When starting chemo, you may be tired already for lack of sleep, because, let’s be honest, chemo is scary. But I encourage you to feel good about conquering your fears. Let hope guide you in the days ahead and know that chemotherapy is a potent and efficient weapon against cancer.
In my first set of tips, I told you to make your own decision about whether or not to have company on infusion days. I would add here that, perhaps for the first one in particular, you might want to have someone with you. I appreciated the support when I began. Now, let’s talk about the first day, although most of these tips will apply to future infusions as well.
- Have realistic expectations. During chemo, I heard lots of horror stories and some claims of minimal problems. I believe the majority of us fall somewhere in the middle of all that. Remember that your personal experience is what it is–your own journey in this vicious disease. So, if you have difficulties with this day or any subsequent days, make the best decisions you can with the knowledge you have. Shame or regrets are of no value now or in the future. The important thing is for you to be honest and fully engaged to defeat cancer.
- Something that helps people. I have to admit the nurses’ PPE reinforced my already-concerned mind about chemo’s toxicity. Armed with gloves, gowns, goggles, and a full face shield, they looked formidable. My first nurse assured me that it was just a requirement for their own protection, but I couldn’t help but logicize a step further that what she needed protection from was about to enter my body. Fortunately, she saw my reaction and said, “I see chemo as something that helps people.” The good news is that by the time I finished my five months, I agreed with her about the benefits of chemo.
- Ask questions. I strongly recommend you ask any and all questions you have. I am emphatic about this. Do not hesitate at all. Most medical people welcome your interest and a proactive attitude. Even though the clinic provides as pleasant an environment as possible for you, you haven’t been in this kind of room before, and it’s serious business. Your treatment staff knows that both interest and involvement indicate a patient who will do well. No question is stupid or a waste of time. If you don’t understand, keep asking until you’re at peace. An informed patient is an empowered patient!
- Listen to and follow every instruction carefully. With the mindset that questions are important, too, understand that the nurses will give you a lot of instructions, and you absolutely need to listen well. When it comes to chemo, such instructions are necessities, not mere suggestions. Pay attention. You don’t need to fear mistakes, because I found that these good people are attentive and helpful. But engage your brain power with as much focus as possible. For example, they gave me specific hygiene instructions for bathroom and sanitation procedures, all of which are designed to keep you and your family safe.
- Neuropathy issues? Find out if your chemo is known for possible neuropathy repercussions. That was the side effect for which I requested the most prayer on my Caring Bridge site, because cancer survivors had told me it’s tough if it happens. GET INFORMED ABOUT YOUR TYPE OF CHEMO! For breast cancer, one friend informed me that icing my feet and hands would lessen the inflow of chemo into my extremities, which I did, and I didn’t get it. But, for some kinds of chemo (a friend of mine had colon cancer chemo, for example), you need to avoid anything cold, because that’s been linked to neuropathy onset. The fact that I didn’t get neuropathy is probably most connected to the specific prayer support I had for that issue.
- Extra water? As I mentioned in my first set of tips, hydration is key to this whole process, not only for your welfare but also for flushing your system. Your nurse will administer a saline solution before and in tandem with the chemo. Be thankful. It’s so important. For me, usually some saline remained after the infusion ended, and my nurses would ask me if I wanted to stick around to receive the rest of it. I always said, “yes” because it seemed logical. But once a nurse didn’t offer it, and I forgot. That was the only time I walked out a little woozy and uncomfortable. Then I remembered I didn’t get the extra saline. The next time I made sure I got it, and I was fine.
- Side effects? No one knows how your body will react. Chemo targets fast growing cells, a universal attribute of cancer cells. Unfortunately, normal fast-growing cells sustain damage, too. Those cells include hair follicles, mouth, digestive tract, reproductive system, and blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. The latter is responsible for the low blood counts, and most people experience hair loss. Remember that side effects are generally temporary.
- Take care of your mouth. Regarding your first treatment and all treatments, pay particular attention to potential mouth sores and throat issues. My dentist suggested I rinse and gargle with salt water after each meal. I took that advice seriously except one day when I let it go, because I hadn’t experienced any problems and didn’t think it was necessary. I was wrong. Fortunately, some good swishing healed the newly-forming irritations, and I was fine. My dentist also suggested I use a non-mint toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash, which were good suggestions, too.
- Trust your instincts. No one knows you better than you do. If something feels off or troublesome, communicate, and don’t be shy about it. Be considerate of your body. It has never had to intercept a substance like chemo before. I felt as though my body went into some kind of high-alert, survival mode. This is hard to describe, but I appreciated how amazing our bodies are. After the first infusion, your clinic will keep you around for awhile to see how you react, because sometimes people have serious allergic reactions.
- Take your temperature. Starting on the first day, I took my temperature daily throughout my chemo regimen, usually in the evening. Infections are dangerous for chemo patients, and I wanted to form a habit to monitor that specific problem. You don’t want to mess with infections at all. Taking your temperature doesn’t take long and could potentially save you a lot of angst.
Most of these tips are cumulative and applicable throughout chemotherapy. I pray you will have peace and that the chemo will do a great job for you in the days ahead.
For more information about side effects, here is a link to an excellent article on the American Cancer Society’s website: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-side-effects.html
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© Marianne McDonough 2022
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