BEFORE

CHEMO BEGINS

BEFORE

EACH SESSION

DURING

EACH SESSION

BEFORE

YOU LEAVE

BEFORE

YOUR NEXT VISIT

Get regular care and screenings.Get any health exams you need

Fill all prescriptions.Your doctor has given you, such as those for anti-nausea meds.

Consider having a port implanted. Needles are inserted more easily through a port than directly through the skin.

Take steps to avoid pregnancy (if you are of childbearing age).

Do family planning

If you’d like to have children after treatment. Ask your doctor if there are steps you need to take.

Check on your health insurance.Meet with a financial counselor to find out the out-of-pocket expense for all of your treatment options.

Take steroids now

If your doctor has prescribed them. Steroids help prevent allergic reactions.

Get hydrated!The chemo nurse will find your veins more easily.

Eat your usual meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Skip spicy, fried or acidic food.

Get the help you need for today’s infusion. Delegate dinner prep or pickup. Ask others for help with errands.

Dress in loose, comfortable clothingthat permits easy access to your arms or chest (if you have a port).

Take a deep breath!

Or meditate or do yoga (if your doctor says it’s okay) to calm any pre-chemo anxiety.

Ask for anything you need.Request a snack if you’re hungry, a blanket if you’re cold or a magazine if you’re bored.

Ask what side-effects you should report

During your infusion, such as pain or swelling at the IV site.

Visualize your chemo working!Envision the chemo drugs searching and destroying cancer cells. Studies show visualization may help relieve anxiety, boost your spirits and even rev up your immune system temporarily. It could help you walk out of your session feeling more in control.

Get post-infusion medication instructions. Find out when to take anti-nausea meds, for example.

Ask if you’ll need a shot to boost your infection-fighting white blood cells. Your doctor has to prescribe it.

Find out about side-effect you should watch for—and what you should call your doctor about. For examole, mouth sores, severe nausea, “flushing”and fever are common reasons to call your doctor after an infusion.

Wash your hands frequently to avoid infection.Also, stay away from sick people when your white blood cell counts are low, between 7 and 12 days after your infusion. Wash raw produce and cook eggs and meat thoroughtly.

Watch for signs of infection—and call your doctor immediately should they arise.