When you hear the word "
chemotherapy ," many people feel a little scared and anxious. "What will happen to me?", "Will it be very difficult?", "How will I cope with this?" You probably have many questions in your mind too. It's actually very normal. It's not surprising to feel that way when you're going to face something new and unfamiliar. However, if you are properly informed about this treatment method, your fear and anxiety can be greatly reduced. So today, let's talk very simply about what will happen on your first day of chemo treatment and how you should prepare for it.
Should we prepare the day before going for treatment?
Good preparation is half the battle won. These little things will make your day a lot easier.
- Get a good night's sleep: Try to get a good night's sleep the night before your treatment. It's important to start the day with a calm mind.
- Light meal: Eat a light meal in the morning. Don't go on an empty stomach, and don't eat until you're full.
- Comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. It is best to wear something like a short-sleeved shirt to make it easier to insert the IV line.
- Something to keep you warm: Hospitals, especially infusion rooms, can be a bit chilly, so bring a small shawl, cardigan, or sweater to wrap up in.
- For boredom: Some chemo treatments can last for hours. Bring something to keep you occupied during that time, like a favorite book or headphones to listen to music.
- A bottle of water: It is very important to drink plenty of water during and after treatment, so keep a bottle of water nearby.
- Most importantly - a helper: This is a must. Bring someone you trust to go with you and take you back home. It could be a family member, your husband, wife, or a best friend.
What happens when you go to the hospital?
When you go to the hospital, everything will be fine. There's no reason to be afraid.
1. Taking a blood sample
You will often first need to give some blood for a blood test. This is to check whether the number of cells in your blood (especially white blood cells and platelets) is at a level that will allow you to tolerate the chemotherapy. So it is a good idea to go to the hospital a little earlier than your scheduled appointment.
2. Meeting with the nurse and getting ready
Once your blood test results are positive, you will be taken to the infusion room. A nurse will check your height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate. She will also ask if you have any allergies or are taking any medications. At this time, talk to the nurse about any questions or concerns you may have. Next, a small cannula, called an IV line, will be inserted into a vein in your arm. This will feel like a needle, but it will not be very painful. This is where the medications and fluids you need will be given to you.
How is chemotherapy given to the body?
After the IV line is placed, the nurse will get the chemotherapy drugs you need from the pharmacy. You may be given one drug. Or you may be given a combination of several drugs, called a ``chemotherapy cocktail.'' This is all determined by your doctor based on the type and stage of your cancer.
Then, the chemo drugs are slowly injected into your body through a saline bag. The time it takes varies from person to person. Some treatments are completed in 30 minutes, while others can take 4-5 hours or more. Nurses will be checking on you regularly throughout this time.
| Things you may feel during treatment | What you need to know and do |
|---|
| Drowsiness or unusual energy | This could be due to the steroids or anti-anxiety medicine given with chemo. This is normal. |
| Pain, inflammation, or swelling where the IV line was inserted | This is not normal. The medicine may be leaking out of the vein. Tell the nurse immediately, without delay. |
| Feeling nauseous. | This can be largely controlled with the initial medication. But if you feel uncomfortable, tell the nurse. They can give you more medication. |
| Feeling cold | It could be because of the air conditioning in the room or the cold in the saline. That's why we said to bring something to cover up. |
After the treatment is over...
After you have been given your prescribed dose of medicine, you will probably be observed for another 30 minutes to see if you have
any allergic reactions. If everything is OK, the nurse will remove your IV line and apply a small bandage to the area. Then the doctor or nurse will give you some instructions to follow at home.
- What side effects can be expected in the next few days?
- What medications should I take at home and how should I take them?
- In what situations should you call the hospital immediately?
Listen to all of this clearly and remember it. It's a good idea to ask the person you're with to listen to this as well.
Finally, you can go home. Remember, you should never drive home alone under any circumstances. Since you can't predict exactly how you will feel after your first treatment, it is essential for your safety to have someone to accompany you.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to be afraid of chemotherapy, but you can manage that fear by being well-informed and well-prepared.
- Be well prepared before going to treatment. Bring comfortable clothes, something to cover yourself with, and someone to take you home.
- If you experience any pain, burning, swelling, or any other unusual discomfort where the IV line was inserted during treatment, notify the nurse immediately.
- Talk openly and honestly with your doctor about any side effects you may experience and how to manage them. Don't keep anything to yourself.
- You are not going through this journey alone. Your family, friends, and the medical team treating you are.Always there to help you and strengthen you.
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