What to Do Before Your First Round of Chemotherapy

The tumultuous experience of having cancer has often been described as the "Cancer Coaster." While it's a wild, uncontrollable ride, there are several things you can do beforehand to weather the ups and downs of chemotherapy.

If you do only one thing, try to have a port, PICC line, or other form of vascular access devices inserted, ideally before beginning your chemotherapy. These devices allow any intravenous (IV) medication to be administered without having to search for a "good" vein, or experiencing the soreness that often accompanies IVs started directly into a vein. These handy gadgets can be used for blood draws, and are standard practice for continuous chemotherapy. Your oncologist can recommend the best device for your situation.

Visit your dentist beforehand, if possible, for a thorough cleaning and exam; dental work and flossing are frequently not recommended for chemotherapy patients.

When scheduling your appointment, remember that morning time slots work well for getting a particular chair or room you'd like. Generally, the earlier you schedule any medical appointment, the more likely you are to have your treatment start on time. Afternoon time slots are ideal if you just want to go home and rest afterwards; consider asking for the first spot after lunch for the best of both worlds.

If possible, try to get a ride to and from at least your first appointment, and try to arrive about five to ten minutes early. If you're receiving medication that causes drowsiness, such as Atavan, you won't be able or allowed to drive yourself home.

Some people hate the idea of getting chemotherapy alone; others want privacy and a chance to reflect (or nap!). Either way, having someone to take notes about medications and how to handle side effects is very useful for your first appointment. Your treatment center will most likely allow one adult to be with you; other people will be asked to stay in the waiting room.

Dress for maximum comfort, and incorporate light layers, as temperatures may vary. Some people even wear pajamas, so they can go right to bed when they get home. Wear slip-on shoes or even slippers, and your favorite socks. Keep shoes so they can be easily put on if you need to get up for something during treatment (you really don't want to bring hospital germs home on the bottom of your socks, right?).

Pack a bag or briefcase for more comfort during your appointment. An MP3 player is both tiny and useful. In addition to music, games, podcasts, and audiobooks; consider investing in one of the many relaxation, meditation, or guided imagery recordings available. There are several relating specifically to cancer, chemotherapy, and healing.

You may also want to include lip balm, gum, or hard candy to avoid nausea or dry mouth. An eye mask and/or earplugs will help if you'd like to nap. Just in case, put in a "barf bag," in case the ride home is more than you can handle. And if you've got a talisman, bring it. People show up for chemotherapy with everything from a special blanket to worry beads to even a teddy bear smuggled in the bottom of a purse; don't worry about seeming silly, because it's already been done. Repeatedly.

Just like riding that humongous roller coaster, chemotherapy can induce some fairly spectacular vomiting. The ongoing tip for both: do not stuff yourself with four chili-cheese dogs beforehand. Nor will you necessarily feel like eating afterwards. The best option is to have a moderate-sized meal about an hour before your appointment, and talk to your doctor beforehand about anti-nausea medications.

Once you're checked in, remember to visit the restroom before the nurse starts your infusion. Some medicines, such as Avastin require a urine sample before starting the drug-so "know before you go."

When you get home, it's almost mandatory to have someone help you settle in, make sure you've got what you need, and even unobtrusively hang around, if you're having a rough time, or just want some company. Your only job now is to outwait the negative effects of chemo, while the positive, unseen work happens to treat your cancer.

Sometimes the hardest part of chemotherapy can be the apprehension beforehand. Do remind yourself that this is powerful medication designed to help you, even though the most obvious effects are the unpleasant ones. Talk to your doctor beforehand about prescription and over-the-counter medication--side effects are much better managed and even prevented now. The Cancer Coaster is a ride nobody wants to take, but planning ahead really can make it better.

Important disclaimer: This article should by no means be considered official medical advice, or substitution for medical care. Consult your oncologist or health care provider with any questions or concerns.