What to expect when having chemotherapy

Tests you may have

Receiving the treatment

Before chemotherapy and between cycles, you will have several tests to help plan treatment, and these may include:

• weight and height measured to work out the right dose
• blood tests to check how well your kidneys and liver are working and the number of blood cells
• x-rays and scans to check that you are fit for treatment and see how the tumour is responding to treatment.

For some chemotherapy drugs, you may also have:

• heart monitoring tests to see if the drugs are affecting how your heart works
• lung function tests to check whether the drugs are affecting how your lungs work.

While having chemotherapy, you will usually be:

• seated in a reclining chair in a room with other patients; during treatment it’s a good idea to shift your weight in the chair
• able to walk around the room (e.g. if you need to go to the toilet)
• given anti-nausea (antiemetic) medicine so you don’t feel sick
• given several glasses of water to help flush the chemotherapy drugs through the kidneys and bladder
• monitored throughout the session; nurses will also talk to you about ways to manage side effects
• able to have someone with you to support you during treatment
• able to travel to and from treatment by yourself; it’s recommended that someone travels with you the first time in case you feel unwell.