What to take to first chemo/radio session?

[Seeingred1999]

My friend has her first chemo session on Monday followed by a radiotherapy session in the afternoon. I’m going with her and just wondering if there’s anything I should take her? I’m guessing she won’t feel the side effects straight away but anyone who has been through this, what is it you wanted the most?

It's worth checking if you can stay with her, where I have chemo you can't have anyone with you 😐 AirPods/headphones are useful if you want to watch or listen to anything, phone charger in case it takes a long time. Comfy big scarf to use as a blanket. If I think of anything else I'll come back!

Something to do. There will be loads of sitting around and waiting. Likely not to feel side effects straight away. Snacks/drinks. The scarf/blanket double up is a good idea.

I second taking airpods/headphones and a podcast or audiobook queued up ready - I couldn't concentrate to read. Her taste will start to change- fruit flavoured water may taste good while plain will taste metallic. They give you pillows and blankets, but a soft cosy shawl is nice. Anything that will make her feel comfortable and cosy.

Charger also a good shout, ideally an extra long cable in case the sockets are inconvenient.

Radiotherapy can burn/make the skin sore. Decléor Proline Prolagene Gel is recommended for it by some of the nursing staff.

Definitely a charger or phone bank as there are often delays. The steroids they gave me made me hungry so I took some snacks with me. Also fizzy drinks/ boiled sweets were good for nausea. If it’s her first session then there will be lots of info to take on board. It’s lovely that you’re going with her.

Something to drink, although at my hospital there are volunteers who bring round drinks regularly and we get offered sandwiches and yoghurts/jelly if we are there over lunchtime. I've never come across anyone having chemo and radio simultaneously - is it definitely treatment and not pretreatment scan and tattoos? As others have said, she shouldn't feel too rough on the day.

@Aestas good info, / Yes, I agree.
@TobermorysMusicMachine Something to do. There will be loads of sitting around and waiting. / Yes, especially if it's her first time.
@Ceit good info, / Yes, or a book

I had my first Chemo Cycle/Session 2 days ago (Thurs 16th).
My Chemo drugs were administered through a PICC line.
For the first session
a) they wanted someone to drive me in and pick me up,
b) and they administered the drugs at half speed in case I had an allergic reaction.
c) the dept. was busy and slightly short staffed, Sister ask went round asking if friends and relatives could leave so that patients could sit down.

It took quite a bit longer than I expected especially as it was my first time.

To answer your question -
a) a carton of drink (although drinks are available)
b) a snack or two
c) a bit of cash in case they have to pay for the above.
d) a book to read / headphones
e) a phone to text you when they are ready.
f) you may not be allowed to stay

I hope this helps

@KrawleyPete yes think hers is going to be similar! They’ve said the actual treatment will be 2 hours tomorrow (will usually be 1) as they want to make sure she doesn’t have any kind of reaction. Thanks so much for all these suggestions! She’s definitely having both tomorrow, she’s in for a bit on an intense time (chemo and radio one day a week, then radio another 4 days a week) so assuming she will feel the effects quite quickly bless her. Luckily I am allowed to go with her (for the chemo part, obviously not the radio part!)

If you go here:
www.littlelifts.org.uk/little-lifts-boxes/
You can request a free box of goodies for your friend.

I agree with all of the above. I’d add that I was told to avoid grapefruit and its juice. No idea why, but it’s easy to avoid so maybe don’t take that as a drink.