Can someone go with you when you have chemotherapy

I'm not sure about now, but when I had chemo we were in the middle of lockdown and I went alone (was taken there and collected by my husband).

Just wanted to let you know that if this is still the case, the nurses were amazing, they take good care of you and in all honesty, actually having the chemo is a bit boring. I took things to read and passed the time that way.

I don't know what kind of chemo you are having but I had EC-T and for EC, the nurse has to inject it slowly into your arm through the cannula, so I just ended up speaking to them the whole time. Docetaxel was a drip so I read a book.

The first one is really scary before you know what to expect but I found I was absolutely fine in the hospital.

Hopefully you can take someone but if not, you will be well cared for.

I'm just so scared, planning on having the cold cap which from what I've read takes longer. It's been a couple of weeks since talking with oncologist and I cant even remember what she said its abit of a blurr now as I've had to do alot of thinking about whether to have chemo or not x

Hello Strawberry4. I'm currently having chemo, and have had 6 cycles so far (every 3 weeks), and every time I've been on the chemo unit there are always quite a few people who have someone with them whilst their chemo is being given. It may differ from hospital to hospital, and also be dependent on the local covid situation, so probably best to give them a ring first just to check that it's ok to bring someone with you (your nurse should be able to advise if you can't get through to the chemo unit directly).

I've been using the cold cap and although my hair has got very thin I've kept around 50% of it and there are no bald patches yet. Just started to wear a hat outside due to the colder weather but haven't felt the need for a wig. The length of extra time needed for the cold cap will depend on the type of chemo you are having. I'm on docetaxel and the cold cap has to be on for 30 mins before the chemo starts and 30 mins after it finishes so I spend about 3 hours on the unit in total. I take a book or newspaper/magazine in with me and depending on the time the session starts something to eat & drink. I find that the time seems to go quite quickly when you have a chat with the nurses and the other people having chemo. It's natural to feel scared the first time you have chemo but I found it ok, and the side effects haven't been too bad either as the medical team will give meds such as anti-sickness tablets, mouthwash etc to help with these if needed. 

Good luck, hope it all goes ok for you.  

Edit: Just to add that if using the cold cap take some conditioner (paraben free is best) and a comb/brush with you, plus a stretchy hairband (to protect your forehead from the cold) and a hat/scarf to wear on the journey home as your hair will still be wet. The first 15 minutes or so of the cold cap are the worst but then I get used to it, but it's a good idea to take a couple of paracetamol beforehand (I checked with the unit nurses first that it was ok to take this). 

Hi, I have my first chemo on Wednesday and have to go alone as they not allowing anyone in wiith me. I have had to do a covid pcr test too x

I am going to try the cold cap, thank you for the tips x

We’re not allowed people with us where I go and I was disappointed at first but to be honest I think that’s been nice as I’ve met a few fantastic people and we’ve helped each other x

We’re not allowed people with us where I go and I was disappointed at first but to be honest I think that’s been nice as I’ve met a few fantastic people and we’ve helped each other x also it’s actually quite nice oddly to have some me time when like minded people aren’t about x

Hi. I had my first chemo last week and was on my own. I took my iPad and a magazine but to be fair I was so nosey I hardly looked at them. I brought a giant bag of chocolate and used it as a way to talk to everyone by handing them out  I met some lovely people both days I went. The nurses are fantastic and chatty too xx

I think you have a good chance of keeping your hair with cold cap and docetaxel. I lost all of mine with epirubricin but it started to grow back when I switched to docetaxel even without a cold cap! I was surprised x

Thanks Anna12345, that's good to hear. My hair thinned out a lot when I was on AC (doxorubicin & cyclophosphamide) but I've noticed that there's been a lot less hair loss since I started the docetaxel. Fingers crossed it will start to grow back now - only 2 more cycles to go!