UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's June E. Nylen Cancer Center

Our Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and specialized staff meet weekly to discuss and coordinate care for all our patients. This collaborative approach allows for thorough communication and focused planning to optimize your cancer treatment plan and quality of care.

We also host interdisciplinary tumor board meetings that bring together healthcare professionals from all specialties including, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons and patient advocates. This team approach ensures:

• Enhanced communication among your doctors
• Expertise from all specialties
• A streamlined treatment process
• A shared plan for your treatment and recovery

While you may have a second opinion at any cancer center, we offer second opinions through an eConsult program with Nebraska Medicine's Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The eConsult program is an electronic collaboration between oncologists at our cancer center and Nebraska Medicine on your treatment plan, saving you the time and cost of traveling out of town for a second appointment but solidifying your confidence in your care plan.

Cancer genetic testing and counseling can help people understand their risk for cancer, make medical decisions and take steps to lower their cancer risk. A physician referral is required before a genetic counseling appointment can be scheduled. During your genetic counseling session, you will meet virtually with a certified genetic counselor from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

The genetic counseling session will take 45 to 60 minutes and lab draws for testing will be done on-site the same day as your appointment. Results take about two weeks, although there are a few specific tests that may take longer.

There is a $175 out-of-pocket charge for the genetic counseling session (not covered by any insurance) and is due on the day of your appointment. This is the all-inclusive cost for your consultation and follow-up session with the certified genetic counselor if you have positive results for hereditary cancer to discuss the results and implications of those results. If testing shows you are negative for hereditary cancer, a follow-up session with the genetic counselor is not needed.

 

Our lab services are conveniently located inside June E. Nylen Cancer Center, allowing patients to have blood drawn and lab tests before or while visiting their physician. Having an on-site lab ensures quick turnaround for many tests that help our physicians evaluate and determine treatment as quickly as possible. Lab appointments are scheduled, and you will receive instructions for tests that require specific preparation.

Our team supports patients with meal guidance, food tips to overcome nausea during treatment and other information to help you feel better. We also provide patients with special resources to use during and after treatment. By maintaining a healthy diet you can reduce side effects from treatment including:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss

For more information about our services and how we can help you, please call our patient navigation team at (712) 252-9370 or email Suzanne.LeGree@unitypoint.org.

At the end of active treatment, many survivors often have mixed emotions. Some survivors feel relief that their treatment is over, as well as anxiety about the future. After treatment, the “safety net”of regular, frequent contact with the health care team ends. Some survivors may miss this source of support, especially because anxieties may surface at this time. Others may have physical problems, psychological problems, sexual problems, and fertility concerns. Many survivors feel guilty about surviving, having lost friends or loved ones to the disease. Some survivors are uncertain about their future. Other survivors may experience discrimination at work or may find that their social network feels inadequate.

If you are struggling with your survivorship and finding your new normal, contact our patient navigation team at (712) 252-9370.

We understand the anxiety you may have around your cancer treatment and its side effects. Symptom management involves authentic communication, proactive evidence-based interventions and support of your entire care team. We want to decrease your distress and improve your outcomes. Before you start treatment, you will have an educational session with one of our nurses to help you understand your treatment care plan, side effects you may experience and how to manage them. Based on your type of cancer treatment, they will be able to tell you the side effects you may experience.

Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy

• Appetite loss
• Body aches and pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Hand and Foot Syndrome
• Mouth and throat problems
• Nausea and potentially vomiting
• Neutropenia (low immunity)
• Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Thrombocytopenia (bruising/bleeding easily)

Common Side Effects of Radiation

• Changes in blood count levels
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sexual problems
• Skin changes like dryness, itching, blistering or peeling
• Thinned hair or hair loss in area treated
• There may also be other side effects based on the specific location of your radiation. Your care team will discuss these with you.

Chemotherapy Support Kits

Thanks to generous donors, we are able to provide chemotherapy "starter kits" to new chemotherapy patients. The treatment support kits contain items to help patients' manage the most common chemotherapy side effects.

 

The Wig Boutique at June E. Nylen Cancer Center is available to patients throughout their treatment. All products are free of charge.

Boutique Products

The boutique offers a variety of products including:

• Bandannas
• Hats for both summer and winter
• Scarfs
• Turbans
• Wigs

The boutique is open weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An appointment is required to see and try on the wigs. Patients can call (712) 252-9370 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Strands of Strength Partner

June E. Nylen Cancer Center is a part of Strands of Strength, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide new wigs free of charge to cancer patients who are experiencing hair loss due to treatment. Louanne Zortman of You’ve Got Nails & More in Sioux City, IA is a Strands of Strength partner salon. Louanne assists patients with selecting a wig with the appropriate fit and style and shows them how to care for their new hair.

How to receive a free wig from Strands of Strength:

1. You must be a patient at June E. Nylen Cancer Center to receive a free wig from Strands of Strength. A member of the navigation team will provide you with a voucher for a free wig and styling. with information to schedule an appointment with Louanne. 
2. Use the voucher to schedule an appointment with Louanne at You've Got Nails & More. Louanne will help you select a wig that fits your style and provide care instructions.
3. When your wig is ready, you will pay for it using your Strands of Strength voucher, which covers all costs.

Patients don’t often know where to begin after being diagnosed with cancer. Chris’ role is to help patients manage the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of their cancer diagnosis. This can include assisting with transportation and community resources, assessing mental health needs, developing a plan for care in the patient’s home or providing education regarding advanced directives.

Chris, an experienced healthcare social worker, is available to connect you with every resource you need from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship.

To contact Chris, please call (712) 252-9321 or email christine.strand@unitypoint.org.

As a patient advocate, Leanne is one of the first team members new patients meet at the cancer center. Leanne’s role is to be a patient’s one point of contact for all aspects of their care and other needs during treatment. This can include patient questions about their treatment, financial concerns, physical needs or spiritual care.

A cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming. Leanne enjoys getting to know patients personally, so she can help them navigate through treatment and reduce their stress.

To contact Leanne, please call (712) 252-9306 or email leanne.bruns@unitypoint.org.

Sue is the manager of the Patient Navigation Program. During her many years at June E. Nylen Cancer Center, Sue has helped hundreds of patients at every stage of their cancer journey. Sue enjoys getting to know each patient, helping them understand their disease, and their treatment plan.

As a registered nurse, Sue is a trusted resource for patients and their questions about their care plan and what they can expect during each stage of treatment. It’s a role that Sue takes to heart. She works with patients on their first visit, so each patient knows they have one point of contact for their questions and concerns.

To contact Sue, please call (712) 252-9370 or email suzanne.legree@unitypoint.org.

Financial burdens can prevent a patient from getting the care they need or continuing with their treatment. This can have a negative impact on a patient’s health and healing process.

As a financial navigator, Traci’s role is to help patients understand their total cost of care and out-of-pocket expenses. She also connects qualifying patients with financial assistance funds and programs to ease the financial stress of treatment.

Traci enjoys getting to know patients and is available to answer your insurance or cost of treatment questions.

To contact Traci, please call (712) 252-9370 or email traci.bates@unitypoint.org.

A diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder can be stressful, so it can be helpful to have a support person with you. Your loved ones or friends are welcome to come to your appointments. Patients coming from a nursing home or care facility are required to have someone accompany them to their appointment.

The space in our patient rooms is limited, so please keep this in mind as you bring support people with you. One or two visitors are welcome to join you for your appointments except for in the infusion treatment area where no more than one visitor may accompany you. We ask that no children under the age of 18 come with you. Conference calls with additional family members or support persons are welcome.

We encourage you to write down a list of questions for your doctor. Your list of questions may include:

• What stage of cancer do I have?
• What are the most effective treatment options for my diagnosis?
• What side effects can I expect during treatment?
• How long will I need treatment?
• Will I be able to work during treatment?
• How often will I need to visit the cancer center?

• When you arrive, the receptionist will have a list of tests your doctor has ordered when you check-in. It may take up to one hour for your results before you are called back for your doctor visit.
• Your nurse will complete a full assessment by checking your blood pressure, weight and heart rate. They will also review your current medications and specific details of your medical history.
• Your doctor will meet with you to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.

During your first visit, you will meet with one of our patient advocates who will explain the care process and answer your initial questions. You will also take a survey to provide us with important information on the areas of your health journey causing you the most stress or concern. This information will be used to connect you with team members that can assist you during your treatment at the cancer center such as:

• Social workers for emotional support and information on community resources
• Financial navigators to answer questions about the cost of treatment and financial assistance
• Staff to provide nutritional care resources during treatment

Our financial navigator will sit down with you to discuss the cost of your treatment and your insurance coverage. Please bring a copy of your insurance card to your first visit. If you do not have insurance or need help paying your bill, we can provide information on financial assistance programs that may be available to you.

Our team provides the region’s highest quality oncology services from the expertise of our doctors and nurses to the latest advancements in chemotherapy treatment.

Our commitment to quality shows as we are recognized by a national organization. The June E. Nylen Cancer Center is certified through the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology, and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). In order to achieve this Certification, our medical oncology and hematology program has met or exceeded a benchmark score on numerous measures that compare the quality of care against national standards. To earn this voluntary certification we undergo an on-site survey and peer review by a select team of oncology professionals at least once every three years.

In addition, many of our nurses are recognized as Oncology Certified Nurses from the Oncology Nursing Society, the nation’s only accredited oncology-specific certification program for registered nurses. This ensures our patients receive the best care possible at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.

 

June E. Nylen Cancer Center is the first cancer center in Iowa and Nebraska to be accredited by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) APEx - Accreditation Program for Excellence® for quality patient care including the safe and effective use of radiation therapy. APEx accreditation is the fastest-growing radiation oncology practice accreditation program in the United States and is a voluntary, objective, and rigorous multi-step process during which a radiation oncology practice must demonstrate its safety and quality processes and show that it adheres to patient-centered care by promoting effective communication, coordinated treatments, and strong patient engagement.

The American College of Radiology has recognized June E. Nylen Cancer Center for clinical excellence in computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and low-dose CT lung screening. This gives our patients added peace of mind they are receiving the region’s highest quality diagnostic services at our cancer center.

  

The June E. Nylen Cancer Center has been awarded a two-year term of laboratory accreditation certified by the Commission on Office Laboratory Association (COLA Inc.), a leading national laboratory accreditor, whose program and standards enable clinical laboratories and staff to meet U.S. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and other regulatory requirements.

Accreditation is given to laboratories that apply the highest standards of quality in day to day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory inspection.