“Let’s check your labs.”

We check labs a lot! We want to make sure your “counts” are good for chemo. Or, we might check them if you come in for a triage visit to make sure that your hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets are okay. Sometimes, the problem is electrolytes like potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Magnesium can run persistently low, even after someone is done getting treatment. There are ways to manage low counts. Sometimes you need a little extra time before the next chemo. Sometimes you need a blood transfusion for your hemoglobin, or shots for your white blood cells. There are ways to manage these issues.

“Any new symptoms?”

We never get tired of hearing about your nausea, chills, or if you got a fever. Are your fingernails changing? Tell us! Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet? We want to know! (And here’s the most important part- we’d rather you tell us sooner rather than later.) Don’t wait until you haven’t had a bowel movement for five days. We want to be as pro-active as possible with your symptoms.

“I know you don’t feel like eating, but try small bites.”

Chemo makes food taste weird. “Everything tastes like cardboard” is something I hear a lot. Or- “I force myself to eat.” Sometimes certain textures are worse than others. Certain chemo drugs can cause severe cold sensitivity, making anything remotely cold off-limits. Find what works. Eat small, eat often. Add protein as often as you can. Check in with the registered dietician at your center for help.

“Fatigue like this is normal with treatment. Be gentle with yourself.”

Fatigue is the number one complaint that I hear from my patients. There are times when it is the only complaint people have. And it can be persistent. It doesn’t always go away with rest. If steroids are part of your regimen, you’ll have more energy on the “steroid days,” and might not sleep well which can add to the problem. I tell my patients to stay as active as they can, but don’t push themselves too hard.

“We’re here for you!”

You are not in this alone! Oncology nursing is our passion. That’s why we’re here. On the good days and the bad. And all the ones in between. My patients are the absolute number one reason that I show up, day in and day out.

If you’ve heard one of these before, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re a caregiver of a cancer patient, or a parent or child of someone going through treatment. Share this with someone who needs a reminder today.