Before your first visit
- Bring all reports in one file, in date order: blood tests, scans (with CDs), biopsy and IHC reports, discharge summaries
- If you had a biopsy elsewhere, ask that laboratory for the slides and paraffin blocks – they may be needed for review or special tests
- Bring the list of medicines you take, including ayurvedic or homeopathic medicines
- Bring Aadhaar and any health scheme/insurance card
- Write down your questions; bring one family member
Questions worth asking your doctor
- What type and stage of cancer / blood disorder do I have?
- What is the goal of treatment – cure or control?
- What are my treatment options, and how long will treatment take?
- What side effects should I expect, and what should I do if they happen?
- What will it cost, and are there schemes or assistance programmes?
During chemotherapy – go to hospital immediately if you have
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or more, or shivering
- Bleeding that does not stop, black stools, or blood in vomit/urine
- Breathlessness, chest pain, or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that prevents you from eating or drinking for a day
- Severe weakness, fainting, or very low urine output
Call the clinic or go to Medicover Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar emergency.
Care at home during treatment
- Wash hands often; avoid crowds and people with fever or cough when your counts are low
- Drink 2–3 litres of fluids daily unless told otherwise
- Eat freshly cooked, well-cooked food; avoid raw salads, street food and reheated food when counts are low
- Use a soft toothbrush and salt-soda mouth rinses for mouth sores
- Keep a small diary of symptoms, temperature and questions for the next visit
- Do not stop or add any medicine without asking your oncologist
Food during treatment
- Small, frequent meals; include dal, eggs, paneer, milk, curd, soya and pulses for protein
- If appetite is poor, energy-dense foods like sheera, khichdi with ghee, banana and peanut chikki help
- There is no special diet that "starves" cancer – being well-nourished helps you tolerate treatment
For families
Caring for someone with cancer is demanding. Share tasks, ask questions, and look after your own health and sleep. Please talk to us if you are struggling – we can help.