- Home
- Cancer Information
- Cancer treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Having chemotherapy
- What to expect when having chemotherapy
What to expect when having chemotherapy
This information will apply in most cases, but you may find that things are done slightly differently depending on how you have chemotherapy and where you have treatment.
Tests you may have |
Receiving the treatment |
To prepare for chemotherapy and between cycles, you will have a number of tests to help plan treatment:
For some chemotherapy drugs, you may also have:
|
While receiving chemotherapy you will usually be:
|
Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Prof Timothy Price, Medical Oncologist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA; Graham Borgas, Consumer: Dr Joanna Dewar, Medical Oncologist and Clinical Professor, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and The University of Western Australia, WA; Justin Hargreaves, Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Bendigo Health Cancer Centre, VIC; Angela Kritikos, Senior Oncology Dietitian, Dietetic Department, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Dr Kate Mahon, Director of Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Georgie Pearson, Consumer; Chris Rivett, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Marissa Ryan, Acting Consultant Pharmacist (Cancer Services), Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
View all publications or call 13 11 20 for free printed copies.
Need to talk?
Support services
Need legal and financial assistance?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
Radiation therapy
Information about this common cancer treatment, which is sometimes used with chemotherapy or on its own
Making cancer treatment decisions
Decision-making steps, consent and second opinions