Hospital Helpers
Find tips for coping with hospitalization and situations that arise when in the hospital.
Blood Products and Transfusions
This section contains articles about blood products and transfusions that can be used during treatment of cancer.
Tips for Being in the Hospital
Being in the hospital can be stressful physically, emotionally and financially. Here are some tips to get you through your hospital stay.
Tips for Sleeping in the Hospital
Trouble sleeping is a common issue for people with cancer and it can be even worse if you are in the hospital. Trouble sleeping can be caused by certain medications, having vital signs or lab work done, other tests or procedures, or noise in the hospital. When you are in the hospital, you are also dealing with an irregular sleep schedule, being woken up at night, and spending more time in bed during the day than you normally might.
What to Expect in the Intensive Care Unit
Oncology patients may need the care of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and this unfamiliar environment can cause a great deal of stress for the oncology patient and/or family.
Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions are the basic steps used to stop the spread of pathogens (organisms that can cause disease).
Fall Risk
More than one out of four older people fall each year, but there are ways to decrease your risk of falling.
Hand Hygiene (Hand Washing)
Practicing proper hand hygiene is one of the most important practices to prevent infections.
Lumbar Puncture
A lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure used to access the cerebrospinal space to either obtain spinal fluid for testing or to infuse medication.
Ommaya Reservoir
An ommaya reservoir is a surgically implanted device that provides direct access to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Thoracentesis
A thoracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid from the pleural space.
Indwelling Pleural Catheter (PleurX™)
If the fluid in your pleural space keeps coming back (recurrent pleural effusion), your healthcare provider may want to place an indwelling pleural catheter, often called a PleurX™.
Jackson-Pratt (JP) Surgical Drain
A Jackson-Pratt (JP) surgical drain is sometimes placed after surgery. It is used to drain bodily fluids that might collect under or near the incision (where the surgeon cut your skin).
Biliary Drain
A biliary drain may be needed if your bile does not flow as it should (called cholestasis). A biliary drain may be placed to allow the bile to flow freely and drain from your body.
Central Lines and Care
Central lines are often used when a patient needs chemotherapy, intravenous nutrition and frequent lab draws. There are many types and specific ways to care for them.
Oncologic Emergencies
An oncologic emergency is an acute health problem caused by the cancer or its treatment and requires immediate treatment.