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Tidwell Cancer Treatment Center Announces Breakthrough In Treatment

Julie Bercik

Story Created: Apr 2, 2008 at 7:05 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 2, 2008 at 7:05 PM CDT

The Tidwell Cancer Treatment Center has helped cancer patients for years.

From providing treatment to being a shoulder to cry, the center is always there for its patients.

Today the center proudly announced a break through in breast cancer treatment.

Behind this door is a state of the art piece of equipment. The first of its kind in the south east, and it's here at the Tidwell Cancer Treatment Center.

Mariann Turner had a long talk with god when she was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer.

"I promised him as long as he kept me strong, I would do what I could do and not use it as an excuse,” said Turner.

It's been a long battle, but it's getting easier thanks to a piece of equipment.

"To be able to just function without having to through up every few minutes or not be able to sleep..” said Turner.

The AccuBoost delivers treatment in a non-invasive way. Instead it use a digital machine and an radiation device mounted on the x-ray machine.

"It's so much more accurate because we're actually seeing what we're delivering the patient's treatment to,” said Dr. Jack Tidwell.

The machine also allow treatment at multiple angles.

"We can treat top to bottom, side to side, angle it,” said Tidwell.

This for allows less damage and minimizes side effects.

"Hopefully decreasing side effects and decreasing local toxicity as far as fibrosis and skin reaction from the radiation,” said Bruce Taylor, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for AccuBoost.

The best part about the machine, it applies little to no pressure on the breast.

"It's fabulous. There isn't' that deep compression where it really is uncomfortable. This is very comfortable, and before you know it your treatment has been complete. It's just great!” said Turner.

Today was a milestone for Mariann Turner, it was her last treatment on the machine. She starts radiation tomorrow.