Life Beyond Cancer
You and your cancer are our focus, so when you walk out of our doors, your focus can be on living.
A cancer diagnosis doesn’t take away who you are. You’re a mom, a dad, a wife, a husband, a partner, grandparent, a sister, a brother, a neighbor, a valued employee, a business owner, an adventurer, a gardener, and/or a pet lover. And you’re so much more. Our goal is to help you restore your health, ease your pain, support you in your journey battling cancer, and to help you get back to doing the things — and being there for the people — you love. Our goal is to help you achieve life beyond cancer.
Every cancer is different. Once we have determined your exact diagnosis, we begin a plan for treatment. Treatment options vary from person to person. Your treatment plan will be specific to you and your cancer type. This plan may involve one or many types of treatment. Your doctor will meet with you to determine which options may be right for you.
Battling cancer is a journey that may require many visits with us. From physicians to nurses to other skilled providers and support staff, here you’ll find support from a team of people dedicated to giving you the care you need. We’re here to help you with all the challenges and decisions you may face.
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Getting in Touch with Us
We know you’ll have questions during and in between your appointments with us. Please call us anytime, our contact information is listed below.
Main Telephone Line
After Hours Telephone Line
Provider Nurses
Dr. Ali – ext. 5563
Dr. Brenneman – ext. 5505
Dr. Ferraro – ext. 5505
Dr. Khoury – ext. 5599
Dr. Rizvi – ext. 5561
Dr. Smith – ext. 5560
Lisa Knuffman, AOCNP – ext. 5572
Diana Veihl, NP – ext. 5572Administration
Director of Medical Oncology Services
ext. 5569Clinical Research
Coordinators
ext. 5580 or 5581Support Services
Dietitian
ext. 6288Oncology Social Worker
ext. 3508
Frequently Asked Questions
I've received a cancer diagnosis. What's next?
Many times your primary care provider will refer you to one of our oncologists. Our oncology team will contact you directly to set up an appointment, or, in some cases, speak to your primary care provider with this information who will share the details of your appointment with you.
What happens at my first cancer appointment?
We welcome you to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to your appointments. You may also want to bring a notebook to write information about your diagnosis, treatment, or any other questions you may have.
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- When you arrive at QMG’s Cancer Institute you will check in with our receptionists at the front desk. You will need to ensure to bring a copy of your insurance card (medical and prescription).
- Once you are checked in one of our nurses will bring you to a consultation or an exam room to go through the initial paperwork and information which includes:
- New Patient Form: This form will ask for information regarding your medical history, surgical history, family history, and current medications.
- Photo: Your nurse will capture your photo for patient verification purpose.
- Release Form
- Resource materials regarding your diagnosis
- Information about our cancer care department and contact information to get in touch with us.
- If you are not already in an exam room, your nurse will take you to one. He or she will then complete your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, and weight). You may be asked to remove your shoes for your height and weight.
- Your doctor will come in next to meet you and talk to you further about your diagnosis.
What happens when I meet with the doctor?
When the doctor comes in to see you, he or she will explain your diagnosis and the details surrounding it. They will begin by explaining their recommendations for treatment, whether it be surgical intervention, chemotherapy/immunotherapy (infusion or oral), or radiation.
When to treatments start?
Start dates for your treatment depend on the location of your cancer, stage, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline recommendations. Our Cancer Institute team follows these recommendations which are considered the gold standard in oncology. We do not begin treatments without insurance approval.
Can I bring someone with me to my treatments?
Yes, we want you to feel comfortable while here for your treatment. Visitors are limited to one visitor per patient in the treatment area. Exceptions to this are during teaching/education sessions and/or special circumstances. Other guidelines include:
- Visitors must be at least 16 years old to enter the treatment area. Exceptions to this are during teaching/education sessions and/or special circumstances.
- For your protection, pregnant women are not allowed in the infusion center, unless they are being treated.
- View all our treatment guidelines here.
