Glenn D. Spivey, an Army Veteran living in North Carolina, is in treatment for prostate cancer. At 88, it’s not easy for him to drive up I-40 to come to the Durham VA for his treatments. That’s why Durham VA provides cancer treatments at his home, via the National Oncology Program Close to Me Care delivery model.
“My wife is 91 and I’m just not as active as I used to be. The less we have to hit the road, the better,” Spivey shared.
Pictured above, oncology nurse Kate Feeback gives Spivey a hormone medication injection.
Close to Me: Expanding access to VA cancer care
Close to Me was originally intended to bring more comprehensive cancer care to VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics, but Durham VA Hematology and Radiation Oncology Nurse Manager Ryan Palmer saw that some cancer treatments and therapies could be easily provided in Veterans’ homes.
“Even a relatively short drive is a big distance for our elderly Veterans, especially when they are suffering from cancer. For Veterans like Mr. Spivey who aren’t receiving chemotherapy, it makes better sense for us to come to him,” Palmer said.
Spivey’s treatment consists of a shot of Leuprolide, a hormonal medication that prevents his cancer from spreading. The procedure itself is straightforward—an injection in the abdomen every six months.
“I’ve been going to VA since 1996. I like the people at the hospital, but I like getting my care here at the house even better,” he said.
This new approach makes care more accessible to Veterans like Spivey, whose age and mobility difficulties make even visiting local clinics a taxing experience. Veterans living within 45 minutes to an hour of Durham VA’s main facility and whose care doesn’t require more complex treatments are eligible.
“To see this come to fruition is awesome, Palmer said. “This is a great day not only for our service but for our Veterans as well.”
Learn more about VA cancer care
Learn more about VA cancer care and how VA is working to bring cancer care closer to Veterans.
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