Chemotherapy includes the intake of drugs to cure cancer. These drugs at times give a lot of side effects and therefore the patient should be prepared for the side effects before beginning the therapy. Preparing for chemotherapy makes the patient aware of all the changes that he/she might face during the therapy. This makes the patient take the treatment positively even if they are showing a lot of side effects from the medication. With a positive mind, the treatment happens more smoothly showing the maximum results.

In order to prepare for chemotherapy, the patient should be well aware of the medications they will be prescribed by his / her doctor and the possible side effects they might show. They should be made aware if the intake of drugs might result in hair loss and whether they need to take the medication regularly. The medication schedule along with the rest period should be given to the patient. Minor details of even what the patient should eat before they come for the treatment should also be talked about. Patient’s diet plan and the telephone number where they should call in case there is a problem at night or in the day should be provided to them for quick guidance.

The following things need to be looked at before a person undergoes chemotherapy:

• Visit a dentist:This implies to those patients who need dental treatment. The medicines taken during chemotherapy could lead to infection and therefore any kind of dental work cannot be performed after you start chemotherapy. It is also recommended that all patients going for chemotherapy should visit a dentist once before the treatment begins as the dentist would be able to suggest a few ways to manage the dental problems faced during chemotherapy.
• Have a PAP smear done: Before chemotherapy, it is advisable for females to have their annual PAP smear before they begin with the treatment. This will avoid abnormal results as the treatment can affect the cervix cells for 6 to 12 months after chemotherapy.
• Get a wig:Chemotherapy drugs most of the times result in hair loss. Before a patient begins the therapy, it would be better that he purchases a wig. This will not only come handy during the treatment but will also help you when you stop chemotherapy, as it results in hair loss. You can also choose the one matching your hair. Your stylist could also recommend the appropriate wig as per your current hair style and hair color suitable for you. There are some insurance companies who also bore the charges of a wig during cancer treatments. A list of the recommended wig retailers are also provided in most cancer care centers.
• Wear comfortable clothing: This applies when you are getting the treatment. If a patient is receiving chemotherapy through a vein in the arm, the sleeves should allow proper and comfortable access past your elbow.

Some other chemotherapy considerations include arranging for child care during and after the treatment, making arrangements at work for leave and talking to your boss about the problems you are facing need to be taken care off before you start your treatment. If family members and any of your friends offer for help try giving them some job so that you get some rest and don’t exhaust during the therapy. Ask your doctor about your chemotherapy duration so that you can inform your family, friends, boss and others who are helping you during the treatment.