First Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that are often called "anti-cancer" drugs. Your chemotherapy plan will be prescribed and overseen by your medical oncologist – Dr. Jennifer Cadiz, Dr. Marcia Krebs or Dr. Brian Yirinec.

When you arrive for your first chemotherapy treatment, check in at the front desk and have a seat in the waiting room. A nurse – Sulynn, Barbie or Marty –  will come to escort you to the infusion room which is outfitted with comfortable lounge chairs, personal television sets, and wireless Internet; lunch is provided to those patients whose treatment runs through the noon hour.

Generally, you’ll have had baseline blood work done prior to your treatment, which will be reviewed by the physician. First time chemotherapy treatments are usually administered in a private room for your privacy and convenience. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend to your first treatment to take notes, as a great deal of information will be provided.

You will be introduced to your assigned nurse – Gail, Mary, Kitty, Marty, Barbie, or Cari – who typically will provide all your chemotherapy treatments. This nurse will review teaching materials related to the specific drugs you have been prescribed; you will also be given information to take home that includes self-care tips. Plenty of time is allowed to answer all your questions and address any concerns. Chemotherapy treatments can last from two to six hours depending upon the individual treatment plan you and your physician have decided upon.

The drugs your doctor has prescribed will be mixed by your assigned nurse under a three-check protocol that ensures accuracy and safety. The drugs are administered either through a vein in your arm or an access port that has been surgically implanted in your chest.

Anti-nausea medications are given first, followed by the chemotherapy drugs. Each drug is explained once again before it is administered.

You will be monitored throughout the treatment. At its conclusion, the IV access will be disengaged, your vital signs checked, and information will be provided regarding steps to take if you experience any issues at home. Although your nurse will call you the day after your first treatment to follow up, you are encouraged to call the Pluta Cancer Center if you have any problems or concerns. Gail is the nurse manager overseeing the operations of the infusion room.