Preparing for Common Cancer Treatment Days at Home

This page is for people getting chemotherapy who want to plan for treatment days. Much of the work of a treatment day happens before and after the appointment itself. This page follows the National Cancer Institute's patient booklet Chemotherapy and You and NCI's chemotherapy page. They cover eating, getting there and back, help at home, and what to watch for once you are home.

Session length is not standard. NCI does not publish a typical figure. It lists "How long does each treatment last?" as a question to ask your doctor. Ask it before your first appointment. The answer tells you:

• Whether you need a meal
• Whether someone can wait with you
• What to arrange at home

Bring what makes a long sit easier:

• Something to read or watch
• Headphones
• A phone charger
• A layer you can add if the room is cold
• Your current medicine list

There is no single right answer here. NCI says so directly: "Some people feel better when they eat a light meal or snack before chemotherapy. Others feel better when they have chemotherapy on an empty stomach (nothing to eat or drink for 2 to 3 hours before treatment)."

Afterwards, NCI's instruction is more specific: "After treatment, wait at least 1 hour before you eat or drink."

Have you been given separate written instructions about fasting, fluids, or taking your usual medicines on treatment morning? Those override the general advice. Ask which of your regular medicines to take, and at what time, before the day arrives.

NCI lists "Should someone drive me to and from treatments?" among the questions to ask your doctor.

One reason is fatigue. NCI says "the most common side effect is fatigue, which is feeling exhausted and worn out." To prepare for it, NCI suggests "asking someone to drive you to and from chemotherapy" and "planning time to rest on the day of and day after chemotherapy." You can also ask whether any medicine you get that day could make you drowsy.

It can help to plan the first session as though you will not be driving home. Ask the social worker or navigator early whether your clinic or insurer offers help with rides. Don't wait until the morning itself.

Treatment days do not end at the door. NCI suggests "asking for help with meals and childcare on the day of and at least one day after chemotherapy." NCI's booklet is clear about accepting offers: "Accept help. When your family or friends offer to help, let them. They can help care for your children, pick up groceries, run errands, drive you to doctor's visits, or do other chores."

In practice, that can mean:

• Shopping and cooking before you go, not after.
• Having easy food and fluids in the house.
• Having any anti-nausea or other medicines your team prescribed filled and at home before the first dose.

A thermometer. NCI's booklet says to "check for fever at least once a day, or as often as your doctor or nurse tells you to."

CDC says to call your doctor immediately if you have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during chemotherapy. CDC calls it a medical emergency. Fever may be the only sign of an infection, and an infection during chemotherapy can be life-threatening. NCI's booklet says to call even on the weekend or in the middle of the night, and to call if you have chills or sweats. It says not to take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other fever-lowering drugs without first talking with your doctor or nurse.

NCI says "infections during cancer treatment can be life threatening and require urgent medical attention." Call your health care team if you have signs of an infection. Write down the number to call after hours. You can read more about how sources word the fever threshold.

NCI notes that "many employers are required by law to change your work schedule to meet your needs during cancer treatment." It adds that many people can work during chemotherapy, as long as they match their schedule to how they feel. A social worker can tell you more about these laws. On cost, NCI suggests talking with your health insurance company and with the business office where you go for treatment.

This guide cannot diagnose a symptom. It cannot set an individual emergency threshold, determine legal authority, or guarantee insurance coverage. Follow the oncology team's written instructions. Do not change prescribed medicines, treatment, diet restrictions, activity restrictions, oxygen, devices, or wound care independently.

If someone may be in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. For thoughts of suicide or self-harm in the United States, call or text 988. Elsewhere, use the local crisis service.

• National Cancer Institute — Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer
• National Cancer Institute — Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
• National Cancer Institute — Infection and Neutropenia During Cancer Treatment
• National Cancer Institute — Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
• CDC — Watch Out for Fever (Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients)