Medical Oncology

Many patients receiving cancer treatment at Kootenai Clinic will be placed in the care of a medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of cancer with the use of chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Patients receive outpatient chemotherapy treatments in a closely monitored, comfortable area. Certified oncology nurses monitor patients for comfort and side effects while implementing treatment. They help patients understand medications and answer questions that arise.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation treatments are available in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Each radiation therapy treatment is specific to an individual patient and diagnosis. These cutting-edge treatments are administered under the supervision of board-certified radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, physicists and radiation therapists. All outpatient radiation oncology services are provided by Cancer Care Northwest as part of our membership with the Alliance for Cancer Care. Learn more here.

Radiation treatments include:

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery
• MammoSite/Brachytherapy
• IMRT/IGRT RapidArc
• Clinical Research Program

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials open doors for cancer patients to receive leading-edge treatments before they are available to the general patient population. We encourage you to explore all treatment options to determine the best fit for you. Kootenai Clinic offers a variety of clinical trials from the National Cancer Institute and pharmaceutical companies focusing on improving survival and enhancing quality of life.

Genetic Counseling

Cancer is more common in some families. It is important to discover if there is a risk of cancer in your family. We assess your family history and explore genetic testing options to help identify potentially inherited cancer risks. At-risk families receive recommendations and options for screening and risk-reduction education. Call (208) 625-4700 to learn more about genetic counseling and testing and whether or not you are a candidate.

Clinical Navigation

Clinical oncology navigators are experienced nurses and act as a medical guide throughout the course of a patient’s cancer journey. They serve as a point of contact for patients and physicians. Navigators provide patients with education about their diagnosis and treatment, emotional support and coordination of care. Additionally, navigators coordinate weekly conferences with physicians from different specialties to discuss patients on a case-by-case basis to gain a multidisciplinary opinion of the best possible treatment options.

Nutrition Services

Good nutrition is an essential part of cancer treatment. The clinic’s team of dietitians provide nutrition and dietary services to help patients maintain strength while undergoing treatments. A well-balanced diet helps patients maintain proper body weight, which in turn helps to improve treatment tolerance, decreases risk of infection, lessens adverse side effects and protects necessary nutrient stores.

Rehabilitation Services

Kootenai Health offers patients a wide range of rehabilitation services including occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy, including lymphedema therapy. Cancer patients can benefit from these therapies to help build strength, increase range of motion, maintain balance and minimize discomfort from cancer and cancer treatment.

Social Services

Our social work team works with physicians and staff to help meet the physical and emotional needs of patients and their families. Services include crisis intervention, problem-solving, discharge planning, financial advocacy, as well as helping patients and family members cope with the diagnosis of cancer.  Learn More.

Cancer Registry

The ultimate goal of the cancer registry is to collect data that may help prevent and control cancer and improve outcomes for cancer patients nationwide. Because cancer is a reportable disease by Idaho state law, after you are diagnosed or treated for cancer at Kootenai Clinic, our cancer registry team will track information about your diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

After completing cancer treatment, you may receive an annual follow-up letter to check on your health status and frequency of exams and screenings.