Merle M Mahr Cancer Center open house set for December 2 at Baptist Health Madisonville
Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center open house set for December 2 at Baptist Health Madisonville
(November 29, 2018 – Madisonville, Ky.) On Sunday afternoon, December 2 from 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm the staff of the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours to celebrate a recent $3.5 million investment in equipment and facility upgrades.
“Fighting cancer is hard – not just for the patient, but also on the family and caregivers. We help them throughout their journey with a dedicated staff of cancer experts, the latest technology and the convenience of world-class cancer treatment right here at home to make their experience as comfortable and easy as possible,” said Robert Ramey, hospital president.
Now patients can get Baptist Health’s top-rated care with the advantage of a new linear accelerator, the Varian TrueBeam. TrueBeam, an advanced radiotherapy system, opens up treatment options for some of the most complex cancers in areas such as the head, neck, lung, breast, prostate, abdomen, liver and more.
The system’s advanced imaging and powerful treatment modes allow physicians to tailor treatments specific to your particular cancer with pinpoint accuracy and precision. It also integrates motion management technology that will compensate for tumors that move when a patient breathes.
Most treatments can be given in just minutes a day instead of the traditional 10-30 minutes. In addition to being more comfortable for patients by reducing the time spent on the treatment table, this faster delivery allows for reduced chances of tumor motion protecting nearby healthy tissue and critical organs.
In addition to board-certified medical oncologists/hematologists and surgeons, and a radiation oncologist, the staff includes nationally certified oncology registered nurses, radiation therapists, chaplains, dieticians, nurse navigators, financial navigators and licensed clinical social workers with extensive experience in their chosen fields. The team consistently follows the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for treatment, which are the gold standard for cancer treatment.
“Sometimes our patients will go to academic centers and the specialists will say, ‘Why are you here? You can get what you need at Baptist Health in Madisonville,’ ” stated Diana Jackson, MSN, RN, OCN, Director of Oncology and Palliative Care Services. “Patients tell us all the time that they come back to us because we are their family and at other locations they felt like they were just a number,” added Jackson. “Our program is a part of the Baptist Health Cancer Research Network, which allows our patients access to national clinical trials if they choose that route.”
“Our patients are just going to love this,” said Jeffrey Triplett, MD. “Treatment will be more convenient and faster. Here at Baptist Health Madisonville we work together as a multi-disciplinary team to not only fight your cancer, but also to reduce treatment side effects, support your well-being, and help you live beyond cancer as you begin the survivorship journey.”
The Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center is Kentucky’s oldest community hospital cancer program to consistently hold accreditation with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and is focused on preventing cancer while offering hope to those who are fighting it. Meeting these standards means that patients get care that is evidence-based and best practice in the industry.
“Our team offers advanced screenings, cutting-edge technology, innovative treatments and therapies for a wide range of cancers, including complex and rare conditions,” stated Triplett, MD.
“We offer everything from distress management, massage and music therapy during treatment, spiritual care, genetic counseling and survivorship support. We also now offer access to the PaxMan scalp-cooling system that can prevent hair loss associated with chemotherapy treatment. Our family will be with your family every step of the way,” added Jackson.
The event is open to the public. Tours will be given and the medical staff will be available for questions about any of the services provided at the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center.