Frequently Asked Questions

This information is intended for the patients, friends and families of the U-M Rogel Cancer Center. It has been created to answer many of the questions you may have about your treatment, how to prepare and what it will be like. It also contains suggestions about caring for yourself during treatment.

Can I drive?

We suggest that you arrange to have a driver for at least your first chemotherapy treatment. After that, whether or not you can drive depends on the medications you get, your response to them, and your total health. The effects of some medications may make it unsafe for you to drive. If you have a driver, but the driver is not staying with you during treatment, it is best that he/she is easily reached and flexible about the time of pick-up. We will be happy to call your driver 30 minutes before you are finished with your treatment. Please discuss any transportation issues you may have with your oncology team before your first infusion. On the day of treatment, let the infusion nurse know of any unresolved issues before your treatment starts.

How long will I be there and what should I expect?

It is best to plan to spend most of the day at the infusion center for your treatment. The staff can give you approximate lengths of treatment, but there are many unexpected things that can add time to your stay.

You will get treatment designed specifically for you. Treatment times differ between patients. If your treatment is chemotherapy, there are often extra medications given to you to prevent and manage side effects. The nursing staff will check how you are doing before treatment starts, during treatment and before you are released.

The nursing staff and the MA staff will make every effort to make you comfortable and meet your needs during your treatment. Infusion staff will answer questions for you and call your healthcare team as needed.

Can I eat before and during treatment?

Many patients worry about eating before their treatment. Please eat according to your normal schedule. You may find it best to eat a light meal and avoid fried, spicy, or acidic foods before your treatment. Do not skip meals before your treatment unless told to you by your doctor. Be sure to drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids the day before and the day of your treatment. Well-hydrated veins are usually easier to access with an IV catheter.

You are welcome to bring a meal or snacks and beverages to your infusion appointment. A refrigerator and microwave are available to use. The infusion room has free snacks and beverages. The snacks available in the infusion area are: juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda pop, crackers, bagels, bouillon, popsicles and ice cream.

If you want a larger meal, you will need to bring it with you, or have someone buy it for you.

Other food services are available throughout the hospital. Michigan Medicine does not approve of sugar-sweetened beverages such as regular soda pop. There is a patient supply of regular soda pop in the infusion area for the management of some symptoms. You and your caregiver are also welcome to bring your own. Regular soda pop cannot be given to anyone other than the person getting treatment.

People going through chemotherapy are often sensitive to odors. Please do not bring in foods that have strong smells, such as fish, garlic, onions or other spicy foods. Patients and guests should avoid wearing or using scented products in the infusion areas or waiting rooms. Strong smells from things like nail polish, nail polish remover, hand creams, perfume, body sprays, etc. should not be used or worn in these areas.

What if I need to leave to smoke?

Michigan Medicine does not allow smoking anywhere in or around Health System buildings. You are not allowed to leave the infusion area to smoke. Please talk with your oncology doctor on how to manage your desire to smoke during your appointment

If you would like assistance to help you quit smoking or the use of other tobacco products, please call the MHealthy Tobacco Consultation Service 734-998-6222 or visit www.mhealthy.umich.edu/tobacco.

Once your vein is accessed and/or you have begun your treatment, you may not leave the infusion area.

Should I take my medications before my treatment?

Take your medications as scheduled unless otherwise directed by your oncology team. Bring the medications you normally take during the day. Let your infusion nurse know what you plan to take during your visit. It is a good idea to tell your oncology team about all medications you are taking or plan on taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, herbs, etc. Bring your list of current medications with dose and frequency to each appointment.

style="font-size:110%;color:#174992;">What should I wear?

Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Wear clothes that give easy access to your arms/chest (if you have a port). Dress in layers to account for temperature changes in different areas of the buildings. Wear sensible shoes with rubber soles to avoid accidental slips and falls. Many times, people feel weak or dizzy because of their medical condition or treatment. All patients treated in the Cancer Center are considered at risk for falls, no matter their age.

Wherever you are in the Rogel Cancer Center, please ask for help if you are worried you may fall.

What should I bring to my appointment?/

A form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
Your insurance card.
A list of all medications, herbs and supplements, etc. you are taking at this time.
All doses of medication that are scheduled around your appointment time and for the rest of the day.
Pain medication if you are taking any.
A driver, especially for your first treatment.
Assistive devices such as canes or walkers that you use at home.
Your education folder.
A filled out Family and Friends form. You can get a copy of this from your nurse or oncology team.
A Living Will or DNR, if you have one.
A change of clothes. If chemotherapy accidentally gets on your clothes, you will need to take them off. Also, some patients are getting IV fluids or medications that may result in unexpected incontinence.
Something for you to do. Good things to bring are: portable electronic devices such as computer tablets and smart phones, books, magazines, letter writing materials, etc. Please bring headphones to use with your electronic devices.

Warm blankets will be given to you if you need one. Please do not bring heating pads. They can cause burns and are not allowed.

The Rogel Cancer Center offers many activities for patients and families. These Include:

Free access to wireless internet.
Televisions are in most infusion areas. To cut sound and distractions in the infusion areas, we ask that you wear the headphones we will give you. Please keep them and bring them back to your next appointments.

For your comfort and peace of mind, we suggest that you pack an overnight bag and leave it in your car. That way, if you need to be admitted to the hospital, you’ll be ready.

Who can I bring into the infusion area?

For safety reasons, you can bring in only one family member or friend. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed in the infusion area due to the health risks linked to potential chemotherapy exposure. The infusion area is also not safe for animals. If a service dog is needed by you or a visitor, please ask your oncology staff for extra information before the infusion appointment.

You will receive a Family and Friends form. This form allows the infusion staff to discuss certain aspects of your treatment with people you name on the form. It does not allow friends or family to access your medical record or receive printed results on your behalf. A copy of this form is available from your oncology team.

For the safety and comfort of all, children under 14 and pets are not allowed in our infusion treatment area.

Many of our patients have weakened immune systems and are very vulnerable to germs.
Infusion staff cannot provide child care and need your full attention during your treatment.
Spills of infusion drugs can occur. These drugs can be harmful to those not meant to have contact with them, particularly children.

Please discuss any concerns you may have with your health care team before the day of your infusion.

Thank you for keeping your kids and pets safely at home

Where can I fill my prescriptions?

Outpatient pharmacies are available in these locations:

Rogel Cancer Center on level B1.
Taubman Center Ambulatory Pharmacy is found on level 1 of the Taubman Center building,
There is no outpatient pharmacy in the Canton Infusion location or Northville Health Center. Please have all prescriptions filled before your infusion appointment and bring them with you.
Please note that some medications prescribed by your doctor may not be available at your community pharmacy. We suggest that you consider filling these medications at the Rogel Cancer Center outpatient pharmacy.