Day Oncology commonly asked questions

• Organise transport, childcare options and support persons.  
• Be well hydrated, keep warm and ensure that you have eaten. 
• Bring along a few entertainment options and some favourite snacks, particularly if there are dietary requirements.
• Ensure your support person has thought about their meal options. The patient is provided with a light meal and snack options.
• Ensure you have had your requested pathology test done pre-treatment.
• If you are giving up smoking, you may need to organise nicotine patches.  

There is no cost for treatment; only for discharge medications. You may need to pay for parking around the hospital.  

• Please let the receptionist know when you have arrived for your appointment.  They will direct you either to the clinic waiting room for your appointment, or to the Day Oncology Unit waiting area.  
• Your nurse will greet you and take you into the treatment area.  
• Once you have been weighed, you will be seated on a specially-designed recliner chair. This will allow you to be as comfortable as possible during treatment.  
• After checking your blood test results, the nurse will ask you some questions about any medical problems you have, and particularly any side effects of the treatment you are receiving.  
• Your nurse will then check your pulse rate and blood pressure and insert an intravenous line.  
• Treatment length will vary according to your requirement.  
• Treatment can cause a lot of anxiety, particularly your first one. So, it is good to have someone with you. It also gives you another set of ears to listen to instructions about what to do after leaving the Day Oncology Unit.  

Each person experiences treatment differently, both physically and emotionally. Many will also experience side effects from treatment differently. This is because different  medications cause different side effects.  

Fortunately, as the science of cancer treatment has advanced, so has the science of managing treatment side effects.  

Side effect reaction times  vary for each person. Some people will have a lot of side effects, others will have none or very few.  They may occur on the same day of treatment, or a few days post treatment.  

• Continue to be active.  
• Maintain a well-balanced diet and adequate sleep. Be prepared to have a short nap each day if required.  
• Avoid continually talking about your cancer. Put a time limit on any discussions or questions with friends and family. There is more to you than your cancer.
• Take help when it is offered.  
• Be careful when you are in the sun. Wear a hat with a wide brim. Use sunscreen with SPF 50 on any exposed skin.