At Lakewood Health System, your cancer care is coordinated through your family medicine physician and our on-staff oncologist, Dr. John Weitz. 

The difficult diagnosis of cancer can create a ripple effect of negative feelings and situations, but with the support and programs available to you at Lakewood Health System, we strive to make your treatment as easy as possible. In addition to a peaceful, relaxing therapy space, Lakewood Health System has a variety of resources and information to help during your therapy. Ask your infusion therapy nurse about arranging appointments during your therapy sessions.

Representatives from each department are available to meet with you to answer questions and provide access to specialized services designed to help you relax and heal.

Counseling and education on managing nausea and vomiting is available to help you through chemo therapy. You will also receive support and education to pro-actively learn mouth awareness and care; strategies to avoid infection; ways to increase calories and protein; managing constipation and diarrhea, and food safety guidelines for neutropenia.

The Shoppe at Lakewood Health System, located in the lobby of the Main Campus, carries a number of cancer-related products including:

• Cancer awareness gifts, jewelry and clothing
• Hats and scarves for hair loss
• Skin care products
• Books and cards

Medical Marketplace, also located in the lobby of the Main Campus carries durable medical equipment and products including:

• Liquid Oxygen
• CPAP Therapy & Supplies
• Rehab/Orthotic
• Mobility
• Lift Chairs
• Wound Care
• Ostomy
• Breast Health & Post Mastectomy Products
   

A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult things for a person to hear, understand, and face. The good news is that Lakewood Health System has many resources and treatments right here in Staples for your convenience. We will guide you through the process, answer your questions with compassion and empathy, and are committed to helping you however we can.

A few common types of cancer treatment are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These treatments are aimed at removing the cancer cells or destroying them with medicines or by other means.

Surgery can be successful in treating some kinds of cancer, but it isn't an option in all situations depending on the type of tumor, whether it has spread or is in one place, and its location.

Radiotherapy uses radiation to damage cancer cells so they cannot multiply. There is usually no pain involved, but damage to normal tissues may occur through radiation.

Chemotherapy uses medicines to attack the cancer cells. The side effects can be severe, but not everyone experiences them. Chemotherapy is often used when the cancer has spread to other areas in the body, and can be used in combination with surgery and radiation.