The word “cancer” strikes fear into the hearts of patients and their loved ones alike.  It’s  a word that is heard too frequently throughout Hancock County, which has a high rate of the disease. 

Marshall Dodge, RN, understands the anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis and appreciates the rigor of aggressive treatments.   A two-time cancer survivor, Marshall left a successful career in publishing and moved to Surry, Maine to become a full-time nurse.  In addition to taking care of his cows and horses on his “gentleman’s farm,” Marshall cares for hospitalized patients at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital.  “It’s easy for me to empathize with our patients and to view them as individuals,” he says.  “I’ve been there and done that… not once, but twice.”  Marshall’s compassion is a common denominator among Blue Hill Memorial Hospital's nursing team.

Patients at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital benefit from many resources that help ensure the best possible outcomes for cancer patients.  These resources include an outstanding primary care system and diagnostic imaging services that are often the first point of diagnosis, to a broad range of services that help treat the disease and minimize the side-effects of treatment.   Examples include laboratory services, physical and occupational therapy, and chemotherapy services. 

Our patients also benefit from our affiliation with Cancer Care of Maine (CCOM), which like Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, is part of the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems family.  Patients, for example, have access to a CCOM oncologist in Blue Hill, and can turn to their Blue Hill providers for help with scheduling complex surgeries and radiation treatments in Bangor and Brewer.