Chemotherapy tests

• Tests before treatment starts
• When you go for your treatment

Before your first treatment you will have blood tests, X-rays or scans. The tests give the doctor information about the treatment you need and can also give a picture to compare with future tests to see how your treatment is working. You have your height and weight checked, as the dose of chemotherapy is based on your height and weight. Your doctor will also examine you. Chemotherapy drugs can stop your bone marrow producing enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. So you need to have a blood test to check your normal levels of the different types of blood cell. You may have other blood tests, depending on the type of cancer or leukaemia that you have.

It often helps to make a list of questions. You may also want to take a relative or friend with you when you go to have tests to remind you of your  questions. When you're feeling worried, it's easy to forget.

You may have some of the following tests.

Tests to check your lungs

Some chemotherapy drugs can affect the way your lungs work. If you are going to have any of these drugs your doctor will suggest you have a lung function test before you start your chemotherapy. Lung function tests measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well you are taking in oxygen.

Tests to check your heart

Your doctor may ask you to have a recording of your heart beat (ECG) or heart ultrasound (echocardiogram). Some chemotherapy drugs can cause temporary damage to the muscles of the heart, which may change the rhythm of the heartbeat. In most people this will go back to normal after the treatment has ended. But you need to have your heart checked before you start treatment if you are going to have one of these drugs. Another test can be done to check the force at which the heart is pumping (known as the cardiac ejection fraction).

Tests to check your liver

Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the liver, so you may have blood tests to check how well your liver is working. Many drugs are broken down by the liver, so the liver needs to be working well to get rid of the chemotherapy.

Tests to check your kidneys

Some chemotherapy drugs can damage your kidneys. So you may have blood tests or need to collect your urine so that it can be tested. The kidneys also get rid of the chemotherapy drugs when they have been broken down in the body, so they need to be working well.

HIV and Hepatitis tests

Your blood may be tested for HIV and hepatitis. Your doctors will explain this to you and you will need to sign a consent form to say that you agree to your blood being tested.

Sperm banking

Some men may be offered the chance to bank sperm before their treatment begins, if the chemotherapy is likely to make them infertile.

When you you to the hospital or clinic, the first thing you will have each time is a blood test. It is important that your chemotherapy nurse checks your white blood cell (WBC) count before you have your next treatment. If your WBC count is too low, having more treatment could push it down to a dangerous level.

After your blood has been taken, you will have to wait for the result to come back. If it is OK, you will then need to wait for your chemotherapy to be prepared.

All chemotherapy drugs are prepared specially for each patient, so you may have to wait while the hospital pharmacy prepares your drugs. This takes time. You may find it helpful to take something with you to pass the time.

If your blood counts are too low, then unfortunately your treatment will have to be delayed. You will have another appointment to come back and have another blood test. This is usually about a week later.

There is information about the individual drugs and combination chemotherapy treatments in the cancer drugs section. If you would like more information, contact one of the cancer information organisations. They often have free factsheets and booklets which they can send to you.

Remember - every patient is different. So each person's treatment plan is different too.