It can be difficult to predict how people will respond physically, psychologically and emotionally during treatment as it can depend on many things. Patients often have to cope with a range of physical symptoms and the emotional implications of loss of control, increased dependency on others, isolation, feelings of anxiety, fear, low mood and grief or a sense of loss. Patients can feel very vulnerable during this time when they are physically weak and emotionally drained. If you do feel distressed during your time in hospital it is important to validate your experience and remind yourself that it is okay not to feel okay. On the days when you feel able to, if you have a device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop you could access the resources on the Keeping Me Well website and going through some of the strategies such as ‘dropping the anchor’ or ‘visualisation’ which may help if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed. You will also have the resources included within these webpages; diaphragmatic breathing exercise, progressive muscle relaxation exercise and safe place visualisation exercise. If you can, try to keep some routine to your day, follow guidance from healthcare professionals around movement/activity, and engage with some light entertainment and hobbies. When you need to rest allow yourself to rest. Some patients can feel very disconnected during this period of isolation and find this difficult. Other patients prefer to deal with the treatment away from their family or carers so they do not have to witness them struggling. Therefore, they may prefer to seek support through the healthcare team. The healthcare team can support you in keeping your family up to date with the treatment if it feels too difficult for you.
Whilst going through the treatment some people can experience very challenging side effects. The details of the specific side effects will be discussed with you in detail by the healthcare team throughout the process and they will carefully monitor you. It is important that you feel able to discuss any symptoms or concerns you might have with your healthcare team. As you are in isolation and unable to leave your room you are encouraged to use the call alarm as frequently as necessary. For some people this can feel uncomfortable, particularly if you find it difficult to assert and express your needs. However, ward staff understand the challenges of isolation and want patients to use the alarm as and when they need to - so try to hold that in mind if you notice you are hesitating to use the alarm.