Cancer treatment at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at Taylor Regional Hospital is performed on an outpatient basis. Some patients may need drug therapy in the form of medication, such as chemotherapy to kill off their cancer cells. In addition to drug therapy, radiation or surgery may be necessary or a combination of all three of these therapies. Depending upon the type of cancer and the stage, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan. Each patient’s treatment plan is designed using a multi-disciplinary approach. A medical team of specialists combine their expertise to develop individual treatment plans to obtain the best possible results for each patient.

Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology treats cancer patients with medication in the form of chemotherapy. Specially-trained oncology nurses administer chemotherapy treatments on an outpatient basis. Prior to treatment, the oncology nurse will explain the procedure and answer your questions.

Treatments are often given intravenously (I.V.) and can take several hours. Your doctor may recommend a schedule to receive chemotherapy every few weeks or more often depending upon the type of cancer and stage.

In order to address individual needs and treatment responses, physicians carefully monitor each patient’s treatment and provide follow-up care. Patients benefit from having knowledgeable physicians and the latest in new cancer-fighting drugs.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncologists specialize in treating all types of cancer using high energy rays or beams of radiation aimed directly at the tumor. These beams are produced by a machine called a linear accelerator. The linear accelerator is linked through a computer network to allow physicians and technologists to provide the most effective and accurate treatment.  Radiation treatments are usually given daily over a series of weeks with each treatment taking less than a half hour.
Cancer of the breast, cervix, prostate, thyroid, brain and lymphomas can be treated successfully using radiation.

A dosimetrist, under a physicists’ direction, uses advanced 3D images to prepare an individual’s treatment plan.
When you arrive for your treatment, the radiation therapist positions you on the table and operates the machine.
The radiation therapy nurse provides information about your treatment and will discuss any possible side effects.

With access to knowledgeable oncologists, the Brown Cancer Center at Taylor Regional Hospital may refer you for participation in a clinical trial. A clinical trial offers the latest advances in cancer care.

Helping Patients Heal

At the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at Taylor Regional Hospital, treating the total patient is our highest
priority. Cancer care is about helping people heal through medical treatment and support services. The Cancer Center offers these support services:

• The Campbellsville/Taylor County Chapter of Make Today Count Support Group meets at 6:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the hospital meeting room. This support group is composed of newly diagnosed cancer patients and survivors.
• Patients can make an appointment to visit the Cancer Resource Room for assistance with wigs and Discrene Breast Prosthetic fittings courtesy of the American Cancer Society. The resource room has an abundance of printed materials and a computer to research information.
• An in-house pharmacy prepares chemotherapy drugs to administer to patients on-site.
• Speakers reach out to the community on educational topics such as, early detection of breast cancer, to inform businesses and civic organizations of the importance of cancer prevention.
• Registered dietitians can help patients maintain a nutritional diet and proper meal and medication schedules.
• The Business Office can provide patients with information on financial assistance and referrals for other services.
• A hospital chaplain can offer spiritual support to patients and their families throughout cancer treatment.