This guide will help you get ready for your intrathecal radioimmunotherapy (RIT) at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). It will also help you understand what to expect during and after your treatment.
Use this guide as a source of information in the days leading up to your treatment. Bring it with you on the day of your treatment. You and your care team will refer to it throughout your care.
In this resource, the words “you” and “your” refer to you or your child.
About your treatment
About radioimmunotherapy (RIT)
RIT is a type of treatment that combines radiation therapy and immunotherapy. With RIT, radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies deliver radiation directly to the cancer cells.
- An antibody is a protein that’s made by your immune system and released into your blood.
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A radiolabeled monoclonal antibody is an antibody that’s made in a lab and specially designed to attach to cancer cells. The antibody has liquid radiation attached to it (see Figure 1). This radiation kills the cancer cells directly without damaging normal tissue.
About intrathecal RIT
MSK is doing a clinical trial (research study) using a treatment called intrathecal RIT. Intrathecal RIT can be used to treat certain types of cancer in your brain, spine, and leptomeninges (thin layers of tissue around your brain and spinal cord).
With intrathecal RIT, radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies are put into your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the liquid around your brain and spinal cord. It’s made in the ventricles (hollow spaces) in your brain.
The radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies are usually injected into your CSF using an Ommaya reservoir. An Ommaya reservoir is a quarter-sized, soft, plastic, dome-shaped device that’s placed under your scalp during a surgery. It’s connected to a catheter (thin, flexible tube) that’s placed in one of the ventricles in your brain. To learn more, read Frequently Asked Questions About Ommaya Reservoirs and Ommaya Taps for Pediatric Patients.
If you already have a programmable ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, the radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies can be injected into your CSF using the VP shunt reservoir. If you have a nonprogrammable VP shunt, your neurosurgeon may be able to change it to a programmable VP shunt.
Your intrathecal RIT treatment schedule
The radiolabeled monoclonal antibody injections are given in 2 cycles (sometimes called rounds). Each cycle lasts for 4 weeks.
- During week 1, you’ll get the antibody injection.
- During weeks 2, 3, and 4, you’ll have physical and neurologic exams at least once a week. You may have other tests (such as imaging scans, blood tests, or Ommaya or VP shunt taps) if needed.
Your healthcare provider will talk with you about what to expect.
Your treatment team
You’ll have many different healthcare providers working together before, during, and after your treatment. Your treatment team will include your:
- Neurosurgeon
- Oncologist (cancer doctor)
- Neurologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Nuclear medicine doctor
- Radiation safety officer
- Pediatric nurse
- Child life specialist
- Social worker
A financial counselor is also available to talk with you about any insurance issues you may have. Please bring all your insurance information to your appointment. If you have questions about insurance, call Patient Financial Services at 212-639-3810.
Getting ready for your treatment
This section will help you get ready for your treatment. Read it when your treatment is scheduled. Refer to it as your treatment gets closer. It has important information about what to do to get ready.
As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
Getting ready for your treatment
Meet with your care team
Before you start treatment, you’ll meet with your oncologist and NP. They’ll talk with you about the details of your treatment, including side effects you may have and what to expect before, during, and after your treatment. They’ll ask you to sign a consent form. They may also recommend that you see other healthcare providers, such as a child life specialist or social worker.
Have tumor testing, if needed
Depending on the type of tumor you have, you may need testing to see if the radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies will attach to the tumor. If the antibodies don’t attach to the tumor, you can’t have intrathecal RIT. Your oncologist will talk with you about this.
Have an Ommaya reservoir placed, if needed
If you don’t already have an Ommaya reservoir or VP shunt, you need to have an Ommaya reservoir placed before you start intrathecal RIT.
Your Ommaya reservoir will be placed during a surgery. Your oncologist or NP will arrange for you to meet with your neurosurgeon and talk with you about what to expect. To learn more, read About Your Ommaya Reservoir Placement Surgery for Pediatric Patients.
Have your nonprogrammable VP shunt changed to a programmable VP shunt, if needed
If you have a nonprogrammable VP shunt, your neurosurgeon may be able to change it to a programmable VP shunt that can be used for your intrathecal RIT. To do this, they’ll change the shunt valve during a surgery. Your oncologist or NP will arrange for you to meet with your neurosurgeon and talk with you about what to expect.
To learn more, read About Your Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery for Pediatric Patients and About Your Programmable VP Shunt for Pediatric Patients.
Arrange for housing, if needed
The Ronald McDonald House has temporary housing for out-of-town pediatric cancer patients and their families. MSK also has arrangements with several local hotels and housing facilities that may give you a special lower rate.
Your social worker can talk with you about your options and help you make reservations. You can also call 212-639-8315 to talk with the Pediatric Patient Services Coordinator.
After each antibody injection, you’ll give off radiation. The radiation will fade over time, but it’ll be strongest right after the antibody injection. Because of this, you can’t stay at the Ronald McDonald house the night after each antibody injection. You must stay at a hotel instead. Make sure to book this before the day of your treatment. Your social worker can help you.
Choose a caregiver
It’s important that your caregiver isn’t pregnant. The radiation you’ll give off after each antibody injection can harm the fetus (unborn baby).
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 4 weeks of your first antibody injection
You’ll need to have the following exams and tests to make sure intrathecal RIT is safe for you:
- A physical exam
- A neurological exam
- Blood tests to check your blood counts, blood type, blood clotting, and kidney, liver, and thyroid function
- A pregnancy test (if you’re able to have children)
- Tests to check for cancer cells in your CSF
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
- A CSF flow study
- A neuropsychological evaluation
MRI scans
MRI scans help your care team make sure you don’t have any new or growing cancer. You’ll have MRI scans of your brain and spine.
CSF flow study
A CSF flow study is done to make sure your Ommaya reservoir or programmable VP shunt reservoir is working well.
During the flow study, your NP or doctor will inject a radioactive dye into your reservoir. Then, you’ll have nuclear medicine scans to see how well the dye moves through your CSF.
You may have scans:
- Right after the dye is injected.
- About 1 to 4 hours after the dye is injected.
- About 18 to 24 hours after the dye is injected.
- About 48 hours after the dye is injected (if needed).
Instructions before scans with sedation
If you’re getting a sedative (medication to make you sleepy) during your MRI or CSF flow study scans, you need to stop eating and drinking for a certain amount of time before your scan. Your NP will talk with you about when you need to stop eating and drinking. If you don’t follow the instructions they give you, your scans may be canceled.
Neuropsychological evaluation
Having a neuropsychological evaluation before you start treatment will help your care team notice any changes in your cognition (thinking), emotions (feelings), or behavior (actions) during or after your treatment.
During your appointment, you’ll meet with a specially trained pediatric neuropsychologist. The neuropsychologist will check your attention, memory, and other parts of your cognition. Depending on how old you are, they may also assess your social, emotional, and behavioral strengths and overall well-being.
During your treatment
This section will tell you what to expect during your treatment, including the procedures you’ll have and the medications you’ll take.
As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
7 days before your antibody njection
Start taking potassium iodide (SSKI®) and liothyronine (Cytomel®)
You’ll need to take potassium iodide and liothyronine before and after each injection. Potassium iodide and liothyronine are medications to help protect your thyroid during your treatment. Your healthcare provider will give you a prescription.
Start taking potassium iodide and liothyronine 7 days before each antibody injection. Keep taking them every day until 2 weeks after each antibody injection. Your oncologist or NP will tell you what dose (amount) to take and when to start and stop taking them. To help you remember, you can write down the information in the resource Medication Instructions Before Your Intrathecal RIT Injections.
Your oncologist or NP will give you a medication diary. Use it to record the potassium iodide and liothyronine you take. Write your initials in each box when you take your medication. Be sure to write any missed doses in your diary. Bring your diary to all your appointments.
Take the potassium iodide (SSKI) and liothyronine (Cytomel) until the end date your oncologist or NP gave you. Read your medication diary for more information.
The night before your antibody injection
Start taking dexamethasone (Decadron®) and an antacid
Dexamethasone is a steroid medication that helps control inflammation (swelling).
Start taking dexamethasone the night before each antibody injection. You’ll take a total of 6 doses of dexamethasone for each injection:
- 1 dose the night before each injection.
- 2 doses in clinic on the day of each injection. A nurse will give you these doses.
- 2 doses the day after each injection.
- 1 dose the second day after each injection.
Sometimes, dexamethasone can upset your stomach. Taking an antacid on the days you take the dexamethasone can help prevent this. For most people, your healthcare provider will give you a prescription for a liquid antacid. On the day of your antibody injections, a nurse will give you the antacid in clinic.
Your oncologist or NP will tell you what doses to take and exactly when to start and stop taking these medications. To help you remember, you can write down the information in the resource Medication Instructions Before Your Intrathecal RIT Injections.
The day of your antibody injection
Your appointment time will be between and Please arrive on time.
Where to go
Your appointments will be at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center (PACC). The PACC is located at Memorial Hospital (MSK’s main hospital). The address is:
Memorial Hospital
1275 York Ave. (between East 67th and East 68th streets)
New York, NY 10065
Take the B elevator to the 9th floor.
Where to park
MSK’s parking garage is on East 66th Street between York and 1st avenues. If you have questions about prices, call 212-639-2338.
To get to the garage, turn onto East 66th Street from York Avenue. The garage is about a quarter of a block in from York Avenue. It’s on the right (north) side of the street. There’s a tunnel you can walk through that connects the garage to the hospital.
There are other parking garages on:
- East 69th Street between 1st and 2nd avenues.
- East 67th Street between York and 1st avenues.
- East 65th Street between 1st and 2nd avenues.
Before your antibody injection
Your antibody injections will be given in a private room in the PACC. If you had side effects after your last antibody injection or have a high risk of side effects, you may be admitted to the hospital before your injection. This is very rare.
You’ll have a physical exam and blood tests done before each injection. You’ll need to wait for a few hours between the blood tests and your antibody injection. During this time, you must stay in the PACC area. You can go on the computer or play in the playroom.
You’ll also get a medication to prevent nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up), acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to prevent fever, and an antihistamine to prevent an allergic reaction. You may also get pain medication or medication to help with anxiety.
During your antibody injection
Your NP or doctor will give your antibody injection while you’re in the bed in your PACC room. You don’t need to do anything to get ready for it.
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If you have an Ommaya reservoir, your NP or doctor will inject the antibodies into your Ommaya reservoir during a procedure called an Ommaya reservoir tap (see Figure 2). To learn more, read Frequently Asked Questions About Ommaya Reservoirs and Ommaya Taps for Pediatric Patients.
- If you have a programmable VP shunt, your NP or doctor will turn off your shunt and inject the antibodies into the shunt’s reservoir. Your shunt will stay off for about 4 hours. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a headache, pain, nausea, or vomiting (throwing up) while it’s off. After about 4 hours, your NP or doctor will turn your shunt back on and change it back to the original setting.
You may be asked to lie on your back during your procedure. When you’re ready, your NP or doctor will clean the skin over the top of your Ommaya reservoir or programmable VP shunt with providone-iodine (Betadine®). Tell them if you’re allergic to iodine. They’ll use a different solution.
Once your skin is clean, your NP or doctor will put a small butterfly needle with tubing attached into your reservoir. They’ll take out a small amount of your CSF using a syringe that’s attached to the tubing (see Figure 2). This is done to make room for the antibodies. This CSF might be sent to the Pathology Department for testing. Then, your NP or doctor will slowly inject the antibody into your Ommaya reservoir or programmable VP shunt reservoir. This usually doesn’t hurt.
After the injection, your NP or doctor will remove the butterfly needle from your Ommaya reservoir or programmable VP shunt reservoir. They’ll place a dry sterile bandage or Band Aid® over the injection site.
You’ll stay at the PACC for about 4 hours after each injection. During that time, your healthcare providers will watch you for side effects (such as a fever, headache, nausea, or an allergic reaction). Most people don’t have side effects and are discharged from the PACC about 4 hours after their injection.
If you do have side effects, they can usually be managed in the PACC. Some people will need to be admitted to the hospital to manage side effects. This is rare.
After your antibody injection
You can wash your hair as usual after the tap.
Radiation safety precautions
You’ll be radioactive (give off radiation) for a period of time after each antibody injection. Some of the radiation will leave your body through urine (pee) and other body fluids. You’ll need to be careful so people near you aren’t exposed to too much radiation.
Your radiation safety officer will go over the safety precautions you will need to follow after each antibody injection. They’ll tell you what you need to do and for how long. They’ll also give you written instructions to follow. If you have any questions about radiation safety, call 212-639-7391 Monday through Friday, from to
Follow these general radiation safety precautions to avoid exposing other people to radiation.
- Tell us if anyone who’s caring for you is pregnant or if you’re staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
- Avoid public areas.
- Don’t use public transportation (such as a bus or train) to get home after your antibody injection. If you’re driving or taking a taxi home, sit as far away from the driver and other passengers you as you can.
- Avoid long periods of close physical contact with other people. It’s OK to be close to another person for a short period of time (such as a brief hug), but you should stay at least 6 feet away from other people most of the time.
- Don’t share a bed with anyone.
Some of the radiation will leave your body in your body fluids (such as blood, urine, and vomit). Follow the guidelines below to help manage this.
- Flush the toilet twice after using it.
- Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom.
- If you’re caring for the patient, wear gloves when touching blood, urine, vomit, and other body fluids. Wash your hands well after you take the gloves off.
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Separate items with lots of body fluids (such as diapers) from normal trash for 2 weeks after each antibody injection. Store these items in an area away from people for 3 months. After 3 months, you can throw them away with your normal household trash.
- If this isn’t possible, call your local sanitation department to find out other ways to get rid of radioactive waste.
- If you’re staying at the Ronald McDonald House, talk with a Ronald McDonald House employee about the right way to throw away diapers and vomit.
- Wash your clothes, bed linens, bathroom linens, and plush toys in warm water separate from other laundry.
Radiation safety wallet card
Some security equipment (such as at airports or outside tunnels) can detect very small amounts of radiation. A staff member will give you a wallet card that says you had radioactive medicine. This card says you may give off small amounts of radiation for up to 3 months after your treatment. Carry this card with you at all times. If you need emergency medical care or are stopped by law enforcement, show them this card.
Medications
For 24 hours after each antibody injection
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) every 4 to 6 hours for 24 hours after your antibody injection. This will help prevent fever and pain. You can also take anti-nausea and pain medications as directed. Your oncologist or NP will go over these medications with you.
The day after each antibody injection
- Keep taking dexamethasone twice a day with an antacid.
- Keep taking potassium iodide and liothyronine until the end date your oncologist gave you.
2 days after each antibody injection
- Take the last dose of dexamethasone with an antacid.
- Keep taking potassium iodide and liothyronine until the end date your oncologist gave you.
Around 2 weeks after each antibody injection
Around 2 weeks after each antibody injection, you can stop taking the potassium iodide and liothyronine. Your oncologist or NP will tell you what date you should stop.
Remember to write each dose you take in your medication diary. Be sure to write any missed doses in your diary. Bring your diary to all your appointments.
Complete your medication diary, sign it, and give it to your oncologist or NP.
Follow-up appointments
You’ll have follow-up appointments with your oncologist or NP at least once a week for 3 weeks after each antibody injection. Your follow-up appointments and scans must be done at MSK unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. Bring your medication diary to all your appointments.
During these appointments, you’ll have detailed physical and neurological exams. You may also have imaging scans, blood tests, and an Ommaya or shunt tap during some appointments.
3 weeks after each antibody injection
About 3 weeks after each antibody injection, you’ll have:
- MRI scans of your brain and spine.
- An Ommaya reservoir or programmable VP shunt reservoir tap.
- Blood samples taken.
- A physical and neurological exam.
Scans with sedation
If you’re getting a sedative during your scans, you need to stop eating and drinking for a certain amount of time before your scan. Your NP will talk with you about when you need to stop eating and drinking. If you don’t follow the instructions they give you, your scans may be canceled.
6 months after your first antibody injection
About 6 months after your first antibody injection, you’ll have:
- MRI scans of your brain and spine.
- An Ommaya reservoir or programmable VP shunt reservoir tap.
- Blood samples taken.
- A physical and neurological exam.
Scans with sedation
If you’re getting a sedative during your scans, you need to stop eating and drinking for a certain amount of time before your scan. Your NP will talk with you about when you need to stop eating and drinking. If you don’t follow the instructions they give you, your scans may be canceled.
Follow-up neuropsychological care
You’ll have neurocognitive function, neurodevelopmental, and quality of life testing done before each antibody injection cycle, about every 4 to 5 weeks while you’re getting intrathecal RIT, and about 3 to 6 months after your last antibody injection. After that, you’ll have appointment for neuropsychological care once every year.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
- A fever of 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) or higher.
- Increased pain.
- Increased sleepiness.
- Severe headaches.
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Any other questions or concerns.
Contact information
If you have any questions or concerns, talk with your oncologist or NP. You can reach them Monday through Friday, from to Call the office directly at 212-639-3751 (neuro-oncology patients) or 212-639-6410 (neuroblastoma patients).
After , during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000 and ask for the pediatric oncology fellow on call.
To speak with a social worker, call the Social Work department at 212-639-7020.
Support services
This section has a list of support services. They may help you as you get ready for your treatment and recover safely.
As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
MSK support services
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
332-699-7968
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
Our Caregivers Clinic provides support for caregivers who are having a hard time coping with the demands of being a caregiver. Call Dr. Allison Applebaum’s office at 646-888-0200 to learn more.
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 medicine to help if you feel anxious or depressed. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.
Food Pantry Program
646-888-8055
We give food to people in need during their cancer treatment. Talk with a member of your care team or call the number above to learn more.
Integrative Medicine Service
www.msk.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care. For example, we offer music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. Call 646-449-1010 to make an appointment for these services.
You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They’ll work with you to make a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. Call 646-608-8550 to make an appointment for a consultation.
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. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.
Patient and Community Education
www.msk.org/pe
Visit our patient and community 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 to learn more.
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. Call Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiatry) at 646-888-1929 to learn more.
- 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. Call Rehabilitation Therapy at 646-888-1900 to learn more.
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.
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. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, they also have information about financial resources. Call the number above to learn more.
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.
Virtual Programs
www.msk.org/vp
We 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 to learn more 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
646-929-8032
A resource for education, tools, and events for employees with cancer.
CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
275 Seventh Avenue (Between West 25th & 26th 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.
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 medicine 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 medicines 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
www.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
www.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 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 medicines.
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.
Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
www.panfoundation.org
866-316-7263
Gives help 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.
Professional Prescription Advice
www.pparx.org
888-477-2669
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get free or low-cost medicines.
Red Door Community (formerly known as Gilda’s Club)
www.reddoorcommunity.org
212-647-9700
A place where people living with cancer find social and emotional support through networking, workshops, lectures, and social activities.
RxHope
www.rxhope.com
877-267-0517
Provides assistance to help people get medicines they have trouble affording.
Triage Cancer
www.triagecancer.org
Provides legal, medical, and financial information and resources for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Educational resources
This section lists the educational resources mentioned in this guide. It also has copies of the resources that are most important for you to read. They will help you get ready for your treatment and recover safely.
As you read these resources, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
- About Your Ommaya Reservoir Placement Surgery for Pediatric Patients
- About Your Programmable VP Shunt for Pediatric Patients
- About Your Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Surgery for Pediatric Patients
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ommaya Reservoirs and Ommaya Taps for Pediatric Patients
- How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal
- Medication Instructions Before Your Intrathecal RIT Injections