Cancer Clinic

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Brantford General Hospital (BGH) is a satellite site of the Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre. We have Medical Oncologists onsite Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Radiation Oncologists are at the clinic weekly. We provide chemotherapy treatments and radiation follow-up.

Diagnosis

The Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program (LDAP) is also available in Brantford through the Cancer Clinic. This is a regional program that serves the areas of Haldimand, Brantford, Hamilton and Niagara. The program was developed by Cancer Care Ontario to provide coordinated care and support during the time when a patient is being suspected of having cancer. All family physicians, specialists and primary health care providers may refer patients to the program. Brantford's DAP is specific to lung cancer.

Three main goals of DAP

Provide timely and equal access to care
Early detection and treatment of lung problems
Coordinate care as close to home as possible

The nurse navigator works with the thoracic surgeons and helps to facilitate referrals so that a diagnosis and treatment plan can be determined as quickly as possible. The nurse navigator is available to answer your questions and provide you with information and support during this time. To contact the nurse navigator, phone 519-751-5544 ext. 4255

Brantford has four thoracic surgeons from Hamilton Health Sciences available onsite once a week to run the clinic.

DAP is located in the D-wing of Brantford General Hospital in the Cancer Clinic. When you arrive, please register at the Cancer Clinic reception desk.

LDAP Referral Form Quit Smoking Referral Form Medical Infusion Referral Form

Chemotherapy Clinic Checklist

Before visiting the chemotherapy clinic, be sure that you have:

Health card.
Recent medication list.
Take your regular medications unless told otherwise.
Bring in any medication you may need while at the clinic. Don't forget anti-vomiting, pain, and regular medication(s) you take during the day.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Write down your questions.
A book or activity.
A notetaking device
A calendar to keep track of future appointments.

If you are unable to come to your appointment for any reason, please let us know by calling (519) 751-5585

Your Care Team encompasses:

Medical oncologist
Primary care nurse
Chemotherapy nurses
Reception
Pharmacy

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is using drugs to treat cancer. These drugs attack and destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth. Chemotherapy can also damage normal cells.

It is usually given:

In pill form - either a tablet or capsule (oral medications).
Into your veins - this is called an intravenous through the IV. If you need to have IV chemotherapy at home, the medication is given through a special pump, which looks like a baby bottle.

How often & for how long:

Most chemotherapy is given over a period of time, how often varies. It could be daily, once a week, twice a month, or once a month. The amount of time to give the drug is different for each drug, but usually 15 minutes to 6 hours.

Side effects

Not everyone experiences side effects to Chemotherapy. We will discuss potential side effects with you and how to manage them.

Common side effects can include:

Low blood counts
- Infection: low white cell count
- Fatigue, shortness of breath: low red cell count
- Bruising and bleeding: low platelet count
Nausea and vomiting
Mouth and throat discomfort
Hair loss
Diarrhea
Constipation
Changes to skin and nails
Sensitivity to the sun

Chemotherapy and Nutrition

Good nutrition can help give you strength and energy before, during and after treatment.

Good nutrition can help also help you:

Heal and recover more quickly
Maintain your weight
Improve how well you handle or tolerate treatment
Decrease s your risk of infection

A healthy diet is:

Protein
Carbohydrates and fats
Vitamins and minerals
Water

Chemotherapy and Exercise

Your cancer and treatment may cause you to feel fatigued or very tired. You may notice that you just don’t have any energy. This is common. Doing some exercise and keeping physically active can help most patients feel better.

Keeping active during cancer treatment may have these benefits for you:

Maintain or improve your physical abilities
Improve balance, which may lower your risk of blood clots
Better blood flow to legs and lower your risk of blood clots
Less nausea
More energy, so you have less fatigue
Better weight control
Greater independence around the house

Overall, keeping active can make you feel better and give you more energy to do the things that you enjoy doing!

Chemotherapy and Sexuality

You may notice a change in your sexual needs or response. A decrease in desire is common. Talk about this - with your partner and with your care team!

While receiving chemotherapy, your periods may stop and you may go into early menopause, experiencing hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Chemotherapy has also been known to decrease sperm counts; consider sperm banking before starting treatment.

Always speak with your oncologist about future pregnancies and family planning. Pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for several months after completion of treatment. Always use a condom while either partner is receiving chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy and Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol on the day of your treatment. Alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of some medications, and make your side effects worse. Speak to your oncologist about drinking during treatment.

Chemotherapy and Smoking

It is recommended that you try not to smoke or use any tobacco products.

Brant Community Healthcare System is a smoke-free hospital and cancer clinic. Smoking is not permitted on hospital grounds, including parking lots. Speak to a member of your health care team at the cancer clinic for help to stay smoke-free.

Resources:

Canadian Cancer Society
- www.cancer.ca
- 1 (888) 939-3333
Cancer Care Ontario
- www.cancercare.on.ca
BC Cancer Agency
- www.bccancer.bc.ca
Canadian Cancer Society Brant-Norfolk
- brant@ontario.cancer.ca
- (519) 753-2566
Wellwood Resource Centre of Hamilton
- wellwood@hhsc.ca
- (905) 389-5884