How to care for someone who is getting chemotherapy?
FAQ: Caregiving During Chemotherapy November 13, 2019 Taking care of someone getting chemotherapy – chemo for short - can involve helping to make treatment decisions, making medical appointments, driving to treatments, preparing meals, doing laundry and other chores, providing companionship, comfort, and support, and many other tasks.
How often will I need chemotherapy for cancer treatment?
Your exact treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer. Your doctor will also consider your age, your general health, and other factors, such as previous cancer treatments. Learn about your chemotherapy treatment schedule. Your health care team will explain when and how often you need chemotherapy.
Who will lead your chemotherapy treatments?
They also lead your chemotherapy treatments. Advanced providers, like oncology nurse practitioners (NPs) and oncology physician assistants (PAs). These providers meet with patients and collaborate with a supervising medical oncologist. Their responsibilities can include:
How can I get help paying for chemotherapy?
Before chemotherapy starts, talk with your team about the financial considerations of your treatment, including specific insurance coverage. You may want to contact organizations that can provide financial support. This could be important if your health insurance does not cover the whole cost of treatment. Get help at work.
What health education will you give to a patient receiving chemotherapy?
Take care not to get infections for up to one year or more after your chemotherapy. Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment. DO NOT eat or drink anything that may be undercooked or spoiled. Make sure your water is safe.
How do caregivers care for cancer patients?
Ten Tips for CaregiversFind YOUR Support System. When a friend or loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it's an emotional time. ... Gather Information. ... Recognize a “New Normal” ... Relieve Your Mind, Recharge Your Body. ... Take Comfort in Others. ... Plan for the Future. ... Accept a Helping Hand. ... Be Mindful of YOUR Health.More items...
Do you need a caregiver during chemotherapy?
Today, most cancer treatment is given in outpatient treatment centers – not in hospitals. This means someone is needed to be part of the day-to-day care of the person with cancer and that sicker people are being cared for at home.
What safety precautions must you take with a patient with chemotherapy?
Safety precautions can vary depending on the drugs you receive, so ask your treatment team about your individual situation.Use a plastic bucket. ... Clean up spills. ... Take care going to the toilet. ... Wear disposable gloves. ... Keep tablets whole. ... Handle laundry carefully. ... Use protection. ... Put medicines in a safe place.More items...
How do you take care of a caregiver?
Twenty Ways To Care for CaregiversLaugh about something everyday.Take care of yourself physically.Eat a well-balanced diet.Talk with someone every day.Let family and friends help. ... Give yourself permission to have a good cry. ... Exercise. ... Get adequate rest.More items...•
How can you help a caregiver?
How to Support Caregivers?Help them with errands, chores, and other tasks.Provide emotional and social support.Negotiate times to check in on them.Make sure they are managing their own health care needs.Help them create and manage a care plan for the person they care for.More items...•
Can chemo affect caregivers?
Family members can offer help and support as you manage the side effects of chemotherapy. But chemotherapy can put a strain on loved ones too, especially caregivers, spouses, and children.
How do you prepare for chemotherapy?
A person can prepare for chemotherapy by taking the following steps:Learn about treatment.Ask about fertility. ... Tend to oral health. ... Prevent side effects. ... Avoid having a busy schedule. ... Ask for help. ... Prepare some meals.Start a chemotherapy log.More items...•
Can you sleep next to someone with chemo?
You may worry about the safety of family and friends while you are having chemotherapy. There is little risk to visitors, including children, babies and pregnant women, because they aren't likely to come into contact with any chemotherapy drugs or body fluids.
What precautions should the nurse take when administering chemotherapy?
And nurses and others who give your chemo and help take care of you afterwards wear protective clothing, such as 2 pairs of special gloves and a gown, and sometimes goggles or a face shield. If you're getting IV chemo, there might be a disposable pad under the infusion tubing to protect the surface of the bed or chair.
How do you care for patients undergoing chemotherapy?
10 chemotherapy tips from cancer patients who've been thereGet some rest. ... Stay hydrated. ... Eat when you can. ... Create a sense of normalcy in your routine. ... Look to your support and care teams to have your back through treatment. ... Keep things around that bring you comfort. ... Stay ahead of your nausea. ... Stay positive.More items...•
What special precautions should the nurse use when handling and administering chemotherapeutic agents?
What ONS RecommendsDonning two pairs of gloves tested against chemotherapy agents during all handling activities.Wearing a disposable gown made from a low permeable fabric with back closure.Using eye and face protection when splashing may be a risk.
What to do when someone is getting chemotherapy?
Taking care of someone getting chemotherapy – chemo for short - can involve helping to make treatment decisions, making medical appointments, driving to treatments, preparing meals, doing laundry and other chores, providing companionship, comfort, and support, and many other tasks. Knowing what to expect as a caregiver allows you ...
How is chemotherapy given?
Chemo can be given through a vein, called an infusion or IV (intravenous). Chemo can also come in liquid or pill form that’s swallowed, or it can be injected as a shot or rubbed onto the skin.
How long does it take for chemo to get rid of a swollen intestine?
A: It usually takes a few days for the body to get rid of the drugs after a round of chemo is given. During this time, wear disposable gloves when cleaning up any body fluids, including urine, stool, tears, and vomit, and then wash your hands with soap and water.
How long does chemotherapy last?
It can last for weeks or months after treatment ends. Talk to the cancer care team for ideas that might help manage fatigue at home, such as healthy eating, brief napping, and taking short walks. Low Blood Counts. Chemo may cause a loss of blood cells.
What is the number to call for cancer care?
If you have more questions after reading this article, talk to the cancer care team. You can also call our Cancer Helpline at 1-800-227-2345.
How to protect yourself from cancer?
Protect the person you’re caring for from germs by washing your hands often and limiting their contact with other people. Low platelets can lead to bruising and bleeding. Protect the skin from cuts. Don’t give over-the-counter or other medications without first checking with the cancer care team.
Does chemo cause hair loss?
Hair loss. Some chemo drugs cause hair loss. Ask the cancer care team if the kind of chemo being given will cause hair to fall out, and when it might happen. With that information, you can help the person you’re caring for get ready. They can cut or shave their hair, decide to go bald, or shop for head coverings.
How to help someone with chemotherapy?
Make a caregiving plan. People receiving chemotherapy may need extra help during treatment with transportation, household chores, and other tasks. Family and friends can provide valuable support during this time, called caregiving. Ask your team what type of caregiving at home you may need during and after treatment.
How is chemo given?
The most common way that chemotherapy drugs are given is through a needle into a vein. This is called intravenous or IV chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can also be taken as a pill, capsule, or liquid by mouth, as an injection or shot, or as a cream that is put directly on your skin.
How long does chemo last?
Most chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles. The length of a cycle depends on the drug (s) you receive. Most cycles range from 2 to 6 weeks. The number of treatment doses scheduled within each cycle also depends on the prescribed chemotherapy.
What type of doctor is best for cancer?
Medical oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in treating cancer with medication. Your medical oncologist works closely with other team members to create your overall cancer treatment plan. They also lead your chemotherapy treatments.
How to get a blood test for cancer?
Have a blood sample taken. Meet with your oncologist so they can check your health and blood test results. Meet the nurse or other health professionals who will give your treatment. Have your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and temperature taken before starting treatment.
What to tell your chemo team?
Always tell your chemotherapy team about any prescription and non-prescription medicines you take. Include vitamins and other supplements, such as herbs. This is to avoid drug interactions and other unwanted side effects. Your doctor will tell you if you should not take them during chemotherapy.
What is the best treatment for cancer?
Relieving physical and emotional side effects is an important part of your overall cancer treatment. This type of care is called palliative care or supportive care . Talk with your health care team about the side effects you experience and ways to manage and treat them. Learn more about the side effects of chemotherapy.
