Brazos Valley Cancer Center

06/03/2026

Recently, Dr. Fleener led a journal club discussion on the New England Journal of Medicine article, “Neoadjuvant Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Resectable Stage III Melanoma.” NEJM Study

The study looks at an exciting advancement in the treatment of resectable stage III Melanoma, evaluating immunotherapy given before surgery using a combination of Opdivo and Yervoy.

Research like this continues to show how quickly cancer care is evolving—and how earlier use of immunotherapy may help improve outcomes for patients.

Even more importantly, it highlights what we value as a team. Journal club is one of the ways we come together to stay current, learn from new data, and think critically about how to best care for our patients.

At the heart of it all is collaboration. Physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, nurses, and our entire care team working together to continuously improve the care we provide.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn together and keep pushing forward for our patients.

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2402604

In phase 1–2 trials in patients with resectable, macroscopic stage III melanoma, neoadjuvant immunotherapy was more efficacious than adjuvant immunotherapy. In this phase 3 trial, we randomly assig...

06/02/2026

Dr. Fleener and Ellain showed up in matching outfits, and honestly, we’re here for it! 😊

From patient care to unplanned coordination, this team just works well together. 💚

A little brightness for your feed today!

06/01/2026

Cancer treatment affects everyone differently, but some side effects are more common than others. Fatigue, nausea, appetite changes, and brain fog can all be part of the journey.

A few reminders:
💙 Rest is good
💙 Small meals can help
💙 Hydration matters

Our team is always here to help patients manage symptoms, feel supported, and improve quality of life during treatment.

05/30/2026

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, yet many people are unaware of the symptoms and risk factors. Blood in the urine, changes in urination, or pelvic pain should never be ignored.

Early detection can make a significant difference.

This month, we recognize the patients, families, and caregivers affected by bladder cancer and encourage everyone to stay informed about their health.

Our team is proud to provide compassionate cancer care close to home. #

05/29/2026

Kacie recently participated in CorePath’s 2-Day National Bone Marrow Clinic Training Program.

Bone marrow biopsies are a critical part of diagnosing and managing complex blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other hematologic conditions. These procedures are often performed right here in our clinic, making precision, comfort, and continual refinement of technique essential for patient care.

Experiences like this reflect our ongoing commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement. By learning alongside leading experts and partners in pathology and procedural education, our team continues to strengthen the care we deliver close to home.

We’re grateful for opportunities that help our clinicians grow and for the shared mission of improving the patient experience through better training, better technique, and better outcomes.

05/29/2026

We are celebrating Lauren on her last day with us at BVCC! 💙

Lauren first joined our team while still attending Texas A&M, working as Dr. Jenkins’ scribe and quickly becoming his trusted sidekick. After graduation, she stepped into a full-time MA role where her skills continued to grow through learning injections, phlebotomy, and so much more.

More importantly, Lauren brought kindness, joy, and a huge heart to our team every single day. She has been such a valuable part of our clinic, and we are better for having known and worked alongside her.

As she leaves us to begin medical school, we know she is going to become an incredible physician and continue making a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you, Lauren, for everything you have brought to our team. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for you! 🎉🩺

05/28/2026

As our clinic has grown and evolved, so has our name and logo — but the story behind our original logo will always remain part of who we are. 💙

This artwork was created by a talented local artist and continues to hang proudly in our office today. Every ribbon on the tree represents a real patient diagnosed in 2018 and reflects their specific cancer type. Together, they tell the story of the lives, journeys, and strength that shaped our clinic and the community we serve.

What began as a logo became something much bigger: a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a story that matters.

We may have a new name, but our mission — and the patients who inspired it — remain at the heart of everything we do. 💙

05/27/2026

Immunotherapy is one of the most important advances in cancer treatment today.

Instead of directly attacking cancer like chemotherapy, immunotherapy helps the body’s own immune system recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively. It works by “releasing the brakes” on the immune system so it can do what it was designed to do—find and destroy abnormal cells.

Benefits of immunotherapy may include:
💙 A targeted approach that supports the immune system
💙 Treatment options for several cancer types, including melanoma, lung cancer, and others
💙 The potential for durable or long-lasting responses in some patients
💙 A treatment approach that is often better tolerated than traditional chemotherapy for some individuals

Every patient’s situation is unique, and immunotherapy is not right for everyone. Our team carefully evaluates each case to determine the best possible treatment plan.

05/26/2026

Just a few of the faces working hard to take care of our patients every day 💙
We’re thankful for this amazing team!

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

In observance of Memorial Day, the Brazos Valley Cancer Center is closed today, Monday, May 25.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.