281-647-7766
Visit Us410 West Grand Parkway South
Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Office HoursMon – Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 – 4:00 · Sat: 9:00 – 1:00
Fri: 8:30 – 4:00 · Sat: 9:00 – 1:00
281-647-7766
Home/Cancer Treatment/Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy given close to home by the doctors who know your case. Board-certified oncologists Dr. Shagufta Naqvi and Dr. Mohammad Riaz plan your treatment, see you during it and help you through the side effects, all from our Katy office on the Grand Parkway. Newly diagnosed patients can usually be seen the same day.
Overview
Chemotherapy is a group of cancer medicines that kill cells that divide quickly, which is what cancer cells do. Because some healthy cells also divide fast, such as those in hair follicles, the mouth, the gut and the bone marrow, chemotherapy can cause side effects. Those healthy cells usually recover after treatment ends.
Normal cells grow, divide and die in an orderly way. Cancer cells keep dividing without control. Chemotherapy drugs interfere with that process at different points, which is why two or more drugs are often given together. This is called combination chemotherapy, and it usually works better than a single drug.
Chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream, so it can reach cancer cells almost anywhere in the body. That is why it is often used when cancer has spread, or when there is a risk that a few cells have escaped the original tumor.
Chemotherapy has four main goals: to cure cancer, to shrink a tumor before surgery or radiation, to destroy cells that may remain after surgery, or to control cancer and relieve symptoms when a cure is not possible. Your oncologist will tell you clearly which goal applies to you.
Destroy the cancer completely so it can no longer be found and does not come back.
Used for: Some lymphomas, testicular cancer, early breast and colon cancers
Shrink a tumor first so surgery or radiation is easier and more effective.
Used for: Breast, rectal, stomach, esophageal and bladder cancers
Kill cancer cells that may be left behind and lower the chance of recurrence.
Used for: Breast, colon, lung and ovarian cancers
Slow the growth of cancer that has spread and help people live longer and feel better.
Used for: Many advanced (stage 4) cancers
Shrink tumors that cause pain, pressure or other symptoms, to improve quality of life.
Used for: Advanced cancers at any site
Work alongside immunotherapy, targeted therapy or radiation for a stronger effect.
Used for: Lung, head and neck, cervical and rectal cancers
Most chemotherapy is given by IV infusion in our office or taken by mouth at home. Some drugs are given as a shot. If you will need many infusions, we may recommend a port, a small device placed under the skin of the chest that makes IV treatment easier and protects your veins.
You check in, have blood work, see your doctor or nurse, receive medicines to prevent nausea, and then get your infusion in a comfortable chair. Visits usually last from 30 minutes to about 6 hours depending on your treatment. You go home the same day with written instructions and a number to call.
Tips for your first day: eat a light meal, wear comfortable layers, bring a water bottle, a snack and something to read, and if possible have someone drive you home.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a rest period so your body can recover. Cycles are commonly every 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks, and a full course often lasts 3 to 6 months. Some oral or maintenance treatments continue longer.
Your schedule depends on the type and stage of your cancer, the drugs used and how your body handles them. We check your blood counts before each cycle and may delay a treatment or lower a dose if your body needs more time. That is normal and is done to keep you safe.
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite or bowel habits, and a higher risk of infection from low white blood cell counts. Not everyone gets them, and most can be prevented or eased. Most go away after treatment ends.
| Side effect | What helps |
|---|---|
| Nausea and vomiting | Anti-nausea medicines before and after treatment; small, bland meals |
| Fatigue | Short walks, rest breaks, checking for anemia |
| Low blood counts and infection risk | Blood tests before each cycle, growth-factor shots when needed, handwashing, avoiding sick contacts |
| Hair loss | Planning ahead with a scarf, cap or wig; it usually grows back after treatment |
| Mouth sores | Gentle mouth care and salt-and-baking-soda rinses |
| Diarrhea or constipation | Fluids, diet changes and medicines we prescribe |
| Numbness or tingling (neuropathy) | Report it early so we can adjust the dose |
Dr. Riaz completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, and symptom control is part of every treatment plan. More reading: managing hair loss, nutrition during chemotherapy and chemotherapy and heart health.
Call us right away for a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, shaking chills, vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids, severe diarrhea, new bleeding or bruising, or any symptom that worries you. A fever during chemotherapy can be serious and should never wait until morning.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting or severe bleeding.
Many people keep working, at least part-time, and keep up most of their normal routine during chemotherapy. Energy is often lowest a few days after each treatment, so it helps to plan lighter days then. We can provide work notes and help with FMLA paperwork.
Eat when you are hungry, choose protein-rich foods, drink plenty of fluids and stay as active as you comfortably can. Ask us before starting any vitamins, herbal supplements or new medicines, because some can interfere with chemotherapy. Lean on family and friends for rides, meals and errands, and tell us how you are coping emotionally too.
Chemotherapy is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare when it is medically necessary. We accept AARP, Aetna, Aetna Medicare, Amerigroup, Amerivantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare and TMHP, and we offer self-pay options. We handle prior authorizations before treatment begins.
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan’s deductible and coinsurance and on the drugs prescribed. Our staff verifies your benefits and explains expected costs before your first treatment. See our insurance page or call 281-647-7766.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist
Dr. Naqvi brings years of experience treating a wide range of cancers with a focus on personalized medicine, patient advocacy and compassionate care.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist & Palliative Care Specialist
Dr. Riaz completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, so patients receive cutting-edge cancer therapy while keeping the highest possible quality of life.
Our oncology office is located at 410 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494, with easy access from I-10 and the Grand Parkway. Patients come to us for chemotherapy care from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Memorial, the Energy Corridor, West Houston and communities throughout Greater Houston.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM · Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Phone: 281-647-7766 · Fax: 281-647-7767 · Map & directions
Premier Oncology Consultants gives chemotherapy and infusion treatments at 410 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494. Patients come from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Memorial and West Houston.
The infusion itself usually does not hurt beyond the needle stick or port access. Tell your nurse right away if you feel burning, pain or swelling at the IV site during treatment.
It depends on the drugs. Some chemotherapy causes hair loss and some does not. When it happens, hair usually starts to grow back a few weeks after treatment ends. We will tell you what to expect before you start.
For your first treatment, it is best to have someone drive you, because some pre-medicines can make you sleepy. After that, many patients drive themselves once they know how they feel after treatment.
Often within days of your first visit, once staging, any needed tests and insurance authorization are complete. Newly diagnosed patients can usually be seen the same day.
Yes. Oral chemotherapy is real chemotherapy and must be taken exactly as prescribed, handled carefully at home and monitored with regular blood tests.
Small, frequent meals with protein, plenty of fluids and foods that sound good to you. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs and seafood when your white blood cell count is low.
Yes. A second opinion is common and usually covered by insurance. We see many patients for second opinions and share our findings with your other doctors.
Sources
This page is for education only and does not replace medical advice from your own physician. Treatment decisions should be made with your care team based on your individual diagnosis.
Same-Day Appointments in Katy
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