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French did what most people would do; he set out to get a second opinion. "I did
my due diligence, and even visited other cancer centers. It became clear that
MIMA Cancer Center was the right place for me: the technology was more advanced,
I felt confident in the expertise of the physicians, and I wouldn't have to
uproot my life, be out of town and out of my support system," says French.
Technology made all the difference for Dennis. He was impressed with the 3D
radiation capabilities of the Varian Trilogy™ -- the technology used at MIMA
Cancer Center that enables image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). This
technology gives physicians the ability to precision-target the exact area of a
tumor and not only provide treatment, but treatment with no damage to
surrounding tissues. It is so precise that it can even accommodate for a
patient's breathing during treatment so that it always just targets disease.
Dennis French agrees. "It's amazing what modern radiation can do. I had cancer
and I was getting treatment, so I was a little tired sometimes, but I continued
to participate in all the activities of my life," says French. "My care was
top-notch. It took only 30 minutes a
treatment for 9 weeks and I was done! I can't say enough good things about my
experience there," he said. As one of the first patients to be treated at MIMA
Cancer Center in 2003, Dennis is today active, working, and happily married,
with no side effects from treatment and most importantly, cancer free.
Dr. Lee Scheinbart, a medical oncologist with MIMA Cancer Center says the
approach to patient care has changed dramatically. "What makes our center such a
benefit to our patients is the services they receive from an entire team of
professionals that collaborate on their care," says Dr. Scheinbart. "From the
primary care physician to the specialist (such as the Urologist in Dennis'
case), to medical oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, case
managers and technical professionals, we meet regularly to consult with each
other about the patient and together make decisions. In this way, patients
receive a thorough treatment plan from a large number of professionals that
addresses medical, social and emotional needs," adds Dr. Scheinbart. MIMA also
hosts guest lecturers from leading medical centers and this dialogue improves
the skills of the team, as well as fosters relationships for outside
consultation.
MIMA Cancer Center manages a large infusion center with highly trained pharmacy
technicians, nurses and medical assistants all under the doctor's supervision to
provide state-of-the-art drug treatments, even participating in clinical trials
for drugs under development in the fight against many types of cancer.
Similarly, the radiation facilities are some of the most advanced in the US,
with clinicians and scientists from leading academic and community cancer
centers across the globe visiting the center on a routine basis to observe and
learn about innovative new technologies and techniques being implemented at
MIMA.
"By receiving care at the MIMA Cancer Center, with its complete range of
specialists and treatment options, our patients can remain close to home and
receive comprehensive care," said Dr. Scheinbart.
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