Chemotherapy & Infusion

As part of your cancer treatment, your care team will develop a plan based on your needs. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include some form of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be given in many different ways, but it is most often administered as an intravenous infusion which is given through a vein in your arm or through a central line.

Individualized Cancer Care in a Positive Environment

Ask your doctor for a referral OU Health so you can be treated by 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.

Our chemotherapy suite has 45 treatment spaces, set up in private, semi-private and open areas. Your specially trained nurse will be close by to carefully monitor you throughout your infusion. At Stephenson Cancer Center, your infusion team also provides advanced levels of care to support your particular needs.

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
• Complimentary beverages
• Complimentary lunch served by volunteers between 11 a.m. and noon
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for you to connect your laptop or tablet
• Warm and cozy blankets

Safety Precautions for Caregivers & Children

One caregiver may accompany you to your infusion. For safety reasons, children under the age of 16 are prohibited in the infusion area. Find out more about your visit and OU Health safety precautions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Explore Chemotherapy at Stephenson Cancer Center

We offer an in-person Chemo 101 class two times per month. This class is offered the first Thursday of the month from 10 - 11 a.m. and the third Thursday of the month at 2 - 3 p.m. Classes are held in room 6012 at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. If you or your caregiver are unable to attend, you may review the information in our Chemo 101 video. You may also download 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 and answers to frequently asked questions, 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

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 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.