Understanding chemotherapy - Macmillan Cancer

Where chemotherapy is givenWhere chemotherapyis givenUsually chemotherapy is given in a chemotherapy dayunit or an outpatient clinic. But depending on the type ofchemotherapy, some people may need to have it duringa stay in hospital.Chemotherapy day unitChemotherapy drugs into a vein (intravenous) are usually givento you by nurses in a chemotherapy day unit. They take bloodsamples, give you your chemotherapy and monitor you for sideeffects. They also provide information and support to you andyour family.The nurses try to make sure the unit has a calm atmosphereand the environment is comfortable. There are normallyrecliner chairs and some beds if you need more rest.You can usually have a relative or friend to stay with youuntil you’re ready to go home. There may be volunteers whohelp with drinks or snacks when you need them. Some unitsalso have complementary therapists who provide therapieslike reflexology (see page 79).Having the chemotherapy drugs may take from half an hourto a few hours. But you may also have to wait for blood results,your chemotherapy drugs to be made up by the pharmacy,or to see your cancer doctor. The nurses will try to keep anywaiting to a minimum.21