Hello, and welcome to Dana Farber. If you're a new patient, you may soon begin treatment at one of our infusion locations.
It's normal to feel a little apprehensive about your first day. So we're going to walk you
through what you can expect when you visit us. For starters, keep in mind that your infusion
appointment is generally the longest, so most people can plan on being with us for a full day.
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When you arrive, you'll visit lab services, where one of our staff will take a blood sample. If
your treatment requires one, a nurse may also place an intravenous catheter known as an IV.
The results of tests on your blood sample
can help determine the dose of chemotherapy or other medications you may get today.
If you have a central line,
such as a port, and it was inserted at another hospital, your nurse will need to review a
procedure report. We can't use your central line until we have this report. So talk with your new
patient coordinator if you have questions about this.
After your blood sample is obtained in lab services, you'll meet with your doctor or another member of your cancer care team.
(Background: "Been eating okay? I've been eating very well.")
We'll check your height and weight. And then you'll meet
members of your care team in an exam room.
We will review your treatment plan with you, check your blood tests, and prescribe your medications for the day.
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After your exam appointment. You'll check in again at the reception desk for your
infusion appointment. The nursing staff will recheck your height and
weight because these measurements help determine your medicine dose for the day.
Then you can have a seat in the waiting area.
Chemo is made to order
every time you visit. This means it cannot be prepared ahead of time. You may feel
like nothing is happening, but our pharmacy and nurses are working together behind the
scenes to prepare your infusion medicine. It is prepared in a sterile environment, it may need
to be thawed or mixed with other medicines. After your medicine is prepared. It needs to
be checked and double checked as it goes from pharmacy to your infusion nurses and then to you.
You can expect to spend
an hour or more in the waiting area, but this step is important for your safety.
When your medications are ready,
we'll call you into the infusion area. The nursing
staff will help you get settled and make sure you feel comfortable.
All of our infusion areas have a seat for a friend or family member and we encourage you
to bring someone with you to your appointment. This is important because you may feel tired
at the end of the day. It can be helpful to have someone who can get you home safely.
Before you get started,
your infusion nurse will guide you through the series of steps needed
to receive your medications. To begin the process, you may get
pre-medication or fluids. These medications can help with side effects like nausea.
In the infusion area,
your medication may be given to you through an IV, as an injection, or in pill form.
The actual infusion process
can take several hours, but you can use this time to read watch TV or take a nap. You can
bring items from home to help pass the time, like books, headphones or a laptop.
Our patient areas have
wireless internet access and reading materials. Some locations will also have snacks.
Patients often ask me how they're going to feel when an infusion starts.
Most people don't feel
sick. But if you do, let your nurse know right away.
When your treatment is done,
you may need to stay in be observed for a short time to make sure you feel okay.
Before you go home,
your nurse will review all potential side effects with you. You will know exactly
what to expect at home and what steps to take if you do have a side effect.
Make sure you have a list of your future appointments and the doctor's phone number.
You may have questions
and need to call us. We have nurses that work with your doctor that are
knowledgeable about your treatment plan and can help you with your questions.
Receiving care in the
infusion areas at Dana Farber is an important part of your treatment. Your
care team will help you manage your health and get the treatment you need. Together,
we are going to take the very best
care of you. We hope that this video will help you understand what to expect and help you prepare.