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Deaconess Hospital Cancer Center
The Cancer Center at Deaconess is among an elite 25 percent of hospital programs fully accredited by the American College of Surgeon Commission on Cancer (ACoS). For information call .
Physicians and staff at Deaconess diagnose and treat the full spectrum of malignant diseases. The members of our Cancer Center team and many other individuals are making progress in earlier detection and diagnosis of cancer, providing less stressful and life changing treatment plans as well as education on the disease for patients and their families.
Cancer Center Services include:
Deaconess Cancer Center
Cancer Registry
Support Groups
Radiation Oncology
Inpatient Oncology
Diagnostic Imaging (Physician referred)
Mammography
Oklahoma P.E.T. Center
Pain Management (Physician referred)
Nutrition Services
Pastoral Care
Social Services
Rehabilitation
Home Care
Hospice Services
Healthlink
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Radiation Oncology
The Deaconess Hospital Radiation Oncology department is staffed by John R. Taylor, MD, and W.C. Goad, MD, both ABR board certified in radiation oncology. The department specializes in treatment of various types of cancer utilizing external beam radiation and/or interstitial brachytherapy.
Radiation therapy is a medical procedure using radiation through x-rays and electrons to slow, stop and destroy diseases such as cancer. It can be used before surgery to shrink and sterilize tumors, or after surgery to destroy the few remaining malignant cells. It can also destroy some tumors that can't be reached by surgery.
Radiation is used in three ways as a cancer treatment:
- As a sole curative modality
- In combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy
- As a means of palliation to relieve symptoms
Treatment planning for each individual patient is an important part of the radiation therapy process and begins with a simulation where radiographs are obtained and treatment parameters are initially defined. Deaconess radiation oncology also offers three-dimensional treatment planning, allowing the physician and staff to work closely together and produce a treatment plan optimal to each patient's tumor and body contour. This technique ensures optimal dosage to tumor volume while sparing normal healthy tissues that may surround the tumor. This allows for fewer side effects than conventional two-dimensional radiation therapy.
The Cancer Center also offers brachytherapy. Dr. John R. Taylor has become well know in the field of prostate brachytherapy, a highly effective, non-surgical outpatient procedure for localized treatment of early stage prostate cancer. This is a special procedure implanting radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. Brachytherapy has achieved comparable survival rates to prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy, with fewer side effects. Dr. Taylor has completed over 550 cases and uses the newest and most up-to-date treatment planning, as well as implantation technique.
Deaconess also offers state-of-the-art fiber optic nasopharyngoscope to patients with head and neck cancers.
Deaconess radiation oncology takes pride in the technical knowledge of our staff as well as our reputation for Christian compassion to all patients.
Inpatient Oncology
Deaconess Cancer Center staff diagnose and treat the full spectrum of malignant disease. The team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals in the oncology unit use the latest treatments, technology and personalized care in the war against cancer.
A newly remodeled oncology medical-surgical unit opened in 2001. The unit moved from the third floor to the sixth and offers patients a 20-bed floor with private rooms.
In addition, the new unit is fully equipped with a six-patient ambulatory infusion room for outpatient treatment. Our ambulatory infusion unit is specially equipped to accommodate patients in the out-patient setting as well as other procedures, including blood transfusion, antibiotic infusions, electrolyte replacements, access ports, iron infusions and a variety of injections.
We strive to offer patients comfort, combined with the latest technology in cancer treatment.
Diagnostic Imaging
Each year, highly qualified Deaconess radiologists and technologists perform thousands of radiological procedures. Deaconess radiology services both inpatients and outpatients of all ages. Two to three radiologists are on site each weekday, with a pool of 16 additional radiologists, including specialists, on staff. Professionals for the highest quality patient care administer cutting-edge technology in both diagnostic and therapeutic radiology services, with include X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT scan, nuclear medicine, Duplex Doppler; MRI, bonescan and vascular angiography.
Mammography
Mammography, an X-ray technique that creates an image of the breast, may reveal changes in the breast, before a woman or her physician can discover them. The majority of lumps are not cancerous, but it is very important to have any suspicious lump evaluated with mammography.
Female board certified mammography technologists perform mammograms. All procedures are supervised and interpreted by a board certified radiologist with special training and interest in mammography. In addition, women who choose Deaconess for their first mammogram receive one-on-one counseling on mammography and breast self-exam techniques. For scheduling call .
Oklahoma P.E.T. Center
The close proximity of the Oklahoma P.E.T. Center at Deaconess allow most advanced diagnostic imaging technology to ascertain the presence of several diseases, including some types of cancer.
The P.E.T. Center at Deaconess was the first in the state to offer the power of molecular imaging via dedicated Position Emission Tomography (P.E.T.). This allows physicians to diagnose and determine the extent of various cancers including breast, lung, colon, prostate, musculoskeletal, head and neck, ovarian, pancreatic, thyroid cancers, melanoma and lymphoma. Nuclear P.E.T. scan obtains images of metabolic/physiologic processes which shows organ function vs. organ structure as in other image technologies. Oncologic studies account for 80 percent of all P.E.T. scans, which include two imaging areas for the P.E.T. scan and a three-head nuclear (SPECT) gamma camera. The center also has an image co-registration laboratory which can fuse images from CT and MRI to P.E.T. and SPECT scan thus providing useful information about the exact location of the disease.
This very sophisticated technology allows for improved accuracy in staging certain cancers potentially leading to improved treatment and management of these cancers. George Chacko, MD, a radiologist, board certified in nuclear medicine, opened the Oklahoma P.E.T. Center in 1998.
Pain Management
At Deaconess, we recognize that patients benefit enormously when caregivers are knowledgeable about pain management and myths about pain. Armed with realistic expectations about the possibility of greater well being, patients, families and health care professional at Deaconess become effective partners against pain.
Deaconess utilizes a 0-10 numeric / faces scale. There is also a 1-10 FLACC pain scale that can be used for patients who cannot communicate their pain level to the staff. Our leadership team of physicians, administrators, nurses and pharmacists has developed policies and procedures to ensure that every patient receives the optimal care that transforms quality of life.
Nutrition Services
Deaconess Hospital has registered licensed dietitians who offer important input into the care of patients requiring nutrition recommendations. Patients trying to maintain or improve their health can access one-on-one and group counseling sessions on a variety of health issues. Classes and support groups are available throughout the year.
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Pastoral Care
Deaconess Hospital chaplains provide spiritual care, counseling and support for patients and families of all denominations. We serve as resources during the crisis of hospitalization by helping families and patients find strength from God to deal with fears, worries, doubts and questions that may arise in the face of illness.
Our chaplains are on site and available to all interested persons from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on an on call basis from 5 p.m. - 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.
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Social Services
The case management department at Deaconess assists oncology patients and family members in appropriate discharge planning. Case managers arrange for required services for patients such as home care, durable medical equipment, nursing home placement, hospice, financial aid or community resources.
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Rehabilitation
Deaconess rehabilitation service's staff is working with an increasing number of oncology patients. Our goal it to maintain function and maximize independence. Our licensed professional staff specializes in education the patient and family members in exercises that will improve strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility and pain management.
A complete line of services (physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy) is offered throughout the continuum of care to aid in the patient's recovery. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition of therapy from acute hospitalization to skilled progressive care, to inpatient rehabilitation and then to outpatient rehabilitation. Treatment philosophies remain the same throughout the continuum, to provide education, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and various modalities to optimize the patient's physical condition. Each patient is evaluated at each level and an individual treatment plan is developed to guide in the patient's road to recovery. To utilize Deaconess Rehabilitation Services please call .
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Home Care
The goal of out cancer treatment is to enhance the quality of life for patients by helping them function at the highest possible level. When patients are ready to be discharged from the hospital but cannot completely care for themselves, Deaconess Home Care becomes a vital part of the seamless care we provide. The staff's highly skilled, nurturing care decreases the length and number of hospital stays and is an alternative to admission in to a long-term care facility.
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Services for cancer education, prevention and early detection include:
Support Groups
Look Good…Feel Better®
This FREE, two-hour program from the American Cancer Society is a free national public service program to help women undergoing cancer treatment learn to cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment and regain a sense of self-confidence and control over their lives. These side effects may include hair loss and changes in complexion and fingernails, and are often emotionally and psychologically traumatizing.
Volunteer cosmetologists walk participants through a make-over, teach them to cope with changes in complexion and fingernails, and present options for disguising hair loss using wigs, turbans, scarves and various accessories. The workshop provides practical hands-on experience and beauty techniques that offer a first step toward renewed self-esteem, self-confidence, and emotional recovery.
Deaconess hosts a Look Good…Feel Better program quarterly or as needed.
For class schedule or more information, please call: or visit our calendar of events.
“Us Too!” of Central Oklahoma
(Prostate Cancer Survivor Support Group)
“Us Too!” of Central Oklahoma is a local chapter of “Us Too! International”. Visit their web site at www.ustoo.org.
“Us Too!” meetings provide a forum for medical experts to provide information pertaining to diagnosis, treatment options, research and a positive mental outlook. We work with many medical disciplines to get the information, help and support needed by patients and survivors.
In addition, this group provides a platform for participants to discuss problems and anxieties related to prostate cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life. All “Us Too!” group activities demonstrate concern, acceptance, caring and understanding while acknowledging the special needs of prostate cancer patients and their loved ones.
“Us Too!” meets the third Monday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wives/partners are encouraged to attend.
For class schedule or more information, please call: or visit our calendar of events.
Freedom From Smoking
This program uses clinical behavior modification to help participants break the smoking habit. Class leaders help identify what triggers smoking and teaches people how to modify habits and change their lifestyles for better health. The class also covers weight control and how to relax without smoking. This class has a success rate of over 60 percent for smoking cessation lasting 12 months or more - exceeding the national average of 13-15 percent.
The six-week program is sponsored by the American Lung Association and is offered four to six times per year. The cost is $100; or $50 for repeat attendees with materials. (Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the class fee.)
For class schedule or more information, please call: or visit our calendar of events.
Grief Recovery Program
This program covers any type of loss. Examples – death, divorce, separation from a loved one, etc.
Deaconess Hospital offers a six-week program to provide a step-by-step approach for those who wish to resolve their loss issues and soften the pain of their loss.
Bob Willis, certified grief recovery specialist and nationally certified bereavement facilitator, will cover topics including:
- Normal responses to grief and loss
- Dealing with unfinished business
- Honoring the life that was lived
- How to soften the pain of loss
- How to value all relationships
- Embracing your memories
The program is free and confidential.
Classes are held Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Deaconess hosts this six-week program five to six times per year.
For class schedule, class location, or more information, please call: or visit our calendar of events.
Other health screenings, workshops and support groups available. Call for a current schedule.
For additional information, contact:
The American Cancer Society - The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.
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Physician Services
Physician Services include cancer conferences and a cancer registry with access to information on more than 900,000 cancer cases.
Cancer conferences
A vital part of the Cancer Center program at Deaconess Hospital is our weekly Cancer Conference. It is comprised of physicians from various fields such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology and diagnostic radiology.
The weekly conferences are clinically oriented, and physicians are encouraged to attend these conferences to hear current cancer cases and to share their knowledge of current literature, as well as ongoing clinical trials that might be available to Deaconess patients.
The conferences serve as an educational opportunity for physicians as well as a multidisciplinary team approach for review of certain cancer cases.
Deaconess Hospital is accredited by the Oklahoma State Medical Association to sponsor Continuing Medical Education for physicians. Deaconess Hospital designates these Continuing Medical Education activities for one credit hour in Category I of the Physician’s Recognition Award of the American Medical Association.
Cancer registry
Since 1991, the Deaconess Cancer program has been given total accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACoS).
A cancer registry system is designed for the collection, analysis and reporting of data concerning people diagnosed with a cancer malignancy. The Commission on Cancer (COC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has established specific standards for collection, use and storage of this data meeting all current Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. Information collected regarding diagnostic procedures, diagnosis, cancer site origin, extent of disease at the time of diagnosis, treatment and treatment outcomes, is helpful to physicians, patients, and families. This information assists hospital administrators, medical staff and ancillary staff in evaluating staffing and equipment needs. This information is vital in examining current therapeutic trends, cancer rates in certain patient populations and evaluating compliance with national standards of care.
Under the direction of the cancer committee, registry personnel perform other tasks that pertain to statistical data requests, perform quality assessments and improvement activities.
Cancer Registry information is used to:
- Compare and improve results of cancer treatments
- Evaluate methods of diagnosis, treatment and recurrence of cancer
- Provide data for national cancer databases that facilitate hospital, state and national assessment of patient care
- Further develop the Deaconess Cancer program.
How does this help the patient?
It is important that your condition be reviewed for maintenance of good health. By having access to data from across the country, the cancer registry and your doctor provide you with the most effective and up-to-date treatment and education.
Information related to your treatment is also entered into the database allowing other doctors and hospitals to learn more about treatments that are providing positive results for you and other Deaconess patients.
How is this information gathered?
Deaconess patients who are diagnosed with cancer are automatically added to the cancer registry, but if you change your address or find a new doctor, you should call the registry office. This allows the cancer registrar to follow your progress and keep an up-to-date summary of your treatment. During your annual update, the cancer registrar may contact you about subsequent treatment. All information is confidential. Once a part of the cancer registry, your personal information is coded by a number and not your name.
Please feel free to call if you have any questions. We are here to help you in any way that we can.
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