How is chemotherapy going to make me feel?

When starting chemotherapy for the first time, many people worry about how it's going to make them feel.

It's only natural to feel a bit apprehensive about something you've never had before, and sometimes just knowing a little more about the treatment can help to reduce how worried you're feeling.

Some find visiting the unit where they will have their chemotherapy and meeting some of the staff beforehand helps to put them at ease, by giving them a mental picture of where they will be.

There are over 200 different chemotherapy drugs, and the chemotherapy regime a person has will vary depending on their individual diagnosis.  We have factsheets for both individual chemotherapy drugs and combination regimens.  Some people find it helpful to read through the factsheets relevant to their treatment, to help provide them with some background information.

It's important to remember that everyone is different and reacts differently to their chemotherapy treatment.  Some people may have little or no side-effects, while others may have more.  Extensive research has been carried out about each chemotherapy drug, and this means that much is known about the possible side-effects, including how to prevent or reduce them.

The two most common myths about chemotherapy are that it makes your hair fall out and it makes you sick.  This isn't the case.  Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, some may cause hair thinning.  Medications are given before and after chemotherapy to prevent a person feeling sick.

Many people that call our helpline would like to know exactly how they'll feel after their first chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, as everyone is so different, it really is impossible to know.  The first chemotherapy is often daunting, and it's really a question of 'playing things by ear'.

If possible it helps to be as positive as you can.  It's about listening to your own body, resting if you feel tired and going about your daily life activites when you have good levels of energy.  Some people think they should go home to bed after their chemotherapy - but it's not necessary unless you are feeling really tired. 

Unfortunately tiredness (fatigue) is a very common side effect at some point during most chemotherapy regimes.  It often helps to plan your time during chemotherapy, conserving energy for those things that you particularly want to do.  You can read more information on fatigue here.

Some people wonder if it's ok to eat something before their first chemotherapy.  Of course it is, the general advice is not to have a large meal, keep it light.  Make sure you take your anti-sickness medication after your chemotherapy as directed by your nurse or doctor.  If you find that the tablets you've been prescribed aren't doing the trick, then tell your doctor and they can often be changed.

Ultimately, each person's experience after chemotherapy is going to be very individual to them.  People often find that once their first treatment is over, they feel relieved and have a better idea about how they may feel next time. 

It can help to talk through how you are feeling about going for your first chemotherapy with friends or family, or by speaking with one of our nurses on the helpline.  You can speak with one of us between 9am-8pm Monday - Friday 0808 800 1234.