Cancer Care

Cancer Care

Cancer treatment is never easy, but receiving care shouldn’t require leaving your community or the people who support you most. At South Peninsula Hospital, we believe every patient deserves comfort, familiarity, and a team that truly knows them. That’s why our Cancer Care services are designed to help patients receive as much of their treatment as possible right here in Homer.

Patients often tell us that what makes treatment here special is the personal attention. Instead of a large infusion room with dozens of chairs, you’ll find a calm, welcoming space staffed by people who greet you by name, know your story, and remember what matters to you. A warm blanket, a snack, a familiar face—these small comforts are part of the care we provide. And when meaningful milestones come along, we’ll be celebrating right alongside you. Because here, you’re a person, not just a patient number.

Our goal is simple: help you focus on healing while staying close to home, surrounded by your support system and your community.

Services

Infusion Therapy

The Infusion Center provides a full range of IV therapies for people completing cancer treatment. We administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biotherapy, and post-oncology maintenance medications, as well as supportive infusions such as hydration, anti-nausea medication, iron therapy, and blood transfusions. Our team follows your oncologist’s treatment plan closely and communicates with your oncology team, including the visiting specialists at our dedicated oncology clinic.

Oncology

Through our partnership with Central Peninsula Hospital, visiting oncologists provide care onsite in our dedicated oncology clinic. This means many patients can receive evaluations, follow-ups, and a significant portion of their cancer care close to home. To schedule an oncology appointment, call (907) 714-4490.

What to Expect as a Patient

Getting Started

Cancer treatment involves many steps, but we work hard to make the process clear, smooth, and supportive. Most patients begin with a referral from their oncologist or primary care provider. Once we receive your treatment plan, our staff confirms your insurance requirements, checks on medication availability, and contacts you to schedule your first appointment. Some medications require insurance pre-authorization, which can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks. We keep you informed every step of the way.

Arrival and Check-In

When you arrive for treatment, you’ll check in at the Infusion Center and we will notify the pharmacy to prepare your medication while we get you settled and comfortable and go over the plan for your appointment.

During Your Infusion

Infusion session length varies depending on the treatment. Some are brief; others take several hours. Throughout your visit, your nurse will monitor your comfort, answer questions, and stay in close communication with your oncology provider when needed. If your plan includes a home infusion pump or routine labs, we’ll explain exactly what to expect and how to manage follow-up appointments.

After Your Infusion

Before you leave, we’ll schedule your next visit and make sure you know how to reach us with questions. We understand that cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, and we are always here to talk through your questions or concerns.

FAQ

What types of cancer treatments do you offer?

We administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biotherapy, and a wide variety of post-oncology maintenance therapies. We also provide supportive infusions such as hydration, anti-nausea medication, and treatments for conditions like anemia, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune disorders. Our team regularly participates in training to administer new oncology and specialty medications, and we continually expand our services so more patients can receive advanced care close to home.

Where are you located?

We are in the small stand-alone building between the hospital and South Peninsula Orthopedics.

What are your hours?

We are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment only.

Can I receive my cancer treatment at the Infusion Center even if my oncologist is out of town?

Yes. Many patients receive their cancer treatments at the Infusion Center while their oncologist is based in Anchorage or even out of state. You will need a local primary care provider so someone can respond quickly if urgent issues arise during your treatment.

You also have the option to receive oncology care through South Peninsula Hospital’s oncology clinic, staffed by visiting cancer specialists. Many patients choose this clinic for added convenience and coordinated care close to home.

I’m visiting Homer. Can I receive treatment while I’m here?

Often, yes. If your home oncologist is willing to coordinate with a Homer provider and you establish care locally, we may be able to administer your treatments here during your stay.

Do you treat children?

We see patients 12 and older on a case-by-case basis, depending on the diagnosis, size, and treatment required. We are not equipped to provide pediatric chemotherapy, and infants or young children may need to receive treatment in specialized pediatric facilities. Decisions are made in consultation with the pediatrician and the referring provider.

I think my doctor sent orders, but I haven’t heard from you. What should I do?

Please call us. Sometimes treatment plans are routed to the wrong location, or we may still be waiting for a signed order. We would rather have you call us than assume we received everything.

I’m a provider. How do I send over an order?

Please call the Infusion Center to let us know an order is on its way; we appreciate a heads-up so we can watch for it and avoid delays. We accept orders through Epic as well as by fax.

Orders must include a complete, signed treatment plan, including labs, fluids, pre-medications, the medication to be administered, and monitoring or reaction instructions. If you have any questions about what to include, please give us a call.

Do treatments require prior authorization?

Some do, and insurance authorization timelines vary widely. It may take anywhere from two days to four to five weeks, depending on your insurance and the medication.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, one adult support person is welcome. If you plan to bring a child or someone who needs supervision, please let us know so we can ensure a safe environment.

Can I bring a service or emotional support animal?

Service animals are permitted with advance notice. Emotional support animals are not allowed in the Infusion Center.

How do you protect immunocompromised patients?

We schedule carefully to minimize exposure risks. Patients with severely suppressed immune systems are placed in a private room, and appointment times may be adjusted to reduce contact with others.