Beam There Done That Bringing Light Side to Radiation Therapy

Sonora Regional Cancer Center is proud to offer comprehensive cancer services, including an Elekta Infinity™ linear accelerator with 3-D image guidance for radiation therapy. This advanced treatment, referred to as external beam therapy, directs radiation precisely with the goal of either reducing tumor size or killing the cancer cells entirely.

While radiation therapy is a good option for many types of cancer, the staff at Sonora Regional Cancer Center understands the anxiety, stress and trepidation patients can have when facing cancer treatment. The Beam There Done That program was developed as a way to support patients on their journey through treatment.

“We want our patients to feel like they are VIP members of an exclusive club,” explains Shane Tipton, FNP, PA-C, MS, Director of Cancer Services at Sonora Regional Cancer Center. “We also want them to complete their treatment and leave with some tangible memorabilia they can show off and be proud of as they reflect on the strength they found, the support they received, and the expertise in which their treatment was given.”

On the first step of their journey, radiation therapy patients receive a passport. The passport is stamped after each daily radiation treatment for the patient to track where they are on their treatment plan. Patients also receive a Beam There Done That tumbler as a reminder to stay well hydrated.

At the completion of their radiation therapy journey, the entire radiation oncology team joins the patient to celebrate. The patient receives a final passport stamp and is given a certificate of completion, a photo with the whole team, and a Beam There Done That t-shirt. They also leave their mark by signing the wall in the radiation therapy treatment room.

Patients are also invited to enjoy a quarterly luncheon with radiation oncology staff and other Beam There Done That graduates. “Our patients are all members of a club that they did not ask to join. They have come to share a bond after experiencing the radiation therapy journey,” explains Connie Walther, Radiation RN. “We invite patients to come at their leisure, wearing their Beam There Done That t-shirts, to enjoy lunch and visit with friends.”

For more information about Beam There Done That and other cancer services, please visit www.SonoraMedicalCenter.org/cancer or call Sonora Regional Cancer Center at (209) 536-5155.