News

Keeping Cancer Patients Well At Home

There’s simply nothing like the comfort of home – and when we don’t feel well, the last thing we want is to get in a car and travel somewhere unfamiliar to receive medical care. Holy Cross Hospital and Taos Surgical Specialties agree; and especially when dealing with a major illness like cancer, we want you to be able to stay at home with friends and family. Together, we are building a home for cancer services. Holy Cross and Taos Surgical Specialties are bringing you high-quality medical care, the best medical technology, and a variety of cancer support services from local providers in Taos.

Dr. Whitney David and Dr. Debbra Sirmans are new surgeons who have joined Drs. Cockburn, Cetrullo, and Massen at Taos Surgical Specialties, and now call Taos home.  As a group, these surgeons provide a full spectrum of treatment for all stages of cancer, from preventive screenings and diagnosis to treatment. Preventive screening tests include colonoscopies, prostate cancer screenings, breast exams, mole checks, and biopsies.

Through the brand-new Taos Cancer Support Fund, Taos Surgical Services also provides ongoing, non-clinical support, allowing patients to stay at home and keep on with daily life while avoiding the expense and stress of extensive travel for treatment.

The Taos Cancer Support Fund responds to the non-medical needs of Taos residents with cancer. The fund provides services that support emotional well-being, and ensures that basic daily needs are met in order to ease strain, promote healing, and improve quality of life for people with cancer and their family members. The cost of cancer is not contained only in medical treatment, so the Fund may cover expenses related to travel, home and pet care, child care, emotional support, wigs or scarves, and other things that increase quality of life.

Because Taos Surgical Specialties treats many cancer patients, they recognize and understand the need for local support services and funding while working to make sure that patients receive medical care from a local surgeon. July Cockburn, Taos Surgical Specialties Office Manager, is helping patients access the additional support services available through the Taos Cancer Support Fund; for an application, please call Judy Cockburn at 575-751-0334.

Taos Surgical Services would also like your input; especially if you are a cancer survivor, email them at info@taoshealth.com and let them know what types of support services are needed. Together, the Taos community can have a full spectrum of services for individuals with cancer, right here at home.