How to Prepare for Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of medications to target and destroy cancer cells anywhere in the body. If you need chemotherapy, there are a number of things you can do to prepare for it. Some have to do with managing the logistics involved in getting chemotherapy treatment, such as arranging for transportation to appointments and planning for grocery shopping, child-care services, and household maintenance. Others have to do with comfort and self-care.
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Instructions
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Know that chemotherapy is widely used in the treatment of many forms of cancer because it works systemically. Even if you undergo other cancer treatments and these treatments are successful, your oncologist may advise chemotherapy in order to destroy stray cancer cells that the other treatments did not eliminate.
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Ask your oncologist what side effects to expect. It is important that you understand the difference between normal side effects and those that require immediate or emergency treatment.
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Prepare for the possibility of losing your hair. Read about the effects of chemotherapy on hair, skin and nails and plan ahead to deal with these effects.
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Prepare your family members for what they might experience during your treatment. Do not assume that those close to you will automatically know how to best support you during chemotherapy. Keep the lines of communication open.
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Make sure you have somebody to drive you to your appointments, preferably somebody who can stay with you and drive you home. Organize help for your home and family during the length of your treatment before you start. Let somebody else grocery shop, walk the dog or clean the house.
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Be prepared to eat soft foods during your treatment. Stock up on foods like yogurt, bananas, mashed potatoes, soups and applesauce. If you have other foods you find particularly comforting, you may wish to stock up on those as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your doctor if you should get an EKG (electrocardiogram) before you begin chemotherapy.
Understand that you have the right to participate in decisions about your chemotherapy treatment.
Join a support group online or in person. Reading the blogs of others with cancer may provide you with valuable information and help in dealing with the psychological and physical effects of chemotherapy.
Visit the dentist before you start chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be particularly hard on the health of your mouth. Make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before you begin treatment.
Have somebody check up on you after treatment. Know the warning signs of adverse chemical reactions.
Be prepared to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
