Your care team will discuss your chemotherapy plan in advance, which can help ease your anxiety.
Here are eight things to help you through your first chemotherapy treatment.
Some are cancer-killing drugs, while others are medications that help ease side effects.
Simon Jarratt / Corbis/VCG / Getty Images
A course may take days or weeks.Ask how you should plan for the treatments that await you.
There are many reasons to have a “chemo buddy” with you for this session and future ones.
First, you might be prescribed medication to take before chemo.
Having someone drive you to your session can be helpful if the medication makes you tired.
(It’s easy to become overwhelmed or distracted, particularly when chemo is new to you.)
Third, that person can also help youpass the time, which can be particularly helpful for lengthy treatments.
Stay Hydrated
Chemotherapy drugs are very drying to your body’s tissues.
Becoming dehydrated may cause you to feel worse overall.
Right after an infusion, it’s best to drink 8 ounces of water every hour until bedtime.
Avoidcaffeineas it can be dehydrating.
Get specific hydration guidance from your oncologist if you have any other serious medical conditions.
This often causes difficult bowel movements.
The drugs commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy can also be constipating.
Between staying hydrated and eating fiber, you should gain the upper hand on constipation.
You may also want to purchase foods for after your first treatment.
The best foods after chemo arehigh in proteinand calories.
These types of food will help you keep your weight up.
They can also help you better manage your illness and the side effects of treatment.
Most are temporary, but plan on resting so your body can begin the recovery process.
Results also factor in calculating the strength of your chemo doses.
Have Post-Chemo Medications on Hand
You may need to take post-chemo medications.
Medications used to control nausea and vomiting differ.
Some are taken on a schedule to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea.
To be most effective, take these medicationsbeforeyou feel sick.
Other nausea medications are used on an as-neededbasis when you are already feeling nauseous or vomiting.
ensure you get clear instructions on how and when to take your medications.
Avoid Infections After Chemo Treatments
Avoiding infectionsis extremely important after you’ve had chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy weakens your immune system.
Your body will have a harder time fighting off infections after treatment.
It is important to take extra precautions while you’re undergoing chemotherapy to avoid the risk of infection.
Such a list can come in handy later if you experience the same issue after a future treatment.
Oncolink.Preventing dehydration during cancer treatment.
2016;7:414. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00414
MedlinePlus.Eating extra calories when sick - adults.
American Cancer Society.Cancer-related fatigue.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy side effects.
2022;27(8):625-636. doi:10.1093/oncolo/oyac074
Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.Infection advice.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Caring for your child during treatment.
