Chemo is kinda like Al-Qaeda, mysterious, random, hard-hitting, and can strike most anywhere. Chemo's job is to kill cells. The problem is that in the process of killing the bad cells, it takes out the good ones too. You can't prepare for chemo physically but you can plan ahead. Go shopping or do any necessary errands before treatment. Arrange for a loved one or friend to help with meals or cleaning or just to hang with you when you feel crappy. Rent some cool movies.
When I first pictured chemo, it was like one of those commercials for St. Judes playing in my mind. Bald, pale, and gaunt figures floating around with soft piano music in the back round. Not even close. Sure there were a couple of "hair challenged" individuals around but they usually were wearing some kind of cool head wear like myself thanks to my mom who is a crochet master in her own right. I actually heard laughing when we came close to the treatment room.
Here's what will happen:
-A nurse will help you find a chair (we had really cushy lounge types) and get you comfortable. By the way, oncology nurses are in a class by themselves. All of them I met were kind and helpful and this includes the office staff. It takes special people to do what they do on a daily basis. They will ask you a round of questions on how you are doing and any symptoms you are having. Make sure to tell them EVERYTHING even if you think it is insignificant.
-You will probably have your blood drawn, depending on the type of cancer you have to check cell, iron levels, etc. Some people have a traditional IV and others have a port which is a kind of plug in the chest to put the IV in.
-An IV bag will be brought over and hooked up for your first round of medication. I had three different bags including an orange colored one that I liked to call Koolaide. Your bags will depend on what type of chemo you have for your treatment. Make sure to ask what they are giving you and write it down for reference.
Treatment takes about an hour and a half. If you bring a spouse, family member, or friend, they cannot sit in the treatment room with you because of the medication present (at least mine couldn't). They will have to wait in the waiting room.
Helpful tips:
-Pack a comfy blanket or throw for your lap, magazines with cool pictures, music player, snacks, a drink, anything to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
-Eat a small protein meal before you go (I ate a PB sandwich). This will help your stomach which can be very sensitive to chemo. More on side-effects later.
-If you feel up to it try to connect with other patients and be an encouragement. This will help you also.
-If you get a bad taste in your mouth suck on lemon drops or Jolly Ranchers.
-Some people have a shot the next day after chemo to build blood cells.
Chemo has different side-effects for everyone, that is why the list is like trying to read the latest congressional health care bill. My solid advice is to stay away from the list! Only check out specific effects that are going on with you at the moment. The reason for this? If you are anything like me, I will read it and commiserate and swear I have every single one. A good website is Chemocare.com. They have a list and advice on most areas of cancer. I only had vomiting one time after the first treatment. I could eat and had an appetite the rest of the time! So remember when you've heard that everyone is sick and nauseated and can't eat it may not be right info. Eating is life for the cancer patient so go for it. Eat sensible but you can spoil yourself once in a while. There are a lot of opinions on nutrition out there and people that swear that drinking some kind of grass will cure you. You can decide for yourself but I just ate regular food and am a survivor.
Now is a good time to take care of yourself. Light candles and take scented baths (lavender is great for relaxation). Use luxurious lotions, soaps, and perfumes that you like (after shave for the men of course). Chemo effects last about a week, then you start feeling better. Call your oncologist if you have any questions or concerns and ask for help if you need it. It is ok to feel weak, tired, crabby, angry, or sad. Cry if you need to, it will help you release emotions. Hang in there and fight!
Hopefully this info will help you in your journey. Stay tuned as next time I talk about hair.
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