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Home chemo pump card

Print it on A5 paper and fill it in with your patient before they go home.

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Home chemo pump

Fill in the card with your nurse and keep it next to the pump.

Emergency: 112

Hospital and unit
Daytime phone
Night and weekend phone
My nurse
Pump started (day and time)
Expected to finish (day and time)

  1. When should I call 112?

    Call 112, the emergency number, straight away if you are short of breath, have chest pain, if your face, lips or tongue swell, if bleeding does not stop, or if you faint.

  2. When should I call my hospital straight away?

    If you notice any of these, call your hospital straight away, even at night.

    • a temperature of 38 °C or higher, or shivering
    • redness, swelling, pain or wetness where the catheter goes in
    • swelling in the arm, shoulder or neck
    • a balloon that is not getting smaller, or is emptying much too fast
    • a leak, or a line that has come apart

  3. Some things are normal, and you do not need to call.

    The pump makes no sound. The balloon shrinks slowly, a little faster in the first hour or two. You may see small drops of water inside the clear case. A little medicine is left in the pump at the end.

  4. What if there is a leak?

    If you see wetness on the pump, the line or the connection, close the clamp first.

    Put on gloves before you touch the wet area. If the hospital gave you a spill kit, use it.

    Call your hospital straight away.

  5. Can you shower with a chemo pump?

    Yes, if your nurse says you may. The pump and the connection must stay dry.

    Do not get in the bath or swim while the pump is on. Never put the pump or the line in water.

  6. How do I sleep with a chemo pump?

    Put the pump on the bed next to you, on top of the covers.