Finding Strength Close to Home at Huggins Hospital’s Cancer Care & Infusion Center: TINA MAXFIELD’S STORY

In February 2024, Tina Maxfield, of Wolfeboro, received a diagnosis that would change her life: ovarian cancer. The news came at a time when her world was already heavy – her beloved husband, Chip Maxfield, was battling a terminal illness and would be unable to be there with her through treatment.

What could have been an overwhelming and isolating experience was made bearable – hopeful, even – thanks to the care she received at Huggins Hospital’s new Cancer Care & Infusion Center and the support from her friends and family. “I was very grateful I could drive across town and have Huggins Hospital staff take care of me,” Tina shared. “I had so many friends and family that were really supportive, offering to drive me to appointments far away if needed. I was happy to say that I didn’t need to go far.”

The Cancer Care & Infusion Center opened its doors in April of 2025 to provide expert oncology services in a local and friendly environment.

“Being able to receive chemotherapy right here in our community was amazing,” said Tina. “The nurses would explain everything they were giving me for chemo and for supportive medications such as nausea treatment. I was so thankful.”

“We were happy to be able to care for Tina close to her home so she could rest soon after finishing her treatments,” said Elisabeth Costigan, Huggins Hospital Cancer Care & Infusion Center Nurse Practitioner. “Staying in touch with Tina in between her treatments allowed us to provide her guidance with any side effects she may have encountered. It was an honor sharing in the care of Tina with our entire team. We developed a trusting relationship which allowed us to provide her with the utmost care. Tina remained very positive throughout and was an inspiration to all those around her.”

Throughout her treatment, Tina told herself she would persevere. “I was determined,” Tina said. “It is my intention to keep my positive attitude because I truly believe it will help me heal.”

In a poignant twist of fate, Chip passed away the week before Tina rang the bell at Huggins Hospital to mark the end of her chemotherapy. The moment was bittersweet, an emotional crescendo of grief and triumph. “I was so relieved to ring that bell,” Tina recalled. “Now I am in the healing process. It takes time and it is difficult to tell how much is the chemo and how much is the grief.”

Tina continues to heal, supported by friends, family and the compassionate team at Huggins Hospital. She hopes her story will encourage others to seek care close to home and to lean on the strength of their community. She has offered to be a resource for others who are experiencing cancer diagnoses and treatment. “Huggins Hospital’s staff and my friends and family are a big part of the reason I’m able to get through this process,” she said. “They were all amazing and I would want people to know they have access to great cancer care at Huggins Hospital.”

For more information about Cancer Care at Huggins Hospital, please call 603.569.7597 or visit https://www.hugginshospital.org/services/cancer-care.

 

Pictured is Tina Maxfield ringing the bell in Huggins Hospital’s Cancer Care & Infusion Center, signifying the end of her chemotherapy treatment.