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Chemotherapy Safety at Home

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Last Modified: May 8, 2012

Question

I am taking chemotherapy (5-FU) via a pump connected to my port at home. What should I know about safety regarding having chemotherapy at home?

Answer

Gloria DiLullo, Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Penn Medicine responds:

Many people receive this type of chemotherapy at home. Most pumps are pretty sophisticated and will alarm to let you know there is a problem. You want to make sure to keep the pack clean and dry always. If there are any signs of leakage, stop the pump and call the home infusion company right away. We also have some great information on our website about tips for managing chemotherapy at home.

This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat Series. View the entire transcript from the Focus on GI Cancers webchat.