Common Questions and Answers and Glossary
Common Questions and Answers
Q.
May a family member or friend join me on office
visits?
A. Yes. We especially encourage family members or close friends to participate in the initial consult with the physician and nurse. Since we will share much information with you at this time, it may be helpful to have others there to listen, but this is up to you. If you come to one of our Infusion Centers for chemotherapy treatments, support is also encouraged. In addition, family and friends are welcome to come on other visits, but note that most patients are able to drive themselves home. In any event, remember that we are always available to discuss any of your concerns.
Q.
What should I bring to my first visit?
A. A copy of your complete medical record is most helpful. This includes any X-rays, CT or MRI scans, pathology, or lab reports and/or prior treatment notes.
Q.
How often will I see the doctor or nurse at Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology?
A. You will be scheduled for physician and nurse visits throughout the course of your treatment. Once your treatments are completed, we will make a schedule for follow-up visits.
Q.
If I have a bad reaction or a new problem, whom should I contact?
A. While you are receiving treatment, it is very important to contact the doctor or nurse at Commonwealth-Hematology Oncology if you have any problems. Remember that we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also note that we will collaborate with your primary care physician to provide a comprehensive team approach.
Q.
What if I miss a treatment?
A. Because of your particular disease, you will be scheduled for a certain number of treatments. It is extremely important that you receive all of your prescribed treatments. Therefore, if you miss a day, it usually must be made up.
A. No. Once you are scheduled for treatment, your appointment time is yours, and we will be here for you.
Q.
Will you notify me if my appointment is canceled (due to bad weather,
etc.)?
A. Yes. That is why we ask for both your work, home, and cell phone numbers.
Q.
After I complete treatment, will that be the last time I visit Commonwealth
Hematology-Oncology?
A. No. Approximately one month after your last treatment, you will return for a follow-up appointment. Thereafter, your oncologist will set up a schedule for your checkups and tests.
Q.
How do I or my family get in touch with a support group?
A. The oncology nurse can help you to gather information you may need. You should also become familiar with the support services area of this website. You can also contact us and ask to speak to one of our Patient Advocates.
Q.
What should I do if I want a second opinion?
A. If you would like another consultation regarding your condition, you should feel free to ask your physician. We at CHO provide a second-opinion referral service that includes consultation and a thorough review with other specialists. Please don't feel awkward about asking for this.
Glossary
Adjuvant Therapy - Treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy following surgery to help prevent recurrence or spread of cancer.
Benign Tumor - A non-cancerous growth that does not spread.
Biopsy - Removal of a piece of tissue for examination under a microscope to see whether cancer cells are present.
Blood Counts - Measurement of the red cells, white cells, and platelets - normal cells that protect against anemia, infection, and bleeding. These cells may be affected by chemotherapy or radiation. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) tells us the amount of each type of cell.
BUN and Creatinine - Blood tests that help assess kidney function.
Cancer - A general term for more than 100 diseases in which there is abnormal growth of cells that can spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy - Treatment of cancer with medicines.
Clinical Trials - Offer patients new or experimental treatment programs and special agents for the treatment of cancer and blood diseases. Participation is 100% voluntary. Clinical trials involve these phases:
Phase 1 - Intended to determine the safe dose for anti-cancer medications and the potential side effects of different doses.
Phase 2 - Intended to establish if a new treatment is effective for a particular kind of cancer.
Phase 3 - Intended to compare a "new" treatment with "standard" treatment. This type of trial involves "randomization," or the assignment of patients to one or the other treatment on a random basis.
CT Scan - An X-ray procedure that uses a computer to produce a detailed picture of the body.
Cytokines or Growth Factors - Normal body proteins that can be manufactured and injected to boost blood counts and to protect the body against infection or anemia.
Glucose Levels - These check your blood sugar.
Hematology - A general term applied to the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and the study of blood. (From the Greek "hemato," which means blood.)
Lymph Nodes - Small glands, located throughout the body, that help fight cancer and infections.
Malignant Tumor - A cancerous growth.
Metastases - The spread of a tumor regionally to lymph nodes by the lymphatic system or to separate organs via the blood stream.
MRI - A procedure that uses a magnet and a computer to produce a detailed picture of the body.
Oncology - A general tenn applied to the treatment or study of tumors. (From the Greek 11 onco," which means tumor.)
Platelets - Cells that help the blood to clot.
Prothrombin Times (PTs) - Tests that evaluate how well blood is clotting and monitor anticoagulant therapy.
Protocols - Treatment plans.
Red Blood Cells - Cells that contain hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
Regression or Response - A decrease in the tumor size that can be partial or complete.
Remission - A state in which there are no observable tumor cells or symptoms.
Staging - A series of tests to determine whether a cancer has spread from its original site to another part of the body.
White Blood Cells - Cells that fight infection and produce antibodies.
