First chemo session - what to bring / expect?

hi , I have one session of EC and was surprised how quick . in at 0930 out at 1200!  I did take sweets, kindle, knee rug but tbh I chatted to nurse who gave it manually throughout and time whizzed by. Happy to answer anything x good luck you'll be fine! I didn't sleep at all night before so was tired when home. was given a lot of tablets to take home I was a bit overwhelmed so nurse went outside and went over them with hubby waiting in car. x 

Hi,

In terms of what to expect, you’ll be weighed and they’ll check blood pressure and I think with ec I also got a big long lasting anti sickness pill.  Then if you need it they’ll put in the cannula or port needle, and do premeds like steroids. Then fitting the cap, it’s very cold for the first 15 mins or so, but after that it really does ease off and you stop noticing it.  The cap will need to be on for at least 30 mins before the treatment.  The EC was pretty quick, in my unit it was done from big evil looking syringes into the iv pump rather than as an infusion bag.  On your first time the nurse will probably stay with you, or at least be in the room so they can monitor for any reactions.  I didn’t feel anything as it went in.  Then cap for another hour while they also flush through the line, pick up home meds and you’re free to go.  Depending on how things are going, there can be quite a bit of waiting around between stages, so prepare to be patient!

Things to take.  Notepad and pen to write down instructions and information. Phone/ book/ headphones/iPad - something to do (but remember unless you have a port you’ll only have one hand). mints for any nasty tastes. Moisturiser for dry hands (you won’t need it the first time, but probably will later).  Snacks and a bottle of water or flask of tea, although there should probably be drinks and biscuits available. And with the cap, a warm cardi and blanket, I get very cold.  Money for vending machines possibly, can’t think of anything else I’ve used.

really good luck, hope it goes well for you,

RunAndBecome

Hi hope all goes well with your treatment this is a link for chemo thread it includes a link to helpful hints in the intro 

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../december-2021-january-february-2022-breast-cancer-chemo

I finished chemo. EC x 6  in Dec 2019 so any questions feel free to tag me   As already said because infusion is given manually it goes quickly as you have nurse to talk to lol 

Thanks all - really helpful tips! 

Oh, I just remembered one more thing as you’re trying the cap. A headband. Something simple with no embellishments  like this https://www.superdrug.com/Hair/Hair-Accessories/Scrunchies-%26-Elastics/Superdrug-Black-Stretch-Headband/p/762699 . Two uses - putting it under the front of the cap can help protect your forehead and make it more comfortable.  And if you don’t do that you might get a pretty pattern of cooling bars at the top of your forehead which fades in a couple of hours but you might want to cover up on the way home  

and don’t wear earrings.  Or at least not precious ones, you’ll need to take them off for the cap.

oh both of these are very helpful to know - thanks!