How should I prepare for my next treatment session
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For informational purposes only
This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.
Sources & medical oversight
- Developed under the medical oversight of OpenCancer’s physician-scientist team (Chris Apfel, MD/PhD/MBA, CMO · Kaumudi Bhawe, PhD, CSO).
- Last updated July 12, 2026. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.
TL;DR:
Talk to your care team about what to expect during your next treatment session, what side effects might happen, and when to call them if something feels wrong.
KEY POINTS:
- Ask your oncology team specific questions about your treatment plan BEFORE your session starts
- Know which side effects need immediate medical attention vs. ones you can manage at home
- Bring a list of all your current medicines and supplements to discuss with your care team
- Have a plan for transportation, time off work, and support from family or friends
- Understand your treatment timeline and what happens after each session
NEXT STEP:
Call your oncology clinic today and ask to speak with a nurse about preparing for your next treatment—they can walk you through what to expect and answer your specific questions.
FULL ANSWER
Preparing for Your Next Treatment Session
Getting ready for cancer treatment involves both practical planning and medical preparation. Here's what you should know and do:
Before Your Treatment Session
1. Ask Your Care Team Specific Questions
According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients, it's important to understand what's happening at each step of your care. Before your next treatment, ask your oncology team:
- What treatment am I receiving? (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant, etc.)
- How long will the session take?
- What should I eat or drink before coming? (Some treatments require fasting; others don't)
- Should I stop any medicines or supplements before treatment?
- What side effects are most common with MY specific treatment?
- Which side effects are emergencies that need immediate care?
- When should I call you if something feels wrong? (Include nights, weekends, and emergency numbers)
2. Understand Your Side Effects and How to Manage Them
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Hodgkin Lymphoma emphasizes that patients should know:
- What side effects to expect (nausea, fatigue, low blood counts, hair loss, etc.)
- How long these side effects typically last
- What medicines can help prevent or relieve them
- Which side effects are life-threatening and require emergency care
- What you can do at home to help with pain and other side effects
3. Prepare Your Medical Information
Bring or have ready:
- A complete list of ALL medicines you take (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements)
- Any allergies you have
- Recent lab results or test reports
- A list of questions you want to ask
- Insurance information and ID
4. Plan Practical Support
- Transportation: Arrange a ride to and from treatment (you may be drowsy or uncomfortable afterward)
- Time off: Know how much time you'll need to recover
- Support person: Have someone available to help you at home for the first 24-48 hours
- Work/school: Let your employer or school know you'll need time off
5. Prepare Your Body
- Get good sleep the night before
- Eat a healthy meal before treatment (unless instructed otherwise)
- Stay hydrated
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
- Avoid tight sleeves if you're getting IV treatment
Questions About Side Effects (From NCCN Guidelines)
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients recommend asking your care team these specific questions about managing side effects:
- What are the side effects of my treatment?
- How are these side effects treated?
- How long will these side effects last?
- What side effects should I watch for that could be life-threatening?
- When should I call my care team?
- What should I do on weekends and other non-office hours?
- What emergency department or ER should I go to?
- Will my treatment team be able to communicate with the ER team?
- What medicines can I take to prevent or relieve side effects?
- What can I do to help with pain and other side effects?
Questions About Resources and Support
Don't forget to ask about help with:
- Housing, food, and other basic needs
- Transportation and childcare
- Cost of treatment and financial assistance
- Support groups (in-person or online)
- Mental health support
- Help with work or school concerns
During Your Treatment Session
- Tell your care team immediately if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or have chest pain
- Let them know if you're uncomfortable or have questions
- Stay hydrated if allowed
- Bring something to keep you occupied (book, music, phone)
After Your Treatment Session
- Follow all instructions from your care team
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed
- Monitor yourself for side effects
- Keep all follow-up appointments
- Call your doctor if you develop concerning symptoms
Important Reminder
Every patient's treatment is different based on their specific cancer type, stage, and overall health. The questions and preparation steps above are general guidance. Your oncology team will give you personalized instructions for YOUR specific treatment.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.
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