Did you have a chemo class? What exactly is it?

the nurse just talked about
the nurse just talked about the chemo with me it was me a nurse and my mom. Signed the consent forms and she gave me paperwork on the chemo that was it. Might have watched a short film but I'm an ol timer now, its been more than 2 years have chemo brain, but hey I'm still kicken!!!
( & gettin chemo)

skipper54 said:

one on one
Had chemo class with the nurse who told me what to expect and gave me print outs on the side effects possible with each drug. We talked about a power port which I had already gotten. Since everyone is different they can tell you what might happen but can't get too specific. There was good information but some things like what to eat take some trial and error. They will be with you the whole way and will keep answering questions and offering advice and being supoprtive. DOn't be afraid to ask them or call.

Chemo class..
It was mandatory where I had my treatment..first I watched a film...then one of the chemo nurses sat with me and explained the drugs I would receive, possible side effects, which my oncologist had already explained..she explained how and when to take my anti nausea meds and steroids...starting the day before chemo and how long to take them post chemo...she explained the need to eat, and what before chemo..(something that would stick to my ribs...I ate a full breakfast sometimes, then a bagel with peanut butter other times)...

For me, class was informative and as I said, mandatory..no tests..lol. And it gave me the opportunity to ask questions...without being rushed...

em h said:

Chemo class helped.
That's
Chemo class helped.
That's when I met the nurse practitioner at my oncologist's office. She's was the one who was there when I needed to call for help. She was also the one who gave me the most straightforward information. You might want to bring a list of questions with you, it's a good opportunity to get answers.

take a friend
You might also want to take a friend, husband, or other family meember. Two sets of ears are always better and they might think of something you forgot. There's a lot going on in your life right now so it's easy to miss something.

Drugs you get and drugs you take at home differ from center to center. SOmeone else mentioned taking steroids at home - mine were part of my infusion.

Whatever happens know that lots have gone before you and you can handle it. We'll be here for support!

Prayers for peace!

Katmy said:

I sat one on one with an Onc
I sat one on one with an Onc Nurse and she explained a packet to me. When we were done, I had a "physcial" with the nurse Practitioner and she answered more of my concerns. When I was done, the packet went home with me for reference. It has been very helpful.

I get the impression that you are nervous from your discussions presently. I wish I could bring you comfort and gentleness. Your SE will be your own. You and your doctor/nurses will deal with them. I keep a log of my SE every day. It helps when I am gauging my progress. And, of course, this group exists for us all. It is extremely comforting and helpful.

I went to chemo class with
I went to chemo class with my husband.We were the only one's in the class. It was really a good thing. Lot's of information. I also got a packet before we left. You should go. There is no test. lol

My chemo class was through
My chemo class was through Kaiser, it was mandatory, got a huge packet of info. It was conducted by an onc nurse with 28 years experience, and included people getting several different treatments.

Information covered was how to contact docs, after hours contacts, when a phone call is appropriate and when you should get to ER, possible side effects for each of the meds, what OTC meds to have on hand, nutrition while on chemo, sex and chemo, etc.

I took my hubby and kids so they would be prepared for what I would be going through. I asked if it would be appropriate first.

I hope this helps.

Hugs,

Linda

BioAdoptMom said:

Linda, thank you for the
Linda, thank you for the additional info! My husband will go with me but I never thought about bringing my kids. That's a great idea!

(((HUGS)))back!
Nancy

My husband
My husband took the chemo class for me. I know it sounds strange but at that point I wasn't taking more time off to devote to this thing than I needed to. Actually I kept that attitude thru my treatments, making them combine things whenever possible. My onc and the clinical trial nurse explained everything to me at my first appointment so to me chemo class was just overkill. Anyway he enjoyed it, got to see the cyberknife (which had nothing to do with me) and got a free lunch.

The cancer center I went to did have alot of really good information, classes, and help available for patients and family and I am still able to use any of if. I'm just not much of a joiner.

marge

Didn't actually have a class
I think I was supposed to get a class but there wasn't time to schedule it with all the other tests, etc. So the nurse just talked to me. She went through all the meds and the side effects. She made sure I knew to call them no matter what...that no question was too silly. I was given materials to read about 3 inches thick! I can honestly say that I read almost all of that material. But I probably only needed a few of the pieces of advice. Drinking lots of water, eating fiber and taking your meds as scheduled not as needed. That's because I was told if you waited until you needed them it was probably too late.

You will be fine Nancy. It's the fear of the unknown that is the worst part of chemo. It's definitely not a pleasant experience, but it isn't as bad as you may think it is. It's very doable and you will get through it. And then you will be one step closer to eradicating every cancer cell in your body.