Can I drive myself to chemotherapy?

It depends on the person and the treatment, but the National Cancer Institute recommends planning ahead with a ride rather than assuming you'll drive yourself. Fatigue — feeling exhausted and worn out — is the most common chemotherapy side effect, and it doesn't always show up on a predictable schedule. Some people feel fine right after treatment; others feel drained hours later.

Because of that unpredictability, NCI suggests preparing for fatigue by asking someone to drive you to and from chemotherapy, rather than deciding in the moment whether it feels safe to drive. This takes the guesswork out of a day when you may already have a lot on your mind.

If you don't have a regular ride, ask your care team or a social worker about transportation resources many cancer centers can help connect you with, such as volunteer driver programs or hospital shuttles.

Your care team knows your specific treatment and can tell you what to expect and whether driving yourself is reasonable for your situation, and that guidance always comes first.