Cancer/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 have an affiliation with the Essentia Cancer Group and will be offering some clinical trials here at Riverwood. We also offer genetic counseling and testing through the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute.

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.

See our 2016 Public Outcome report on esophageal cancer awareness and prevention.

Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Services

Riverwood provides chemotherapy and immunotherapy either through a pill or through a vein into your body, called infusion therapy.

If you need chemotherapy, Riverwood’s Infusion Center offers many patient-friendly features. It’s easily accessible via a private entrance off the parking lot. The center has five private patient bays with large windows and light-filtering shades that offer the ability to see outside while others cannot see inside. If you need to lie down during your treatment, there is a special procedure room to accommodate this need. There is space for a family member to sit in the treatment area with you. While receiving chemotherapy, you will be offered food and beverages to help keep you comfortable. The nurses overseeing your treatment have their chemotherapy/immunotherapy certificate through the Oncology Nursing Society and are experienced in providing cancer care. Riverwood has our very own board-certified Oncology Pharmacist uniquely trained and educated to meet the specialized needs of oncology patients.

Specialty Services

Coping with cancer is not easy. That’s why Riverwood offers many kinds of specialists who can join your care team. Whether you need nutrition counseling, lymphedema therapy, social services coordination or mental health services, a trained healthcare professional is here to offer the services you need.

Cuyuna Riverwood Breast Health Alliance

The Cuyuna Riverwood Breast Health Alliance (BHA) offers a comprehensive, coordinated approach to the best possible breast health services right here, close to home in North Central Minnesota. Riverwood Healthcare Center and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center have combined their talents, resources and energies, and established strategic partnerships with national leaders in oncology research and treatment to provide access to the latest cancer- fighting technologies. Watch our “Pink Scrubs/This Town” music video for an uplifting take on breast cancer awareness.

Meet Our Oncology Team

AbyPhilip_NewBackground — Aby Philip, MD

JennyDiederich_NewBackground — Jenny Diederich, CNP-BC

Patient Stories

Dave Kline – Infusion Care

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