What to Do Before Starting Cancer Treatment

When treatment is considered after a cancer diagnosis, there may be situations ahead for which you need to prepare. Some small preparations and steps help improve your quality of life and put you at ease. This article describes some things to do before chemotherapy or radiation treatment begins.

One important thing to do is to learn from your healthcare team exactly how your treatment will be carried out, how long it will last, its potential side effects and its main goals. You can also consider discussions a loved one has had with your doctor about these issues. If you need one, seek a second opinion . Obtaining opinions from other specialists helps you feel certain about your doctor’s recommendation.

Plan What You Can Do

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy , before it starts and during chemotherapy, often brings concerns that are not about cancer treatment itself but about daily life: “How will I get to and from hospital?” or “Who will look after my dog?” for example.

Communicate with people around you

• Help your friends and family understand what you need (for example, if you do not want ready-made, high-calorie foods, sweets and similar items in your cupboard).
• Ask loved ones/neighbors to take on specific tasks such as picking up your children from school, walking your dog or keeping up with housework.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. People are happy to help when you are in a difficult situation; you only need to tell them what you need.

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Review Your Home

When you return home from hospital, you may need to continue recovering in a particular place, such as your living room or bedroom. Think about where would be most appropriate.

• How can you easily get water?
• Are there outlets for computer and phone chargers?
• Are there drawers for storing medicines?
• What do you need: new bedding, pillows and so on?
• Would you enjoy seeing beautiful things? Decorate with things that make you feel good, such as family photographs or plants.

Start Practicing Healthy Lifestyle Habits

About your physical and mental health , make notes. In the days or weeks before treatment, make healthy eating and, if you can, exercise a habit. These help improve both your quality of life and your health. To feel better psychologically, seek meditation, yoga, art therapy or support from a psychotherapist. How you feel as you start treatment can affect how you feel as it continues.

Be Prepared for Changes in Your Appearance

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause side effects such as hair loss, weight loss, weight gain or skin redness. Surgery can also change your physical appearance. All of this is for your health. Before treatment, you can ask your doctor what changes to expect.

• Can chemotherapy-related hair loss be prevented?

Talk to Someone Who Has Been Through a Similar Experience

If uncertainty, anxiety or fear needs easing, connect with other people with cancer. Hearing from those who have taken the journey you are about to begin can truly inspire hope and change your outlook. You can make supportive connections by asking your doctor or the hospital’s social services department to recommend a support group.