What should I bring to chemotherapy?

What should I pack in a chemo bag?

Treatment days can be long, with checks, waiting and the treatment itself. These are the things people most often wish they had brought:

• A refillable water bottle and snacks you enjoy, plus something plain in case you feel sick.
• Layers, warm socks and a soft scarf or blanket. Treatment rooms can feel cold.
• Your phone, a long charging cable and headphones.
• Something to pass the time: a book, puzzles, downloaded films or podcasts.
• A notebook and pen for questions and for what the team tells you.
• A hat or headscarf, if you are expecting hair loss.
• A list of the medicines you take, and your appointment letter.

Ask your unit what they provide and what they would rather you left at home. Some have rules about food, visitors or scented products.

Source: NHS: chemotherapy

How long does a chemotherapy session take?

It depends on how the treatment is given. Through a drip into a vein, it can take from 30 minutes to a few days. An injection usually takes a few minutes. Some people have a small pump they take home, which gives the medicine over a few days, and some take tablets at home.

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles over several months, with a break of a few days or weeks between treatments. Your team may check side effects, measure your weight and do a blood test, either on the day or a few days before.

Source: NHS: chemotherapy

What should I ask the care team before I start?

The NHS suggests asking about the side effects you might get and whether you can prepare for them. Useful questions include:

• Which side effects are likely with my treatment, and what helps?
• Who do I call if I feel unwell, day or night?
• Could this treatment affect my fertility, and should I think about storing eggs or sperm first?
• What contraception should I use during treatment?

Source: NHS: chemotherapy

What should I have ready at home for the days after?

Side effects usually start a few days or weeks after treatment begins. Common ones include tiredness, feeling or being sick, a sore mouth, a higher chance of infections and temporary hair loss. Most people get some side effects, but not all of them.

Comfortable clothes, easy meals in the freezer, a soft toothbrush and someone who can help with lifts, shopping or childcare make those days easier. Tell your care team about side effects: they may be able to treat them.

Source: NHS: chemotherapy

When should I call the care team straight away?

The NHS says to call your care team now if you have:

• a high temperature: feeling hot, cold, sweaty or shivery, or the skin on your back or chest feeling hotter than usual
• other signs of infection, such as a sore throat, cough, diarrhoea, peeing a lot or pain when peeing
• throbbing or cramping pain, swelling and warmth in a leg or arm
• sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain and a cough or coughing up blood

These can be signs of an infection or a blood clot, which may need treating quickly. If you are not sure how to contact your team, call NHS 111. Outside the UK, call the number your treatment centre gave you or your local emergency number.

Source: NHS: chemotherapy