Chemotherapy Infusion Center (CIC) - Patient Handbook

Introduction

Your doctor has recommended chemotherapy and/or blood products as part of your treatment plan. Chemotherapy agents are drugs that kill cancer cells. Often, you will hear it called “chemo” for short. These drugs work by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying. 

Unfortunately, healthy cells can be affected too – particularly cells that reproduce quickly, such as those that line your hair follicles and your digestive tract. This is what causes many of the side effects commonly associated with chemo. The good news is that these cells usually repair themselves after chemotherapy has ended. Side effects will vary greatly from person to person, depending on many factors including the drugs used, the dose, and your general health.

Chemotherapy may be prescribed to cure or control cancer or to relieve symptoms and make you more comfortable.

The people who will be caring for you in the Chemotherapy Infusion Center (CIC) wrote this guide to answer your questions and prepare you for your visits. Knowing what to expect can help relieve your apprehension and help you feel in control. Please feel free to ask questions and talk to the members of your health care team about your treatment. They are here to help with any needs or concerns.

Location

The Chemotherapy Infusion Center (CIC) is located on the ground floor of the hospital.

Tours

The nurse who will care for you at your first visit will give you a brief tour of the CIC.

The Team

The CIC is staffed with highly skilled nurses who have received special training in administering chemotherapy. Your doctor will write the orders for your chemo, but you will not see him or her in the CIC. Your NP or PA may assist your doctor in writing your chemotherapy orders. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask the nurses. They are here to make you as comfortable as possible.