We believe in treating the whole person – not just the disease – with an individualized plan focused on mind, body, and spirit. Medical treatment can include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Unlike chemotherapy, which is a systemic treatment, radiation therapy is targeted at cells in specific areas of the body. It can be given before, during or after surgery, and is sometimes combined with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. The Radiation Oncology Center provides numerous modalities, including:
Surgery
Surgery is an option for many stages and types of tumors. Our renowned cancer surgeons have trained and worked at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country including Johns Hopkins, Harvard, University of Maryland and the Cleveland Clinic. They are widely published in medical literature and nationally recognized by their peers. With a level of proficiency in advanced surgical treatments typically found at larger university medical centers, they are making the following breakthrough procedures available in the convenience and comfort of a community hospital.
- Robotic surgery: Our daVinci surgical team is the most experienced at a community hospital in Maryland, performing robotic surgery for prostate and gynecological cancers. We have the newest state-of-the-art, high-definition, da Vinci Surgical System
- Laproscopic and minimally invasive surgical options:
- Pancreatectomies
- Hepatic resection
- Radiofrequency
- VATS lobectomy for lung cancer
- Thoracic sympathectomy
- Minimally invasive/thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of mediastinal tumors
- Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
- LASER Ablation
- Airway stents
- Esophageal stents
- Pleural drainage catheters
- Advanced surgical options:
- Esopagectomy post chemotherapy and radiation
- Whipple surgery
- Lobectomy post chemotherapy/radiation
- Pleuropneumonectomy for mesothelioma
- Neurosurgery
Serpick Infusion Center
The Serpick Infusion Center is located within a beautiful, two-story glass atrium that looks onto a peaceful garden and features 18 custom infusion chairs designed by St. Joseph staff with patient comfort in mind. The center is staffed by compassionate, highly-experienced oncology-certified nurses and board-certified medical oncologists who guide patients through therapy. In relaxing infusion recliners, patients can watch DVDs/TV, listen to their iPod, or work on their laptop with the convenience of WiFi access. Services include, but are not limited to:
- All outpatient chemotherapy
- Blood/blood by-product transfusion
- I.V. medications/hydration
- Targeted therapies
- Growth factors
- Antibiotics
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures include:
- Thoracentesis
- Lumbar punctures
- Paracentesis
- Bone marrow biopsies and aspiration
Clinical expertise and compassionate care are the hallmarks of St. Joseph’s oncology professional and support staff. Prioritizing patient comfort, they provide infusion of chemotherapy, blood products, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, targeted therapies and growth factors. An introductory class for patients and families contributes to peace-of-mind. Nurses are available by phone to address any questions and concerns patients or their families may have after each treatment.
A Chemotherapy class is offered three times a week to help patients prepare for this treatment phase. They receive educational packets and learn valuable information about managing side effects. They also learn that the nurses and physicians are just a phone call away when the need arises.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Please call 410.337.1841 for more information about the Serpick Infusion Center.