What should I prepare before starting chemo?

Starting chemotherapy can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating treatment independently, but preparing ahead of time can make a significant difference in comfort and confidence during the process. Consider stocking up on gentle skincare products, easy-to-digest foods, comfortable clothing, and items that bring comfort during recovery days at home. The community here has incredible wisdom from shared experiences, so hopefully others will chime in with their practical tips and insights to help you feel more prepared for this journey.

I started with TNB cancer in June Stage I, Grade 3 with ki67 of 90%. I am 64. Have you had BRCA test? It’s important to design treatment and to see if family members are vulnerable. Do you have a chemo port? Chemo in arms can damage circulatory system. I just had chemo treatment #11 of Carboplatin, Taxol and Keytruda. I’ve had lots of side effects, the most difficult of which is very low blood values which delay chemo. My oncologist gave me prescriptions for nausea, bad headaches, mouth sores, painful finger tips, neuropathy, etc. Make sure your doctor prescribes meds for home treatment of symptoms. Please advocate for yourself. Make a list of questions for your doctor. Monitor your labs, especially WBCs, neutrophils and hemoglobin. If you ever have any doubts, go for a second opinion. Look for support groups. Please let me know if you want additional information. I live alone so I understand.

They can adjust your infusion medications if it’s causing issues. Also, take some soft ice packs to your infusion appointments and put in your hands and feet. That will help with neuropathy pains. They don’t like to adjust, but if you are having issues, ask if it’s possible to adjust, especially if you’re losing weight.

Hi Den, I had the same diagnoses. There are many things I wish I had known. I was put on Zofran for the nausea, and the side effects for me were worse than the nausea. Constipation was severe for me, and I had to get off it. At some point, I also had a hard time swallowing, but I was told it was odd. Then I read a pamphlet right at my doctor's, which showed it was common. So I ate soft foods for a while until it subsided. You could dehydrate quickly, and I was bad with drinking fluids. I found the IV hydration was extremely helpful, especially with my fatigue. I wish I had been told to wear something cold as in ice packs, ice gloves, something of that nature on both my feet and hands. It may have prevented chemo induced neuropathy. I wish I had done my own research. But once you get diagnosed, at least for me, I just froze and stopped thinking. They say it's aggressive and you go I to panic. My treatments started within about a week after diagnoses. Do your own research. Everyone's experience is different. But you will feel better if you at least research. I still have regrets that I have had to come to grips with and learn not to blame myself. The best of luck 💕