a m in this issue: caring what is new at the cancer institute institute... · caring what is new at...

Spring 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

Survivor Focus

Calendar of Events

What is New at The Cancer InstituteCaringforCancer

A L E X I A N A D V A N C E D M E D I C I N E

Alexian Brothers Medical CenterSt. Alexius Medical CenterAlexian Brothers Behavioral Health HospitalAlexian Rehabilitation Hospital

The Cancer Institute was the recipient oflots of love for Valentine’s Day this year.Rosie Paparella works in the

Enlightenment Project Coordinator atRoosevelt University. They work toincrease student interest in communityinvolvement by volunteering for non-profitorganizations. So Rosie had the students and PsiChi, the national honor society for psychologymajors, sign valentines and purchase cancer tomake a special day for patients being treatedwith cancer. We were showered with over 100 valentines and candy to give to both ourinpatient and outpatient depts. at AlexianBrothers and St. Alexius Medical Centers. Many,many thanks to this group for being ValentineAngels to our cancer patients.

Dr. Jay Kyp-Johnson, school psychologist for Prospect High Schoolagain this year coordinated efforts to make fleece blankets for ourcancer patients. They did this to raise money for the American Cancer

Society as a communityservice project for thestudents. The blanketswere given to patientsat both our medicalcenters who werereceiving radiationtreatment, staying onour inpatient units aswell as those in ouroutpatient departments.Each blanket came with a copy of the note that the studentssigned with a message encouragingthe fighting spirit to prevail.

Thank You to These Amazing Students!

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Welcome to The Cancer Institute at Alexian Brothers!!!!

We would like to welcome George Berberian, M.D., F.A.C.S., Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon and Rebecca Johnson, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor to The Cancer Institute at Alexian Brothers Health System.

Dr. George Berberian attendedNew York University School ofMedicine and completed hisgeneral surgery residency trainingat NYU Medical Center. He wenton to complete a 3 yearcardiothoracic surgery fellowshipat UMDNJ-Robert Wood JohnsonSchool of Medicine. During thistime, Dr. Berberian was trained

in performing VATS lobectomies and transhiatalesophagectomies. He also had extensive exposure tocomplex cardiac surgery, including high risk coronaryrevascularization and valvular heart surgery. More recentlyhe completed certification in robotic thoracic surgicaltraining. Dr. Berberian is board certified by the AmericanBoard of Thoracic Surgery. His philosophy of care is toprovide expert and compassionate care to patients.

Rebecca Johnson is a boardcertified Genetic Counselor. Shegraduated from Tulane Universitywith a BS in Cell and MolecularBiology and a Masters of Science inHuman Genetics. She then receivedher Masters of Science in GeneticCounseling from the University ofMinnesota. Rebecca holds a specialinterest in identifying individuals

who may be a higher risk of developing cancer andhelping them use genetic information to be proactive withthis health. Her time is split between the Cancer Instituteand the Pediatric Specialty Group where she is a prenatalgenetic counselor. At the Cancer Institute she specializesin providing comprehensive cancer genetic consultationsto individuals and families with a history of cancer. This involves cancer risk assessment, psychosocial support and screening recommendations.

CALLING OUT TO ALLALEXIAN BROTHERS HEALTH SYSTEM CANCER SURVIVORS!

Join us as we celebrate YOU! At our annual CANCER SURVIVOR DAY CELEBRATION

Come out for a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game 1999 S Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, IL

On Saturday, June 9, 2012 • Game starts at 6:00pmWe will honor our survivors with a celebratory lap prior to the game

(Meet at 5:15 outside left field fence sidewalk near Party Deck)And a Survivor will throw out the first pitch

Each Cancer Survivor can request up to 5 tickets for FREE and each ticket holder will receive $5 in Boomer Bucks to spend. This is a very popular event and many times tickets go unclaimed. So, please take a moment to decideexactly how many you need and reserve only that amount. This allows other survivors to attend.If you need a handicap seat please request when reserving tickets. We will do our best to have the other seats around the handicap seat.Tickets can be picked up at the Cancer Institute table at 4:30pm the day of the game outside the ballpark.To reserve your tickets please go to www.AlexianBrothersHealth.org/ClassesEventsor call Alexian Connects at 1-866-ALEXIAN (866-253-9426)Monday through Friday 7am to 5pm

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PROACTIVE: Prostate Cancer ActiveSurveillance Treatment Program

By Ramji Rajendran, MD, PhD

Elk Grove Village Rotary Provides Generous Gift

The Cancer Institute at Alexian Brothers Health System received a gift from the Elk Grove Rotary to help meet animportant need for breast cancer patients after a mastectomy. Mastectomy patients face a unique challenge after breastcancer surgery in that they have to deal with 1-4 drains for 1-2 weeks to promote their healing process. Special post

surgical garments afford them a soft, comfortable way to deal with their post operative challenges.The Elk Grove Village Rotary heard about the need for funding to provide these garments to our mastectomy patients and

they donated $4,000 to fund the need.The Alexian Brothers and St Alexius Medical Centers as well as The Cancer Institute’s nurse navigators, are thrilled to be

able to provide these garments to patients. “This special touch makes all the difference” one daughter expressed after hermother received her garment. A special THANK YOU to the Elk Grove Village Rotary for making a difference in the lives of many women with breast cancer.

We are excited to announce the launch of PROACTIVE –the new Prostrate Cancer Active SurveillanceTreatment Program. The Cancer Institute at Alexian

Brothers Health System joins a select group of hospitalsnationwide including Johns Hopkins Cancer Center, UCSFCancer Center, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. In December2011, an NIH consensus panel agreed to an active surveillanceprotocol for prostate cancer. This has been widely acceptedand encouraged by the National Comprehensive CancerNetwork (NCCN).

Active Surveillance is a course of regularly scheduled followup for men that can prevent or delay them from having anytreatment for prostate cancer. Not every man diagnosed withprostate cancer needs treatment. There are new guidelinesfrom the National Institute of Health for how to follow menwith low risk prostate cancer. This includes regular PSA bloodtests, physical exams, and repeat biopsies to ensure that menwith low risk cancer receive close follow up with an activesurveillance protocol.

There are four key program components:1. Identification of appropriate patients: Patients

will be selected for active surveillance based on theirprostate cancer risk factors and their overall health.

2. Patient education and engagement: Patients willreceive a thorough consultation about prostate cancerand their overall health management.

3. Continuous monitoring: Patients will have follow upevery 3 months for the first 2 years and every six monthsfrom then on. They will also be required to have repeatprostate biopsies every 1-3 years.

4. Active intervention and therapy: Patient with asteadily rising PSA over time or an increase in theirGleason score will be recommended to have treatment.However, three out of four men that enroll in such aprogram never need treatment.

Active surveillance is a systematic way in which men cannotrequire or delay treatment of prostate cancer. There are nowguidelines that have been established by the National Institute

of Health that have been adopted widely. When appropriate,the program allows for men to avoid side effects of treatmentincluding urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and rectal bleeding. There are many studies showing improvedsatisfaction of men who enroll in active surveillance, regardlessof whether or not they ever receive treatment.

Eligibility for active surveillance is based on a patient’sgeneral medical condition, PSA value, tumor stage, and tumorGleason score. Patients receive a PSA blood test every 3months for the first two years to determine their change in PSAover time, or PSA velocity. Patients will then be followed everysix months. Patients will also be required to have repeatedprostate biopsies every 1-3 years.

Close follow-up is required for active surveillance. This leadsto an accurate measurement of change in PSA level over timecalled PSA velocity. If the PSA velocity shows a steady rise in PSA, treatment may be recommended. The other way inwhich treatment may be recommended is if a prostate biopsydemonstrates higher Gleason grade disease. All treatment willbe performed with a multidisciplinary approach. This team willinvolve your primary care physician, your urologist, and yourradiation oncologist.

Enrollment into the PROACTIVE program at The CancerInstitute at Alexian Brothers Health System will involvecomprehensive consultation about prostate cancer in general.We provide consultation for patients at the time of detectionof high PSA below 10 ng/ml. This allows for men to be seen even before being labeled a cancer patient, a time when they can have an objective discussion. Then, afterbiopsy, they can enroll for active surveillance or proceed with recommended treatment.

The PROACTIVE program also allows for a discussion abouthealthy eating habits, weight management, smoking cessation,and general cancer screening such as colonoscopy and lowdose chest CT screening. There are also support servicesoffered including counseling, spiritual guidance, and socialsupport. The goal of the program is a holistic approach tomen’s health.

Cancer Institute ProgramsArt Therapy for Patients and Loved Ones: Art therapyassists in self-awareness, self-esteem and communication.Studies have shown that I can reduce blood pressure andincreases blood flow. In addition, some patients report adecrease in anxiety and an increase in feelings of generalwell-being after participating in Art Therapy. Call Bernice at847-755-8626 for program information.

Energy Therapy: Take time to relax and relieve stress asyou progress through your cancer journey. Energy Therapyconnects life force energy with the body’s innate healingability and can enhance the immune system. Privatesessions, fully clothed. For appts at ABMC, please call 888-466-6011; at SAMC, call 847-755-8400.

Fit Club to Fight Cancer: Through education and fitnessyou can fight cancer as well as improve your health. Please join Bob Maganini MD and other staff to exerciseeach week at Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center. All levels of athletes are welcome. We also have periodicspeakers/events in which we participate in as a group.

Gentle Yoga: This therapeutic exercise enhances well-beingby stimulating body metabolism, improving flexibility, balanceand strength. In addition, Yoga practice releases tension, whilefocusing on breath, body awareness and mental clarity. Thisclass is appropriate for cancer patients at all levels, however,participants with limited flexibility and balance may practicefrom a seated position for safety. This class is available tocurrent patients or those within on year of treatment. Held atSAMC on Monday nights in conf room 4W-D or B. At ABMCon Wednesday nights in the Cancer Institute.

Healing Touch Clinic: This energy therapy facilitatesphysical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. HealingTouch can help alleviate pain & stress as well as reduce theside effects of cancer treatments. Private sessions, fullyclothed. Various times and locations. For appts on Tuesdayafternoons at ABMC, please call 888-466-6011; Tuesdayafternoons at SAMC, please call 847-755-8400; Thursdayevenings at ABMC, please call 630-674-8040.

Look Good, Feel Better (collaboration with AmericanCancer Society: This program is for those undergoingchemotherapy or radiation therapy. Come learn how toapply cosmetics, take care of your skin and hair and learnwhy your skin tone may change during treatments.

MammaCare Breast Exam Classes: Learn the breast self-exam the MammaCare way. Gain confidence in doing yourown breast exam. Bring your mother, sister, aunt and friends.You will practice on life-like breast models and be able toperform a thorough breast exam. Early detection saves livesand is our best defense. 7pm at MTC on the 2nd Tuesdays ofthe month. Call 1-866-ALEXIAN to register for classes at MTC.

Massage Therapy: Private Sessions, fully clothed with ourprofessional Certified Massage Therapist, David Zilic. MassageTherapy is open to our current cancer patients. For an appt atSAMC on Wednesdays please call 847-755-8400. For ABMCappt on Thursdays, please call 847-755-8400.

Patient and Family Inpatient Meeting: This meeting isopen to all, but primarily for patients and family memberswho are currently in the hospital. It is an education,informational and supportive meeting. It is located on theinpatient unit at Alexian Brothers Medical Center at 11am on2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Relax and Feel Great: Come experience the benefits ofhypnosis. This bimonthly group hypnosis session will allowparticipants to experience the benefits of relaxation. Enjoyyour mental vacation by our certified Hypnotherapist DeniseFrer Ed.D, CH. You will also learn techniques to practice thiswonderful tool on your own. Registration is preferred butdrop-ins are welcome.

Restorative Healing Exercise: We are now offering 2programs on one night. A combination of traditional self-healing methods with acupressure, meditation andspontaneous movements along with T’ai Chi fitness andQigong breathing exercises. A way to promote wellness,relieve emotional stress and attract positive energy. Please call 847-755-8400 to register.

SUPPORT GROUPS: No registration required. All of our groups focus on education, support and coping. Thegroups are designed for an open, safe and encouragingenvironment where people share a common diagnosis.

Advanced Breast Cancer Survivors: This group is madeup of Breast Cancer Survivors with an advanced metastaticdiagnosis. We meet to provide mutual support and maintaina positive focus. Offered at the Cancer Institute at AlexianBrothers on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

Breast Cancer Support Group: This group is made up ofnewly diagnosed patients, survivors and family members.The peer-driven group provides on-going support andpositive words of encouragement. Speakers are arranged asgroup requests. Drop-ins welcome and refreshments served!Alexian Brothers: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00pmSt. Alexius: 2nd Thursdays 6:30 – 8:00pm

All Cancer Networking Group – English Speaking:This patient-driven group is a non-threatening environmentproviding education and support. Patients and families arewelcome to share their experiences. Drop-ins welcome andrefreshments served! St. Alexius: 4th Thursday of the month6:30 – 8pm

All Cancer Netowrking Group – Spanish Speaking:This group is made up of both newly diagnosed patients and cancer survivors. The peer driven group provides on-going support and positive words of encouragement.Speakers will be arranged as needed by the community.Drop-ins welcome. St. Alexius Bettendorf Conference Room 1.For more information contact: Maria Fitzgerald RN, CCE CLCat 847-758-1373.

Grupo de Apoyo en Español: Este grupo de apoyo estácompuesto de pacientes recién diagnosticados con cáncer, y sobrevivientes de cáncer. Se les dará frecuente apoyo ysoporte moral para el paciente y su familia. Frecuentementetendremos personas con experiencia que darán charlasrelacionadas a los temas que la comunidad requiere. Lasreuniones se llevarán a cabo el cuarto martes de cada mes.Para más información llamar: 847-758-1373 Moderador:María Fitzgerald RN, CCE, CLC, St. Alexius BettendorfConference Room 1: Martes Cuarto 7:00 – 8:30pm

Grief Support: We offer various means of compassionate support,including support groups, individual counseling, and assistance via email and by telephone. Groups are facilitated by trained professionalsfrom Alexian Brothers. For the Spousal Bereavement Support Group call Alexian Brothers Hospice at 630-233-5100. For general bereavement support and counseling contact us by phone or email: 847-981-3514 or 847-952-7376, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Lung Cancer Networking Group: This is for peoplediagnosed with lung cancer who would like to network withother lung cancer patients. It is a non-threateningenvironment that is patient driven and involves educationand support. Drop-ins welcome.

Our programs are FREE, but do require registration.Please call the site where the program you desireto attend is being held to register.LOCATIONS OF PROGRAMS

Alexian Brothers Medical Center (ABMC)Life Enrichment Center800 Biesterfield Road-Ste 120, Elk Grove Village, IL. 1-888-466-6011

St. Alexius Medical Center (SAMC)Life Enrichment CenterDoctors Building Three-Ste 14001555 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates, IL.847-755-8400

The Alexian Brothers Robin Trioani (MTC)MammaCare Training Center25 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL.1-866-253-9426

Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center (PSS)5050 Sedge Blvd., Hoffman Estates, IL.Call 847-755-8603 to register

The Impact of Oncology Drug Shortage By Mahmoud Eleissawy R/Ph BSC, PharmD, BCOP

The crisis of drug shortage has impacted the practice of oncology/hematology, and can adversely affect patient treatment andoutcome. The drug shortage also has a long term impact on clinical trials to determine efficacy of certain drug, indicationsand combination with new drugs

While the causes of chemotherapy drug shortages are unknown, some believe it can be manufacturing problems,contamination, and shortages of raw materials.

The lack of information about the duration of the shortage; no advance warning; difficulty obtaining a suitable alternativedrug; and the resultant is adversely impacting patients as well as the hospital finance. The unpredictable nature of the shortagesmakes it very difficult to quantify, predict and monitor the impact on patient outcome.

Addressing this issue and needed solution requires the healthcare provider to establish plans to deal with drug shortage,communicate early drug status to patients, clinicians and oncologists. Such actions will lead to improve communication andlessen patient anxiety and improve satisfaction. Also the FDA can establish joint agreements with reputable manufacturers inother countries, allowing the United States to import drugs in short supply, if their rules and regulations governing themanufacture of pharmaceuticals is the same as US.

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May 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1

1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing Exercise (SAMC) 6:30pm Energy Therapy (ABMC) 6:30pm Advanced Breast Cancer Group

(ABMC) 6:30pm Breast Cancer Support Group

(ABMC)

2 7am Massage Therapy (SAMC) 6pm Yoga (ABMC) 6pm Fit Club to Fight Cancer

(PSS)

3 7am Massage Therapy (ABMC) 10am Spousal Bereavement

Group (SAMC) 6pm Relax and Feel Great

(SAMC)

4 10am Lung Cancer Networking

Group (SAMC)

5

6 7 9:30am Energy Therapy

(SAMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th Flr-D)

8 10am Look Good Feel Better

(ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing Exercise

(SAMC) 7:30pm MammaCare Class (MTC)


(PSS)

10 7am Massage Therapy (ABMC) 6pm Relax and Feel Great (ABMC) 6:30pm Energy Therapy (SAMC) 6:30pm Breast Cancer Support

Group (SAMC) 7pm Healing Touch (ABMC)

11 12

13 14 10am Lung Cancer Networking

Group (ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th Flr-D)

15 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing Exercise (SAMC) 6:30pm Energy Therapy (ABMC) 6:30pm Advanced Breast Cancer

Support (ABMC) 6:30pm Breast Cancer Support Group

(ABMC)


(PSS)

17 7am Massage Therapy (ABMC) 6pm Relax and Feel Great

(SAMC) 6:30pm Grief Support (ABMC)

18 19


(ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th Flr-D)

22 1pm Healing Touch (ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 7pm All Cancer Networking

Group-Spanish (SAMC-conf rm 1)


(PSS)

24 7am Massage Therapy (ABMC) 6pm Relax and Feel Great (ABMC) 6:30pm Energy Therapy (SAMC) 6:30pm All Cancer Networking

Group-English (SAMC) 7pm Healing Touch (ABMC)

25 26

27 28 29 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing

Exercise (SAMC)


(PSS)

317am Massage Therapy (ABMC)

a

June 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1

10am Lung Cancer NetworkingGroup (SAMC)

2


(SAMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th Flr-D)

5 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6:30pm Energy Therapy (ABMC) 6:30pm Advanced Breast Cancer

Group (ABMC) 6:30pm Breast Cancer Support

Group (ABMC)


(PSS)



(SAMC)

8 9

10 11 9:30am Look Good Feel Better

(SAMC) 10am Lung Cancer Networking

Group (ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)

12 1pm Healing Touch (ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing

Exercise (SAMC) 7:30pm MammaCare Class

(MTC)

137am Massage Therapy (SAMC) 6pm Yoga (ABMC) 6pm Fit Club to Fight Cancer

(PSS)



15 16


(ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th Flr-D)

19 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing Exercise

(SAMC) 6:30pm Energy Therapy (ABMC) 6:30pm Advanced Breast Cancer

Support (ABMC) 6:30pm Breast Cancer Support (ABMC)


(PSS)



22 23

24 25 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th Flr-D)

26 1pm Healing Touch (ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restoration Healing Exercise

(SAMC)7pm All Cancer Networking Group-

Spanish (SAMC-conf rm 1)

277am Massage Therapy (SAMC) 6pm Yoga (ABMC) 6pm Fit Club to Fight Cancer (PSS)



29 30

a

July 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1 2

9:30am Energy Therapy(SAMC)

5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)




(ABMC)

4 5 7am Massage Therapy (ABMC) 10am Spousal Bereavement


(SAMC)

610am Lung Cancer Networking

Group (SAMC)

7

8 9 10am Lung Cancer Networking

Group (ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th Flr-D)

10 10am Look Good Feel Better

(ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing Exercise



(PSS)



13 14


(ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)



Support (ABMC) 6:30pm Breast Cancer Support

Group (ABMC)

18 7am Massage (SAMC) 6pm Yoga (ABMC) 6pm Fit Club to Fight Cancer

(PSS)

19 7am Massage (ABMC) 6pm Relax and Feel Great


20 21

22 23 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)

24 1pm Healing Touch (ABMC) 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing Exercise

(SAMC) 7pm All Cancer Networking Group-



(PSS)

26 7am Massage (ABMC) 6pm Relax and Feel Great (ABMC) 6:30pm Energy Therapy (SAMC) 6:30pm All Cancer Networking


27 28

29 30 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)

31 1pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing

Exercise (SAMC)

a

August 2012Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1

7am Massage Therapy (SAMC) 6pm Yoga (ABMC) 6pm Fit Club to Fight Cancer

(PSS)



(SAMC)

3 10am Lung Cancer Networking

Group (SAMC)

4


(SAMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-Rm D)

71pm Healing Touch (SAMC) 6pm Restorative Healing Exercise



(ABMC)


(PSS)



10 11

12 13 9:30am Look Good Feel Better

(SAMC) 10am Lung Cancer Network

Group (ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)




(PSS)



17 18


(ABMC) 5pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)




(ABMC)


(PSS)



24 25

26 275pm Yoga (SAMC-4th flr-D)


(SAMC) 7pm All Cancer Networking Group-



(PSS)

30 7am Massage Therapy (ABMC)

31

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In the Fall of 2008 during a physical examwith my primary doctor, my PSA waselevated. He said this could be caused by an

infection so he put me on antibiotics for onemonth and had me tested again. This time myPSA was even higher. He then referred me toan urologist for a biopsy. Several weeks later Ireceived a call from the urologist telling me Ihad prostate cancer and I needed to schedulean appointment with him. He didn’t tell mehow serious the cancer was so this was a scarytime for me. When I called for an appointmentI was told I had to first schedule a pelvic scanand a bone scan. Once these tests werecompleted I went back to my urologist and hetold me the cancer had not spread beyond myprostate and that I had two cancer spots, one rated a 6 andthe other a 7. This was an aggressive cancer that had to bedealt with. He listed all the treatment options and theircorresponding survival rates. The two highest rates weresurgery and radiation seed implant both at 92%. I was feelingpretty good at this point and chose the seed implant. Theurologist laughed and said he did this procedure but not a

hospital approved by my insurance, so Iwould have to find another urologist.

I went back to my primary doctor and hesent me to an urologist group. Once I sawthe doctor there, he shared that he does notdo seed implants, so on to another newdoctor. With my new doctor I was referredto a radiation oncologist at Alexian BrothersMedical Center. He would determine thenumber of seeds, the strength of radiationand the placement of the seeds. Finally, Iwas ready for my radiation seed implant inMay 2009.

The procedure went well but for the nexttwo weeks I had urinary problems, but allwas fine. It has been 3 years since my

procedure and my PSA tests have remained low and I amhealthy. Other than the frightful call, the rest of the time wasmore of an aggravation with appointment, procedures, testsand getting referrals. Thus for 8 months I wasn’t able to goanywhere, my wife and I love to travel, so that was not fun,but now I am healthy and enjoying life.

SurvivorFocus Each newsletter will focus on a cancer survivor within our community,

their story and how they dealt with their diagnosis.

I am Healthy and Enjoying LifeBy Jack Lucas

Great Volunteer Opportunity!!!

Have you been wondering how you can help in the fight against breast cancer? Here is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference. You will be a much needed and vital part of the MammaCare Clinical Breast Exam or Breast Self-Exam training for medical professionals by volunteering to be a live model. You will receive

either a full Clinical Breast Exam or Brest self-exam teaching by a trainee with an instructor present in the privacy of an exam room.

Where: The Alexian Brothers Robin Troiani MammaCare Training Center at 25 E Schaumburg Road, Ste 102, Schaumburg, IL 60193

When: Training are scheduled according to trainee’s needs therefore dates and times are varied. You will have the opportunity to choose a date and time that works for you.

Who to Contact: For more information or to volunteer please call the MammaCare office to speak with Pat or Ruth at 847-534-4260.

800 Biesterfield Road

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-3397

www.alexian-cancer.org

For more then 700 years, the Alexian Brothers have cared for the sick, and aged, the poor and the dying. Because we are a Catholic religious community, we take our inspiration from those basicJudeo-Christian beliefs which inspired our founders and still govern our lives and ministry. From the opening of our first Chicago hospital in 1866, to our present and our future at AlexianBrothers Medical Center, we have cherished but one goal; to promote the physical, mental and spiritual well being of all who come to us.

Non Profit Org.US Postage

P A I DPalatine P&DC, ILPermit No. 7052

A multidisciplinary program of theAmerican College of Surgeons

What is New at The Cancer Institute • On January 1, 2012 Alexian Brothers Health System

(ABHS) officially joined forces with the nation’s largest non-profit and Catholic health system, Ascension Health.Under this partnership with Ascension Health, all ABHSoperations are now part of Ascension Health. AscensionHealth’s resources enable ABHS to continue to grow to meetthe needs of the communities it serves in Illinois, Wisconsin,Missouri and Tennessee.

• In February of 2012, a team of 25 oncology andrehabilitation healthcare professionals began the journey toobtain certification in the Survivorship Training andRehab Program (STAR). 15 rehabilitation professionalsand 10 oncology professionals will receive 20 hours ofonline training, plus participate in 4 in-services andcontinuing education pieces in years to come. The launchdate for this program is in May. The benefit of beingcertified by STAR is to increase patient referrals, advancedsurvivorship care, implement evidence based protocols andto strengthen the relationship between these two specialtiesso to provide even better care to our cancer patients.

• How Do I LIVE Now? This Cancer Institute and Wellness PlaceSurvivorship Series will be offered in the Fall of 2012. Join us for this 3-session,educational series open to the generalcommunity. It will focus on:1) Finding Your Balance: Learn how to

balance obligations and expectations withhope, humor and positive change.

2) Invasion of the Body Changers: Join Alexianphysicians who will discuss potential lateside effects of treatment, the changes that may occur in the body, and how toknow when and whom to call whenquestions arise.

3) Eat, Move, Live Life: Learn how to createyour own eating and activity plan to easefatigue and promote your long-term health.

Look for more information to come in thisnewsletter, mailings, newspapers or call 888-466-6011.

a m in this issue: caring what is new at the cancer institute institute... · caring what is new at...

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