General information about chemotherapy and systemic therapy
Information from the Canadian Cancer Society:
Chemotherapy (written and video info)
Immunotherapy (written and video info)
Ask your oncologist (your cancer doctor) or nurse if you are not sure what type of systemic therapy you are getting to treat your cancer. We will also go over these details with you on your first day of systemic therapy.
For more video-based information:
Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Basics Video collection.
Princess Margaret Cancer Classes
Information about specific cancer drugs
Cancer Care Ontario’s drug formulary page is a directory where you can look up the name of your cancer drugs. The Patient Info Sheet for each drug includes common side effects, how to manage the side effects, how the drug is given, and other important information you need to know.
Paying for your medications
If your chemotherapy or systemic therapy will not be covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), we will inform you when we discuss treatment options. We have Drug and Special Access Navigators who will work with you to find financial support for your cancer medications.
If you have concerns about paying for your cancer medications, please speak with your cancer Care Team.
New Patient Package
Cancer Support Resources for New Patients (New Patient Package) is a collection of patient materials that new patients find most helpful at the start of their cancer experience.
What to bring for your treatment
- Your health card.
- Food and drinks. You can also purchase food and drinks at Cafe Royale, or the RVH Food Court. Please note that only patients can eat and drink inside the chemotherapy unit. Visitors can eat and drink outside Cafe Royale, or the RVH Food Court.
- The medications you need for your chemotherapy (such as anti-nausea medications) and any medication you might need during your stay (for example, pain medication)
- Things to do such as a book, a tablet, cell phone, knitting, etc.
- Headphones (if you are watching videos or listening to music).
- Your questions for your Care Team.
- Pen and paper to take notes
- Information about your cancer or your treatment. We can help answer your questions about the information during your visit.
Optional items to bring:
- A caregiver or friend, especially for your first visit as we will provide more of information about your treatment and managing side effects. Please check our latest visitor policy before you arrive.
- Someone to drive you to and from treatment, as you might feel tired or unwell after your treatment. You can also stay at the Rotary House (referral required) or explore other transportation options.
What to expect at your treatment
Cancer Centre tour for chemo patients – what to expect when you come for treatment (video made by the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program)
Who to call if you are having symptoms:
Get help managing your cancer symptoms is a handout that lists the phone numbers for the Cancer Centre Symptom Support Telephone Service (also called triage line). Please visit the Cancer Program’s webpage for the latest hours of operation.
For more written information:
The Cancer treatment webpage contains symptom management information written by the Cancer Program. For symptom management information related to systemic therapy, click on the Systemic Therapy section. For general information, click on the Symptom Management section. The information is listed in alphabetical order by the name of the symptom.
The patient symptom management guides, written by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), has lots of helpful information and tips on the common symptoms related to your cancer treatment.
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) Chemotherapy Unit.
Click here for directions. Select “Cancer Program” under Find Your Way dropdown. Try the RVH Map App which provides step by step instructions to the Cancer Centre from the parking lot.
Click here for parking information.
The chemotherapy unit is located on Level 3 of the Cancer Centre. For the Cancer Centre, enter via the Main Entrance. The Cancer Centre is on your first left. Look for a glass-walled entrance.
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Chemotherapy Unit.
Click here for parking information.
Instructions for coming in for an appointment at OSMH
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, Huntsville Site (MAHC Huntsville) Chemotherapy Unit.
Click here for parking information.
About the chemo unit at MAHC Huntsville
If you are not sure where you will be receiving your treatment, please call 705-728-9090 x43333.
Cancer Patient Transportation Services is a list of transportation options for those living in Simcoe Muskoka region. Some of the transportation options are only for cancer patients. Always call ahead to find out if the service is available.
Cancer Centre phone list. Please visit the Cancer Centre webpage for the latest hours of operation.
COVID-19 updates and visitor restrictions for patients of the Cancer Program. As the COVID-19 situation changes, this information will change as well. Check this page often.
Rotary House is a hotel-like lodge for patients at RVH. Located across the road from the Cancer Centre. If you are travelling from out of town, or don’t want to drive back and forth, this is a great option.
Patient and Family Support Services at the Cancer Centre is a brochure that outlines the supportive care services provided by our social worker, dietitians, Indigenous Patient Navigator, drug and special access navigators, lymphedema clinic therapist, spiritual care providers, and tobacco support coach.
Indigenous patient resources is a webpage with information on how to access our Indigenous Patient Navigator, as well as culturally safe health care options in the Simcoe Muskoka region.