Chemotherapy Treatments

Many people who are diagnosed with cancer receive chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy can be instrumental in effective cancer treatment, allowing patients to live full, productive lives.  Many cancer patients fear chemotherapy because of various side effects.  Due to advances in chemotherapy options, many side effects once associated with chemotherapy can be prevented or controlled. However, some forms of side effects may still occur and should be addressed with your GPCHS care provider.  Here are some tips for making chemotherapy treatments a bit more manageable and comfortable.

• On your treatment day, take your medications as you normally would prior to coming to the office. Bring any additional medications with you so that you can take them according to your regular daily medication schedule.
   
• Have a family member or friend drive you to and from the office on your first visit. They are welcome to stay with you while you receive your treatment.
   
• Eat breakfast and/or lunch, as you normally would, but remember that bland foods are best-tolerated. If your treatment schedule falls during your regular mealtime, you are welcome to bring food with you. Coffee, tea, and a selection of juices are continuously available throughout your treatment. 
   
• Dress comfortably. If you use a port-a-cath or other access device, wear clothing that renders it easily accessible. 
   
• When you arrive for your treatment, check in with the front desk. You will be shown to the lab so that blood can be drawn, and any other required lab work can be completed prior to your treatment. 
   
• GPCHS provides personal DVD players for our patients to borrow as well as a small library of videos.  We encourage you to bring your own iPod, Walkman, etc.  Because temperatures may vary in the infusion room, please bring a small blanket or sweater so that you can be as comfortable as possible during your therapy.

At the onset of treatment, you will meet our oncology nurse practitioner who will offer you assistance with needs ranging from pain management to home care; obtaining medical equipment to assisting with insurance issues; and providing nutritional counseling and offering psychological support.

Our goal is to make your first visit - and every visit - as easy on you as possible. We welcome any suggestions you may offer that will enable us to better meet this goal.