This video shows what you can expect during your appointment at an MSK infusion unit.
In this video, we’ll explain what to expect during your treatment appointment in one of MSK’s infusion units.
Our infusion units treat people who are getting chemotherapy or biotherapy. They also treat people who need certain types of supportive care, such as IV hydration or blood products.
We want to give our best care to people getting treatment in our infusion units. For that reason, we don’t allow companions or visitors younger than a certain age. Visit www.msk.org/visit to see our most up-to-date visitor policy.
If you have any issues with childcare, tell your care team before your scheduled infusion unit visit. They can refer you to Social Work, who may be able to help.
What to expect when you arrive
When you check in for your first appointment of the day, the staff member will give you a patient ID wristband. It’s important to always keep this ID band on while you’re at MSK.
Many staff members will ask you to say and spell your name and date of birth and check your ID wristband. This is for your safety. People with the same or a similar name may be having treatment on the same day.
The staff member at the check-in area will tell you if you need blood tests before your treatment.
If you do, you’ll have a lab visit to collect blood samples.
You may also have a clinic visit to see your care team.
After your lab visit or your clinic visit, check in at the desk in the treatment area.
It usually takes about 1 hour to get the results of your blood tests, but it can take longer.
Depending on the results of your blood tests, your treatment may move forward as planned, be cancelled, or be rescheduled.
It’s a good idea to bring snacks or a meal to your appointment. You should also bring things to help pass the time before and during your treatment.
If you’ll be due to take any of your home medicines during your visit, bring them with you. You should also bring any medicines you take as needed to manage things like pain, nausea, or anxiety.
While your blood is being tested, our pharmacist and nurses with special training will verify—or check—that all parts of your treatment are correct and safe for you to get.
The pharmacy staff will then get your treatment ready for you. Some treatments take longer to prepare, and many treatments can’t be made in advance. The pharmacy will prepare those once your doctor has reviewed your blood test results and cleared you for treatment.
Because of that, wait times will be different for everyone.
What to expect during your treatment
Once you’re cleared for treatment and your treatment is ready, a staff member will bring you to the treatment area.
You’ll meet the treating nurse and support staff who will care for you during your treatment. You might have a different treating nurse at each treatment visit, but all the nurses in the infusion clinic have special training and will be familiar with your care needs.
Your treating nurse will review your medical record and treatment plan. They’ll ask about your symptoms, talk with you about your treatment plan, and ask about any medicines you took earlier in the day.
This is a good time to ask any questions you have.
Many treatments are intravenous, or put into a vein.
If you have a central line, your nurse will use that. Some examples of a central line are a peripherally inserted central catheter, often called a PICC line; an implanted port, often called a mediport; and a tunneled chest catheter.
If you don’t have a central line, your nurse will place an IV line into your vein. They will decide the best place on your arm for treatment. It can take time for them to find a safe vein to use.
Your nurse will wear a gown and gloves when they’re handling medicines and when you’re getting the treatment. They may also wear eye protection.
Some treatments can be quick and take about 30 minutes. Others can last all day, up to 12 hours.
You may get premedication, or premeds, as part of your treatment. If you do, your treatment may take a little longer than others.
Your care team and treating nurse will talk with you about what to expect.
It’s a good idea to dress in layers. Some people can feel cold or hot while getting their treatment.
Some treatments take longer the first time you get them because your treating nurse needs to closely monitor you for an adverse, or bad, reaction. We can’t know ahead of time who will have a reaction.
If you have a reaction, your nurse will stop your treatment and talk with your doctor. Most of the time you can still get the treatment, but you may have to stay at the visit longer than planned. Your future treatment visits will also be longer so we can keep you safe.
Some medicines can make you sleepy or not feel well soon after you get them. Talk with your care team and treating nurse about what to expect.
It’s best to have a responsible care partner drive you home after your treatment.
What to expect after your treatment
We may need to monitor you after your treatment ends for safety.
Your treating nurse will let you know when it’s okay to leave the infusion unit and help you get ready to go home.
Sometimes, you may need a wheelchair if your medicine made you sleepy or your energy level is low from a long day of appointments.
What to expect at home
If you got IV treatment, a nurse will call you 1 to 3 days after your first treatment to see how you’re feeling.
If you’re having any symptoms or have questions, don’t wait for the nurse to call you. Call your care team. We want to make sure you’re cared for when you are home.
Call your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
- You have chills or are shaking.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- A sore throat.
- A new cough.
- A burning feeling when you pee.
- Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around your surgical cut or central line.
- Have mouth sores or mouth pain that makes it hard to swallow, eat, or drink.
- Feel like you’re going to throw up or do throw up even after taking medication to help.
- Have loose, watery poop 4 or more times in 24 hours, even after taking medication to help.
- Have not pooped or passed gas for more than 3 days.
- Have blood in your urine, poop, throw up, or when you cough.
If you have any questions, contact your healthcare provider.
You can also visit msk.org/pe to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs