The Leukemia Program at Princess Margaret is the largest of its kind in Canada and the
second largest in North America.
We provide care for patients with acute and chronic leukemia as well as a number of other
related blood disorders.
One of your health care providers has asked you see us to provide an opinion about your
blood because you might have a condition that could benefit from our expertise.
Hello, I’m Doctor Andre Schuh, I’m the director of clinical services of malignant
hematology at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
The Malignant Hematology at Princess Margaret is the largest in Canada.
The acute Leukemia program at Princess Margaret is by far the largest program in Canada, and
is amongst the top three in size in North America.
We pride ourselves in providing exemplary, multi-disciplinary Leukemia care.
One of your health care providers has asked you see us to provide an opinion about your
blood because you might have a condition that could benefit from our expertise.
There are many different types of Leukemia and blood disorders that are treated very
differently.
This is one of three videos meant to provide you with a broad overview about what to expect
at Princess Margaret.
In this video we will tell you where you need to go when you get to Princess Margaret, what
to bring with you to your appointment and introduce you to members of your health care
team.
Finally, we will tell you what to expect during your first appointment.
A referral to the Leukemia Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre can be a stressful
event for our patients and their families.
Hi my name is Nancy, I’m one of three specialized oncology nurses that work in the rapid assessment
clinic.
Patients are often very anxious and sometimes very afraid to come here.
We’d like to alleviate some of those fears right up front there’s a number of things
we can look at.
Bring a friend, you need an extra pair of ears that hear what we’re going to tell
you.
It’s very difficult to take in everything in one visit.
If you have to bring your children, there is a magic castle available.
If someone could babysit those children while you’re here, that would be an advantage
to you.
Our team is committed to providing you excellent care and making you feel as comfortable as
possible.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has 2 main entrances.
The entrance on Murray Street is wheelchair accessible.
It was actually my doctor who called me in the morning, based on blood results that he
did the day prior and you know just said like you got to go down to PMH hospital, go right
to the rapid assessment clinic and they’re going to be expecting you.
When you arrive at Princess Margaret you will check in at the rapid assessment clinic which
is located in the Philip S. Orsino Hematology Centre on the second floor.
To prepare for your appointment bring you OHIP card and the medications you are currently
taking.
You can either bring a list of your medications or the pills in their original labelled bottles.
You are encouraged to come with a friend or family member to keep you company and give
you support.
You may bring a lunch or snacks or you can buy food at the cancer center.
Your first appointment to the cancer centre involves many tests and may be a long day.
Lasting from 4 to 6 hours and sometimes longer, depending on your needs.
During your appointment you will meet many health care providers; including doctors,
nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, dietitians, and pharmacists.
Each has a very important role to play in your care and is committed to providing you
the best possible experience.
Princess Margaret is a world leading teaching hospital so you may also be seen my trainees
such as medical residents, fellows or nurse practitioner students.
After checking in at the Rapid Assessment Clinic, you should expect to fill out some
paperwork.
A nurse practitioner or another member of your health care team will perform an initial
assessment.
This involves a thorough review of your medical and social history, and a physical examination.
You go through the process of getting your blood work done; after they take the blood
work you know I met with Alix Duck a few of the other assessment nurses and staff.
You may have many tests performed; this may include drawing blood to be tested in our
labs, an electro cardiogram to evaluate the electrical system of your heart, or a “low
dose” CT scan of the chest.
These tests are important to help us understand what type of condition you have and how best
to treat it.
You may also get more tests if necessary.
One very important test you may get is a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy.
My name is Alix and I’m the nurse practitioner in the rapid assessment clinic.
You may have already had experience having a bone marrow biopsy, we often like to repeat
this procedure in the rapid assessment clinic.
The reason for doing so is that we would like to have your bone marrow reviewed by one of
our expert hematopathologists, these are physicians that are highly specialized in the diagnosis
of blood disorders.
During your visit, you may be asked to see the in-hospital dentist.
Our dentists are very experienced with dental issues related to blood disorders.
The dentist will check your mouth and teeth.
Your mouth is a prime location for potential infections, so it is important to have this
area carefully examined.
There is no charge for this initial assessment.
The Princess Margaret Cancer Center is one of the top five research institutes in the
world.
Doing research is how we develop better treatment for our patients, you may be asked to complete
research surveys or take part in clinical trials.
Hi, I’m Dr. Aaron Schimmer I’m the head of the Leukemia Program at the Princess Margaret
Cancer Centre.
At various points in your trajectory in your stay at the Princess Margaret, you may be
asked to participate in a number of lab based or clinical research studies.
We hope that you’ll consider these opportunities, although participation in research is always
voluntary.
If you do not want to take part in a research study, it will not change the quality of care
you get from your team.
We know this is a lot of information to take in.
Here’s a list of things to remember.
Please bring your OHIP card, bring a list of medications or your pills in their original
labelled bottles.
Bring a friend or family member for support.
Your first appointment may be 4 to 6 hours long.
You may get many tests.
You may get asked to see the in hospital dentist.
We understand your time at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre can be a stressful event for
you and your family, our team is here to support you throughout diagnosis and treatment.
We encourage you to ask questions and if you have any concerns, feel free to contact a
member of our team.
If you can stay patient, you know outside of that, I felt every nurse every staff member,
every doctor, was very aligned in their desire to help treat and ensure you’re comfortable,
taken care of, and cared for.