Cancer Care
Thoracic Oncology
Patients who are diagnosed with lung nodules have many concerns and questions: Is this cancer? What is the next step? Who is responsible for my care? Should I have this biopsied? Will I need surgery? Chemotherapy? Radiation?
The Thoracic Oncology Program at St. Luke's MSTI supports patients who have cancer or a suspicious finding for any cancers occurring in the thorax, also known as the chest. We provide immediate contact and easy access to services—answering questions and beginning the treatment planning process as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A multidisciplinary team, led by our dedicated medical director and thoracic nurse navigator, and including specialty physicians and other medical professionals, will guide you through diagnosis, plan of care, and pulmonary, surgical and radiation/chemotherapy treatments as needed.
Our nurse navigator, Alys Falcone, works closely with your primary care providers and other physicians throughout Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and Northern Nevada to help you transition from referral to diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible. For patients who already have a diagnosis of lung or esophageal cancer, she provides education, emotional support, and coordination for oncology appointments.
For each of her patients, Alys serves as a central point of contact to help integrate and manage the various components as you begin your cancer journey:
- Education regarding tests and procedures
- Review of your tests and medical history by the Medical Director of Thoracic Oncology
- Coordination of diagnostic and physician appointments
- Referral to supportive services (social work, nutrition, pharmacy, financial advocacy)
- Smoking cessation resources
For more information about the Thoracic Oncology Program at St. Luke's MSTI, please contact Alys Falcone at (208) 381-LUNG (5864).
Additional Information About Thoracic Cancers
National Cancer Institute
Lung Cancer: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung
Esophageal Cancer: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/esophageal
