Treatment for breast cancer varies between patients, but often includes chemotherapy (chemo). Most women undergo some level of surgery to remove dangerous cancer cells and follow up with chemo. Chemotherapy treatments often are prescribed to reduce the amount of cancer prior to surgery, as well. There are steps you can take to help prepare for breast cancer chemotherapy.
Step 1
Think positively that the chemotherapy drugs will not cause you to be sick. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that many women expect nausea and vomiting, and by convincing themselves that they will be sick, they actually make it come true. It is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that you will be nauseous.
Step 2
Start taking anti-nausea medications before you begin treatment. Your doctor can prescribe a drug, such as steroids, serotonin antagonists or dopamine agonists, depending on the type of chemotherapy drug you'll be taking. The preventive medicine can be taken hours or days prior to the beginning of treatment.
Step 3
Consider fasting for 12 hours before you go in for a chemo treatment. As long as you don't have diabetes or other illnesses that prevent fasting, abstaining from food can decrease the risk that you will become nauseous after chemotherapy.
Step 4
Organize your affairs before you begin chemotherapy. Most patients undergo some level of memory loss, referred to as "chemo brain," that usually resolves itself after the treatment is finished. Let others know where you keep your appointment calendar, checkbook and contact information so that you won't have to try to find those important papers when you become muddled.
Step 5
Prepare for chemotherapy by getting into the habit of practicing relaxation techniques that work for you. Try meditation or yoga that you can turn to when the treatments begin. Stock up on bath oils and bubbles to fill a bathtub when you feel stressed. Learn deep breathing techniques and keep calming music available to play during and after chemo sessions.
Tips and Warnings
- Find a support group of women who have undergone chemo so they can share tips that helped them prepare for chemo, as well as help to dispel myths and keep you informed with honest stores about their own experiences.
- Don't forget to keep low-calorie fluids handy that you enjoy. Doctors at Breastcancer.org report that women who don't stay hydrated before and during chemotherapy tend to be more stressful and more likely to experience other physical side effects like nausea.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-nausea medication
- Bubble bath oil
- Calming music
- Low-cal drinks
