Prior to your first treatment you will be given a pre-assessment appointment. It is an opportunity for the nursing team to introduce themselves and get to know you. We will discuss with you how you are feeling before your treatment starts and try and ensure we make a plan of how we can support you through your treatment journey. We will answer any questions you may have about your treatment and make sure that you have information to help manage any possible treatment side effects.
This appointment may last an hour and may include blood tests, observations of blood pressure, pulse, weight and a urine test. It is useful to bring in a list of your current medications, as your treatment could interact with some of your regular medicines. During the appointment you can visit the Oncology Day Case Unit (J80) if that is where your treatment will be given.
Depending on the treatment you are having, you may need to return to pre-assessment before each treatment for review by a nurse or doctor, or you may get a review in the outpatient clinic. Sometimes this assessment can be done on the phone.
If you need more blood tests, it may be possible for them to be taken at your GP practice or local hospital if this more convenient for you. The nurse at your pre-assessment appointment will be able to discuss this with you.
Should you need them, we are able to make referrals to the wide range of people that are in the care team, such as dieticians, social workers and community nurses.
Some patients have their treatment given directly into their veins. This is called intravenous treatment. It is given as an injection into your vein, or through a drip or pump (intravenous infusion). For a nurse to give you this treatment, they will put a small tube into a vein in your arm. This is called a cannula.
For patients who require their treatment to be administered over a few days whilst you are at home, or an inpatient, you may be required to have a central venous access device fitted. This is placed either by a nurse-led team or in Bexley Wing theatres. These devices are placed into a much bigger vein in the arm or neck and can stay in for long periods of time. They can provide an option for patients with poor veins or who need to have a chemotherapy infusor (pump) at home.
The main types of central lines used here in Leeds are Hickman lines, PICC lines and port-a-caths. If you could benefit from one of these, the pre-assessment team will arrange your appointment for insertion and they are experienced in their care afterwards.