Oncology & Hematology Clinic and Systemic Therapy Unit

About Us

The Oncology & Hematology Clinic and Systemic Therapy Unit provides consultation, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of cancers and blood disorders. The clinic offers various treatments including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, blood products and other supportive treatments. 

Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) also offers Diagnostic Assessment Units (DAUs) for some kinds of cancer to speed up the diagnosis and care for patients who may have cancer. 

Your care team

Your care team consists of several healthcare providers which can include oncologists, hematologists, certified systemic therapy nurses, infusion nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, clerks and clerical navigators.  

Each team member provides highly specialized and individualized care for every patient. 

Making an appointment 

You must have a referral to book an appointment at this clinic. Your referring doctor can fax the referral to us at 416-469-6420. Your care team will set up any appointments or consultations you may need with our team. 

Your first visit: what to bring

Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

• a list of your current medicines and herbal/vitamin supplements
• imaging from other hospitals including mammograms, ultrasounds or x-rays
• contact information of your family doctor or any specialists you are currently seeing or have seen
• preferred drug store name, address and phone number
• something to take notes with
• your health card, private drug insurance card or any other method of payment for possible prescriptions 

You may also bring a family member or a friend with you to your appointment if you wish. 

Your first visit: what to expect

• Please check in at the reception desk.
• You will be asked to wait in the waiting room until your name is called.
• Your first visit to the clinic will be a consultation with an oncologist or hematologist. These are doctors who specialize in treating cancer and blood conditions.
• The doctor will discuss your case with you and determine the next steps.
• The doctor will explain if you require treatment and what your options are. If you require treatment, they will discuss the benefits and side effects with you. You will not receive any treatment during this first visit.
• You will be provided with a binder of clinic information, contact numbers and important information about your treatment.
• You will be provided with any necessary follow-up appointments.
• Please note: You are required to sign a consent form before receiving any cancer treatments. 

Systemic Therapy Treatment 

(Chemotherapy and other medications to treat cancer and its symptoms) 

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. Chemotherapy is effective for treating cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Chemotherapy drugs can be used alone or in combination to treat a wide variety of cancers. 

There are a variety of settings in which chemotherapy may be used in people with cancer: 

• Chemotherapy can be used to cure your cancer, to shrink a tumor prior to surgery or for pain control and symptom management in advanced cancers.
• Hormonal therapy and immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. These drugs are different from chemotherapy in that they can target specific molecules in cancer treatment.
• Immunotherapy drugs stimulate your own immune system to destroy cancer cells.  

Preparing for your chemotherapy treatment

If you require treatment, you will be given an orientation session where you will learn about the treatment side effects. You will be given a tour of the clinic and information about the services available to you.  

You will be asked to come to the clinic the day before your treatment to have your blood work done. This allows the team to evaluate the blood results prior to treatment. 

What to bring to your visit

• Ontario Health Card
• cell phone  (if you wish)
• drug insurance information (e.g. group and policy numbers for private insurance plans, Trillium, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program etc.) 
  Please note: You are responsible for the cost of drugs prescribed that are not covered by Ontario Health Insurance. If you do not have drug coverage, please let us know.
• name, address and phone number of your family doctor, next of kin and an emergency contact
• a list of medications you are currently taking including over-the-counter drugs
• any equipment you require (e.g. an oxygen tank)
• snack/lunch (you may also purchase food from vendors in the Moez & Marissa Kassam Food Court on M1 prior to your treatment)
• a book, magazine, iPad and/or anything else to keep yourself occupied (Please note: MGH is not responsible for the loss of these items or any other valuables.)
• money for parking or anything else you may purchase on-site (a bank machine is available on M1)  

Registration

• Please check in with the receptionists at the front desk on K2. You do not need to register at Patient Registration on M1.
• You will be asked to wait in the waiting room until your name is called.
• Tell us how you're feeling: After checking in at reception, please take a moment to complete the Symptom Screening at the kiosk.
  • Our volunteers and staff would be happy to help if you need assistance. You will be asked questions about your symptoms, such as your pain, appetite and well-being. Your responses will help the healthcare team understand how you are feeling at today's visit and track changes over time so that your symptoms can be managed appropriately.
  • The "Your Symptoms Matter" survey was designed by Cancer Care Ontario to help assist conversations with your care team. Symptom guides are available from Cancer Care Ontario to help you manage any symptoms you experience.

During your appointment

• A clinic nurse will ask you questions about your symptoms, take your vital signs, height, weight, and review your bloodwork to ensure you are well enough for treatment.
• A treatment nurse will bring you into the systemic therapy unit.
• Once you are settled in your chair, an intravenous line (IV) will be inserted into your arm. This is how the treatment will enter your body. Instead of an IV, you might have a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or a small device placed beneath your skin called a Port-a-Cath. These are used for specific treatments.
• A nurse will check on you frequently to make sure you are not having any problems related to your medication.
• If you feel uncomfortable at any time during your treatment, please let someone on your healthcare team know.
• You are welcome to relax, read or eat while receiving treatment.
• A member of your healthcare team will always be available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you have. 

Electronic devices

• Computers, mobile phones and other devices may be used during your visit. Please note: MGH is not responsible for the loss of these items or any other valuables.
• Public Wi-Fi is available.  

After your treatment

• After your treatment, your IV will be removed and you will be able to go home.
• You might need to pick up your medicines from the pharmacy before you go.

Going home after your treatment

Everyone responds to treatment differently and some of the side effects can be unpleasant. It is good for you to know which side effects require the help of a healthcare professional. Please seek medical attention at your nearest emergency department if you experience the following symptoms:  

• a fever above 38° C or 100.5° F and/or if you feel chills (DO NOT take Tylenol. Make sure you tell the staff, particularly if you go to the emergency department, that you are receiving chemotherapy.)
• vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours after chemotherapy and you are losing a lot of fluids
• pain not controlled by prescribed medication
• blood in your vomit or black stool
• bleeding gums, a bleeding nose or bruising for no reason 

An after-hours telephone line is available for any questions or concerns. You will receive this information during your orientation session in a welcome package.  

Patient Education and Cancer Resources

Symptom Management & CVAD Education:

• MGH Oncology / Hematology Teaching Package
• 5FU Infusion Care 
• Cold Sensitivity 
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea 
• Fatigue 
• Fever 
• Mouth Sores 
• Nail Care 
• Nausea & Vomiting 
• Numbness and Tingling 
• Taking your Cancer Treatment Pill(s) 
• PICC Line Care 
• Port-a-Cath Care 
• Sexuality and Fertility 

Cancer resources

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and unfamiliar. That’s why many trusted organizations have created resources to help you through your journey. Here are a few links to assist you: 

• CCO List of Indigenous Patient Navigators 
• Michael Garron Hospital’s Indigenous Health Services
• Sign up for MGH's MYCHART online health records
• Mandatory Pre-Treatment Symptom Screening – Your Symptoms Matter
• Cancer Care Ontario
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Transportation: Wheels of Hope
• Quitting smoking for people with cancer
• Smokers’ Helpline
• Advanced Care Planning