Side Effect Management
Symptom Relief At HOAF
We are committed to helping our patients feel their best during their treatment. While your condition or treatment, such as chemotherapy, may come with unwanted side effects, our supportive team is here to help you manage them. We treat these symptoms from the safety and comfort of our offices in Fredericksburg and Stafford, VA, in order to help our patients navigate them with confidence and even find relief.
What Causes Side Effects?
Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells. However, it can also damage healthy cells, which can cause side effects. When it comes to chemo drugs, our team aims to deliver a precise dosage that effectively targets the cancer while providing minimal damage to healthy cells, thereby reducing symptoms and relieving patient discomfort. Our care team will work with you to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout your treatment.
Symptoms And Side Effects
Your condition or treatment may have many side effects, although the severity and type can vary. They may occur at the time of treatment or after treatment but affect each person differently. Some are short lived, lasting for a day or two after treatment, while others may last for longer or the entire duration of your treatment. If you are experiencing any of the following common symptoms, please tell our team:
Infusions For Side Effects
At HOAF, we offer infusion therapies from the comfort of our office. Your HOAF doctor may prescribe infusion therapy in addition to or after treatment, such as chemotherapy, in order to help you feel your best. Options include:
Holistic Support At HOAF’s Supportive Care Clinic
The Supportive Care Clinic, located at The Pines in Fredericksburg, VA, is dedicated to providing holistic care for patients at any stage of their treatment. Our approach focuses on addressing both the mental and physical aspects of healing. Alongside managing physical symptoms, we support patients’ mental well-being through offerings such as pet therapy, designed to alleviate the stress of cancer treatment. In addition to helping patients manage their side effects, we also help support patients in coping with a cancer diagnosis, handling anxiety and depression, understanding their condition, planning for advanced care, and providing caregiver support.
Tips For Managing Symptoms
There are different ways to help cope with your side effects and symptoms, including lifestyle changes and medication. Our team will help determine a plan for your symptoms depending on your specific needs. Recommendations may include:
When To Visit The Hospital
Managing side effects includes helping our patients know when they should seek emergency care. If we feel we cannot adequately care for your symptoms, we may refer you to the emergency room. In the case of an emergency, such as a high fever or bleeding, please call 911 for immediate medical attention.
Helping You Manage Side Effects
Side effects from treatment can seem understandably scary. At HOAF, our team of experts hopes to mitigate the chance of these unwanted symptoms before they even start. If you do experience them, we will help treat them in a comprehensive way that emphasizes personalized care and relief. To learn more about side effect management at HOAF, contact us.
HOAF Means Hope
Where Healing Begins, Strength Prevails
At HOAF, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for cancer and blood disorders to the Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding communities. Our practice integrates advanced treatments with a personalized approach, delivering the highest quality care. As an independent practice, we focus on individualized attention, ensuring each patient receives compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Our cutting-edge facility, equipped with an on-site pharmacy, offers convenience and a seamless treatment experience.
