The Patient/Family MD section contains information for both you and your family doctor. You can find general information and resources for both patients and family practictioners listed below, and links to specific areas of interest on the left hand side.

You can also find more patient information in the patient information section of the website.

Information for Patients

It is important for you to know that your family doctor will continue to take care of your regular health needs. The doctor at the Cross Cancer Institute will help you with your cancer treatments or, together with your family doctor help you to manage any symptoms that are caused by the cancer.

• Each time you are seen by a doctor at the Cross Cancer Institute, a copy of the documentation is sent to your family doctor. In this way your family doctor will know how you are doing with your tests and treatments.
• It is important for you to know that there is always someone to call if you have a concern about your health in relation to the cancer or treatments. You can also check some helpful websites for information about managing symptoms. It is also important for you to know that there is always a nurse to talk to if you have any concerns with Coping with Cancer/Treatment Symptoms.
• If your white cell count is low, especially the neutrophils (the kind of white blood cells that kill bacteria in your body), you will not be able to fight infection as easily. Signs of infection include areas of redness or tenderness, elevated temperature (38°C or higher), chills, shakes (rigors), sore throat, mouth sores, cough, or itching or burning in the genital area. To find out more about low blood counts, review the information in the Patient Guide to Chemotherapy.
  
  It is very important to notify your doctor or nurse if you have any of these symptoms, because infections can sometimes be life threatening. You may require hospitalization to receive intravenous antibiotics. We have prepared an informative letter for you and your family doctor.
  
  It is also important for you to know that there is always someone to call if you have a concern about your health in relation to the cancer or treatments.
• 
  The Cross Cancer Institute has a toll-free number you can call to speak to a nurse.
  
  1-877-707-4848 (08:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)
  
  You may also call the main switchboard number at (780) 432-8771 to speak to the Nursing Supervisor at other times of the day. After 11:00 P.M. an answering machine will pick up your call - choose the "Nursing Supervisor" option and enter your phone number so the nurse can call you back.

          The Tom Baker Cancer Centre has a toll-free number you can call:

          1-866-238-3735 (08:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)

          To reach an oncologist after hours, please call the Foothills Hospital           

          Switchboard at (403)-944-1110 (ask for the Medical Oncologist or Radiation

          Oncologist on call)

• When your tests and treatments are finished at the Cross Cancer Institute, your follow-up care will be given by your family doctor. Your family doctor has been a part of the health care team during your treatments, and will contact the Cross Cancer Institute if there is any concern with your health specific to the cancer or treatments. The Canadian Medical Association has prepared guidelines (volume 158, issue 3) with recommended visit schedules and tests (free registration required).
• We have prepared informative letters for both you and your doctor to help with both communication and your treatment. The patient letter can be viewed here.

Information for Family Physicians

• Once your patient's cancer treatment has been completed, you will receive a final dictation and a discharge letter from the oncologist.
• The Canadian Medical Association Guidelines (volume 158, issue 3) discuss recommended visit schedules and tests for women who have completed cancer treatment (free registration required).
• If you are concerned that your patient might have a recurrence, we have prepared a recurrence letter advising you of the steps to take.
• Patients who have received chemotherapy may experience a fever associated with neutropenia. This is a medical emergency. We have prepared an informative letter to guide treatment.
• A cord compression is considered a medical emergency. Do not hesitate to call the Cross Cancer Institute on a 24 hour basis if there is suspicion (780) 432-8771, or the Tom Baker Cancer Centre at (403) 944-1110