Cancer patients and survivors can be frustrated by the mental cloudiness they notice before, during, and after cancer treatment. This common cancer side effect is called Brain Fog or Chemo Brain. The term Chemo Brain can be misleading as chemotherapy is not the only cause of concentration and memory problems. This pamphlet explains what brain fog is, what causes it, the risk factors for brain fog, and what you can do to manage it. A list of resources for further information is included.
You are being treated with a cancer treatment that is cytotoxic. This means it can kill cancer cells and can harm healthy cells. This booklet describes what you, your family, friends and caregivers need to know about cytotoxic precautions. These precautions are used to keep your family members, friends and caregivers safe while you are taking your cancer treatment. This pamphlet explains what cytotoxic precautions are, what body fluids are cytotoxic, how to handle your body wastes, what to do …
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your health care provider may order erythropoieis-stimulating agent (ESA) medications for you. This pamphlet explains the risks and benefits of ESAs if you have CKD and active cancer, or a history of cancer or stroke.
During your systemic therapy treatment, a rare complication may have occurred called extravasation. This is when a drug leaks out of the vein and under the skin. This pamphlet outlines what to do if this happens, including skin care, treatment, and other things to know.
An elastomeric infusion pump is a lightweight disposable pump that may be used to give you medications. It is made of very hard plastic and looks like a baby bottle. This pump lets you receive medications safely and comfortably in your own home. This pamphlet explains what types of drugs can be given by an infusion pump, how an infusion pump works, whether you will still have to come to the hospital, how to carry and take care of the pump, whether you can bathe or shower with the pump, and how …
Hair loss, known as alopecia (pronounced ‘al-o-peesha’), is a common side effect of cancer treatment. This pamphlet includes information on the amount of hair, why it is being lost, if it will grow back, coping mechanisms for hair loss, and questions to ask your health care team.
When a drug spill occurs at home, precautions must be taken to make sure that other people who may be helping you with the cleanup do not come in contact with your cancer treatment. Although the risk is very low, it is important to be careful. This pamphlet gives step by step instructions to clean up a chemotherapy drug spill at home.
Platelets (PLT), thrombocytes, are blood cells that helps it to clot (stop bleeding). Not having enough platelets in your blood is called thrombocytopenia (throm·bo·cy·to·pe·nia). This pamphlets describes what causes low platelets, symptoms, and ways to prevent and manage it.
Low red blood cell count, called Anemia, can be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. This pamphlet lists the symptoms, treatments, coping mechanisms, and basic questions to ask your health care team.
A possible side effect of cancer and cancer treatment is nausea (the feeling of wanting to throw-up) and/or vomiting (throwing up). This pamphlet describes what to do if you have nausea or vomiting and how both can be managed.
Neutropenia (low white blood count) happens when you do not have enough neutrophils. This pamphlet lists the causes, signs and symptoms of neutropenia, and what to do if you do have a fever or other signs of infection.
This pamphlets describes the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) sometimes caused by cancer treatment, and outlines treatment and coping strategies.
An Intermate® Infusion Pump is a lightweight disposable pump that may be used to give you medications at home. This pamphlet describes how the pump works, how to carry the pump, and how to use it at home.
You have been prescribed a drug for your cancer that can be given at home using a needle. Your cancer care team will give you the supplies needed to do this safely. This pamphlet explains how to give yourself the drug, including what to do before you start, how to get ready for the injection, choosing and preparing the injection site, and injecting the dose. You should keep a record of your injections and bring it with you to your next appointment. If you have any reactions to your injection or…
The NSH Cancer Care Program wants you to have the information you need to take care of yourself throughout your treatment. This pamphlet includes a QR code to access narrated videos related to systemic therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and oral anti-cancer treatments. A link to other videos for cancer patients and their families is included.
The Systemic Therapy Unit offers many services, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cellular therapy, supportive care, and apheresis. Information about the unit, what to expect during appointments, your health care team, and other information is outlined.