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Information for All Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy at HDFT
Introduction
At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT), we are committed to providing the best care and support for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or targeted therapy treatments. This guide provides vital information that will help you understand your treatment process and what to expect during your journey.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before starting your treatment, you will have a consultation with your oncology team, where detailed information about your specific chemotherapy or targeted therapy regimen will be shared. You may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or hair loss. It’s crucial to report any side effects to your healthcare provider to manage them effectively.
Support Services
HDFT offers a range of support services including nutritional counseling, psychological support, and complementary therapies to help you manage your treatment and maintain your well-being. Our dedicated cancer support nurses are available to answer your questions and provide emotional support.
Travel and Transportation
For patients who require assistance with travel, HDFT provides transportation services to and from the hospital. We also offer information on local charity services that provide additional support for travelling to appointments.
Contact Information
If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment, please contact the Oncology Department at HDFT. For urgent queries outside of regular hours, we have a dedicated helpline available.
Information for All Cancer Patients Receiving Treatment at HDFT
Introduction
At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT), we want to give cancer patients the best care. This guide will help you understand your treatment and what to expect.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before your treatment starts, you will talk to your cancer doctor. They will tell you all about your treatment. You might feel tired, sick, or lose your hair. Tell your doctor if you feel unwell so they can help you.
Support Services
HDFT offers many support services like help with eating well, talking to someone if you're feeling upset, and other therapies. Our cancer nurses are there to answer questions and support you.
Travel and Transportation
If you need help getting to the hospital, HDFT can help with travel. We can also tell you about local charities that offer travel help to get to your appointments.
Contact Information
If you have questions or worries about your treatment, please call the Oncology Department at HDFT. We have a special phone line for urgent questions after hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you feel unwell, it's important to contact the 24-hour Chemotherapy Helpline provided by HDFT. They are equipped to offer advice and support tailored to your specific situation.
Many people continue to work during treatment, but it depends on how you feel and your type of work. It's a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare team who can provide personalised advice.
There are no specific dietary restrictions unless advised by your doctor. However, it's important to maintain a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated. If you experience nausea or other side effects, your healthcare team can offer dietary suggestions to help manage these symptoms.
Side effects vary depending on the specific treatment. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and an increased risk of infections. Your healthcare team will provide you with information on managing these side effects.
If you feel well enough, you may drive yourself. However, some treatments can cause fatigue or other side effects that may impair your ability to drive safely. It's best to arrange for someone to drive you, especially for your first few sessions until you know how the treatment affects you.
The duration of a chemotherapy session can vary significantly based on the type of drugs being administered. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Your healthcare team will provide specific details about your treatment schedule.
Yes, it is generally safe to be around family and friends. However, you should avoid close contact with people who are sick or have infections, as your immune system may be weakened by the treatment.
Contact your healthcare team as soon as possible. They will advise you on the best course of action and may reschedule your missed session.
Always check with your healthcare team before taking any over-the-counter medications, as they can interact with your treatment.
Good dental hygiene is important. Inform your dentist about your treatment, and consult with your healthcare team before undergoing any dental procedures.
Hair loss is a common side effect of some chemotherapy treatments but not all. Targeted therapies may also have varying effects on hair. Your healthcare team can provide more details based on your specific treatment regimen.
Light to moderate exercise is often encouraged as it can help manage fatigue and improve mood. However, exercise plans should be discussed with your healthcare team to ensure safety.
Immediately contact the 24-hour Chemotherapy Helpline provided by HDFT if you experience severe side effects. They will give you advice and may direct you to seek urgent medical attention if necessary.
Travel plans should be discussed with your healthcare team. They will consider your treatment schedule and any potential health risks before giving you advice.
Your healthcare team can prescribe anti-sickness medications. Additionally, eating small, frequent meals and avoiding strong smelling foods may help. Always follow the specific recommendations provided by your healthcare team.
If you feel sick, you should call the Chemotherapy Helpline. You can call them anytime, day or night. They are there to help you and give advice that is just right for your needs.
If you have trouble reading, you can try using a ruler to follow the lines or read out loud. You can also ask someone you trust to read with you or explain anything you don't understand.
Some people keep working while they get their treatment. It depends on how you feel and what kind of job you have. It's smart to talk about this with your doctor or nurse. They can help and give you good advice just for you.
There are no special rules about what you can eat unless your doctor tells you something different. But it's good to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. If you feel sick or have other problems, your doctor or nurse can give you tips on what to eat to feel better.
When you get treatment, it can sometimes make you feel not so good. This is called side effects.
Different treatments have different side effects. Some common ones are:
- Feeling very tired.
- Feeling sick in your tummy.
- Losing your hair.
- Getting sick more easily.
The doctors and nurses will tell you how to feel better if this happens. You can also write down how you feel every day. This can help you remember to tell the doctor.
Sometimes, using pictures or asking a friend to help you read can make things easier.
If you feel okay, you can drive your car. But some treatments might make you tired or feel different. This can make driving hard. It’s a good idea to ask someone to drive you, especially the first few times you go. This way, you can see how the treatment makes you feel.
Chemotherapy sessions can take different amounts of time. Sometimes, it takes 30 minutes. Other times, it can take a few hours. Your doctors and nurses will tell you exactly how long your treatment will be.
If you find reading hard, you can use tools like audiobooks and apps that read text out loud to help you. It’s okay to ask someone to explain things too.
Yes, it is usually safe to be with your family and friends. But stay away from people who are sick, as your body might not fight germs well right now.
Call your doctor or nurse right away. They can tell you what to do next. They might help you pick a new time to go back.
Before you take any medicine you buy from a store, ask your doctor or nurse first. Some medicines can mix badly with the ones you are already taking.
Taking care of your teeth is important. Tell your dentist about any medical treatment you are getting. Talk to your doctor before you have any dental work done.
Some medicines for cancer can make your hair fall out. This does not happen with all treatments. Some special medicines might affect your hair in different ways. You can ask your doctor or nurse what might happen with your treatment.
It is good to do light exercise, like walking, because it can help you feel less tired and make you happier. But, it is important to talk to your doctor or nurse before starting to exercise. They can help make a safe plan for you.
If you feel really sick after your chemotherapy, call the Chemotherapy Helpline right away. They are open all the time, every day. They will help you and tell you if you need to see a doctor fast.
Talk to your doctor before making travel plans. They will look at your treatment schedule and any health risks. Then, they can give you good advice.
Your doctor can give you medicine to stop feeling sick. You can also eat small meals often and stay away from foods with strong smells. Always listen to what your doctor says and follow their advice.
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