How to Prepare for Chemo: A Survivor’s Essential Guide

Hearing the word “chemotherapy” for the first time was overwhelming and one of the hardest parts of my journey for me to accept. I was in the midst of healing from my DIEP flap, feeling weak, and my Oncotype score came back indicating that chemo was suggested. If there is one thing I’m certain of, I am not alone in feeling this way. 

While one could always choose to decline chemo, most don’t. They want to get the highest chances of success and, hopefully, ensure that they no longer have cancer. Through this journey, I’ve learned that self-care isn’t just a luxury during chemo; it’s essential “medicine” for both the body and the soul.

During this time, it’s an easy point to overlook, but self-care is a commitment to treating yourself with compassion and kindness. You are going through an immense challenge, and nurturing yourself is vital to your healing.

How to Make Chemo Easier

I can only share what my chemo treatment looks like with my breast cancer. It looks different for everyone. I didn’t have a port. I had an infusion through my vein. For me, it was a 5-hour treatment, four times, with three weeks between each treatment. Here are things that I did to make the treatment easier.

Tips for first Chemo Treatment 

Before going to my treatment, I drank tons of water and LMNT. I wanted my veins to be easy to find, and I wanted to start flushing toxins as soon as possible. If you can, prioritize hydrating both the day before and the day of. 

• Wear a soft cap or scarf. For me, wigs are uncomfortable. I wear them to work, when I’m out socially, and when I leave the house. At home and during chemo, I wear a soft cap. It makes sleeping easier if you get tired from the meds.
• Wear sweatpants. After hydrating and the hydration bag they start you with, you are going to use the bathroom a few times while getting treatment. Wearing easy-to-remove pants makes it easier because you really only have use of one free arm. 
• If you’re getting an infusion through your arm, wear a zip-up hoodie. It allows you to free that one arm while keeping the other covered.
• My center offered warm blankets which are nice. If yours doesn’t, bring a light blanket. You want to be comfortable. It is a long stretch of time.
• Bring something to do. I always had my bag ready to go. In it, I had a book, my laptop, my phone (chargers for both), and AirPods. I also had a sleep mask, but never used it.
• Bring snacks and water. Yes, keep hydrating! If your center is like mine, they may have water and ginger ale and pretzels. I usually brought Cheez-Its, graham crackers, and something sweet. It’s nice to have over the long span of time.
• Have moisturizer and lip moisturizer. As you progress through treatment, you may get dry. Keep it in your chemo bag. You’ll like having it!
• Wear an easy shoe. I’ve worn sneakers and I’ve worn Crocs. My place has us sit in recliners, so it’s nice to take off your shoes, but when you want to use the bathroom, it’s easier with slip-on shoes. 

Post Chemotherapy Care at Home 

Listen to Your Body 

Everyone responds differently to their chemotherapy, so it’s important to listen to your body. It’s working incredibly hard to process the chemotherapy medicine, and that requires a lot of healing energy. If you’re tired, do less! Don’t feel guilty. Give yourself permission to stay in bed. 

Nourish Yourself Gently 

Depending on the type of chemotherapy you get, food can be challenging, especially the first days after treatment. From heartburn, nausea, taste changes, and appetite fluctuations, it may be challenging to eat at times during treatment. 

Focus on small, frequent meals that are easy to digest. You should keep things like toast, crackers, pretzels on hand. I leaned heavily on protein shakes and my favorite, LMNT, on these days. Keeping yourself hydrated should be a priority. I do believe it helped with my symptoms because it helped flush out the toxins.

Ask your oncology team about dietary supports like Imodium, Pepcid, stool softeners, and anti-nausea medications. These can make a real difference if they work with your treatment. 

Get Moving When You Can 

For me, the first week was the toughest, then it would progress to feeling better over the next two weeks before my next treatment. Movement is essential, but it looked different during that time. 

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The first week, I walked, keeping close to home and listening to my body. Don’t push it! Make sure you aren’t draining your battery.

As I felt better, I incorporated light weights to keep muscle, a couple times a week. If you feel like that will help, it’s worth the try. The most important aspect is that you don’t wipe out your energy because your body is working on repairing from chemo.

This isn’t the time for strenuous exercise. Keep it gentle for circulation, mood, and fatigue management. Walks in nature can be powerful therapy. If you’re unsure, talk with your doctor. They will help guide you. 

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Prioritize Sleep 

I’m not talking about the naps that are needed the days after your treatment. Quality sleep is essential to healing, managing fatigue, and managing some strong feelings that you’re going to have. Try to keep your sleep schedule as consistent as possible, and value it for how it helps you recover.

Pamper Yourself 

Losing my hair was the hardest part for me. Yes, the scars of my DIEP flap are hard to look at sometimes, but they are hidden by clothes. My hair, like most women, has been a strong part of my identity. To feel more feminine, I gave myself permission to pamper myself in ways I probably wouldn’t have if I didn’t go through this.

Think outside of the box. I bought satin pajamas to feel comfy (these here, specifically). I usually wear t-shirts and sweatpants to bed, but I wanted to make myself feel a little more feminine, and it helped!

Get treatments. Facials and scalp massages helped make me feel like I was taking care of myself. It can for you, too. Check with your oncologist; they may work with non-profit organizations that do this for people going through treatment at no cost to you. 

Use gentle moisturizers on your precious skin! Keep yourself moisturized. 

Honestly, do what makes you feel a bit better while going through this time. 

Tending to Your Emotional Health

The emotional journey is just as real as the physical one. There are days where you will feel optimistic and strong. Chemo won’t bother you. Other days, you will be angry or overwhelmed by all of the emotional and physical changes. Remember, that all of these feelings are valid.

How can you cope?

• Be honest with yourself. When you’re in a slump, remember that it’s a season of your life, and things will get better! Talk to someone. It can be a family member, friend, therapist, or a journal. There are support groups. Find what works for you.
• Be willing to accept the generosity of those who love and support you. Typically independent, it was pretty hard for me to initially accept this, but I realized that it helps so much and is a way for people to show you love. 
• Keep yourself in mind. It’s okay to say no to social obligations and ask for solitude. Whether you’re physically tired or emotionally tired, both are reasons to stay in when you need to. 

Manage the Mental Load 

Treatment includes medications, appointments, and symptoms. It can be a lot to manage. Use your calendar and set reminders to pop up on your phone. Keep notes of symptoms and questions for your appointments with your oncologist. My phone became my best friend for this.

Find Joy Where You Can

Leaning into the little joys in life is where you should focus your happy energy. It can help you feel connected and remind you of your why. Spending time with family or going to your favorite places is important. 

Things to Ask Your Oncologist 

I am not a doctor, but I did a ton of research because I wanted to have the least amount of side effects possible. Since everyone reacts differently, there is a chance that these side effects may never happen, but maybe they will.

Check with your oncologist about the following:

• Claritin: The day after chemo, I have to go back to the doctor for pegfilgrastim. Claratin supposedly helps with the side effects that go along with the shot. I only take it for about 7 days after chemo each time I get the pegfilgrastim shot.
• Vitamin B Complex: This supposedly helps with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy by supporting the nervous system. Yes, I still got neuropathy, but it was very mild.
• Probiotics: Chemo does a lot to your body, and there is research that says that probiotics help, but you need to speak with your oncologist. Some do disagree. I believe it helped with digestive issues.
• Vitamin D3 and K2: It’s something I always take, but my oncologist was very supportive of keeping this within my regimen.
• Zinc: It helps manage some of the side-effects that can occur with chemo, but, like all others, it’s important to ask your oncologist because it matters what chemo regimen you’re on. 
• Metamucil: Actually, I used the Costco version. Natural fiber is obviously the best way to incorporate it into your life, but using fiber supplements can help your digestive system! 
• LMNT: I really love this product, and I have before chemotherapy. It helps with dehydration and really tastes so good. Our favorite flavor is grapefruit.

Closing Thoughts 

Preparing for chemo can look any way you want it to. Like most things I do, it was important for me to get myself well-informed and prepared. That’s what you’re doing, too!

It’s a period in your life where you’re going to feel sad, emotional, strong, and a ton of other feelings. Be patient with yourself and remember that the hard times soon become easier. 

I hope that many of these ideas help you as they do me. 

Remember: Everyone’s experience with chemotherapy is different. Always consult with your healthcare team about what's appropriate for your specific situation and treatment plan.

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