San Juan Regional Cancer Center Approaches Completion

The building under construction is not just newer, it's more spacious and more comfortably designed than the present facility across the street from the hospital. A carefully considered environment will offer cancer patients a soothing, contemplative space where healing of the mind and spirit can precede healing of the body.

The date is set for December, and no new building in San Juan County has been awaited with greater expectation. "We can't wait to get the doors open," said Ruth Brooks, Vice President of Professional Services. "We've worked so long and hard for the day when we can bring all, or nearly all, of the cancer treatment pieces together under one roof. We've focused on the smallest details to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. We have a state-of-the-art linear accelerator, a new CT used for treatment planning, a new resource facility that patients can use for their own research. The waiting areas and treatment rooms are designed to reduce stress. We can offer complementary alternative therapies such as therapeutic massage—there's just so much more we can do when we have more space."

The new San Juan Regional Cancer Center building will also be able to accommodate a lot of the support services that are so vital to comprehensive care for the cancer patient. An American Cancer Society program, Look Good Feel Better, which is part of the current cancer treatment program, will be expanded and will provide even more services in the new building. This program provides for the fitting of free wigs, help with makeup, scarves, caps, and mastectomy supplies. Looking your best is an important component of healing.

The Cancer Navigator, Fran Robinson, RN, will also have an office in the cancer center. This new position, which was started about 6 months ago, is a free service for cancer patients to help them navigate through the various systems, choices and alternatives when they are diagnosed with cancer. Fran helps smooth the process for the patient so that treatment can get started earlier and unnecessary delays are avoided.

The resource center is a new addition to San Juan Cancer Center's comprehensive care. Volunteers from the American Cancer Center will help staff the center which will offer library services—books, tapes and videos—to anyone researching cancer and its treatment.

Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Linh Nguyen, will have his office in the cancer center and Medical Oncologist, Dr. Jeffrey Neidhart, will have his office nearby (presently in the building being vacated by the cancer center at 800 W. Maple.)

In short, San Juan Regional Cancer Center will provide a continuity of care for the Four Corners cancer patient, a continuity that requires that many different pieces of the treatment puzzle be carefully assembled. San Juan Regional Cancer Center has been providing that continuity of care since its inception in 1987, but with the opening of the eagerly awaited new facility, more colors can be added to the palette that is cancer care in the Four Corners.