Thanks to $1.6 million in the latest radiation oncology technology and another $160,000 in renovations at Valley View Regional Hospital, cancer patients in Ada now have everything they need to receive high-tech compassionate care close to home.

“Having radiation therapy available in Ada is invaluable to cancer patients,” said Marianne Young, M.D., a radiation oncologist who serves Valley View. “With the Elekta Synergy linear accelerator, we have the ability to provide state-of-the-art intensity modulated radiation therapy, allowing us to maximize our ability to treat tumors precisely, while minimizing does to normal tissues and preventing side effects. We can treat virtually any malignancy in Ada with the same technology we provide in larger communities.”

Diagnosed with cancer in September 2009, Stonewall’s Colene Alexander understands very well what a strain travelling for treatment could be without Valley View’s cancer services. “I’m getting all of my cancer treatment at Valley View,” said the 69-year-old. “Before Valley View decided to reopen radiation therapy services, I was told I would have to drive to Oklahoma City or Ardmore. Because I work five days a week, it would have been impossible for me to make that drive because I would miss at least a half a day of work every day for six weeks. I thank God that I am able to get treatment here in Ada and still keep my job. This is home.”

Janet Babb, a Valley View radiation therapy nurse, knows, too, how difficult it is for patients to travel for treatments. “Our patients no longer need to travel outside of Ada for treatment,” she said. “We have the technology and cancer care that rivals the big cities.”

And as far as technology is concerned, there’s none better. “This Elekta is the only full digital linear accelerator that allows us to see the tumor at the very moment of treatment,” said Marietta Carter, RN, BSN, OCN, director of Valley View’s cancer services. “Traditional radiotherapy calls for imaging studies to be done several days before treatment. During the time between imaging and treatment, tumors may change size or shift position.”

The new technology also gives breast cancer patients needed electron boosts and treats patients with superficial skin cancers. Valley View provides topnotch medical oncology care with a cancer team that includes a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, one certified oncology nurse and three nurses certified in chemotherapy. In addition, Valley View’s tumor registry is one of only 25 percent in the nation to be accredited and recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the only one in Oklahoma outside the Oklahoma City area.

“We want southern Oklahomans to have excellent health care close to home from people they know,” said William Noblet, M.D., Valley View oncologist. “There’s a great deal of comfort in knowing the people who care for you. We are a tight-knit community that cares for neighbors, church members and friends.”

An open house for new cancer services was held on March 23rd, Valley View Auxiliary, who donated $10,000 for the cancer center’s new furnishings, assisted with tours, and oncology staff was on hand to answer questions.

Valley View Regional Hospital, managed by Mercy, has The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for healthcare quality and safety. Valley View was founded in 1938 and serves a nine-county area in south central Oklahoma. Valley View is also home to the oldest auxiliary in the state.