How should I plan for my first visit?
Plan to spend most of the day in the center for your first visit. You must have a driver for your first chemotherapy visit.
Can I bring family members with me to appointments?
We encourage patients to bring family members and those who provide you support; however, only one adult visitor is allowed with you in the infusion area.
How should I plan for treatment visits?
Try a stress reducing activity such as a walk, breathing exercises, or connect with supportive family and/or friends before chemotherapy and plan to continue this activity throughout your cancer treatment.
Be safe…wear sensible shoes and loose, comfortable clothing.
Are children permitted in the infusion room?
For safety reasons no children under the age of 16 may enter the Chemotherapy Infusion room.
May I eat before my chemotherapy treatment?
Yes. Eat lightly … do not skip meals prior to your infusion. Choose foods that are light in nature and avoid greasy or spicy foods. You may eat while you are receiving your treatment. Our infusion room provides light snacks, coffee, tea, juice, soda, and water for a donation to our Healing Journey Foundation.
May I take my regularly scheduled medications before my treatment?
You may take your regularly scheduled medications on the same day as treatment.
Will my doctor be the same doctor throughout my treatment?
In most cases, your oncologist will be consistent; however, all providers will have background knowledge in your case in the event of an unplanned need arises and your oncologist is available.
Can I refer direct?
Lancaster Cancer Center accepts self- and physician-referred patients. We recommend that self-referred patients contact their insurance provider to verify coverage.
Is payment expected at the time of my visit?
Yes, insurance co-payment is collected each visit. Please notify the office if your insurance coverage changes. You will be responsible for any charges not paid by your insurance provider, so it is important that we have the most up-to-date information.
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes.
If I have questions after my appointment, who can I call?
Questions may be posted on your account on CareSpace ‘View Your Chart Online’ file, where one of our staff will review and get back with you immediately. You may also call the office at 717.291.1313 for assistance.
Where will my prescriptions be filled?
Prescriptions may be filled in our in-office dispensary, your local pharmacy and by mail order.
If I’m unable to make an appointment due to illness or inclement weather, who should I call?
Please call scheduling at 717.291.1313 option 3 to re-schedule your appointment.
Helpful Websites & Resources
American Cancer Society:http://www.cancer.org
Includes links to clnical trials and patient support groups
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:http://www.cdc.gov
The government’s latest information on public health and communicable diseases is posted here.
Family Doctor:http://www.familydoctor.org
Straightforward general information from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Health-finder: http://www.healthfinder.gov
A health library available in English and Spanish, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Offers online tools to help guide treatment decisions.
Medline Plus: http://medlineplus.gov
The National Library of Medicine’s comprehensive health-informational portal.
National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov
Provides clinical details about every type of cancer and the latest treatments.
Patient Advocate Foundation Patient-Focused App
WebMD: http://www.webmd.com
A for profit news and information service with interactive activities.
Chest Port Access Clothing
www.careandwear.com/
www.reboundwear.com/
www.survivorroom.com/port-
There are a wide array of treatments available for fighting cancer. The following information and links are from the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) and offer patients a brief understanding of each type of treatment your doctor may prescribe.
Caring Bridge: http://www.caringbridge.org
Site that helps patients and caregivers stay connected to friends and family. Basically it helps one create their own personal website.
The Family Caregiver: http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org
Interesting articles and a petition to sign for approval of a family caregiver US postage stamp.
Spiritual Health: http://www.spirituality-health.com/spirit
Exploration of mind/body connection.
Health.com: http://www.health.com
Features more than 100 articles, videos and answers to health questions.
Medwatch: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch
Report any negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
American Institute of Stress: http://www.stress.org
The American Institute of Stress will give information and stress management techniques.
Remedy Life: http://www.remedyLife.com/ouch
Information on types and causes and research addressing pain management.
Support for the Patient and Family
Hospice and Community Care (Palliative Medicine & Pathways for Grief and Loss)
ACOR: General Information and Support Groups On-line
Lancaster County Caregivers Support Groups
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Living with Cancer Support Group
Community Resources – Vickie’s Angel’s Foundation