Things your family should do to get ready for chemotherapy

Chemotherapy leaves you more vulnerable to infection. It’s a good idea for family members to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick and affecting your health. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, keep hand sanitizer available, and have guests remove their shoes before entering your home.

Chemotherapy cycles may be planned in such a way that there will be 5 days of chemo with 2 days of rest, all within 7 days (roughly). Maintaining drug levels: 7-day rule helps ensure that there is enough chemo in the body to fight cancer

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy, often simply called chemo, is a powerful cancer treatment that uses drugs to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. The benefit of chemotherapy is that it can increase your odds of recovering from cancer.

Before chemotherapy starts, your health care team will put together a treatment schedule that’s targeted to your diagnosis and your overall health. Your plan will include the types of chemotherapy drugs you will take, how often you will need treatment, how long each treatment will last and any other therapies you might need.

Ask your health care team any questions you may have. Knowing what to expect can make you more comfortable with the treatment process.

Many treatment centers offer a chemotherapy class you can attend before your first treatment to learn more about what to expect, home medications, port care and safety measures. It’s a good idea to attend if it’s an option for you.

What to wear and bring with you to your treatment

Comfortable clothing in layers. “Many people feel cold during chemotherapy infusions,” Lyon said. If you have a port, wear a shirt with buttons so it’s easier to access.
Identification and insurance information to make the check-in process go smoothly.
Comfort items such as a cozy blanket or socks.
Snacks and water. Chemotherapy sessions can take a long time, so you’ll want some light, easy-to-digest snacks and a water bottle. “Snacks and drinks are usually available, but you may prefer to bring your own,” Lyon said.
A tablet, e-reader, book or headphones so you can watch a movie or show, read or listen to music or podcasts to pass the time.
A friend or family member if you would like to have someone by your side for support and companionship.

What the treatment process is like

When you arrive at the treatment center, you’ll check in and the care team will take your vital signs and answer any questions you have. You’ll sit in a soft, comfortable chair — usually a recliner.

Next, they will administer your chemotherapy drugs. Depending on the type of chemotherapy, that could be an IV, medicine you take by mouth or injections. Your visit could be as short as one to two hours or as long as six hours. The team will watch you closely for any response to the treatment and will address your concerns.

After you finish your treatment, the team will observe you for a short time to make sure you don’t have any reactions. It’s a good idea to have someone drive you home after your first chemo appointment. You may need to come in the next day for an injection, or two days later for a port pump discontinuation.

“Many times, chemotherapy is given in cycles so you can recover from one cycle’s effects before the next cycle starts,” Lyon said. A treatment cycle can include one or more days of chemo along with rest days.

Chemotherapy safety in the home

Use a plastic bucket. Vomit into a plastic bowl or bucket (or a plastic bag with no holes)
Clean up spills
Take care going to the toilet
Wear disposable gloves
Keep tablets whole
Handle laundry carefully
Use protection
Put medicines in a safe place

Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells which stop or slow their growth. A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid eating undercooked or raw food, interacting with actively infectious people, overexerting themselves, and consuming too much alcohol

Chemotherapy can help you get better. But you’re more likely to get infections when you’re on it. That’s because the drugs that kill cancer also attack your white blood cells, which fight germs.

Your immune system usually goes back to normal after you finish treatment. In the meantime, here are precautions you and your family can take to keep you safe.

Managing stress on treatment day

It’s normal to feel anxious or stressed when you have chemotherapy treatments, especially the first time. These steps may help:

Deep breathing exercises: Inhale slowly, hold your breath for a few seconds and exhale gradually. Repeat for several breaths.
Mindfulness or meditation.
Listening to calm music, watching a favorite TV show or reading: Entertaining yourself can shift your focus away from your anxiety.
Telling your health care team how you’re feeling: They can reassure you, answer questions and offer support.
Chemotherapy side effects
The strong medications in chemotherapy that get rid of the cancer can also cause some common side effects. “Not all people receiving chemotherapy experience all possible side effects,” Lyon said. “Most side effects of chemotherapy are short-term and can be handled with medicine and proper care.”

Here’s how to handle some of them:

Nausea and vomiting: Medication and small frequent meals can help. Ginger and peppermint may also be good options. Carbonated beverages can settle your stomach. Avoid fatty foods, since they are hard to digest.
Diarrhea: Eat bananas, white rice, applesauce and dry toast, and drink at least eight cups (64 fluid ounces or approximately two liters) of water daily. Talk to your provider before taking medication to treat diarrhea.
Constipation: Add fiber to your diet and drink eight cups of fluids a day. Talk to your provider before using enemas or suppositories.
Fatigue: You’ll want to prioritize rest and conserve your energy. However, light activities such as short walks can help you feel better.
Hair loss: You may want to look into wigs, scarves or hats if you feel self-conscious about your appearance without hair. “Ask your care team if scalp cooling to prevent hair loss might be an option for you,” Lyon said.
Appetite changes: Focus on small meals with lots of nutrients and try different foods to see what you tolerate best. Drink liquids with a straw to minimize the taste.
Weakened immune system: Practice good hygiene to reduce your risk of infection and let your health care team know right away if you have any signs of infection.
Low blood counts: Ask for copies of your blood test results, since you could be at higher risk of infection if your white blood cell count is low.
Chemo brain (problems with thinking): Stay organized by using day planners, calendars and checklists and use cell phone alarms and reminders to minimize forgetfulness.
Track your symptoms and side effects during chemo treatment. Note how strong they are and any patterns you notice. Share your experiences with your care team. They can use this information for treatment decisions.

Nutrition during chemotherapy

Since chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting and appetite changes, you’ll need to pay close attention to your food and fluid intake:

Drink plenty of water, herbal tea and clear broth. Limit caffeine and alcohol.
Choose a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. You may want to talk to a dietician to come up with a meal plan that works for you during chemotherapy.
Ask your health care team if you need any supplements. Some people need vitamin D or B12 during treatment.
Keep healthy snacks on hand to help you maintain your energy.
Mental well-being during treatment

You’ll want to prepare mentally and emotionally for chemotherapy. Take time to acknowledge and express your feelings. It can help to:

Connect with friends, family, your health care team or support groups to share your feelings and experiences.
See a therapist or counselor for additional emotional support.
Try mindfulness meditation, yoga or relaxation techniques to alleviate stress.
Make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.
Keep a journal — expressing your thoughts and emotions can give you a sense of control.
Engage in creative activities like art, writing or music.
Ask your care team about support services.

Lifestyle adjustments

Chemotherapy is different for everyone. You want to find the right mix of activities, rest, time with loved ones and self-care that works for you.

You may not be able to work on your treatment day and sometimes for the next few days. You may need help with things like shopping and preparing food. After your first couple of treatments, you’ll have a better idea of how they’re affecting you.

Listen to your body, pay attention to your energy levels and adjust what you do accordingly. Rest when you need to, even if you need to take a short nap during the day.

Create a routine that builds in enough time for rest. Breaking your tasks down into manageable segments can keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Ask friends and family for help so you can save your energy for the things you need to do.

Even if you’re tired, gentle physical activity like walking or stretching can improve your energy levels. Talk to your health care team about the activities that might be best for you.

You may want to share the side effects of chemotherapy with your closest family and friends so they know what to expect. You may also want to let people know when you need quiet time for rest and recovery.

It’s important to get plenty of restorative sleep. Create a comfortable sleep environment and have a bedtime routine that sets you up for a good night’s rest.

Follow-up care

As you approach the end of your chemotherapy appointments, your care team will explain what happens next. You’ll need regular follow-up appointments to monitor your overall health.

Your provider may also recommend certain tests to watch for any issues. If you notice any new symptoms or changes in your health or have any lingering side effects, let your provider know.

For ongoing support, you can connect with local or online support groups, patient navigation programs and cancer survivors’ wellness programs. Talk to your health care team to find out what’s available in your area.

How to Prepare Your Home

For starters, you should wash your hands often and stay away from crowds. You should also:

Disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot. You can use soap and water first. That’ll lower the number of germs. Follow that up with a disinfectant. That’s a cleaner that can kill the viruses and bacteria left behind. You may want to keep bleach or sanitizing wipes around your house. Use gloves when you clean.

You may be more sensitive to smells if you’re in chemotherapy. Strong odors from cleaning supplies might make you feel sick. Always open windows and doors while you clean. You can also ask a family member or friend to do some of the disinfecting for you.

You or someone else should disinfect items like these once a day:

Tables and countertops
Refrigerator handles
Phones
Keyboards
Remote controls
Toilets and faucets

Disinfect these items once a week:

Trash cans
Bathtubs
Floors

Flush the toilet two times when you use the bathroom the first 2-3 days after treatment. While wearing gloves, clean the toilet seat if you get pee on it. Do the same thing if you vomit. Chemo drugs can come out in your body fluids. They may bother your skin or someone else’s.

Get a thermometer. You’ll want to check your temperature anytime you feel too hot, too cold, or generally unwell. Tell your doctor right away if you get a fever.

Keep extra face masks. If you have a visitor, ask them to cover their nose and mouth with a cloth face mask. You can wear one too. This extra barrier may slow the spread of infections.

Get rid of fresh flowers or live plants. They could bring germs into the house.

Caring for Your Mental Health During CLL Treatment

Talk to your doctor about pets. It might be OK to keep your furry friends. But your health care team may want you to take extra steps to stay safe. Some examples include:

Don’t play with animals that bite or scratch.
Trim your pet’s claws.
Don’t let animals lick your face.
Keep your pets inside as much as possible.
Get someone else to clean your pet’s waste.
You may have to clean up your pet’s pee, poop, or vomit sometimes. Always wear waterproof disposable gloves if that happens. Wearing a face mask isn’t a bad idea, either. Disinfect the soiled area. Throw the dirty gloves away and wash your hands.

You shouldn’t be around certain animals during chemotherapy. These include:

Reptiles, like snakes or turtles
Chickens and ducks
Rodents, like hamsters or mice
Exotic animals, like monkeys

Other Steps You and Your Family Can Take

Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. Anyone who is around you should do the same. Don’t be shy about asking them to scrub up. It’s best to use regular soap with warm or cold water. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is the next best option.

Make sure you clean your hands:

After you go to the bathroom
After you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze
After you touch trash
After you change diapers or help a child pee or poop
After you touch plants or soil.
After you touch your pet.
Before you make food or eat
Before and after you handle your catheter, port, or any device in your skin
Before and after you treat a cut or wound

Try to avoid injury. Cuts, burns, and scrapes can get infected. To lessen your chances of getting hurt, you can:

Use plastic dishes that won’t break.
Wear shoes.
Remove portable rugs so you don’t trip.
Put a nonslip bathmat or seat in the shower.
Get an electric shaver instead of a razor.

If you do get injured, clean your wound with soap, water, and an antiseptic. That’s something like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Cover it with a bandage. Tell your doctor if it gets red or swollen.

Practice good hygiene. You should bathe or shower with soap and water every day. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Ask your health care team if it’s OK to floss. Don’t use an alcohol-based mouthwash.

Stay away from sick people. You shouldn’t get within 6 feet of anyone who might have an infection. If someone in your house becomes ill, they should try to stay in a separate room. They should also try to use a different bathroom for a while.

What Happens if You Get Sick?

If you have a fever, call your doctor or go to the hospital right away. Don’t wait until the morning. If you go to the emergency room, make sure you let them know you’re getting chemotherapy. You’ll need fast treatment. It’s considered a medical emergency if you get an infection while you’re on chemotherapy.

Some signs of infection include:

A fever of 100.4 F or higher
Chills
A new cough
Soreness in your throat, sinuses, or anus
A sore throat

Chemotherapy can carry risks for family members. This includes exposure to the drugs through bodily fluids. To minimize this risk, it’s crucial to maintain strict hygiene practices.

Chemotherapy is a type of medication that kills cancer cells and stops them from reproducing. People may take the medication intravenously or orally, with the course of treatment typically lasting several months. Doctors may recommend chemotherapy to people if there is a risk of cancer spreading or it has already started spreading.

People taking chemotherapy medication may have a higher risk of catching infections. It is, therefore, important that family or household members take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading infections.

They should also take precautions to avoid close contact with chemotherapy drugs, as this could be hazardous to health.

Can home chemotherapy lead to health risks for family members?

People can take chemotherapy treatments in different ways. If a person is taking medication through a pump, via injection, or in the form of tablets, they may be able to carry out chemotherapy at home.

Cancer is not contagious, but chemotherapy drugs are strong and may pose health risks to those who have exposure to them. Oncology nurses and doctors wear protective clothing, such as goggles, gloves, gowns, or masks, when handling chemotherapy medications.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source, chemotherapy medications will usually leave the body within 48–72 hours of treatment.

Although it is unlikely that family members will come into direct contact with chemotherapy medication, drug waste may still be present in bodily fluids, such as urine, vomit, and sweat.

There are some precautionary suggestions for people who are in close contact with individuals taking chemotherapy at home. The ACS recommends:

sitting down when using the toilet to reduce the chance of fluids splashing or using a separate toilet if available
washing clothes, fabrics, and bedding in a machine with warm water and laundry detergent rather than by hand
washing any material with bodily fluids on separately from other items
washing the hands with warm water and soap, then drying them with disposable towels
sealing adult diapers, period products, and similar waste inside two plastic bags to throw them away and washing the hands thoroughly after contact
cleaning the surrounding area thoroughly with hot, soapy water if a person vomits, then emptying any waste down the toilet, flushing it twice, and washing the hands
Chemotherapy around babies and toddlers
Chemotherapy poses very little risk to babies and toddlers, as they are unlikely to come into contact with the medical drugs or bodily fluids. However, it is the responsibility of adults to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of any infants and young children.

Hygiene

The cleaning precautions above also apply if toddlers and babies are present. If possible, people might consider designating a separate toilet for children to use.

Parents or caregivers should change diapers and clothes on a sanitized surface and use disposable papers to avoid contamination with fluids. After changing the baby or toddler, it is essential to wash the hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water or sanitizer.

Storage

If a person is taking their chemotherapy medication at home, they or an adult household member should take care to store all medications out of reach of children in a safe, secure place. This advice applies to the storage of all drugs.

It is also important to store securely fastened cleaning products, such as bleach, out of reach of babies and toddlers.

Conceiving and nursing

The Source states that people should avoid conceiving while having chemotherapy. It is also important not to breastfeed or chest feed during chemotherapy.

Regardless of their preferred type of birth control, people taking chemotherapy drugs should still use a condom during any sexual activity to prevent any drug waste from passing to a partner through bodily fluids.

Communicating

People with young children might worry about the best way to manage their relationship with them during chemotherapy because toddlers and children pick up on emotional changes and instability around them.

Cancer Care suggests that parents and caregivers take the following approach when talking with children about cancer:

using a calm voice to reassure children
preparing an explanation and talking openly with children about what is happening
using age-appropriate language but including direct terminology, such as cancer
explaining the changes that they might expect to see
signposting them to close and trusted family members or friends for support
encouraging children to express how they feel
showing love and affection, even when it is difficult to know what to say

Precautions family members should take

Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, which can increase the risk of infection. Family or household members can take simple steps to help reduce the risk of spreading an infection. These Source:

washing the hands regularly with warm water and soap
using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
washing the hands after using the bathroom, touching animals, or taking out the garbage
getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines every year
avoiding sharing personal items, such as razors, bath towels, or items that come into contact with the mouth
keeping a working thermometer at hand to check body temperature easily

It is also important to recognize any signs of infection and contact a doctor if a person has any of the following:

fever or chills
new cough or shortness of breath
area of skin discoloration or swelling
sore throat
new stomach pain

Managing family and close relationships

People may experience a range of emotions when a loved one is going through chemotherapy.

Family members and friends can provide a much-needed support network for those receiving this treatment. The following suggestions may help people prepare for and cope during challenging circumstances.

Communicate

Chemotherapy may be stressful for people going through treatment and those around them. Extra, professional support may be beneficial for everybody involved, and people may need different types of support at different stages.

Sometimes, an individual may want to have company, but other times, they may prefer to be alone. By communicating their feelings or suggesting what may be helpful, a person can make it easier for others to identify what support they need.

Reach out

Reaching out to third parties, such as support groups, online communities, or counselors, might be a beneficial way to maintain relationships with family members and close friends.

Outlets such as blogs, hobbies, or talking with people going through the same emotions may reassure people about their personal journey and help them form better relationships with those around them.

The ACS has a selection of Source that people looking to connect with others and find extra support may find helpful.

Caring for someone who is on chemo

There are many ways to care for someone who is receiving chemotherapy. While it is important to support family or friends where possible, it is also important that a person does not neglect their own health.

The Source suggests that caregivers, friends, or family members in a supportive role take care to eat well, exercise, and seek support when necessary.

Practical support

Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea, or a low blood count. Everyday tasks may be challenging to think about, let alone complete, when experiencing these side effects. Practical support may help, which people can provide by:

arranging medical appointments
driving the person to appointments
helping clean the house
doing the laundry
preparing meals
providing child or pet care, if necessary
picking up medications at the pharmacy
getting healthy food at the grocery store
Emotional support

While practical tasks may be useful, emotional support is an important way to care for someone going through chemotherapy. Emotional support may include:

offering company, such as watching a film, chatting, or just sitting together
asking how the person is feeling and remembering that listening is a powerful tool
attending a support group with them if they are unsure about going alone
providing physical contact, such as hugging or hand holding, if this provides comfort

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare my house for chemo?

To prepare a house for chemotherapy, a person should create a comfortable rest area, organize medications and nutritious foods, ensure cleanliness, and maintain a supportive environment for rest and recovery.

Why can’t you share a bathroom with someone on chemo?

Sharing a bathroom with someone on chemotherapy can Source the risk of spreading harmful chemicals present in their bodily fluids, which can be excreted through urine, stool, vomit, and sweat.

These chemicals can be hazardous to others, especially those with weakened immune systems.

Is it safe to be around someone on chemotherapy?

Yes, it is generally safe to be around someone on chemotherapy, but precautions are necessary.

Avoiding contact with their bodily fluids, maintaining good hygiene, and staying away if sick are important to protectTrusted Source their weakened immune system.

How long should you stay away from people after chemo?

A person can Source be around family and friends during the weeks and months they’re getting chemotherapy, unless advised otherwise by their healthcare team.

Summary

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment for cancer that people may sometimes be able to undergo at home.

Chemotherapy drugs are strong, so it is important that those at risk of exposure to the medication take the correct precautions.

People going through chemotherapy may carry waste in their bodily fluids for up to a few days after treatment. Due to this, family or other household members should take precautions to stay safe.

In addition to taking steps to avoid harm, it is also important to communicate effectively and talk about the emotional impact of treatment. It may help family and friends to seek support from a community group or healthcare professional.