Chemo 101 with Mary Lucy Mattei

In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with Mary Lucy Mattei, a nurse practitioner specializing in gynecologic oncology, all about chemotherapy basics: "Chemo 101." They explain what chemotherapy is, why it's used, and what patients can expect during treatment. Mary Lucy shares practical advice on what to wear and what to bring on the first infusion day. She covers common side effects such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, and nerve problems, and provides guidance on how to manage them.They discuss the emotional impact of losing hair and explore options such as wigs, scarves, and even eyebrow tattooing. Mary Lucy also talks about ways to prevent and treat neuropathy and stresses the importance of staying hydrated and keeping a normal routine as much as possible. Both encourage patients to ask questions and reach out for support.

3 Key Takeaways


1. Chemo education and patient support are essential

Mary Lucy Mattei, a nurse practitioner in gynecologic oncology at theUSA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of thorough chemotherapy education tailored to each patient's needs. She provides a compassionate environment where patients and their families can ask questions, clarify details about their diagnosis and treatment plan, and get practical advice. This approach helps demystify the treatment process, reduce anxiety, and prepare patients both mentally and physically for what's ahead.

 

2. Manage side effects through proactive care

The episode highlights common chemotherapy side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, and neuropathy. Mary Lucy and Dr. JYP discuss strategies for minimizing side effects, including using pre-medication to reduce or prevent nausea or allergic reactions, over-the-counter remedies for constipation, and employing supportive measures such as ice packs to help prevent neuropathy. They remind patients to report concerning symptoms so that care teams can intervene right away.

3. Emotional support and lifestyle continuity matter

Beyond the medical aspects, the episode addresses the emotional challenges of chemotherapy, including how to prepare for what many patients fear most: hair loss. Resources such as wig fittings, support volunteers, and even tattoo artists for brow or nipple restoration are shared as ways to help cancer patients maintain their sense of self. Importantly, they encourage patients to continue living their lives, maintaining their work, daily routines, and social engagement as much as possible to foster a sense of normalcy and emotional resilience during treatment. As Mary Lucy says, “This is a bump in the road.”

 

Show Overview


00:00 Comforting Patient Consultations

04:32 Patient Chemotherapy Start Guide

08:02 Chemotherapy and Pre-Medication Overview

10:36 Chemo Effects: Fatigue and More

15:30 Patient Communication and Treatment Scheduling

18:45 Wig Resources for Cancer Patients

22:03 Planning for Chemo Cycles

25:17 Cold Capping in Chemotherapy

26:59 Preventing Neuropathy