I Love My Community: Amanda Spence
Amanda Spence of Rancho Cordova, California, is a lead radiation therapist at Adventist Health Cancer Care in Lodi. She recently shared thoughts about her career with HERLIFE Magazine.
Q: What does your job detail?
A: I am the lead radiation therapist at the Cancer Center here in Lodi. I have worked at this cancer center since we treated our very first patient in February 2021. I have worked as radiation therapist since 2010. Being a radiation therapist allows me to help patients through their cancer journey. The patient begins with a consultation with the doctor and then proceeds to imaging and treatment at the cancer center. As radiation therapists, we create the immobilization devices for the patients, conduct the CT scans for setup, and complete the treatments daily. Our job is a very precise one that treats patients with submillimeter precision.
Q: How do you support your patients?
A: I love caring for patients going through cancer treatments because I enjoy being a support to them during such a difficult time. I try to be a positive force for each patient. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I also feel like I can provide unique insight to my patients as both a caregiver and a patient.
Q: How long have you lived here?
A: I moved to northern California almost five years ago. I previously lived in upstate New York. I truly love northern California and have greatly enjoyed caring for cancer patients in the Lodi community for almost five years. The Lodi community is filled with kind individuals that have truly valued this cancer center being added to the community.
Q: How are you inspired to serve the community?
A: I enjoy being part of any volunteer activities that Adventist Health Lodi Memorial has. In addition, I enjoy volunteering at a cancer camp, Camp Wieser. The goal of this camp is to provide respite and peace for adults battling cancer. I am also always looking for new places to serve the community, especially if there are activities that my son could be part of.
Q: What gives you joy?
A: My 12-year-old son, a beautiful sunny day, my friends and family, getting ready for a fun trip, getting coffee with my friends after a long run. I love to travel, especially with my son, showing him the world. You will frequently find me running with my friends! I recently qualified for the Boston Marathon! I also love hot yoga, hiking, paddleboarding and playing with my dogs. I am usually up for doing anything active.
Q: What are your goals?
A: To run in all six major marathons around the world, to travel to a new foreign country each year with my son until he graduates, and to learn to scuba dive.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
A: I am proud that I decided to quit my job as a pharmaceutical sales representative of five years to go back to school for radiation therapy. It was a very difficult decision to walk away from a nice salary to go back to school full-time. But I am 100 percent glad I did, 17 years later!
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: “When they go low, we go high.” I believe in trying to make a positive out of situations even when they may be challenging. As an individual who treats cancer patients all day long, I want to try to bring joy to these individuals even in times that it might be hard to find the silver lining.
Q: Favorite foods?
A: I love sushi, burgers and Oreos.
