Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center

Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center The Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center elevates the health of communities in California and beyond.

Our program integrates all facets of cancer care in a healing environment centered on the patient.

Survivor tips from lymphoma survivor, Robert Medrano I got my lymphoma diagnosis in 2021 and did my initial treatment at...
01/30/2026

Survivor tips from lymphoma survivor, Robert Medrano
I got my lymphoma diagnosis in 2021 and did my initial treatment at Stanford. Now my treatment is managed by Dr. Mazj. He’s a great doctor. In 2023, he recommended CAR T-cell treatment at UC Davis. I drove there, they took my cells out, it took two weeks for them to modify them to attack the cancer, then they infused them back into me. I stayed in the hospital for a couple of weeks for intense observation. It’s a tough process. Then I also got COVID. I was in the ICU, and I got so tired, I couldn’t tell where I was anymore.

What got me through was my wife’s determination to get me home. I have to give her credit—there were times in the hospital when doctors said I was beyond help. But because of her faithfulness and persistence, she kept urging those doctors not to give up. Our friend also had his church congregation praying for us, which gave us strength during those difficult times.

They let me come home, but I needed to stay isolated. That’s not hard since we live in the foothills with very few people around. We prayed a lot. I read my bible at night, too. With God’s help, I’ve been able to recover.

I also had my animals. We have five dogs including a German Shepherd and a Saint Bernard. I had been training them before I got sick, and when I got home it gave me something to do. The dogs have their own hours, and it got me out of bed to feed them and take care of them. My lab would lay next to me, and that was comforting.

I needed to get my strength back and build up my muscles again, so I used an exercise machine and a stationary bike to get stronger. We live on a hillside with a steep grade, so getting down to the kennels to take care of the dogs is a workout too!

Each morning, I get up, I see the sunrise, see the sunlight creeping up on us over the hills, and I enjoy the freshness of the day. I get to appreciate my animals and the wild animals. All the critters. The coyotes howling at night. Even the rattlesnakes. I appreciate all nature so much.

I used to think being from the big city, going to the shopping center was important. Now, I love what we have, just seeing each day go by, watching the light, noticing the trees grow. We’ve survived the fires, and still have our home, and give thanks to God that we have what we have. I don’t need to have a fancy house. We appreciate the simple things in life.

As we look forward to the completion of the new Enloe Health Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center, we’re also looking ba...
01/27/2026

As we look forward to the completion of the new Enloe Health Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center, we’re also looking back — honoring the people like Dr. Potter who helped lay the foundation.

David C. Potter, M.D., joined the Enloe medical staff in 1981 and devoted more than three decades to caring for cancer and hematology patients with exceptional skill and compassion. Board-certified in medical oncology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Potter completed his training at UCLA Medical Center after earning his medical degree from UCSF School of Medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Potter served in numerous leadership roles that shaped cancer care at Enloe and beyond. He was Chief of Staff from 1995 to 1997, a member of the Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2001, and Medical Director of Enloe Hospice beginning in 2010. He chaired key committees, guided clinical research, and was a stabilizing force at the Enloe Regional Cancer Center—often described as its “rock.”

In 2012, Dr. Potter received the Enloe Physician Legacy Award, recognizing his outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to compassionate care. Colleagues praised him as “the kind of physician we wish we could clone.”

Though now retired, his influence continues to inspire the care we provide and the future we’re building. We move forward with gratitude for Dr. Potter’s enduring contributions and the legacy he helped create.

Calling Cancer Survivors & Caregivers!We’re launching Cancer Center Patient Ambassadors at Enloe Health—a volunteer role...
01/26/2026

Calling Cancer Survivors & Caregivers!

We’re launching Cancer Center Patient Ambassadors at Enloe Health—a volunteer role for those who’ve experienced the cancer journey to support current patients and their caregivers. Ambassadors provide personal connection and encouragement, guidance on supportive care services and help navigating “what’s next.”

Lori Dresler, one of our new Cancer Ambassadors, brings 41 years of experience caring for cancer patients as an oncology nurse. She says,

“I have been volunteering at the infusion center for over a year as a guest services volunteer, and I love it! I look forward to providing more support to our patients with the extra information and companionship we can share as Cancer Center Patient Ambassadors.”

Are you a cancer survivor or cancer caregiver who wants to give back? Your experience can make a real difference. Interested? Contact Rebecca Senoglu at 530-332-3856 or email cancersupport@enloe.org.

Today marks IV Nurses Day, a time to celebrate the skill, compassion, and dedication of infusion nurses everywhere. At E...
01/25/2026

Today marks IV Nurses Day, a time to celebrate the skill, compassion, and dedication of infusion nurses everywhere.

At Enloe Health, these nurses play a vital role in caring for patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatment. Becoming an infusion nurse is no small feat—it requires a one-on-one preceptorship with an experienced nurse for six weeks for non-chemotherapy infusions and up to another six weeks for chemotherapy training.

As we prepare to move into our new Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center, we’re growing our infusion team. Ellen Perdue, RN, manager of Enloe’s Infusion Clinic, shares:

“We appreciate the extra dedication and work it takes for those who are willing to precept. And we appreciate the whole team who makes it possible for those preceptors to do their work. And of course, we are grateful for our new nurses. This is what’s needed to meet the needs of our community and take excellent care of our patients.”

Today, we honor our infusion nurses, their expertise, their commitment and their heart for patients. Special shout out to those currently precepting. Thank you for making a difference every day.

Survivor tips from Karen Finney, breast cancer survivorI was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in September 2...
01/23/2026

Survivor tips from Karen Finney, breast cancer survivor

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in September 2023. What followed was a full year of treatment: chemo, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

The hardest time was right after diagnosis. My advice is don’t search things on the internet. My anxiety was horrible, and I had all kinds of physical symptoms from it. I needed anti-anxiety meds for a while, and I took a lot of deep breaths. Talking to family and friends helped me a lot. Once I knew what I was dealing with and got into treatment, things got better.

Throughout treatment I tried to walk and exercise whenever I could because it made me feel better. I made sure to drink a gallon of water a day. I never felt nauseous and didn’t need the anti-nausea meds, which I know was lucky. I was extremely tired, but never so sick that I couldn’t fix my meals, go to the store or take care of myself.

I’m a very type A personality — everything needs to be done correct and right away — so I approached treatment the same way. I did everything they told me to do, and then some. I had a laminated checklist of daily tasks, and I checked off every item each day. One thing I swear by is icing my hands and feet during Taxol to prevent neuropathy. It worked and I recommend it to anyone going through chemo.

I’ve made some lifestyle changes. I never drank alcohol too much, but now I really don’t drink at all. I’m trying to eat more fruit and vegetables. I exercise a lot and that has really helped my mindset. I haven’t been so good at giving up sweets!

I was in great health when I got diagnosed, so it was a shock. Facing cancer made me confront my own mortality — and that’s the hardest part. But over time, that heaviness started to lift. Now I recognize that life is short, and anything can happen at any time. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.

Honoring Pam Hockett’s Legacy in Cancer CareAs we look forward to the completion of the new Enloe Health Gonzales Compre...
01/22/2026

Honoring Pam Hockett’s Legacy in Cancer Care
As we look forward to the completion of the new Enloe Health Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center, we’re also looking back — honoring people like Pam Hockett, MSN, CNS, OCN, NEA-BC who helped lay the foundation.

Hockett’s journey at Enloe Medical Center began in 1993 as a staff nurse. Over the next decade she rose through the ranks with dedication and vision. By 2003, she was named Vice President of Professional and Outpatient Services, overseeing a broad range of departments including the Cancer Center.

Hockett played a vital role in the design, construction, and grand opening of the Enloe Regional Cancer Center — a project that showcased her talents in both clinical excellence and strategic planning. Her work as Director of Oncology Services and Cancer Center Coordinator laid the groundwork for the supportive, patient-centered care that Enloe Health is known for today.

We move forward with deep gratitude for Pam Hockett’s enduring contributions and the legacy of leadership, compassion, and innovation she helped create.

Worried About the Cost of Cancer Care? Here’s Help.Managing the financial side of cancer treatment can feel overwhelming...
01/21/2026

Worried About the Cost of Cancer Care? Here’s Help.
Managing the financial side of cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Keeping good records is key to taking advantage of tax deductions for cancer-related expenses — the IRS (www.irs.gov) offers free, up-to-date guidance. If organizing paperwork feels daunting, ask a friend or family member for help.

There are also trusted organizations ready to support you. The American Cancer Society, CancerCare, and the Patient Advocate Foundation offer resources like travel assistance, grants for co-pays, and help navigating insurance.

Want more tips? Stop by the Comfort Center & Library at Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center or call 530-332-3856 to request our Finances & Record-Keeping resource sheet by email.

We’d like to give a big shoutout to Wissam Halabi, M.D., Surgical Oncology, Kristen Santoyo, Supervisor, Oncology Accred...
01/20/2026

We’d like to give a big shoutout to Wissam Halabi, M.D., Surgical Oncology, Kristen Santoyo, Supervisor, Oncology Accreditation & Tumor Registry, Haylee Vowles, Lead Oncology Nurse Navigator for colore**al care, and the entire Enloe Health Surgical Oncology Team! Thanks to your expertise and dedication, Enloe has earned NAPRC accreditation, a national recognition for excellence in re**al cancer care. Way to set the standard for our patients and community!

This prestigious recognition from the National Accreditation Program for re**al cancer signifies that our program meets the highest standards for multidisciplinary care, advanced treatment protocols and patient centered outcomes. It reflects our commitment to deliver exceptional care and improve the lives of those we serve.

Congratulations—this achievement is a testament to your skill and unwavering focus on excellence in cancer care!

Enloe Health honors the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Take a moment to reflect on his dream of equality and peac...
01/19/2026

Enloe Health honors the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Take a moment to reflect on his dream of equality and peace. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Welcome to the Team: Scott Ferris, Manager, Cancer Supportive Care ServicesThanks to a generous donation from the Aaron ...
01/16/2026

Welcome to the Team: Scott Ferris, Manager, Cancer Supportive Care Services

Thanks to a generous donation from the Aaron Rodgers Foundation, supportive care services for cancer patients and their families will be expanding at Enloe Health. To lead this important initiative, we’ve created a new position and are excited to welcome Scott Ferris as Manager of Cancer Supportive Care Services.

Scott shared what inspires him about this role:
“Cancer changes lives in ways that go far beyond physical health. It touches the mind, spirit, finances—often every aspect of life for patients and their loved ones. While medical treatments are incredible and constantly advancing, true healing often requires more than medicine or surgery. It requires care, understanding, and support that extend beyond the exam room.”

He added:
“Without the support I’ve received from my family and community during difficult times, I don’t know where I’d be today. Being able to offer similar support to those who might otherwise go without is among the greatest honors I can imagine. They never have to make this journey alone. Whatever barriers they face, our team will do everything in our power to help overcome them.”

Outside of work, Scott has a mostly original 1915 Model T in his garage! He hasn’t driven it to work yet, but we hope to see it soon!

Scott summed up his gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful to Enloe Health and the Aaron Rodgers Foundation for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful mission—supporting individuals and families as they navigate what may be the most challenging journey of their lives.”

We’re thrilled to have you on the cancer team, Scott, and look forward to seeing this mission come to life for our patients and their families.

January is a time for new beginnings!No matter what stage of life you’re in, what we eat and how we move plays a major r...
01/13/2026

January is a time for new beginnings!

No matter what stage of life you’re in, what we eat and how we move plays a major role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Most doctors agree that diet and exercise are essential for cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.

A nutritious diet and exercise routine can:
• Significantly lower cancer risk
• Help maintain strength, reduce complications and improve treatment tolerance
• Impact recurrence risk and overall survival

Start the year by making choices that support your health and well-being.

The Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center offers therapeutic exercise classes and nutritional services to help make the right choice the easy choice.

For details, contact Supportive Care Services at 530-332-3856. Learn more about additional supportive services: www.enloe.org/cancer-education

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month!Did you know that, according to the CDC, HPV (human papillomavirus) affects n...
01/09/2026

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month!

Did you know that, according to the CDC, HPV (human papillomavirus) affects nearly 14 million people in the United States each year? It’s also linked to an estimated 39,000 cancer cases annually, with cervical cancer being the most common. And this isn’t just a concern for those with cervixes, HPV can affect anyone, regardless of gender, and is often spread by people who never even knew they had it.

The good news is that there’s plenty you can do to protect yourself from cancers caused by HPV:

• Consider an HPV vaccine if you’re within the recommended age
• Stay up to date with Pap smears and HPV testing
• Practice safe s*x
• Maintain a strong, healthy immune system

Ready to stay proactive about your cervical health? Visit www.enloe.org/gynecology to learn more.

Address

265 Cohasset Road
Chico, CA
95926

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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