Cancer patients have another local option for IV hydration

People dehydrated from cancer treatment now have another option to rehydrate besides showing up in the emergency room.

The Sanctuary by HealthCARE Express is now offering IV hydration for cancer patients and anyone else who is not properly hydrated.

“The need was kind of brought to us,” said Angela Evans, director of community education for HealthCARE Express. “We had a meeting and invited cancer survivors or current cancer patients and asked if it would be beneficial. Everything we decided to offer came from that meeting.”

Being able to hydrate outside of the emergency room setting can help keep cancer patients from catching contagious illnesses, a big risk for those undergoing cancer treatment, which weakens the immune system. “When a cancer patient is dehydrated and they need hydration, they have to go to an emergency room setting. There are a lot of sick patients in emergency rooms, and that’s very compromising for a cancer patient. If they come to us, it’s a nonclinical setting,” Evans said.

The Sanctuary is taking appointments for its hydration services. People will be evaluated by a physician before receiving IV hydration.

Other services for cancer patients include lymphedema sleeves, breast forms and prosthetic bras. “In the past, women have had to travel out of state or out of the city to purchase these items,” Evans said. “As far as the prosthetics, we reached out to see if places had this so we could refer people to them, and we realized there is no where in Texarkana to get prosthetic bras. They are custom-made. You get fitted for it, and the form will look as much like the breast that was there as possible. They are able to pick the skin tone, nipple and all of that. We try to make it look as natural as possible.” “The lymphedema sleeves are custom-made as well,” Evans said. “They can pick the skin type or a fun print, and those are custom fit for their arm.”

Lymphedema is the buildup of fluids in soft body tissue when the lymph system is blocked or damaged. It can result from damage to lymph nodes during cancer treatment or removal. Lymphedema sleeves apply compression, which can help in overall lymphedema treatment. The Sanctuary is at 3502 Richmond Road, Texarkana, Texas. For more information about the services offered, call 903-334-8661.