FAQs on having chemotherapy

Where will I have chemotherapy treatment? 

Most chemotherapy patients receive their treatment in Day Therapy as same-day patients. That is, you will not stay overnight at the hospital. Some chemotherapy treatments need more extended monitoring or take longer to administer. Some patients may need to receive their treatment as inpatients and stay at the hospital.  

Day Therapy is on level 3 at our Melbourne site. When you arrive here, you can go straight to Day Therapy. The receptionist will greet you. Our administrative staff will help you complete your admission details. On your treatment days, you may have to take a seat in our reception area. Your treating nurse will then come to collect you for your treatment.  

Day Therapy consists of shared areas. This means you will be in a room with other patients having chemotherapy. The shared areas are livelier. They generally help the time pass while your treatment is underway.  

You are very welcome to bring a family member, friend or carer with you to keep you company. We ask that only one person goes with you as we have limited space. You may also want to bring a book, music (with earphones), a laptop or some crafts to keep you occupied. 

What will my first chemotherapy visit involve? 

You will have an appointment with us before you start your treatment. This will be with one of our specialist chemotherapy nurses and a pharmacist in Day Therapy. The nurse will discuss the details of your treatment with you. They will give you the opportunity to ask questions about your treatment. If you have not had chemotherapy in the past five years, we will give you "ChemoEd". ChemoEd is a one-on-one session between you and a nurse. Your chemo nurse will tell you all you need to know about your treatment. This will help you to understand what chemotherapy is and how it works. It also teaches you the best ways to manage the common side effects of chemo. You can also ask friends, family or your carer to take part. This appointment will occur two or three days before your first chemotherapy treatment.  

One of the specialists nursing staff will call a day or so after your first treatment. This will be so that they can check on how you are going after your treatment. We may have asked you to have blood tests before your chemotherapy treatment begins. If so, we recommend you do this the day before your first chemotherapy appointment. If you didn't have your blood test with us, please bring your test results with you to your appointment. Please also let the nurse know which pathology provider you attended. 

Your chemotherapy appointments will generally take around one to seven hours. This depends on the treatment we have prescribed for you. There may be a waiting period while we prepare your chemotherapy drugs. We recommend you bring a friend or family member for company or something to occupy you while you wait. 

Can I have breakfast before I come? 

Yes, eat your usual breakfast. You should also take your usual medication. The exception is if your doctor has recommended otherwise. 

What should I wear? 

We recommend you wear comfortable clothes with loose sleeves. This is because the nursing staff may need to take a blood test. They may also need to put an intravenous (IV) drip into your arm for your treatment.  we recommend that you wear low heeled, non-slip shoes. This will reduce your risk of falls in Chemotherapy Day Unit. 

What should I bring with me? 

As some chemotherapy can take a few hours, bring a friend for company. You can bring something to read. Bring headphones to watch movies or listen to music. Portable CD and DVD players and movies are available on request. We supply morning tea, a light lunch, and afternoon tea (you can bring along your own food if you prefer). Bring a list of any medications or over-the-counter preparations you are already taking. 

Am I allowed to drive after my treatment? 

We recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your first appointment. Depending on the medications in your treatment, you may be able to drive for later visits. 

Will chemotherapy treatment be painful? 

In most cases, the treatment is no more painful than any other injection. You may experience a cool sensation when the chemotherapy is going into your vein. If it becomes painful, please let your nurse know at once. After one or more treatments, an area close to the injection site may become sore. If this happens, let your treating team know. This will help them avoid that area when putting in a drip for your next chemotherapy cycle. 

What is multidisciplinary care? 

A multidisciplinary team will care for you during your chemotherapy treatment. This is a team of experts who plan the best treatment for you. They will work together to ensure you receive the best available treatment. Your team may consist of: 

• Medical oncologists or haematologist 
• Specialist nurse coordinators or practitioners 
• Other doctors. These doctors are doing specialist training and research in medical oncology and haematology 
• Specialist chemotherapy nurses 
• Pharmacists 
• Allied Health professionals such as dieticians, physiotherapists, social workers, clinical psychologists 
• Pastoral carer

Feel free to ask your team any questions. Let them know if you have any concerns about your treatment and how you are feeling. 

Who can I call for help? 

You can speak to our medical or nursing staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, call: Day Therapy on (03) 8559 5330. 

Outside these hours (evenings, weekends and public holidays): 

1. Call (03) 8559 5000  
2. Ask for the Patient Services Manager

Please have your hospital UR (Unit Record) number ready when you call the hospital. 

The Cancer Council’s phone line on 13 11 20 is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Experienced cancer nurses staff this line. They can support those affected by cancer, their carers and loved ones. They do so by supplying emotional and practical support. 

When it is urgent you contact the hospital 

You may have one or more of the following symptoms following treatment. If so, please contact us straight away on (03) 8559 5000: 

• A temperature over 38˚C or fever and chills (these might show an infection) 
• Diarrhoea that continues over 24 hours, particularly if watery 
• Persistent vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours  
• Nausea lasting more than 48 hours (about two days) despite taking antinausea medicine 
• Any abnormal bruising and bleeding 
• Constipation: if you have not opened your bowels for more than two days 
• A cough or shortness of breath 
• A sudden decline in your health 
• Any changes in mood including feeling withdrawn, depressed or anxious