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Chemotherapy: Before Chemo Starts

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Before starting chemo, it is advisable to take the following steps:
  • Be sure you understand all the information you need to know about the treatment, including:
    • The goals of the treatment
    • How the treatment will be given.
    • How long each treatment will be.
    • Possible side effects and how long they may last. 
    • The course of your treatment.(Chemotherapy is usually a course of treatments instead of just one. The treatments are generally given in cycles).
    • Whether the treatment is recommended as part of a series of treatments (such as radiation and/or surgery). 
    • Survivorship A to Z provides a list of questions to consider asking in the document in "To Learn More." 
  • Increase your intake of calories and protein to help combat weakness that may occur during chemotherapy and to promote recovery.
  • Get a copy of the Medical Consent form you will be required to sign before treatment starts. Read the form carefully. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. Make changes as you desire.
  • Talk with your doctor about:
    • Any and all prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbs and supplements you take. Include those you stopped taking recently and substances you may not think of as medicines. This includes over the counter medicines and recreational drugs. Survivorship A to Z provides a List of Medications to help you keep track.Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of these medicines before you start chemo. 
    • What you can do to be as healthy as possible during and after treatment. For instance, foods to eat or not eat, vitamins and supplements to take. 
    • What you should to do make up for any nutrients that may be removed from your system by the treatment. 
    • What you can do to lessen the effect of common side effects. If prescription drugs would help, get a prescription now so you aren't delayed if the side effects appear.If you will lose your hair, think about getting a wig now. 
    • NOTE:Taking vitamin and mineral supplements or any other complementary and alternative medicine should never be done in place of medical care. You should not take any vitamins or supplements or engage in any complementary treatments without telling your doctor first. 
  • Understand the financial aspects of the treatment.
  • If you are considering having a child during or after completion of chemotherapy, explore your options now. For instance, sperm and eggs can be banked. To learn more, see: Chemotherapy: Preserving Fertility.
  • Make arrangements to have your children taken care of while in treatment. Tell them about your cancer and treatment if you haven't already.
  • Learn how to avoid unnecessary infections.
  • Make appropriate arrangements at work if the treatment will interfere with your ability to work. For instance, arrange time off for chemo treatments - or even a break from work during chemo. To learn more, see: At Work