in Waco is unique in that it has a
Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator
for radiation therapy. This means
even more patients can stay close to
home if they receive both radiation and
chemotherapy treatments.
Bringing together doctors and
different therapy options under one roof
is much more convenient for patients.
They can see several providers in one
visit and in one place, instead of having
to schedule several appointments in
different places, saving them time and
possible discomfort.
The collaborative nature of the
cancer center improves care, both
clinically and psychosocially, says Ms.
Watson. For example, an infusion nurse
giving a patient chemotherapy can
walk down the hall to ask a radiation
oncology nurse about any radiation
treatment he may have had and respond
with support care he might need.
“With
the
multidisciplinary
approach, you really see the patient
from a lot of different angles. As an
oncology nurse, I’m focused on different
things than our social worker. But now,
when we huddle together, we get to
see all these perspectives at once. That
improves the care we give,” sh