MONROE — Hearing those three words — ‘you have cancer’ — as a diagnosis can seem daunting.
But for those living in this part of the state, there are plenty of treatment, diagnoses and support options that do not require a trip to Madison or Dubuque.
The three major health services all offer diagnostic tools, such as imaging, mammogram, and other resources.
In Platteville, for example, patients can establish a treatment plan in the Southwest Health system, retaining local familiarity at a very challenging time in life.
The American Cancer Society also offers several resources to patients and their families across the state. They have a resource finder to help people connect to specific resources at cancer.org.
SSM Health Monroe Clinic, Monroe
According to Rebecca Bordner, Marketing and Communications Consultant at the hospital, patients have a wealth of resources to help them fight cancer not far from home.
“In the fight against cancer, SSM Health Monroe Cancer Care patients take comfort in the fact that they walk side-by-side with skilled oncologists and receive treatment options,” Bordner said. “Our oncologists provide patient consultations and follow-up care for all cancer diagnoses, as well as on-site access to chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments.”
The goal, she said, is to reduce the time from diagnosis to treatment. The oncology team uses a collaborative approach, she said, to coordinate care with primary care physicians, interventional radiology and other specialists as needed.
Other services provided within the Cancer Care team includes Spiritual Care, Palliative Care (Supportive Care) and Dietary Counseling.
“SSM Health believes you don’t have to face this news alone,” said Bordner. “Whether you’re being tested, facing a diagnosis or starting treatment, we are here for you.”
Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County
At Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, the primary emphasis is on diagnostics — at this time the hospital does not have an oncology department but that may change as the hospital is in the midst of building a new facility and expanding its range of treatment options available locally.
“Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC) is available to support our community members during these challenging times,” said Addison Reilly, the hospital’s community outreach coordinator. “While your oncologist or specialist may not be located at MHLC, we understand that there are times that staying locally, when possible, aligns with your care needs.”
She said that, when ordered by your oncologist or primary care provider, MHLC can provide “ancillary testing” such as labs or imaging; and those results can be sent to your oncologist or provider in another area.
They also have resources to help patients navigate their treatment journey.
“We also can assist with supportive care if the time arises to keep your hydration status or strength up,” she said. “When ordered by your oncologist or primary care provider, we can schedule a time for you to come in to receive IV hydration, administration of blood products, wound care, or other treatments that you may not be able to administer at home.”
Southwest Health, Platteville
Dr. Michele Pipp-Dahm helps lead cancer care at Southwest Health in Platteville and she brings a wealth of experience to bear. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She also practices at the Carbone Cancer Center in Madison. She provides chemotherapy, oncology, and hematology services at the Center for Cancer Care at Southwest Health in Platteville. The Southwest Health Oncology Department is at 1400 East Side Road, in Platteville.
The hospital has a full range of cancer treatment options, including radiation, chemotherapy, and diagnostic radiology tools to help patients — everything from colon to breast cancer. If it is not available in Platteville, the hospital, with Dr. Pipp-Dahm can coordinate treatment with a provider in Madison or other locations, making the transition smoother for patients.
What’s more, the environment is supportive of the whole patient at Southwest.
The hospital’s Gilda’s Club “works to ensure all people impacted by cancer live empowered by knowledge, by action, and by community,” according to the hospital.
A member of the national Gilda’s Club team comes to Platteville to lead this vital Cancer Support Group. Gilda’s Club is a non-profit organization that provides free meeting places for people with cancer, their families, and friends. Local chapters also offer emotional and social support and assistance with transportation.
Gilda’s Club also offers virtual programming (groups, individual counseling, healthy living, partners workshops, lectures and more) virtually on zoom.