Cancer Center In Las Cruces To Close Nov. 30

Donna Palmer said that when she found out the place she receives her radiation treatment is closing, she felt just as shocked as the day she learned she had breast cancer.

The Southern New Mexico Cancer Center announced Wednesday it is closing Nov. 30, forcing many to seek treatment somewhere else.

“It came as a shock,” said Palmer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in October.

Like many other cancer patients in Las Cruces, Palmer will soon have to deal with new doctors, new treatment and new insurance policies.

Two physicians and 25 employees will be out of a job, while nearly 100 patients will have to receive treatment somewhere else.

“I’ve been treated so well here. I just don’t really know what the future will bring,” Palmer said.

Palmer’s concern is shared by the dozens of other patients who feel they’re being left stranded.

“It’s going to be hard to try to change my trust to another center,” Palmer said.

Others said they are scared of the unknown.

“Right now, I’m so concerned. … I’m so worried,” said Elia Espinoza, another cancer patient. “I’m scared because I know I can find another place where I’m going to get help and all that, but what about the insurance, you know? I don’t know what are going to be the changes now.”

All requests to speak with anyone at the facility were denied and no one employed at the facility say why the cancer center is closing.

An official with Southern New Mexico Cancer Center issued a statement on the facility’s behalf:

“After more than 10 years of providing the Las Cruces community with advanced cancer treatment and care, we have made the difficult decision to close the Southern New Mexico Cancer Treatment Center on November 30, 2011. Our top priority over the next several months is continuing to care for our patients while working with them to ensure a smooth transition to another facility or physician. The physicians and staff of Southern New Mexico Cancer Center want to thank the Las Cruces community for allowing us to care for them and their families over the years. It has been an honor.”

Patients said that having cancer is stressful enough, so switching treatment centers only adds to their concern.

“I feel very reluctant, but I have no choice,” Palmer said. “I have to be treated.”

Although no specifics were given, the Associated Press reported that the decision to close the center is economic and has to do with recent changes in regulation.