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By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

VERNON TOWNSHIP — Erin Fucci knows first-hand that Meadville Medical Center’s new Oncology Wellness Institute will take patients by surprise.

“Expect a great time — which sounds silly when you’re having chemotherapy,” the 50-year-old Meadville resident said of the new $12 million facility in Vernon Township that opened for patients Tuesday. “This whole place is wonderful.”

Fucci was one of about a dozen cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in the spacious chemotherapy treatment area that overlooks a wooded area.

“It’s tremendous,” said Fucci, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2006. “The setting is unbelievable. You’re surrounded by trees and green.”

Isolino Silva, 57, of Meadville, a colon cancer patient taking chemotherapy, enjoys the new setting as well.

“It’s a good place to come,” he said. “It’s amazing. There are nice people (on staff). They’ll do anything for you.”

The Oncology Wellness Institute offers a whole-person approach to cancer treatment in one location.

Meadville Medical Center’s previous oncology treatment center at its Liberty Street building didn’t offer radiation therapy. Those patients either had to go to the Regional Cancer Center’s facility on Park Avenue or to an out-of-town hospital.

In addition to offering chemotherapy and state-of-the-art radiation therapy, the new Wellness Institute’s approach is to address other aspects of care, like nutrition and counseling for the patient and the family’s emotional needs, said Valerie Bond, a registered nurse who is director of the institute.