Demystifying Your Treatment: A Guide to Infusion Pump Chemotherapy at Surat Oncology Centre
When you hear the word “chemotherapy,” you might picture a patient sitting in a hospital chair for hours, connected to an IV pole. While this is common, modern cancer care offers more precise and convenient methods. One such advanced technique is Infusion Pump Chemotherapy.
At Surat Oncology Centre, we are committed to using the latest technology to make your treatment journey as effective and comfortable as possible. Let’s explore what an infusion pump is and how it can benefit you.
What is an Infusion Pump for Chemotherapy?
An infusion pump is a compact, portable, and programmable medical device that delivers chemotherapy drugs into your body at a controlled, steady rate. Unlike a single large dose given over a few hours in the clinic, these pumps can administer treatment continuously—over 24 hours, several days, or even weeks.
Think of it like a slow, steady drizzle instead of a sudden downpour. This controlled delivery is the key to its effectiveness.
How Does It Work?
The process is straightforward and managed entirely by our expert oncology team:
- Central Line Placement: First, you will have a small, flexible tube called a central venous catheter (like a PICC line or a Port-a-Cath) placed in a vein, usually in your chest or arm. This serves as a safe and durable access point.
- Programming the Pump: Our pharmacists and nurses will prepare your specific chemotherapy drug and load it into a special balloon-like reservoir or a battery-operated syringe inside the pump.
- Connection & Calibration: You will visit our centre, where we connect the pump to your central line. We carefully program the pump with the exact dosage and flow rate prescribed by your oncologist.
- Going Home with Your Pump: Once connected and activated, the pump is discreetly placed in a small bag that you can wear over your shoulder or clip onto your belt. You are then free to go home and continue with most of your daily activities while the treatment does its work.
- Disconnection: After the prescribed time (e.g., 48 hours), you will return to our centre. We will safely disconnect the pump and flush your line. In some cases, a nurse can also arrange to disconnect it at your home.
Why Choose Infusion Pump Chemotherapy? The Key Benefits.
This method offers significant advantages, making it a preferred choice for certain types of cancers and treatment plans.
- Enhanced Effectiveness: Some chemotherapy drugs work best when cancer cells are constantly exposed to a low dose. Continuous delivery can be more effective at killing cancer cells and preventing them from regrowing between treatments.
- Reduced Side Effects: By avoiding a large, single bolus of medication, the “peak and trough” effect in your bloodstream is minimized. This often leads to fewer and less severe side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and a drop in blood counts.
- Freedom and Mobility: The greatest benefit for many patients is the freedom to leave the hospital. You can sleep in your own bed, spend time with family, enjoy home-cooked meals, and even continue with light work or hobbies. This significantly improves your quality of life during treatment.
- Precision and Safety: The pumps are designed to be highly reliable, ensuring you receive the exact dose prescribed. Our team will provide comprehensive training so you feel confident and safe managing the pump at home.
Is This Method Right for You?
Infusion pump chemotherapy is particularly beneficial for cancers such as:
- Colorectal Cancer
- Gastric Cancers
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Some types of Lymphoma and Leukemia
Your medical oncologist at Surat Oncology Centre will determine if this is the best approach based on your specific cancer type, stage, overall health, and the specific drugs required for your treatment protocol.
Living with Your Pump: Tips for a Smooth Experience
We know that taking a medical device home can seem daunting. Rest assured, our team will ensure you are fully prepared.
- Daily Activities: You can shower (with precautions to keep the connection dry), sleep, walk, and read comfortably. We will provide a protective cover for the pump.
- What to Avoid: Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and swimming should be avoided to prevent dislodging the line.
- What to Monitor: We will teach you what is normal and what signs to look out for, such as tube kinks, pump alarms, or signs of infection. Our 24/7 helpline is always available for any concerns.
Your Safety is Our Top Priority at Surat Oncology Centre
We leverage this advanced technology with an unwavering focus on safety. From the initial placement of your central line by our skilled interventional radiologists to the meticulous programming by our pharmacists and the continuous support from our nursing team, you are in expert hands every step of the way.