Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy is the use of cancer-fighting medicine intravenously or by mouth. The medication travels through the bloodstream and attacks the cancer cells throughout the entire body. The purpose of chemotherapy is to kill the cancer cells or prevent the growth of more cancer cells.
The physician who specializes in cancer is called a medical oncologist. The medical oncologist will determine which medication is required to treat a specific cancer. Sometimes the physician may prescribe a single medication or a combination of drugs for a chemotherapy regime. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, and is administered over a period of time. Sometime days or weeks can occur between cycles or doses of a patient's chemotherapy. A chemotherapy cycle usually last three to six months, but that will be determined by the medical oncologist. The medical oncologist discusses with the patient and family the appropriate treatment plan.
These are Reid physicians who specialize in cancer care and treatment.
- Dr Bharat Agrawal
- Dr Jagadeesh Gaddipati
- Dr Vani Manyam
For more information about our medical oncologists, visit: http://www.IndianaOncology.com
The care you receive on the Inpatient Oncology Unit L - 4 is delivered by a multidisciplinary team. The team consists of a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse and the Patient Care Tech (PCA). All these team members are caregivers who specialize in the care and treatment of cancer patients. The team members assist the patient and their family members through their journey.
The Registered Nurse is the professional who leads the team. Oncology patients are assessed on a continual basis, which determines their plan of care. Oncology patients and their family member are provided information and help with side effect management, patient education, chemotherapy instructions, pain management, diabetes management, wound care, ostomy care, dietary support, end of life & grieving support, social services assistance and spiritual care. The Registered Nurse administers the chemotherapy. They maintain special certification for chemotherapy administration. The goal of the team is to maintain the patient's quality of life.
The PCC or Patient Care Coordinator of the unit is Amy Booth, RN.
