Your first chemotherapy treatment looms on the calendar, dark and mysterious like an oncoming storm. What can you do to help prepare yourself?
We’ve gathered a list of tips-things you can do in the days and moments before treatment to get the help you need, make sure you’re in the best health you can be in, and make the treatment as hassle-free as possible. Be sure to ask your doctor any and all questions you may have.
- Dentist. Get a complete dental checkup and cleaning. Your mouth may be affected by treatments, so you want to start out as healthy as possible.
- Hair. Consider getting your hair cut if your doctor says your treatment may cause hair loss. You may or may not experience this side effect, but it’s best to be prepared. Go shopping for a wig that matches your color and style.
- Help. Make arrangements for help-delegate grocery shopping, cleaning, car pooling, transportation for your kids’ activities, childcare, etc. to family, friends, or hired help.
- Support. Find a support group. You’re going to need to interact with people who really know what you’re going through.
- Work. You may want to talk to your boss and prepare him/her for the situation. Try to work out flexible work hours, someone you can share responsibilities with, or other options. It’s best if you don’t have to quit your job, as you’ll need the insurance, and the work can help you stay focused on something besides the cancer. Talk with human resources, ask about the Family Medical Leave Act if you need time off, and/or speak with a social worker.
- Food. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice on what to eat/not to eat on the day of treatment. Survivor Pam Stephan suggests eating light and high fiber, as chemo can slow bowel processes.
- Drug information. Ask about all the drugs you’re going to get-what possible side effects they may have, how they work, what you should watch for, and who to call if you have problems.
- Medications. Make a list of all medications, herbs, and vitamins you are currently taking, and take it with you to your first treatment.
- PAP smear. If you’re a woman, you may want to get a PAP smear before it begins, to avoid false abnormal results. According to chemocare.com, chemo can affect the cells on the cervix for up to 6 months to a year after therapy.
- Mouth protection. Survivor toothfairyp suggests buying a bottle of Biotene mouth rinse and start using it before your first treatment to help fend off mouth sores. Others suggest taking ice chips and sucking on them during the infusion, which may help keep the drugs away from tender mouth tissues.
- Friend. Arrange to have a friend of family member who can go with you for support. Choose someone positive, who will help keep you calm and uplifted. Usually the center will allow only one person. (Don’t bring children.) The procedure takes several hours, so make sure they understand the commitment.
- Diet. You may want to schedule a visit to a naturopath or dietician, to gain advice on foods and supplements that will help your body stay strong and fight off the disease. This person can be an invaluable resource to you while you’re going through treatment, especially if you experience appetite changes or gastrointestinal problems.
- Acupuncture and massage. Consider finding a reputable acupuncturist and/or massage therapist to help you deal with any side effects that may come up.
- Rest. Get plenty of sleep.
- Invest in motivational materials. Consider purchasing some motivational books and/or CDs to help you stay positive through the process. (We love You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay.)
- Find an exercise trainer. Exercise has shown to help alleviate side effects and encourage healing. Consider finding a yoga, Pilates, or other exercise trainer experienced in working with cancer patients.
Do you have other tips for preparing for a first chemo treatment? Please share.
Photo courtesy of Photography by Mandy73 via Flickr.com.
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