I don't like needles. It's important that chemotherapy be given through a good, open vein. Medicines that infiltrate through a poor vein can cause serious problems. If you have poor veins, or if you dislike needle sticks, or if you have complicated chemotherapy, your nurse or doctor may suggest a vascular access device. These are catheters that are implanted by a minor surgical procedure in the arm or chest, and allow quick, easy and relatively painless access to the veins.
Good nutrition is important when receiving chemotherapy.
Good nutrition during chemotherapy means choosing a well-balanced diet that contains all of the nutrients the body needs. Good nutrition also means having a diet high enough in calories to keep your weight up and high enough in protein to build and repair body tissues. It is also very important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Your doctor will use several methods to measure how well your treatments are working. You will have frequent physical exams, blood tests, scans, and x-rays.