Receiving a cancer diagnosis changes everything. The fear and uncertainty are real, and they are completely understandable. But understanding your treatment options and knowing what to expect can make the journey less overwhelming. At Medilife Hospital, our oncology department provides chemotherapy services in a dedicated unit designed for patient comfort and clinical excellence.
What Chemotherapy Does
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. It is one of the most common cancer treatments and can be used alone or in combination with surgery, radiation, or other therapies. The specific drugs, dosage, and treatment schedule depend on the type and stage of cancer.
Some chemotherapy regimens are given intravenously (through a drip), while others come in oral form (pills or capsules). At Medilife, our infusion-based treatments are administered in our dedicated chemotherapy suite by trained oncology nurses.
Preparing for Your First Session
Before your first chemotherapy session, your oncologist will explain the treatment plan, including which drugs will be used, how many cycles you will receive, and the expected timeline. Blood tests are performed before each session to confirm that your blood counts are adequate for treatment.
On the day of your session, eat a light meal beforehand. Bring a book, music, or something to keep you occupied, as sessions can last several hours. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily for IV access. Bring a water bottle and snacks.
What Happens During a Session
When you arrive, a nurse will check your vital signs and draw blood for pre-treatment analysis. Once cleared, you will be seated in our treatment area and the nurse will set up your IV line. The chemotherapy drugs are administered over a period that can range from one to several hours, depending on your protocol.
Throughout the session, our nurses monitor you for any immediate reactions and adjust flow rates as needed. Many patients feel relatively normal during the infusion itself. Side effects, when they occur, typically develop in the hours and days following treatment.
Managing Side Effects
Side effects vary depending on the drugs used, but common ones include nausea, fatigue, reduced appetite, and susceptibility to infections due to lowered white blood cell counts. Not everyone experiences all of these, and many can be managed with supportive medications.
Nausea: Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) are often given before and after chemotherapy. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding strong smells can help.
Fatigue: Rest when you need to, but try to maintain some light activity, as gentle movement can actually help reduce fatigue over time.
Infection risk: With a lowered immune system, avoid crowded places during your most vulnerable days (typically 7 to 14 days after treatment). Wash your hands frequently. Contact the hospital immediately if you develop a fever above 38 degrees Celsius.
Hair loss: Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but some do. If this is expected with your regimen, your oncologist will let you know in advance so you can prepare.
Nutrition During Treatment
Good nutrition supports your body through treatment. Focus on protein-rich foods to support tissue repair, fruits and vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants, and adequate hydration. Our team provides dietary guidance tailored to your treatment protocol and any taste changes you experience.
Emotional and Family Support
Cancer treatment affects the whole family. Encourage open communication with your loved ones about what you are going through. At Medilife, our nursing staff is available to answer questions from both patients and family members. Do not hesitate to ask for help or express concerns during your visits.
Contact Our Oncology Team
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and needs chemotherapy services in Kiambu County, contact Medilife Hospital at +254 703 494 444. Our oncology team will review your diagnosis, coordinate with your referring physician, and develop a treatment plan that fits your specific situation.
Have Questions?
Contact Medilife Hospital for appointments or medical inquiries.
Call +254 738 494 444