Howard Dunham of Kingfield is surrounded by his "harem" of radiation nurses: Jayne Weinberg of Dresden, Alicia Curtis of Clinton, Barbara Martin of Oakland, Erin Targett formerly of Stratton and in back Isaac Brown of Dresden. (Laura Dunham photo) A Reporter's Notebook

AUGUSTA — No one wants to hear the unthinkable words "you have cancer." However, it was last April when my husband, Howard, found out through a regular check-up that he did indeed have cancer.

Howard was treated by Dr. Richard Batstone, who recently joined the Franklin Urology staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital. After four treatments of hormones Batstone said Howard would have to travel daily to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer for treatments.

I remember that day as we headed for Augusta, our hearts were heavy and many times Howard just said, "I'm not going, I'll live with this cancer." But Dr. Batstone told him if you ignore the treatments you are cutting at least 10 years off your life.

From the first day we walked down that pathway and entered the rear entrance where the radiation treatments were being given, "we were home." Ann Chase, the care coordinator, and her sweet smile just made you feel great immediately. Then there is Kacie Hussey of Pittston, the secretary who when you go though the door made you feel like you are the only one in the world that moment.

Dr. Glenn Healey, radiation oncologist at the Harold Alfond Canter for Cancer Care is pictured with Howard Dunham of Kingfield who he treated for prostate cancer for 43 days. (Laura Dunham photo) We are so lucky to have this new 59,000-square-foot facility right here in Maine thanks to the late Harold Alfond. We just love Dr. Glenn Healy who "always makes us feel special." He runs through the hallways but is always there when you need him. During the 43 days of treatments, we met with Dr. Healy at least once a week and Howard's nurse RN Robin Pellerin of Farmington.

Of course the highlight of the day has been Howard's "harem": Erin Targett, formerly of Stratton whom we have known since a child; Barbara Martin, of Oakland; and Alicia Curtis, of Clinton —all radiation therapists and always meet Howard with great smiles and hugs as they take him into one of the two linear accelerators for treatment.

The machine delivers high energy radiation to the affected parts. Patients at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer are treated with $8.9 million of the very latest cancer fighting technology.

It's such a homey atmosphere in your own little sitting room where you can go out on the deck and view the beautiful gardens, sit and put together a puzzle, or enjoy a snack from your own refrigerator with hot and cold drinks. In the center of the waiting room is a beautiful huge fish tank that was a gift from Harold and Bebe Alfond's housekeeper Alice Emery.

Barbara Martin said that she thoroughly enjoys working at the Cancer Center, "The best part is getting to know the family of the cancer victim," said Barbara.

The best part for Howard and I, has been making so many friends that face the same problem. One of people waiting for treatment was Bob Carl, a former Sugarloafer who had lived at the resort during the Ed Rogers and Red Stallion days.

Then there was Gordon and Sharon Corson who owned a home on Poplar Steam in Carrabassett Valley. Gordon finished his treatments and this week we said our goodbyes and then they headed for Baja, Mexico for the winter.

Every day there are about 80 patients that enter the radiation portion of the Harold Alfond Cancer Center.

Thelma Cyr of Kingfield traveled to the cancer center for 36 days and is now a breast cancer survivor. "The center is out of this world. I remember Cis Stanley would take me and she is so small she would curl up on the couch for a nap and the nurses would come out and cover her up," Cyr said.

Lorraine Savage, also of Kingfield, continues to have her breast cancer checkups there, "It's a great place," said Savage.

Howard and I have decided that it's probably the only place we know that after treatments end the first of December we will be "going back just to visit our new family."

It has also been great living in a small community where "people really care." Many days our friends and relatives accompanied Howard on his 120-mile a day trip for which I am thankful.

So if you get that dreaded sentence spoken to you, be thankful that we have such a wonderful place to go for treatment in the State of Maine and the best possible people to care for you.