How to prepare for Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a way to treat cancer. It uses medicines to slow down or stop the growth of cancer. Depending on the type and stage of your cancer, you may have chemotherapy to:

• Cure the cancer.
• Prevent the cancer from growing or spreading (metastasizing).
• Ease symptoms and improve your quality of life (palliative care).
• Improve the effects of radiation treatment.
• Shrink a tumor before surgery.
• Rid your body of cancer cells that remain after a tumor is surgically removed.

How is chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy may be given in many ways. Some common ways include:

• As a pill or capsule.
• By a shot (injection).
• As a skin (topical) cream.
• As a wafer that is put in your body where the cancer is. The wafer has chemotherapy medicine in it.
• As an injection into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain or spinal cord (intraventricular or intrathecal chemotherapy).
• Through a small, thin tube (catheter). There are different kinds of catheters. You might have one that:
  • Goes into a vein (intravenous catheter). An IV may be inserted into a vein each time you get a treatment.
  • Connects to a port that is inserted under the skin of your chest. A port catheter connects the port to a large vein in your chest or upper arm. A needle is inserted through your skin into the port during each treatment. The port may be kept in place for many weeks or months.
  • Goes into a vein near your elbow (PICC line). It may be used for weeks or months.
  • Goes into a vein near your neck that leads to your heart (non-tunneled catheter). This catheter has a risk of infection, so it is used for only a short time.
  • Goes through the skin of your chest and into a large vein that leads to your heart (tunneled catheter). It can be kept in your body for months or years.

The way that you will get chemotherapy medicines depends on your condition.

What can I do to prepare for the treatment?

Do these things so you feel ready for your treatment:

• Find out as much as you can about your treatment. Ask your health care provider for trusted sources (Internet sites, books, videos, and people) to help you learn about the treatment that you will be having.
• Talk with your health care provider about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements that you take. Some vitamins and supplements should not be taken during chemotherapy because they may interfere with the treatment.
• Ask your health care provider what to expect. Write down any questions you have and keep track of the answers.
• If you work, ask how the treatment will affect your ability to do your job. If needed, meet with your manager to discuss a modified work schedule or time away from work during your chemotherapy treatment.
• Meet with a social worker or patient navigator to discuss any financial concerns you have about the cost of your chemotherapy medicine. Ask about resources such as patient assistance programs and grants to help with other related costs.
• Learn about eating well during treatment. Chemotherapy can change what you want to eat and how your body feels. Choose nutritious foods and drinks that taste good to you. It might help to talk to a nutrition specialist (dietitian) about what to eat to stay healthy.
• If you are concerned about how the chemotherapy treatment may affect your ability to have children (fertility), ask to meet with a specialist prior to starting treatment to discuss ways to preserve your fertility.
• You might lose some hair because of chemotherapy. Decide how you want to manage this. Find a wig, scarf, or hat that you like. Think about shaving your head before treatment starts.
• Go to your dentist for a checkup before treatment starts.
• If you have a port, a PICC line, or a long-term catheter, learn how to take care of it.
• Pack things to bring with you to the treatment center, like a snack, movies, music, books, or a smartphone or tablet.

What questions should I ask my health care provider?

Ask your health care provider these questions:

• Which kind of chemotherapy would be best for me? Why?
• How often will I have treatment?
• How does the treatment work?
• Does the clinic or hospital have support groups for adults with cancer?
• Can I do all my usual activities? What activities are off-limits?
• What are the most common side effects?
• Are there any long-lasting or permanent side effects?
• Will this treatment affect my fertility?
• Whom do I call if I have problems after a treatment?

Summary

• Chemotherapy is a way to treat cancer. It uses medicines to slow down or stop the growth of cancer.
• The goal of chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of your cancer.
• Chemotherapy may be given in many ways. The most common ways are by IV, by a shot (injection), or in a pill form.
• Find out as much as you can about your treatment. Ask your health care provider for trusted sources (Internet sites, books, videos, and people) to help you learn about the treatment you will be having.
• Before you start chemotherapy, ask your health care provider any questions you have about your treatment.