Getting Started Video Series

Welcome to the treatment education video series. This video series will provide information on how different cancer treatments work, treatment room guidelines, what to bring to your appointment and additional informational resources. Follow the 3 steps below for the optimal experience.

1. Please review the email you received and watch the videos as instructed. The email will direct you to videos more specific to your treatment.
2. See attached slide presentations for corresponding written information. This enables you to follow along and take notes as needed. 
   • Getting Started with IV Therapy
   • Getting Started with Oral Therapy
   • Getting Started with Radiation
   • Getting Started with Immunotherapy
   • Getting Started with Targeted Therapy
3. After completing these videos and viewing the linked documents, please complete the form at the bottom of the screen. This notifies your care team that you have completed the treatment education series.

Meet our Clinical Nurse Educators

• Laura Macias, RN, BSN, OCN
• Ellany Thompson, RN, BSN, OCN

Introduction to Cancer Treatments

• Explains the different types of cancer treatment and how they work.
• Treatment room basics.
• General Guidelines for your reference. 

Possible Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

1. Hair Loss

• Who may experience hair loss and when it occurs.
• Local headwear resources.
• Using the Paxman Scalp Cooling System at Compass Oncology.
• More about Paxman Scalp Cooling Treatment.

2. Skin Changes

• Possible skin changes include; skin sensitivity, rashes, and hand and foot syndrome.
• Ways to prevent and manage changes.

Neuropathy

• What is neuropathy and what drugs may cause it.

4. Mouth Changes

• Possible mouth changes including; dry mouth, taste changes, mouth sores and cold sensitivity.
• Ways to prevent and manage changes.

5. Heartburn

• Why this may occur and how to manage.

6. Nausea

• Which treatments may cause nausea and why it happens.
• How to prevent and control it.

7. Bowel Changes

• Who might experience these symptoms.
• Ways to control and prevent constipation and diarrhea.

8. Nutrition & Dehydration

• Basic recommendations regarding hydration and nutrition needs.
• Eating Hints – Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  
  

9. Blood Work

• Why blood work is drawn so often.
• Risk of anemia and signs to watch for.
• Risk of low platelets and signed to watch for.
• Risk of infection, how to prevent it and signs to watch for.

10. Fatigue

• Discusses the most common side effect from treatment.
• Information about your “down day” and recovery.
• How to minimize fatigue.
• The importance of activity.

11. "Chemo Brain"

• What is "chemo brain"?
• Ways to manage and minimize this symptom.

12. Coping

• Common feelings patients may experience and ways to cope with these emotions.
• How do I Cope?
• Meet the Compass Oncology Social Workers.

Treatment Drugs

Each treatment drug has a different side effect profile. In the email you received you will find an attached medication education sheet. Please review this document for a summary of your treatment drugs along with any specifics you need to be aware of.

Completion

Thank you for taking the online Getting Started class. Please submit the form below. You will receive a follow-up call from our nurse educator in 1-2 business days.

Additional Resources and Information

• Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing Program
• Survivorship
• Palliative care
• Clinical trials
• Support groups/calendar
• Patient rights and responsibilities