Your first Leukemia/BMT Daycare appointment may be given to you before you start treatment or before you are discharged from the Leukemia/BMT Inpatient Unit. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
You will check-in at the Leukemia/BMT Daycare Front Desk with the Unit Clerk. If it is your first visit, you will be given a tour of the unit so you know where to find snacks, warm blankets, ice water, etc. You will be informed of your treatment room locations. There will be an area for clipboards where you can locate a clipboard with your name on it. You will then be directed to your treatment room and your nurse will see you there.
Your nurse will start your treatments, and advise you about what you can expect for your visit. You will have your temperature, pulse and blood pressure checked. You will also be weighed. One of the physicians on the unit will be in to assess you and review your current medications. Most patients will have blood work drawn, and the treatments will be decided based upon the results.
Caregivers/family members or support people are welcome to accompany you. They can wait in the lounge or, space permitting, stay with you in the treatment room to assist you or keep you company.
On your first visit, you can expect to stay 2 to 6 hours if it is treatment related. The length of follow-up visits is determined based on individual needs. Appointments could be up to several hours long.
You will be advised on when to book future follow-up appointments.
It is your responsibility to make these appointments. Leukemia/BMT Daycare does not automatically make them for you. Make all your follow-up appointments with the Unit Clerk at the Front Desk in BMT Daycare.
Although many patients request morning appointments so that they can get on with their day, please remember that we need to schedule appointments on an equal basis throughout the day to ensure all patients get the care and attention they require.
Unscheduled treatments cause back-ups for all patients and longer waits. Please call ahead, even on very short notice, if you need to change or make an appointment.
The Leukemia/BMT Daycare will see patients who need care for unexpected problems during their treatment.
If you develop fevers, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc., you should contact the Daycare to determine if you need to be seen urgently. The staff will be better able to assist you if they are advised of unscheduled visits.
