Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute
2220 Canterbury, Suite 150
Park in parking lot D and use Dreiling/Schmidt entrance
At The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, our medical team has the expertise to handle even the most complex and challenging cases. We work with other providers and your local hospital/clinic to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care – with support services for you and your family.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they experience many emotions and concerns – not to mention questions. This challenging journey requires the guiding hands of caring experts who can help chart an individualized course of treatment with compassion and hope.
We value each patient as unique and special, and at our comprehensive cancer center, we are here to serve – providing customized treatments while also offering support for overall emotional and physical well-being.
The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute is designed to offer the full breadth of cancer treatment center services in one location, close to home. We have our own infusion bays, laboratory, radiology suite and pharmacy to provide the following care, services and more:
The highly experienced oncology team at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute takes an all-encompassing approach, working closely with you to create a treatment plan you can feel fully confident in, understanding every detail, every step of the way. We know fighting cancer is challenging, so we strive to make the experience as comfortable as possible by offering expert guidance, reassurance and hope, all while improving quality of life.
For information specific to breast cancer diagnostics at HaysMed, visit our Breast Care Center.
When your referring physician asks us to see you, we will contact you regarding an appointment. We also accept self-referrals. You may call us directly for a consultation with one of our cancer specialists.
Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute: 785-623-5774 or 1-800-248-0073 Ext. 5774
Radiation Oncology: 785-623-5774
Medical Oncology/Hematology: 785-623-5774
Oncology Services Manager: 785-623-5774
Some information will need to be filled out prior to your appointment. These forms will be mailed to you for your convenience. You will then bring this information with you to your appointment.
Second Opinions: If you are receiving your care at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute and you wish to have a second opinion, we can make those accommodations for you. If you are coming to the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute for a second opinion, we will provide you and your doctor with our best medical opinion.
To request an appointment please fill out the form below or call us at 785-623-5774.
The cancer center at Hays Medical Center was named in recognition of significant donations received from the Leo J. and Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust and from the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation. During their lifetimes, Leo and Albina Dreiling were gracious and benevolent people. Bob and Pat Schmidt, too, are kind and generous people who have shared themselves and their good fortune with countless worthwhile projects. Both families are extremely proud to know how many people their gifts have helped over the years, with generations more life saving work to come.
For more information about oncology care, visit our Health Library.
At the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, we provide medical oncology, hematology and outpatient infusion care. Medical oncology is the use of medications to treat cancer and prevent the spread of the disease. Your medical oncologist will coordinate and oversee your cancer care and treatment, which may include chemotherapy, infusion services (such as hydration), hormones, and/or pain management.
The medical oncology department also participates in the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA). By participating with the MCA, we provide our patients with access to the latest in clinical trials and research.
Your medical oncologist will lead your multidisciplinary cancer care by:
Your medical oncologist may prescribe chemotherapy as a part of your treatment. Chemotherapy is used to help eliminate cancer cells and/or prevent them from multiplying in the body. Chemotherapy may be administered by infusion, in one of our private or semi-private infusion bays or via pill (oral chemotherapy).
Hematology is the study of blood, the blood-forming organs, and non-cancerous blood disorders. Hematology includes diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of blood diseases that affect the production of blood and its components, such as blood cells, hemoglobin, blood proteins, and the mechanism of coagulation.
At our on-site pharmacy, oncology-trained pharmacists dispense chemotherapy and other medications required in your medical oncology treatment plan. To enhance patient safety, the pharmacy uses advanced technologies, such as computerized ordering systems and bar-coded medications. The pharmacy is unable to fill personal prescriptions.
For the convenience of patients receiving treatment at the cancer center, laboratory testing services are performed at the HaysMed Outpatient Lab Draw Station located at the south end of the HaysMed Family Medicine at 2509 Canterbury. Hours are:
Our goal is to make our patients as comfortable as possible during their chemotherapy treatment. We give anti-nausea medications by IV and mouth. We have dedicated treatment rooms with recliners and televisions. If you have a computer, you can feel free to bring it as we have wireless access available. To contact the Lab, call 785-623-5686.
For more information or to make an appointment at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, call 785-623-5774.
Radiation oncologists work in conjunction with medical oncologists and/or surgeons to develop the best, comprehensive cancer treatment plan for each patient. With our staff of highly skilled radiation therapists, nurses, medical physicists, and dosimetrists, we are always available to answer any questions that patients and family members may have regarding treatment.
Radiation oncology is localized therapy used in the treatment of many types of cancer. Treatments use high-energy radiation to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. Patients at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute are offered a full range of radiation services, including external beam radiation therapy.
The radiation oncology department utilizes the services of a medical physicist, certified medical dosimetrists, registered radiation therapists, an oncology-certified nurse, and support staff including a full-time licensed social worker.
Using IGRT, the radiation oncology team has the ability to perform CT scans or high quality X-rays directly on the treatment table, in order to identify how organs or patient positions may move from day to day.
Even the most minor positional changes, caused by things such as intestinal gas, bladder filling, or everyday minor positional changes can be identified through IGRT. By pinpointing the exact location of the tumor or affected organ, the radiation plan can be precisely targeted, resulting in more accurate treatment with lower radiation doses to the normal surrounding tissues.
SBRT is a technique used to deliver very high doses of radiation to small areas. This technique is predominantly used to treat early stage, small lung cancers without involvement of lymph nodes. SBRT treatment can be utilized in liver, brain, spinal masses and brain metastasis. Results for this technique are excellent. Patients who qualify are given 3-5 treatments, and treatment time takes less than 30 minutes. This technique is used in patients who are not surgical candidates.
Vision RT is an advanced 3D mapping system that tracks the patient’s position and movement during treatment. This precise localization of the treatment area provides precise radiation treatments that spare more normal tissue while delivering more cancer-killing radiation that would not otherwise be possible.
The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute offers the latest way to treat breast and prostate cancer for its patients who qualify: hypofractionated radiation. This treatment reduces the number of treatments to half the standard treatment time, involving three to four weeks of radiation rather than the traditional six to nine weeks of radiation. This treatment is proven to be just as effective – with fewer side effects.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 785-623-5774.
Comprehensive cancer care goes much further than treating physical ailments. How we support you matters a great deal, too. Facing cancer is a complicated challenge, and at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, our patients don’t have to face it alone. That’s why we offer a variety of comprehensive support services to help patients live well and stay close to home – and close together – even while fighting your cancer.
The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute provides a designated Social Worker and specially trained support services team to meet with you and your family throughout your care.
To help you make informed decisions and become an active part of your healthcare, you will receive education about your cancer, your treatment and the management of symptoms and side effects during your visits with us. You may also receive cancer-related educational materials that are used to reinforce and supplement information provided to you by your healthcare team.
We maintain a lending library located in the lobby that is stocked with a hand-picked selection of educational and inspirational books, magazines, and pamphlets. For more details, ask your caregiver at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.
We also organize lectures, seminars and events for patients and the general public on many cancer-related topics throughout the year.
Public transportation in Hays is available via the ACCESS Van. For assistance, call 785-628-1052.
Cancer Council of Ellis County: The Cancer Council of Ellis County (CCEC) provides services to individuals and families affected by cancer. The CCEC provides financial assistance, nutritional supplements, equipment loans, and educational materials. The Cancer Council relies upon volunteers to keep the office open, to work in service areas, to work with support groups, and to help with fundraising. They can be reached at 785-625-6653.
Image Boutique for Wigs & Accessories: Visit the Image Boutique in the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute for free wigs, hats and turbans for patients experiencing hair loss during and after cancer treatments. Through the generosity of donors, we have a large selection from which to choose and will assist patients with fittings. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit with a staff member at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.
LiveWell is an eight-week exercise program designed for people living with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart or vessel disease, heart failure and/or obesity. Working with your doctor, our fitness team designs a safe and effective exercise plan to meet your needs. Along with exercise, the program gives you the knowledge and tools you need to live as healthy a life as possible.
Massage Therapy can do wonders for your body and your health. Once considered an indulgence, massage is now recognized as an effective treatment for many health conditions.
Good nutrition is important for patients with cancer. Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after cancer treatment can help you feel better and stay stronger. Finding and treating nutrition problems early on can help the patient gain weight or prevent weight loss, decrease problems with treatment, and promote recovery.
Cancer and cancer treatments may affect taste, smell, appetite, and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients from food. Patients who are well nourished may have a better prognosis or chance of recovery and a better quality of life, so it’s important to optimize nutrition. Cancer treatments are simply more effective when the patient is well nourished and has enough calories and protein in the diet.
Because we know that healthy eating habits and good nutrition can help patients deal with the effects of cancer and its treatment, our care team at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute routinely assesses the nutritional status of all patients to decide if nutritional counseling could be helpful. HaysMed has certified nutritional counselors on staff who can help patients who require nutritional support.
Our Lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) program is for the management of patients with lymphedema. Click here for details.
Pastoral Care provides spiritual partnership in the healing process
HaysMed’s hospice and palliative care team offers compassionate care – including life-extending medical care, as well as pain and symptom management – for people of all ages facing a life-limiting illness.
To learn more about all of our services or to schedule a consultation, contact the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed by calling 785-623-5774.
These are encouraging times as new treatments and cures are being developed every day. Through our participation in the Masonic Cancer Alliance for cancer clinical research trials, the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed offers the latest diagnostic testing, treatment and therapies, right here in western Kansas.
Based on what’s appropriate for your unique cancer diagnosis, you can choose to participate in clinical trials for state-of-the-art breast cancer treatments. It also gives you the chance to help fuel research that can improve cancer care for generations to come.
Clinical trials offer the current standard of treatment care plus a new, potentially more promising approach. It is part of our commitment to always provide additional options when there is an opportunity to do more.
Clinical trials are research studies that test new medications and treatments. By joining a clinical trial, patients contribute to the medical knowledge that may lead to improved cancer care not only for themselves, but also for future patients battling the disease. Every standard chemotherapy drug that we have available to us today was at one time in a clinical trial.
Care for patients in clinical trials is provided in the same manner that standard treatment is provided. Physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals keep you informed about your treatment and provide assistance every step along the way.
Sometimes just getting out of bed and facing the day for the cancer patient feels like a herculean task. Even still, many patients want to do even more and are willing to participate in helping with new discoveries. They are ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things. Clinical trials are one way you can be part of the cure.
Participation in clinical research is strictly voluntary. The research team explains the trial in detail and answers all your questions, so you, your family and your care team can make informed decisions about whether a clinical trial is right for you. If you choose to participate in a clinical trial, you will need to sign a consent form – but you will be free to change your mind and withdraw from the trial at any time.
All clinical trials are closely monitored by the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. There are four phases in a clinical trial:
Phase I is the first step in testing a new treatment approach in people. It determines the
drug’s safety, dosage, how patients tolerate it and whether they have side effects. Phase I usually involves small groups of patients.
Phase II tests the safe dosage of a drug or treatment on a larger group of patients.
Researchers define side effects, learn how the drug is used in the body and discover how it helps the condition.
Phase III compares the new treatment to a commonly used treatment. Researchers determine if the new treatment is better than, the same, or worse than a standard treatment. This phase
may involve hundreds or even thousands of patients at multiple centers.
Phase IV takes place once the new treatment is approved for standard use and put on the market. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in joining a clinical trial.
Talk to your doctor if you are interested in joining a clinical trial. To contact us at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, call 785-623-5774.
Recognizing the journey of those touched by cancer, the “Leaves of Life” at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute is a magnificent oak and metal wall sculpture with brass leaves engraved with the names of those who have journeyed with cancer. The purpose of Leaves of Life is to honor the memory of loved ones and to celebrate living survivors of cancer.
Funds raised through the Leaves of Life assist patients by helping to provide the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute with new and replacement equipment, programs and services.
Leaves of Life was created in part through the generosity of family and friends in loving memory of Lanita (Karst) Smith. Lanita worked as the Director of Medical/Surgical and Inpatient Oncology Services at HaysMed for many years. Lanita passed away in the fall of 2007 from breast cancer. Lanita’s dedication to her family and to her work even through her last days shall live in our hearts forever. Lanita’s legacy is one of service and love. She made a positive difference to so many.
To purchase a leaf: A gift of $250, in acknowledgment of an individual will be recognized by engraving the name on a brass leaf and placing the leaf on the Leaves of Life wall. To purchase a leaf, call 785-623-5774.
Commemorating a special person with a gift to the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute provides a lasting tribute to a family member, a friend, or loved one and contributes valuable support for the future of cancer care.
A gift “in honor of” someone is usually made while that person is living, often for milestone occasions such as treatment completion, a birthday, major accomplishment, recuperation or retirement.
A gift “in memory of” someone is the term used when the namesake is deceased.
All these gifts are referred to as commemorative.
Direct donations may be given to the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute without the purchase of a leaf or any form of commemoration – simply to give. Contributions are used for new and replacement equipment programs and services.
In late 2007, local artist James Mages created this sculpture to honor and commemorate those who have journeyed with cancer. The sculpture captures not only the life and vitality of those for whom it stands, but also represents the new life that is bestowed on others through the kind act of giving.
Leaves of Life is on permanent display in the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.
For more information about Leaves of Life or the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute, to make a donation or to make an appointment, call 785-623-5774.
The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute (Oncology) is located at:
2220 Canterbury Drive, Suite 150
Hays, KS 67601
For more information or to make an appointment, call 785-623-5774.
The Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed is certified in quality cancer care and excellence.
