Services
Chemotherapy
Every treatment plan is tailored to your diagnosis, your health and your life. Our team guides you from your first education session through your final treatment, in our own infusion centers close to home.
How it works
Treatment that targets fast-growing cells
Chemotherapy uses medicines that destroy cancer cells by attacking cells that divide rapidly. Some healthy cells also divide quickly, and many side effects come from the effect on those cells. Every chemotherapy drug is different, and many side effects can be well managed with prescription medicines, relaxation, exercise, good nutrition and complementary therapies.
Built around you
Not one size fits all
Most chemotherapy drugs work best in combination, so it's common to receive two or more drugs together, or chemotherapy alongside radiation therapy. Each plan is tailored to your disease and to you. Two women with the same breast cancer may receive different drugs based on age, risk factors and health history. Everyone responds differently, and side effect management keeps improving with new discoveries.
Before your first treatment
Your Chemotherapy Education Session
Before you begin, you'll meet one-on-one with our nurse practitioner for about an hour and a half. It's time set aside just for you, so you start treatment informed and prepared.
Side effects, in depth
We walk through every possible side effect of your treatment and what to expect.
Symptom management
You'll leave with practical advice, plus information on support groups and cancer resources.
Bring someone with you
We encourage you to bring a friend or family member. It's a great time to ask any question about your treatment.
Your questions
Common Questions About Chemotherapy
Will I lose my hair?
Some chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but not all. If yours does, hair usually begins to fall out 2 to 3 weeks after your first treatment and generally starts to grow back 4 to 6 weeks after your last. During your education session, we'll share where to find wigs and scarves.
Can I still work during treatment?
Most of our patients keep working during treatment, and we'll do our best to schedule around your work. Some patients choose to request family medical leave (FMLA), and we're happy to complete any forms your employer needs.
Will I have nausea or vomiting?
Not all chemotherapy drugs cause nausea. When yours might, you'll receive anti-nausea medicine through your IV before treatment, along with prescriptions to take at home if needed. With today's excellent medicines, most patients have little or no nausea.
Will I be on a special diet?
There are no food restrictions during chemotherapy. We do recommend a healthy diet with protein and complex carbohydrates, and eating 5 to 6 small meals a day rather than 3 large ones.
Do side effects get worse with each treatment?
Some patients feel more tired toward the end of chemotherapy. Other side effects, such as nausea, constipation and diarrhea, do not build up from one treatment to the next.
I still want to have children. Will chemotherapy affect my fertility?
Some treatments can cause permanent infertility. Before you start, we'll talk with you about options such as sperm banking or egg retrieval. It's very important to use birth control during treatment.
Will I have activity restrictions?
We encourage you to stay as active as you can. Moderate exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue and improve well-being.
Can I use complementary therapies during chemotherapy?
Many of our patients benefit from acupuncture, massage therapy, Reiki, yoga, aromatherapy and guided imagery, and we're happy to refer you to a licensed therapist in the area. Please ask your physician or nurse practitioner about any herbs, vitamins or minerals before taking them.
Am I at higher risk for infection during chemotherapy?
Most chemotherapy drugs cause a temporary drop in white blood cells, which can make infections more likely. In your education session, you'll learn the signs of infection and when to call our office. We also have medicines that help lower your risk.
Is chemotherapy covered by my insurance?
Our billing staff obtains all necessary pre-authorizations for chemotherapy and related services. We'll let you know what financial responsibility, if any, you'll have for your treatment.