How to Prepare for Anticancer Treatment(Chemotherapy)

How to Prepare for Anti-tumor Treatment (Chemotherapy)

Before you begin anti-tumor treatment, it is very helpful to fully understand your treatment plan and the possible issues that may arise. We hope this article will help you obtain effective information. If you have any questions about the treatment, please make sure to bring them up—this is very important. Since every patient’s treatment varies greatly, your medical team will provide personalized explanations tailored to your treatment plan. Below are some common questions and suggestions to consider before you begin anti-tumor therapy.


What Does Anti-tumor Treatment Include?

Anti-tumor treatment refers to all therapies aimed at killing tumor cells. This includes: Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy, Radiotherapy, Endocrine therapy, Supportive cancer treatment, etc.


What Is Chemotherapy? Why Do I Need Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a special type of anti-tumor treatment that typically uses cytotoxic drugs to selectively destroy tumor cells, thereby improving survival outcomes. A chemotherapy regimen may consist of one or multiple drugs used in combination. Chemotherapy can also be combined with radiotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to enhance the overall anti-tumor effect. However, treatment plans differ depending on the type and stage of the tumor. Chemotherapy drugs must be prescribed by qualified oncologists. These drugs can be administered through intravenous infusion, injection, or oral medication. The specific route depends on the type of drug being used. According to your tumor type and stage, chemotherapy may help control or even cure your cancer. It can also help relieve symptoms such as tumor-related pain. Chemotherapy is usually recommended as an outpatient procedure, though inpatient treatment is also possible. Your doctor will determine which option suits you best. While chemotherapy may cause some side effects, most are controllable and reversible. Severe adverse effects are uncommon. A professional oncologist will provide the most appropriate management plan based on your condition and overall health.


What Preparations Should I Make Before Starting Chemotherapy?

In the Days Before Treatment:

• Drink Plenty of Water
Drink about 8 cups of fluids a day, each around 240 ml. Water, juice, milk, and even gelatin count as fluids.

• Prepare Anti-nausea Medication
You will need anti-nausea medication for your first chemotherapy session. Since different regimens have varying levels of nausea risk, your doctor will adjust accordingly and prescribe the medicine before or on the day of treatment.

• Prepare Any Pre-treatment Medication
Some chemotherapy regimens require special pre-medications to reduce allergic reactions and other side effects. Your doctor or nurse will inform you of these details. It’s very important to fully understand and follow the instructions carefully. The doctor may prescribe these drugs in advance or on the day of chemotherapy.

• List All Medications You Are Currently Taking
Write down all the medications you are taking—including vitamins, nutritional supplements, or over-the-counter drugs—along with their dosages and schedules. Update this list whenever your medication changes.

• Bring a Family Member or Friend for Your First Treatment
Your first chemotherapy session may affect your ability to drive. Moreover, you will receive a lot of information that day. Having someone with you to take notes or provide support can be very helpful.

On the Day of Chemotherapy

Medications
• Bring all medications you need to take that day. If your doctor has already prescribed anti-nausea drugs, remember to bring them—this is very important!
• Bring your medication list with detailed instructions about each drug, such as dosage, frequency, and any side effects you’ve noticed. If there are any changes in your medications, inform your medical team. This includes vitamins, herbal medicines, and over-the-counter drugs.

Diet
• In general, it is recommended to eat normally on the day of chemotherapy. If you have any dietary concerns, please consult your healthcare team. If needed, your nurse can also arrange a nutritionist consultation for you.
• Drink plenty of fluids—around 8 cups per day, each about 240 ml. Some chemotherapy regimens may require even more. Your healthcare provider will inform you of the details. Similarly, maintaining good hydration after chemotherapy is also essential.

Blood Tests and ECG
• Before each chemotherapy session, relevant blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) are required. You can complete these tests at our hospital or a nearby hospital within one week before chemotherapy to save time on the treatment day. Your doctor will inform you of the specific tests needed.
• If you have already completed these tests elsewhere, please bring all reports with you on the day of chemotherapy for your doctor to review.
• If blood tests and/or ECG are required on the same day as chemotherapy, you must complete them at least one hour before treatment, as the lab results usually take 30–60 minutes to process.
• Depending on your condition, your doctor may order additional tests such as X-ray, CT, or MRI scans.
• If any abnormal results appear, your doctor may request repeat tests or schedule follow-up evaluations.
• If there are significant abnormalities in your test results, chemotherapy may be contraindicated or unsafe. In such cases, your treatment may be postponed or canceled. Your healthcare team will inform you promptly and provide guidance.
• Confirm drug coverage with your insurance company

•  Some anti-tumor drugs—such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy agents—can be very expensive. If you require reimbursement information, contact your insurance company or your oncology care team. They can coordinate with the insurance claim representative to check your coverage.

• Most anti-tumor treatments can affect fertility. Your doctor will discuss this with you beforehand. If necessary, you may consult your medical team about fertility preservation options before treatment begins. There are currently several methods to help protect fertility.

• Certain anti-tumor treatments may cause oral mucosal issues. Before starting treatment, it is recommended to have dental cleaning or oral care to minimize discomfort during therapy.