Friday, December 13, 2013

My TCCC Internship - Eilonwy Shugars, Delta High School

Me and Dr. Mandell
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a doctor. But when my Career Choices teacher, Mrs. Blankingship, started talking about internships I could not imagine finding a medical internship that was not going to be more than filing patient papers. When I was starting internship with the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, I was super excited as well as nervous to be in a medical institution, without being a patient. I knew I was going to be spending time in three different areas, but I wasn’t sure what exactly I was going to be doing on a daily basis.

The month of September was spent learning the ins and outs of the nursing area of the clinic. I would help the nurses take back the patients and go in with the doctors. It was amazing to observe doctor-patient interactions. I was able to gain a different perspective from the patient point of view,which I feel I have mastered, and the doctor point of view, which I hope to master in the future. I would have to say that my favorite experience during my time in this area was where I had gone in with Dr. Mandell. While she was chatting with the patient when out of the blue either the patient or a family member of the patient, complimented me on my shoes. Now I know that that was a petty sort of compliment, but it meant the world to me. It signified to me that I was capable of being personable to a patient as well as professional.

I spent October back in the dosimetry lab, learning the ropes of patient treatment planning. Alot of what I did was the contouring of the organs of various CT scan using the program that the dosimetrist complete the actual treatment plans with. I had to do some reading every week because the contouring I was going to do was based on the text of the textbook I got to read. Every week I essentially had this a unit that I had to complete the reading and then I got to contour the organs. Shelley Cole and Kristi Rhodes showed me the ropes of the program, and were available to help me with any questions I had. I enjoyed being able to use the computer, to essentially create this hypothetical person, or at least a portion of one, that was displayed anatomically on the screen in front of me.

During my time with the dosimetrists, I also had the pleasure to work the medical physicist, Rex Ayers, and help him perform a quality assurance test on a patient’s treatment plan. I was shocked when we went into the room, he handed me the pendant to the machine, and essentially said here is what we are doing, here is how YOU are going to do it, and I will be right here making sure you don’t run the table into the machine. These treatment machines are huge, and being a high school student, I surprised that I was even going to be able to touch it, let alone make it move. When we were outside performing the actual tests, he did the same exact thing, he told me how and when to essentially deliver radiation to a theoretical patient, and the entire time I had nothing less than an enormous grin on my face.

November and the first half of December has been spent with the radiation therapists. I was able to complete the lining up with the lasers, with patients actually on the table. This time around, I wasn’t able to pretend that I was delivering the treatment to the patient. Mainly due to the fact that the patient was actually on the table, and I do not have the training or hold the certification to actually deliver the treatment to said patients.  However, I believe that the more important experience was being able to get to know the patients that were being treated during the afternoon for the short time that I was there. I remember early on in my time at this “station”, that I came into the room as they were taking the patient off the table and taking her out of the room. She pats me on the shoulder and says, “See you tomorrow.” She quickly became my favorite patient to see after school. I was able to listen to her stories as we were setting her up on the table, and it was just amazing getting to learn about the person that we were treating.

My internship has been nothing short of amazing, and to be perfectly honest, it reaffirmed my belief that I need to be in the medical field within the first week. I not only learned the inner-workings of a medical facility and how the different roles of people mesh together to make operations of a medical facility  as smooth as possible, but I was also able to get to know people who truly care about their patients. You can see it in the way with the patients and with each other to provide the best care for the patients that they can. My experiences here at the Cancer Center have shown me what it means to be a health-care provider, regardless of what specialty you are in. Professional, personable, dedicated, and caring; these are the attributes I have learned through my experiences at the Cancer Center that are important to my career path. I will take these lessons and experiences and use them to improve the world that I live in, by improving the world of others. I hope one day I can be a fraction of a team of extraordinary people that make a difference in people’s lives every single day.

Eilonwy Shugars
Delta High School
Class of 2014

Friday, December 6, 2013

Partners, Amigos, Teammates... - Michael Novakovich

Partners - The TCCC crew at Autumn Affair.
Partner, amigo, teammate, ally, buddy, companion, friend... so much we do in life is enhanced through partnership. Think about work-life, personal relations, or activities like team sports. Great success can be had in these arenas through partnership. Partners make us better, allow us to do more, offer more and go farther. Through partnership we often learn, stretch and grow. Pretty cool when you think about it.

Partnership not only enhances much of what we do, it is often a requirement for success. We have some great partners at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Too many for me to list and recognize here. However, I find it heartwarming to know how committed our community is to the health and well being of its members. Yesterday I was speaking to Genna at the Tri-City Court Club about a program we partner on called WellFit™. WellFit™ is a customized exercise program for cancer patients and cancer survivors. The goal of this program is to help patients build muscle mass and strength, improve range of motion, and increase endurance and flexibility. The positive responses we receive from participants are incredible. What makes this even better is, this program is offered to cancer patients free-of-charge thanks to our partnership with the Tri-City Court Club. Cancer Survivor Sadie Haff wrote a wonderful piece for our June newsletter that highlights this program. Definitely worth a read: http://interactivepdf.uniflip.com/2/59887/303906/pub/.

We are fortunate to have many partnerships like this throughout our community. I also see partnership within our walls on a daily basis. Our physicians, clinical staff and support services staff partner with one another to meet each patient’s unique and specific needs. This same group of people partner with other physicians and healthcare providers in our region and beyond to provide the highest levels of care. Patients partner with their spouses, children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and more to support them as they face a journey fighting cancer. Bringing it full circle, our community partners with the Cancer Center so we can best serve those people whose life will be enhanced by partnering with us for their care.

Partners, its hard to imagine life without partners. We truly appreciate each and every partnership we have. Consider this a virtual Hi-Five, knuckle bump, pat on the back - we appreciate you for taking the time read our blog and for being a part of the TCCC family.

Until next time... AdiĆ³s Amigos!

~ Michael


Michael Novakovich
Director of Business Development
Tri-Cities Cancer Center

Friday, November 29, 2013

My Experience At TCCC - Annabeth Guzman, Delta High Shcool Intern

Annabeth (center) with Sue C. (left)
and Karen DuBois (right)
A Healthcare Administrator, the top of the top, the leader and the one in charge. That’s what I wanted to be when I started my internship at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center (TCCC). I dreamed of being in charge of a hospital and giving employees the tools needed to treat patients. However, as I progressed through my internship here at the TCCC I learned so much about all the little bricks that go into building healthcare facility. One brick in particular that caught my attention: Nurse Navigation with an emphasis on Palliative Care. I jumped onto the nurse navigation train with TCCC nurse navigators, Gretchen Saunders and Karen DuBois.

On this train ride they opened my eyes to what nurse navigation and palliative care mean. One aspect the navigation team attends to is patients whose cancer disease is treatable but not curable. In oncology, there are four levels assigned to a cancer which identify how far the cancer has spread throughout the body, level four (IV) being terminal. Gretchen navigates all patients at the TCCC while Karen works with Stage IV patients as a Palliative Care Nurse Navigator. In this role, she works with patients to set goals and achieve them; she calls patients at home and makes visits to patients. I had never heard of palliative care before coming to the TCCC, but now that I know what it is I am determined to become a Nurse Practitioner specialized in Palliative Care.

I met Sue C., Rosemary R. and Roberta G. who are palliative care patients of Karen DuBois. I had the honor of interviewing them about their lives and the legacy they wanted to leave. I learned valuable information from these three wonderful ladies. Rosemary truly inspired me when she said, “I am not afraid to die.” I have heard so many people say that before, but I have never heard anyone say it with such assurance. Rosemary also left me with these wonderful words, “Life is short; enjoy what you have and who you have. If there’s nothing you can do about it, let it go. It could be worse, don’t worry so much over nothing.”

Most students finish an internship to put another star on their resume, but I have left truly changed and touched. I learned so much about life and what’s important, especially at the end of life. While sitting in on the IMAGO palliative care support group with TCCC’s chaplain Rainy, patients with terminal cancer were asked if they could have anything what would it be. They came to the consensus that material matters of the world aren’t what they want to concern the end of their life with. They are more interested in the relationships with family and friends, knowing that they gave and received love. There is so much to learn from one another. When sitting down with someone and taking the time to hear about them, it may just change us, it changed me. Sitting with people who have lived three times longer than me and hearing what they have to say is truly inspirational and really made me think twice about my life and where I want to be.

~ Annabeth Guzman
   Delta High School Intern
   Class of 2014

Friday, November 22, 2013

Being Thankful - Michael Novakovich

Marilin, me and Caroline celebrating Pink!
With Thanksgiving less than a week away, it seemed like a great time to highlight the things are thankful for at your Tri-Cities Cancer Center.

We are thankful for patients and families who trust us with their care every day. We are thankful for patients like Steve Burnum who recently allowed us to share the story of his cancer journey, which is full of great inspiration. In this next month’s issue of our newsletter you will read the story of Sue Cox, a woman who has beaten the odds of her diagnosis time and again. Thank you Sue for sharing your life with all of us. The story of Dan Hooper left us with the message that we need to find beauty in each other, to love one another, no matter our differences. Dan was a Purple Heart Vietnam Veteran who told us about the beauty he realized in the people of Vietnam while fighting for his country and his life. “I call no man enemy,” stated Dan. Sadly, Dan lost his battle to cancer on November 3rd of this year. He was my friend. 

We have an amazing group of volunteers who gave 3612 hours of their time last year, offering support and assistance to everyone who walks through our doors. The Guild and Men’s Club, our two TCCC volunteer organizations, are generous supporters of the Cancer Center and act as ambassadors of the TCCC when out in the community. Thank you.

Speaking of community, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for this generosity of our community.  We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this next year. It was through the efforts of our community that the Cancer Center came into being. Tri-Cities residents envisioned a treatment facility offering care that rivals care offered in large metropolitan areas. A place where technology is intertwined with compassion and precision nets results. This dream was realized when the Cancer Center opened its doors in 1994. The dream is alive and well today through the continued generosity and commitment of many businesses and individuals throughout the community. Thank you.

We are thankful for our hospital owners who agreed to create a partnership, which established the Cancer Center. The CEO’s of all three hospitals, along with other community representatives, serve on our Governing Board of Directors. Here they come to agreement on a monthly basis regarding the best courses of action the Cancer Center must take in order to remain at the forefront of cancer care. All for the benefit of our community. Thank you for your vision. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for support.

We are thankful to many physicians and other healthcare providers who support us in numerous ways. Physicians who entrust their patients care with us. Healthcare providers who have entrusted us with their family members care. With great appreciation we thank those who partner with us to raise the level of care and services we provide to our community.

And finally, our staff deserves great thanks, a pat on the back, a hearty handshake and a hug. Our staff pours their hearts into providing the very best care and support for those we serve…everyday. We earn friendship with patients and their family as we make them a part of our TCCC family. We offer numerous services that provide great benefit to individuals in need of care and treatment. However, it is often the smallest of things that can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. I see our staff engage in this time and again. I love seeing a staff member, who is racing off to a meeting, stop and take the time to listen to a patient’s story or a staffer finding a way to alleviate some of the stress a battle with cancer brings. I love watching staff help their coworkers so we can elevate the level of care we offer to those who walk through our doors. From our custodians to our Radiation Oncologists, our staff gets it… we are here to serve our community in a way that makes them feel like family while providing the highest level of care and support.  Truly an inspiring group of people to work with. I am thankful everyday that for the opportunity to be part of such an exceptional team.

With the greatest of thanks,

~ Michael

Michael Novakovich
Director of Business Development
Tri-Cities Cancer Center

Friday, November 15, 2013

My Second Home - Melody O'Neal


Proud Grandma Mel with
her grandbaby, Logan.

I was asked to write a blog for the Tri-Cities Cancer Center – where do I begin?  Do I start with when I read the job placement advertisement and knew it was the job for me or do I start with my mom and dad both being diagnosed with cancer within 18 months of each other and not having the Tri-Cities Cancer Center for a place to go?   I guess I will start with the one that happened first.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, had a mastectomy and was a cancer survivor for 16 years before passing away from diabetes complications.  She was the anchor of the family and had to be the strong one for me and my dad, it would have been wonderful for her if she could have came to the cancer center to meet with a support group or take part in one of the many activities we have for our patients.  My dad and I not knowing who and what to ask would have seen the cancer library as a great tool to help us thorough the unknown.

Then my daddy was diagnosed with bone cancer/prostate cancer in 1989.  He was treated very well in the basement of Kennewick General Hospital, going down a very little elevator for radiation treatment and having to get back in the car and drive to the lab for blood work and then if it okay, drive over to Pasco to get chemotherapy.  The Tri-Cities Cancer Center would have made our whole families life a lot better if it would have been here at that time.  All of that would have been under one roof plus he could have stopped and had a cup of coffee between appointments! Daddy passed away in 1991.  

In 1999 I was looking for new career when I spotted an accounts payable clerk needed at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.  Having been a stay home mom for 8 years, it was a perfect start for me to get back into the job force.  I was a little hesitant to apply because the thought of cancer brought back sad memories but I put my front foot forward and applied.  I remember the day of my interview, I came through the front doors and was greeted with a pleasant smile and greeting from the patient registrator, patients doing puzzles and the foyer all decorated with hay bales (it was fair week!).   I thought to myself, wow what a positive environment – I would love to belong to this place!  And after 14 years, I have grown to call the Tri-Cities Cancer Center my second home, the people that I work with, my second family and some of them have become my closest friends.  I have had numerous family members and friends come through our doors for cancer treatment and though I have been sad that they have cancer, I have been so happy that they have an excellent treatment facility that stands true to their mission, vision and values.   Mission - To provide and coordinate the highest quality, compassionate cancer care for the communities we serve.  Vision - To reach a larger audience with a broader spectrum of service.  Values - Respect, teamwork, compassion and excellence.


~ Mel

Melody O'Neal
Human Resources/AP/AR
Tri-Cities Cancer Center


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Legacy of Dan Hooper - By Jasmin Garcia

How do you go about telling your life’s story? What would you include? What lessons have you learned and who would you like to teach them to? Being diagnosed with prostate cancer in July of 2012, Dan Hooper felt an urgency to capture a snapshot of his life to share with his children. When asked how his cancer diagnosis has changed his life, Dan responded by saying, “I know my life has been shortened, but I want to leave something.”  Dan not only wants to share his journey as he battles cancer, he also wants to tell the story of his time at Vietnam. He hopes to impart knowledge through his experiences; that his four children will be able to learn about his time spent in Vietnam as this is something he hasn’t openly discussed with them…until now.

Dan was drafted into the Vietnam War in August 1967. He concluded his service in 1969. Shortly after being drafted into the Army he was sent to Germany. 2 ½ months later he received orders to go to Vietnam. Dan remembers not wanting to go to Vietnam, but he understood the duty he had to uphold for his country.

As Dan spoke about his time spent in Vietnam, he described the mental conditions they were all under, “Death was on your mind everyday, 365 days a year.” Physically, Dan’s troop traveled all day moving up and down hills on “search and destroy” missions. They carried heavy packs with them at all times which could sustain them in the field for weeks on end. Dan recalled carrying ammunition, a poncho that doubled as a tent, water, food, and a bed roll. At times they would go weeks without showering and traversed the jungles of Vietnam with wet socks on their feet.  The men in Dan’s troop would consistently talk about their great desire to go home. Home… everyone wanted to return home. No one wanted to die in an unknown country. Dan longed to return to his mother and father. A thought that was on his mind every day. “I didn’t want them to lose me,” stated Dan. The thought of returning home was the bright spot in a dark time.

Aside from the war and chaos during the Vietnam conflict, Dan describes the country as a beautiful place. He remembers the landscape and the people. He conveyed his love for the country and its people despite the ugliness of war. “I hate no man. I do not hate the people who tried to kill me. I call no man enemy,” Dan stated as he reflected on his time spent there. Vietnam is another home to him and Dan desired to go back. Due to unfortunate circumstances, his company left one of their own behind. His comrade was wounded across the legs from machine gun fire. He yelled, “My legs are gone! My legs are gone! My legs are gone!” The men in his company could not stop the bleeding and the young man died. Under fire, they had to carry out all of their supplies, especially the ammo. If they were to leave it behind, they knew it would be used against them. Three men were killed in action that day. They intended to return and retrieve the bodies. Unfortunately, the body of the soldier that died due to blood loss was never found. The young man lost and never to be seen again was Jose Antonio Graniela Jr. The image of Jose is still extremely vivid in Dan’s mind. He remembers his beautiful smile and dimples which framed that smile. Dan described Jose as tall with dark hair and dark skin. During the interview Dan could still see Jose walking close by and looking at Dan saying, “Hi, how are you?”  Jose greeted everyone with a smile.

Dan survived the Vietnam War. Now he faces a new battle: Prostate Cancer. Dan’s initial response to his cancer diagnosis, “I thought I was going to die.” Support from family and friends has helped tremendously. Being diagnosed with cancer has taught Dan he can easily reach out to people and tell them, “I love you,” without a fear of wondering what people will think.

Dan considers himself a cancer survivor. The two wars in his life have showed him, “Life is a learning experience… a doing experience. I wouldn’t trade those experiences.” Dan is an extraordinary man and veteran with a determination to leave his story behind as a testimony to history. He wants nothing more than to share his story; he hopes readers find benefit in hearing his tale. Dan reminds us, “We are all born and we will all die, but it’s about how you live your life between birth and death that set your life apart from the others.”

Friday, November 1, 2013

There's No Place Like Home! - Lorie Maples

When I was 12, my Dad took a job at Hanford and moved us from Simi Valley California to the Tri-Cities.  In California we had bikers (my Dad said they were Hell’s Angels) that lived next to us partying all the time, so my Dad was glad to move us to Washington.  Initially, we lived in hotels, apartments, and with church friends in Benton City waiting for our house in Hills West to be built.  I remember my mom was pregnant with my youngest brother at the time, and our house was way behind schedule.  I am the oldest of four.  I have two brothers and one sister.

I attended Lewis & Clark, Carmichael, and Columbia/Richland High School.  After high school, I decided to join the Navy.  I wanted to see the world and get as far away as I could from the Tri-Cities.  I chose to become a diesel mechanic in the Navy, and life’s lessons began.  Navy life was a great adventure .   I went to boot camp in Orlando, FL and Great Lakes, IL for my diesel mechanic training.  My first duty station was in Annapolis, MD, a naval station across the river from the Naval Academy. 

I spent five years in the Navy and married another sailor.  I have two wonderful boys named Derrik and Kyle, and a beautiful granddaughter named Ezrah.  Since I left Tri-Cities, I have lived in Maryland, Panama, Pennsylvania, Seattle, and 15 years in Cleveland, Tennessee.  I decided to move back to the Tri-Cities in 2010 to be closer to my Mom, brothers, and sister.  It’s funny how my life has come full circle back to this place.  There’s no place like home!

Working at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center has been a great career choice for me.  Being part of a group of professional and caring people who love what they do is the best part.   I truly admire the hard work and dedication my coworkers have for the patients and their families.  Every day I come to work it’s something new.  I’m truly grateful to be here.

Lorie Maples
Executive Administrative Assistant
Tri-Cities Cancer Center

Friday, October 25, 2013

The truth about mammograms: Myths and Facts - Rebecca Bowie, RN



The truth about mammograms:  Myths and Facts

Detecting cancers early before they spread and beginning treatment as soon as possible, greatly increases the chance for a cure.  But no test is perfect; a mammogram can detect many but not all cases of breast cancer.  Early detection of breast cancer is accomplished through annual mammography, annual clinical breast exams and monthly self breast exams.    

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast.  During a mammogram, your breast is placed between two plastic plates and compressed as the x-ray is taken.  You may feel discomfort as the plates press on the breast, but it will last only a few seconds.  If you experience pain tell the mammography technician.  If you have menstrual periods, the best time to get a mammogram is at the end of your menstrual period.  This is when your breasts are less tender.  Some women have less breast tenderness if they avoid having any caffeine for a couple of days prior to the test.  After the x-ray pictures are taken, they are sent to a radiologist, who studies them and sends a report to your health care provider.  The mammography facility will usually send you a letter regarding your mammogram results and any recommendation from the radiologist.  Be sure you receive the results of your mammogram either from the facility or from your health care provider shortly after the test and follow any recommendations.   If the doctor detects any abnormality or change in the mammogram, you may have to undergo additional testing. 

 There are two types of mammograms; screening and diagnostic.  A screening mammogram is used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.  Screening mammograms usually involve two x-ray pictures or images of each breast.  The x-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt.  Screening mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.  Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found.  A diagnostic mammogram can also be used to evaluate changes found during a screen
ing mammogram or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants.

Women 40 years and older should have a screening mammogram every year.  If you are younger than 40 years and have a family history of breast cancer or other concerns, discuss with your doctor when to begin screening.  Women with breast implants should continue to have mammograms.  Be sure to let the mammography facility know about breast implants when scheduling a mammogram.

See your health care provider if you have a lump that was not seen on a mammogram or notice any other breast changes.

Annually, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center hosts no-cost breast and cervical screenings with our partner hospitals and various providers in our region. We are able to offer screening events like this free of charge thanks to generous donations made to our Foundation. Uninsured and under-insured women are encouraged to take advantage of these free cancer screenings. Visit our website or call us to learn more: www.tccancer.org or (509) 737-3420. Did you know your Tri-Cities Cancer Center provides a comprehensive no-cost mammogram program, offered year-round, serving women in our community?  If you are in need of a mammogram and are unable to afford one, please ask your doctor to provide you a referral for our no-cost mammogram program.

~ Rebecca Bowie, RN
   Tri-Cities Cancer Center

Friday, October 18, 2013

What you need to know about breast cancer - Rebecca Bowie, RN

What you need to know about breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in U.S. women, after skin cancer.  It is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  It can also occur in men, though incidence is rare.  The survival rate has improved because of earlier diagnosis and the variety of treatments now available.  About half of all breast cancers occur in the upper outer part of the breast closest to the arm.  It usually develops in the ducts or lobules of the breast.   Breast cancer may spread by way of the lymphatic system or bloodstream to the lungs, liver, bones and other organs.   

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer to watch for are:
  • a lump or mass in the breast
  • change in symmetry or size of the breast
  • change in the skin (such as thickening or dimpling, scaly skin around the nipple, an orange-peel-like appearance, or ulcers)
  •  unusual drainage or discharge from the breast, change in the nipple (such as itching, burning, erosion, or retraction)
  • swelling of the armpit, pain or tenderness in the breast, change in skin temperature or color (a warm, hot, or pink area)   
These signs and symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer.  However, you should tell your doctor about any lump or any changes in the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (the round area of dark-colored skin around the nipple).  The earlier you detect breast cancer, the sooner it can be treated and the better it responds to therapy.  

The cause of breast cancer is unknown but there are various risk factors that may contribute to the development of breast cancer:
  •   high breast tissue density
  •   Family history of cancer
  •  Genetics
  •   Long menstrual history (early age of onset before age 12 & late onset of menopause after age 55)
  •  Never having children, or having a first child after the age of 30
  •  Having a previous biopsy showing hyperplasia
  •  Postmenopausal hormone use
  •  Being overweight and inactive
Breast cancer screening is important for all women as breast cancer most commonly happens to women with no risk factors.

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center has experienced registered nurses called Breast Patient Navigators.  Their services are provided to any breast cancer patient in the community free of charge.  As dedicated members of your cancer care team, the Breast Patient Navigators can assist in facilitating personalized cancer care for you. This includes:
  •  Consulting with you and your family members to describe the comprehensive spectrum of services available in our community.
  • Collaborating with your healthcare team as a patient advocate to ensure that barriers to timely treatment are minimized.
  • Assessing your individual needs and providing customized community resource information & educational materials.
  • Educating patients about breast cancer, diagnosis and treatment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our Breast Navigation Team, call (509) 737-3480 or (800) 377-0856.

Our Resource Center also offers a host of products and services at no-cost for breast cancer patients and other patients undergoing cancer treatment. Feel free to stop by any time between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday - Friday:

Resource Center offers free:
·         Wigs
·         Hats
·         Specialty mastectomy products:
o   Mastectomy bras
o   Post-surgical camisoles 
o   Breast prosthetics

Services by appointment include: 
·         Facials
·         Wig styling
·         Nutritional counseling

Call (509) 737-3420 for an appointment