What to Expect During Chemotherapy
A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of a typical chemotherapy day — from check-in and lab draws to the infusion itself, common side effects, and what to call us about.
Physician video coming soon
We're producing this video with our physicians. Read the full guide below — it mirrors the script.
Why this video matters
Most of the fear around chemotherapy comes from not knowing what happens. Seeing it laid out — and meeting the physician who will guide it — turns a frightening unknown into a manageable plan.
Who this is for:
- Newly diagnosed patients starting their first cycle
- Family members preparing to be a support person
- Patients switching to a new chemotherapy regimen
What you'll learn
A chemotherapy day, hour by hour
Check-in, labs, vital signs, pharmacy review, premedications, then the infusion. Most visits run 2–5 hours depending on the drugs.
How drugs are delivered
Most regimens use a peripheral IV or a port (a small device under the skin). We'll explain which is right for your plan and why.
Side effects we plan for
Fatigue, nausea, neutropenia, neuropathy, hair changes. We pre-medicate for the most common ones and give you a written symptom plan.
When to call us — and when to go to the ER
Fever ≥100.4°F, uncontrolled vomiting, shortness of breath, or signs of infection at the port site are call-immediately events.
Video script outline
This is the outline our physician follows. Use it as a transcript-style reference while reading.
1. Hello & why this video exists
0:00 – 0:30- Doctor introduces themselves and their role
- Promise: by the end of 4 minutes you'll know exactly what your first chemo day looks like
2. Walking through a chemo day
0:30 – 1:30- Check-in & labs
- Meeting your infusion nurse
- Premedications (anti-nausea, steroids, sometimes Benadryl)
- The infusion itself — what it feels like
3. Common side effects, plain language
1:30 – 2:30- Fatigue & how to pace your week
- Nausea — we prevent more than we treat
- Low blood counts and infection risk
- Hair, skin, neuropathy
4. What we need from you
2:30 – 3:30- Hydration & a simple symptom diary
- Who to call after hours
- Red-flag symptoms that mean ER, not call
5. Closing reassurance
3:30 – 4:00- You are not doing this alone
- How to bring questions to your next visit
Common questions
- Will I be sick the whole time?
- Most patients have a few harder days after each cycle, then feel more like themselves. Modern anti-nausea drugs prevent the worst of it for the majority.
- Can I drive myself home?
- We recommend a driver for the first infusion. After that, many patients drive themselves if premedications don't make them drowsy.
- Should I keep working?
- Many patients work modified schedules. We'll help you plan rest days around your cycles.