Starting Chemo: What to Expect?

Hi There. 👋 I'm in England and was treated under the wonderful NHS. My first come session took place on a small ward of about 4 patients, all of us receiving chemo. Once they put in the IV line the nurses check your details and offer you a drink. I opted to wear the cold cap to help minimise hair loss (this did work by the way) so they fitted the cap and begun the machine. They gave me some pre-med pills. After a while my chemo drugs arrived and they checked everything before beginning treatment. I didn't have any pain although the fluid can feel cold as it comes into your body. Once all the chemo drugs were in me they used saline to flush my veins. One of my chemo drugs had to be manually administered but that just meant a nurse popping it into my cannula manually while we had a nice chat. Due to Covid restrictions I couldn't have a friend with me but this may be different now. It was quite normal for all the patients on the ward to have a chat and I recommend doing this as invariably there will be someone there who has had it before and can help with any questions. Don't forget to take all the medication you are given (I had to have steroids before treatment to minimise the side effects) and don't worry too much. It isn't a walk in the park but you can, and will, get through it! My only other advice would be: 1. Listen to your body and rest when you have to. 2. Try to remain as active as possible, when you feel up to it. 3. Do as your told by the professionals 4. Keep a much routine as you can... a sense of purpose is important so the illness doesn't define you. 5. Know this won't last forever. I hope this helps allay your fears a little. Wishing you all the best. Helen x