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Chemo Preparation Procedures

Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with a variety of chemical substances designed to damage or kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can target cells at the site of a primary malignancy as well as cancer cells that are trying to spread elsewhere in the body. You need to understand what's involved in the treatment process and also prepare yourself mentally and physically for what lies ahead.

  1. Deciding on a Regimen

    • If you've already undergone surgery to remove a malignant mass, you may question the need to do anything more, according to MyBreastCancerNetwork.com. If your doctor is urging chemotherapy, listen to her advice, as it's a good way---although no guarantee---to destroy or debilitate whatever cancerous cells still may be present. One of the most important preparations for chemo itself is deciding on the specific regimen of chemicals to be used. Work with your doctor to review possible chemo agents, their track records and which make the most sense for you. In the end, with the counsel of your doctor, you'll make the final call.

    Getting Ready

    • Once the date's been set for the start of chemo, you need to familiarize yourself with the procedure you'll be undergoing and also learn more about the side effects you may experience. A good way to prepare is by taking a tour of the infusion center where you'll be treated. Chemocare.com suggests that you sit down with your doctor or a chemo nurse to discuss the range of side effects associated with the chemo drugs you'll be taking. Ask if there are medications to minimize some of those side effects. Chemotherapy leaves most patients feeling extremely fatigued, so make arrangements for help on the home front to handle tasks you may not feel up to doing on your own. Also get day and nighttime contact information for your doctor in case of an emergency.

    Preparations for Treatment

    • Once you arrive at the infusion center or hospital on the day of treatment, blood will be drawn and analyzed to ensure you're able to undergo the procedure. It may take an hour or so for the blood to be processed, according to Fox Chase Cancer Center. When the blood test results are in, your clinical care team will review those results to ensure your blood counts are within acceptable limits for treatment to proceed. The team then will place an order to the pharmacy for the chemo agents you'll be receiving. This may take another hour, so arrange to have a member of the team page you when it's time to commence treatment. At that point you'll return to the treatment room, and intravenous infusion of the chemotherapeutic agents will begin.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects depend on the chemo drugs you're taking and your underlying health conditions. According to the Rhode Island Cancer Council, they may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, anemia, easy bruising and increased susceptibility to infection.

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