Cancer center expands treatment options

Rebecca Daniels, manager of the SLV Health Cancer Center, addresses the Alamosa Rotary Club on Monday./Courier photo by Helen Smith

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Rotary Club heard a presentation from San Luis Valley Health on the progress of the new cancer center at the Alamosa hospital on Monday.

Rebecca Daniels, the manager of the cancer center, reported that the center has already had a positive impact on the community. Thanks to having a brand new facility, SLV Health has been able to better serve patients in all stages of the fight against cancer.

In addition to expanded and improved treatment options, the cancer center is now offering a pilot program that involves an exercise routine for patients, Daniels said. The goal of the project is to work towards determining if moderate exercise can help to improve quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. This new approach challenges the traditional idea of rest during treatment. The program is also a study that is part of a master’s thesis project for Adams State students such as Alexis Colwell of Denver. 

The concept behind the study is relatively simple, Daniels explained. Patients go to the Alamosa Family Recreation Center and work out. This was done for 10 weeks, three days a week.  The membership, water and snacks were all provided. Most of the participants were female with approximately 23 total. There were numerous factors such as heart rate that were monitored during the process.

Thus far, the results of the study have been promising with patients showing improved heart function, energy levels, etc.  In addition, the social aspect of the program has proven beneficial, Daniels added. A repeat of this cycle will take place starting this month.

The next phase of the study will focus on nutrition and caloric intake. The hope is that the program will become a permanent part of SLV Health’s cancer treatment program.