Cancer Care

Surgery is often the first treatment for cancer. A surgeon might obtain a biopsy for diagnosis or remove the tumor itself. Radiation and chemotherapy before surgery may shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.

WhidbeyHealth has experienced, board-certified general surgeons. Even if you need specialized surgery off-island, you can return to WhidbeyHealth for medical oncology care – chemotherapy and ongoing monitoring of the cancer.

Chemotherapy/immune therapy is another form of treatment and can be given intravenously [IV] or orally in pill form.

Most chemotherapy is given intravenously [IV] in our light-filled outpatient infusion center by experienced oncology nurses.

We have eight treatment chairs with numerous amenities in a supportive and comfortable environment.

It is also becoming more common for oncologists to prescribe oral chemotherapy/ immunotherapy treatment that comes in the form of pills or capsules. Oral treatment allows you to receive treatment at home but still requires special instructions and needs close monitoring by your healthcare team.

We know chemotherapy can be a challenging experience for patients and loved ones. Our compassion, expertise and understanding come from years of providing excellent care to cancer patients receiving these therapies. You are in good hands.

Cancer care is usually managed by a medical oncologist. Our team of board-certified medical oncologists can order chemotherapy/immunotherapy and work closely with other providers involved in your care.

Most cancer care can be managed on Whidbey. If specialized care such as stem cell transplants or a research protocol is needed, your medical oncologist will refer you accordingly and help coordinate care. We want to help you stay in your community as much as possible.

Highly skilled nurses administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy as well as teach patients how to manage symptoms they may experience with these medications.

Better symptom management helps ensure the person tolerates treatment well and stays on schedule. If they do, there is a higher success rate to beat the cancer.

Radiation therapy is the third form of treatment and is usually given five days per week for two to six weeks. Radiation therapy is a portion of total cancer care, so patients do not need to get both chemo and radiation care off-island.

Therapy is coordinated with radiation centers in Sedro Woolley at United General Hospital, in Mt. Vernon at Skagit Regional Cancer Center and in Everett at Providence Regional Cancer Center.

Referrals are usually made based on patient preference and convenience. A van is available from United General for those with transportation concerns.

WhidbeyHealth Cancer Center has an 8-chair infusion suite. Our team can infuse most all chemotherapy/immunotherapy medications with the exception of trial medications.

We also provide infusion of blood products and non-oncology infusions such as hydration, antibiotics and medications ordered by outside primary care providers and specialists such as neurology, rheumatology and allergy.

You can receive infusion therapy here at WhidbeyHealth even if your doctor or oncologist is off island.

To get started, you will need a referral from:

• Your local primary care physician as part of your cancer treatment plan
• Your oncologist when requesting local infusion therapy

Our medical oncologists are partners within the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership.  Providence Everett has a large number of oncology clinical trials that our physicians participate in.

If your oncologist believes you are a potential candidate for a clinical trial they will discuss this option with you. They are also aware of other trials going on in Seattle. If they believe one of these trials would be beneficial, and you are interested, they will refer you to see someone.