Where to go for treatment?
Inpatients: Check in at the hospital's front desk, where you will be directed to the 5th floor, which houses the Oncology Department.
Outpatients: Check in at the hospital’s emergency entrance and let them know you are here for infusion.
What should I bring during my treatment?
Inpatients: We suggest you bring comfortable bedclothes, including a robe, pajamas or nightgown, and slippers. You might wish to bring in your own books or magazines for entertainment, and personal pillows for your comfort. The most important item to bring is a list of your medications and nutritional supplements. Be sure to include the correct name, dosage and frequency. Please include any over-the- counter medications and herbs you take as well.
Outpatients: Unless told otherwise, you will normally be seated in a chair for your chemotherapy. Wear comfortable, non-binding clothing and bring in your own books, magazines, or even a laptop, personal music player and earphones to entertain yourself. We do offer free guest Wi-Fi. You may invite an adult loved one to stay with you and talk quietly during your treatment. Ask your nurse about the best clothes to wear for the treatments.
Will I become nauseated from chemotherapy?
Some, but not all, chemotherapy agents may cause nausea and vomiting if you do not take any preventive measures. Your healthcare team knows which agents are likely to cause nausea and vomiting, and you may be prescribed additional anti-nausea medications to take before, during, or after a chemotherapy treatment to help minimize this side effect. We also give patients “Angel Mints” that help to calm nausea.
Will I lose my hair with chemotherapy?
Some treatments may cause loss of hair while you are taking them, not only on your head, but also in other areas of your body. Generally your hair will grow back after treatment. Your doctor knows which treatments are likely to cause hair loss. Hats and scarves are on hand free of charge if you desire. We also provide you a wig catalog as a resource.
Why do I have to take chemotherapy over multiple courses?
Chemotherapy is usually delivered systemically, so that both your healthy and cancerous tissues are exposed to the drug. Chemotherapy can be used this way because cancer cells are more vulnerable to treatment than healthy cells. However, your body’s healthy tissues need time to recover their strength. Typically, you will receive an initial course of treatment, which will let the doctor know if the agent is effective against your cancer. After this, depending on your overall health, you will receive additional courses necessary to destroy any remaining cancer cells in your body.
