Sitting Serene in Our New Cancer Center: Helping Patients Heal One Treatment at a Time

For decades, radiation therapy has been an integral part of most cancer treatments. With the opening of the new Holy Cross Health Cancer Center in Wheaton, Maryland, patients now have access to the most advanced radiation technologies that maximize healing and minimize discomfort in an environment designed to provide comfort through a calming connection to nature.

The new Holy Cross Health Cancer Center features one of the most advanced radiation delivery systems in the region – the Varian Edge® – that can target multiple tumors simultaneously with remarkable precision. Holy Cross Hospital is the only community hospital in Maryland where this life-saving technology is available.

Sheela Modin, MD, the center’s medical director of radiation oncology services, led the effort to secure the advanced technology that sets a new standard in Montgomery County for cancer treatment. “The precision of the Edge is particularly effective in treating brain tumors, allowing us to maximize the radiation dose to tumors and minimize the dose to areas that don’t need it, thereby reducing side effects,” said Dr. Modin.

The space for radiation treatment is triple the size of the original center and is all above ground, with lots of windows to bring in natural light to provide a soothing and healing experience for patients.

Patients will be happy to learn that the center’s new location in Wheaton has lots of free parking and is just across the street from the Wheaton metro and bus terminal. “We wanted to make the best care easily accessible with minimal stress in a facility that is filled with light and hope,” said Dr. Modin. Her words reflect the commitment of Holy Cross Health to provide the very best in all aspects of cancer care for the community.

Richard Stonesifer, 75, knows this commitment firsthand. In 2012, Dr. Modin helped treat him for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so when he was diagnosed nine years later with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his groin, he returned to her.

“Dr. Modin and her team know what they’re doing, and they care,” said Richard, who was treated at Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Health Radiation Treatment Center both times. “This made my cancer treatment less daunting. With Dr. Modin’s help and the support and expertise of her amazing team – as well as the love and support of my family – I’m blessed to be a two-time cancer survivor.”

Nurse navigators are another way that Holy Cross makes accessing and managing cancer care less stressful and more effective by keeping patients on track and on schedule. They help guide, direct and empower patients from initial screening and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.

Denise Holford, RN, an experienced nurse navigators, specializes in helping lung cancer patients access and manage their care. “I contact patients before their procedure, meet with them the day of their procedure, follow up to ensure any necessary post-op appointments are made, and check in to see how they are tolerating their treatment, when applicable,” Ms. Holford said. “Whatever level of support they need, I strive to provide that.”

Ms. Holford became a nurse navigator seven years ago after 27 years as an oncology nurse. “I became a nurse to have a positive impact on my patients – to educate and to support them in any way I can,” she said. “As a nurse navigator I’ve extended my passion beyond the bedside to help people live their best life as they are facing what can be considered one of their greatest challenges. The new Holy Cross Health Cancer Center will help patients by providing comprehensive, coordinated services for cancer diagnosis, treatment and support in one location.”

If you are a smoker or an ex-smoker, consider having a low-dose CT scan, the most advanced diagnostic tool for lung cancer screening and early diagnosis. A low-dose CT scan can show potentially problematic nodules years before they can be seen on X-rays. Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for high-risk patients meeting these criteria:

• Age 50 to 77

• No signs or symptoms of lung disease

• Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 years

• Current smoker or quit within the past 15 years

For expert guidance from our nurses on any cancer-related questions, patients and community members can call the Holy Cross Health HOPE line 855-HCH-HOPE (424-4673).