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 for the alliance are provided by Cancer Care Northwest as part of being a member of the Alliance for Cancer Care.

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.

Palliative Care

Some patients dealing with a cancer diagnosis can benefit from palliative care. The palliative care team works with patients to help lessen side effects of their disease and treatments. While the team focuses on symptom management, they also work with the patient and their family on emotional or social concerns, spiritual needs, and treatment goals. To learn more about support services, call (208) 625-4711 or (800) 562-9608.