Patient Education
When you face a cancer diagnosis, our goal is to make sure we educate you about every step of your cancer journey – from diagnosis through recovery. We want to make sure you understand what to expect, how treatment works, risk factors to watch for, and when to contact us.
Click below for helpful patient resources on support groups, financial assistance, travel arrangements.
General Treatment Reminders
Diarrhea:
Utilize Imodium (generic is fine) for diarrhea.
Dose: Start with 2 tablets with the initial loose stool, then one tablet every 2 hours until diarrhea stops. Do not exceed 8 tablets the 24-hour time period.
Click here for foods to avoid.
Constipation:
Utilize Senekot (generic is fine) for constipation.
Dose: Start with 1-2 tablets at bedtime. Call the office if you have no bowel movement for 3 days. You can also eat pears, prunes, or drink warm prune juice to assist.
Temperature:
Check your temperature at home daily. Also take your temperature if you experience chills, sweats, or other fever-like symptoms.
- If your temperature is 100.4 or higher, call the office immediately at (860) 886-8362.
- Do not leave a voicemail on the triage line to report a fever, talk with a nurse directly.
- An answering service will pick up between 5pm-9am, and weekends. They will alert the doctor on call.
Mouth Care:
Keep mouth and lips moist. Rinse frequently with:
½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp baking soda with 8oz. of water at least 3x at day (rinse and spit). Or, use an alcohol-free mouthwash such as Tom’s, Biotene, Peredix, or ACT. Use a soft bristle toothbrush. Leave dentures out if causing discomfort. Continue to see your dentist throughout the treatment and keep up with dental cleaning appointments.
Triage Line: (860) 886-8362, x301
The triage line is helpful for general questions about medications, treatment, or to discuss with a nurse a symptom/side effect. It is not for emergencies. If you have an emergency and the triage nurse does not pick up, do not leave a voice message. Hang up and call back and ask to speak with the change nurse to report and emergency. A temperature of 100.4 or higher is considered emergent.
Neutropenia:
Some treatments can cause a decrease in your white blood cells (WBC) which help you fight again infection. Neutropenia means your WBC count is low. When neutropenic:
- Avoid large crowds of people
- Avoid anyone close to you that could be ill
- Wash your hands frequently
- Wash fruits and vegetables very well and/or cook fruits and vegetables prior to eating
Helpful information on managing your care
- How Immunotherapy Is Used to Treat Cancer
- Chemotherapy Information
- Growth Factor Shot Management
- Top 10 Foods Highest in Magnesium
- Diarrhea & Nausea Management
- Premedications
Nutrition
When you have cancer, your body needs proper nutrients and calories to recover from treatment. Yet, eating well can be difficult when you feel nauseous or don’t have the energy to cook. That’s where a nutritionist can help. ECHO is pleased to have Param Panchal on our team. He is a clinical nutritionist who educates patients and families, monitors patient nutrition, and supports healthy eating through-out and post treatment. Below are some helpful resources that he shares:
Dietary Guidelines & Managing Side Effects
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Food Safety During Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer: Dietary Guidelines and Things to Remember
How to Manage Nausea and Vomiting
To schedule a meeting with Param, please call (860) 886-8362, ext. 242.
Patient Videos
Below are some videos from ECHO team members:
Understanding Cancer: How to Get Started When You Face a Diagnosis
Chemotherapy: Risk Factors Due to Low White Cell, Red Cell, and Platelet Counts
Other Side Effects of Chemotherapy: Nausea, Hair Loss, Mouth Sores
Meet Our Social Worker: A Valuable Member of Your Care Team
ECHO’s Unique Palliative Care Program: A Team Approach to Helping You Navigate Cancer
Learn about immunotherapy and some of the key side effects of treatment.
Additional Patient Information
Screening recommendations by age>
Patient Resources
Our team and our social worker can direct you to numerous resources that can be of value. This includes financial assistance, support groups, rehabilitation services, travel assistance. Click here for a list of resources. For additional information or resources, please contact our social worker, Heather Kwasnick. She can be reached at (860) 886-8362, x237 or by email at: hkwasnick@echoct.com
We are Here for You!
Our nurse navigator, Tami Chapman, RN, will meet with you throughout your treatment and can be reached at: (860) 886-8362. Your doctors and nurses are also available to answer questions.
Our Triage line can be reached at: (860) 886-8362 x301. The triage line is helpful for general questions about medications, treatment, or to discuss with a nurse a symptom/side effect. It is not for emergencies.