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Guide for patients and loved ones

Treatment calendar

Cycles, tests, appointments and medicines: remembering it all is hard. A calendar takes the load off.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A colourful wall calendar
Figure 1.A colourful wall calendar

01Short answer

A treatment calendar records cycle days, the expected low-count period, tests and clinic visits, procedures, medicine reminders and rest days. Colour coding helps: for example, one colour for cycles and another for tests. Keep it on paper or on your phone and share it with your family. If the schedule changes (a delay, a new test), update it straight away. It also helps plan who will be with you and when.

02Simple explanation

A calendar shows the whole journey at a glance.

Colours create order.

03Scientific explanation

Cycle calendars are usually based on a “day 1” system; the nadir period can be roughly predicted depending on the regimen.

Digital reminders improve how consistently medicines are taken.

04What happens in the body?

What to record

Cycle days, tests, appointments, procedures (for example a lumbar puncture or marrow test), medicine reminders, rest and family events.

How to keep it

A paper calendar, a phone app or both. One person is responsible for the main calendar and enters changes.

A phone reminder
Figure 2.A phone reminder — Treatment calendar

With your family

Share the calendar so transport, children and visits can be planned.

A family board
Figure 3.A family board — Treatment calendar

05Building the calendar

Four steps.

Enter the cycles — Start and end days.1Enter the cyclesStart and end days.
Add tests — Appointments and procedures.2Add testsAppointments and procedures.
Reminders — Medicines and preparation.3RemindersMedicines and preparation.
Share with family — A shared plan.4Share with familyA shared plan.
OrderNothing is forgotten.
TeamworkThe family can plan.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What to recordCycle days, tests, appointments, procedures (for example a lumbar puncture or marrow test), medicine reminders, rest and family events.
How to keep itA paper calendar, a phone app or both. One person is responsible for the main calendar and enters changes.
With your familyShare the calendar so transport, children and visits can be planned.

07Key terms

Day 1
The first day of a cycle.
Nadir period
The days when counts are lowest.
Colour code
Separating events by colour.

08Key points

  • Record all cycles and tests.
  • Use colours.
  • Update after changes.
  • Share with your family.

09Frequently asked questions

Which app is best?

Any calendar that suits you; what matters is keeping it up to date.

What if the schedule keeps changing?

That is normal; note each change with its date.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Which app is best?

  2. What if the schedule keeps changing?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment
  4. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer
  5. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute neutrophil count
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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