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Clinic
Day Expectations
Becoming a Patient
On appointment day, patients
will meet with the scheduled physician(s) and clinic
staff. After a physical examination, the physician and
staff members will assess the patient's status, looking
at any workup or treatments undertaken previously. The
medical staff will decide if any additional lab work
is needed, and any new testing that is determined to
be necessary will be scheduled.
During that visit, you
may also meet with a medical director of a specialty
clinic, if appropriate, who will perform a physical.
The medical director may make arrangements for you to
undergo diagnostic tests, such as blood work or a chest
X-ray, that same day, or have you meet with other specialists.
Additional physicians whom you will not meet -- for
example, pathologists and radiologists -- also will
evaluate your condition and be actively involved in
developing your treatment plan.
After members of the medical
team collaborate, one of the physicians will discuss
the findings and treatment recommendations with you.
If there is something you do not understand, just ask.
Our staff is available during and after your visit to
answer questions and make sure you fully understand
your condition and treatment options.
When appropriate, the patient
may be provided information about clinical trials under
way at CBCC.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is provided
in the Day Hospital area of the Cardinal Bernadin Cancer
Center. Twelve chairs and eight day beds are available
for patients requiring chemotherapy. Patients are scheduled
for their treatments as ordered by their physicians.
Nursing staff administer the chemotherapy prepared in
the Cancer Center pharmacy. Patients receive instruction
on medications administered and the management of side
effects by the nurses providing care. Patients have
access to their physicians and nursing staff through
a triage nurse in the Center who is able to direct their
concerns to the appropriate staff.
Radiation Therapy
Patients needing radiation
therapy are scheduled for treatment by their radiation
oncologist. Patients are evaluated using specialized
computers that create images of the cancerous parts
of the body. The goal is to radiate only the cancerous
area while sparing healthy tissue. Patients are usually
scheduled daily for a determined length of time over
a period of weeks, again based on an individualized
treatment plan. Nursing staff is available at each visit
to assist patients with therapy and to instruct patients
on management of any side effects.
Your referring or primary
care physician will be contacted regarding the outcome
of the visit and recommended treatment plan.
Related Links
What to bring to your appointment
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