You can speak to our medical or nursing staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm, call your oncology liaison nurse.
Outside these hours (evenings, weekends and public holidays): Call St Bernadettes ward 021-4801676, in the absence of a response please call the Bons Switch 021-4801600 who will ensure contact is made with the ward who will revert back to you.
As some chemotherapy can take a few hours, you can bring something to read or watch movies or listen to music. There is a television in each treatment bay or room. We supply tea, coffee and a bagged lunch (you can bring along your own food if you prefer). Bring a list of any medications or over-the-counter preparations you are already taking so we can ensure they are safe to continue.
Some chemotherapy treatments are given as tablets or capsules which are called oral chemotherapy, but most are given by drip (infusion) into a vein. The drugs go into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body to treat the cancer cells wherever they are. Occasionally just one chemotherapy drug is used, but often a combination of two, three or more drugs is given. Treatment schedules for chemotherapy vary widely, depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Your consultant will discuss these options with you.
Yes, eat your usual breakfast. You should also take your usual medication. The exception is if your doctor has recommended otherwise.
We recommend you wear comfortable clothes with loose sleeves. Avoid turtlenecks. This is because the nursing staff may need to take a blood test. They may also need to put an intravenous (IV) drip into your arm for your treatment. Avoid wearing pale/white coloured clothing as they may get stained with blood.
You may have one or more of the following symptoms following treatment. If so, please contact us straight away on 021-4801676.
- A temperature over 38˚C or fever and chills (these might show an infection)
- Diarrhoea that continues over 24 hours, particularly if watery
- Persistent vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
- Nausea lasting despite taking antinausea medicine
- Any abnormal bleeding
- Constipation: if you have not opened your bowels for more than two days
- A cough or shortness of breath
- A sudden decline in your health
- Any changes in mood including feeling withdrawn, depressed or anxious
- Sudden swelling of a leg or arm.
- Chest pain on breathing
Feel free to ask your team any questions. Let them know if you have any concerns about your treatment and how you are feeling.
In most cases, the treatment is no more painful than any other injection. You may experience a cool sensation when the chemotherapy is going into your vein. If it becomes painful, please let your nurse know at once. Sometimes chemotherapy can cause irritation or phlebitis in the veins. This can occur during your infusion, or at home in between chemotherapy sessions. Some drugs can cause this more than others. Please let the nurses know as soon as you notice some discomfort so they can check what drugs you are on and advice you accordingly. After one or more treatments, an area close to the injection site may become sore. If this happens, let your treating team know. This will help them avoid that area when putting in a drip for your next chemotherapy cycle. Some chemotherapy may be administered as an injection into the skin. The injection is usually not painful but will sting for a few moments initially.
Please bring a list of all of the medications that you take whether it is prescribed, over the counter medications or alternative therapies. Please let us know when need a new prescription. Unfortunately we are unable to prescribe non chemotherapy related medications, these need to be prescribed by your General Practitioner (GP).
We recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your first appointment. Some medications given as part of your treatment may make you drowsy Depending on the medications in your treatment, you may be able to drive for later visits. If you need help with travel to treatment let your team know.
Please know that a diagnosis of cancer can raise many personal issues including feeling depressed, anxious, and scared or confused. These feelings are normal and are experienced by many people diagnosed with cancer. A brief distress questionnaire and a discussion with a professional can help you with your concerns and connect you to helpful resources and support. Whether you are looking for information on how to talk to your kids, challenges at work, information about financial and insurance concerns, or are just looking for someone to talk to about the stress cancer has brought into your life, help is available.
It is important to discuss any complementary therapies with your doctor or team prior to commencement of same. Sometimes complementary therapies, herbal remedies or vitamins may react with your treatment. Generally gentle massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, relaxation and visualization techniques do not impact your treatment and are usually okay. If you are unsure, please ask your doctor or nurse for advice. AVOID Saunas and Jacuzzis – they may cause skin problems while on treatment.
A multidisciplinary team will care for you during your chemotherapy treatment. This is a team of experts who plan the best treatment for you. They will work together to ensure you receive the best available treatment. Your team may consist of:
- Medical oncologists or haematologist
- Clinical Nurses Specialists – Liaison Nurses
- Other doctors. These doctors are doing specialist training and research in medical oncology and haematology
- Specialist chemotherapy nurses
- Pharmacists
- Allied Health professionals such as dieticians, physiotherapists, social workers, clinical psychologists
- Pastoral care
Your GP is a very important member of your team who has a broad range of knowledge. They also help to co-ordinate care for other medical conditions and prescribe your regular medication.
