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2013ISSUE 3

-2- -11-

AverA mckennAn foundAtion bone mArrow trAnsplAnt fund

The Bone Marrow Transplant Fund through the Avera McKennan Foundation supports programs and services for those receiving transplants and their families. A contribution enhances support for transplant patients by providing educational materials and integrative medicine to promote wellness to the mind, body and spirit.Gifts to Avera McKennan help perform miracles every day. Your gifts:

• Advance and support health care delivery and patient care.• Benefit patient programs and services.• Assist with the cost of patient care services not covered by medical insurance.• Provide Journey Totes – a binder that serves as a guide and reference along the transplant journey.• Provide Care and Comfort gift baskets – a useful alternative for patients who

cannot receive flowers due to infection risk. Baskets are personalized for the patient’s needs.

The effects of your kindness are profound and far-reaching.

To give to the Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, visit AveraMcKennanFoundation.org or call the Foundation office at 605-322-8900. Thank you.

F O u N D A T I O N S u P P O R T

ChrisTopher Auvenshine, Do

Transplant Surgeon

roBerT sAnTeLLA, MD Transplant Nephrologist

KeLLy MCCAuL, MDBone Marrow Transplant

AhMeD gALAL, MDBone Marrow Transplant

MuMTAz niAzi, MDHepatologist

heshAM eLgouhAri, MDHepatologist

vinoD pArAMeswArAn, MD

Bone Marrow Transplant

Jeffery sTeers, MDTransplant Surgeon

sAme YeAr, sAme fAmilY – two trAnsplAnts

“Transplant” is one word that represents two completely different experiences for a Sioux Falls mother and daughter. Yet both realize their transplants have resulted in a greater chance for a cure and a higher quality of life.

Doni DuBois, who works as an administrative assistant in Sioux Falls, experienced strange symptoms in the fall of 2010. The right side of her neck swelled up significantly. “I looked like Quasimodo,” she said. While an infection was at first suspected, a biopsy showed that Doni had a type of lymphoma known as mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s disease.

Doni was age 25 at the time. “I had never been sick a day in my life – not even strep throat. This hit me completely out of left field.”

Doni underwent standard treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, completing her treatment in May 2011. In January 2012, a follow-up PET scan showed spots in her neck, and a biopsy confirmed that cancer cells were still growing in Doni’s lymph nodes. She was referred to Dr. Vinod Parameswaran with Avera Medical Group Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant. “It is the only program of its kind in South Dakota,” Doni says.

Doni’s disease could be treated with an autologous stem cell transplant, in which she donated stem cells to herself through apheresis. In this process,

-3--10-

A Time to Heal for All Cancers Among survivorship programs is “A Time to Heal,” a 12-week holistic rehabilitation program designed to help men and women regain physical, emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual health after undergoing cancer treatment. People who have completed this program say they have greater satisfaction in life and stronger feelings of well-being. Call 605-322-3000 for details.

Take Charge of Your NutritionLearn to maximize your nutrition and discover ways to manage side effects of treatments. The Avera Cancer Institute has a dietitian available to assist with your nutrition concerns. Call 605-322-7929 to set up an appointment.

Look Good . . . Feel BetterThis program is offered to women who deal with the outward side effects of chemotherapy and radiation on hair and skin. It occurs the second Tuesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. and the fourth Wednesday of the month from 4 – 6 p.m. Call 605-322-3235 to register.

Spiritual CareSpiritual Care Services can help an individual sort through complex emotional and spiritual issues. Call Mary Guth, chaplain at 605-322-3258.

AromatherapySamples are available in patient care areas. Please inquire with staff.

Medical AcupunctureAcupuncture is available on Mondays and Fridays. Acupuncture helps reduce stress and the discomfort of cancer treatment side effects. Call 605-322-5240 for appointment times and fees.

Therapeutic MassageTherapeutic massages, 30–60 minutes in length, are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Free 15-minute massages are offered on Tuesdays. Call 605-322-8470 for appointment times and fees.

Classes in the Mind and Body StudioThese classes use the mind-body approach, focusing on mindfulness, gentle movement, posture, breath and visualization, and are facilitated for all fitness levels. If interested, call 605-322-3241 for a list of class offerings and times.

O T H E R O F F E R I N G S A T T H E P R A I R I E C E N T E R

Doni was hooked up to a machine that separates blood components, and collects stem cells. She was treated with high doses of chemotherapy, and then her stem cells were given back to her to rebuild her immune system. After being a patient since Feb. 15, she was released from the hospital March 28, and was back to work on a part-time basis by May 1, 2012. Two months later, she had worked up to full-time.

At the same time as Doni’s illness, her mother, Rozanne, continued to suffer with COPD. She had reached the point that she was not able to do much for herself, and was continuously on oxygen. Because of unique antibodies in her system, her chances of receiving a lung transplant were slim. However, on Oct. 3, 2012, six months after her daughter’s stem cell transplant, she got the call from the University of Minnesota Medical Center that a lung with similar antibodies was available. Rozanne’s lung transplant was successful. She has blood and lab work done at Avera, and continues to receive follow-up care through the U of M. “I couldn’t be happier or more grateful,” Rozanne said. “I never thought I’d be walking around without oxygen.” After being retired for a number of years due to health reasons, Rozanne is now working part-time again.

Rozanne said Avera staff took great care of both herself as a family member, and her daughter. “They were very good to both of us.”

“My care was pretty spectacular,” Doni said. “That made my experience of being in the hospital that much less stressful. I ask a lot of questions, and Dr. Vinod was excellent at helping me understand why things are done the way they are. I can’t imagine it being any better.”

Rozanne and Doni have been told by medical professionals how unusual it is to have two people in the same immediate family undergoing transplants in the same year. “It’s been a crazy couple of years, but we’re on the other side now,” Doni added happily.

“My care was pretty spectacular,” Doni said. “That made my experience of being in the hospital that much less stressful.”

-9--4-

As mentioned in the last newsletter, once caregivers work to eliminate barriers that prevent them from seeking help, they can strive for self care. Sometimes it is difficult for caregivers to seek out help, but here are some roadblocks you may have encountered and what others have done in those situations.

“His cancer is a private thing. I’d have to tell people about it to get any support.”You and your loved one can decide who to tell, what to tell them, and when and how. Some options are to: •Tellonlyafewpeopleclosetoyoufornow. •Limitspecificsaboutwhatyoushare.Youcansay,“He’ssick,”or“Sheisn’t

feeling well today.” •Askanotherfamilymember,friendormemberofyourfaithorspiritual

community to share the news. •Gethelpfromservicesoragenciesinyourareainsteadoffrompeople

you know.

“Everyone has a lot going on. I don’t want to bother them or put them out.”As mentioned in the last newsletter, once caregivers work to eliminate barriers that prevent them from seeking help, they can strive for self care. Sometimes it is difficult for caregivers to seek out help, but here are some roadblocks you may have encountered and what others have done in those situations.

“His cancer is a private thing. I’d have to tell people about it to get any support.”You and your loved one can decide who to tell, what to tell them, and when and how. Some options are to: •Tellonlyafewpeopleclosetoyoufornow. •Limitspecificsaboutwhatyoushare.Youcansay,“He’ssick,”or“Sheisn’t

feeling well today.” •Askanotherfamilymember,friendormemberofyourfaithorspiritual

community to share the news. •Gethelpfromservicesoragenciesinyourareainsteadoffrompeople

you know.

“Everyone has a lot going on. I don’t want to bother them or put them out.”If you’re worried about being a burden to others, here are some things to think about: •Manypeopleprobablywanttohelp. •Ifyouletmorepeoplehelp,itcaneaseyourworkload. •Wouldyouwanttohelpsomeoneelsewhowasinasimilarsituation?Would

youmindiftheyaskedyoutolendahand?

focus on the cAregiver inserts provided by mary guth and melanie hericks stAff spotlight

Patti Swenson, RN, has held many important roles in her life; the newest, she is happy to report, is being a bone marrow transplant coordinator here at the Avera Transplant Institute. Prior to being a coordinator, many of you may remember her being the “Queen” of the Avera Hematology & Transplant Infusion Center. Her years of knowledge and deep compassion for patients, coupled with her sassy sense of humor and team attitude, are just a few reasons that her patients and co-workers love her. Her nursing career began in 1975 as a new nurse at the Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. It then brought her to Porto Velho, Brazil, as a missionary nurse in 1977. After returning home from Brazil in the fall of 1977 she joined the McKennan family. Other interesting points about Patti include her passion for gardening and raising perennials. She lives on an acreage and enjoys caring for their cats, horses and whatever “critters” happen to come by! She is married to the love of her life, David, who also volunteers at the Prairie Center.

She has a thirst for knowledge and a strong faith in God; the Bone Marrow Transplant team is proud to have her on its team. She looks forward to assisting our complex patient population with their unique needs in any way she can. She states that her goal is to guide them and their caregivers in their journey, to provide them with the tools they need so they can focus on healing and strength, physically and mentally, and leave the rest up to us.

B O N E M A R R O w T R A N S P L A N TC O O R D I N A T O R

Patti Swenson

-5--8-

“I can’t explain it, but I just don’t feel up to reaching out right now.” •Manypeopledon’twantsupportwhentheyneeditmost.Youmayoftenback

away from your regular social life and from people in general. You may feel that it’s just too much work to ask for help.

•Talkwithsomeoneyoutrust,suchasafriend,memberofthefaithcommunityor counselor. This person can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. They can also help you find ways to get support.

“It’s my duty to take care of my family, not someone else’s.”Having a support system is a way of taking care of your family. Giving some tasks to others lets you focus on those that you feel you should do yourself.

Myth or Fact?Myth: “Taking care of myself means that I have to be away from my loved one.”Fact: You can do things to take care of yourself with or without your loved one in the room with you. What’s important is that you do not neglect yourself.

Myth: “Taking care of myself takes a lot of time away from other things.”Fact: Some self care only takes a few minutes, such as reading an upbeat passage from a book. Other self care can be done in moments between longer tasks.

Myth: “I’d have to learn how to focus on myself. I don’t know if I can start.”Fact: Those things that make you feel happier, lighter, more relaxed or more energized count as taking care of yourself. Think of things that you already know work for you.

Each day, take some time to do something for yourself, no matter how small it is. This might include: •Napping •Exercisingoryoga •Keepingupwithahobby •Takingadrive •Seeingamovie •Workingintheyard •Goingshopping •Catchinguponphonecalls,

letters or email

Taking time to recharge your mind, body and spirit can help you be a better caregiver.

(National Cancer Institute, “When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer”)

One of the most important responsibilities you will have in the transplant process is taking your medications as prescribed. We recommend patients be engaged in their care and keep a medication card or list to use every day and bring it to each office visit to be reviewed by a care provider. Please be aware of the brand name and generic names of your medications, the purpose for each of them, what each medication looks like, which days/times and how long to take each medication, how to take the medication or special instructions (if okay to crush if needed or if need to take with food, etc.), the most common side effects, what to do if a dose is missed, if it is a prescription or over the counter medication, etc. This is a lot of information to keep track of so please let us help you; if you have any questions about your medications, do not hesitate to ask your friendly pharmacist or care provider. You should NEVER stop taking a medication unless directed to do so by your physician. If you cannot afford your medications, let your social worker (Melanie, 605-322-3034) know and we will work on helping assist with coverage. Your medications play a huge role in your outcome! We will be featuring a different medication that is standard of care for patients before, during and/or after their transplant. This issue we will be featuring filgrastim (commonly referred to as growth factors, Neupogen, Neulasta or GCSF).

Filgrastim has multiple uses for oncology and transplant patients. The primary use for filgrastim is to decrease the amount of time it takes to regain a normal blood level of white blood cells (infection fighting cells) after chemotherapy. This benefits patients in

two ways: for one, it keeps them out of the hospital, and two, it helps keep chemotherapy on schedule. Filgrastim is also critical for the stem cell collection procedure. Without filgrastim, collecting stem cells without surgery would be nearly impossible. In high doses, filgrastim can stimulate production of white blood cells so well that it forces excess blood stem cells out of the bone marrow and into the blood, allowing them to be collected with the pheresis machines. This is how we at Avera collect stem cells from autologous patients and allogeneic donors.

Filgrastim is a medication that is made to mimic our own stem cell growth hormones. As you can imagine, the process of making this drug is quite complicated, so filgrastim is a very expensive medication. Financial assistance may be available if needed. Filgrastim needs to be stored in a refrigerator until it is administered and often has to be given by a medical professional when used in the transplant setting. It can only be given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously, like how insulin is administered). The most common side effects of filgrastim are bone pain, fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. These side effects usually only persist for the duration of filgrastim therapy. Bone pain is common for patients that receive high doses of filgrastim for stem cell collection because filgrastim is making the bones work so hard to produce new cells that are needed for the lifesaving transplant. The physician will determine when the use of filgrastim is appropriate, the dose and duration; we encourage you to take as directed and discuss potential side effect symptom management with him/her as needed.

trAnsplAnt medicAtion minute

-7--6-

“Queen’s corner”

We hope this insert can help put a smile on your face: whether through positive thinking or humor, Patti Swenson, RN, will be offering this entertainment section for each newsletter. Enjoy!

This month’s entry is from “A Daybook of Positive Thinking, Daily Affirmations of Gratitude and Happiness” by Jacqueline Schiff:

Make Room in Your Life for These Things

Love – to shine like blue skies above you wherever you go, so you always know you’re in the hearts of so many people

Light – to see the end of the tunnel when you’re struggling with troubles, so you always know you have the inner power to survive and triumph

Laughter – to keep you healthy in mind and body; to give you the ability to act silly and exercise your giggle; to remind you that life is too short to be taken so seriously

A lifeline in the form of family and friends – to anchor you, support you and keep you going forward in a positive way when you’re faced with a crisis, so you always know you are a survivor

Lots of positive thoughts – to help you fulfill all your wishes, so you always know your possibilities are unlimited…and success is your destiny

pleAse keep us informed

Please notify us at 605-322-3017 or 866-686-1062 if you have an address change so you can continue receiving correspondence from us.

bmt connections:Avera’s Bone Marrow Transplant Support Group, “BMT Connections,” is a group that welcomes anyone affected by bone marrow transplants. We especially encourage our patients and their loved ones before, during and after transplant to come join in the activities and discussion to not only receive support, but to offer it to others going through the same journey. BMT Connections meets the second Thursday of every month at 4 p.m. in the Prairie Center. The Prairie Center is located at 1000 E. 23rd St. on the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center campus. Watch for invites mailed each month. Some future topics are listed below. •ProviderSession •ArtTherapy •OpenDiscussion •BMTPICNIC–August Reminder that the annual BMT Picnic will take place in lieu of the August

support group, so mark your calendars for this opportunity to reconnect with fellow patients, caregivers and staff members all while enjoying a night of fun, food and friendship.

cAncer survivor dAY celebrAtion A successSurvivorship starts the moment a person is diagnosed with cancer. On Sunday, June 2, cancer survivors and their loved ones gathered to celebrate life and what being a survivor means. Nearly 800 people attended the Cancer Survivor Day Celebration at the Prairie Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., for food, live music, dancing and fun. Several traveled many miles to attend the special event, but no matter from near or far, it was a memorable time as they shared powerful stories of challenges, milestones, successes, set-backs and blessings along the way. Many Avera staff members also attended and volunteered, including several physicians. The journey of cancer is one with many ups and downs and events like the Cancer Survivor Day Celebration are an example of a way to show cancer patients and their support systems how much people care and admire their strength. So thanks to all who attended and helped make this event possible; we hope to see you there again next year.

A time to heAl for All cAncersWe are now recruiting members for the next round of this fun and fulfilling program. Don’t miss your opportunity for an amazing experience you won’t regret. Please consider calling 605-322-3000 for more information.

When: Next offering in the fall of 2013 Where: Prairie Center - 1000 E. 23rd St. Cost: Free

H A P P E N I N G S

-7--6-

“Queen’s corner”

We hope this insert can help put a smile on your face: whether through positive thinking or humor, Patti Swenson, RN, will be offering this entertainment section for each newsletter. Enjoy!

This month’s entry is from “A Daybook of Positive Thinking, Daily Affirmations of Gratitude and Happiness” by Jacqueline Schiff:

Make Room in Your Life for These Things

Love – to shine like blue skies above you wherever you go, so you always know you’re in the hearts of so many people

Light – to see the end of the tunnel when you’re struggling with troubles, so you always know you have the inner power to survive and triumph

Laughter – to keep you healthy in mind and body; to give you the ability to act silly and exercise your giggle; to remind you that life is too short to be taken so seriously

A lifeline in the form of family and friends – to anchor you, support you and keep you going forward in a positive way when you’re faced with a crisis, so you always know you are a survivor

Lots of positive thoughts – to help you fulfill all your wishes, so you always know your possibilities are unlimited…and success is your destiny

pleAse keep us informed

Please notify us at 605-322-3017 or 866-686-1062 if you have an address change so you can continue receiving correspondence from us.

bmt connections:Avera’s Bone Marrow Transplant Support Group, “BMT Connections,” is a group that welcomes anyone affected by bone marrow transplants. We especially encourage our patients and their loved ones before, during and after transplant to come join in the activities and discussion to not only receive support, but to offer it to others going through the same journey. BMT Connections meets the second Thursday of every month at 4 p.m. in the Prairie Center. The Prairie Center is located at 1000 E. 23rd St. on the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center campus. Watch for invites mailed each month. Some future topics are listed below. •ProviderSession •ArtTherapy •OpenDiscussion •BMTPICNIC–August Reminder that the annual BMT Picnic will take place in lieu of the August

support group, so mark your calendars for this opportunity to reconnect with fellow patients, caregivers and staff members all while enjoying a night of fun, food and friendship.

cAncer survivor dAY celebrAtion A successSurvivorship starts the moment a person is diagnosed with cancer. On Sunday, June 2, cancer survivors and their loved ones gathered to celebrate life and what being a survivor means. Nearly 800 people attended the Cancer Survivor Day Celebration at the Prairie Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., for food, live music, dancing and fun. Several traveled many miles to attend the special event, but no matter from near or far, it was a memorable time as they shared powerful stories of challenges, milestones, successes, set-backs and blessings along the way. Many Avera staff members also attended and volunteered, including several physicians. The journey of cancer is one with many ups and downs and events like the Cancer Survivor Day Celebration are an example of a way to show cancer patients and their support systems how much people care and admire their strength. So thanks to all who attended and helped make this event possible; we hope to see you there again next year.

A time to heAl for All cAncersWe are now recruiting members for the next round of this fun and fulfilling program. Don’t miss your opportunity for an amazing experience you won’t regret. Please consider calling 605-322-3000 for more information.

When: Next offering in the fall of 2013 Where: Prairie Center - 1000 E. 23rd St. Cost: Free

H A P P E N I N G S

-5--8-

“I can’t explain it, but I just don’t feel up to reaching out right now.” •Manypeopledon’twantsupportwhentheyneeditmost.Youmayoftenback

away from your regular social life and from people in general. You may feel that it’s just too much work to ask for help.

•Talkwithsomeoneyoutrust,suchasafriend,memberofthefaithcommunityor counselor. This person can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. They can also help you find ways to get support.

“It’s my duty to take care of my family, not someone else’s.”Having a support system is a way of taking care of your family. Giving some tasks to others lets you focus on those that you feel you should do yourself.

Myth or Fact?Myth: “Taking care of myself means that I have to be away from my loved one.”Fact: You can do things to take care of yourself with or without your loved one in the room with you. What’s important is that you do not neglect yourself.

Myth: “Taking care of myself takes a lot of time away from other things.”Fact: Some self care only takes a few minutes, such as reading an upbeat passage from a book. Other self care can be done in moments between longer tasks.

Myth: “I’d have to learn how to focus on myself. I don’t know if I can start.”Fact: Those things that make you feel happier, lighter, more relaxed or more energized count as taking care of yourself. Think of things that you already know work for you.

Each day, take some time to do something for yourself, no matter how small it is. This might include: •Napping •Exercisingoryoga •Keepingupwithahobby •Takingadrive •Seeingamovie •Workingintheyard •Goingshopping •Catchinguponphonecalls,

letters or email

Taking time to recharge your mind, body and spirit can help you be a better caregiver.

(National Cancer Institute, “When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer”)

One of the most important responsibilities you will have in the transplant process is taking your medications as prescribed. We recommend patients be engaged in their care and keep a medication card or list to use every day and bring it to each office visit to be reviewed by a care provider. Please be aware of the brand name and generic names of your medications, the purpose for each of them, what each medication looks like, which days/times and how long to take each medication, how to take the medication or special instructions (if okay to crush if needed or if need to take with food, etc.), the most common side effects, what to do if a dose is missed, if it is a prescription or over the counter medication, etc. This is a lot of information to keep track of so please let us help you; if you have any questions about your medications, do not hesitate to ask your friendly pharmacist or care provider. You should NEVER stop taking a medication unless directed to do so by your physician. If you cannot afford your medications, let your social worker (Melanie, 605-322-3034) know and we will work on helping assist with coverage. Your medications play a huge role in your outcome! We will be featuring a different medication that is standard of care for patients before, during and/or after their transplant. This issue we will be featuring filgrastim (commonly referred to as growth factors, Neupogen, Neulasta or GCSF).

Filgrastim has multiple uses for oncology and transplant patients. The primary use for filgrastim is to decrease the amount of time it takes to regain a normal blood level of white blood cells (infection fighting cells) after chemotherapy. This benefits patients in

two ways: for one, it keeps them out of the hospital, and two, it helps keep chemotherapy on schedule. Filgrastim is also critical for the stem cell collection procedure. Without filgrastim, collecting stem cells without surgery would be nearly impossible. In high doses, filgrastim can stimulate production of white blood cells so well that it forces excess blood stem cells out of the bone marrow and into the blood, allowing them to be collected with the pheresis machines. This is how we at Avera collect stem cells from autologous patients and allogeneic donors.

Filgrastim is a medication that is made to mimic our own stem cell growth hormones. As you can imagine, the process of making this drug is quite complicated, so filgrastim is a very expensive medication. Financial assistance may be available if needed. Filgrastim needs to be stored in a refrigerator until it is administered and often has to be given by a medical professional when used in the transplant setting. It can only be given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously, like how insulin is administered). The most common side effects of filgrastim are bone pain, fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. These side effects usually only persist for the duration of filgrastim therapy. Bone pain is common for patients that receive high doses of filgrastim for stem cell collection because filgrastim is making the bones work so hard to produce new cells that are needed for the lifesaving transplant. The physician will determine when the use of filgrastim is appropriate, the dose and duration; we encourage you to take as directed and discuss potential side effect symptom management with him/her as needed.

trAnsplAnt medicAtion minute

-9--4-

As mentioned in the last newsletter, once caregivers work to eliminate barriers that prevent them from seeking help, they can strive for self care. Sometimes it is difficult for caregivers to seek out help, but here are some roadblocks you may have encountered and what others have done in those situations.

“His cancer is a private thing. I’d have to tell people about it to get any support.”You and your loved one can decide who to tell, what to tell them, and when and how. Some options are to: •Tellonlyafewpeopleclosetoyoufornow. •Limitspecificsaboutwhatyoushare.Youcansay,“He’ssick,”or“Sheisn’t

feeling well today.” •Askanotherfamilymember,friendormemberofyourfaithorspiritual

community to share the news. •Gethelpfromservicesoragenciesinyourareainsteadoffrompeople

you know.

“Everyone has a lot going on. I don’t want to bother them or put them out.”As mentioned in the last newsletter, once caregivers work to eliminate barriers that prevent them from seeking help, they can strive for self care. Sometimes it is difficult for caregivers to seek out help, but here are some roadblocks you may have encountered and what others have done in those situations.

“His cancer is a private thing. I’d have to tell people about it to get any support.”You and your loved one can decide who to tell, what to tell them, and when and how. Some options are to: •Tellonlyafewpeopleclosetoyoufornow. •Limitspecificsaboutwhatyoushare.Youcansay,“He’ssick,”or“Sheisn’t

feeling well today.” •Askanotherfamilymember,friendormemberofyourfaithorspiritual

community to share the news. •Gethelpfromservicesoragenciesinyourareainsteadoffrompeople

you know.

“Everyone has a lot going on. I don’t want to bother them or put them out.”If you’re worried about being a burden to others, here are some things to think about: •Manypeopleprobablywanttohelp. •Ifyouletmorepeoplehelp,itcaneaseyourworkload. •Wouldyouwanttohelpsomeoneelsewhowasinasimilarsituation?Would

youmindiftheyaskedyoutolendahand?

focus on the cAregiver inserts provided by mary guth and melanie hericks stAff spotlight

Patti Swenson, RN, has held many important roles in her life; the newest, she is happy to report, is being a bone marrow transplant coordinator here at the Avera Transplant Institute. Prior to being a coordinator, many of you may remember her being the “Queen” of the Avera Hematology & Transplant Infusion Center. Her years of knowledge and deep compassion for patients, coupled with her sassy sense of humor and team attitude, are just a few reasons that her patients and co-workers love her. Her nursing career began in 1975 as a new nurse at the Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. It then brought her to Porto Velho, Brazil, as a missionary nurse in 1977. After returning home from Brazil in the fall of 1977 she joined the McKennan family. Other interesting points about Patti include her passion for gardening and raising perennials. She lives on an acreage and enjoys caring for their cats, horses and whatever “critters” happen to come by! She is married to the love of her life, David, who also volunteers at the Prairie Center.

She has a thirst for knowledge and a strong faith in God; the Bone Marrow Transplant team is proud to have her on its team. She looks forward to assisting our complex patient population with their unique needs in any way she can. She states that her goal is to guide them and their caregivers in their journey, to provide them with the tools they need so they can focus on healing and strength, physically and mentally, and leave the rest up to us.

B O N E M A R R O w T R A N S P L A N TC O O R D I N A T O R

Patti Swenson

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A Time to Heal for All Cancers Among survivorship programs is “A Time to Heal,” a 12-week holistic rehabilitation program designed to help men and women regain physical, emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual health after undergoing cancer treatment. People who have completed this program say they have greater satisfaction in life and stronger feelings of well-being. Call 605-322-3000 for details.

Take Charge of Your NutritionLearn to maximize your nutrition and discover ways to manage side effects of treatments. The Avera Cancer Institute has a dietitian available to assist with your nutrition concerns. Call 605-322-7929 to set up an appointment.

Look Good . . . Feel BetterThis program is offered to women who deal with the outward side effects of chemotherapy and radiation on hair and skin. It occurs the second Tuesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. and the fourth Wednesday of the month from 4 – 6 p.m. Call 605-322-3235 to register.

Spiritual CareSpiritual Care Services can help an individual sort through complex emotional and spiritual issues. Call Mary Guth, chaplain at 605-322-3258.

AromatherapySamples are available in patient care areas. Please inquire with staff.

Medical AcupunctureAcupuncture is available on Mondays and Fridays. Acupuncture helps reduce stress and the discomfort of cancer treatment side effects. Call 605-322-5240 for appointment times and fees.

Therapeutic MassageTherapeutic massages, 30–60 minutes in length, are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Free 15-minute massages are offered on Tuesdays. Call 605-322-8470 for appointment times and fees.

Classes in the Mind and Body StudioThese classes use the mind-body approach, focusing on mindfulness, gentle movement, posture, breath and visualization, and are facilitated for all fitness levels. If interested, call 605-322-3241 for a list of class offerings and times.

O T H E R O F F E R I N G S A T T H E P R A I R I E C E N T E R

Doni was hooked up to a machine that separates blood components, and collects stem cells. She was treated with high doses of chemotherapy, and then her stem cells were given back to her to rebuild her immune system. After being a patient since Feb. 15, she was released from the hospital March 28, and was back to work on a part-time basis by May 1, 2012. Two months later, she had worked up to full-time.

At the same time as Doni’s illness, her mother, Rozanne, continued to suffer with COPD. She had reached the point that she was not able to do much for herself, and was continuously on oxygen. Because of unique antibodies in her system, her chances of receiving a lung transplant were slim. However, on Oct. 3, 2012, six months after her daughter’s stem cell transplant, she got the call from the University of Minnesota Medical Center that a lung with similar antibodies was available. Rozanne’s lung transplant was successful. She has blood and lab work done at Avera, and continues to receive follow-up care through the U of M. “I couldn’t be happier or more grateful,” Rozanne said. “I never thought I’d be walking around without oxygen.” After being retired for a number of years due to health reasons, Rozanne is now working part-time again.

Rozanne said Avera staff took great care of both herself as a family member, and her daughter. “They were very good to both of us.”

“My care was pretty spectacular,” Doni said. “That made my experience of being in the hospital that much less stressful. I ask a lot of questions, and Dr. Vinod was excellent at helping me understand why things are done the way they are. I can’t imagine it being any better.”

Rozanne and Doni have been told by medical professionals how unusual it is to have two people in the same immediate family undergoing transplants in the same year. “It’s been a crazy couple of years, but we’re on the other side now,” Doni added happily.

“My care was pretty spectacular,” Doni said. “That made my experience of being in the hospital that much less stressful.”

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AverA mckennAn foundAtion bone mArrow trAnsplAnt fund

The Bone Marrow Transplant Fund through the Avera McKennan Foundation supports programs and services for those receiving transplants and their families. A contribution enhances support for transplant patients by providing educational materials and integrative medicine to promote wellness to the mind, body and spirit.Gifts to Avera McKennan help perform miracles every day. Your gifts:

• Advance and support health care delivery and patient care.• Benefit patient programs and services.• Assist with the cost of patient care services not covered by medical insurance.• Provide Journey Totes – a binder that serves as a guide and reference along the transplant journey.• Provide Care and Comfort gift baskets – a useful alternative for patients who

cannot receive flowers due to infection risk. Baskets are personalized for the patient’s needs.

The effects of your kindness are profound and far-reaching.

To give to the Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, visit AveraMcKennanFoundation.org or call the Foundation office at 605-322-8900. Thank you.

F O u N D A T I O N S u P P O R T

ChrisTopher Auvenshine, Do

Transplant Surgeon

roBerT sAnTeLLA, MD Transplant Nephrologist

KeLLy MCCAuL, MDBone Marrow Transplant

AhMeD gALAL, MDBone Marrow Transplant

MuMTAz niAzi, MDHepatologist

heshAM eLgouhAri, MDHepatologist

vinoD pArAMeswArAn, MD

Bone Marrow Transplant

Jeffery sTeers, MDTransplant Surgeon

sAme YeAr, sAme fAmilY – two trAnsplAnts

“Transplant” is one word that represents two completely different experiences for a Sioux Falls mother and daughter. Yet both realize their transplants have resulted in a greater chance for a cure and a higher quality of life.

Doni DuBois, who works as an administrative assistant in Sioux Falls, experienced strange symptoms in the fall of 2010. The right side of her neck swelled up significantly. “I looked like Quasimodo,” she said. While an infection was at first suspected, a biopsy showed that Doni had a type of lymphoma known as mixed cellularity Hodgkin’s disease.

Doni was age 25 at the time. “I had never been sick a day in my life – not even strep throat. This hit me completely out of left field.”

Doni underwent standard treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, completing her treatment in May 2011. In January 2012, a follow-up PET scan showed spots in her neck, and a biopsy confirmed that cancer cells were still growing in Doni’s lymph nodes. She was referred to Dr. Vinod Parameswaran with Avera Medical Group Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant. “It is the only program of its kind in South Dakota,” Doni says.

Doni’s disease could be treated with an autologous stem cell transplant, in which she donated stem cells to herself through apheresis. In this process,

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2013ISSUE 3