Marking 10 years of the Nassif Radiation Center through the eyes of its first patient — and now its executive director.
Today, Andrea Watkinson serves as the executive director of Cancer Services for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids, which includes oversight of UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center. Ten years ago, however, when the radiation center first opened, she wasn’t just walking through the doors as a team member, but as the very first patient in the new facility.
“The Best Place” for Treatment
In June 2015, at just 29-years-old, Watkinson, who was the clinical services manager for the Nassif Community Cancer Center at the time, was diagnosed with myxofibrosarcoma, a type of cancer that begins in the connective tissue.
“I developed a lump above my left elbow, but I thought it was just a lipoma, or a harmless fatty tumor,” said Watkinson. “For someone my age at the time, that type of cancer is really unexpected.”
She underwent surgery to remove the tumor at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in August 2015. She was eligible to start radiation at another facility right away, but knowing the Nassif Radiation Center would be opening soon, she chose to wait.
“I knew I was at home at St. Luke’s and knowing the people and the kind of care we provide, I knew it was the best place for me,” said Watkinson. “I asked my medical oncologist if I could wait until the radiation center opened and I was the first patient consulted there in October that year.”
A Team She Could Trust
Being a member of the team, Watkinson knew firsthand how the Community Cancer Center strives to coordinate care for each patient and make the cancer journey as seamless as possible. Now she was experiencing it from the patient perspective.
“The entire experience was one of comfort and compassion. When treatment could have been overwhelming, they made it feel manageable, and offered reassurance, clear explanations and genuine kindness every step of the way,” she said. “Seeing how they interacted with each other, from the perspective of a patient, reinforced the trust I already had in them. I knew they’d take care of me.”
St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center: A Milestone in Cancer Care
When putting her executive director hat back on, and reflecting on the radiation center’s grand opening, Watkinson takes great pride in what it meant for cancer patients in our community.
“It was a milestone in cancer care. It brought advanced technology into our health system and completed the continuum of care for patients,” she said. “Patients were now able to complete their cancer journey under one roof with chemotherapy, radiation and support services all in one place.”
A Decade of Growth and a Bright Future Ahead
Watkinson also reflects on how far things have come since that grand opening, and how it’s led to a tenured team on the cutting edge of radiation therapy.
“The center has grown tremendously in size and capability. New technologies have made treatments more precise, faster and gentler on patients,” she said. “And the fact that so many team members have been here for so long speaks volumes and also benefits our patients in terms of continuity, expertise and the bonds they form. That kind of stability builds confidence and reassures patients they’re in the best of hands.”
Looking ahead, Watkinson is excited to build on what’s already been accomplished and to continuing to provide exceptional cancer care.
“In the next decade, I see the center continuing to expand its reach and embrace new technology with more personalized treatments, even greater precision, and integration of advanced data and imaging,” she said. “Beyond the technology, I see it growing as a hub of hope and healing, where patients continue to find not only exceptional care but also compassion and community support.”
Moving Mountains for Patients
Going back once more to her time as a patient, Watkinson shared two memories that fill her with gratitude – not only as someone who was on the receiving end of care at the Nassif Radiation Center, but with gratitude for being a part of the team that provides that care to the community.
“I’ll never forget that first consult. When the provider left, our social worker Nancy [Yeisley] came in and said, ‘I’m not going to ask how you’re doing, because I know today has been tough. But you know we are here for you for whatever you need,’” shared Watkinson. “In that moment, even though I knew all patients meet with the social workers, I felt such a wave of relief. Through the tears and fear of the unknown, I knew this team would move mountains for me.
“Fast forward to the last day of treatment, all my coworkers were there when I walked out of treatment for the final time. They were cheering, and there were balloons and noisemakers galore. I was instantly brought to tears,” she continued. “And they celebrate with every patient at the end of treatment. It’s not just the building or the technology that makes the radiation center special. It’s the people, their dedication, the trust they inspire and the comfort they provide.”
St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. To learn more about the radiation center and cancer care at the Community Cancer Center, visit communitycancercenter.org.
