Starting chemotherapy

Chemotherapy works by killing cells that are rapidly dividing. While this is effective in attacking cancer cells, chemotherapy also targets normal healthy cells that are rapidly dividing. However, unlike cancer cells, normal cells can repair the damage and recover.

Your cancer treatment is developed using evidence-based medicine. However, it is difficult to predict if the treatment will be effective before it begins. Cancer patients can respond differently to treatments based on a variety of factors. Your doctor will closely monitor you and your response to cancer treatment, and modify the treatment if necessary.

Chemotherapy affects patients in different ways. How you feel depends on your pre-treatment fitness and the type of chemotherapy you are receiving. Please speak to your doctor and nurses regarding the specific side effects that you should look out for. Often patients manage to continue their daily lives during treatment, however it is important to listen to your body and not over exert yourself during treatment.

Most chemotherapy will cause some thinning of your hair. However, a few types of chemotherapy may cause complete hair loss. Some patients may choose to use a wig, hat or head scarf if this occurs. The hair typically starts to re-grow two months after the chemotherapy treatment finishes.

Yes, you can.

How you respond to chemotherapy changes from person to person, and this also applies to whether you lose or gain weight. Your cancer can also affect your weight and if it changes. Please discuss any concerns you have about your weight during chemotherapy treatment with your care team.

Certain vitamins and medicines can interfere with your chemotherapy treatment. It’s important to provide your doctor with a list of medicines you are taking, including those bought over-the-counter. Please also let your doctor know if you start any new medicines during treatment.

It is not advisable to radically change your diet when you are receiving chemotherapy. For example, meat abstinence is not medically necessary. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important during and after your treatment.

Doing light exercise, such as walking, can help you manage fatigue and improve your wellbeing during chemotherapy treatment. Studies have shown that exercising while you are getting cancer treatment is associated with an improved outcome.

Most of our patients can and do work during their chemotherapy. Work often generates a healthy sense of purpose and autonomy that is psychologically positive for patients. However, it is important to ensure your level of fitness and tolerance for the chemotherapy complements your work commitments.

There may be certain activities you won’t be able to participate in during your chemotherapy treatment, which will depend on your specific treatment, diagnosis and your blood counts at the time. If you’re not sure whether you should or shouldn’t take part in an activity, please discuss this with your doctor or nurse.

Cancer and/or chemotherapy are not contagious. You can share a meal with others. You may share the toilet with others, although it is probably a good idea for very young children to use a different toilet, since air particles containing traces of chemotherapy drugs may be present right after you have flushed the toilet. You may freely hug your loved ones. Sexual intimacy between couples is usually not a problem if there is no pain.

The cost of chemotherapy varies according to the type and dose of chemotherapy that you need, and the total duration of your treatment. Our staff will provide a cost estimate before you commence your chemotherapy.

Most patients are able to freely travel during their chemotherapy as long as their travel plans do not interfere with treatment dates. Please do not hesitate to discuss your travel plans with us.

Please inform and discuss with your doctor if you are planning a dental visit.

A simple blood test needs to be done prior to your visit to ensure that you do not have low blood counts.