How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will help you in arranging your first appointment. Your doctor's office will provide you with instructions on how to reach the Cancer Center. The doctor's office will also help you gather your x-ray films, reports, and pathology slides which you should bring with you to your first appointment with us.

If you decide to arrange your own appointment, you may call us at 319-356-4200.

Do I really have cancer?
Many patients are referred for an evaluation because they have an abnormal chest x-ray or other symptoms. We will work as a team to diagnose the problem. Not all chest x-ray abnormalities are cancer. We understand that patients and their families experience many emotions when their doctor suspects cancer. Undergoing tests and waiting for results are uncertain times. Our team approach allows us to complete all testing rapidly. This means you get results quickly, and can begin the path to appropriate treatment.

Who will I see on my first visit?
You may be seen by several of the specialty services in the Thoracic Oncology Clinic due to the complex nature of the problem. If your doctor knows you have cancer, the thoracic team will talk with you and your family to determine which course of treatment would best be suited for you. Many times a combination of treatments is recommended.

If your doctor is referring you to be evaluated because of a lung abnormality and we do not know if it is cancerous, you will generally see a lung specialist (pulmonologist) or a chest surgeon (thoracic surgeon).

• A lung specialist may begin the diagnostic process. He will use several tools such as chest x-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopy, and/or pathology tests including possible biopsies. Your physician may have already taken tests on you. The lung specialist will look at those test results and any other information you may bring from your physician.
• Thoracic surgeons with the thoracic anesthesiologists surgically remove tumors from the lung, esophagus, and other chest cancers.
• Radiation oncologists destroy cancer cells using high-energy radiation.
• Medical oncologists prescribe treatment using chemotherapy, a medication that kills cancer cells.

I have already started treatment for cancer, and I am not sure what will happen next.
Your continued treatment may include one or all of the specialty services available from the Thoracic Oncology team. medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers work as a team to provide the best possible continuation of your care.

In addition to the Thoracic team, what other services are available to me?
Care coordinators — The Thoracic Oncology nurse care coordinators guide and support each patient through all care issues. These specially trained nurses provide friendly, compassionate care to patients and their families, and act as intermediaries between patients, families, and the medical team.

Clinical research — A vital part of our mission is to conduct clinical research - including minimally invasive surgeries, new drug therapies, and new diagnostic procedures. Patients are only involved in these innovative therapies with their written approval.

Pain management — Many patients have the fear of pain. We have Pain Clinic specialists who will help alleviate pain as much as possible, and will counsel patients in the latest pain management techniques when chronic or temporary pain is experienced.

Additional services — The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Iowa also provides a variety of professional support services depending on your needs and wishes.

Will I stay in the hospital?
Your initial evaluation and testing is usually done as an outpatient. Once your doctor determines your disease and the best way to treat it, he/she will discuss with you the need for hospitalization. Some treatment can be done on an outpatient basis. Other treatment such as surgery must be done on an in-patient basis.

In-Patient Care
Our inpatient oncology and thoracic surgery team is dedicated to the care of our patients. Each patient receives care from nurses, a dietician, a physical therapist, a respiratory therapist, and a social worker, as needed. All are specially trained in lung cancer care.

Continued Outpatient Care
We keep your personal physician up-to-date on your evaluation and treatment through calls and letters detailing your progress. Our Thoracic Oncology nurse care coordinators coordinate treatment with your local physician and the clinic physician as needed.

When a patient leaves the Thoracic Oncology Clinic or is discharged from our in-patient unit, a continuum of care remains. Our care coordinators and staff nurses, as well as our Cancer Information Service, are available to answer any questions or concerns you might have when you return home.

Where can I get more information about my condition and treatment?
Cancer Information Service (CIS)
The Cancer Information Service (CIS) is located in the John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center and is a confidential service for patients, family, and friends. You may visit the CIS Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you would like more information about your disease, treatment, diet, and/or clinical trials, you may call the Cancer Information Service at 800-237-1225. Information is also available on living and coping with cancer.

Thoracic Onlology Team Members
Pulmonary Medicine

• Geoffrey McLennan, PhD, MD
  Professor
  319-356-3603
• Karl Thomas, MD
  Assistant Professor
  319-384-6585
• J. Scott Ferguson, MD
  Assistant Professor
  319-384-9832

Medical Oncology

• Gerald H. Clamon, MD
  Professor
  319-356-1932

Thoracic Surgery

• Mark Iannettoni, MD
  Professor and Chair
  319-356-1133

Thoracic Surgery Nurse Coordinators

• Kelley McLaughlin, RN
  319-384-7917
• Joan Ricks-McGillin, RN
  319-353-6420

Radiation Oncology

• John Buatti, MD
  Professor and Head, Radiation Oncology Department
  319-356-2699

Nuclear Medicine and PET

• Michael M. Graham, PhD, MD
  Professor
  319-356-3380