Cancer Care

Radiation therapy involves the use of x-rays or energy particles to destroy cancer cells or damage their ability to reproduce. It is often provided as part of an individual’s integrated cancer treatment or as the primary source of treatment.

At the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital, radiation therapy is delivered to the tumor using the TrueBeam linear accelerator from Varian Medical Systems. TrueBeam is advanced radiotherapy technology that integrates imaging and radiation delivery to treat cancer with speed and accuracy measured in millimeters.

Depending on the location and stage of the tumor, some of the other methods of treatment that may be recommended at the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital include:

• 3-D Conformal Radiotherapy (3-D CRT) is the standard method of radiation therapy and uses digital diagnostic imaging, computers and special software to conform the radiation beam to the shape of the tumor.
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advance in 3-D CRT that is used to deliver complex doses of radiation to tumors located near vital organs and other areas that are sensitive to radiation. Some of the advantages of IMRT are decreased radiation to normal sensitive surrounding tissue, decreased chances of harming normal cells, higher radiation dosage to cancer cells, precise radiation distribution, and increased chances of destroying cancer cells. All of this results in fewer side effects for patients.
• Volumetric Modulated ARC Therapy (VMAT) is the latest advanced form of IMRT that delivers a precisely sculpted 3D dose distribution with a 360-degree rotation of the gantry in a single or multi arc treatment.
• Cone Beam Guided Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an advanced form of IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy) with less exposure to the patient and increased quality of imaging to better pinpoint treatment accuracy.

The staff at the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital is dedicated to each patient’s total health and well-being, in addition to being responsive to each patient’s unique needs. They continually research new techniques and stay abreast of the ever changing technology in the field of radiation therapy. The treatment team includes:

• Board certified radiation oncologists who establish the patient’s treatment plan and oversee the healthcare management of each patient’s treatments.
• Board certified medical physicists oversee the dosimetrists and are also responsible for radiation protection and quality assurance.
• Board certified medical dosimetrists assist the radiation oncologist with the Eclipse treatment planning system by providing accurate calculations of radiation doses and establishes the optimal treatment plan for each specific patient.
• Highly skilled radiation therapists work directly with patients to deliver daily radiation treatment as planned by the radiation oncologist and physics team. They are licensed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Illinois Emergency Management Agency and compassionately work with patients and their families to provide the utmost quality of care.
• Oncology certified registered nurses work closely with patients and family members to discuss concerns about treatments and possible side effects. With advanced training and holistic patient treatment, the nurse at the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital is specially qualified to provide excellent patient care.
• The patient service representative warmly greets each patient and family member and is specially trained to answer questions regarding billing and insurance. The patient service representative is also available to help connect patients with other resources they may need.
• Cancer registrars are data information specialists that capture a complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status for every cancer patient in the U.S. The data provides essential information to researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to better monitor and advance cancer treatments, conduct research, and improve cancer prevention and screening programs.

Since most patients requiring radiation therapy undergo daily treatments over a period of weeks, location is often an important consideration when choosing a radiation therapy center. The Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital is conveniently located within the Morris Regional Oncology Center at 1600 U.S. Route 6 in Morris. To reach us by phone, please call 815.364.8915.

The staff at the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital is committed to assisting patients with every aspect of care throughout their treatment. Some of the special services offered to patients for cancer care include:

• Wigs – Our free wig boutique is for anyone experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment. Our staff offers one-on-one wig-fitting consultations that including assistance finding a wig that fits the patient’s lifestyle, one free wig, and one free custom made wig stand, along with suggestions for using wigs, turbans, and scarves. Please make arrangements for a fitting at the front desk, or call 815.364.8915.
• Transportation Services – Free transportation to and from treatments is available through Morris Hospital’s free patient transportation service. The staff at the Radiation Therapy Center is more than happy to arrange this service.
• Counseling – Social workers from Morris Hospital are available to assist patients and their families with emotional support and resources.
• Nutritional Services – A dietitian is available to meet with patients during their treatment time to provide special diet information and dietary supplements if needed.
• Financial Counselor – A financial counselor from Morris Hospital can help with questions regarding insurance coverage, financial assistance or other financial arrangements. To reach a financial counselor, call 815.705.7282.
• Oral and Head and Neck Cancer Support Group – This support group is a patient-directed, self-help organization directed to meet the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month from 3-4 p.m. at the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital. Registration is requested.
• Look Good Feel Better Virtual Workshop – This special workshop through the Look Good Feel Better Alliance provides live instruction, tips and tricks for dealing with visible side effects of cancer treatment right from the comfort and privacy of home. Sessions focus on skin care and cosmetics application, wigs and head coverings for managing hair loss, body image and wardrobe tips, scarf tying techniques, and nail care during treatment. Call our Radiation Therapy Center at 815-364-8915 to request the site referral code that will allow you to register free of charge, thanks to support from the Morris Hospital Foundation! Then go to the Look Good Feel Better Alliance website to register and request your free makeup kit!