Northwest Medical Specialties

06/20/2024

Happy First Day of Summer! ☀️ Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but for cancer patients, it's essential to prioritize safety while still enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

If you have cancer, the summer can be a time of increased stress or discomfort. With a few safety precautions, ideas for low-key summer activities, and giving yourself permission to rest, you can make this summer whatever you need it to be.

06/19/2024

Not feeling well and need to speak to a nurse? Northwest Medical Specialties is here for you! Please call us at (253) 428-8700 to access our triage department, where a team of specialized nurses are on staff to handle your concerns or answer any questions you may have. Same day appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Not feeling well and need to speak to a nurse? Please call us first to access our triage department.

06/18/2024

Northwest Medical Specialties is dedicated to providing patient-focused, compassionate care that supports patients throughout their cancer care journey.

Have you had a good experience with us? Please take a moment to share your story here: https://www.nwmedicalspecialties.com/about-us/patient-stories/

06/16/2024

To all the amazing fathers out there, Happy Father's Day! 🌟 Your dedication, hard work, and endless support mean the world to your families. Enjoy your special day—you've earned it!

06/14/2024

Come and meet others who share an understanding of what it’s like living with advanced cancer. The group consists of anyone with a stage 3 or 4 cancer diagnosis. Our groups are a safe space to express the feelings and emotions of your everyday experience. This group is facilitated by Monica Wilber, LSWAIC. Group will be held via zoom.

Group is held every Third Tuesday of the month from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM, via Zoom. Please contact, Monica Wilber, LSWAIC at mwilber@nwmsonline.com, or, (253) 200-4455 to register.

06/12/2024

Men are less likely to see their doctor about a health issue than women, but this should not be the case! This Men's Health Month, the Northwest Medical Specialties' team is encouraging men of all ages to visit a physician not only if there are any abnormalities, but also for regular screenings.

Check out the following men's health guide for more information:

The cancers that most often affect men are prostate, colon, lung, and skin cancers. Find out what you can do to help prevent them or find them early.

06/11/2024

June marks a month of celebration, resilience, and hope as we honor National Cancer Survivor Month! 🎗️ To all the brave souls who have triumphed over cancer's challenges, your strength and perseverance inspire us every day. Let's come together to honor survivors, raise awareness, and continue our relentless pursuit of a world without cancer.

View our Cancer Survivorship Resources here: https://www.nwmedicalspecialties.com/patients-caregivers/cancer-survivorship-resources/

06/05/2024

Northwest Medical Specialties is dedicated to providing patient-focused, compassionate care that supports patients throughout their cancer care journey. Have you had a good experience with us?

Please take a moment to share your story here: https://www.nwmedicalspecialties.com/about-us/patient-stories/

06/03/2024

Interested in integrating mindfulness into your everyday life? Explore the advantages of journaling as a method of reflection during your treatment journey here.

Journal and relfecting thoughout cancer treament can help decrease stress by helping people process feelings and clarify thoughts.

05/31/2024

We've heard your feedback, and Northwest Medical Specialties is excited to announce our new and improved call routing! In an effort to improve your call experience, we are launching a new phone menu on Monday, June 3rd, 2024.

Some departments will have a direct option to be routed to that team. You can also expect shorter holds and may be transferred fewer times.

We still ask 48 hours to return your message but hope that this change will make your experience faster and easier. Alternatively, you can send a message to your care team by using the online patient portal, CareSpace. If you are not currently enrolled in CareSpace, please ask the front desk!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work hard to improve!

05/29/2024

Facing decisions about mastectomy or lumpectomy? Discover the benefits of each here and explore your options with Northwest Medical Specialties.

Mastectomy and lumpectomy are two breast cancer treatment options for surgery for people diagnosed with breast cancer.

05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day! Today, we pay tribute to the selfless individuals who have bravely sacrificed their lives for our country.

05/24/2024

In observance of Memorial Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, May 27th. 🇺🇸✨ We honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our country. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, May 28th. Wishing you a safe Memorial Day weekend!

05/22/2024

Meet Jorge Chaves, MD! Dr. Chaves believes that in treating patients, he never loses sight of treating the whole person. He is excited about the advancements in cancer treatment specifically new drug development and individualized clinical therapy. Dr. Chaves specializes in GI Cancers, Hematology and Oncology.

Learn more about Jorge Chaves, MD and the team here: https://www.nwmedicalspecialties.com/providers/jorge-chaves/

05/20/2024

Take an active role in your cancer treatment! Recognize the significance of voicing your health concerns and standing up for yourself throughout your treatment process.

You can be a self-advocate by taking an active role in your cancer care. This can be a positive experience that gives some people a sense of control in a time of uncertainty. Self-advocacy does not have to be time-consuming or difficult. It can be as easy as asking more questions at a doctor's appoi...

05/16/2024

Depending on the type of cancer treatment you're undergoing, you may face an increased risk of infection. Consider employing these preventive measures and communicate any unusual symptoms to your healthcare team at Northwest Medical Specialties.

https://www.cancercare.org/publications/456-preventing_managing_treating_infection_in_adults_living_with_cancer #!preventing-infections

Treating Infection in Adults Living With Cancer is about infections that are a side-effect of many kinds of cancer treatment. Here are ways to address the issue.

05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all moms from the Northwest Medical Specialties team! May you enjoy this special day surrounded by loved ones.

05/10/2024

Throughout your cancer journey, your body will undergo significant changes, and our team is here to support you at every stage. Delve into the importance of relying on your care team for assistance in managing your pain and symptoms here.

For people living with cancer, it is important to talk to your health care team about pain and symptom management

05/08/2024

At Northwest Medical Specialties, we understand that mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, especially for cancer patients. Throughout their cancer journey, patients undergo significant physical and emotional changes. This Mental Health Awareness Month, discover steps you can take to support your loved one in managing their emotional health during and after cancer treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/survivors/caregivers/helping-cancer-survivors-stay-mentally-emotionally-healthy.htm

05/06/2024

From Northwest Medical Specialties, happy National Nurses Week! We're immensely grateful for the exceptional care our nurses provide to our patients and staff alike.

05/03/2024

We are proud to announce Northwest Medical Specialties has achieved recertification from the NCQA - National Committee for Quality Assurance for our unwavering dedication to implementing patient-centered, coordinated care management processes!

The NCQA Recognition program outlines essential components of oncology care. The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCHS) is a model of care that puts patients at the forefront, building better relationships between patients and their clinical care teams.

05/01/2024

When expertise meets empathy, miracles happen. Experience our oncology care - where compassion fuels healing journeys. Call 253-428-8700 or visit https://www.nwmedicalspecialties.com/ to learn more.

Northwest Medical Specialties provides comprehensive cancer treatment for patients in Tacoma. Schedule your appointment today!

04/29/2024

Struggling with anxiety during cancer treatment is normal, but there are ways to find relief. Explore this resource from Cancer Care for practical tips and strategies to ease anxiety and find support.

Periods of anxiety following a cancer diagnosis are natural. Learn how to cope with anxiety from CancerCare.

04/24/2024

Caring for others starts with caring for yourself. Learn how counseling can benefit caregivers in this invaluable post. https://www.cancercare.org/publications/371-how_counseling_can_benefit_caregivers

04/22/2024

From managing side effects to enhancing treatment efficacy, steroids have a vital role in cancer care. Learn more in this informative piece.

Discover the reasons for taking steroids when you have cancer and the possible side effects. Find out what happens when you stop the drugs.

04/19/2024

Cancer can be overwhelming, but incorporating mindfulness into your routine can bring moments of calm. Check out this resource for practical tips on mindfulness practices during treatment.

Cancer relaxation techniques and mind & body practices that can help you cope with the challenges of cancer from CancerCare.

04/18/2024

Meet Sarah Coughlin, ARNP! Sarah Coughlin is Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in breast cancer and general oncology. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology. Sarah enjoys spending time with my family exploring the Pacific Northwest. She enjoyed her experience as a registered nurse but wanted to do more for patients by becoming a provider. She strives to provide compassionate, thorough care to all her patients.

Learn more about Sarah and the team here: https://www.nwmedicalspecialties.com/providers/sarah-coughlin-arnp/

04/17/2024

Finding strength through support: Learn how counseling can help you cope with a cancer diagnosis in this informative article. To learn more about the resources available to you, discuss with Northwest Medical Specialties.

Counseling to cope with a cancer diagnosis with a professional oncology social worker can provide emotional and practical support.