What To Expect During Chemotherapy

Preparing For The Treatment

If a patient knows they will be undergoing chemotherapy, there are several things they can do to prepare for it. It is a good idea for these patients to visit the dentist and have any necessary work done prior to the start of chemotherapy. Females should have a PAP smear done before starting treatment to avoid false results. If an individual is going to lose their hair, they may want to find and purchase a wig ahead of time. Since some pre-treatment session medications given cause drowsiness, patients should arrange for transportation to and from their treatment sessions. For the same reasoning, patients undergoing chemotherapy should arrange for childcare ahead of time. Wearing comfortable clothes and eating a light snack prior to arriving at the physician's office for a chemotherapy session can also be also helpful. Depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated, a chemotherapy session may take anywhere from several minutes to several hours. Taking a book or crossword puzzle can help pass the time during longer treatment sessions.

Learn about the safety precautions related to chemotherapy now.