what should i take to my first chemo treatment

What should I bring to chemo?

7 must-haves to pack in your chemo bagHealthy snacks and water. ... Books/tablet or magazines. ... Your phone, laptop or iPad. ... Journal/notebook or coloring book/sketchpad. ... Games, puzzles and crafts. ... Comfort items. ... Relaxation tools.Jan 14, 2021

What do you put in a chemo bag?

Chemotherapy Care Package IdeasSpecial Bag. Instead of a basket or box, opt for a cute tote bag or backpack to hold your care package. ... Lotions & Bath Products. ... Lip Balm. ... Mouth Rinse. ... Magazines & Puzzles. ... Water bottle. ... Teas. ... Lozenges & Candy.More items...•May 1, 2017

How do you prepare your body for chemotherapy?

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

What can I expect at my first chemo session?

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 can I boost my immune system during chemo?

Here are eight simple steps for caring for your immune system during chemotherapy.Ask about protective drugs. ... Get the flu shot every year. ... Eat a nutritious diet. ... Wash your hands regularly. ... Limit contact with people who are sick. ... Avoid touching animal waste. ... Report signs of infection immediately. ... Ask about specific activities.

What is a chemo port pillow?

A chemo port pillow is a small, soft pillow that people attach to a seat belt to protect their chemo port. These are also called port-a-cath pillows or port seat belt protectors. This “port softie” is intended to relieve any pressure or rubbing from the seat belt.Sep 21, 2020

What do I need to buy before starting chemo?

Things You Need for Chemo TreatmentComfortable clothes. You'll likely be allowed to wear your clothes from home during your treatments. ... Other medications. If you're taking any medications, be sure to pack them in your chemo treatment bag. ... Drinks.Jun 28, 2021

How soon after chemo Will I lose my 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.

What should you do after a chemo session?

What happens after IV chemotherapy ends?Avoid people with colds or other infections. Chemotherapy weakens your body's immune system. ... Drink lots of fluids for 48 hours after chemotherapy. This helps move the drugs through your body.Whether there are activities to do or avoid doing on future treatment days.

How long after first chemo Do you feel sick?

Acute nausea and vomiting usually happens within minutes to hours after treatment is given, and usually within the first 24 hours.

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

What is the first day of chemo like?

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 during chemotherapy?

Snacks. Eating adequate amounts of calories and protein is also important during chemotherapy. While your cancer center may have light snacks such as soup or crackers, you may want to bring something that you particularly like.

What to wear to a doctor appointment?

Comfortable clothes. More than likely, you’ll be able to stay in the clothing you wear to the appointment. Think about wearing comfortable clothes, such as sweats or yoga pants. Also consider bringing a hat or zip-up hoodie to keep you warm.

Is Cleveland Clinic a non profit?

If it’s your first session, you might be even more nervous not knowing what to expect or even what to bring with you. Advertising Policy. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

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 

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.

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 to do after chemo?

After the chemotherapy is finished, the nurse will "flush" your IV line with saline and then de-access your port or take out your IV.

How long after chemo can you go home?

They may have you wait 30 minutes after the chemotherapy is done to make sure you don't have any reactions to the medications. At that point, you can go home. Again, depending on your pre-medications and chemotherapy, you may have lots of energy or may feel very sleepy later in the day.

How early can you get blood work done for chemo?

First, you may be told to show up a couple of hours early to get blood work drawn. This is to make sure you're able to get your chemotherapy treatment.#N#It can be a pain, but, believe me, it's in your best interest.#N#Use the extra time to relax before you go to your chemotherapy appointment.#N#When you arrive at the infusion floor and they have your lab results and a room available, you'll be called back to have your vital signs taken.#N#Once you are cleared at the vitals station, you will be taken to your chemotherapy room for your infusion.#N#At MD Anderson, you will have a TV, Internet access, a bed or a recliner and best of all warm blankets.#N#They also have food service at lunch and dinner if you're hungry.#N#At MD Anderson, you're allowed to have one caregiver with you in the infusion room.

Can steroids make you sleepy?

The steroids may give you energy; the allergy drugs and anti-anxiety drugs may make you sleepy. It's important that you have a caregiver with you to get you to and from chemotherapy the first time, as you don't know how you'll feel after you're done.

Is a cyst benign or malignant?

The cyst ended up being benign, but underneath the cyst was a 4.5 cm malignant tumor. She underwent a radical mastectomy of her left breast and started chemotherapy treatments that same week. As devastating as her prognosis may be, she has faith that God will heal her and give her a miracle.

How long does it take for chemo to arrive?

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.

Is chemotherapy a word?

Chemotherapy. It's not a word people want to hear and certainly not something they want to go through. But, for those of us with cancer, we often don't have a choice. I remember how terrified I was of getting my first chemotherapy treatment. Would I be sick?

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.

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 ...

How to stop chemotherapy?

Avoid gyms. Since chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, it’s a good idea to avoid crowded gyms during your treatment. Know when to stop. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain during your workout, stop the workout and speak with your doctor about other ways to stay active.

How long does it take for chemo to pass?

Your body typically breaks down and passes chemotherapy drugs during the 48 to 72 hours after your treatment. Because of this, it’s possible for these drugs to be present in various body fluids, including urine, stool, and vomit during this time.

Why is it important to keep up with your body during chemotherapy?

Because of this, you’ll need to have extra calories and protein in your diet.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

When this happens, it can lead to side effects like lowered immunity, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. There are certain precautions that you can take to limit your side effects and help make treatment safer. We’ll explore nine things to avoid during chemotherapy treatment.

How does chemotherapy work?

It works by using strong drugs to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide more quickly than many healthy cell types. However, it’s still possible for chemotherapy to target healthy cells that also divide quickly. Some examples include cells in the digestive tract, immune system, ...

Can chemo cause mouth sores?

Chemotherapy can cause changes in your mouth and throat. When this happens, you can experience things like increased sensitivity and mouth sores. During this time, it’s important to avoid foods that can further irritate these areas. This typically includes items that are hard, acidic, or spicy, such as: crackers.

Can you drink wine while on chemo?

However, because some chemotherapy drugs can interact with alcohol, always ask your doctor if it’s OK to have a drink now and then. Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption during chemotherapy is generally a bad idea.