hour.

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.

Can you drive home after chemo?

In most cases, your healthcare provider will ask you to get a ride home after your first session to see how you will tolerate the chemo. If you feel well the first time around, you may be advised that it's okay to drive home for future sessions.Feb 22, 2022

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.

What to expect when you are done with chemo?

When you are done your first day of chemotherapy you may be emotional, exhausted, overwhelmed or ecstatic. You won't know exactly what to expect until you are living it. Once you are home, it is important to follow any instructions given to you. Take your medications on time, rest, hydrate, and eat.

What to eat in an infusion suite?

Some good snack ideas include: nuts, whole grain crackers, hard cheese, hummus, granola bars and fruit.

Do treatment centers provide water?

Most treatment centers will provide water . Entertainment. Most infusion suites allow for a visitor to stay with you during your treatment. A family member or friend can be a great distraction and it is also helpful to have someone else with you who can take in the information given to you.

Can you wear a shirt up with a port a cath?

If you have a port-a-cath in your chest that will be accessed for your treatment you want to wear a top with a loose fitting neck line or you can pull your shirt up while it is being accessed and then put your shirt back down once you are attached to your treatment .

Do you have to fill out paperwork for a blood work appointment?

Arrive on time for your appointment. You may need to fill out paperwork and you will likely have blood work drawn prior to your treatment. The results of this blood work may influence your treatment, so there will likely be a delay after the blood is drawn while the team awaits the results.

Can you sit in the treatment area for an extended period of time?

You may be sitting in the treatment area for an extended period of time, so it is important to be comfortable. Ensure that there is easy access to your central line, if you have one. A PICC in your arm will require the nurse to have access to your upper arm.

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.

How to avoid dehydration 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 the 48 hours after infusion. Ask your care team how to avoid contact with any fluids or soiled items. Keep a journal.

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.

How to ask your oncology team about supplements?

Remember to ask your care team about any nutritional products or supplements before you take them. Arrange for help at home and work. Clear your schedule for your appointment. If your oncology team suggests you may need to rest afterwards, speak with your employer about accommodating your schedule.

Does immunotherapy cause hair loss?

Some patients worry that they will have hair loss or nausea. Edelman reassured that this may not happen, “ Immuno therapy does not usually cause nausea or hair loss. Many of the chemotherapy regimens are also not associated with major hair loss.”.

Is it apprehensive to get chemo in 2020?

Updated: February 17, 2020. Many people are apprehensive before their first chemotherapy appointment. Preconceived notions and misinformation can add to the stress. “I think it is important to emphasize that the effects of treatments vary enormously depending upon the specific drug,” affirmed Martin Edelman, MD, ...

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

How long after chemo can you get a wig?

If you are female and preparing for chemotherapy, it may be wise to get your annual PAP smear before chemotherapy begins, to avoid false abnormal results. Sometimes chemotherapy can affect the cells on the cervix for 6 months to a year after chemotherapy. Get a wig if you will need one. If you are likely to lose your hair due ...

How to get chemo through vein?

If you will be receiving your chemotherapy through a vein in your arm, make sure your sleeves will allow good access past your elbow. Talk with your boss at work. Depending on your work situation, it may be wise to discuss your chemotherapy situation with your boss. Ask if there is any flexibility in scheduling.

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 .

Do insurance companies pay for wigs?

Some insurance companies will pay for a wig. In this case you will need a prescription from your doctor or health care provider for a "cranial prosthesis.". Your cancer care center may have lists of recommended wig retailers. Ask your health care provider or the nurse.

Can you watch children while on chemo?

You may need to arrange for child care both during treatment and afterwards. In most cases, you will be unable to watch young children while you are receiving your chemotherapy. Once you are at home, you may or may not feel up to the challenge.

How to help your family after chemotherapy?

Loved ones can help by cooking and freezing meals for your family ahead of time, volunteering to baby-sit, running errands, or just lending a hand around the house. 5. Learn how to handle waste. In the 48 hours after treatment, small amounts of chemotherapy drugs will leave your body through urine, vomit, and other body fluids.

How to get tired after chemo?

You might just want to go home and take a nap or relax. You may feel very tired the day after a session as well. 4. Arrange for help with meals and child care.

What to do if you have a sore mouth during chemo?

Mouth sores are a common side effect, so it's smart to get dental work or cleanings before you start your sessions. You should also ask about good oral care during chemo, like brushing with a soft toothbrush and using an alcohol-free mouth rinse. 7. Stock up on healthy groceries.

Can you wear a wig before chemo?

You might lose your hair, so think about whether you'll want to wear a wig, a hat, or a scarf until it grows back. If you shop for a wig before you start treatments, you'll have more energy. Plus you'll be able to better match your hair's natural color and texture. You can also cut your hair short before chemo starts.

Can you get pregnant while on chemo?

You or your partner should not get pregnant while you're having treatment, since chemotherapy drugs can damage sperm and cause birth defects. The drugs can also stay in semen and vaginal fluids, so even if you take birth control pills, you should use condoms.

Can you schedule chemotherapy time off?

Some people schedule chemotherapy around their work hours, Many others find that they need time off both for the treatment appointments and in the days or weeks after. Know your options and your rights. The law requires many companies to give their employees time off for chemotherapy.

What to do before starting chemo?

Before Starting Chemotherapy. If possible, ask your healthcare provider for a tour of your infusion center. Some cancer treatment centers have private rooms for chemotherapy; at others, patients are in a common area. Seeing the space in advance will help you prepare mentally—and decide what to bring along during chemo sessions.

What to do during first chemotherapy infusion?

During Your First Chemotherapy Infusion. Plan to spend the day at the hospital or treatment center. When you arrive, a healthcare provider will check your vital signs, height and weight. You’ll probably have blood drawn as well. This information helps the healthcare team provide the proper dose of chemotherapy drugs.

How long after chemotherapy do you feel better?

Still, you should plan for someone else to drive you home. Side effects don’t typically hit until 4 to 6 hours later—and in some cases, not until a day or two later. A member of your healthcare team will probably call you the next day.

How is chemo administered?

Types of Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be administered via pills, capsules or medicated liquid. It can also be infused into the bloodstream via an IV or injected directly into the body. You and your doctor will discuss which chemotherapy drugs and administration process is most likely to successfully attack your cancer.

Where is the catheter implanted?

Some have a thin catheter implanted in their chest or forearm. Others have a port implanted under the skin of the chest; this port connects directly to a large vein and can be easily accessed with a needle. When needed, healthcare providers can draw blood samples from ports and implanted catheters.

Can chemo cause hair loss?

Nearly everyone knows chemo can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss and other unpleasant side effects. But your doctors and treatment team will guide you through the process and help you manage these symptoms. Learning more about chemotherapy drugs, how they’re administered, and chemo side effects may help put your mind at ease as you prepare ...

Can you use perfume on chemo?

For instance, it’s now common for patients to receive anti-nausea medication before undergoing chemo. Don’t apply perfume or cologne on treatment days. Chemotherapy can alter the sense of smell, and you don’t want to unwittingly cause extra discomfort for anyone (including yourself).

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.

What can a companion do for chemo?

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 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.

What to eat on treatment day?

Plan ahead for what you’ll eat on treatment days by packing snacks or a small meal in an insulated bag. Most patients find that eating an hour or so before treatment works best. Some good snacks include nuts, whole-grain crackers, hard cheese, hummus, granola bars, and fruit.

How to calm down anxiety after cancer?

Practice stress relief exercises. Relaxation techniques or practices may help with symptoms of anxiety. Practicing yoga has been shown to be especially beneficial for cancer patients. Meditation is another relaxation technique that can give you a sense of calm by focusing your attention to eliminate stressful thoughts.

How to get rid of a swollen ear?

Drink plenty of water during the days before your first session and afterwards. If water tastes unpleasant to you, add flavor by putting in fresh fruit, cucumber slices, or mint leaves. Or, switch to other fluids like juices, milk, sports drinks, and herbal tea.