Matt's Cancer

05/08/2020 - Intro To Chemo

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I have an appointment at Burton hospital to see the pharmacist, who will talk to me about the chemo treatment, then show me around the chemo ward.
My wife comes in with me.
I’m told about the food I can and can’t eat while on chemo, I can’t remember half the things she said, but apparently it’s a bit like a pregnancy diet.
The reason for avoiding certain food is to avoid getting any infections, while having chemo treatment.
I’m also told about the side effects to look out for.
If my legs swell, I need to elevate them to reduce swelling.
If only one leg swells, call 999.
There’s a lot to take in, I can’t remember all the things she said, but anything that doesn’t look, feel or seem right, I’m advised to phone them. If it’s something more serious like having breathing difficulties, call 999.

I’m given a chemo card and booklet. The booklet is to record my treatment, which a nurse will fill out with a list of treatments taken. The card has a phone number, where I can reach the chemo department, even out of hours, there will always be a nurse who will answer the phone to help.
I’m told to keep these with me at all times, should anything happen to me, people can see I’m on chemo and what type etc.
If I have to go to A&E, the chemo card helps you jump the queue, while this may upset some people, if you're on chemo treatment, you are a higher priority.

We were asked if we would like to see the chemo ward, we said “yes please”, as this could be quite daunting, if you don’t know what to expect.
I asked if someone could come with me while I’m having my treatment. They said under normal circumstances it would be fine as they would welcome that, but due to the coronavirus, they were not able to allow this, but they did say I can bring someone with me on my first day.