Baxter Regional Cancer Care Team
Specially Trained Oncologists in North Central Arkansas & South Central Missouri
The Peitz Cancer Support House can be reached by calling (870) 508-CARE.
You can find more information about the Peitz Cancer Support House here.
Click here for more information about the Mobile Mammography Unit.
The rehabilitation services department at Baxter Regional offers extensive
lymphedema-management treatments. For more information, please call (870) 508-1560.
Baxter Regional Medical Center is a referral center for cancer patients
in a 14-county service area in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Baxter Regional provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic and
therapeutic cancer care. We coordinate inpatient and outpatient programs
to help prevent, detect, diagnose, treat and eradicate cancer.
The medical staff at Baxter Regional – surgeons, pathologists, radiologists
and medical oncologists – is specially trained in the diagnostic
and therapeutic aspects of cancer care. The cancer program is the most
comprehensive in the area, caring for patients battling many different
forms of cancer.
Oncology nurses at Baxter Regional are highly qualified and receive chemotherapy
and oncology training and certification. A licensed cancer social worker
visits newly diagnosed cancer patients and assists in discharge planning
and resource coordination. In addition, a dietitian offers nutritional
counseling for cancer patients, while the cancer registrar assists with
cancer information.
Our Baxter Regional Medical Specialists clinic offers patients the ability
to continue medical treatment in an outpatient setting while resuming
their usual day-to-day activities. Its Outpatient Infusion Center is a
13-chair facility staffed by highly trained, chemotherapy-certified registered
nurses. Our oncologists have extensive experience in cancer treatment,
and they are able to treat complex cases with the latest FDA-approved
medications. Both Dr. White and Dr. Zak see patients in the outpatient
setting, and inpatient consults are also offered as part of our oncology/hematology services.
Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy may be used:
- As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells
- Before another treatment to shrink a tumor
- After another treatment to destroy any remaining cancer cells
- To relieve symptoms of advanced cancer
Baxter Regional Medical Specialists also offers many additional outpatient
services for non-oncology as well as oncology patients, including IV hydration,
iron infusions, lab testing, advanced imaging, cancer screening services,
and more. Medical Specialists staff work with the patient’s insurance
to obtain coverage for procedures and aid in finding co-pay assistance
for therapy when available. We also act as the cancer care coordinator
for patient treatment plans. The clinic can be reached by calling (870) 425-4402.
CARTI of Mountain Home
CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute) is a freestanding,
not-for-profit healthcare organization that offers state-of-the-art radiation
therapy to cancer patients in Arkansas and surrounding states.
Quality is a high priority at CARTI, which is recognized as a leader in
quality cancer care. In 1989, CARTI was the first freestanding, not-for-profit
radiation therapy center to ever receive accreditation from the Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). CARTI
is also accredited by the American College of Surgeons and is affiliated
with the Association of Community Radiation Therapy Centers. In 1997,
CARTI was awarded the Governor’s Quality Award, the highest level
in the Arkansas Quality Awards. CARTI was the first healthcare organization
and not-for-profit to receive the Governor’s Quality Award.
CARTI treats the patient and their family holistically through education
and support services such as counseling, support groups, retreats, educational
classes, free cancer screenings, community education programs and activities
for both adult and pediatric patients. For more information, visit
www.carti.com.
Hosting the MMU
The Mobile Mammography Unit (MMU) enables Baxter Regional to provide an
alternative screening method to residents of the Twin Lakes area and to
increase the awareness and utilization of early-detection screenings for
breast cancer and other major health risks, such as osteoporosis.
Facilities interested in hosting the MMU must:
- Provide their own personnel to schedule patients. A patient list must be
faxed to Baxter Regional three days prior to the scheduled visit.
- Provide an adequate, level space to park the MMU.
- Provide adequate parking for patients.
- Provide restroom facilities for patients and MMU staff.
- Provide detailed directions to the facility, including where to park the MMU.
Using Physical Therapy to Treat Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part – most often an extremity
– caused by an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid called
lymph. It can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen or genitals. Lymphedema
often develops when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired (primary),
when lymph vessels are damaged or when lymph nodes are removed (secondary).
Lymphedema is most commonly associated with cancer patients – especially
those treated with radiation therapy.
What causes lymphedema?
Primary lymphedema is the result of developmental abnormalities. It may
be present at birth or develop at the onset of puberty or adulthood due
to unknown causes.
Secondary lymphedema can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection
or trauma. It is usually caused by cancer therapies, which involve lymph
node removal and/or other extensive surgical procedures.
Lymphangitis is an infection that causes inflammation of lymphatic vessels,
which can lead to an interruption in normal lymphatic pathway function.
Treatment options for lymphedema include:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique designed
to increase the movement of lymph and interstitial fluid. It is especially
advantageous for surgery and radiation therapy patients.
- Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a combination of MLD, bandaging
of the affected areas, skin and nail care, and remedial exercises.