What To Bring to Your First Chemo Session: A Mesothelioma Patient’s Checklist

What To Expect at Your First Mesothelioma Chemo Session

Your first chemotherapy session typically includes check-in, blood work, a meeting with your care team, accessing your port or IV and the infusion itself. The appointment usually takes several hours.

Overview of Your First Day for the Chemotherapy Session

• Check-in and blood work: At the infusion center, check in at the front desk. A nurse will draw your blood to check your blood cell counts and organ function. The labs will confirm you are ready for treatment that day.
• Meeting your care team: The oncology nurse will review your treatment plan and go over any premedications. Then, the nurse will give you premedications before chemotherapy to prevent nausea or allergic reactions. They will also check your vital signs and ask how you are feeling.
• Port access or IV start: If you have a port, your nurse will access it using a special needle. There may be a brief pinch or pressure. If you don’t have a port, your nurse will start an IV in your arm or hand.
• The infusion: Your nurse will give you chemotherapy drugs through your port or IV. You can spend this time sitting, resting, reading or sleeping. Staff will check your status regularly.
• Going home: Don’t plan to drive. Arrange for someone to pick you up.

Your first session often runs longer than other appointments. This is because the first session usually requires additional setup and extra monitoring.

Exclusive Content

Dr. David Sugarbaker: What Should Patients do Before Mesothelioma Treatment?

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[MUSIC PLAYING] Probably one of the most important things that a patient can do prior to planned surgery for mesothelioma is to get up and get walking. The development of their musculature is extremely helpful after surgery as they begin to, as I say, walk off the procedure. After surgery, a patient is weakened by that injury of the surgical removal, surgical resection, of the opening of the chest. If a patient is better prepared, number one, with what we call ambulation, that’s going to reduce mortality. And that’s been demonstrated in other procedures as well. So that’s the first very important component. The second is nutrition. Critical part of the strategy to reduce what we call morbidity, or the effects of the surgery on a patient after surgical procedure. So ambulation, walking around, nutrition, very, very helpful. Probably the third, and maybe even the most important part of this, is to treat, or have the patients treat themselves by getting this and this behind the surgery. The development of a positive attitude is absolutely critical for patients and their survival from mesothelioma in general, but also from their survival of the treatment strategy, which includes surgery going forward after the operation. [MUSIC PLAYING]

What To Bring: A Quick Checklist

You should bring your insurance card, ID, clinic paperwork and a current medication list to your first chemotherapy session. It can also be helpful to pack a chemo bag with comfort items, entertainment, drinks and snacks to provide relief during your appointment.

Items To Bring to Your Chemotherapy Session

• Clothing: Wear a loose top with easy access to your chest or arm. This helps your care team reach your port or IV without making you undress.
• Comfort Items: A blanket, sweater, slippers or warm socks can help you feel more comfortable while you are at the clinic.
• Documents: Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a current list of all your medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements) and any paperwork your clinic gave you.
• Entertainment: Bring a tablet or smartphone, headphones, a book or an audiobook. Don’t forget your charger and a portable battery.
• Food and Drink: Pack a water bottle and light snacks. Ask your nurse whether you are allowed to eat during your infusion. This depends on your specific regimen and your clinic’s rules.

Having the right essentials to keep you comfortable and pass the time can make the session less stressful. It will also help the staff make your day go by more smoothly.

Preparing After Port Placement for Pleural Mesothelioma

If your doctor recently placed a port to administer chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma, wear a loose top that is button-up or zip-front so your nurse can reach your port easily. Tell your nurse if the port site is still sore.

Manage Port Soreness:

• Ask your care team how to care for your port at home
• Avoid tight clothes that press on your chest or port area (loose tops with buttons or zippers work best)
• Find out if you need to avoid certain activities
• Take pain meds if prescribed or use a Ziploc bag of iced water to reduce pain
• Tell your doctor if your soreness increases or you have any concerns

It is normal to experience some soreness around a new port site. However, you should tell your care team if the area feels very painful, appears red, swells, becomes warm to the touch, has drainage or you notice any changes around the port site.

Preparing for HIPEC for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Patients prepare for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy differently from a standard infusion because it is an inpatient surgical procedure, not an outpatient session. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow, but you might have to fast and stop taking other medications.

Surgeons administer HIPEC during major surgery that treats peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of your abdomen. During surgery, your surgeon removes visible tumors. Then, they circulate heated chemo through your abdomen for about 60 to 90 minutes.

You may need to stay in the hospital for up to three weeks, so packing a hospital bag is necessary. Full recovery can take months.

Bringing a Support Person

Bringing someone to your first chemotherapy session is important because they can take notes, provide comfort during a long day and drive you home. A loved one can help you remember what the care team says, ask questions you might not think of at the moment and advocate for you if you aren’t feeling well.

This first session can be stressful, and having someone with you can reduce anxiety and can help make time go by faster. Visitor policies vary by clinic. Some allow one visitor during treatment, while others may have time limits or restrictions. Call ahead so that you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to my first mesothelioma chemotherapy session?

Bring comfort items, entertainment, snacks (if allowed), your insurance card, photo ID, a current medication list and loose, comfortable clothing.

How long does a first chemotherapy session take?

Your first session often takes several hours. It sometimes takes longer than other sessions. The extra time accounts for check-in, blood work, meeting the care team, premedications and monitoring after the infusion.

Can I eat or bring snacks during chemo?

It depends on your treatment regimen and your clinic’s policies. Ask your nurse before you bring food. Some clinics provide snacks and drinks, but it is best to check first.

What should I wear to chemo if I have a port?

Wear a loose, button-up or zip-front top. This gives your care team easy access to your port without making you undress. Avoid tight clothes that press on your port site.

How do I prepare for HIPEC if I have peritoneal mesothelioma?

HIPEC is a surgical procedure with a hospital stay. You’ll prepare differently for this than for standard infusion. The surgical team will give you specific pre-op instructions that may include fasting or stopping medications. You can also pack a hospital bag.

Should someone come with me to my first chemo session?

Yes, if possible. A support person can drive you home, take notes, ask questions and provide comfort. Check your clinic’s visitor policy ahead of time.

How can I manage port-site soreness after placement?

Wear loose clothing that doesn’t press on the port area. Tell your care team if the site is very painful, red or swollen. They can advise you on how to manage discomfort.