Powerful medication to fight cancer cells

Chemotherapy uses specialized medications to reach and kill cancer cells in any area of the body, unlike surgery and radiation, which target specific areas. At the Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates, we deliver chemotherapy in our Chemotherapy Suite, via needle or catheter. We also use infusion to deliver antibiotics, pain medications, and other infusion treatments you might need as you fight your condition.

Infusion therapy in a healing environment

Many people with cancer need multiple infusion therapy appointments. When you choose the CBCCA, your comfort is our priority during each and every visit.

Our open rooms are suffused with natural sunlight and furnished with comfortable chairs for all. You can chat with others during your treatment, watch news or television programs, or gaze out into our lovely garden.

No matter where you sit, your nurse is just an arm's length away.

Your cancer chemotherapy team

Our infusion center is staffed by skilled nurses who are highly trained in chemotherapy administration. We also have certified pharmacy technicians in our pharmacy to prepare your medications.

Our team works closely with your oncologist on your treatment plan. Our oncologist’s offices are just down the hall from the Chemotherapy Suite, in case a quick consultation is needed. When you choose CBCCA, your whole team is on site, working for you.

A typical chemotherapy infusion appointment

Most infusion treatments are completed within 90 minutes, but individual treatment times will vary. We know you are busy and have other things to attend to, so we honor your time. All of our chemotherapy medications are prepared on-site, which saves you time. Your family can wait in our comfortable guest area until your appointment is complete, or they can be with you in the infusion room during your treatment. Should you need help with transportation, we can also arrange that for you, so you can get home safely.

Central venous catheters

Putting needles and catheters in the small veins of your arms or hands repeatedly to deliver chemotherapy can cause wear and tear and scarring in the veins. Central venous catheters (CVCs), also called central venous access devices (CVADs), or central lines, are a potential alternative. They can also be used to draw blood for testing.

The CVC is a large, long catheter that can be put into a large vein in the chest or upper arm. It stays in place for the duration of your treatment so you can avoid repeated needle insertions.

Your cancer care team can help you decide if you need a CVC and the right type of CVC for you. Some of these devices can restrict certain activities, and safety can be a concern. Each type comes with its own specific care, possible problems, and complications.

Many different kinds of CVCs are available. The two most common types are the port-a-cath and the peripherally inserted central catheter, also known as a PICC line. Consult with our oncologists to see which option is the best for you.

Port-a-Cath

A port is a type of CVC. It’s also called an implantable venous access port. It’s a small drum made of plastic or metal with a thin tube (called a line) going from the drum into a large vein. Ports are permanently placed under the skin of the chest or arm. The drum has a silicone septum (self-sealing membrane) across the top and special needles are stuck through the skin into the septum to use the port. A port can stay in for many years. It requires monthly maintenance while it is not in use. It doesn’t require any special care at home when there’s no needle in it.

PICC line: Some CVCs are soft tubes that are accessed from outside the skin. A PICC line is a flexible catheter that is inserted into a large vein. A PICC line may stay in for many weeks to months. There may be IV access sites that are accessible at your skin. The catheter and the skin around it will need care and regular maintenance.

Tunneled Central Venous Catheters: This type of catheter can have many separate channels or tubes (called lumens). It is placed in a large (central) vein in the chest. The catheter is tunneled under the skin, but the openings to the lumens are tunneled out of the skin on the chest. This catheter can be maintained for months to years. The external catheter and the skin around it will need care and regular maintenance.