Special Considerations
This article may contain information on medical procedures that are not recommended or endorsed by Catholic Health Partners. Promotion of this topic is prohibited by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Services. In the Ethical and Religious Directives, Catholic health institutions are prohibited from condoning contraceptive practices. Married couples should be given information about
natural family planning as well as the church’s teachings on responsible parenthood. The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only. It is not provided as a professional service or as medical advice for specific patients.
| Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor |
Definition You are having chemotherapy, drugs used to kill cancer cells. You may receive chemotherapy drugs by mouth or through a needle (injection). Your doctor or nurse may need to follow you closely while you are having chemotherapy. You will also need to learn how to care for yourself during this time. | Alternate Names What to ask your doctor about chemotherapy | Questions Am I at risk for infections? - What foods should I avoid?
- Is my water at home okay to drink? Are there places I should not drink the water?
- Can I go swimming?
- What should I do when I go to a restaurant?
- Can I be around pets?
- What immunizations do I need? Which immunizations should I stay away from?
- Is it okay to be in a crowd of people? Do I need to wear a mask?
- Can I have visitors over? Do they need to wear a mask?
- When should I wash my hands?
Am I at risk for bleeding? Is it okay to shave? What should I do if I cut myself or start bleeding? What over-the-counter medications an i take for headaches, the common cold, and other illnesses? Do I need to use birth control? What should I be eating to keep my weight and strength up? Will I be sick to my stomach or have loose stools or diarrhea? How long after I receive my chemotherapy before these problems may start? What can I do if I am sick to my stomach or have diarrhea often? Are there any medications I should keep on hand? How do I take care of my mouth and lips? - How can I prevent mouth sores?
- How often should I brush my teeth? What type of toothpaste should I use?
- What can I do about dry mouth?
- What should I do if I have a mouth sore?
Is it okay to be out in the sun? How about cold weather? What can I do about my fatigue? When should I call the doctor? | References |
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Review Date: 10/11/2010
Review By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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