503-6Frequently Asked Questions about Infusion Therapy
Call us at 503-681-1064 to make or change appointments. If you have signs or symptoms of a cold or flu, please call the clinic before coming to your appointment.
The length of infusion time will depend on the drugs you are receiving and reaction to them. We will try to give you an accurate length of time for your infusion. Be aware that there are variables that may change the duration. Please ask our nurses how long it will take for your infusion.
You can eat breakfast (or lunch for later appointments) before your infusion. We do not recommend arriving with an empty stomach. In fact, being hungry can make you feel worse during the infusion. We do provide water, coffee, tea, soda and small snacks.
If you take pain medication or use oxygen on a regular basis, please bring these items with you to your infusion. Please bring a current list of medications with you to each appointment; please include any supplements you take.
If your infusion is expected to last a long time, feel free to bring food with you. A small ice chest works well for transporting food. There is a microwave available to heat up food. Our only preference is that the food does not have a strong odor. The hospital has a cafeteria on the first floor that offers salads, sandwiches, beverages and goodies for purchase.
Please be patient when you arrive. Often we are waiting for your lab results and/or orders to be written prior to ordering your medication. This takes time and is designed for your safety to ensure that individual labs and medication orders are reviewed.
Family and a friend are welcome to be with you. During the first treatment, we ask that you bring along someone who can take notes and drive you home. Please remember that children under the age of 13 are not permitted in the room. On occasion when the infusion treatment facility is full, we will limit the number of visitors to one to two people.
You may read books/magazines, take a nap or relax in one of our infusion recliners. You are welcome to bring with you any item to help you pass the time. We have free Wi-Fi in the infusion room along with portable DVD players.
An experienced infusion nurse will closely monitor your therapy, while reviewing health information, answering any questions you have, providing education/information and helping you alleviate fears.
You will be able to move around the room with your IV pole. There is a bathroom you can use at anytime while attached to your IV.
Absolutely. We would like you to remember that sound carries in the infusion room and ask you to put your cell phones on vibrate.
As you probably know, some patients receiving chemotherapy have a heightened sensitivity to odors. Because of this, please do not wear strong fragrances. We are a Scent Free Zone.
Simply ask one of our staff if you would like more privacy. They’d be glad to help.
To ensure confidentiality of your healthcare information per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you will need to provide us written permission to discuss your care with family members or friends. The front desk has the appropriate form to fill out and will enter the information into our computer database.
Feel free to call us with any questions or concerns at 503-681-3687.