“I knew when I was in kindergarten that I wanted to be a nurse because of the kindness and caring of my school nurse. Hospice has given me the opportunity to use my nursing skills and show kindness and compassion to those in need.”
Mary Lowenberg, Hospice Coordinator
Chemotherapy infusions are specific to the type of cancer the patient has. The length of time to complete a chemotherapy infusion varies according to the type and route of the drug and dosage, as well as other factors.
Hydration therapy is typically used when an individual has become dehydrated. Dehydration can be caused by the side effects of chemotherapy, the flu or other factors. The length of time to complete a hydration therapy infusion differs, depending on a patient's health status as well as the amount of fluid he or she needs to receive.
Remicade infusions may be given to patients who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis or Crohn's Disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks joints causing inflammation. Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract. It is a chronic condition that causes symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. The infusion may take between two to four hours to complete.
Antibiotic therapy is for patients who have an infection that does not respond to oral antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy can be given in the form of an infusion or an injection. The length of time to complete this type of therapy depends on the drug, dose and method of how the medication is given.
Therapeutic injections may be used to help treat allergies or to help the patient's body stimulate production of red blood cells or white cells. Therapeutic injections do not take very long to complete, but patients may be required to wait for a period of time, in case an adverse reaction to the injection occurs.
Migraine injections are given to individuals who regularly experience migraines. These injections are used if previously prescribed prescriptions were not effective.
Intravenous Immune Globulin infusions (IVIG infusions), classified as immunizing agents, help people whose immune systems function poorly. For these individuals, IVIG infusions lessen the chance of receiving an infection. This type of infusion is commonly ordered for people with HIV, chronic lymphocytic leukemia or for an individual after he or she receives a bone marrow transplant.
Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin infusions (HBIG infusions) are used to prevent hepatitis B. The following people may receive the infusion: babies who are born to mothers who have hepatitis B, individuals who are consistently exposed to others with acute hepatitis B or people who come in contact with the virus through blood, blood products or human bites.
Other services offered by the CCIC include the following: Psychosocial Therapy, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Lymphedema Therapy, Pre and Post Diagnostic Screenings, X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, Surgical Services, Laboratory Testing, Hospice Services, American Cancer Society Support Programs as well as other support groups. The Patient and Family Resource Center is also available, which provides additional information on health care topics.
* Sources: Melissa McSparen, RN, www.webmd.com and www.mayoclinic.com.
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