6 Tips for Your First Chemotherapy Adventure
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If you or someone you care about is beginning a series of chemotherapy treatments, this is for you, and/or them. Chemo is the Big Kahuna of scary medical things, but it doesn’t have to be. On the morning of my wife Chris’s first chemo, she said she felt like she was going to "medical Disneyland" - try to keep that in mind. The details of her first treatment are described in great detail in my book, Cancer for Two, “July 12; 1st Chemotherapy Treatment.” (When you read it, remember that it happened in 2002 so a lot of procedural things have changed but not the emotional aspects.) Some other things:
1. Chemo isn't fun, but I seriously doubt it will be as bad as you think it will be. New medicines and procedures minimize the negative reactions. It’s something you have to do, so try not to think about what might happen and just do it.
2. Bring something to entertain yourself - chemo can be boring. Find out in advance how long it will take - Chris's first treatment was four hours; your mileage may differ. They usually will do the first one more slowly just to be sure that you tolerate it well. Subsequent treatments will probably be shorter. Whatever your reaction will be, it probably won't happen for a day or two so you'll feel fine during the infusion itself; bring a book, iPod, iPad, Kindle, or any other digitalia that will keep your mind busy. Ask them if they have DVD players; many do, and you can bring a DVD to watch (maybe mine! I once did a presentation in a chemo waiting room, and one of the patients came with her IV pump in tow: got her infusion during my program!)
3. Chemo rooms can sometimes be cold so bring a blanket if you’d like to. Of course they will have blankets there, but it can be comforting to have something familiar. If you think you may want to sleep, you can bring your own pillow as well. Again, they will also have pillows, but you may have a special pillow and/or blanket that you especially enjoy.
4. If you're nervous (a normal reaction), bring something that will comfort you such as a special blanket or quilt. Maybe you have something special that your spouse, relative, or friend gave you.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Dave:
You are true Hero in my eyes. This article is WONDERFUL!!! and one that I am passing onto my facebook and twitter followers. Keep up the good writting-very helpful!
Kelley
March 18, 2011 - 3:40pmThis Comment