Chemotherapy - The Queen's Centre

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a way to treat cancer. It uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells. These medicines are called "chemo." They stop the bad cells from growing. Chemo can also hurt good cells, which might make you feel sick.

If you want to know more, you can:

• Talk to a doctor or nurse.
• Ask a family member to help explain it.
• Look at picture books about cancer.

How do you get chemotherapy?

How long does a chemotherapy session take?

Chemotherapy is a treatment to fight cancer. It can take a long time.

Here is what to expect:

• Sometimes it takes 30 minutes.
• Sometimes it takes a few hours.
• Sometimes it takes all day.

Bring something to do, like a book or music.

Ask someone to come with you for support.

Tell the nurse if you feel sick or scared.

What can happen to your body with chemotherapy?

Can I keep my job while having chemotherapy?

Can I eat anything I want during chemotherapy?

Will chemo make it hard to have babies?

Can I exercise during chemotherapy treatment?

Yes, you can exercise during chemotherapy, but it's important to be careful. Exercise can help you feel better and have more energy.

Before you start, talk to your doctor. They will tell you what exercises are safe for you.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Start with easy exercises, like walking.
• Listen to your body and rest if you feel tired.
• Ask a friend or family member to join you for support.

Remember, it's okay to take it slow and be gentle with yourself.

What if I feel very sick from medicine?

If you feel very sick after taking medicine, tell an adult. You can tell a parent, teacher, or doctor. They can help you. You can also call a doctor to ask for advice. It is important to tell someone so they can help you feel better.

You can:

• Write down what you feel. This helps doctors understand.
• Use pictures to show how you feel.

Remember, ask for help! You are not alone.

How many times will I need to have chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a medicine treatment. It helps to fight cancer. A doctor will tell you how many times you need it.

Here’s what you can do:

• Ask your doctor to explain in simple words.
• Take someone with you to appointments to help remember information.
• Write down any questions you have.

Can I drive after a chemotherapy session?

After chemotherapy, your body might feel tired or weak. This can make it hard to drive safely. It is a good idea to ask someone else to drive you home.

Here are some helpful things you can do:

• Bring a friend or family member with you who can drive.
• Rest before and after your treatment.

If you feel unsure, ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you more advice.

What will chemotherapy do to my body's defense system?

Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer. It uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells.

These strong medicines can also affect your body's defense system. This system is called the immune system. It helps to fight off illnesses and germs.

When you have chemotherapy, your immune system can become weaker. This means you might get sick more easily.

To help keep your immune system strong, you can:

• Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
• Wash your hands often to keep germs away.
• Rest and sleep well to help your body recover.
• Avoid people who are sick.

Talking to your doctor or nurse can also help. They can give you more tips to stay healthy.

What should I take when I go for my chemo treatment?

When you go for chemo, you can bring some things to help you feel better and pass the time. Here are some ideas:

• Comfy clothes: Wear loose and soft clothes.
• Blanket: Take a cozy blanket to keep warm.
• Snacks and drinks: Bring food and drinks you like.
• Books or magazines: Take something fun to read.
• Music or movies: Use a tablet or phone to listen to music or watch a movie.
• Headphones: Bring them if you want to listen quietly.
• Notebook and pen: Use these to write notes or draw.

Ask a friend or family member if they want to come with you for support. You can also talk to the nurses or doctors if you have questions.

Will I lose my hair if I have chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of medicine used to treat cancer. Sometimes, people lose their hair when they take it. Everyone is different, so it might not happen to you. It's a good idea to ask your doctor or nurse about it. They can help you understand what to expect.

Some people find it helpful to wear hats or wigs if they lose their hair. You can talk to others who have been through the same thing. They might have good ideas to make you feel better.

Can I get help with my feelings during chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can be tough. It might make you feel sad or worried. But help is available!

Here are some ways to get support:

• Talk to a doctor or nurse about how you feel.
• Join a support group to share your feelings with others.
• Consider seeing a counselor or therapist.
• Try relaxing activities like drawing or listening to music.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help!