People without these problems usually tolerate the chemoembolization much more easily. Take all usual medications as prescribed. Do not take any aspirin for at least one week before the procedure. If you are on insulin, take half of the NPH dosage, and no regular. In some instances, you will be admitted to the hospital on the day before your procedure.
Adequate hydration is required to protect the kidneys during chemoembolization.
Therefore, an intravenous will be started and you will receive intravenous fluids in preparation for the procedure. In addition, you will be given a medication called Allopurinol which is used to further protect the kidneys from the chemotherapy and the products produced by the dying tumor cells. Your nurse will instruct you in how to use a breathing apparatus called an incentive spirometer. The purpose of this is to help you inflate your lungs so that you will not develop pneumonia. After the procedure, you may experience some side effects.