Chemotherapy is not just a word that people want to get heard and probably not a thing anyone wants to get through. But, this thing is for those who are suffering from cancer because they don't have any choice other than this.
We have seen many friends and family members get this therapy. We have also seen some references to this therapy in movies or television. We walked and ran to appreciate it. Treatment of cancer is a kind of thing that we have experienced at some point in level. But whenever anyone gets through the diagnosis of cancer, any type of sense of familiarity starts getting away.
Well, it is a normal thing that you will get worried and upset when you realize that you have to go through Chemotherapy. However, knowing a bit more about the kind of cancer you are facing and what exactly its treatment can really help you to get ready and a little less worried.
We hope the helpful information in this article may help you to stay ready and learn about Chemotherapy and what to expect for your first treatment. Here are also some of the best and most valuable tips for first chemo treatment.
What is Chemotherapy: Briefly Explained
Chemotherapy is a reference to a drug that starts interrupting the growth of cancer cells, and it is cytotoxic, which clearly means that this will terminate the cancer cells.
According to the explanation by Dr Swaney, " This type of treatment can be done in different ways; however, intravenous (IV) is considered as the most common treatment. Chemotherapy is non-specific, which means that when it starts killing the cancer cells, it can also affect and hurt the other cells in our body simultaneously. This thing is considered as the chemotherapy side effect."
The frequency and dosage plus the duration of this treatment totally depend upon the medical or clinical research, which contains thousands of patients. When the medicines are taken intravenously, a port is suggested.
Well, ports are thoroughly implanted under or inside the skin, which is then used in the treatments with the IV connection. Moreover, there are many chemotherapy types which are according to the disease.
What Do You Have To Expect For Your First-ever Treatment?
According to Dr Swaney, there will be many resources that exist for the patients and their family members. Dr Swaney also said that before your very first treatment, you have to go through this chemotherapy call, which consists of many answers to some questions, and you can realize what to expect.
Proper safety measurements and home medications plus port care are thoroughly discussed before Chemotherapy. Sometimes, it becomes really helpful to have a notebook to write down everything you will learn in the class as well as in the clinical appointments.
The first time on your arrival, you have to talk with the health care assistant to speak about how you are actually feeling and what needs you have. You will get a comfortable and smooth recliner, and you can have snacks, drinks, and multiple meals on time for your treatment.
Dr Swaney also said that you will also have a lot of proper personal attention from the staff, which is available at that time, which definitely helps you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and calm, and they will provide everything you need.
Every time, the plan can be different. When you visit, you can have one or two hours to spend there. They can also call you up to give you an injection or, after two days, conduct a disconnection in the port pump. All of these things will be spoken to you, maybe in your first treatment.
We can hope that after this proper and keen attention, you will feel a little bit more helpful and calm because everyone out there is really trying to help you out and doing their job perfectly. They know how important your life is and how much help you need to be calm and relaxed during treatment. You can also bring your laptop, tablet, snacks, book, or whatever you want to eat.
Tips to Know Before Chemotherapy For Better Recovery
Your first chemotherapy session, which takes a few hours to complete. These are some things in Chemotherapy and what to expect for your first treatment. Then, you must read some of the following tips that will help you a lot during your recovery.
Ask Anyone to Stay With You
Make sure to keep a person on your side during the period of chemo sessions. The doctor can prescribe types of medicines at any time, which will make you a little tired. So, try to ask your favorite person to be your emotional support at that time.
Look After Your Oral Health
You can feel dryness, mucositis, or mouth ulcers, leading to a painful brush time after Chemotherapy. Ask your regular dentist to wash and clean out your mouth before getting Chemotherapy. You must maintain brilliant oral hygiene using a soft and smooth bristled toothbrush.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
The drugs used during Chemotherapy have effects like vomiting and diarrhea, which start increasing dryness in the tissues and dehydrating you. You can also experience low energy, headache, and muscle aches, as well as lethargy during this period. These are some chemotherapy side effects. So, make sure you drink plenty of water before and after Chemotherapy. You can also take green and herbal tea, fruit juice, and milk with the permission of your doctor.
Stay Mentally Ready For Hair Loss
It is a very normal thing for a cancer patient to go through hair loss after getting their first chemo session. It starts in the middle of 7 to 21 days after the first session. The pattern of hair loss is based on the dosage of this therapy you are getting. Few people get slow hair loss, but some face a huge hair clump.
You also have to keep this in mind and be prepared for these things:
- Maintain nausea as well as other types of side effects
- Avoid skipping your food or meals.
- Try your best to keep yourself positive.
- Have plenty of rest.
Conclusion
Well, here are some of the finest and easiest words for Chemotherapy and what to expect for your first treatment. Stay positive, be mentally ready to get the effects of this therapy, and be patient on your first treatment. We pray and hope for your speedy recovery.
