Medicine

What to expect after first chemo treatment?

Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for cancer. It works by using powerful chemicals that kill rapidly growing cancer cells. The first chemotherapy is associated with a great deal of stress and anxiety, which usually arise from a lack of knowledge about the treatment. So what to expect after first chemo treatment?

First chemotherapy — what does the first treatment look like?

The first chemotherapy treatment does not differ much from the subsequent drug administration procedures. The main distinguishing feature of the first chemotherapy is the preparatory stage. Within its framework, among others, the schedule of the first chemotherapy, as well as the timing of subsequent cycles. So what exactly does chemotherapy look like? You should come to the medical facility in good time. First, a checkup with an attending physician takes place. Next, the chemotherapy drugs can be administered. Part of the therapy allows for treatment on an outpatient basis, which means that staying in the hospital after administering the drug is not necessary. You can return home on the same day. However, other types may require staying in hospital for several days due to the infusion being given each day.

First chemotherapy — how to prepare?

How to prepare for chemotherapy? One of the steps in preparing for chemotherapy is education. Before starting treatment, it is worth knowing the specification of the method chosen by the doctor. Each chemotherapy infusion contains a mix of medications. Some of them are anti-cancer drugs, others are drugs that are intended to relieve side effects. In order to prepare for chemotherapy, you should talk to your doctor about your medications. Ask the following questions:

What is this drug?
What side effects can it give?
How will I feel after taking this drug?
How to deal with this?
Who should I call if there is such a need?

A chemotherapist oncologist is a specialist who is best able to determine what side effects may occur, how to deal with them and how the patient should prepare for chemotherapy.

First chemotherapy — how will I feel after chemotherapy?

On the first day after chemotherapy, patients often feel tired. Taking this fact into account, it is worth planning this day in such a way that you can rest. Rest is important for the regeneration of the body, namely healthy cells that may have been weakened by the drug. During the period, it is worth clearing the calendar of all obligations and devoting this time to yourself.

Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects, which may occur in the first hours after administering chemicals. These symptoms significantly affect your well-being, increasing fatigue and contributing to an increased risk of dehydration. For this reason, among other things, you should remember to drink water regularly — a minimum of two liters a day. Adequate hydration supports regeneration. The way to deal with the side effects are antiemetics, which should be prescribed by your doctor. In order to strengthen it, it is also worth using the help of a dietitian, who will help you compose a diet appropriate to the body's needs.