Patient & Family Questions
Why should I come to the Cary Cancer Center instead of going to Columbia, St. Louis, or Springfield, Illinois?
A community service of Hannibal Regional Hospital and the Hannibal Clinic, the Cary Cancer Center was created to provide the latest comprehensive outpatient therapy and support services which are found in only a few cancer center settings. Our cancer center was designed as a complete, progressive care facility for patients and families in our region.
How can I learn about resources to assist my loved one in managing their cancer?
The Cary Cancer Center provides a full-time Concierge to assist all cancer center patients and families in support of their care. A full-time Masters-prepared Social Worker and full-time Oncology Nurses are available to answer questions and meet your needs. In addition, Cary Cancer Center has a lending library with many books and tapes of valuable information about cancer, cancer therapies and coping skills for patients and families.
What is radiation treatment?
In layman's terms, cancer is uncontrolled cell growth. Radiation Therapy is the pinpoint focalized delivery of a radiation beam to the site of the cancerous tumor by careful computerized treatment plans which are based on 3D digital x-ray pictures. A beam of radiation is precisely aimed at the tumor in such a way as to maximize the radiation dose to the tumor and minimize the radiation exposure to good tissues surrounding the tumor.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the administration of medications used to inhibit the reproduction or growth of cancer cells. Since chemotherapy goes through your entire body system, some side effects may occurdue to the effect on normal cells. Your doctor and nurses will tell you what side effects you may expect for the type of chemotherapy you will be receiving. Many advances have been made in managing side effects especially the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting. Be assured that your comfort is our first priority while you are completing your treatment.
What are the hours of operation at the Cary Cancer Center?
7:30 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday. Special appointments can be set up for special circumstances.
My doctor is not in Hannibal, but I'd like to have treatment at the Cary Cancer
Center. How can I make these arrangements?
Your doctor can call the Cary Cancer Center and make arrangements for you.
My children are having trouble coping with my cancer. Do you have support groups that might help?
The Survivor Circle is open to those who have experienced any form of cancer personally or as a family member or friend. The purpose of the group is to provide education and support to cancer survivors at all stages of their treatment and lives. Our lending library has books available to help family members better understand cancer, cancer therapies and how to cope with cancer. The concierge can help find resources for patients and families.
What should I expect during my first visit to the Cary Cancer Center?
On your first visit, you should expect to spend approximately 15 minutes in registration where the cancer center staff will take personal and insurance information and enter it into the computer system. Next, you will see the physician as in a normal doctors appointment. Tests will be ordered as needed and a plan of care will be developed. If chemotherapy is indicated, an appointment will be made for your treatment and you will be given specific instructions on what you should do in advance. If you are coming to the Cary Cancer Center for Radiation Therapy, you will first have an appointment with the physician and then an additional simulation appointment. The first radiation therapy treatment appointment would be scheduled after your customized and computerized treatment plan is developed and approved. This could take several days.
Can I receive my treatments on weekends?
At the present time, the cancer center does not have evening or weekend treatment or appointment hours. As we grow we will be considering adding these hours of operation.
How can I plan to pay for the services of the Cary Cancer Center?
The Cary Cancer Center is prepared to participate in all third party payor contracts or patient care including: Medicare and Medicaid, Patients without insurance will be assisted to determine eligibility for Medicaid and charity programs.
What about pain management?
Our medical staff and support staff will work with you to find the best way to manage any pain you may have during the course of your therapy. In most cases, we will use a 0-10 scale and ask you to rate your level of pain. We will partner with you to relieve any pain you may have.
