What to expect when having chemotherapy

Tests you may have

Receiving the treatment

Before chemotherapy and between cycles, you will have several tests to help plan treatment. These may include:

• weight and height measured to work out the right dose
• blood tests to check the number of blood cells, how well your kidneys and liver are working, and if you have hepatitis B virus
• x-rays and scans to check that you’re well enough for treatment and see how the tumour is responding to treatment.

For some chemotherapy drugs, you may also have:

• heart monitoring tests to see if the drugs are affecting how your heart works
• lung function tests to check whether the drugs are affecting how your lungs work.

While having chemotherapy, you will usually be:

• seated in a reclining chair in a room with other patients
• able to walk around the room (e.g. if you need to go to the toilet)
• given anti-nausea (antiemetic) medicine so you don’t feel sick
• given several glasses of water to help flush the chemotherapy drugs through the kidneys and bladder
• monitored throughout the session; nurses will also talk to you about ways to manage side effects
• able to have someone with you to support you during treatment
• able to travel to and from treatment by yourself; it’s recommended that someone travels with you the first time in case you feel unwell.