What to Expect as a New Hematology Patient

How will you make my diagnosis?

Most often we will use one of these lab tests: bone marrow aspirate or a lumber puncture. More blood is drawn for genetics, matching blood product, or ruling out viruses. The doctor should have results in 2-4 days.

What happens while I wait on results?

• We will likely monitor your labs. We may also start IV fluids and help get you prepare for your treatment regimen.
• Most treatment regimens are done through a central line. This may be a port, a PICC line, or a Trifusion Hickman catheter. You may get a port if:
  • You will keep getting infusion outside the hospital.
  • You cannot manage PICC care at home.
  • You have a history of central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI).
• You can speak with social services. They can help you with finances, advanced directives, transportation, and lodging.

Which members of the treatment team will I see?

• You will have several doctors on your care team. Your main doctor will be on Medicine Team 14 or 15. This is the doctor you will see most often. You will meet the Hematology team later in the day.
• Most days, the team will meet with you in the morning and in the afternoon. We call this rounding.
• Hematology will see you between noon and 3 p.m. Hematology does not see patients every day.
• You will meet with case management the day you enter and leave the hospital.
• Nutrition will see you if you or another team member asks.
• Pharmacy will take part in the daily team visits. You will likely meet with them the day you enter and leave the hospital to check your medicines.

What education will I receive?

• We will teach you about the rules and expectations on the hospital unit. You will learn where you can keep food, why you need to wear a mask in the hallways, and why you need an advance directive.
• We will show you how to take daily showers with Hibiclens, walk laps, take vital signs, and measure your input and output.
• Pharmacy will teach you about your chemotherapy regimen and side effects. When you start your chemo, we will remind you of the side effects and what to expect.

When do I need to know about my chemotherapy treatment?

Our pharmacists will go over your treatment and other medicines. They can tell you:

• When you treatment will begin.
• How long it will take.
• Side effects and what to do about them.
• How to protect your health during and after treatment.

What services are available?

Your doctor or nurse can ask for integrative medicine consults. These can include visits from art therapy or music therapy.

Let us know if you have concerns about finances, filling out paperwork, or getting ready to go home. A case manager, social worker, or financial counselor may be able to help.

What will happen after I leave the hospital?

Most patients go home with a follow-up appointment with Markey Hematology Program clinic, unless they need to go to rehab. If needed, we will give you directions to the clinic. You will get instructions that include a contact number you have questions.