Chemotherapy Infusion
Patient Information
Once you have met with your oncologist and a decision has been made as to what therapy you will take, you will meet with a Breast Care Center nurse practitioner. Your nurse practitioner will review your chemotherapy schedule and potential side effects, and answer any questions you may have. Throughout chemotherapy treatment, you will be seen by the nurse practitioner who stays in close contact with your oncologist. Your oncologist will also see you approximately every other cycle to follow-up with you directly.
On the first day of each cycle of chemotherapy, you will get blood drawn in the lab 30 minutes prior to your nurse practitioner appointment. The nurse practitioner will go over side effects and do a physical exam looking for signs of infection or toxicity. If your blood counts are okay, you will then go to the Ida Friend Infusion Center for treatment.
Each office visit at both the Breast Care Center and the Ida Friend Infusion Center must be scheduled. Call both the Breast Care Center at (415) 353-7070 and the Infusion Center at (415) 353-7155 to set up your respective appointments. All appointments must be scheduled in advance as drop in appointments are not allowed.
The Infusion Center schedules their last appointment at 3:00 pm. Therefore, make your appointment at the Breast Care Center no later than 1:00 pm. This way you will have enough time to be seen in the Breast Care Center and still have your infusion.
Ida Friend Infusion Center
Location: UCSF Mount Zion Hospital
1600 Divisadero , 5th floor , Cancer Center
Phone: (415) 353-7155
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am - 6 pm
Weekends, 9 am - 4 pm
At the Infusion Center, you will be cared for by registered nurses. They administer transfusions of blood products, prepare and administer chemotherapy, teach you and your family about your treatment and what to expect, provide emotional support and t help identify resources within the Cancer Center and the community specific to you.
Your First Visit
Your first stop at the Infusion Center will be at the reception desk to let the nurses know you have arrived. At that time, we will review your physician's orders and make sure you are registered. We will then assess your treatment plan and administer the chemotherapy or blood products as needed.
The amount of time you will spend at the Infusion Center will vary, depending on your treatment plan.
It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed during the first visit. We highly recommend that you bring a family member or loved one with you. It is also a good idea to bring a notebook and pen to write down important information. Depending on the amount of time necessary for your treatment, you may also consider bringing a lunch or a snack, since we provide juices but not food. We recommend bringing a book, a game, a tape player with headphones and music or books on tape, or some other activity you enjoy.
During Treatment
During treatment if you are not feeling well, please call the Breast Care Center at (415) 353-7070 as soon as possible. If you are directed to come in, it is important that you come as soon as possible so that you can be evaluated and have some necessary tests done within normal working hours. If you call after 4:00 pm, you may be directed to the Emergency Room at the UCSF Parnassus campus.
Questions to ask your oncologist, nurse practitioner or nurse
- What is the recommended treatment plan for my condition?
- What are the expected benefits and goals of the treatment?
- How will the success or failure of the treatment be determined?
- Will I be able to continue to work during the treatment?
- When will I be able to get back to my normal routine?
- How should I expect to feel during and after the treatment?
- What are the short term and long term risks of the treatment?
- What can I do to maintain my health during this time?
We encourage you to actively participate in your care and seek information. Don't be afraid of asking questions or showing emotion. We understand that different people benefit from different kinds of support.
