HEALTH ALERT!  For the safety of our patients and staff, effective March 30, 2020, new patients and patients with disabilities will be permitted one visitor over the age of 15. No other visitors will be permitted into the clinic.  Family members and caretakers may participate in the appointments remotely by phone or video conference if desired. Compass is working with other health care providers in the area to help contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus. We are taking active steps to minimize your exposure to the virus. These steps include screening everyone who enters the clinic for signs of illness, banning most visitors in the clinic, minimizing our own staffing and allowing some employees to work from home, and frequent sanitation of the clinic. We are using personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns, gloves, and face-shields according to national guidelines. We are working to identify those patients whose visits or treatments can be safely delayed, and we will notify you of this if you have an upcoming visit.  We ask that you stay home if you have fever and/or cough.

More Info

Getting Started Video Series

Welcome to the treatment education video series. This video series will provide information on how different cancer treatments work, treatment room guidelines, what to bring to your appointment and additional informational resources. Follow the 3 steps below for the optimal experience.

  1. Please review the email you received and watch the videos as instructed. The email will direct you to videos more specific to your treatment.
  2. See attached Getting Started slide presentation for corresponding written information. This enables you to follow along and take notes as needed. Please also review – When to Call Your Provider.
  3. After completing these videos and viewing the linked documents, please complete the form at the bottom of the screen. This notifies your care team that you have completed the treatment education series. 

Getting Started Team

Heather Wood, RN, BSN, OCN

Nora Larson, MSW, CSWA, LICSWA

Amy Scheer, PA-C

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction to Cancer Treatments

  • Explains the different types of cancer treatment and how they work.
  • Treatment room basics.
  • General Guidelines for your reference. 

Possible Side effects of Cancer Treatment

1. Hair Loss

 

2. Skin Changes

 
  • Possible skin changes including; skin sensitivity, rashes, and hand and foot syndrome.
     
  • Ways to prevent and manage changes.

3. Neuropathy

 

4. Mouth Changes

 
  • Possible mouth changes including; dry mouth, taste changes, mouth sores and cold sensitivity.
     
  • Ways to prevent and manage changes.

5. Heartburn

 
  • Why this may occur and how to manage.

6. Nausea

 
  • Which treatments may cause nausea and why it happens.
     
  • How to prevent and control it. 

7. Bowel Changes

 
  • Who might experience these symptoms.
     
  • Ways to control and prevent constipation and diarrhea.

8. Nutrition & Dehydration

 

9. Blood Work

 
  • Why blood work is drawn so often.
     
  • Risk of anemia and signs to watch for.
     
  • Risk of low platelets and signed to watch for.
     
  • Risk of infection, how to prevent it and signs to watch for.

10. Fatigue

 
  • Discusses the most common side effect from treatment.
     
  • Information about your “down day” and recovery.
     
  • How to minimize fatigue.
     
  • The importance of activity.

11. "Chemo Brain"

 
  • What is "chemo brain"?
     
  • Ways to manage and minimize this symptom.

12. Coping

 

Treatment Drugs

Each treatment drug has a different side effect profile. In the email you received you will find an attached medication education sheet. Please review this document for a summary of your treatment drugs along with any specifics you need to be aware of.

Completion

Thank you for taking the online Getting Started class. Please submit the form below. You will receive a follow up call from our nurse educator in 1-2 business days.

Additional Resources and Information

COVID-19 HEALTH ALERT!