Download Instructions to Patients (785) 295-7800

Comprehensive Cancer Center
Michael Hurwitz, MD
M. Jameel Kyasa, MD
Adrian Caracioni, MD
Karen Olson, DNP, APRN-C
Amy Greenfield, APRN-C
Dia Orear, APRN-C
Instructions to Patients
(785) 295-7800
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Expect to have a chemotherapy treatment on the day the doctor sees you. If this is not on your printed
schedule please inform the front desk.
Bring a current medication list to every office visit. Do not bring all of your bottles, just a list with name, dose
and frequency. Share this list with all the doctors involved in your care.
Do not take aspirin products unless your doctor has prescribed them. Use Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
Please arrive at your scheduled time. Arriving outside of your scheduled time only serves to prolong your wait
and that of other patients; this includes chemo treatments, labs, and office visits. We are a very busy clinic and
make every effort to schedule for maximum efficiency.
You may take any vitamin preparation of your choice, preferably a multi-vitamin. If you are using alternative or
herbal treatments please inform us.
Do not take any medication without consulting with your physician.
If you are taking pain medication, take a daily stool softener such as Senokot or Colace. If you are having
issues with constipation, please notify your nurse ASAP as constipation can become a serious medical issue
without intervention.
If your temperature is above 100.5, call the office. The phone is answered 24 hours/day.
Stay away from people with infections while you are taking chemotherapy.
Good hygiene is the best defense from infection. Frequent hand washing and oral care are very important.
Avoid prepared oral rinses with alcohol as these will further dry your oral tissue.
Please drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses) daily, especially on the day of treatment. Water is the best choice of
fluid!
Any unusual bruising or bleeding; nasal, rectal or urinary, needs to be reported.
Let us know of any mouth ulcers between treatments.
Eat regularly. Do not force yourself to eat. Eat small, frequent, high calorie foods. We encourage you to bring
food to your chemotherapy treatment. Patients here during lunch will be offered a light lunch option.
Do not use hair dyes or have permanents while on chemotherapy as it may increase your hair loss.
You will be having lab work done each week. If you live out of town this can be arranged in your local clinic, if
you are not due for treatment that week. Please notify your nurse for arrangement. If this is not on your
schedule please verify with the front desk. **It is the responsibility of the patient to notify our office if your
insurance requires your labs be drawn somewhere other than at St. Francis**
Have someone accompany you to your first treatment. Some medications given may prevent your ability to
drive.
If you have problems, call our office. The phone is answered 24 hours daily. 1-785-295-7800
Make sure you have a return appointment scheduled before leaving the clinic.
Our charges are the reasonable fee schedule conforming to Medicare and Blue Cross guidelines.
Each patient will need a Primary Care Physician to assist in your care. If you do not have a Primary Care
Physician you can call 888-365-0440 to find out which St. Francis doctors are accepting new patients and
schedule an appointment. If you need further assistance, notify your nurse and we will help you.
We have Nurse Navigators, Social Workers, and a Financial Counselor on site and willing to help you in
any way. Notify the front desk or your nurse if you would like to visit with one of them. If you have not
completed our “New Patient Orientation Class”, please talk to your nurse or social worker.
1700 SW 7th St. Topeka, KS 66606-1690
P 785-295-7800
F 785-231-5990
stfrancistopeka.org