Oncology Navigator
The Camden Clark Medical Center Cancer Institute, in conjunction with WVU Medicine, provides individualized assistance to our patients.
The Oncology Nurse Navigator is available Monday through Friday from 8am — 4:30pm and provides services at no cost to our patients.
Durable Medical Equipment
Home health and hospice referrals obtaining wigs, hairpieces, or hats Works closely with your oncologist Genetic testing and screening Coordinate care with other departments You may request to speak with the oncology nurse navigator while you are in clinic.
Additionally, you are welcome to call at your convenience.
Angy Helmick RN, OCN 304-424-2854
[email protected]
HOME SAFETY after CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENTS
After receiving chemotherapy, you and your caregiver(s) need to take special care to prevent contact with your body fluids. The fluids include urine, stools, sweat, mucus, blood, vomit, and those from sex. Home safety measures you and your caregiver (s) should follow include:
Closing the lid and flushing twice after using the toilet
Sitting on the toilet to urinate
Cleaning splashes from the toilet with bleach wipes
Washing your hands with soap and water after using the restroom
Using gloves when handling body fluids and washing your hands after removing the gloves
Wearing disposable pad or diapers if incontinence is an issue and wearing gloves when handling
Washing linens soiled with body fluids separately
Using condoms during sex
The length of time that you and your caregivers need to follow these guidelines might differ depending on the policy where you receive treatment and the drugs that you receive. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how long you and your caregivers need to practice these safety measures.
Implanted Port
An implanted venous access port, also called a subcutaneous access port, mediport or
power port, is a special type of intravenous (IV) device that is implanted (inserted) under your skin. A common area that a port may be put in is the upper chest. Ports can also be placed in an arm or the abdomen. Infusion ports come in different shapes and sizes. The type of port and the way it is used depend on your needs.
Implanted ports may be used for:
= Chemotherapy treatments
= Taking blood samples
= Blood transfusions
= Giving IV fluids and IV medicines
An implanted port has two parts, the “port” and the “catheter”. The port is a small device that sits under your skin and is about the size of a quarter. The port has a small chamber with a raised center called the septum, which is sealed with a soft silicon top. The septum is where a special needle can be inserted through the skin to access and use the port. A small catheter connects to the port. The Port catheter is a thin, soft plastic tube that is put into a large vein in your chest. The catheter connects the port to the large vein.
How to prepare for a port placement: Your doctor will give you specific information on how to prepare for this procedure.
