by Jessica Mason Hewitt | Aug 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
When you’re in the middle of cancer treatment, it can feel like your oncology team has become your entire medical world. Infusion days, lab draws, follow-up scans: your calendar fills up fast, and everything else starts to feel like it can wait.
But here’s something your care team at Lowcountry Oncology Associates wants you to hear: routine healthcare doesn’t stop mattering just because cancer treatment has started. In fact, in some ways it matters more.
Your oncologist is focused on fighting your cancer. Your primary care physician, your dentist, and the specialists managing your other health conditions are focused on the rest of you. When those relationships go quiet during treatment, gaps can open up: and small things that would have been easy to catch become harder to manage.
Your whole health matters to us, not just your oncology care. And keeping your broader healthcare routine in place is one of the most important things you can do to support your treatment and your recovery.
Talk to Us Before You Schedule Any Vaccine
August is the time of year when patients start seeing reminders for flu shots: and with school back in session and fall around the corner, those reminders are coming for good reason. But if you’re in active cancer treatment, please call us before you schedule any vaccine: including the flu shot.
This isn’t because vaccines are off-limits. For many patients, staying up to date on vaccines is critically important, especially because treatment can suppress your immune system and leave you more vulnerable to preventable illness. The flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 can hit harder during treatment than they would otherwise.
The reason we ask you to check with us first is that the timing and type of vaccine matters. Some vaccines are not recommended during certain phases of treatment. Others are fine, or even encouraged, but your care team needs to know you’re getting them so we can factor that into your care.
What to do: Before calling your primary care doctor or heading to a pharmacy for any vaccine, call our team first. We’ll tell you exactly what’s appropriate for where you are in your treatment, and we can coordinate with your primary care physician so everyone is on the same page.
We will never leave you guessing on this. We’d rather have a five-minute conversation than have you miss a vaccine you needed or receive one at the wrong time.
Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits: Tell Your Dentist You’re in Treatment
Dental care is one of the first things patients put on hold during cancer treatment. It feels like a lower priority; appointments are hard to schedule around infusion days, and nobody wants to deal with one more thing.
But oral health has a direct connection to your treatment, and skipping routine dental care can create real complications.
Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments to the head or neck can affect your gums, teeth, and saliva production. Mouth sores, dry mouth, and infection risk all increase during treatment. An untreated dental issue that might have been minor before treatment can become significantly more complicated: and harder to treat while your immune system is suppressed.
Stay Connected With Your Primary Care Physician
Your primary care physician has known you longer than your oncology team. They understand your health history, your baseline, and the conditions you were managing before your diagnosis. That relationship is worth protecting during treatment: not setting aside.
Primary care visits during cancer treatment serve a purpose that oncology appointments don’t fully cover. Your PCP can monitor blood pressure, manage medications unrelated to cancer, screen for depression and anxiety, and keep an eye on health concerns that exist alongside your diagnosis. They also serve as a communication bridge: making sure your broader health picture is documented and coordinated, not siloed.
What to do: Let your primary care physician know you’re in treatment with us and keep your routine visits in place. If your PCP has questions about your treatment or wants to coordinate care, we welcome that conversation. Our care team is always willing to communicate with your other providers: that collaboration is part of how we support your whole health.
If you don’t currently have a primary care physician, talk to your care coordinator at Lowcountry Oncology Associates. We can help connect you with one.
Managing Other Chronic Conditions During Treatment
Cancer doesn’t put your other health conditions on pause. If you were managing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a thyroid condition, or any other chronic illness before your diagnosis, those conditions still need attention: and treatment can sometimes make them more complicated to manage.
Certain chemotherapy drugs can affect blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control. Others can raise blood pressure or affect heart function. Fatigue from treatment can make it harder to exercise or maintain the routines that help keep chronic conditions stable. Medications that were well-calibrated before treatment may need to be adjusted.
This is an area where patients often fall through the cracks: not because anyone is dropping the ball, but because managing a cancer diagnosis feels all-consuming and chronic conditions get less attention as a result.
What to do: Be proactive about telling both your oncology team and your other specialists what’s changing. If you notice that your blood sugar is harder to control, your blood pressure is higher than usual, or a chronic condition feels less stable than it did before treatment, say something: to us and to the provider managing that condition.
We want to know about your full health picture. When we understand what else you’re managing, we can flag potential interactions, adjust our approach, and make sure your care team is working together rather than in parallel.
Your Team Is Your Coordinator, Not Just Your Oncologist
One of the things that sets community oncology practices apart is the relationship. Your care team knows you, not just your diagnosis, but your life, your other health concerns, and what you’re navigating outside of treatment.
That means when something comes up: a question about a vaccine, a dental procedure, a blood pressure reading that’s been creeping up: we want to be the first call you make, not the last. We can help you figure out what needs attention, who to call, and how to make sure your whole care team is communicating.
Your health doesn’t divide neatly into oncology and everything else. Neither does the care you deserve.
by Jessica Mason Hewitt | Aug 4, 2026 | Uncategorized
The start of a new school year is a season of fresh beginnings, new classrooms, new schedules, and new rhythms. For families navigating cancer treatment, it can also bring a unique layer of complexity. Balancing school drop-offs, homework, and extracurriculars alongside chemotherapy appointments, lab draws, and follow-up visits takes planning, flexibility, and support.
The good news: with a little preparation, your family can find a rhythm that keeps treatment on track and makes room for the everyday moments that matter most.
Managing Appointments Around the School Calendar
One of the first steps is getting all of your commitments into one place. Before the school year begins, gather the academic calendar, including early dismissal days, school events, and holidays, and lay it alongside your treatment schedule.
Practical tips:
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Request a treatment calendar from your care team.
Many practices can provide an anticipated schedule for infusions, lab work, and follow-up visits several weeks in advance. You may also be able to view upcoming appointments through your practice’s patient portal. Ask your care team what to expect over the next 4–8 weeks so you can plan accordingly.
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Identify flexible appointment windows.
If your practice offers early morning or late afternoon slots, these may align better with school hours. Don’t hesitate to ask if your care team wants to work with your schedule.
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Build buffer time.
Infusion visits can run long, although scheduling treatment on days with no hard pickup commitments reduces stress when appointments extend.
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Use a shared family calendar.
Digital tools like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar let all caregivers see the full picture, school events, treatment days, and everything in between.
Caregivers: Balancing Your Schedule Without Burning Out
Caregiving is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on and doing it alongside school-year responsibilities requires real strategy. Whether you’re a parent, partner, grandparent, or close family member, protecting your own capacity is not optional. It’s essential.
Ways to create a sustainable rhythm:
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Build your support network before you need it.
Identify two or three people in your circle who can step in for school pickup, meal preparation, or sitting with your loved one during a longer appointment. Have the conversation now, not in the middle of a difficult week.
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Communicate with the school.
Let teachers and school counselors know what your family is going through. Schools can often offer grace on deadlines, connect students with counselors, and help siblings feel supported too.
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Accept help when it’s offered.
When a neighbor volunteers to bring dinner or a friend offers to carpool, say yes. Allowing others to contribute eases your load and gives those who care about you a meaningful way to show it.
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Watch for caregiver burnout.
Fatigue, irritability, and feeling disconnected are signs that you need support too. Your care team can connect you with social work resources, support groups, and counseling.
Keeping Treatment on Track During a Busy Season
Consistency is one of the most important factors in cancer treatment. Missed or delayed appointments can affect outcomes, but life happens, and your team understands that. The key is communication.
Strategies to protect your treatment schedule:
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Never cancel without calling first.
If something comes up, contact us immediately. In many cases, your care team can find an alternative time that same week.
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Set reminders early.
A reminder the day before an appointment, rather than the morning of, gives you time to arrange transportation, childcare, or work coverage if something unexpected comes up.
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Know who to call.
Make sure you have the direct line for your care coordinator, after-hours nurse line, and the infusion center. Having these numbers easily accessible removes friction when you need to reach your team quickly.
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Bring a notebook or use a notes app.
Back-to-school season means a lot of information coming at your family all at once. Keeping a running list of questions for your next appointment means you don’t have to remember everything.
Planning Ahead: A Back-to-School Checklist for Families in Treatment
Use this checklist at the start of each school term to reduce surprises and stay ahead of your schedule.
Before school starts:
- Obtain the academic calendar and compare it against your anticipated treatment schedule
- Share your situation with the school counselor or relevant teachers
- Confirm your care coordinator’s direct contact information
- Identify your backup caregivers and confirm their availability
- Set up a shared family calendar
Ongoing throughout the year:
- Schedule treatment appointments at least 2 weeks in advance when possible
- Review upcoming weeks every Sunday, flag any scheduling conflicts early
- Refill any at-home medications before you’re in the last few days of supply
- Check in with your child’s school periodically, schedules and needs change
- Schedule your own wellness check-ins, not just your loved one’s appointments
You’re Not Doing This Alone
We are here to support your whole family, not just the clinical aspects of care. From care coordination to social work to financial counseling, our teams are equipped to help you navigate the season ahead.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reach out to your care coordinator. They can connect you with the right resources, help you think through your schedule, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
This school year, you don’t have to choose between being present for your family and staying on track with treatment. A little planning goes a long way, and your care team is ready to help.
Questions about your treatment schedule? Contact our office directly at 843-790-8280 or speak with your care coordinator.
by Jessica Mason Hewitt | Jul 23, 2026 | Uncategorized
Understanding blood counts during treatment can help patients better navigate cancer care and know what to expect throughout the treatment process. Blood tests are a routine and important part of cancer treatment, providing information about how the body is responding and whether it is safe to continue therapy.
These tests, often called complete blood counts (CBC), measure different components of the blood and help guide treatment decisions. Learning what these numbers mean can help patients feel more informed and prepared during treatment.
Blood tests are commonly used to monitor overall health and treatment response in patients undergoing cancer therapy.
What is a Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count, or CBC, is a blood test that measures several important components of the blood. These include red blood cells, while blood cells, and platelets. Changes in these levels can occur during cancer treatment and may affect how a patient feels or how treatment is managed.
Key Blood Counts to Know
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A low red blood cell count, also known as anemia, can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
Treatment may be adjusted if anemia becomes more severe.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells help the body fight infection. A low white blood cell count, especially neutrophils, increases the risk of infection. This condition, called neutropenia, may require:
- Delaying treatment
- Medications to boost white blood cell production
- Additional precautions to reduce infection risk
Platelets
Platelets help the blood clot and prevent bleeding. Low platelet counts can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Symptoms may include:
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
Monitoring platelet levels helps ensure patient safety during treatment.
Why Blood Counts Change During Treatment
Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some targeted therapies can affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced.
As a result, blood counts may drop during treatment. These changes are common and are closely monitored by the care team to ensure that treatment remains safe and effective.
What Happens If Blood Counts Are Low
If blood counts fall below a certain level, your care team may adjust your treatment plan. This may include:
- Delaying treatment to allow recovery
- Reducing treatment doses
- Prescribing medications to support blood cell production
- Recommending transfusions in some cases
These adjustments are made to protect patient safety while continuing effective cancer treatment.
When to Contact Your Care Team
Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms that may be related to low blood counts, including:
- Fever or signs of infection
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Communicating quickly with your care team can help address concerns early and prevent complications.
Staying Informed During Treatment
Understanding blood counts can help patients feel more confident and engaged in their care. Asking questions and reviewing lab results with your care team can provide clarity about what the numbers mean and how they affect treatment.
Blood tests are an important tool in guiding cancer care, and staying informed can help patients better navigate each step of the treatment process.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are looking to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, schedule an appointment today.
by Jessica Mason Hewitt | Jul 15, 2026 | Uncategorized
Bone and sarcoma awareness is important because symptoms like unexplained bone pain can sometimes be an early sign of a more serious condition. While most bone pain is caused by injury, strain, or common conditions, persistent or unusual pain should not be ignored.
During Bone and Sarcoma Awareness Month, understanding when to seek medical evaluation can help support earlier diagnosis and appropriate care.
Sarcomas are a group of rare cancers that develop in the bones or soft tissues, including muscles, fat, and connective tissues. Because they are uncommon, symptoms are sometimes overlooked or attributed to less serious causes.
Understanding Bone Pain
Bone pain can occur for many reasons, including injury, overuse, or conditions such as arthritis. In many cases, it improves with rest or treatment.
However, certain types of pain may require further evaluation, especially when symptoms persist or worsen over time.
When Bone Pain Should Not Be Ignored
Most cases of bone pain are not cancer related. However, there are specific signs that may indicate the need for medical evaluation. You should talk with your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Pain that persists for several weeks without improvement
- Pain that worsens over time
- Pain that occurs at night or wakes you from sleep
- Swelling or a noticeable lump near the painful area
- Pain that is not related to a clear injury
- Unexplained fractures
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be evaluated to determine the cause.
What is Sarcoma
Sarcomas are cancers that develop in the bones or soft tissues. There are many different types of sarcomas, and they can occur anywhere in the body, but are found mostly in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen.
Because sarcomas are rare, they can be more difficult to recognize early. Symptoms may be subtle at first, which is why awareness of persistent or unusual symptoms is important. Early evaluation can help ensure that appropriate imaging and testing are performed if needed.
How Sarcoma is Diagnosed
If a provider suspects a bone tumor or sarcoma, further evaluation may be recommended. Diagnosis may include:
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
- Evaluation by a specialist
- Biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells
Early and accurate diagnosis is important in determining the most appropriate treatment plan.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Early detection of bone cancers and sarcomas can lead to more treatment options and improved outcomes. Because symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other conditions, it is important not to delay evaluation if something does not feel right.
Being aware of changes in your body and seeking medical advice when symptoms persist can help support earlier diagnosis.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you are experiencing persistent or unexplained bone pain, especially if it is worsening or associated with swelling or other changes, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Bone and Sarcoma Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize that while these cancers are rare, early awareness and evaluation can make a meaningful difference.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are looking to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, schedule an appointment today.
by Jessica Mason Hewitt | Jul 10, 2026 | Uncategorized
UV safety month is an important reminder that sunscreen plays a key role in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet exposure. While many people use sunscreen, there are still common misconceptions about how it works and what actually provides effective protection.
Understanding the facts about sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of sunscreen can significantly lower the risk of developing skin cancer.
Why Sunscreen Matters
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in skin cells, which may lead to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin damage.
- UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to aging and long-term damage
- UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer
Using sunscreen consistently helps protect the skin from both types of UV radiation.
Common Sunscreen Myths and the Facts
Myth: You Only Need Sunscreen on Sunny Days
Fact: UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning skin damage can occur even on overcast days. Sunscreen should be used daily, regardless of the weather.
Myth: Higher SPF Means You Do Not Need to Reapply
Fact: While higher SPF offers more protection, no sunscreen lasts all day. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming and sweating.
Myth: One Application in the Morning Is Enough
Fact: Sunscreen wears off throughout the day. Reapplication is essential to maintain protection.
Myth: People with Darker Skin Do Not Need Sunscreen
Fact: Skin cancer can affect individuals of all skin tones. While melanin offers some natural protection, it does not eliminate risk.
Myth: Makeup with SPF Provides Enough Protection
Fact: Most people do not apply enough makeup to achieve full SPF protection. Dedicated sunscreen is still recommended.
What Actually Protects You Skin
Sunscreen is most effective when used as part of a broader sun protection strategy. To protect your skin:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Choose an SPF of 30 or higher
- Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin
- Reapply every two hours or after water exposure
- Seek shade during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
These steps work together to reduce UV exposure and protect your skin over time.
Special Considerations During Cancer Treatment
Some cancer treatments can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or certain targeted therapies may be more prone to sunburn or skin irritation.
If you are receiving treatment, talk with your care team about specific sun protection recommendations, including sunscreen types and additional protective measures.
Protecting Your Skin Year Round
UV exposure is not limited to summer months. Protecting your skin should be part of your daily routine throughout the year.
UV Safety Month is a reminder that small, consistent habits such as applying sunscreen and limiting sun exposure can help reduce long-term skin damage and support overall health.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are looking to schedule an appointment or get a second opinion, schedule an appointment today.
