After Chemoembolization Cancer Therapy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Call 911 for any of the following:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- You are too weak or dizzy to stand.
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have a fever that suddenly gets higher.
- You have nausea and vomiting that does not get better, even after you take your medicine.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have abdominal pain that does not get better, even after you take pain medicine.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have a fast heartbeat.
- You continue to have diarrhea, even after you take medicine to decrease it.
- You are unable to have a bowel movement.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until your pain is severe before you take pain medicine.
- Medicines may be given to prevent infection, nausea, or vomiting.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You may need to return for more tests and to see if the treatment decreased the size of the tumor. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
What to expect after your procedure:
You may have a fever for up to 1 week after your procedure. You may also feel tired and lose your appetite. These symptoms are normal and should improve on their own after 1 week.
Activity:
Have someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure. You may need help doing things in your home, or someone to drive you to errands. Another person should stay with you so he can call 911 if you have complications from your procedure. You cannot drive for 24 hours. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities after your procedure. You will not be able to do strenuous activity or lift anything heavy for several days. You may not be able to work for at least 1 week.
Do not smoke:
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage and increase your risk for new or returning cancer. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
