The most common treatment of cancer is the infusion of anti-cancer medications or chemotherapy. Also known
as "chemo", it is an effective treatment for many cancers. Since every human body is unique, administration and results of the infusions are also unique to each patient. Our physicians and nursing staff monitor each patient’s progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal effectiveness.
Florida Cancer Specialists provide clinics in Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Convenient locations allow you to go about your daily life without lengthy and disruptive travel. Treatment rooms are designed with your comfort in mind and include comfortable lounge chairs. Our expert nursing teams are on hand to provide the highest level of oncological care.
Chemotherapy is the use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from growing. It can be delivered intravenously, also known as an infusion. Chemotherapy can also be administered orally, or injected, depending on which medicines are used. Treatment plans are crafted by your physician in accordance with your specific condition, age, health, and more.
There are hundreds of combinations of chemotherapy treatments. Each must be administered according to very specific instructions, and treatment times vary from minutes to hours. A few less common treatments may require a short hospital stay. Typical infusions are completed in our offices. Your personalized plan will also determine the number of days or weeks that you will continue treatment.
If your treatment plan does call for infusions, there are a few things you can do to ease the process. Our treatment rooms are designed for your comfort, but you might want to bring a book, DVD, portable MP3, or writing material. You may also want to bring a blanket, as the rooms are typically cool, and if you’d like to bring a favorite pillow so that you can nap, you are welcome to do so. Also, do bring a lunch if you will be there several hours, as we do not have kitchen facilities. While we try to accommodate family members, especially for your first treatment, we can do so only if space is available.
Nurses at Florida Cancer Specialists are specially trained to administer the medications that your doctor prescribes and to manage side effects. Because each person is unique, side effects vary literally from one patient to the next. However, the tools at our disposal to manage side effects have greatly improved in recent years. We have also provided
online resources to help you combat side effects.
Your ability to work while completing a series of chemotherapy sessions depends, of course, on how the treatment affects you and on your physician’s advice. We do assist patients in completing forms to apply for leave under the
Family and Medical Leave Act, or for disability, if necessary. We do have many patients, however, who schedule treatments late in the week so that they can rest and recuperate over the weekend before returning to work.
Numerous options, such as massage therapy, relaxation techniques, swimming, and support groups, provide many patients significant relief and support in dealing with side effects. Discuss any alternative therapies you may be considering with your oncologist first.
We see a remarkable and positive difference in patients who take a proactive approach to their treatment. Our
education classes are just the place to start. You are the first line of defense in your own treatment. The more informed you are, the more likely you can to minimize side effects and maximize results.
Here at FCS, we also provide a number of non-cancer related infusions including therapies for Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, MS disorders, osteoporosis, and many more.
We are specially trained in the administration of these types of infusions and in managing their side effects. As with chemotheraphy, the length and duration of treatment varies from patient to patient. Again, we encourage you to be proactive and to take advantage of our educational services.