Preparing for Chemotherapy: 10 Things You Need to Do First

Updated on June 11, 2021

Being prescribed chemotherapy to take care of your cancer can be a daunting thing to deal with. Prepare beforehand so that your treatment sessions are a lot smoother and you’re more emotionally prepared for what’s going to happen.

Be Prepared for the Aftermath

Getting chemotherapy sessions will take a toll on your body and force the expulsion of bodily fluids. Chemotherapy drugs will be present in these fluids and it’s important that you know how to handle them, clean them up, and reduce their exposure to other people you may be living with. Visit poseida.com to learn more.

Speak With Your Employer

Let your employer know that you’re going to need chemotherapy and that your session may occur during work hours. That way, they won’t be taken by surprise and will be better prepared when you leave to get treatment.

Personal Driver

It will be a good idea to have someone drive you to and from your appointments. It can be scary going by yourself and you’ll likely be drained after each session. Make sure that you get to your appointments on time too.

Plan for Safe Sex

Practice safe sex while undergoing chemotherapy. The drugs will be present in all of your bodily fluids, which can pose a risk to developing fetuses. This includes birth defects that can affect the overall health of your child.

Arrange for Help with Meals + Childcare

Getting up and cooking dinner or playing with your children is not going to be in your schedule. Don’t feel bad asking a friend or family member to help you out in these areas, as you’re just going to feel too tired and nauseous to get anything done.

Plan For Pet Care

You’re going to be extremely tired during your chemotherapy sessions, so it’s a good idea to get a friend who can watch your pets for you. They shouldn’t be left unattended while you’re trying to recover from such an exhausting experience.

Clearing Your Schedule

As has been stated, you’re going to be exhausted. Don’t plan for any big trips and don’t feel bad if you have to cancel the arrangements you’ve already made. This is a time for you to get as much rest as you need in order to fight this horrible disease.

Consider a Wig

Chemotherapy will make your hair fall out; if that’s something that embarrasses you, you may want to consider getting a wig. It’s best to shop for a wig before you start treatments so that you have the energy to make a sound choice. Patients of chemotherapy are often very self-concious about their looks, particularly when it comes to the inevitable hair loss.  Sourcing Nova is an excellent resource for those patients looking for, but unsure, a quality wig. 

Get Healthy Groceries

Having healthy food around the house will help to boost your metabolism and immune system so that you can have a little more energy and help fight off your cancer. Make sure to keep plenty of water around the house too to stay hydrated.

Visiting the Dentist

One of the common side effects of chemotherapy is mouth sores, so frequent trips to the dentist will help to curtail them or stop them from getting infected. Your dentist can provide you with some helpful tips and tools on oral care during your chemo sessions.

Everyone will understand that it’s a troubling time for you and will offer whatever help you need to function throughout the day and maintain your quality of living.

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.