Chemotherapy & Infusion
As part of your cancer treatment, you’ll work with your cancer care
team to develop a plan based on your needs. Depending on your diagnosis,
your care plan may include some form of chemotherapy given to you before,
after or at the same time as other types of therapy. “Chemo”
uses a mixture of medications or drugs, which you may receive as a pill
or through a process called infusion that uses a vein or port in your arm.
Individualized Cancer Care in a Positive Environment
Ask your doctor for a referral OU Health so you can take advantage of the
oncology experts at Stephenson Cancer Center, home to the largest chemotherapy
and infusion center in Oklahoma. You benefit from working with Stephenson’s
certified chemotherapy professionals and oncology-trained nurses who provide
compassionate, therapeutic care in a pleasant, comfortable and welcoming
environment.
You may receive chemotherapy in one of our 45 spaces, set up in private,
semi-private and open areas. Your specially trained nurse sits close to
you and carefully monitors your medication and care at all times. At Stephenson
Cancer Center, your infusion team also provides advanced levels of care
to support your particular needs.
Request an Appointment
Ask your doctor for a referral and find out more about chemotherapy and
infusion services at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, available Monday
through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Call between
8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or leave a message.
Call (405) 271-3402
Your Safety Comes First
Your safety takes top priority throughout the chemotherapy process. That
means your infusion team makes several safety checks even before starting
to deliver medications. They review your medical records, lab results
and specific instructions from your treatment team to ensure optimal outcomes.
Nurses on your infusion team also recognize the value of your time and
will provide regular updates about the estimated length of your treatment session.
Amenities for Your Comfort
Because chemotherapy treatments can take several hours, you’ll appreciate
the infusion center amenities designed for your comfort, including:
- Kitchenette with microwave for you to fix your own snacks and beverages
- Complimentary beverages and light refreshments
- Complimentary lunch served by volunteers between 11 a.m. and noon
- Complimentary Wi-Fi for you to connect to laptops, tablets or online services
- Warm and cozy blankets
Safety Precautions for Caregivers & Children
For everyone’s safety, check with your chemotherapy/infusion team
for information about whether a caregiver may accompany you to your treatment.
Children under 16 may not stay with you during the treatment process.
Find out more about
your visit and OU Health safety precautions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Explore Chemotherapy at Stephenson Cancer Center
Although our twice-weekly in-person Chemo 101 classes at Stephenson Cancer
Center have been canceled for now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, you
and your loved ones can still get the Chemo 101 information you need.
Simply download and review our
Preparing for Chemotherapy booklet [pdf]. You’ll find a pre-appointment checklist, information about how
to prepare and what to expect during your first chemotherapy appointment,
as well as answers to frequently asked questions about chemotherapy and
infusion, such as:
- What to wear
- What you can eat
- Whether to take your regular medications
- How long treatments may take
- Missed appointments and holidays
- Transportation and weather-related issues
- Who to contact with medical questions and concerns
- Activities to keep you occupied during treatment time
- Loved ones and childcare during treatment
- Information for caregivers
- Financial counseling and assistance for your treatment
- Supportive care or social work services to connect you with helpful resources
Or look through the Chemo 101: Preparing for Chemotherapy 2022 slideshow
that we have prepared for you,
here. You and your caregivers can learn more about what to expect during chemotherapy,
along with guidelines to help you maintain good nutrition and healthy
behaviors, and tips for managing side effects.
Your Chemotherapy & Infusion Care Team
Your experienced chemotherapy and infusion team at Stephenson Cancer Center
involves dozens of highly trained professionals, including oncologists,
physicians, advanced practice providers, oncology pharmacists, chemotherapy
and infusion nurses, and financial navigators, as well as dietitians,
nutritionists and supportive care specialists who focus on your individual
needs throughout your cancer journey.