Cancer Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Chemotherapy
Q: Can I drive while taking chemotherapy?
A: Yes unless you have restriction from your physician.
Q. What can I eat?
A. Whatever you want unless you are on a restricted diet.
Q: Can I go to work?
A: Just know that one of the most common side effects is fatigue, but otherwise if you are not on restrictions by your physician.
Q: Will I be sick?
A: Most patients do really well with chemotherapy. You will receive medicine for nausea with your chemo and a prescription for nausea.
Q: How long will my chemotherapy take?
A: It could take from 10 minutes to 6 hours depending on the regimen.
Q: How long do I have to take this chemotherapy?
A: It depends on the physician orders and regimen.
Q: Can I bring a friend or spouse?
A: Yes, we encourage you to bring family and friends as support. However, try to limit to one or two special folks so that you are not overwhelmed during your treatment.
Q: How often will I see my physician?
A: Once a cycle of chemotherapy unless your physician requests see you earlier or if you not feeling well when you come in for chemotherapy.
Q: What stage is my cancer?
A: Your physician will determine the stage of our cancer and review this with you at your appointment.
Radiation
Q: Do I have to avoid contact with others, such as children or pregnant women after my treatments?
A: No. Even though high energy radiation is used to treat you, there is no residual left in your body. Immediately after your treatment the radiation is gone, and it is safe to have contact with others.
Q: Will I be alone in the treatment room when I have my treatments?
A: Even though the treating therapists are not permitted to be in the room when treatment is being delivered, you are never alone. Two monitors are used to keep you in visual contact at all times. In addition, a two way intercom is used so we can hear you and speak to you at all times.
Q: Will my hair fall out with Radiation?
A: Radiation only affects the area that is being treated, if we are treating in an area that contains hair it most likely will come out.
Q: Can I wear my jewelry during my treatment?
A: Yes, you only have to take it off if it will be in your treatment field and we will tell you.
Q: Can my family member come back and see the room?
A: Sure, we like to involve the family and let them see the process. After the first couple of days a family member can come back and see the room and how the patient is set up each day.
Q: How long do my radiation treatments take?
A: Typically it will only take 10-20 minutes each visit.
Q: Does the radiation hurt?
A: Not at all. Some patients experience discomfort lying on the table but we will work very hard to get you as comfortable as possible.
Q: Do I need someone to drive me home?
A: Not unless you have driving restrictions already from your Doctor.
Physician Appointments
Q: Who or what number do I call for medical questions, problems?
A: Nurse line 336-328-4060 (answering service available after hours)
Q: Do I pay my co-pay at each visit and who do I pay?
A: If your insurance policy requires a co-pay we will collect this when you arrive for your appointment.
Q: How do I get my prescriptions refilled?
A: The best way is to let your physician know at each appointment that you need refills. However, if you need a refill between appointments just call your pharmacy. They will fax in the prescription and in many cases we can authorize the refill the same day. There are prescriptions which require you to pick up from our office. One of our nurses will call you if this is the case.
