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Chemotherapy day: looking after yourself

Chemotherapy day can be long and tiring. Preparing ahead, eating lightly, drinking water and having support make it easier.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A woman in a headscarf using her phone during treatment in a hospital bed
Figure 1.A chemotherapy day can be long

01Short answer

Pack your bag the evening before: your medicines list, documents, a warm wrap, a book, headphones, water and a light snack your team allows. Eat lightly in the morning unless your team says otherwise. Wear comfortable clothes with loose sleeves or easy access to your line. If possible, bring someone who can take you home. Tell staff about nausea, pain or worry; medicines given on time work better. Tell them at once about burning, swelling or pain where the drug goes in. At home, follow your team's instructions and medicine schedule, and write down your questions.

02Simple explanation

Bag: the night before.

Light food.

Symptoms: tell staff.

Burning: at once.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: on chemotherapy day, bringing a support person, wearing comfortable clothes and reporting side effects promptly are recommended.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Extravasation

The drug leaking outside the vein, felt as burning and swelling.

Preventing nausea

Medicines are often given beforehand.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
ExtravasationThe drug leaking outside the vein, felt as burning and swelling.
Preventing nauseaMedicines are often given beforehand.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Infusion
Giving a medicine slowly into a vein.
Extravasation
A drug leaking into the tissue.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Prepare.
  • Speak up.
  • Rest.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I drive myself?

Often not, as some medicines cause drowsiness; ask your team.

I do not feel like eating.

A small portion and water may be enough; tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. Can I drive myself?

  2. I do not feel like eating.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Peripherally inserted central catheter — flushing
  7. National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Men and Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer-Related Post-traumatic Stress (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  10. American Cancer Society. Adjusting to Life With Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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