As we enter a new millennium, Decatur General Oncology Center continues to improve its cancer care. State-of-the-art radiation oncology equipment, the most current chemotherapeutic drugs, and a wide range of cancer rehabilitation services provide comprehensive cancer care in a community hospital setting.
Our goal is to provide the most current treatment options close to home. We are able to maintain our patients' comfort level as much as possible, by welcoming them to a warm and caring atmosphere, while providing a well-trained staff and excellent cancer treatment.
Each member of the staff is trained and board-certified in their fields, including experts in medicine, nursing, radiation therapy, radiation physics, social work, dietary, breast-care specialists, wound care, enterostomal care and rehabilitative services.
Conformal therapy and brachytherapy services are available, and patients have the option of CT and 3-D treatment planning. The latest and best in chemotherapeutic agents are available to patients, with an emphasis on providing hormone and biologic agents and reduced side-effects during treatment.
But treatment does not stop after medications and agents have been administered. At Decatur General, treatment follows the patient through the rehabilitation and support phases, as well as into the home if necessary. Members of the Oncology Center staff are sensitive to the psychosocial and spiritual needs of our patients and we work closely with Hospice, should in-home care become necessary, and RehabAccess, for rehabilitation needs after cancer surgeries and treatments.
Decatur General is also concerned with educating patients and promoting physical and mental wellness for them and members of their families. Support and cancer education programs at the hospital include Bosom Buddies, for women affected by breast cancer; the American Cancer Society's Look Good-Feel Better; Camp Bluebird, a bi-annual, three-day camp for adult cancer survivors; participation in Relay for Life, the major fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society in Morgan County; American Cancer Society's Man to Man, an education group to promote prostate health; Celebration of Life, a picnic to honor cancer survivors; and Recovery in Motion, a safe exercise class for any cancer patient who has had surgery.
Stephen C. McNutt
Administrative Director, Oncology Services