Getting Cancer Treatment at Home

After a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, their clinical cancer team of doctors and specialists immediately get to work on what would be the best combination of treatment.

Treatment depends on the kind of breast cancer and if it has spread. People with breast cancer often get more than one kind of treatment over the course of their journey.

• Surgery. An operation where doctors cut out cancer tissue or remove the affected breast(s) which is called a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, depending on the type of surgery performed.  
• Chemotherapy. Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer cells. The drugs can be pills or medicines given intravenously – directly into the vein, or sometimes both.
• Hormonal therapy. Blocking cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.
• Biological therapy. Works with the body’s immune system to help it fight cancer cells or to control side effects from other cancer treatments.
• Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer cells.

Bringing Cancer Treatment Home

Vital breast cancer treatment can be stressful for patients who are battling for their wellbeing while handling increased fatigue, a rollercoaster of emotions and significant life changes. Receiving treatment at home can bring relief and comfort. 

Most cancer treatments are given in a hospital or clinic, but there are certain treatments that can be administered in the comfort of your home. 

These are usually medications that can be taken orally, such as pills, capsules, tablets, and liquids, or topical treatments that are rubbed on the skin. Sometimes even intravenous (IV) or injectable treatments can be given at home. These treatments might be types of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy drugs.

Who is on your home care team?

Receiving IV or injectable cancer treatment at home would require the assistance of a home care nurse or IV therapy (infusion) nurse to come to your home to give your treatment. If you're taking oral treatment drugs, a nurse might come to be sure you are set up with your medicines, taking them as prescribed, know what side effects to watch for, and are handling the drugs safely. If a nurse is coming to your home, they may provide ongoing visits, or they may teach you and your caregiver how to administer or monitor home treatments.

True Care has a team of knowledgeable, compassionate licensed nurses skilled in administering various treatments including education about your treatment and home infusion therapies that can be administered in the safety of your home. Our registered nurses are assisting hundreds of patients across New York who need the convenience and comfort of receiving their medication and IV treatments at home. 

True Care is your home care partner 

 True Care works with Medicaid, Medicare and other  insurers to make sure that you can receive the best care with the least amount of hassle. Our team specializes in cutting through the red tape, to make sure you can focus on improving your health and wellbeing. We will work with you to prioritize your health goals and priorities while determining what is covered by your insurance and discussing your care options. 

Patients can start the conversation by speaking to their cancer care team and health insurance company about their preferences and any struggles they may be having with attending their scheduled treatments. Home Care services may be the best option. 

True Care has the resources to provide breast cancer patients with nurse visits, IV therapy and home care assistance. True Care can also assist with hospital escorts and a range of other support programs that will make your health care plan even more effective and personalized so you can focus on your healing.