Checklist for confident and safe chemotherapy treatment

Prepare yourself and your heart:

Receiving chemotherapy, or "chemo," is a crucial step in the fight against cancer. While many people may feel anxious as their appointment date approaches, being well-prepared and well-rounded can reduce anxiety, make the treatment process smoother, and help your body fully prepare to handle the treatment.

To help you and your caregiver feel more at ease, we've outlined a key checklist to prepare before your chemotherapy appointment:

1. Prepare your body to be strong (Physical Preparation)

Good physical health is the most important first line of defense.

• Get enough sleep: The day before your appointment, get at least 6–8 hours of sleep to allow your body to fully repair and prepare.

• Drink plenty of fluids: Aim to drink 1.5–2 liters of clean water per day, perhaps starting with sips 1–2 days before your medication. Drinking enough fluids will help your body better flush out the medication and waste products from your body after your treatment.

• Choose the right foods: On the day of your appointment, choose soft, easily digested foods such as rice soup, congee, steamed eggs, or steamed foods. Avoid fried, greasy, or spicy foods to reduce the chance of nausea and vomiting.

• Visit your dentist: If possible, have a thorough dental and oral examination, as chemotherapy can cause mouth sores or other complications. Maintaining good oral health can reduce these risks.

2. Check and confirm the appointment (Appointment Confirmation)

Clarity in information will reduce confusion on the actual day.

• Confirm the date and time: Double-check the appointment date and time with the hospital.

• Prepare blood test results: If your doctor has ordered blood tests in advance, have the latest test results ready so the medical team can assess your physical readiness before administering the medication.

3. Pack your personal comfort kit.

Chemotherapy can take several hours, so having some personal items prepared can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothing that is not too tight, and preferably short-sleeved or with sleeves that can be rolled up easily to make it easier to administer medications through the IV.

• Pack some relaxation essentials: A shawl or sweater will keep you warm, and a book, headphones, or podcasts will help you relax and de-stress while you wait.

• Carry sanitary pads: For female patients, chemotherapy can affect menstrual cycles. It is best to have sanitary pads on hand in case of emergency.

4. Communicate important information with your medical team (Communication with Your Medical Team)

Clear communication between you and your medical team is crucial for maximum safety.

• Report any unusual symptoms: If you experience any unusual symptoms before your appointment, such as fever, chills, sore throat, rash, or other symptoms, you should immediately inform your doctor or nurse.

• Inform your medical history: Be sure to inform your medical team in detail about any important information you have about any allergies, medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes), or medications you take regularly.

5. Important Things to Know

Understanding what to expect will help you better prepare and cope with situations.

• Understand the side effects: Talk to your doctor about possible side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue, so you can learn how to manage and cope with them in advance.

• Have a family member or friend accompany you: After your medication, you may feel dizzy or drowsy, so you should not drive home yourself. Have a family member or friend accompany you to help you and ensure a safe journey home.

Proper preparation is like building a protective shield for both your body and mind. Paying attention to these small details will not only help make the treatment process go smoothly, but also be part of taking care of yourself and nurturing yourself to be ready to fight every step of the way.

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