A cancer diagnosis can be scary and difficult, not only for you as the patient, but also for your family and friends. At the Mercy Cancer Center, our goal is to make your experience as easy as possible by providing comprehensive, compassionate care in one convenient setting, right next to the hospital.
Our board certified doctors, chemotherapy certified nurses, and other medical professionals focus on your needs and make sure you feel like a person and not a number. Patients appreciate little touches that make each visit easier, such as complimentary snacks, hugs, and conversation from the staff, in a relaxed environment where patients are truly treated like family.
Our Cancer Center patients have access to services through Mercy Medical Center, such as nutrition counseling, massage therapy, spiritual counseling, support groups, and assistance from a social worker. There’s also a healing garden composed of trees, flowers, and a fountain next to the Cancer Center that serves as a soothing place for patients to relax with family or sit alone to reflect.
The Mercy Cancer Center is also accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, demonstrates a cancer program’s commitment to providing high-quality, multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care. CoC accreditation is nationally recognized by organizations, including the National Cancer Institute, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, National Quality Forum, American Cancer Society, and The Joint Commission, as having established data-driven performance measures for the provision of quality cancer care.
National Accreditation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons
This group is for anyone with a cancer experience to share stories, learn from, and make new friends. Anyone who survived or is battling cancer such as Lymphoma, breast cancer, or leukemia is welcome to attend this free support group. Family and friends are always welcome.
Medical Oncology
To contact the Mercy Cancer Center, please call (209) 564-3600.
Your priority is to get the best possible treatment for the best possible outcome. Mercy Cancer Center's mission is to bring comfort, hope, and convenience to people fighting cancer in Merced.
Our oncologists treat a wide range of cancers, including:
List of Services
For more information on our oncology services, call our cancer center at (209) 564-3600.
Referral nurse phone number: (209) 564-3630 (to speak to the nurse who manages new patients being referred to us from the community)
Referral fax number: 209.564.3601 (to fax new patient referral request/appointment)
Information needed for new patient referrals:
Gives an opportunity to anyone who has gone through an experience with cancer to share stories with others, learn from those who share and make new friends in the process. This support group is free to attend twice a month and open to anyone that has survived or is battling cancer. Family and friends are welcome to join as well.
Available to support women undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing hair loss. Come in for a free wig-fitting consultation! One-on-one consultations include one free wig per patient, finding a wig that will fit your lifestyle, and suggestions for using wigs, turbans, and scarves. To make an appointment call our social worker at (559) 451-0163 or (800) 227-2345.
Freedom From Smoking cessation clinics are open to anyone that wants to quit tobacco use. This is a FREE 7 week program that meets 8 times for 1.5 hours and is taught by a certified Freedom From Smoking facilitator. Participants will be offered free smoking cessation patches, as well as a kit full of helpful resources. Please call 209.564.4312 or email [email protected] for additional clinics.
This service, provided by our Oncology Social Worker, is offered at no cost to patients that may need support and guidance throughout their treatment journey.
This service, provided by our Oncology Social Worker, is offered at no cost to patients that may need support and guidance throughout their treatment journey. To contact our oncology social worker, please call (209) 564-3669.
Current patients who call during business hours will be connected directly to our office. Afterhours calls are connected to the operator who can contact the on-call physician.
24 hour patient phone number: (209) 564-3600
For question or issues regarding your ambulatory pump, please call (209) 564-3600 during normal business hours to be connected to our infusion room. For after hours issues or questions contact InfuSystem directly at (800) 315-3287 where an oncology nurse can help troubleshoot ambulatory pump issues. Or you can download a troubleshooting tips sheet by clicking here.
Requesting Medical Records
Please visit or call Health Information Management to request medical records:
Address: HIM Department at the Mercy Outpatient Center Campus, located at 2740 M Street in Merced
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Your physician has prescribed a continuous infusion of chemotherapy as part of your treatment for your cancer. The most common medication that is administered as a continuous infusion is 5-Fluorouracil, or 5-FU. This therapy can be prescribed for a certain number of hours, or run continuously for many weeks. The pump will be started by a healthcare provider. This infusion will be administered in the vein, via a central venous catheter (either a PICC line or a Port-a-Cath). The exact amount of drug and rate will be pre-programmed into the pump. The rate and amount are locked features, so there is no way you can accidently change the settings. The pump will be in a protective plastic case and fits inside a black soft carrying case. Included should be an extra 9 volt battery.
Helpful Hints
It is a good idea to inspect your pump from time to time while you are connected to the pump. When the pump is running, a green light will flash indicating that the pump is on. The display will alternate between the delivery rate and the volume that has been delivered. This screen may go dark to conserve battery life. You may also hear the pump make a "whirring" sound as the pump works. Your healthcare provider should review with you when your pump is expected to be complete. Have them write down the time and date. Please return to have your pump disconnected as close to the completion time as possible. When the pump is complete, the pump will make a beep and display "END". The light will turn from green to yellow and run at a very slow rate. This will keep your central line open and working well until a health care provider can remove the pump.
Changing the batteries.
If your pump needs a new battery, the pump will alarm and the light will be red. "DEP" will appear on the screen indicating that the battery is depleted and a new battery is required. Open the plastic protective case and remove the battery. This will shut off the pump. Replace the battery using the 9 volt alkaline battery provided. Push the power button to turn on the pump. Press the button with the green arrow to restart the pump.
Special Instructions
If your pump is alarming for any reason, please call the 24-hour customer service phone number: (800) 315-3287. An oncology nurse will be available to answer questions about the pump and walk you through any problems 24 hours a day. If you have any concerns about side effects from your chemotherapy, call your physician at (209) 564-3600.
For holidays, weekends, or after hour clinic hours, call (209) 564-3600 and ask for an on call physician for the hematology/oncology service.
Prepping for Your Infusion Appointment
Your physician has prescribed a chemotherapy infusion. Your order will go to the reimbursement team to obtain any authorization for treatment. After the authorization is obtained an infusion team member will call you to schedule your appointment.
How To Prepare
Eat a light breakfast or lunch prior to your treatment. You may bring meals or snacks. Water and box lunches are available. Wear comfortable clothing. Get some sleep the night before. Take your normal medications unless directed otherwise by your physician. Have your lab work performed 1-2 days prior to your infusion. Please arrive on time as being late can impact your ability to receive treatment as well as impacts patients who may be scheduled after you.
Where to Go
Check in at the front desk of the Mercy Cancer Center.
What to Bring
Bring any medications you would normally take at home this includes any pain medications you regularly take. You may bring someone with you. There is space for 1 visitor at a time. Visitors must be 13 years of age or older. You may also bring something to occupy your time such as an iPad, iPod, books, etc. We have complementary Wi-Fi for your convenience. If you require continuous oxygen bring your tank from home.
Nausea Medications
The doctor has prescribed some medications to prevent and treat nausea. These medications have been sent to your pharmacy. Pick up your medications from the pharmacy and have them available. You do not need to take these medications until after your treatment has started. You should have received education on these new medications. You will be educated on the medication again by a member of the nursing team.
Oral Chemo Education
Your physician has prescribed a cancer treatment that you will take at home by mouth. It can come in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid. It is important to understand that oral chemotherapy can be just as toxic as chemotherapy that is given into a vein. This information will help you take your medication safely and effectively.
Points to remember:
Understanding Radiation Therapy
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is the use of strong beams of energy to treat cancer. There are many types of radiation.
How does radiation therapy work?
Special machines send high doses of radiation to cancer cells or tumors. This kills cancer cells and keeps them from growing and making more cancer cells. Sometimes radiation can cure cancer. Other times it may be used to slow down the cancer and help you feel better. Talk to your cancer care team about the goal of your treatment.
What should I ask my doctor?
How is radiation given?
External beam radiation
Radiation that comes from outside your body is called external beam radiation. A machine sends high energy beams to the tumor and some of the area around the tumor.
Internal radiation
When radiation is put inside you, it is called internal radiation therapy. This lets the doctor give a large dose of radiation right to the cancer cells and/or tumor.
Systemic radiation
Systemic radiation uses drugs to treat some types of cancer. These drugs can be given by mouth, or a needle can be used to put them into a vein. They then go all through the body. They go to where the cancer is to give off their radiation and kill cancer cells.
What can I do to take care of myself during therapy?
Radiation side effects
Our pharmacists specialize in providing pharmacy-related care to patients with cancer diagnoses. The pharmacy team works together with your oncologist and nurses to ensure medication use is safe. Our pharmacy prepares all medications for our infusion center. These medications include chemotherapy as well as any other medications required. Our pharmacists are trained and highly qualified to prepare medications under strict guidelines to ensure all medications are accurate and timely.
Through our parent organization, CommonSpirit Health, Mercy Cancer Center offers clinical research trials of next-generation cancer treatments. Learn more about CommonSpirit Health's clinical trial opportunities here.
Are clinical trials right for you?
General inquiries about clinical trials: (209) 564-3607.
Add info on how to find a clinical trial:
For more information, click here.
The Foundation supports a variety of patient programs and services offered by Mercy Medical Center, as well as raising funds to support the latest technology, new equipment, facility improvements, and special projects. Specifically for the Mercy Cancer Center, projects include our support groups, paint night, new infusion chairs with heat and massage, and blanket warmers to improve the patient experience. To learn more, click here.
Details & Directions: Mercy Cancer Center
