What to expect on your first day of chemo

Knowing what will happen takes most of the fear out of the first day. This is how a first cycle runs at a Shichim Oncocare day-care centre.

Before you come

Your oncologist has already fixed your protocol. Blood tests a day or two before confirm your counts are ready. Eat a light breakfast, bring your reports, a water bottle, something to read, and one attendant.

At the centre

1. Check-in and vitals. A nurse records your weight, blood pressure and temperature and reviews your blood report.
2. Pre-medication. Anti-nausea and, for some drugs, anti-allergy medicines are given first.
3. The infusion. A cannula is placed in a vein (or your port is accessed). The chemotherapy drugs, prepared by the pharmacist, run over one to several hours. You can read, sleep, or talk.
4. Observation. After the drip, you are watched for a short while, then discharged with written instructions.

At home

Take the anti-nausea tablets as prescribed even if you feel fine. Drink plenty of fluids. Call the 24/7 helpline for fever over 100.4°F, persistent vomiting, or anything that worries you. More about day-care chemotherapy.