Understanding chemotherapy - Macmillan Cancer

Planning chemotherapyYour fertility Some chemotherapy drugs affect fertility(the ability to get pregnant or father a child). If this is a concernfor you, it’s very important to talk to your cancer doctor beforetreatment. Sperm or eggs that can be used to try to preserveyour fertility should be stored before chemotherapy begins(see pages 73–74).Getting a wig If the chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss it’sbest to have a wig fitted before your hair falls out. You canthen match it to your own colour and style (see pages 49–51).Help at home Chemotherapy makes you tired so you mayneed help with day-to-day chores. Although it can be hard toask for help, family and friends are usually keen to do whateverthey can. If you live alone or are caring for someone else,you can ask to see the hospital social worker about getting help.Help with children If you have children you may needhelp with taking and picking them up from school or clubs.Family and friends can usually organise a rota of help.It’s also useful to know who you can contact at short noticeto look after your children. We have more information onchildcare when you have cancer.Work or further education It’s a good idea to talk toyour employer (see page 87) or tutors, so they can makearrangements to support you and organise your time offduring treatment.19