Having chemotherapy and other treatments in the Day Treatment Unit

What to Bring for Chemotherapy Day

How long will my chemotherapy session take?

Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer. It uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells. A chemotherapy session is when you get this medicine.

Your chemotherapy session time can be different. It can be short, or it can take a few hours. The doctor or nurse will tell you how long it will be.

If you are worried or have questions, you can ask your doctor or nurse. They are there to help you. You can also write down your questions so you don’t forget them.

Can I bring someone with me when I go for my treatment?

Yes, you can! Bringing a friend or family member can help you feel better. It can make you feel more comfortable and supported.

Here are some tips to help:

• Ask the clinic if it's okay first. Some places have rules about visitors.
• Choose someone you trust. It's important you feel safe with them.
• Tell the person what to expect. They might need to know what will happen during the treatment.

Will I feel side effects right after my chemotherapy treatment?

How do doctors help if I feel hurt or uncomfortable during treatment?

Can I get food and drinks in the Day Treatment Unit?

What to do if you feel sick between doctor visits?

If you feel sick between your visits to the doctor, here is what you can do:

• Tell an adult you trust, like a parent or caregiver.
• Call your doctor for advice.
• Write down your symptoms and when they happen.
• Rest and drink lots of water.
• Take medicine if your doctor says it is okay.

Feel better and get help if you need it!

Can I drive myself to the Day Treatment Unit and back home?

It means: Can you drive your car to the place where you get care and then drive back home?

To help you understand and remember:

• Use simple words.
• Ask someone to explain it to you.
• Draw a picture about the question.

How can I get ready for my first chemotherapy session?

Here are some simple tips to help you get ready:

• Bring a Friend: Ask someone to come with you to the hospital. They can help and keep you company.
• Wear Comfy Clothes: Put on loose and cozy clothes. This will help you feel more at ease.
• Pack Snacks: Take some snacks and drinks. Sometimes, treatments can take a while.
• Entertainment: Bring a book, music, or games to keep yourself busy. This can make the time go by faster.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be shy to ask the nurse or doctor anything you don't understand. They are there to help you.

These tips can help make your first day of treatment better!

Do I need to eat special food during chemotherapy?

Yes, it is good to eat healthy food when you are having chemotherapy. Here are some tips to help you:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Choose foods with protein like chicken, fish, and beans.
• Drink plenty of water.
• If you feel sick, try eating small meals often.
• Ask a doctor or nurse if you need help with what to eat.
• Use tools like picture menus or apps to help you choose food.

Can I keep working while having cancer treatment?

If you are getting medicine for cancer called chemotherapy, you might be able to keep working. This depends on how you feel. Some people feel okay and go to work. Others might feel too tired or sick. It is important to talk to your doctor about how you feel and what you want to do.

If you decide to work, here are some things that might help:

• Talk to your boss about working part-time or flexible hours.
• Take breaks when you need to rest.
• Ask for help if some tasks are too hard.
• Use reminders to help you remember important things.

Remember, it is okay to rest if you need to. Your health is most important.

What happens after my chemo treatments? What care will I get?

Can people going through chemotherapy get help?

Will my chemotherapy treatment stay the same the whole time?

Will I have the same treatment plan every time I go for chemotherapy?

If you are not sure, ask your nurse or doctor.

It is okay to ask questions and tell them how you are feeling.

What should I do if I miss my chemo session because I'm sick or for other reasons?

If you can't go to your chemo session because you are sick or have another problem, don't worry. Here’s what you can do:

• Call the doctor: Use the phone to tell your doctor or the hospital that you can't come.
• Make a new appointment: Ask the doctor or nurse when you can come in to have your chemo session.
• Write it down: Use a calendar or a notebook to remember your new appointment date and time.
• Ask for help: If you need support, talk to a family member or friend who can help remind you about your appointments.

These steps will help you to keep on track with your treatment. Remember, it's okay to ask others for help!