For most people, having chemotherapy or radiotherapy is a completely new experience so there is no way that you can know what to expect or what may happen. Although there are national guidelines for treating each type of cancer, it is important to realize that both chemotherapy and radiotherapy are adjusted to your particular situation. Also, remember that everybody is different and that people react differently to similar treatments.
Before you start treatment your medical team should have explained what your chemotherapy or radiotherapy will involve. With each visit for treatment there is always an opportunity to ask the nurse, radiographer or medical staff about anything that that worries you or you do not understand. Don’t be afraid to ask!
If you would like more information about any part of your treatment you can
- Go to the Cancer Information Centre at the hospital where the Information Manager or one of the volunteers will be able to help you find what you are looking for.
- Use the internet. Try www.cancernorth.nhs.uk which is the patient information website for the North of England Cancer Network. On the home page choose ‘public’ and then click on ‘treatments’ at the top of the screen.
- For more detailed information go to www.cancerhelp.org.uk. This is the website of Cancer Research UK which is updated regularly.
- Come to Cancer Connections where you can talk with other people who have had chemotherapy and radiotherapy and know what it’s like.
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