Things to take to chemotherapy appointment

It depends bramble, it will take longer if you cold cap. I had to sit an extra 2 hrs afterwards with ec.

As for what to take- I took someone with me! Luckily I have enough sons for them to take me to one chemo each with hubby taking the extra. They could and did stay with me and it was a good opportunity to chat with them on a one to one basis and for them to be involved as well. 

I did pack a small bag at first with sweets, puzzle book, kindle etc but didn’t even open it as was too busy nattering!

i would take a hat/hoodie for the journey home as my head is always freezing!

good luck but I’m sure you’ll be fine xxx

Thank you ruthie, I’m not sure yet if I am able to have the cold cap as a treatment plan hasn’t been decided on as yet but did realise it added an extra 2 hours to your day. I think in our area someone can sit with you for your first treatment but not the rest...need to double check that though as it seems a bit of a strange situation.

Think I’ll pack a bag like you, just in case. Thanks again!

Hi Bramble22

My present chemo is short, which is nice, but it can still take a while if they're busy!  

I tend to take puzzle books/crosswords, books, knitting, but other people do take tablets/ipads and watch films or play games. 

I don't take my OH now as he doesn't need to come - I find it easier to pass the time when he's not there as he isn't one for reading or talking or games, and he's not a great talker, so I feel guilty if I'm doing something and he's just sitting there!! 

I also take snacks and drinks. In my chemo unit, people are offered drinks and lunch if they are around for a long time, but I don't know if that is something that all units provide. 

Make sure you take any meds that you have to take if you're there for most of the day. 

If you're going to cold cap, you'll need to take some conditioner I think (I didn't first time around as I didn't want the extra time and I'm not good with the cold!) 

Good luck with your chemo journey!

Thanks for the tips Cathy, much appreciated! Just desperate to get things going!! Bx

Hi Bramble22,

I had a 9 hour chemo session last week, due to it being my first session of Herceptin/Perjeta (for which you have to be monitored for several hours after the first treatment to check for adverse reactions).  I took with me two fully charged iPads (you may not not be able to plug anything in, so it’s worth having a full battery) and spent quite a bit of time listening to music and watching films with earphones.  Our unit has WiFi, and yours probably will too, so I also caught up with my emails and did some online shopping.  I also take a crossword book for the bit when my cannula hand is being soaked in a basin of hot water and I don’t want to risk the tablet getting wet.  We are provided with food and drinks throughout the treatment (sandwiches, fruit, crisps, cereal bars, boiled sweets etc) and so I don’t take food, but I do take a metal water bottle with water/ice cubes in it, which stays cold all day.  We are also offered complementary therapies during the treatment (e.g hand/shoulder massages) and volunteers come round with magazines, so the time goes quickly. There is also a lot of chat between patients as we are often on the same three-weekly treatment cycle, so after the first session you may find that you begin to make friends.  Good luck with your first treatment - you will be fine!

Bkackcat xx

Hi Bramble22

As you have probably gathered from the replies, it is nearly alway the first session that can be drawn out over a long period if more than one type of drug is involved. That is because if there are any reactions within the first hour or so they will know which drug caused it and can treat it accordingly.

Back in 2012  J had her first Docetaxel but had to go back the next day for her first Herceptin - Think I would have preferred the 'all day' session over that. It used to be the case where you had one infusion and had to go back the next day for the different infusion, now they just keep you there for 8 -10 hours..

If I recall her first FEC was a good 5 hours.

She just took a warm over the shoulder type jacket, some drink / nibbles and a xword puzzle book but I and the other patients were there to chat with.

Scary facing your first session but it is always worse in your head than in reality.

Take care, G n' J

Bramble22

I would add that it's probably wise to take someone with you on your first treatment of any of the chemos if you can, just in case of adverse reactions  -  you never know how you're going to feel!  

Thanks again everyone! I may know on Friday what my treatment plan is going to be unless I need an MRI scan which means I won’t know until 7th October. They are thinking of doing chemo before surgery so we will see.

Some of these days are very long, better get my iPad and Kindle charged up!

Again thanks for all your tips!

Bx

Hi Bramble,

I'm also having chemo before surgery but haven't got a start date yet. I have a appointment to see the chemo specialist on 30th September maybe I will get a start date then. Remember all those little things we used to worry about before cancer? Puts everything in perspective. X

Hi

Is anyone Triple Neg and on Docetaxol (or similar) and coming to the end of their treatment?

Have you been told anything about being given tablets afterwards - if so which ones.

Or any other follow on treatment you will be getting.

Many thanks

Louise