Exciting Support for Cancer Patients
When the San Juan Cancer Center opened its doors in April 2006, our community was ecstatic and thrilled to have Complete Cancer Care Close to Home. Our Friends and Family no longer had to travel to Grand Junction to receive radiation treatments and we had a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility to provide chemotherapy and infusion treatments. That was several years ago, and we continue to provide top notch care, with compassionate caregivers and new and innovative treatments and programs.
One of the biggest fears of chemotherapy patients is hair loss, and some patients choose not to have this treatment because of this possible side effect. The most recent addition for our Cancer Center patients comes from the Rapunzel Project which provided the equipment for Cold Cap Therapy. This treatment uses a special cap or set of caps, which are cooled to very cold temperatures and the patients wear them for a few hours before, during and after each chemotherapy treatment. According to the Rapunzel Project website; “it is believed that the cold temperature constricts the blood vessels leading to the hair follicles, reducing the amount of chemo drugs that reach the follicles during the period that the caps are worn; also, that the cold puts the follicles ‘to sleep,’ which temporarily limits their metabolic activity.” This process has been in use in Europe for over 20 years. Through a generous Cancer Center donor, we were able to acquire the right kind of freezer to house the caps and patients have started using this treatment.
Our therapists at Mountain View Therapy have also begun a program called Hustle for Hope, which is an exercise program specifically for cancer patients. Research studies show a strong link between Pre and Post cancer treatment rehabilitation and improved cancer-related outcomes. Before cancer treatments begin, our therapists perform assessments to review body strengths and weaknesses. They then provide exercises and treatments to help strengthen patients prior to cancer treatments. The goal is to identify any needs and/or changes needed early on – allowing them to provide education to help each patient maintain their independence and quality of life. The small group exercise classes are led by a certified cancer exercise trainer and participants will be led through an exercise program that is focused on each person’s unique situation, strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
The San Juan Cancer Center at Montrose Memorial Hospital is an unqualified success and surpasses the expectations of those who enter its doors for treatment. Our patients and their families have access to the best of both worlds: small town warmth and big city expertise and programs to help support them on their journey. We continue to do all we can for our Friends and Family to provide Complete Cancer Care Close to Home.
Leann Tobin, MMH Chief Marketing Officer, 970-240-7344