Bottom Line

Before treatment starts

Direct debits and standing orders. Check that you have these in place so you don't have to worry about those while you are in treatment and recovering.
Telephone numbers and email addresses. Try to get all the telephone numbers and email addresses you think you might need in one place so that you, or someone acting on your behalf, can access them easily.
A Will. Considering making or updating your will is NOT morbid! It's a sensible step that all of us should take. Macmillan offer a free service for straightforward wills Macmillan Free Wills Service | Macmillan Cancer Support
Appointments. Get an appointment diary (paper or electronic). You will have loads of appointments - you'll never remember them all.
Keep a diary. One day you might want to look back or even write a blog for Bottom Line to share you experience with others.
Letters, reports and information. You'll also have lots of letters, reports, leaflets and goodness knows what else. A folder to keep them all in one place is a life saver.
Work. If you are working this is the time to talk to your employer about the support and time off you will need during treatment and after. Rights at work for employees with cancer: a guide to what you need to know - Macmillan Online Community
Benefits. If you are in receipt of benefits or think you may be entitled to them start to find out now what extra support you may be able to get. What cancer benefits can I claim? | Cancer Research UK

Dressing and undressing. Radiotherapy involves a lot of dressing and undressing - prepare clothes that will be easy to get off and on.
Cancer Care Review. Your GP should invite you for a cancer care review. This is a good opportunity to discuss any other issues before your treatment starts. If you don't hear from them, ask. Cancer Care Reviews in Primary Care | Macmillan Cancer Support
Plan your journey to the treatment centre. If public transport isn't a possibility or you worry you may be not be well enough to use it can someone get you too and from the treatment centre? Is there patient transport available or a volunteer run car service? Do a dry run of your journey to the treatment centre. How long will it take? Can you park?
Visit your dentist. Some forms of treatment can affect your teeth and oral hygiene is important to avoid problems like thrush.
Hospital bag. Think what you might need in a small hospital bag. A notebook, pens, mobile phone charger...
Prescription costs. If you live in England prescriptions are free for someone having treatment for cancer. Ask your GP, cancer treatment centre or pharmacist for an exemption certificate Free prescriptions for people with cancer | Cancer Research UK
Fatigue. You may feel very tired as treatment progresses. Get books you've really enjoyed in the past. Maybe treat yourself to a subscription TV service. Managing and treating cancer fatigue | Cancer Research UK
Family and friends. Let friends and family know what will be happening. You'll probably find that they are eager to help as much as they can.
Tattoos. You'll probably get tattoos which are used as markers during radiotherapy. Disappointingly they are just small dots which fade in a few months.
Maggie's Centre. If there is a one near you go for a visit and a chat. They'd love to see you. Centres | Maggie's (maggies.org)
Prehabilitation is really important. Get your body and mind into the best condition you can before treatment starts. There may even be prehabilitation advice available at your treatment centre. Prehabilitation guidance for healthcare professionals | Macmillan Cancer Support

During treatment

Help. If you are offered help – take it.
Clinical Nurse Specialist. Your CNS can help you get through treatment. Get their contact details and use them. Your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) | King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (kch.nhs.uk)
Pain management is very important. There is a wide range of pain medication, both oral and in ointment form, which can help you. Do not suffer unnecessarily. Cancer and pain control | Coping with cancer | Cancer Research UK
Nausea is a common problem for anyone going through radiotherapy. There are some very effective anti-nausea medications available. If one isn’t working for you talk to your CNS. Cancer and sickness (nausea) | Coping with cancer | Cancer Research UK
Nutrition is incredibly important. Your treatment centre may be able to make an appointment to see a nutritionist who can help you plan a diet that works for you. Eating well and keeping active | Macmillan Cancer Support
Constipation must be avoided at all costs. Don’t wait until you have a problem with it – talk to your CNS or nutritionist on how you can avoid it. Coping with constipation | Cancer Research UK
Sex. It is not known for sure whether chemotherapy drugs can be passed on through semen or secretions from the vagina. Because of this some doctors advise people to use a barrier method (such as condoms, femidoms or dental dams) if you have sex during treatment. This applies to vaginal, anal or oral sex. You may have to continue to do this for some time after treatment ends.
Pregnancy. It’s important to use reliable contraception during treatment. Avoid getting pregnant while you or your partner are having chemotherapy. This is because the drugs may harm the baby. You may have to continue to do this for some time after treatment ends.
Bladder. Radiotherapy normally requires your bladder to be filled to a measured level. The radiographer will check using ultrasound. It may mean a bit of emptying or refilling. Radiotherapy sessions normally end with a mad dash to the loo.

Hint and tips

Before treatment starts

During treatment

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