Hi Sarah

Many years since my chemo but I think this info may still be useful. Stage 4 endometrial cancer.

Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after.  Keep hand and arms warm on the day.  Easier to get the needle in.  Ask as much as you want.  My treatment took several hours and I was always fine, could even fall asleep. 

They will give your Mum medication to take home to help with nausea and tiredness.

Everyone reacts differently your Mum may be OK for a day or two then side effects will kickin.  I  had horrendous pains in my joints so bad that for a couple of days it was difficult to walk across the room.  These subsided but came everytime.

Her taste will change and certain food/ drinks will taste awful.  This includes tea and coffee.  I could drink fruit teas which normally I don't like.  Spicy food tasted good but anything creamy or cheese ( which I love) was inedible.  Taste will come back to normal after the treatment finishes.  If you can help with meals during this time.

Get you Mum to write down every day how she was.  This helps to see a pattern and is useful for doctors appointments.

Tell her not to worry about her hair coming out it will grow back and she should get a voucher for a wig.  The worst was eyebrows and eyelashes as I think that's when you look really poorly.  Invest in a good eyebrow pencil.  Look on the positive no need to shave underarms and legs.

If she is in for a long period take a book, tablet snacks etc.  Yes you can go to the loo while attached to the drip,.  She may go hot & cold during treatment so layers that are easy to take off.  

If she's down then just understand, when she's OK then that's how you have to be

Sorry so long but hope this helps.