About Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy Surgery

This guide will help you get ready for your nephrectomy (surgery to remove your kidney) or adrenalectomy (surgery to remove your adrenal glands) at MSK. It will also help you understand what to expect during your recovery.

Use this guide as a source of information in the days leading up to your surgery. Bring it with you on the day of your surgery. You and your care team will refer to it as you learn more about your recovery.

About Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

About Your Kidneys and Adrenal Glands

• Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist (see Figure 1), located near the middle of your back. You have 2, one on each side. Your kidneys filter your blood, regulate your hormone levels, and regulate your blood pressure.
• Lymph nodes are small oval or round glands found throughout your body. Lymph nodes make and store cells that fight infection. If cancer spreads, one of the first places it spreads to is usually the lymph nodes. Your healthcare provider may decide to remove some of your lymph nodes and check them for cancer cells. You have many lymph nodes, so your body won’t miss these few.
• Your adrenal glands make hormones that help you cope with stress. You have 2 adrenal glands, 1 on top of each kidney (see Figure 2).
• Your ureters are the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder.
• Your bladder stores your urine.

About Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

The type of surgery you’ll have depends on the size and location of the cancer. Your surgeon will talk with you about the option that’s right for you.

• A partial nephrectomy is the removal of the part of the kidney that has the cancer and the tissue surrounding it. If needed, the lymph nodes will also be removed. Some of your kidney will remain in your body.
• A radical nephrectomy is the removal of the entire kidney and the tissue that surrounds it. If needed, the lymph nodes and the adrenal gland will also be removed.
• A nephroureterectomy is the removal of the entire kidney, surrounding tissue, lymph nodes, the adrenal gland if necessary, all or part of the ureter, and part of the bladder
• An adrenalectomy is the removal of your adrenal glands.

Surgery can be done using different techniques. Your surgeon will talk with you about which options are right for you.

Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery

If you have this kind of surgery, your surgeon will make 3 to 5 small incisions (surgical cuts). Using small tools and a camera, they’ll remove all or part of your kidney or adrenal gland, depending on the cancer.

Open Kidney Surgery

If you have this kind of surgery, your surgeon will make one incision, usually about 5 inches long. They’ll remove all or part of your kidney or adrenal gland, depending on the cancer.

Getting Ready for Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

This section will help you get ready for your surgery. Read it when you surgery is scheduled. Refer to it as your surgery gets closer. It has important information about what to do to get ready.

As you read through this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

Getting ready for surgery

You and your care team will work together to get ready for your surgery. Help us keep you safe by telling us if any of these things apply to you, even if you’re not sure.

• I take a anticoagulant (blood thinner), such as:
  These are examples of medications. There are others.
  
  Be sure your healthcare provider knows all the medications you’re taking.
  • Aspirin
  • Heparin
  • Warfarin (Jantoven®, Coumadin®)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis®)
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
• I take an SGLT2 inhibitor, such as:
  • Canagliflozin (Invokana®)
  • Dapagliflozin (Farxiga®)
  • Empagliflozin (Jardiance®)
  • Ertugliflozin (Steglatro®)
• I take prescription medications (medications my healthcare provider prescribes), including patches and creams.
• I take over-the-counter medications (medications I buy without a prescription), including patches and creams.
• I take dietary supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, or natural or home remedies.
• I have a pacemaker, automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), or other heart device.
• I have sleep apnea.
• I have had a problem with anesthesia (medication to make me sleep during surgery) in the past.
• I’m allergic to certain medication(s) or materials, including latex.
• I’m not willing to receive a blood transfusion.
• I drink alcohol.
• I smoke or use an electronic smoking device, such as a vape pen or e-cigarette.
• I use recreational drugs, such as marijuana.

About drinking alcohol

It’s important to talk with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol you drink. This will help us plan your care.

If you drink alcohol regularly, you may be at risk for problems during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, heart problems, and a longer hospital stay.

If you drink alcohol regularly and stop suddenly, it can cause seizures, delirium, and death. If we know you’re at risk for these problems, we can prescribe medications to help prevent them.

Here are things you can do before your surgery to keep from having problems.

• Be honest with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol you drink.
• Try to stop drinking alcohol once your surgery is planned. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you:
  • Get a headache.
  • Feel nauseous (like you’re going to throw up).
  • Feel more anxious (nervous or worried) than usual.
  • Cannot sleep.
  These are early signs of alcohol withdrawal and can be treated.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot stop drinking.
• Ask your healthcare provider questions about drinking and surgery. All your medical information will be kept private, as always.

About smoking

If you smoke, you can have breathing problems when you have surgery. Stopping for even a few days before your surgery can help.

Your healthcare provider will refer you to our Tobacco Treatment Program if you smoke. You can also reach the program by calling 212-610-0507.

About sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common breathing problem. If you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing for short lengths of time while you’re asleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your airway becomes fully blocked during sleep.

OSA can cause serious problems during and after surgery. Tell us if you have or think you might have sleep apnea. If you use a breathing device, such as a CPAP machine, bring it on the day of your surgery.

Using MyMSK

MyMSK (my.mskcc.org) is your MSK patient portal. You can use it to send and read messages from your care team, view your test results, see your appointment dates and times, and more. You can also invite your caregiver to make their own account so they can see information about your care.

If you do not have a MyMSK account, you can sign up at my.mskcc.org. You can get an enrollment ID by calling 646-227-2593 or your doctor’s office.

Watch How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal to learn more. You can also contact the MyMSK Help Desk by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-248-0593.

Within 30 Days of Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

Presurgical Testing (PST)

You’ll have a PST appointment before your surgery. You’ll get a reminder from your surgeon’s office with the appointment date, time, and location.

You can eat and take your usual medications the day of your PST appointment.

It’s helpful to bring these things to your appointment:

• A list of all the medications you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, patches, and creams.
• Results of any tests done outside of MSK, such as a cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, or carotid doppler study.
• The names and telephone numbers of your healthcare providers.

You’ll meet with a nurse practitioner (NP) during your PST appointment. They work closely with anesthesiology staff (specialized healthcare providers who will give you anesthesia during your surgery). Your NP will review your medical and surgical history with you. You may have tests to plan your care, such as:

• An electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart rhythm.
• A chest X-ray.
• Blood tests.

Your NP may recommend you see other healthcare providers. They’ll also talk with you about which medications to take the morning of your surgery.

Identify your caregiver

Your caregiver plays an important role in your care. Before your surgery, you and your caregiver will learn about your surgery from your healthcare providers. After your surgery, your caregiver will take you home when you’re discharged. They’ll also help you care for yourself at home.

For caregivers

‌  Caring for a person going through cancer treatment comes with many responsibilities. We offer resources and support to help you manage them. Visit www.msk.org/caregivers or read A Guide for Caregivers to learn more.

Fill out a Health Care Proxy form

If you have not already filled out a Health Care Proxy form, we recommend you do now. If you already filled one out or have any other advance directives, bring them to your next appointment.

A health care proxy is a legal document. It says who will speak for you if you cannot communicate for yourself. This person is called your health care agent.

• To learn about health care proxies and other advance directives, read Advance Care Planning.
• To learn about being a health care agent, read How to Be a Health Care Agent.

Talk with a member of your care team if you have questions about filling out a Health Care Proxy form.

Do breathing and coughing exercises

Practice taking deep breaths and coughing before your surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you an incentive spirometer to help expand your lungs. To learn more, read How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer.

Do physical activity

Doing physical activity will help your body get into its best condition for your surgery. It will also make your recovery faster and easier.

Try to do physical activity every day. Any activity that makes your heart beat faster, such as walking, swimming, or biking, is a good choice. If it’s cold outside, use stairs in your home or go to a mall or shopping center.

Follow a healthy diet

Follow a well-balanced, healthy diet before your surgery. If you need help with your diet, talk with your healthcare provider about meeting with a clinical dietitian nutritionist.

Buy a 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) solution antiseptic skin cleanser, such as Hibiclens®

4% CHG solution is a skin cleanser that kills germs for 24 hours after you use it. Showering with it before your surgery will help lower your risk of infection after surgery. You can buy a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser at your local pharmacy without a prescription.

7 Days Before Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking aspirin

Aspirin can cause bleeding. If you take aspirin or a medication that has aspirin, you may need to change your dose or stop taking it 7 days before your surgery. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do not stop taking aspirin unless they tell you to.

To learn more, read Common Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin E.

Stop taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements

Vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 7 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.

To learn more, read Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment.

2 Days Before Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil^® and Motrin^®) and naproxen (Aleve^®), can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 2 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.

To learn more, read Common Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin E.

1 Day Before Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

Note the time of your surgery

A staff member will call you after 2 p.m. the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for a Monday, they’ll call you the Friday before. If you do not get a call by 7 p.m., call 212-639-5014.

The staff member will tell you what time to get to the hospital for your surgery. They’ll also remind you where to go.

Eat a Light Diet

Eat a light diet, such as small sandwiches, eggs, toast, crackers, soup, or cereal. Limit the amount of dairy products, and avoid fried foods and foods with a lot of seasoning.

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser, such as Hibiclens

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser before you go to bed the night before your surgery.

Do not use any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne after your shower.

Instructions for eating before your surgery

‌  
Do not eat anything after midnight (12 a.m.) the night before your surgery. This includes hard candy and gum.



 

The Morning of Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

Instructions for drinking before your surgery

‌  You can drink a total of 12 ounces of water between midnight (12 a.m.) and 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. Do not drink anything else.

Do not drink anything starting 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. This includes water.

Take your medications as instructed

A member of your care team will tell you which medications to take the morning of your surgery. Take only those medications with a sip of water. Depending on what medications you take, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medications.

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser, such as Hibiclens

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser before you leave for the hospital. Use it the same way you did the night before.

Do not put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne after your shower.

Things to Remember

• Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting.
• If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery can damage your eyes.
• Don’t wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. The tools used during your surgery can cause burns if they touch metal.
• Leave valuable items at home.
• If you’re menstruating (have your monthly period), use a sanitary pad, not a tampon. You’ll get disposable underwear, as well as a pad if needed.

What to Bring

• A pair of loose-fitting pants, such as sweatpants.
• Sneakers that lace up. You may have some swelling in your feet. Lace-up sneakers can accommodate this swelling.
• Your breathing device for sleep apnea (such as your CPAP device), if you have one.
• Your incentive spirometer, if you have one.
• Your Health Care Proxy form and other advance directives, if you completed them.
• Your cell phone and charger.
• Only the money you may want for small purchases (such as a newspaper).
• A case for your personal items (such as your eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wig, and religious articles), if you have any.
• This guide. Your care team will use it to teach you how to care for yourself after surgery.

In the Hospital

Many staff members will ask you to say and spell your name and birth date. This is for your safety. People with the same or a similar name may be having surgery on the same day.

When it’s time to change for surgery, you’ll get a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear.

Meet with a nurse

You’ll meet with a nurse before surgery. Tell them the dose of any medications you took after midnight (12 a.m.) and the time you took them. Make sure to include prescription and over-the-counter medications, patches, and creams.

Your nurse may place an intravenous (IV) line in one of your veins, usually in your arm or hand. If your nurse does not place the IV, your anesthesiologist will do it in the operating room.

Meet with an anesthesiologist

You’ll also meet with an anesthesiologist before surgery. They will:

• Review your medical history with you.
• Ask you if you’ve had any problems with anesthesia in the past, such as nausea or pain.
• Talk with you about your comfort and safety during your surgery.
• Talk with you about the kind of anesthesia you’ll get.
• Answer your questions about your anesthesia.

Your doctor or anesthesiologist may also talk with you about placing an epidural catheter (thin, flexible tube) in your spine (back). An epidural catheter is another way to give you pain medication after your surgery.

Marking Your Surgical Site

Along with asking your name and birth date, staff members may also ask the name of your surgeon, what operation you’re having, and which side is being operated on. Your surgeon or another member of the surgical team will use a marker to initial the site on your body that will be operated on. This is for your safety. It’s done to make sure all members of the surgical staff are clear about the plan for your surgery.

Get ready for surgery

When it’s time for your surgery, you’ll take off your eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wig, and religious articles.

You’ll either walk into the operating room or a staff member will bring you there on a stretcher. A member of the operating room team will help you onto the operating bed. They’ll put compression boots on your lower legs. These gently inflate and deflate to help blood flow in your legs.

Once you’re comfortable, your anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia through your IV line and you’ll fall asleep. You’ll also get fluids through your IV line during and after your surgery.

Revering After Your Nephrectomy or Adrenalectomy

This section will help you know what to expect after your surgery. You’ll learn how to safely recover from your surgery both in the hospital and at home.

As you read through this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

You’ll be in the PACU when you wake up after your surgery. A nurse will be keeping track of your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. You may get oxygen through a tube resting below your nose or a mask over your nose and mouth. You’ll also have compression boots on your lower legs.

You may have a urinary catheter (thin, flexible tube). The urinary catheter, also called a Foley catheter, drains the urine from your bladder into a bag.

You may also have a Jackson Pratt^® drain. The drain is used to collect extra fluid to decrease your risk for infection and help your body heal.

Your nurse will tell you how to recover from your surgery. Below are examples of ways you can help yourself recover safely.

• It’s important to walk around after surgery. Walking every 2 hours is a good goal. This will help prevent blood clots in your legs.
• Use your incentive spirometer. This will help your lungs expand, which prevents pneumonia. When using your incentive spirometer or other breathing exercises, it may help to splint your incision. To do this, hold a pillow or blanket against the incision sites. This will reduce movement in your muscles. For more information, read the resource How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer.

Commonly Asked Questions

Will I have pain after my surgery?

You’ll have pain on the side where you had your surgery and in area of your incisions. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your pain often. You’ll get medications to control your pain and keep you comfortable. There are different ways these medications can be given.

• Nerve block: Some people may get a nerve block before or during surgery. In a nerve block, your healthcare provider injects medication into some of your nerves to reduce pain after surgery.
• Intravenous (IV) medications: Some people may get pain medication straight into a vein through their IV line.
• Oral medications: Some people may get oral pain medications (medication that’s swallowed, such as pills).

If you had an open nephrectomy, you’ll have patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). For more information, read the resource Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA).

If your pain isn’t relieved, tell your healthcare provider. Your goal is to feel comfortable enough to increase your activity every day. The pain will slowly get better as your body heals.

You’ll be given a prescription for pain medication before you leave the hospital. Pain medication may cause constipation (having fewer bowel movements than what is normal for you).

How can I prevent constipation?

Talk with your healthcare provider about how to prevent and manage constipation. You can also follow the guidelines below.

• Go to the bathroom at the same time every day. Your body will get used to going at that time. If you feel like you need to go, though, don’t put it off.
• Try to use the bathroom 5 to 15 minutes after meals. After breakfast is a good time to go. That’s when the reflexes in your colon are strongest.
• Exercise, if you can. Walking is an excellent form of exercise.
• Drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) cups (2 liters) of liquids daily, if you can. Choose liquids such as water, juices (such as prune juice), soups, and ice cream shakes. Avoid liquids with caffeine (such as coffee and soda). Caffeine can pull fluid out of your body.
• Slowly increase the fiber in your diet to 25 to 35 grams per day. Unpeeled fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and cereals contain fiber. If you have an ostomy or have had recent bowel surgery, check with your healthcare provider before making any changes in your diet.
• Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat constipation. Check with your healthcare provider before taking any medications for constipation, especially if you have an ostomy or have had bowel surgery. Follow the instructions on the label or from your healthcare provider. Examples of over-the-counter medications for constipation include:
  • Docusate sodium (Colace®). This is a stool softener (medication that makes your bowel movements softer) that causes few side effects. You can use it to help prevent constipation. Don’t take it with mineral oil.
  • Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®). This is a laxative (medication that causes bowel movements) that causes few side effects. Take it with 8 ounces (1 cup) of a liquid. Only take it if you’re already constipated.
  • Senna (Senokot®). This is a stimulant laxative, which can cause cramping. It’s best to take it at bedtime. Only take it if you’re already constipated.
  If any of these medications cause diarrhea (loose, watery bowel movements), stop taking them. You can start again if needed.
• Call your healthcare provider if you haven’t had a bowel movement in 2 days.

Will I be able to eat?

The day of your surgery, you’ll only drink liquids. The first day after surgery, you can have a light breakfast and light foods during the day (sandwich, yogurt, soup, and liquids). Drinking plenty of liquids is important during the first few days after your surgery. Soups and broth are good choices until you regain your appetite.

When you go home, you can start eating normally again. We recommend eating 3 to 6 meals a day, depending what feels the most comfortable for you. Because you might have fewer red blood cells for the first couple months after your surgery, you should eat foods high in iron, such as:

• Red meat
• Cooked clams and oysters
• All types of liver
• Iron-enriched baked goods and cereals
• Legumes and spinach

You should also eat foods high in protein, such as chicken, fish, and eggs. Protein will help you heal after your surgery. For more tips on increasing the calories and protein in your diet, read the resource Eating Well During Your Cancer Treatment.

Can I shower?

Yes. Taking a warm shower is relaxing and can help decrease muscle aches. Use soap when you shower and gently wash your incision. Pat the areas dry with a towel after showering, and leave your incision uncovered (unless there’s drainage). Call your healthcare provider if you see any redness or drainage from your incision.

Don’t take tub baths until you discuss it with your healthcare provider at the first appointment after your surgery.

How do I care for my incisions?

The location of your incision will depend on the type of surgery you had. It’s normal for the skin below your incision to feel numb, because some of the nerves in the area were cut. The numbness will fade over time.

• Look at your incision with your nurse before you leave the hospital so you know what it looks like.
• If any liquid is draining from your incision, write down the amount and color. Call your healthcare provider’s office and speak with the nurse.

Change your bandages at least once a day and more often if they become wet with drainage. When there’s no longer any drainage coming from your incision, they can be left uncovered.

If you go home with Steri-Strips^™ or Dermabond^® (surgical glue) on your incision, they’ll loosen and fall off on their own. If they haven’t fallen off after 10 days, you can take them off.

Will I have any tubes or drains when I go home?

The urinary catheter is usually removed the day after surgery, but in some situations the catheter is left in longer. If you go home with the catheter still in, your nurse will teach you how to take care of it and will give you a resource called About Your Urinary (Foley) Catheter: How To Clean and Care for It.

You may also have your Jackson Pratt drain. Your healthcare provider will decide when to remove the drain, depending on how much fluid is coming out. If you’ll need to go home with the drain still in, your nurse will teach you how to care for it and insert information into this guide called Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drain.

What is my Recovery Tracker?

We want to know how you’re feeling after you leave the hospital. To help us care for you, we’ll send questions to your MyMSK account. We’ll send them every day for 10 days after you’re discharged. These questions are known as your Recovery Tracker.

Fill out your Recovery Tracker every day before midnight (12 a.m.). It only takes 2 to 3 minutes to complete. Your answers to these questions will help us understand how you’re feeling and what you need.

Based on your answers, we may reach out to you for more information. Sometimes, we may ask you to call your surgeon’s office. You can always contact your surgeon’s office if you have any questions.

To learn more, read About Your Recovery Tracker.

When can I resume driving?

Check with your healthcare provider before you start driving.

When can I go back to work?

Most people return to work 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery. Some people may return to work earlier, with light activity only. If your work requires heavy physical activity, you may need more time. You may be comfortable with desk or office work. Talk with your healthcare provider about when it would be safe to return to work.

When can I lift heavy objects?

Check with your healthcare provider before you do any heavy lifting. Normally, you shouldn’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.6 kilograms) for at least 6 weeks after your surgery. Ask your healthcare provider how long you should avoid heavy lifting.

What exercises can I do?

Exercise will help you gain strength and feel better. Walking and stair climbing are excellent forms of exercise. Gradually increase the distance you walk. Climb stairs slowly, resting or stopping as needed. Ask your healthcare provider before starting more strenuous exercises.

When is my first appointment after my surgery?

Your first appointment after surgery will be in 4 weeks. Your nurse will give you instructions on how to make this appointment, including the phone number to call.

During this appointment your healthcare provider will discuss your final pathology results, any problems with your recovery, and any further treatment that you may need.

How can I cope with my feelings?

After surgery for a serious illness, you may have new and upsetting feelings. Many people say they felt weepy, sad, worried, nervous, irritable, and angry at one time or another. You may find that you can’t control some of these feelings. If this happens, it’s a good idea to seek emotional support. Your healthcare provider can refer you to MSK’s Counseling Center. You can also reach them by calling 646-888-0200.

The first step in coping is to talk about how you feel. Family and friends can help. Your healthcare providers can reassure, support, and guide you. It’s always a good idea to let us know how you, your family, and your friends are feeling emotionally. Many resources are available to you and your family. Whether you’re in the hospital or at home, we’re here to help you and your family and friends handle the emotional aspects of your illness.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Call your healthcare provider if:

• Your calves or thighs are swollen or tender.
• One of your legs is more swollen than the other.
• You feel short of breath.
• You cough up blood.
• You have a fever of 101 °F (38.3 °C) or higher.
• You have blood in your urine.
• You have questions or concerns.

Contact information

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call your healthcare provider’s office.

After 5 p.m., during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000. Ask to speak to the person on call for your healthcare provider.

Support services

This section has a list of support services. They may help you as you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.

As you read through this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

MSK support services

Visit the cancer types section of MSK’s website at www.msk.org/types for more information.

Admitting Office
212-639-7606
Call if you have questions about your hospital admission, such as asking for a private room.

Anesthesia
212-639-6840
Call if you have questions about anesthesia.

Blood Donor Room
212-639-7643
Call for information if you’re interested in donating blood or platelets.

Bobst International Center
888-675-7722
We welcome patients from around the world and offer many services to help. If you’re an international patient, call for help arranging your care.

Caregivers Clinic
www.msk.org/caregivers
646-888-0200
At MSK, the Caregivers Clinic provides support specifically for caregivers who are having difficulty coping with the demands of being a caregiver. For more information, call Dr. Allison Applebaum’s office at 646-888-0200.

Counseling Center
www.msk.org/counseling
646-888-0200
Many people find that counseling helps them. Our Counseling Center offers counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We can also prescribe medications to help if you feel anxious or depressed. To make an appointment, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or call the number above.

Food Pantry Program
646-888-8055
We give food to people in need during their cancer treatment. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider or call the number above.

Integrative Medicine Service
www.msk.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care, including music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. To schedule an appointment for these services, call 646-449-1010.

You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They will work with you to come up with a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. To make an appointment, call 646-608-8550.

MSK Library
library.mskcc.org
212-639-7439
You can visit our library website or call to talk with the library reference staff. They can help you find more information about a type of cancer. You can also visit the library’s Patient and Health Care Consumer Education Guide.

Nutrition Services
www.msk.org/nutrition
212-639-7312
Our Nutrition Service offers nutritional counseling with one of our clinical dietitian nutritionists. Your clinical dietitian nutritionist will talk with you about your eating habits. They can also give advice on what to eat during and after treatment. To make an appointment, ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above.

Patient and Caregiver Education
www.msk.org/pe
Visit our Patient and Caregiver Education website to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.

Patient Billing
646-227-3378
Call if you have questions about preauthorization with your insurance company. This is also called preapproval.

Patient Representative Office
212-639-7202
Call if you have questions about the Health Care Proxy form or concerns about your care.

Perioperative Nurse Liaison
212-639-5935
Call if you have questions about MSK releasing any information while you’re having surgery.

Private Duty Nurses and Companions
917-862-6373
You can request private nurses or companions to care for you in the hospital and at home. Call for more information.

Rehabilitation Services
www.msk.org/rehabilitation
Cancers and cancer treatments can make your body feel weak, stiff, or tight. Some can cause lymphedema (swelling). Our physiatrists (rehabilitation medicine doctors), occupational therapists (OTs), and physical therapists (PTs) can help you get back to your usual activities.

• Rehabilitation medicine doctors diagnose and treat problems that affect how you move and do activities. They can design and help coordinate your rehabilitation therapy program, either at MSK or somewhere closer to home. To learn more, call Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiatry) at 646-888-1929.
• An OT can help if you’re having trouble doing usual daily activities. For example, they can recommend tools to help make daily tasks easier. A PT can teach you exercises to help build strength and flexibility. To learn more, call Rehabilitation Therapy at 646-888-1900.

Resources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) Program
646-888-8106
At MSK, care does not end after your treatment. The RLAC Program is for patients and their families who have finished treatment.

This program has many services. We offer seminars, workshops, support groups, and counseling on life after treatment. We can also help with insurance and employment issues.

Sexual Health Programs
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your sexual health, fertility, or both. MSK’s sexual health programs can help you before, during, or after your treatment.

• Our Female Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program can help with sexual health problems, such as premature menopause or fertility issues. For more information or to make an appointment, call 646-888-5076.
• Our Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program can help with sexual health problems, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). For more information or to make an appointment, call 646-888-6024.

Social Work
www.msk.org/socialwork
212-639-7020
Social workers help patients, families, and friends deal with common issues for people who have cancer. They provide individual counseling and support groups throughout your treatment. They can help you communicate with children and other family members.

Our social workers can also help refer you to community agencies and programs. They also have information about financial resources, if you’re having trouble paying your bills.

Spiritual Care
212-639-5982
Our chaplains (spiritual counselors) are available to listen, help support family members, and pray. They can contact community clergy or faith groups, or simply be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can ask for spiritual support. You do not have to have a religious affiliation (connection to a religion).

MSK’s interfaith chapel is located near Memorial Hospital’s main lobby. It’s open 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call 212-639-2000. Ask for the chaplain on call.

Tobacco Treatment Program
www.msk.org/tobacco
212-610-0507
MSK has specialists who can help you quit smoking. For more information about our Tobacco Treatment Program, call 212-610-0507. You can also ask your nurse about the program.

Virtual Programs
www.msk.org/vp
Our Virtual Programs offer online education and support for patients and caregivers. These are live sessions where you can talk or just listen. You can learn about your diagnosis, what to expect during treatment, and how to prepare for your cancer care.

Sessions are private, free, and led by experts. Visit our website for more information about Virtual Programs or to register.

External support services

Access-A-Ride
web.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
877-337-2017
In New York City, the MTA offers a shared ride, door-to-door service for people with disabilities who can’t take the public bus or subway.

Air Charity Network
www.aircharitynetwork.org
877-621-7177
Provides travel to treatment centers.

American Cancer Society (ACS)
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Offers a variety of information and services, including Hope Lodge, a free place for patients and caregivers to stay during cancer treatment.

Cancer and Careers
www.cancerandcareers.org
A resource for education, tools, and events for employees with cancer.

CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
275 Seventh Avenue (Between West 25^th & 26^th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
Provides counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial assistance.

Cancer Support Community
www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Provides support and education to people affected by cancer.

Caregiver Action Network
www.caregiveraction.org
800-896-3650
Provides education and support for people who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability.

Corporate Angel Network
www.corpangelnetwork.org
866-328-1313
Offers free travel to treatment across the country using empty seats on corporate jets.

Gilda’s Club
www.gildasclubnyc.org
212-647-9700
A place where men, women, and children living with cancer find social and emotional support through networking, workshops, lectures, and social activities.

Good Days
www.mygooddays.org
877-968-7233
Offers financial assistance to pay for copayments during treatment. Patients must have medical insurance, meet the income criteria, and be prescribed medication that’s part of the Good Days formulary.

Healthwell Foundation
www.healthwellfoundation.org
800-675-8416
Provides financial assistance to cover copayments, health care premiums, and deductibles for certain medications and therapies.

Joe’s House
www.joeshouse.org
877-563-7468
Provides a list of places to stay near treatment centers for people with cancer and their families.

LGBT Cancer Project
http://lgbtcancer.com/
Provides support and advocacy for the LGBT community, including online support groups and a database of LGBT-friendly clinical trials.

LIVESTRONG Fertility
www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/fertility-services
855-744-7777
Provides reproductive information and support to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments have risks associated with infertility.

Look Good Feel Better Program
lookgoodfeelbetter.org
800-395-LOOK (800-395-5665)
This program offers workshops to learn things you can do to help you feel better about your appearance. For more information or to sign up for a workshop, call the number above or visit the program’s website.

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)

National Cancer Legal Services Network
www.nclsn.org
Free cancer legal advocacy program.

National LGBT Cancer Network
www.cancer-network.org
Provides education, training, and advocacy for LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk.

Needy Meds
www.needymeds.org
Lists Patient Assistance Programs for brand and generic name medications.

NYRx
www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/pharmacy.htm
Provides prescription benefits to eligible employees and retirees of public sector employers in New York State.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
www.pparx.org
888-477-2669
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get free or low-cost medications.

Patient Access Network Foundation
www.panfoundation.org
866-316-7263
Provides assistance with copayments for patients with insurance.

Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800-532-5274
Provides access to care, financial assistance, insurance assistance, job retention assistance, and access to the national underinsured resource directory.

RxHope
www.rxhope.com
877-267-0517
Provides assistance to help people get medications that they have trouble affording.

Educational resources

This section lists the educational resources mentioned in this guide. They will help you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.

As you read through these resources, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

• A Guide for Caregivers
• Advance Care Planning
• About Your Recovery Tracker
• Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drain
• About Your Urinary (Foley) Catheter: How To Clean and Care for It
• Common Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin E
• Eating Well During Your Cancer Treatment
• Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment
• How to Be a Health Care Agent
• How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal
• How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer
• Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)