Dr. Lillian Love, MD is an Oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. She practices at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, she understands the unique needs of older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses and is committed to working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions, creating a personalized treatment plan. She strives to provide expert medical care for common cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia.
Dr. Lillian Love, MD is a medical oncologist in Fort Myers, FL, and has over 50 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a dedicated experience to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of Maryland At Baltimore in 1974 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Love is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (239) 434-2622 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Lillian Love provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Lillian Love is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Lillian Love is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive oncological care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to create personalized treatment plans for common cancers, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers not only the disease but also the patient's overall well-being, goals, and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Lillian Love can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Lillian Love provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Anal and Rectal Cancer: For seniors diagnosed with anal or rectal cancer, a personalized treatment plan combining surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy can often lead to successful outcomes and minimize disruption to daily routines.
- Melanoma: Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that, when caught early, can often be successfully treated, helping you maintain your active lifestyle.
- Gallbladder Cancer: If you or a loved one is diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, a cancer in the organ that helps digest fats, it's important to know that treatments are available to manage symptoms and extend quality of life.
- Myeloproliferative Disorders: Myeloproliferative disorders are blood cancers where the bone marrow makes too many blood cells, often leading to symptoms like fatigue and an enlarged spleen, but with proper medical management, seniors can often maintain a good quality of life.
- Colorectal Cancer: While a colorectal cancer diagnosis can be challenging, modern medicine offers various treatment options designed to improve a senior's comfort, extend their life, and support their overall well-being.
- Anemia: If you have anemia, it means your blood has fewer than normal red blood cells, causing fatigue and potentially impacting your daily activities; however, your doctor can create a plan that might include medication or nutritional adjustments to help you feel better and stronger.
- Lung Cancer: For seniors diagnosed with lung cancer, focused treatment plans tailored to their needs can help manage symptoms, improve energy levels, and enhance their ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Cancer: Cancers affecting the gallbladder or bile ducts are serious but treatable; doctors create a personalized plan using surgery, medication, or other therapies to manage symptoms and extend life.
- Bladder Cancer: A diagnosis of bladder cancer can be concerning, but advancements in treatment mean that many people can live well with this condition, often maintaining a good quality of life with appropriate medical care and support.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): While a diagnosis of CMLa type of blood cancercan be concerning, many people live long and productive lives thanks to medications that manage the condition and its symptoms.
- Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is a disease where cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably, but with modern treatments, many men can manage it and maintain a good quality of life.
- Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in the plasma cells in your bone marrow, and while it can be serious, treatments like medication and supportive care help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Lillian Love offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: As part of your overall cancer care, a bone marrow biopsy provides valuable information about the health of your blood-forming tissues, informing decisions about treatment and ongoing monitoring.
- Mammotome® Breast Biopsy: To help manage potential breast cancer, a Mammotome® biopsy allows doctors to collect a tissue sample from a suspicious area in the breast with less discomfort than a traditional biopsy, ensuring a more comfortable experience for seniors.
- Bone Marrow Aspiration: As part of a comprehensive cancer evaluation in older adults, a bone marrow aspiration provides valuable insights into the overall health of the blood system, informing treatment strategies.
- Calypso® Targeting: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, Calypso® Targeting uses real-time tracking during radiation treatment to adjust the radiation beams, maximizing their impact on the tumor in older adults.
- Colon and Rectal Surgery: This surgical procedure plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing colorectal cancer by allowing for thorough examination of affected tissue and the removal of cancerous cells.
- Palliative Care for Cancer: Palliative care helps seniors with cancer manage pain and other symptoms, improving their quality of life.
- Thoracoscopic Excision of Lung With Robotic Assistance: Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery allows for the precise removal of lung tumors in older adults, leading to a potentially quicker recovery and improved quality of life.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Lillian Love is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After a personalized treatment plan combining surgery and chemotherapy, a senior felt renewed energy and was able to resume their beloved hobby of knitting, a source of comfort and joy.
- With expert guidance on managing melanoma, a senior couple regained their confidence in enjoying outdoor activities, feeling secure in their home.
- With the oncology's support, a senior was able to resume their beloved weekly bridge game, a social activity that significantly boosted their spirits and sense of community.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Lillian Love:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Lillian Love and her team are medical oncologists, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play important roles in cancer care, often working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Love will be a comprehensive consultation. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans to gather complete information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Love will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, partnering with you in this process.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Love considers a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more significant in treatment decisions. Her practice specializes in creating personalized plans for seniors, adapting treatments to be effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to effectively manage these side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illnesses like cancer, and can be provided alongside treatment at any stage. Hospice care is comfort care for when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses your body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the job. It's a groundbreaking approach to cancer care that is often well-tolerated.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, depending on the cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Love works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with blood tests and biopsies, avoiding immediate treatment like surgery or radiation. This approach is often used when the cancer is unlikely to cause problems, minimizing side effects.
4371 Veronica S Shoemaker Blvd
Fort Myers FL 33916
Phone: (239) 434-2622
Dr. Lillian Love, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1215928841
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Oncology like Dr. Lillian Love are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.