Frequently Asked Questions
What is cancer?
Cancer occurs when body cells grow out of control. These abnormal cells can travel to and invade tissues and other body systems, and interfere with normal bodily functions. We know that there is no single cause of cancer, but many factors such as age, immunity, lifestyle factors such as smoking, and genetic disposition decide whether one develops cancer.
What is chemotherapy?
Cancer chemotherapy are drugs that have an anti-cancer, cell-killing effect. Chemotherapy drugs work in several ways, and your physician may prescribe a treatment plan that involves more than one drug to have a maximum cell-killing effect.
Many patients are concerned about the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, because chemotherapy not only destroys cancerous cells, but normal cells as well. Fully understanding side effects that may occur and the treatment of those side effects is the first step to being actively involved in your care.
If chemotherapy is recommended for you, a full educational session will be provided about the drugs, their infusion technique, and side effects to be assured that you and your family feel informed about what to anticipate.
What is radiation?
Radiation is a localized treatment that causes harmful effects to cells. Radiation can be given to cure the patient, to control the disease, to prevent the growth of microscopic disease, or to improve the quality of life (palliation).
Radiation is given Monday through Friday by a machine called the linear accelerator. Before treatment begins, education is provided about what one may expect by a radiation oncology nurse.
A skilled team involving the radiation oncologist, physicist, dosimetrist, and radiation therapist plan and deliver what treatment approach is best for your situation.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your initial consult with a cancer specialist physician is an important step. At this visit you will learn more details about your type of cancer and how it can be treated. It is normal to feel anxious about your first visit, but there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Make a list of questions, and ask the most important questions first.
- If possible, bring a friend or family member along to assist in listening to the physician’s advice.
- Bring a current list of medications, doses, and how often you take these medications.
- Bring identification and health care cards.
- To save time, download and fill out this assessment form to bring with you on your first visit.
- Expect to be at the Cancer Center approximately 1 1/2 hours for your initial consultation.
- Feel free to contact the Cancer Center at (740) 356-7490 with any other questions or concerns prior to your first visit.
When will my treatment start?
Sometimes, additional testing such as CT scans, bone scans, or PET scans must be completed after the initial consultation with your cancer physician. This testing is performed to assure that the stage of the cancer is adequately assessed before treatment begins. It may seem as if time is passing slowly as you wait to begin treatment, but accurate planning and testing are necessary to receive the best in cancer care.
How am I monitored throughout treatment?
Throughout radiation or chemotherapy treatment, you will be closely monitored by a team of physicians, nurses, and radiation therapists. Frequent physician contact is a definite occurrence. Nursing and radiation therapists are skilled in assessing changes in condition and relaying those changes to the physician. Lab values such as white blood cells and platelets are frequently monitored as well, and each patient’s questions and needs are given utmost attention.
