Preparing for Chemotherapy

Going through chemotherapy is a difficult, stressful process. Whether you have just begun chemotherapy or are about to begin, information and support will be two of your best allies. They will help you, your family, and your friends not only understand what is happening, but also anticipate it and choose the most helpful ways to support you during this time.

Your Treatment Routine

Before you begin chemotherapy, your oncologist will meet with you to explain your treatment plan, the drugs to be used, and their possible side effects. This is an opportunity to get questions answered and to gather material about issues such as personal care and nutrition, support groups, etc., during and after chemotherapy. If information in the areas that concern you is not available, visit the American Cancer Society’s web site, www.cancer.org, or call 1-800-227-2345. For more information, you can also call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-422-6237 or visit its web site at www.nci.nih.gov.

Manicures, pedicures and hair coloring are not allowed during chemotherapy. If you are used to having one or another of these regularly, treat yourself to one grand visit as a way to boost your spirits before beginning treatment. While you’re at the hairdresser’s, choose a short style that will keep your hair looking neat and manageable as it starts to thin out.

Everyone’s schedule for chemotherapy varies. Once you begin treatment, you may receive chemotherapy at a treatment center, but you may also be equipped with a miniature pump that can be attached at the waist by a nylon belt. The pump provides intravenous drug administration overnight and during the day so that treatment can continue in between visits to the treatment center. At the end of each cycle of treatment, the pump is removed and re-attached when you return for your next cycle of treatments.

In between each cycle, you will come in for blood work to ensure that your white cell count and platelet levels are high enough so that you can return for the next treatment cycle. If your blood work indicates that treatment must be postponed, you will be rescheduled for a later date and your doctor may prescribe medications to speed up the recovery of your white cells or to protect you from infection.

Your oncologist’s office will make every effort to create a relaxing and friendly environment. Your treatment may be administered while you are sitting in a reclining chair. Pillows, blankets, a TV and reading material may be available. A CD player with soft, soothing music, guided imagery or affirmations can be a good companion. Patients who are employed often bring lap tops and cell phones in order to conduct business while receiving chemotherapy. Snacks and beverages are permitted, too, so do your best to make this time as stress-free and comfortable for yourself as you can.

Coping with Side Effects

Some side effects of chemotherapy are well known. Body hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes and hair on the head, thins and may fall out completely. Cancer medications may cause nausea, diarrhea or constipation, making nutrition a challenge. Medications may alter the taste of some foods, cause mouth sores, or leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Experimenting with different foods and beverages – including baby food – eating small meals often, and choosing foods that are warm and soothing, such as creamed soups, may help you maintain your nutritional needs. Chewing sugarless gum or rinsing your mouth with a mild, non-alcoholic mouth wash can help to remove unpleasant tastes. If problems with digestion and nutrition persist, you may want to consult with a nutritionist or a naturopath for advice about your diet.

Another possible side effect is cancer-related fatigue, a feeling of deep exhaustion not relieved by sleep. You may need to scale back on some activities and ask for help with common chores such as laundry, housekeeping or yard work. Find out if your insurance company covers home health care while you are ill.  If you continue to work while you are in treatment, arrange either to work part-time or telecommute on days when you’re feeling particularly tired or ill. Make sure your oncologist is informed of any changes in your condition. Many symptoms can be relieved with prescription drugs and he or she may want to prescribe them if needed.

You may also experience “chemo fog,” a sense of confusion and loss of mental clarity that makes if difficult to remember simple things you have done many times before. Carrying a pad to jot down ideas as they occur, leaving voicemail messages for yourself at home or at work, or sending yourself e-mails can help you recover control again.

Seeking Support

Chemotherapy is no walk in the park. This is the time to rely on every personal resource that’s offered, including friends, family and neighbors. Don’t be shy about telling them what’s going on and asking for help. Even small chores such as picking up your mail or taking out the trash can take some strain off of you.

When you feel up to it, try attending support groups. Sharing your experiences with others and discovering those experiences are not so different from one person to another can relieve worry and stress.

Thanks to quicker detection and more effective treatment, the number of cancer survivors has tripled over the past three decades. Keep that in mind as you go through your treatment. And remember, too, that there are many people on your side.

The writer is a stage 3 colon cancer survivor and lives in Connecticut.