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Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells.

Chemotherapy may be used alone or with other treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy. It can be given as tablets, injections, or through a drip (intravenously).

Self-management tips

You will be provided with a “Treatment Record Book” on your first visit to the day unit which has helpful self-management tips in a lot more detail.

General advice:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids (around 1.5-2 litres a day).
  • Don’t give yourself a hard time if you don’t feel like eating in the two or three days after your treatment, as you can make up for lost calories in between treatments.
  • Get plenty of rest but try light activity. Weight bearing exercises (e.g. walking) can reduce fatigue.
  • Manage nausea by taking anti-sickness medication as prescribed
  • Take care of your skin by moisturising with unperfumed cream daily and being careful not to get cuts. For example, by wearing gloves and long sleeves when gardening.
  • Wear a high factor (ideally SPF 50) if you are going out in the sun and wear a hat if you have lost any hair.
  • Take care of your mouth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Some patients find it useful to switch to a soft bristle brush to minimise the risk of bleeding.
  • Avoid infections by washing hands regularly with soap and water.
  • Keep a symptom diary

 Sex and contraception

  • Chemotherapy medicines can be very harmful to an unborn baby. It is important to use barrier method contraception (e.g. condoms) during treatment if you could or your partner could get pregnant.
  • If you think you could be pregnant, please ensure you tell your specialist team or hotline service as soon as possible.
  • Follow this link for more information about sex and intimacy after a cancer diagnosis

Side effects of chemotherapy

  • Chemotherapy can cause a range of side effects, and your cancer specialist team will provide you with potential side effects related to your individual treatment plan.
  • Chemotherapy side effects usually start in the first few days to weeks after treatment begins. Side effects usually stop after you stop treatment, however some can last longer.
  • Common side effects of chemotherapy include:

 How to ask for help

Before you start chemotherapy, your cancer specialist team will discuss with you about your treatment plan including timings of drug administration and potential side effects. And if there’s anything you can do to prepare for potential side effects before you start.

Some chemotherapy medicines can cause fertility problems (which can be temporary or permanent), so you may wish to ask if there are options for storing your eggs or sperm.

Before each treatment your cancer specialist team may:

  • Ask about any side effects you are experiencing
  • Request a blood test to check if the medicine is affecting your blood cells
  • Measure your height and weight to make sure you’re receiving the right dose of chemotherapy medicine.
  • Request a scan to check how well the chemotherapy medicine is working

If you are feeling unwell

If you are experiencing:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • A fever (temperature above 38°C or under 36°C)
  • Shivering episodes

You are to call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department

You are advised to call your hotline service if you are suffering from any of the following:

  • Mouth ulcers that reduce the amount you can eat or drink
  • Nausea that is not controlled with your anti-sickness medication
  • Vomiting on more than one occasion
  • A rash
  • A swollen limb
  • Worsening of pre-existing breathlessness
  • Gum or nose bleeds or unusual bruising
  • Constipation, cough or problems passing urine
  • Come into contact with shingles or chicken pox
  • Four or more bowel movements in 24hrs or diarrhoea
  • You feel very unwell
  • Flu-like symptoms

If you are cared for on the Trevor Howell day unit (if you have been diagnosed with a solid tumour cancer or lymphoma) please call: 0783 114 7653 at any time. If the phone is not answered, please leave a message stating your name, hospital number and the problem you’re experiencing. A nurse will try to return your call as soon as possible.

If you are cared for on Ruth Myles day unit (if you have been diagnosed with a Haematology condition such as leukaemia or myeloma) please call: 020 8725 1680 Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) 09:00-17:00.At all other times call: 0208 672 1255 and ask for the haematology on call registrar.

Resources

We have created a series of films to help you prepare for your treatment. The IMPACT (I’M Prepared for Anti-Cancer Treatment) video collection was designed by experts and patients at St George’s University Hospital to help you prepare for starting treatment.

Preparing ahead of starting treatment

Having treatment

Looking after yourself during treatment – diet

Looking after yourself during treatment – being physically active

Looking after yourself during treatment – emotional wellbeing

 

Film created by Macmillan: What is chemotherapy?

 

Cancer research UK “Your Treatment Record” booklet will help you to track your treatment and progress. You can also find more information about chemotherapy on their website or on the Macmillan website.

Easy Read booklet from Macmillan Chemotherapy

Macmillan podcast “Talking cancer”