For Darlene Lytle, life came to a screeching halt in September of 2021 with one word: cancer.
Though she had no alarming symptoms prior to her diagnosis, a routine colonoscopy – in fact, her very first one – discovered a tumor in her colon. And a follow-up CT scan revealed that the cancer had already spread to her liver.
Disbelief, then devastation
Darlene describes that profound moment: “It was disbelief, and then that devastation that you have with this disease, and you don’t know where you’re going from there.” As a part of our Star Valley Health team, Darlene has held roles as an EMT, surgical tech, and nurse over the years. She’s used to managing crises – but now she was the patient.
Traditional treatment would require a 3-hour drive
Because the cancer was spreading, Darlene was advised to seek out an oncologist to begin chemo – but it would require a long distance trek every month, and it was already the end of October. “We were going to be getting into winter season. I really wasn’t looking forward to a 2-3 hour drive in the wintertime every three weeks.” However, Darlene knew that chemo was offered at Star Valley Health. And through
our telehealth oncology, she’d be able to meet virtually from our infusion center with
a Utah-based oncologist, Dr. Richard Johnson.
Telehealth makes chemotherapy possible without the travel
Darlene has now been receiving her chemo at our infusion center every three weeks. The week of each session she also has a video meeting with Dr. Johnson to review progress and treatments. Dr. Johnson can display her scans on the screen during the meeting, while our infusion nurse is right by Darlene’s side to assist with any physical exams. For Darlene, these virtual meets offer just as much support as an in-person experience.
“Dr. Johnson takes a lot of care in making sure his patients are taken care of. He’s very willing
to take time to answer questions and concerns. He treats us like I feel like he would treat his
own family if he was talking to them.”
The perfect match: receiving chemo in her community
Darlene is currently amid her chemo journey – and recent tests show that the tumors are shrinking! Ever the hero, she’s also continued to work part-time, caring for the needs of others while fighting this enormous battle. For Darlene, receiving chemo in her community has been the perfect match.
“I love being able to be close to home. Our experience has been wonderful.”
To learn more about telehealth oncology at Star Valley Health, ask your provider or contact Angela Turner, infusion nurse, at 307-885-5944.