Preparing for chemotherapy session

Overview

Preparing for a chemotherapy session means getting your body and mind ready for the treatment. Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It is often given before surgery to shrink a tumour, or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Good preparation helps reduce side effects and makes the treatment safer.

Many people with cancer receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan. It is a standard approach for many types of cancer.

Chemotherapy affects people diagnosed with cancer, including those who plan to have surgery or have already had surgery. It can be given to children, adults, and older adults, though the doses and preparations may differ.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling tired or weak (fatigue)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Hair thinning or loss
• Changes in taste or smell

Symptoms in children

• Same as common symptoms, but children may also have more frequent infections
• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Difficulty eating or drinking

Symptoms in older adults

• Increased fatigue
• Higher risk of dehydration
• More severe mouth sores or digestive problems
• Greater chance of infection due to weaker immune system

Causes

Main causes

• A diagnosis of cancer that requires treatment with chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells, shrink tumours, or reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery

Risk factors

• Type and stage of cancer – certain cancers are more likely to be treated with chemo
• Overall health – your care team will assess your organs (liver, kidneys, heart) to decide if chemo is safe
• Previous treatments – some cancers need chemo if other treatments have not worked

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any sign of infection such as fever, chills, or a sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhoea that prevents you from drinking enough fluids
• Severe pain that over-the-counter pain relievers do not help
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Book a routine appointment if:

• Before each chemotherapy session – your doctor will check your blood counts and overall health
• If you have new or worsening side effects that are not severe
• If you have questions about how to prepare for your next session

Diagnosis

The need for chemotherapy is not diagnosed like a disease – it is a treatment decision made after a cancer diagnosis. Your doctor will determine if chemotherapy is right for you based on your type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check your blood cell counts, liver and kidney function
• Imaging scans (such as CT or PET scans) to see the size and location of the tumour
• Biopsy – a small sample of tissue is examined under a microscope to understand the cancer type

What to expect at your appointment

Your care team will explain the chemotherapy plan, including how many sessions you need, what drugs will be used (by name and purpose, but not dosage), and what you can do to prepare. They will also discuss possible side effects and how to manage them. You will be given a schedule and specific instructions for each session.

Treatment

Preparing for a chemotherapy session involves steps to help your body handle the treatment and reduce side effects. Your care team will give you personalised advice, but common preparation includes staying hydrated, eating light meals, and taking any pre-medicines they prescribe (such as anti-nausea medicines). You may also need to have blood tests a day or two before.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session
• Eat small, frequent meals to keep your energy up
• Get enough rest and sleep
• Avoid alcohol or smoking – these can interfere with treatment
• Ask someone to drive you to and from the session, as you may feel drowsy or sick afterwards

Medical treatments

Your care team may prescribe medicines to prevent or reduce side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. These are given before or during the chemotherapy session. They may also give you fluids through a drip to keep you hydrated. The exact medicines used will depend on your health and the type of chemotherapy you are receiving.

When is surgery considered?

If you are having surgery, chemotherapy may be given before (neoadjuvant) to shrink a tumour, making it easier to remove, or after (adjuvant) to kill any remaining cancer cells. Your preparation for chemo will be guided by the surgery schedule and your surgeon and oncologist will work together to plan the timing.

Living with this condition

During the chemotherapy period, you will need to plan your days around your sessions and recovery. Many people feel most tired a day or two after treatment. It helps to rest when needed, keep a diary of side effects, and communicate openly with your care team.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid large crowds and people who are sick, especially if your immune system is weak
• Wash your hands often and keep a clean environment
• Use gentle skin care products and a soft toothbrush to protect your mouth and skin
• Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or over-the-counter medicines

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. If you have nausea or mouth sores, try soft, bland foods like soup or yoghurt. Light exercise such as walking can help maintain energy and mood, but listen to your body and rest when needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chemotherapy can be emotionally challenging. You may feel anxious, sad, or stressed about the treatment and its side effects. It is normal to have these feelings. Reach out to a counsellor, support group, or a trusted friend or family member. Some hospitals have psychological support services for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Prevention

Cancer itself cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight. There is no way to prevent the need for chemotherapy if you already have a cancer that requires it.

Vaccines

Some vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, can reduce the risk of certain cancers that might later require chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines for your age and health.

Screening programmes

Regular cancer screenings (like mammograms or colonoscopies) can detect cancer early, when treatment may be simpler and less likely to require chemotherapy. Ask your doctor which screenings are right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• If you do not prepare properly, you may experience more severe side effects from chemotherapy, such as severe dehydration, infection, or organ damage
• Missing or delaying preparation steps could lead to your session being postponed or cancelled, which may affect the cancer treatment plan

Long-term outlook

With careful preparation and support from your care team, most people can manage chemotherapy side effects and complete their treatment as planned. Many people return to their normal activities after the course of chemo is over. Your doctors will monitor your progress closely and adjust your care if needed. You are not alone in this journey.

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