About Hannibal Regional Cancer Institute
Located in the Hannibal Regional Medical Group building, the Cancer Institute provides a caring and relaxed environment, making it easy for patients to begin receiving treatments quickly. We provide patients and their families comprehensive infusion services, including chemotherapy, in a comfortable, private setting, delivered by a friendly, caring staff.
Services offered:
- Genetic testing (when appropriate) - to determine the best cancer treatment options available for you
- Infusion services, provided by our specially trained oncology nurses who are experts in managing all types of infusion, include:
- Chemotherapy
- Blood transfusions
- Biological immune modulators
- Hematologic growth factors
- Injectable hormonal therapy
- IV bisphosphonates
- IV steroids
- IV immunoglobulin
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Arranging a Patient Visit - The Referral Process
Please contact your physician to send orders to the Cancer Institute. Once the insurance verification process is complete, you will be contacted to set up an appointment.
Cold Caps for Chemotherapy Patients
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. As side effects arise during cancer treatments, we want you to still feel confident and comfortable.
Penguin Cold Cap Therapy is a drug-free and non-invasive scalp cooling process that is globally recognized for outstanding results in minimizing hair loss during certain types of chemotherapy treatments.
Cold Cap Therapy is available at the Cancer Institute. Cold Cap Therapy means wearing a tightly-fitted cap lined with a special coolant before, during and, for a short time, after each chemotherapy treatment and may help prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.
Success with cold capping depends on the chemotherapy regimen and number of cycles recommended by your oncologist. With Penguin Cold Caps there is an 87% success rate, and those patients will typically lose only 20% to 25% of their hair. Discuss your planned chemotherapy treatment with your oncologist and determine whether cold capping is right for you.
To learn more about cold cap therapy contact Penguin Cold Caps representative, Laura Abilez at (636) 541-5455 or visit https://penguincoldcaps.com.
During Your Treatment
The Hannibal Regional Cancer Institute features 6 light-filled treatment areas. Each treatment space has a reclining chair along with an extra chair for anyone who many have accompanied you.
- On the day of treatment, we encourage you to bring one family member or friend with you. Depending on the length of treatment and medication administered, you may be too tired to drive home. Please note: Many of our patients are at an increased risk for infection from viruses due to compromised immune systems. To minimize disruption to the other people receiving chemotherapy and to prevent exposing patients with weak immune systems to infection, visitors must be over age 18.
- Dress warmly. The Cancer Institute may be cool, especially after having received IV fluids. Blankets can be provided if you are feeling chilly or feel free to bring a blanket from home if it will make you more comfortable.
- Laptops and cellphones are permitted and free Wi-Fi is available
Am I allowed to eat before treatment?
There are no restrictions on what you can eat on the day of treatment and you can eat anything during the treatment process. You can bring in your own food or eat what is provided by the Cancer Institute. We have snacks, juices, coffee, tea and sodas available at all times and sandwiches are available at lunchtime.
Am I allowed to take my medications on the day of treatment?
Make a list of all the medications and doses you are currently taking and bring it with you to all of your appointments. If another doctor prescribes medication while you are receiving chemotherapy treatments, make sure he or she knows what chemotherapy you are receiving and when. Also, keep your doctor at the Cancer Institute informed of any drug you take both prescription and over-the counter medications. Some medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements may affect your chemotherapy. Please ask your physician what you may or may not take during your chemotherapy. If you are taking any prescription medications for any conditions, you are permitted to take those on the day of treatment unless your oncologist has instructed otherwise. If you are unsure, contact your doctor
Oncology/Hematology Physician
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Surgery
Cancer surgery is an operation or procedure to take out a tumor and possibly some nearby tissue. Surgery may be needed to remove a tumor, help your body work the way it used to, or relieve side effects. You might also need surgery to find out if you have cancer, where the cancer is located or if it has spread or is affecting other organs in the body.