Chemotherapy question..

Hi Fiona 2026 and welcome to the community.

When I was having chemo, it was in a room with around 8 recliner chairs where all the patients (both male and female) were having the same type of chemo but for different cancer types. 

I was able to have my partner with me-mine was a long day there-and most other people also had someone with them. I became friendly with the lady in the next chair to me as it happened that we had the same cancer, and she had her daughter with her. 

Each hospital will have their own policies, so if you have a number for the day unit you could give them a call to check if you can be there for the whole time. It makes such a difference to the patient to have company and someone to chat to, and it was also helpful to have another per pair of hands to navigate things like going to the loo. I was attached to two different drips so had to drag the drip stand with me to every loo visit. 

Lunch was provided at my hospital, but only for patients. However most visitors would go to the hospital shop or cafe and bring back food to have with the patient. 

I hope you’ll find you’re able to be with your mum-I’m sure she will appreciate it.

Sarah xx

Thank-you for your reply.

Yeah, i want to stay with her and help her as much as i can.

Unfortunately it won't ever be a cure and i do worry how she will cope with it but she can only give it her best shot and see how it goes.

My mum went through chemo twice, along with radiotherapy at the age of 80 and coped remarkably well. I understand you’ll be worried about the potential effects of treatment, but I hope it is easier than you fear.

Your mum will be well looked after and monitored, and chemo dosages can sometimes be reduced to make things more manageable. Your mum can stop entirely at any time if things become too difficult to cope with, but it’s commendable that she is prepared to try the treatment. 

Sarah xx

and in your mums case, how were the after effects like?

She lost her hair twice, and it came back curly, which she wasn’t keen on! She lived alone but managed to continue going out to the shops, cook for herself when she had an appetite and did go to treatment alone as I lived too far away to go.

 I never once heard her complain. It wasn’t a cure for my mum, but it did give her longer, so I was very glad she chose to go through it. 

Sarah xx

Hi Fiona 2026 

My hospital doesn’t allow anyone who isn’t having chemo into the day unit. Policies vary by hospital depending on the space available and the hospital’s policies on infection control. I suggest you contact the hospital to find out as it could be a long day to be hanging around. I think my hospital used to allow people in before Covid and just found the whole thing worked more easily with patients only. From my perspective as a patient I would hate the loss of privacy of having a load more people around. 

At my hospital there is one big waiting room for people seeing consultants, having chemo or having radiotherapy and partners / supporters are allowed in there. From there the nurse collects people a group at a time to go into the day unit depending on chair availability. Mine has around 30 chairs arranged into smaller bays. Men and women mixed, could be having any kind of treatment.

There is a specific protocol for each drug treatment which may include pre-meds and flushes. The whole thing can take multiple hours depending on the treatment involved. If your mum is cold capping that adds at least 90 minutes to the time. 

Ok .. looks like I might have to find out. Luckily the hospital is close to where my live so i can get her there and come back later for her no problem.

Thanks for that info.

I think a call to the chemo unit should clarify it for you.

I've had chemo twice (at different hospitals) and each one allowed someone to be with the patient during treatment, only asking the companion to leave temporarily if a problem was encountered.

I hope your Mum's treatment goes well and it is a complete sucess.