Chemotherapy

Collage of three pictures. Two images feature nurses preparing chemotherapy. The middle image is of a nurse holding the hand of a patient.

Your chemotherapy journey

I’ve been told I need chemotherapy - what happens next?

 

When the decision is made to start chemotherapy, you will be sent an appointment with a chemotherapy nurse or invited to a group information session. At these appointments, we will go through your planned treatment, schedule and potential side effects. This appointment is important to ensure you have all the information you need before starting your treatment. You will also receive an appointment for your first treatment on our chemotherapy day unit. 

Before you start your treatment, you may need additional investigations, such as blood tests, a scan of your heart or a test to see how your lungs are working. If needed, these will all be arranged for you.

Advice and guidance for chemotherapy patients

First treatment

A nurse preparing a patient for chemotherapy.

On your first day of treatment, the nurses on the day unit will give you a new patient pack, with further important information. This will include an appointment card. Before your medication is given, the nursing team will go through your planned treatment with you and answer any questions you may have. They will then place a cannula (a small needle) into the vein. They can also provide anti sickness medication if this is needed. Then they will begin to administer your chemotherapy. Depending on what chemotherapy you are on, this may take between 30 minutes and a few hours. 

You may require a PICC line, a long, thin cannula or ‘tube’ that is inserted into a vein in your arm and can stay in throughout your whole course of treatment. If so, this will be placed by nurses on the day unit and an appointment for this will be sent to you.

Next appointment

Two nurses in discussion on Chilworth Day Unit.

When you attend for treatment, you will be given another appointment for your next treatment. Always ensure you have another appointment before leaving.   

Blood tests

A patient being prepared for a blood test.

Before each cycle of treatment, you will generally need a blood test and a review by your clinical team. Only once this has taken place will you be authorised for your next cycle of chemotherapy. This blood test can either be taken at your local hospital or at your GP practice, one or two days before your appointment at the cancer centre. If you do choose to have a blood test at the cancer centre, please ensure you arrive one-and-a-half hours before your clinic appointment to enable the blood results to be ready for when the doctor sees you. If your latest blood results are not available when you are seen by your doctor, this can lead to delays in prescribing and preparing your treatment.

Your clinical review will usually take place within outpatients 12, in the cancer centre.

End of treatment

A clinical nurse specialist talking to a patient in clinic.

When your course of treatment is complete, you will continue to be seen at regular intervals by your clinical team. This will be discussed with you during your clinic appointment.