Starting chemotherapy can feel like stepping into the unknown. I remember walking into the infusion room for the first time with a racing heart, a head full of questions, and no idea what to expect. There were pamphlets and side effect sheets—but no one really told me what it felt like to go through chemo.
That’s why I wrote this blog. I’ve been there. And whether you’re about to begin treatment or supporting someone who is, this honest guide will help you prepare for what’s ahead—physically, emotionally, and practically.
What Is Chemotherapy, Really?
Chemotherapy, often shortened to “chemo,” is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It uses powerful drugs to target and kill fast-growing cells in the body — which unfortunately includes not just cancer cells, but some healthy ones too.
Depending on your diagnosis, chemo might be given alone or combined with other treatments like surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy. It can come in several forms:
IV infusion (the most common)
Pills or capsules taken at home
Injections
Through a port or PICC line placed under your skin
Every chemo regimen is different. Some people go weekly, others every few weeks. Some finish in a few months; others go through many rounds. Your oncologist will tailor the plan to your type of cancer, stage, and overall health.
What to Expect on Your First Day of Chemo
Your first chemotherapy session can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory — sterile rooms, new faces, machines beeping. But once you know what to expect, it becomes a little less intimidating. I will be perfectly honest with you, as you go through the whole chemo process, any “little Less” you can get, no matter what it is, you will appreciate.
Here’s what typically happens on your first chemo day:
1. Check-in and Prep
You’ll likely have your vitals taken (blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
A nurse or oncologist will review your labs and answer any last-minute questions
If you have a port or PICC line, usually from a previous procedure, they’ll prep that area to ready it for the infusion.
2. Pre-medications
You may be given meds to prevent nausea, allergic reactions, or anxiety. Hint: You will definitely need to ask for nausea prevention.
These might be oral or given through your IV, or administered as a seperate shot.
3. Infusion Begins
The chemo drugs are delivered slowly through your IV or port.
Most individual treatments or “rounds” take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on your treatment plan. However, depending on your type of cancer and the “Stage” you have been diagnosed with, some chemo treatments can last much longer.
Nurses monitor you closely, so don’t hesitate to tell them if you feel anything unusual.
4. What to Bring With You
Pack a chemo bag with things to help pass the time and stay comfortable:
Water bottle and snacks
Headphones or a good book
Blanket or sweater (infusion rooms are often cold)
Phone charger
Make sure to check with your doctor on what is and is not allowed. Some hospitals and infusion rooms will vary on what’s allowed.
- An overnight bag with comfortable bed wear is idea if your treatment requires an extended hospital stay. You don’t want to be stuck in a drafty hospital gown with your bum hanging out every time you get up.
5. Emotional Reality Check
It’s okay to feel scared, overwhelmed, or dare I say, even numb. Many patients feel calmer after their first session simply because they finally know what it’s like.
Once I made it through my first treatment, the fear dropped by half. It wasn’t fun, but it wasn’t as terrifying as I imagined.
Reminder: Everyone’s chemo experience is different — but you’re not doing it alone. The more prepared you are, the more empowered you’ll feel. Just keep telling yourself that this is a battle, with the grace of God you will get through this and like me, hopefully you will be there to support someone else that will battle this terrible disease.
Common Chemo Side Effects (and How to Manage Them)
Chemotherapy affects everyone differently, but there are some side effects that many people experience. Typically, the more Chemo you receive, the greater the chances are of multiple side effects. Knowing what might happen, and what you can do about it, makes a huge difference.
1. Fatigue
One of the most common chemo side effects. You may feel like your energy is drained even after basic tasks.
What helps:
Prioritize rest and naps.
Slow, light movement like walking or even light exercise in a chair can boost energy
Ask for help—it’s okay to take things slow. Your body is going through an enormous strain during chemo, understand that it’s going to take a toll on you.
- VERY IMPORTANT – I can stress this enough, no matter how hard it is or how much you don’t want to, do not become complacent by laying in bed and doing nothing. This leads to a more difficult recovery process and for many, like me, horrible bed sores. Trust me, you don’t want that. I know at times you will feel that you have nothing left in you, but get up, even if it’s for a small walk around the room.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
Chemo can upset your stomach, but most people can take anti-nausea meds (like Zofran) to help. From my experience, again everything depends on the amount of chemo you receive, the meds did help, but did not stop nausea completely. Most places know this and will have plenty of “barf bags” handy. Even if you don’t fell nauseated at the moment, get a few bags and keep them near you, this is one of those “just in case” things you don’t want to be caught empty handed should the moment arise.
What Helps:
Start taking anti-nausea meds from the start. It may sound crazy to do so but consider this: Have you ever heard of anyone not getting sick from chemo? Very rare that it doesn’t happen, so get on them from the start.
Eat small, soft textured meals. Remember that whatever you eat, there is going to be a very good chance of it coming back up. Soft meals like crackers, toast, eggs (great for much needed protein) are going to be much easier on your stomach and throat, should your body decide that it’s time for them to go.
Stay hydrated. Water, ginger tea, milk, or some type of protein shake will help your stomach cope with the chemo much better. I was getting juice boxes from the hospital regularly that helped quite a bit.
3. Hair Loss
Here is part of an emotional reality that most, myself included hates. Chances are very high that you are going to lose your hair. Not all chemo causes hair loss, but most do. It usually starts 2–3 weeks after the first treatment. Mine started gradually at first, then as the chemo continued, it came out in handfuls.
What Helps:
Cut your hair short before it starts thinning, not only will that give you a sense of control, but will avoid leaving clumps of hair everywhere.
Consider scarves, beanies, caps, or wigs (some programs offer them for free). I hade a thick head of hair, once it was gone, along with my health declining, my head was cold so covering it really wasn’t an option.
Remember: hair grows back!! Sometimes in a different way. I had straight hair before the chemo, and it grew back curly. My oncologist told me of a patient that grew back a different hair color altogether.
4. “Chemo Brain” (Cognitive Fog)
You might start feeling forgetful, foggy, or slow to process things. This is normal occurrence. The amount of chemo you receive will determine the severity of your issue.
What Helps:
Keep a notebook or use an app on your phone/ tablet/ laptop for reminders.
Get plenty of sleep and limit multitasking.
Be patient with yourself, this is temporary. As you recover from the chemo, your brain fog will slowly start to disappear.
- Consider doing some memory exercises, that was a big help for me.
5. Changes in or loss of Appetite
Chemo is going to leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. For me, it was a metallic taste. Whatever the taste it leaves you with, you can be assured that it wont be pleasant. Even your favorite foods you eat regularly will soon taste like complete garbage. Keep in mind that you must eat, regardless of how you feel or what the food taste like. This is going to be tough, that’s why you see so many cancer victims with tremendous weight loss. It isn’t easy, but necessary for your battle.
What Helps:
Eat small snacks throughout the day.
Don’t force full meals if you can’t handle it, just eat what you can and try to focus on the most protein filled food items.
Protein shakes or smoothies are a good backup.
- Experiment – Try different things you would and wouldn’t normally eat. Sounds a little crazy, but remember your taste buds are out of whack right now, so doesn’t hurt to try a little of everything, if possible.
Preparing Emotionally and Mentally for Chemotherapy
Chemo isn’t just hard on the body, it’s a serious emotional and mental challenge as well. Yet most of the focus is placed on physical side effects. Sometimes doctors, staff, and even family and friends overlook the fact you’re not just a body in a chair. You’re a whole person processing fear, uncertainty, and grief while fighting to live. Believe me when I tell you the emotional aspect can be just as bad as the cancer and chemo. Many of us have suffered severe financial loss, job or career loss, or even worse, emotional support from those whom you thought would be there when you needed them. This can take a huge toll on your emotional and mental well being.
Here’s a few tips on how to protect your emotional and mental health during treatment:
1. Expect a Rollercoaster Ride
It’s normal to feel hopeful one day and overwhelmed the next. You’re not “doing anything wrong” if you cry, feel angry, or shut down some days. We have all gone through it, so you are not a mental case or anything like that. Unfortunately, it’s part of all the process. Your okay, it happens. Just remember to apologize if it gets a little out of hand.
Try this:
When you start to feel overwhelmed, stop whatever your doing or saying and take a moment to just breathe, a mental timeout you can call it.
I always tried talking to different staff members and even patients to share their experiences. It took my mind off of me.
Let others support you, even if you don’t want to talk. Remember, some of those who are trying to support you haven’t been through what you are going through. They are trying their best, so you be patient with them as well.
- Find support with other cancer patients and survivors. No one knows what your going through more than someone who is going through it at the same time or has been through the entire experience. That’s why I started our community forum. Check it out and find great support.
2. Lean Into Faith or Meaning
Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or simply reflective, many cancer patients and survivors find comfort in something bigger than themselves.
Consider:
Prayer, meditation, or mindfulness.
Reading something uplifting each morning.
Speaking with a chaplain, faith leader, or cancer support counselor.
- There were days my faith in God carried me when nothing else could. I didn’t need answers, I just needed to feel I wasn’t going through all of this alone.
3. Join a Support Community
Talking with other people who are going through the same thing can be life changing. Even if you’re not ready to share, just reading others stories or words can help.
Ideas:
Online forums like the one right here on My Cancer Club.
Facebook groups for your type of cancer.
Local hospital or nonprofit-led support groups.
- Local church groups.
4. Protect Your Mental Energy
You don’t have to respond to every text or explain your condition to everyone who asks. Give yourself permission to conserve your energy. I assure you, after a while you will be tired of explaining and that’s perfectly normal.
Tips:
Let a trusted friend or family member update others on your behalf. Just make sure they are well informed about your state of being and procedures from your doctor. That last thing you want is misinformation.
You can always create an auto-text response or email if needed to your inner circle.
Remember, there is no shame in saying no or that you just don’t feel like talking about it from time to time. Those who truly care about you will understand.
5. Do Small Things That Make You Feel Like “You”
When everything feels out of control, grounding yourself in small familiar things can help tremendously.
Suggestions:
Wear something soft and comforting to treatment.
- If possible, bring a close friend or loved one with you to treatment.
Listen to music or bring your favorite book to read during infusions.
I’ve heard of some patients bringing a journal and documenting their journey to appointments.
- Remember the goal is to do something to pass the time, that will take your mind off the therapy.
You’re not weak for struggling. You’re human. You’re walking through something enormous and you’re doing it one step at a time. You can do it!!
You’re Not Alone: Final Thoughts from a Survivor
There’s no perfect way to do chemotherapy. No playbook. No script. Just one step at a time, with the body you have, the heart you carry, and the support you deserve.
I wrote this not as a doctor, nurse, or statistic, but as someone who sat in that chair, held his breath, and hoped for good days. If you’re reading this because you’re starting chemo, I want you to know: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
So ask as many questions as you want. Rest when you need to. Cry when you need to. Laugh when you can. There’s no right or wrong way to go through this, your way.
This blog is only one part of a larger community. At My Cancer Club, you’ll find others walking this road too. Some are just beginning, some are healing, some are grieving. But we all believe one thing: