February 3, 2026
Oncology & infusion
Cancer Care/Oncology
Cancer can affect you and your family physically, emotionally and spiritually. At Riverwood Healthcare Center, we strive to provide support for all of your needs by partnering high-tech services with a strong patient-family approach to care. Our physicians and staff provide quality, comprehensive services for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. They will take you through each step of the process, providing the best possible personal care.
Our medical staff includes four general surgeons, an oncology physician, an oncology nurse practitioner, and an oncology certified nurse navigator to help guide patients. We also have inpatient and outpatient nurses experienced in the care of cancer patients. All these caregivers are highly skilled and experienced caregivers who are dedicated to making your treatment as comfortable and successful as possible.
While Riverwood does not offer radiation treatments, our staff works closely with the Minneapolis Radiation Oncology Group in Brainerd to facilitate this care for patients.
We know that each cancer patient’s experience is unique, so that’s why we take a personalized approach to the care plan for each individual and family. The American Cancer Society is an excellent resource for learning about cancer and how to live well with this disease.
Riverwood provides chemotherapy and immunotherapy either as an oral medication or through infusion therapy, which delivers treatment directly into a vein.
If you need chemotherapy, Riverwood’s Infusion Center is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. The center is easy to access through a private entrance directly off the parking lot. Inside, you’ll find five private patient bays, each with large windows and light‑filtering shades that let you enjoy natural light while maintaining your privacy.
For patients who need to lie down during treatment, a dedicated procedure room is available. There is also space for a family member to sit with you during your visit. To help keep you comfortable, our team offers food and beverages throughout your infusion.
Your care is overseen by nurses who hold chemotherapy and immunotherapy certification through the Oncology Nursing Society and bring extensive experience in cancer care.
Coping with cancer is never easy. That’s why Riverwood provides a wide range of specialists who can be part of your care team. You’ll have a trained healthcare professional by your side, offering guidance and support whenever you need it—whether you’re looking for:
- Nutrition counseling
- Lymphedema therapy
- Social services coordination
- Mental health services
- Financial services
- Cryotherapy for hands and feet
- Treatment for Autoimmune Disorders
- Iron Infusions
- IV Hydration
- Depo-Provera
- Testosterone Therapy
- Prostate Cancer Therapy
- Bone Building Agents (for osteoporosis)
Riverwood’s Cancer Support Group offers a welcoming space for individuals who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or navigating survivorship.
Led by Kirstiane Bilyeu, Behavioral Health Therapist, and Lori Gross, Oncology Nurse Navigator, this monthly gathering provides meaningful conversation, encouragement, and support in a caring environment.
Cancer Support Group Meetings
When: Every second Thursday, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Where: Riverwood Healthcare Center, Conference Room C/D
Patients will need an order from their provider to receive services at Riverwood Infusion.
Meet our Oncology Team
From evaluation and diagnosis, to treatment and recovery, our team of experts work with you to provide specialized care for your unique oncology needs.
Lori Gross, RN Oncology Nurse Navigator
Oncology
REAL PATIENTS. REAL STORIES
The sense of comfort I feel at Riverwood is amazing.
I never imagined how cancer would change my life and the lives of those I love. I was diagnosed with stage 4 renal carcinoma, which had already spread from my kidneys to my bones. There is no cure for my cancer. Despite multiple surgeries, including having a kidney removed and two spine operations, multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, I still live with my cancer. Since my diagnosis, I’ve driven close to 4,000 miles across north and central Minnesota for treatment. I’m in my mid-60s and need a walker to get around. My cancer diagnosis has brought so many hardships for me and my family, but one thing that has brought us hope through this difficult journey is my care team at Riverwood Healthcare Center. When I was first diagnosed, I felt alone, but once I started receiving care at Riverwood, they have coordinated the care I need. My partner, Sheri Meier, will tell you, “They are our angels. They’ve been a blessing to us going through this.” From my oncologist Dr. Aby Phillip, MD, to nurse practitioner Jan Hegman — who helps coordinate my treatment — to each of the nurses, I feel like everyone prioritizes me and my care. Over the last three years, I’ve received monthly infusions of a cancer-fighting drug in the Riverwood Infusion Department. Riverwood team makes getting this treatment a breeze. The infusion department has five private patient bays with nice natural light. They always offer to bring me lunch, and there is space for Sheri or another loved one to sit with me. Along with cancer patients like me, the infusion department treats infections, autoimmune diseases and a variety of other conditions Needless to say, I know the infusion department very well, and every member of the staff has become like family. Thanks to care at Riverwood, my cancer is under control. While it isn’t a cure, it means I have more time with Sheri, my love for more than 20 years, our children and grandchildren. I’m grateful for every moment I have with them.