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Patient & Family Education, Cancer
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What will happen on the day of treatment?

Your first day of treatment may seem overwhelming. There are a lot of new people to meet and a lot of information that will be reviewed with you. In addition, you will receive written instructions to take home explaining how to manage the side effects related to the chemotherapy. You may also receive prescriptions for medications that will help reduce or manage these side effects. Our chemotherapy staff at the Odette Cancer Centre will support you throughout your treatment so you can know what to expect before, during and after each cycle of chemotherapy.

This section will explain the steps you will go through on the day of your treatment.

Step 1: Arrive prepared

  • Bring any medications you take during the day with you (ex: pain medicine, blood pressure medicine, Insulin or puffers). This includes over the counter and herbal medications, this includes medications you may purchase from the health food store.
  • Eat a light breakfast
  • Be prepared for a long day with some waiting between steps.
  • Bring a snack/lunch or beverage, or these may be bought at the on-site cafeteria. Microwave oven is not available on site.
  • Wear comfortable clothes, with sleeves that can be easily raised to have your blood taken and an IV inserted.
  • You may bring one family member or friend into the chemotherapy suite. It is helpful to have someone with you to support you and collect all of the information you will receive.
  • Bring your health card (OHIP), drug insurance card and cash or credit card to pay for possible prescriptions.
  • It is a good idea to have back-up child care arranged in case of any delays.
  • Please do not book any other appointments on days you have chemotherapy.
  • Bring books, puzzles, iPads or any other quiet activities you might enjoy.
  • Please do not where perfume or cologne or scented products it might cause others to be sick.
The drug reimbursement specialists can assist with out of pocket drug costs. You may need help exploring your private insurance drug coverage or enrolling in other programs to help cover the costs. To speak with a drug reimbursement specialist, please contact the Patient and Family Support office in T-ground 230 or 416-480-4623.

Step 2: When you arrive

  • All patients must check in at the main reception on the first floor.
  • If you are told that you need blood work before treatment, you will be sent to the blood work lab, which is located beside the main reception.
  • Take a number from the tray located by the lab doorway and attach it to your red hospital card and put it back on the tray.
  • If you are having chemotherapy on the same day as your blood work, check-in to the chemotherapy suite after your blood is taken.
  • If you are not having chemotherapy on the same day as your blood test, check into the chemotherapy unit after checking in at the main reception.
  • Please be patient, as the results from your blood work will take at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Before your chemotherapy

  • Please let the nurse know if you are feeling sick, have any questions or symptoms.
  • The nurses will check your blood work results and make sure that you are feeling well.
  • On your first visit, your height and weight will be rechecked.

Step 4: Pharmacy prepares your chemotherapy

  • The pharmacy will prepare your chemotherapy as ordered by your medical oncologist. This could take up to 1.5 hours so please be prepared to wait.
  • You may need to go to the outpatient pharmacy to pick up medication to help you with nausea before you start chemotherapy.
  • The pharmacy is located on the first floor.
Bring your drug insurance information if you have a drug plan and money (cash, cheque, credit card) for any needed prescriptions. If you do not have drug insurance ask to be connected to a drug reimbursement specialist.

Step 5: At the time of your treatment

  • Please note: We request that you do not use cell phones in the chemotherapy suite (for phone conversations).
  • You will be brought into a room with comfortable chairs or beds, depending on the length of your treatment.
  • An intravenous line will be inserted into your vein. The chemotherapy will be given through this line.
  • The nurse will teach you about the chemotherapy you will be receiving, the possible side effects and answer any questions you may have.
  • Medication may be given by mouth or intravenously before the chemotherapy to prevent side effects.
  • The nurse will check on you frequently to make sure you are not having any reactions from the drugs. Please notify the nurse if you feel anything unusual.
  • Depending on what treatment you are receiving, the nurse and other treatment team members may need to check your blood pressure, heart rate or temperature regularly.
  • A pharmacist will speak with you during your treatment about any chemotherapy and anti-nausea pills that you take home with you and their side effects. The pharmacist can offer suggestions of how to deal with the side effects and will also answer any questions that you may have.
  • You can watch television, read, eat or just relax while your treatment is being given.
  • Other members of the Patient and Family Support team may be available to address any specific questions or concerns, or your family member/ caregiver can come to the Patient and Family Support office on the ground floor. Speak with the nurse about this.
  • You may have additional prescriptions that you need to pick up from the pharmacy. These can be collected by a friend or family member while you are in treatment. Please remember these prescriptions need to be picked up by 4:45 p.m.

Step 6: All finished!

  • Your intravenous line will be removed.
  • You can pick up your drugs to take home and ask any questions you have about your treatment at the pharmacy. If a pharmacist has not visited you during your treatment, they will now talk with you about any pills you will be taking at home and their possible side effects. They will also answer any questions that you may have related to your medications. If your treatment is going to finish after the pharmacy closes, and there is no family or friends to pick up your medication, the pharmacist will come into the chemotherapy suite before 5:00 p.m. to talk with you.
  • Once you return home you can call your nursing phone line with any questions or concerns you might have.

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