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The physicians of Cancer Center are hematologists and oncologists. The staff is thoroughly trained, work closely with the physicians, and will do their best to help you in any way they can.

• An oncologist is an internist with additional training specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

• A hematologist is an internist with additional training specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders including malignant (e.g., leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease) and non-malignant diseases (e.g., anemia, bleeding disorders).

The Cancer Center of Kansas specializes in the treatment of all types of cancer and blood disorders.  Once your diagnosis ahas been established, your oncology team will create a treatment regimen specifically for you.

The success of your treatment begins with knowing you can do this!  Knowledge of how chemotherapy works relieves many fears you might have and helps to alleviate possible side effects.  We have developed this website to give you the information you will need to get started on the road back to good health.

What IF I Have Questions?

Treatment Related Questions

Before each treatment one of the nursing team will ask you specific questions about how you are doing and what side effects you experienced with your previous treatment. She will discuss your lab results and answer any questions you might have about side effects. It is important that you discuss symptoms you have been having at this time.

Who to Call

During Office Hours
Each physician or satellite office has a nurse available to answer your questions regarding management of side effects. If you need a prescription refill (that is not a narcotic), call the pharmacy that last filled the prescription. They will notify us if they need refill approval. Call the office if you need narcotic refills.

After Hours
One of our physicians is on call after hours and on weekends. He may be reached by calling our office number (316) 262-4467, or by calling the Physicians Exchange (316) 262-6262. You will need to provide him some basic information on what treatment you are receiving, including when you received your last treatment. We do not refill narcotic prescriptions on the weekends.

When to Call

One question that is often asked is, “When do I need to call the doctor?” If you have tried the medications suggested in this pamphlet with no relief, or you experience the symptoms below, you need to call your doctor.

Call your doctor if you experience:

• a temperature of 101.5 or above
• a shaking chill
• no bowel movement within 24 hours after taking a laxative
• nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that lasts over 24 hours
• difficulty eating or drinking because of sores in your mouth

Treatment Scheduling

Treatment hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. You will receive a treatment schedule in the mail 3-5 days after seeing the doctor. It will include all appointments up to and including your next doctor visit and treatment. Please note that you may be given different appointment times for the same day: lab, doctor, and/or treatment. If lab is necessary before your treatment, it will be indicated on your appointment card. There is a one-hour interval scheduled between lab and all visits requiring the lab results. If no lab is required before your treatment, your medications will be prepared and ready for your scheduled appointment time.

For all appointments, please check in at the reception desk. We have several different treatment areas and labs. The receptionist will instruct you on where to go if you do not need to wait in the waiting room. An escort from the Therapy Center will come to the waiting room and call you when your lab or treatment is ready. The nurses in the Therapy Center will discuss your lab and any side effects you have been experiencing before mixing your drugs. On the day of your doctor’s visit, if you need treatment, you will need to check in at the reception desk after seeing the doctor. The receptionist will notify the treatment room that you are ready for your treatment. An escort from the Therapy Center will accompany you to the treatment area.

Lab

Monitoring your blood levels while on treatment is essential for determining your body’s response to the chemotherapy. On the weeks when you are not receiving treatment, you will need to come in for blood samples to be drawn. Your lab will be scheduled for the same day of the week you routinely receive your treatment. You will only be notified by phone if your blood counts are low or any additional treatment is necessary. If you have a catheter from which your blood is drawn, you will be scheduled to see a nurse for that procedure. Please remind the receptionist when you check in that you have a catheter.