This guide will help you get ready for your Ommaya reservoir placement surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). It will also help you know what to expect as you recover.
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 use it as you learn more about your recovery.
In this resource, the words “you” and “your” refer to you or your child.
About your Ommaya reservoir surgery
About your Ommaya reservoir
An Ommaya reservoir is a quarter-sized, soft, plastic, dome-shaped device that is placed under the scalp. It’s connected to a catheter (thin, flexible tube) that’s placed in one of the ventricles in your brain (see Figures 1 and 2). Your ventricles are hollow spaces that make cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds your brain and spinal cord.
An Ommaya reservoir will help your healthcare provider:
- Get samples of your CSF. Your healthcare provider can check your CSF for cancer cells or infections.
- Give you medicine, such as chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, or antibiotics directly into your CSF.
These procedures are referred to as an “Ommaya reservoir tap.” You may need fewer spinal taps if you have an Ommaya reservoir.
About your Ommaya reservoir surgery
The surgery to place your Ommaya reservoir is done in the operating room. Before your surgery, you will get anesthesia (medicine to make you sleep during your surgery). Once you’re asleep, a nurse will shave the hair in the area where your incisions (surgical cuts) will be. Your entire head won’t be shaved.
During your surgery, your neurosurgeon will make a C-shaped incision behind your hairline. They will insert the reservoir dome under your scalp. Your neurosurgeon will pass the catheter through your brain into the space where CSF forms. They will close your incision with sutures (stitches).
The surgery will take about 1 hour.
Possible complications from surgery
The surgery to place your Ommaya reservoir can cause some complications. These complications are listed below:
- There is a small risk that you could bleed into your brain.
- There is a small risk that you could have some loss of function. Your neurosurgeon will talk with you about this risk.
- There is a small risk that you could get an infection in your brain. To reduce the risk of infection, you will be given antibiotics after your surgery.
- Your Ommaya reservoir may need to be adjusted. To make sure it’s in the right place, you will get a computed tomography (CT) scan the day after your surgery. If your reservoir isn’t in the right place, you may need to have another surgery to fix it.
- Your Ommaya reservoir may not work. To make sure your Ommaya reservoir is working, a CSF flow study may be done after your surgery. If you need a CSF flow study, your doctor or nurse will give you more information about this.
Your neurosurgeon will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery.
Getting ready for your Ommaya reservoir surgery
This section will help you get ready for your surgery. Read it when your 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 this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
Getting ready for your 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 an anticoagulant (blood thinner), such as:
These are examples of medicines. There are others.
Be sure your healthcare provider knows all the medicines 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 medicine(s), including patches and creams. A prescription medicine is one you can only get with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
- I take over-the-counter medicine(s), including patches and creams. An over-the-counter medicine is one you can buy without a prescription.
- 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 (A-nes-THEE-zhuh) in the past. Anesthesia is medicine to make you sleep during a surgery or procedure.
- I’m allergic to certain medicines 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 medicine 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 (www.mskcc.org/pe/enroll_mymsk) 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 Ommaya reservoir surgery
Presurgical testing (PST)
You’ll have a PST appointment before your surgery. Depending on your age, your testing can take place in a variety of places. You’ll get a reminder from your surgeon’s office with the appointment date, time, and location.
Your appointment will be at one of these locations:
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You can eat and take your usual medicine(s) the day of your PST appointment.
It’s helpful to bring these things to your appointment:
- A list of all the medicines you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.
- Results of any medical tests done outside of MSK in the past year, if you have them. Examples include results from a cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, or carotid doppler study.
- The names and telephone numbers of your healthcare providers.
You’ll meet with an advance practice provider (APP) during your PST appointment. They work closely with MSK’s anesthesiology (A-nes-THEE-zee-AH-loh-jee) staff. These are healthcare providers with special training in using anesthesia during a surgery or procedure.
Your APP 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 APP may recommend you see other healthcare providers. They’ll also talk with you about which medicine(s) to take the morning of your surgery.
Parking at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center (PACC)
The PACC is in Memorial Hospital (MSK’s main hospital).
Memorial Hospital
1275 York Ave.
(between East 67th and East 68th streets)
New York, NY 10065
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 reach the garage, turn onto East 66th Street between York and 1st avenues. 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 located 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.
Parking at PST
PST is in the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion, also known as MSK 53rd Street.
Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion
160 E. 53rd St. (at 3rd Avenue)
New York, NY 10022
There are several options for parking during your PST appointment. The Bristol Garage offers discounts to patients. To get a discount, have your parking ticket validated at the concierge desk in the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion. There is a shuttle that goes from the Bristol Garage to the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion every 20 minutes.
The Bristol Garage
300 E. 56th St. (between 1st and 2nd avenues)
New York, NY 10022
There are other parking garages located on:
- East 53rd Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues.
- East 54th Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues.
For more information about MSK’s locations, including directions and parking options, visit www.msk.org/locations
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.
Tell us if you’re sick
If you get sick before your surgery, call the healthcare provider who scheduled your surgery. This includes a fever, cold, sore throat, or the flu.
10 days before your Ommaya reservoir surgery
Stop taking vitamin E
Vitamin E can cause bleeding. Stop taking it 10 days before your surgery. To learn more, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil (www.mskcc.org/pe/check-med-supplement).
7 days before your Ommaya reservoir surgery
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking aspirin
Aspirin can cause bleeding. If you take aspirin or a medicine 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 How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil (www.mskcc.org/pe/check-med-supplement).
Stop taking multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements
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 (www.mskcc.org/pe/herbal_remedies).
2 days before your Ommaya reservoir surgery
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 How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil (www.mskcc.org/pe/check-med-supplement).
1 day before your Ommaya reservoir surgery
Note the time of your surgery
A pediatric surgical coordinator will call you after 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 , call 212-639-7056.
The surgical coordinator will tell you what time to get to the hospital for your surgery. They’ll also remind you where to go.
This will be one of these locations:
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The night before your Ommaya reservoir surgery
Shower
Unless you’re given other instructions, you can shower and wash your hair the night before your surgery. Do not use any hair products, such as hair spray or gel.
Sleep
Go to bed early and get a full night’s sleep.
Instructions for eating and drinking before your surgery
Do not eat or drink anything after a certain time on the night before your surgery. This exact time is based on your age and any other medical problems you may have. Your nurse practitioner (NP) will talk with you about what you can and cannot eat before surgery.
If you do not follow the instructions they give you, your surgery may be cancelled.
The morning of your Ommaya reservoir surgery
Take your medicines as instructed
If your doctor or NP instructed you to take certain medicines the morning of your surgery, take only those medicines with a sip of water. Depending on what you usually take and the surgery you’re having, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medicines.
Starting 2 hours before your surgery, do not take any medicines.
Do not eat or drink anything the morning of your surgery. This includes water, hard candy, and gum. Take any medicine as instructed with a sip of water.
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.
- Do not wear any metal objects. Take off all jewelry, including body piercings. The tools used during your surgery can cause burns if they touch metal.
- Do not wear any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne.
- Leave valuable items at home.
- If you’re menstruating (have your monthly period), use a sanitary pad, not a tampon. We’ll give you disposable underwear and a pad if you need them.
- Before you’re taken into the operating room, you will need to remove your hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic device(s), wig, and religious articles.
What to bring
- Your breathing device for sleep apnea (such as your CPAP machine), if you have one.
- Your cell phone and charger.
- A case for your personal items, if you have any. Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wigs, and religious articles are examples of personal items.
- This guide. You’ll use it to learn how to care for yourself after surgery.
Where to park
For information about parking at Memorial Hospital, read the “Parking at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center (PACC)” section above.
Once you’re in the hospital
When you get to the hospital, take the B elevator to the 6th floor (the PSC) or the 9th floor (the PACC). Check in at the desk in the waiting room.
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.
We’ll give you a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear when it’s time to change for surgery.
For caregivers, family, and friends
Read Information for Family and Friends for the Day of Surgery (www.mskcc.org/pe/info_family_friends) to help you know what to expect on the day of your loved one’s surgery.
Meet with a nurse
You’ll meet with a nurse before surgery. Tell them the dose of any medicines you took after midnight (12 a.m.) and the time you took them. Make sure to include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.
If you have an implanted port or central venous catheter (CVC), your nurse will access it. If you don’t, 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 if you’ve had any problems with anesthesia in the past. This includes nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up) 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 questions you have about anesthesia.
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.
Once you’re comfortable, your anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia and you’ll fall asleep. You’ll also get fluids through your implanted port, CVC, or IV line during and after your surgery.
Once you’re asleep, your surgery will begin. You won’t feel any pain during your surgery.
Recovering after your Ommaya reservoir surgery
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 this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
What to expect
When you wake up after your surgery, you will be in the Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit (PACU). As soon as you’re settled in the PACU, a nurse will bring your family members in to be with you.
You may have a mask over your face that will give you air and help you wake up after surgery. You will be attached to machines that will monitor your body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level. You may also have dressings (bandages) over your incisions.
While you’re in the hospital, you will frequently be asked to move your arms, fingers, toes and legs. Your nurse will check your pupils with a flashlight and ask questions such as “What is your name?”
It’s normal to feel very tired after surgery. Your PACU nurse will make sure you’re comfortable and answer any of your questions.
Once you’re awake and your pain is under control, you will be taken to your hospital room. Depending on your age and condition, you may be taken to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), the Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or the Neurology Advanced Care Unit (NACU) for close observation and monitoring.
To learn what you can do to stay safe and keep from falling while you’re in the hospital, read Call! Don't Fall! for Pediatric Patients (www.mskcc.org/pe/call_dont_fall_peds).
After 24 hours, you will be taken to the pediatric or neurology floor for continued care. If you have a bandage over your incision, your doctor will take it off around this time. After the bandage is removed, your incision(s) will be left uncovered.
Commonly asked questions
Will I have any pain?
You may have a mild headache or feel discomfort from your incision for the first few days after your surgery. Your nurse will give you pain medicine. Please tell your nurse if the medicine isn’t helping your pain.
You may have a sore throat after your surgery. This is caused by the breathing tube that was used during your surgery. You will be given cool liquids to drink and lozenges to suck on to help with the discomfort.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most people stay in the hospital 1 night, but this will depend on your recovery.
Parents can call the inpatient unit at any time. Ask your nurse for the phone number. Because of privacy concerns, staff will only give information to parents or spouses. Please tell friends and other relatives not to call the inpatient unit for information.
Can family and friends visit me in the hospital?
Your parents, other family members, and friends are welcome to visit you during your hospital stay as long as they’re in good health. No one with any signs of sickness, such as fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, or rash, is allowed to visit.
Visiting hours may be different depending on where you will be staying. Ask your nurse about the visitation policy in the area you’re staying. Visitors on the Pediatric Unit are limited to parents and 2 other visitors per day.
Will I be able to eat and drink?
You will be given ice chips to eat after your surgery. You will start with a liquid diet and then progress to solid food.
When will my sutures or staples be removed?
The sutures or staples in your incision will be removed 7 to 14 days after your surgery. They may need to stay in longer if you have had this surgery before. Your doctor or NP will remove them during your follow-up visit at the clinic.
How do I care for my incision?
Mild swelling around the incision is normal. As your incision heals, it may burn, itch, or feel numb. Check your incision daily for any signs of redness, swelling, or drainage.
Don’t apply any creams, ointments, hair products, or use a hair dryer on your incisions until they are completely healed. This may take about 6 weeks.
Once your incision is healed, it doesn’t need to be covered. However, you should protect it from the sun by wearing a hat or scarf and using sunblock.
When can I shower?
You can shower right after your surgery. However, for the first 5 days after your surgery, you must wear a shower cap to protect your incision from getting wet.
Five days after your surgery, you should begin to wash your hair daily. This helps to loosen up the crusting on your incision and will make it easier for your surgeon or nurse to remove your staples or sutures.
When you wash your hair, use a gentle shampoo, such as baby shampoo. You can gently massage the area near your incision to wash off any dried blood or drainage. Clean your incision with soap and water and pat it dry with a clean towel. You can let the shower water run over your incision.
Don’t let your incision soak in water. Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools for at least 2 weeks after your surgery.
When can I go back to work?
Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to work. This depends on your age, type of work, medical condition, and other factors.
When can I go back to school?
You can go back to school as soon as you feel ready. Tell your school nurse that you have an Ommaya reservoir.
When can I go back to my normal activities?
You can participate in all non-contact sports (such as swimming and running), exercise, and go to the gym 2 weeks after your surgery. You can’t participate in any contact (collision) sports (such as football, boxing and wrestling) until your neurosurgeon says it’s OK. Remember to wear a helmet to decrease the risk of head injury, if needed. Ask your neurosurgeon for specific guidelines on wearing a helmet.
When can I swim?
Don’t swim for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. If your incision needs more time to heal, you may need to wait longer. Your doctor or NP will tell you when it’s OK to swim at your first follow-up appointment after your surgery.
When can I travel?
Don’t travel on an airplane until your neurosurgeon says it’s OK.
When is my first appointment after my surgery?
Your first appointment after surgery will be in 7 to 14 days after you leave the hospital. Contact your neurosurgeon’s office to schedule your appointment before you leave the hospital. Depending on how you’re healing, some or all of your sutures or staples will be removed during this appointment.
Will I need any more tests?
You will have a computed tomography (CT) scan within 24 hours after your surgery to make sure your Ommaya reservoir is in the right place.
How do I care for my Ommaya reservoir?
Your Ommaya reservoir doesn’t need special care.
Can the Ommaya reservoir be removed?
The reservoir is usually not removed unless you have problems with it.
When should I call my doctor or NP?
Call your doctor or NP if you have:
- A fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher
- Tenderness, redness, or swelling around your reservoir
- Clear, bloody, or pus-like discharge from your reservoir
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
These warning signs can appear quickly. If any of these signs or symptoms develop, call your doctor or NP immediately.
If you cannot wake your child, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Contact information
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with your doctor or nurse. You can reach them Monday through Friday from to at 212-639-7056.
After , during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000. Ask to speak to the pediatric neurosurgery fellow on call.
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 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. They will help you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.
As you read these resources, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.
- Call! Don't Fall! for Pediatric Patients (www.mskcc.org/pe/call_dont_fall_peds)
- Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment (www.mskcc.org/pe/herbal_remedies)
- How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil (www.mskcc.org/pe/check-med-supplement)
- How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal (www.mskcc.org/pe/enroll_mymsk)
- Information for Family and Friends for the Day of Surgery (www.mskcc.org/pe/info_family_friends)