what to take to your first chemo treatment

When you are going through chemo treatment, staying hydrated can help you feel better. Try to avoid caffeinated beverages like soda, energy drinks, and some teas. Instead, pack water, fruit juices, or decaffeinated tea. Snacks. Maintaining a healthy weight during chemo is important. Pack your chemo bag with your favorite snacks.

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How should I eat before starting chemotherapy?

Jan 20, 2021 · Here’s what to consider packing: Reading materials. This could be a book of poetry, the latest novel, a prayer book or devotional or even an audiobook. Music. Create a playlist of your favorite music and bring earbuds so you can jam out. You can even download a guided... Games. Download a few games ...

What is good to eat and drink after chemo?

May 18, 2020 · Avoid perfume and cologne since your sense of smell and that of those around you may be very sensitive. Bring a snack Unless indicated by your provider or nurse, there is no reason why you can't have a snack or drink during your treatment. It is important to maintain proper nutrition and to stay hydrated.

What precautions should you take during chemotherapy treatment?

Mar 08, 2013 · Getting started with chemotherapy 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.

What are some treatment options besides chemo?

Jul 10, 2021 · Most centers offer TV, WiFi, blankets and snacks, but you may want to bring along some personal comfort items and something to keep you busy during your infusion. Ask your doctor to describe the chemotherapy side effects you may experience, as well as what healthcare providers do to manage those side effects.

What should I pack in my chemo bag?

What to Pack in Your Chemo BagReading Materials. During long days and treatments, reading materials provide you with entertainment outside of your cell phone and an opportunity to get your mind off your diagnosis. ... A Jacket. ... Snacks. ... A Pen and Journal. ... Unscented Lotion. ... Headphones. ... Coloring Pages and Crayons. ... A Blanket.More items...

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.

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 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.

How to get hydrated after chemo?

Staying Hydrated by Drinking Fluids. Chemotherapy drugs are very drying to your body's tissues, and the drugs will be going to every cell you have. Right after an infusion, drink 8 ounces of water every hour until bedtime. Avoid caffeine, as it is also drying (it's a diuretic) and may cause you to feel worse.

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 

Why is drinking water important for chemo?

A benefit of drinking enough water is that it will help your body to process and flush the chemo drugs out of your system sooner, so you can start to recover sooner, too.

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 blood test is done before 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. Your red blood cell count and hemoglobin are looked at to see if you have anemia.

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.

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.

How to keep your hands warm during chemotherapy?

Some cancer centers also have an art therapy program, which can improve emotional and physical healing. Beverages. It’s important to stay hydrated during chemotherapy.

How to dress for a port infusion?

Pillow or blanket. Bring a small blanket or a special pillow.

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 chemotherapy scary?

Going to chemotherapy can be a daunting experience. You might feel anxious, sad or afraid – all of which are normal. If it’s your first session, you might be even more nervous not knowing what to expect or even what to bring with you. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

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 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.

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 do nurses start chemotherapy?

Your nurse will begin with a saline solution through your IV. As soon as the medications are delivered, your nurse will hang the bags of medication on the IV stand and then start the different IVs. You'll be given pre-medications first, then the chemotherapy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Can you feel routine chemotherapy?

Report your side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out how to manage any uncomfortable symptoms. While it will never feel routine to receive chemotherapy, in time, the process will become less scary and more familiar.

What to do with friends during chemo?

Friends: Conversations with friends can often ease the realities of chemo. So ask your favorite pal to tag along, hold your hand, talk and, most importantly, listen. 11. Board games or mind games: Pass the time by playing board games or puzzles.

How to get rid of chemo toxins?

Bring snacks to be prepared for all possibilities. 5. Water: Headaches are common during chemo, and many can be linked to dehydration. So make sure you drink plenty of water. It’ll also help flush those nasty chemo toxins through your body. 6.

What to do for a cracked smile after chemo?

Chapstick: Certain chemo drugs can cause mouth sores and chapped lips. Lip balm will help soothe the most cracked smile. 14. A designated driver: You’ll be exhausted after chemo, so bring someone who can take you to and from chemo.

Does hard candy help with chemo?

It might even help keep your mind sharp and alleviate chemobrain. For extra fun, consider inviting your fellow cancer fighters to play along. 12. Hard candy: Dry mouth can be a side effect from treatment, but hard candy can help.

What to pack for Chemo

I am expecting to start Chemo for breast cancer in the new year and Im anxious to know what I should take with me as I understand it could be a long session. I was very surprised to see "chemo packs" for sale onAmazon and other sites all containing lots of lovely things and lots of lovely big prices.

What to pack for Chemo

Hello Nanny22, I had chemotherapy from October 2015 until February 2016, I didn't get any chemo packs. I had FEC-T, six cycles. What are having?

What to pack for Chemo

About to go into cycle 4.Each of my sessions lasted 4 hrs or so. A book, a tablet with a few games on. packet of sweets and a couple of bottles of water.

What to pack for Chemo

Hi Nanny Depends on the hospital but some have free wi-fi so you could take a tablet. Otherwise i would suggest a book, magazine some puzzles if you like them. Drinks and snacks. You wont be allowed out of the ward but anyone you take along can come and go so they can always get stuff from the cafe or shop if there is one.

What to pack for Chemo

I'd never heard of them till I read your post - just looked on Amazon and what a load of tosh!

What to pack for Chemo

Thank you Audrey. I meetwith the oncologist in January... taking it from there

What to pack for Chemo

Thank you Grahamtheseagull. Yours looks a pretty concise list. Many thanks.