You’ve met with your cancer care team to discuss your treatment options and your first appointment for chemotherapy has been scheduled. So, now what?
During your cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. That’s why we spoke to infusion nurses in the oncology department at Baptist Health-Fort Smith to get insight on what to expect, what to pack and what motivates them to make the experience as comfortable as possible for their patients.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and multiplying. Chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery or radiation therapy, or in combination with other treatments. During that time, you are seated in a comfortable chair in an infusion bay. Some intravenous treatments can take as little as 15 minutes, while some could take most of the day.
What to Expect
Typically, your visit will begin with blood tests to check your white blood cell and red blood cell counts, as well as your kidney and liver function before you begin chemotherapy.
“Each dose is made specifically for each patient, so we wait until all lab results are in,” said Kaitlyn Brasher, a registered nurse in the infusion center at Baptist Health-Fort Smith. “But during that wait, patients usually have a chance to meet with the oncologist.”
After your care team reviews and are pleased with the results, you will settle for your treatment. Some treatment plans could last several months, giving patients and staff plenty of time to get to know each other.
“We get very close to our patients and as scary as chemo can seem, we try to keep the mood pretty light and make sure they know we’re providing the best care possible,” Brasher said.
What to Pack
Our team members work to make the experience as comfortable as possible. While most infusions offer things like televisions, blankets, snacks and drinks for patients, our nurses say patients find comfort in bringing their own items, including food and drinks, to enjoy.
“Everyone always thinks they can’t eat before treatment, but in most cases- unless a doctor has told them otherwise, patients can eat a meal before they come and even have snacks during the treatment,” said Danielle Tolliver, RN. “Often patients say it’s during the treatment, when we’ve supplied plenty of nausea medication, that they get their appetite back.”
When you’re packing a bag for your appointment, consider something:
- Cozy like your favorite soft blanket or sweater, or a pillow for your neck or to sit on (especially if your treatment will take a while).
- To keep you busy such as a book, small puzzle or crossword, tablet or electronic device and earbuds.
- To charge your phone or device.
- To snack on. Baptist Health provides food and snacks, but if you have a specific treat you enjoy, bring it! Small candy like peppermint, or ginger chews and throat lozenges may also be helpful.
- To drink. Like snacks, we also offer drinks. But if you have a cup that helps keep you on track and hydrated, pack it!
- To keep you moisturized. Packing your favorite lotion and lip balm in your chemo bag can help keep your skin soft and moisturized. It may be useful to think of other personal care products you may want to pack in your bag.
What Motivates Our Team
A handful of momentos from patients adorn Hannah Neumeier’s desk in the infusion center at Baptist Health-Fort Smith. Hand-made beaded bracelets, a crocheted trivet and keychains remind her of all the patients they’ve cared for until the end of treatment, or in some cases, end of life. The patients and their caregivers become family for this team of close-knit infusion nurses.
“Our patients are amazing,” Neumeier said. “They’re so grateful and appreciative of the care they receive. This becomes a second home for many of them and we build close relationships with them.”
To learn more about the trusted cancer care provided at Baptist Health locations across the state, visit https://www.baptist-health.com/services/cancer-care.
