Hematology-Oncology-Infusion Clinic is growing strong

6/23/06

The three-month-old Hematology-Oncology-Infusion Clinic at MCDH has seen steady increases in the number of patients treated, and its reputation for excellent quality, compassionate care is growing rapidly.  At its helm is specialist Dr. John Rochat, Medical Director.

The Clinic is staffed by a team of Registered Nurses specially trained in cancer and infusion therapy.  Seven of the Clinic’s nursing staff recently attended an additional chemotherapy certification course.

Dr. Rochat and his team specialize in hematology and oncology, treating patients with blood diseases and a wide variety of cancers.  He finds this area of medicine to be most fascinating, as it deals with every organ system in the human body. 

Dr. Rochat approaches each patient holistically, taking into consideration other conditions the patient may have, whether or not it is directly related to the cancer or blood disorder in question.  “Treatment choices can have a tremendous impact on a patient’s other conditions, such as osteoporosis or dermatologic problems,” he says, “and I am careful to consider these when choosing a treatment plan with the patient.”

Because cancer tends to occur most often in older populations, and life expectancy is becoming longer, Dr. Rochat notes that oncology is leaning toward being a geriatric specialty. “I had my first 100 year old patient several years ago.  She had been suffering pain from untreated breast cancer for two years.  This untreated pain is completely unnecessary.  No matter your age, treatments are always an option and need to be discussed,” he emphasized.

The most reliable predictor of patients’ outcome is how independent and active they are.  While treatments have advanced over the years, it is important to acknowledge that not all patients will survive their cancer.  Dr. Rochat says, “I have had a few ‘Lance Armstrong’ patients, both female and male, who have overcome incredible odds to survive.  Sometimes our success stories and the fruits of our labor come from stopping the nausea and pain.  Hospice care also has its place in the spectrum of patient care.”

“I feel there is no more important time to be in a patient’s life, than when a patient is dealing with a cancer or blood disease diagnosis,” says Dr. Rochat.   With cancers being diagnosed earlier, patients have more treatment options than ever before. 

And with the establishment of the MCDH Hematology-Oncology-Infusion Clinic, coastal residents have increased access to these treatment options.

Call 961-4922 for more information or to set an appointment.