Chemotherapy infusion is a significant part of many cancer treatment plans, delivering powerful medications directly into the bloodstream. Understanding the process can help alleviate concerns and prepare individuals for their infusion days. Patients typically receive extensive support from a dedicated care team throughout their journey. This overview aims to demystify the experience, from preparation to post-infusion care.
Preparing for Your Infusion Day
Before arriving for an infusion, communicate with your care team about any questions or concerns. Hydration is often recommended; drinking plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids the day before and of treatment can help make veins more accessible and counteract dehydrating effects. Eating a light meal before your appointment, unless otherwise instructed, can also help manage potential nausea.
Selecting appropriate clothing enhances comfort. Loose-fitting layers are advisable, allowing you to adjust to temperature changes in the infusion suite. If you will receive a peripheral IV in your arm, short sleeves can simplify access.
Bringing personal items like books, music with headphones, a tablet, or a journal can help pass the time. Many patients find comfort in bringing a soft blanket or pillow. Packing bland snacks and a filled water bottle is often helpful, as some centers may not provide all preferred refreshments. Arranging transportation home is practical, as pre-medications or treatment might induce fatigue.
The Infusion Process Step-by-Step
Your infusion day begins with checking in at the clinic. You may first visit a laboratory to have blood samples drawn. This blood work is crucial for determining the appropriate chemotherapy dose and ensuring it is safe to proceed with treatment. After lab work, you will likely meet with a member of your healthcare team, such as a physician or nurse practitioner, who will review your treatment plan and blood test results before prescribing the day’s medications.
Upon entering the infusion area, a nurse will take your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature. Your height and weight will also be re-checked, which informs medication dosing.
The next step involves gaining intravenous (IV) access, which is how the chemotherapy drugs enter your bloodstream. Options for IV access include a small tube inserted into a vein in your arm or hand, known as a cannula or peripheral IV. For long-term or frequent treatments, a central venous access device (CVAD) might be used, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) in the arm, a central line in the chest or neck, or a port-a-cath surgically implanted under the skin in the chest or arm. These devices are designed to provide stable access and minimize repeated needle sticks.
Before the chemotherapy drugs are administered, you will often receive pre-medications. These may include anti-nausea medications, steroids, or allergy medicines, given to help manage potential side effects and ensure comfort during the infusion. The chemotherapy drugs themselves are prepared by the pharmacy, a process that can take an hour or more. Once ready, the chemotherapy is delivered, typically through a drip or pump that controls the rate of flow into your vein, ranging from minutes for an IV push to several hours for a continuous infusion. The duration of the entire process, including preparation and administration, can vary significantly depending on the specific drugs and regimen, sometimes lasting a full day for the first appointment.
Sensations and Care During Infusion
As the chemotherapy infusion progresses, patients might experience various immediate sensations. A common feeling is coolness at the IV site or along the vein as the fluid enters the bloodstream. Some individuals may notice a metallic taste in their mouth during certain infusions. Mild fatigue or slight nausea can also occur, even with pre-medications.
Specific chemotherapy agents, such as oxaliplatin, can induce cold sensitivity, causing uncomfortable or painful sensations when exposed to cold temperatures or when consuming cold food and drinks. Additionally, some drugs can lead to peripheral neuropathy, characterized by tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling, typically in the hands and feet.
Throughout the infusion, the nursing staff maintains constant vigilance. Nurses regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, to detect any immediate reactions or changes in your condition. It is important to communicate any discomfort, unusual feelings, or new symptoms to your nurse promptly, even if they seem minor. They are trained to identify and manage potential infusion reactions, which can range from mild itching or rash to more significant symptoms like shortness of breath.
To enhance comfort, nurses often provide blankets, and some centers offer warm drinks. If nausea or other side effects develop during the session, additional anti-nausea medication or other supportive treatments can be administered. For those experiencing cold sensitivity or peripheral neuropathy, strategies like wearing extra layers, avoiding cold items, or using ice packs on hands and feet during infusion might be suggested to mitigate symptoms.
What Happens After Your Infusion Session
Once the prescribed chemotherapy is fully administered, the nurse will typically flush the IV line with saline to clear any remaining medication. If you have a peripheral IV, the line will then be removed. For those with central lines or ports, the device will be disconnected or de-accessed, but the line itself remains in place for future treatments. Final vital signs may be checked to ensure your stability before you leave the clinic.
Before discharge, your nurse will provide immediate instructions for post-infusion care. This guidance often includes advice on continued hydration, emphasizing drinking plenty of fluids to help flush the medications from your system. You may also receive specific activity restrictions for the remainder of the day, with recommendations to keep your schedule light and prioritize rest, as fatigue can set in. Instructions regarding potential side effects, such as what to watch for and when to contact your care team, are also provided, along with any necessary prescriptions like anti-nausea medications. Additionally, the scheduling for your next blood tests and chemotherapy appointment will typically be confirmed before you depart.