How to Prepare for Chemotherapy: Real Advice From Real Patients
By Keira Cherry
The uncertainty, the exhaustion, and the quiet fear can feel overwhelming. There’s no handbook for navigating this journey; everyone is different, some things may or may not work out, but everyone’s journey is their own.
This blog will incorporate anonymous responses to public forums regarding the process of Chemotherapy and tips/tricks from real cancer patients.
“Everyone's reaction is different. Be open and forthcoming with your care team so they can treat your side effects as well.”
It’s important to be completely transparent with your healthcare team because it can’t get better if you don’t communicate through the process. Nothing can prepare you for this, and looking up horror stories is only going to make it worse. If you're that person, don’t do that (coming from someone who is absolutely that person). If you feel the need to research and prepare, focus on the helpful remedies and tricks to prevent and counteract side effects.
“Nausea meds help better before you get sick…. Take them regularly.”
There is no need to push through; if meds are offered, take them. Save your strength for the moments when you really need it. Preventive care often works better than reacting to effects that have occurred. Many patients learn quickly that consistency with medications can reduce suffering and help maintain a routine.
“Take something to do - a Kindle with a charger, knitting, books, etc.”
Chemotherapy can be a long and boring process. Sessions can often last hours, so it’s important to bring a variety of distractions and activities to get you through it. Some suggestions that were regularly mentioned are reading, a device for games or movies, and knitting. Other important items that were mentioned are a jacket/blanket if it gets cold, headphones for entertainment, and a water bottle.
“Oral hygiene during chemo is super important! I ended up on a feeding tube for 7 days because I didn’t rinse my mouth as often as I was supposed to.”
In between chemo sessions, it is more important than ever to take care of your body. Many patients report oral hygiene to be a common complication and a necessity to feel clean. Your body is being put through the ringer, so it's imperative that you care for your body at least twice as much as usual because it's going to need extra care during a new and draining treatment.
I’m not going to lie to you, Chemotherapy can be an uphill battle with many unknowns about how your body is going to react. The best thing you can do is be there for yourself and allow yourself extra grace during this time. With so many tips and tricks being discovered daily, I’m sure I will touch on even more examples in future posts. Just remember, be proud of yourself, you are strong and worthwhile.