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Radiation Oncology
Cancer Treatment Option
The Radiation Oncology Department at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center was established in October, 1980, with the help of Dr. Terry Powell, a radiation oncologist who was based at Hillcrest Medical Center of Tulsa, at that time. Dr. Powell grew up in Coffeyville and wanted to give back to his hometown community. With the establishment of the Radiation Oncology Department, Dr. Powell became its Medical Director. To this day, over 30 years later, Dr. Powell is still CRMC's Medical Director of the Radiation Oncology Department. He is still giving back because he is invested in the people of Coffeyville and the surrounding area. Other staff members of the Radiation Oncology Department also have long-term service: Alice McGuire, Therapist has been with CRMC for 30 years, and Jennifer Carnahan, Therapist/Dosimetrist for 15 years.
Dr. Terry Powell, Radiation Oncologist
According to Alice, the first machine used in the department was a Cobalt unit. A superficial therapy machine, which treats skin cancers has been in place this whole time. In fact, a brand new machine was installed in March 2009. In 1994, a 6mV Linear Accelerator was installed, replacing the Cobalt machine. "We use the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system when customizing a treatment plan for each of our linear accelerator patients,? said Alice.
Left to right: Alice McGuire and Jennifer Carnahan
What can a patient expect when they have their first appointment? The initial visit begins with a consultation with Dr. Powell. A medical history is taken, and it is explained why radiation therapy might be an option and what kind of results and side effects the patient can expect. "We are very family oriented in our department and always welcome family members and/or friends to come along to these consultations. Our goal is to make you feel well-informed and comfortable,? said Alice. If the patient decides to proceed with radiation therapy, CT scans or X-rays are taken and the treatment area is "mapped out.? Treatments may begin the next day or the following week, depending on the complexity of the treatment planning.
Radiation therapy treatments are given on a daily basis, Monday through Friday. The course may last anywhere from three to eight weeks, depending on the area being treated. Since radiation therapy is a targeted treatment, side effects will only occur in the area actually being treated. For instance, with the treatment of a lung cancer, the patient may notice soreness with swallowing at some point if the esophagus is in the treatment field. If treatment is in the pelvic area, there may be diarrhea because of the bowel being in the treatment field. If treatment is on a brain cancer, a patient will lose hair. In almost all cases, side effects that are going to occur will not begin until three to four weeks into the program. Most side effects are temporary. Of course, any side effects are addressed and advice and medication (if necessary) is administered.
Asked what they like about their jobs, Alice explained, "First of all, we have a great doctor to work with. Our administration is very supportive of our needs. We know that what we are doing is potentially life-saving. We can perhaps improve our patient's quality of life. We really enjoy making our customers, and their families, feel comfortable and safe. We think we have the best jobs in the whole hospital.? Jennifer added, "We are really looking forward to our new building, our new department and the equipment that will come with it, including a new multiple-energy linear accelerator and large bore CT scanner. Coffeyville will have the best state-of-the-art equipment in the southeast Kansas area.?
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