What should I expect on my first day of lymphoma treatment?

Starting treatment can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help ease some anxiety. Many patients find it helpful to bring comfort items like a blanket, snacks, and entertainment for the longer infusion days, and don't hesitate to ask the nursing staff about anything during the process - they're there to support you. Wishing you strength as you begin this journey, and hopefully others in the community can share their experiences to help you feel more prepared.

The first infusion is nerve racking cause its unknown the day is usually 6 hours long so bring stuff to do like books ,cards,snacks etc as for side effects I didnt have any the first day are they giving you rchop chemo?

I didn't know what to expect either. My first chemo was in the hospital so it wasn't too bad. 3 weeks later I started in the infusion center. It took 6-7 hours. They put a Port in my chest while in the hospital. Ask to have a Port. It makes it much easier than having 2 tubes hanging out of your arm. 4 more chemos after that & they went quicker, 3-4 hours. Bring some snacks, a book or magazine and a small pillow. I never got "sick" during or after chemo. Little nausea occasionally but you do get extremely tired for a couple weeks and then it's almost time to go back again. Good luck. Mine was stage 4 and after my scan about a month after chemo, I was in remission. So, stay positive. A few prayers wouldn't hurt either. 🍀

Appreciate the helpful responses. Getting my backpack loaded up and will be prepared.

Hello! I was in the hospital for 5 days of continuous infusions every 6 weeks for Primary B cell NHL. One thing I can tell you to be prepared for is that things move very slowwwwwly in the hospital setting! There is usually a long wait between each step. This is not necessarily an indication that anything is wrong, and is usually the result of understaffing, etc. Try to relax and go with the flow. Everything will get done, it just always takes longer than you think and longer than the staff will say. PS I am in full remission now and believe you have every reason to hope for the same outcome.

I didn't get sick at all from my treatment David. It was such a blessing. Mine is follicular so there are many different kinds. Mine is one of the easiest to treat but it never goes away.

They did my first chemo thru iv but made me get a port put in for the others. I still have my port a year later. Not sure if we are supposed to get them removed.

I learned something important about my IV treatment with Rituximab after I had a severe reaction during the first session. I learned to ask them to lower the speed of the drip. I received the required dosage but it meant longer days because of the lower drip rate. I was able to get through all the treatments. Best wishes and speak up if you begin to experience difficult side effects.