The Raphael Clinic FAQs
Clinical
What conditions benefit from mistletoe and/or nutritional infusions?
There are 4 indications for mistletoe infusions:
- growing cancers
- patients who are undergoing chemotherapy
- low lymphocyte count
- As a “bridge therapy” for patients with advanced cancers who start subcutaneous mistletoe till the patient tolerates a subcutaneous dosage of at least 50mg mistletoe and the cancer is considered stable by CT/PET scan and cancer marker
Indications for nutritional infusions: See under Myers cocktail https://raphaelclinicmd.com/myers-cocktail
I am a cancer survivor. Should I take mistletoe as a preventative measure? Yes, studies show that mistletoe prevents recurrences and prolongs life (see references under mistletoe https://raphaelclinicmd.com/mistletoe-in-cancer)
Do I need to fast? No, eat a healthy breakfast and arrive hydrated; bring a snack and water. If you will be receiving an IV please drink 20-32 ounces prior to arrival so your veins will be more prominent.
How long do the infusions last? Mistletoe:2 to 3 hours; vitamin C: 1 to 2 hours; Myers Classic: 20 min push once the venous or central line is accessed. Myers Extra: 1 hour; Myers Premium and Ultra: 2 hours
How are the veins accessed? Either peripherally (arms) accessing with an IV but preferably through an existing central venous catheter like PICC line or port. These are accessed by sterile procedure.
What are common side effects? Mistletoe and nutritional infusions are very well tolerated. With mistletoe you may experience a slight temperature increase, and some welting at injection sites on the abdomen may occur. With nutritional infusions you may experience thirst and many patients tend to feel chilly so it is suggested that you bring a blanket and a water bottle
What do I do if a welt develops? Place a quarter next to the welt and take a picture. Email the picture to both Dr Hinderberger and Cindy Norris RN.
General
How long before the scheduled appointment will I need to be at the clinic? 10 minutes
Do I need somebody who will bring me and pick me up? Yes
Is there ample parking? Yes, and it is free
Is the clinic wheelchair accessible? Yes
Is there secure Wi-Fi? Yes
May I bring my laptop? Yes
May I use my phone? You may use your phone if absolutely necessary (like calling your
company to pick you up). Please do not use speaker phone.
Is there space for the accompanying party to hang out? The space is very limited but there are cafes and a park in very short walking distance
Is there privacy? A divider is available for some privacy
Billing
What is included in the fees? The fees are all inclusive
Are any of the services covered by insurance or Medicare? Unfortunately at this time, no, but if you have an HSA card, you may be able to get approval to use that for payment.
What payment is accepted? Credit card or cash