T h e p e o p l e y o u k n o w... health t h e P r o f e s s i o n a l s y o u t r u s t One Patient s Story Page 6 Getting the Nutrients You Need Page 7 World Class Radiation Treatment, Here at Home Page 4 Congressman Brian Higgins on Cancer Page 3
Just a Word T h e p e o p l e y o u k n o w... t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l s y o u t r u s t Dear Friends, On the Cover of WCA Health... World class radiation treatment, here at home. If you or someone you love has cancer, you should know that WCA Hospital is a radiation oncology affiliate of Roswell Park Cancer Institute one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers in the country as designated by the National Cancer Institute. At WCA, you ll find state-of-the-art technology, a fulltime, onsite radiation oncologist, and access to clinical trials through Roswell Park Cancer Institute. So ask your doctor about WCA. Visit wcahospital.org or call (716) 664-8670. For patients diagnosed with cancer, WCA Hospital has long been a leader in comprehensive cancer care. Today, we are excited to join Roswell Park Cancer Institute in a collaborative clinical affiliation that delivers world class radiation treatment, here at home. WCA and Roswell Park share a common mission to provide the highest level of quality patient care. Our collaboration strengthens our respective goals and builds upon an already outstanding cancer program to provide superior patient care, state-of-the-art technology, and a high level of physician and staff expertise from WCA and Roswell Park, all working together for the benefit of our patients in the fight against cancer. Each and every day, tremendous strides are being made in the treatment of cancer. Together with Roswell Park, we have set the course for continued growth in radiation oncology advancements and treatment for our patients and families, whom we are so privileged to serve. 2W W C A H o s p i t a l WCA Hospital s radiation program builds upon an already outstanding program and reinforces our medical community s dedication to outstanding radiation oncology care, here at home. S u m m e r 2 0 0 9 2 Betsy T. Wright, FACHE WCA Hospital President/CEO Sincerely, Betsy T. Wright, FACHE WCA Hospital President/CEO WCA Hospital Cancer Care Program Receives Outstanding Ratings WCA celebrates being recognized for excellence in cancer care, receiving top ratings with Commendation Level of Compliance from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Only 25 percent of all hospitals across the United States receive this accreditation, and WCA is one of the few to be accredited with commendation. The WCA cancer care team outstanding care you can count on.
Advocating for Cancer Patients Congressman Brian Higgins, a vocal advocate for increased national funding for cancer research, secured a federal grant for telemedicine equipment that links cancer experts at WCA Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Institute for the provision of world class radiation treatment. From the left: Stanley Byun, MD; Lea Anne Cali, breast cancer survivor; Congressman Brian Higgins, a member of the National Cancer Caucus; Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, President and CEO of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI); Betsy T. Wright, WCA Hospital President/CEO; Michael Kuettel, MD, MBA, PhD, the Barbara C. and George H. Hyde Chair in Radiation Medicine at RPCI. Patients diagnosed with cancer have new options for radiation treatment thanks in part to a $429,000 federal grant secured by Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27). The grant enabled the purchase of sophisticated electronic teleconferencing equipment, allowing cancer specialists at WCA Hospital to collaborate with radiation medicine specialists in Buffalo at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. In a landmark collaboration between WCA Hospital and Roswell Park, the new teleconferencing equipment enables local patients to receive radiation treatment at WCA in close consultation with oncologists and professionals at Roswell Park. Cancer specialists at both institutions, electronically linked in real time, develop individualized radiation treatment plans. Funding for World Class Care This is a really exciting and innovative way to deliver the best in radiation treatment, says Congressman Higgins, a member of the National Cancer Caucus. I commend WCA and Roswell Park for this progressive approach to care. This is an important time for our patients, says Betsy T. Wright, WCA Hospital President/CEO. We are very grateful to Congressman Higgins for securing the funds necessary to help us launch a world class radiation treatment program right here in Jamestown in collaboration with Roswell Park. Congressman Higgins, a national leader in the fight against cancer, advocated for the resources necessary for the state-of-the-art technology to expand the precision of radiation therapy services to cancer patients of Chautauqua Dear Friends, A new, exciting link between the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and WCA Hospital is bringing world-class radiation therapy to patients in the Chautauqua County region. In collaboration with WCA s healthcare team, Roswell Park s highly skilled physicians and staff will provide patients with customized radiation care. Utilizing the services of Roswell Park, WCA patients will benefit from specialized cancer care, close to home. Looking ahead, the strategic, patient-centered affiliation between Roswell Park and WCA is certain to grow and will enhance the high level of care and patient satisfaction already associated with both institutions. As this alliance demonstrates, WCA and Roswell Park work continually to expand access to quality cancer care for the people who matter most our patients. Sincerely, Donald Trump, MD, FACP President and CEO of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute County, says Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, President and CEO of Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The collaboration between WCA and Roswell Park will save time, money, and lives, says Congressman Higgins. For an up-close view and demonstration of the new technology at the WCA Cancer Treatment Center, contact WCA Public Relations at (716) 664-8614. 3W W C A H o s p i t a l
If the Time Comes, We re Here World Class Rad If you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, take comfort in knowing that WCA Hospital awarded top ratings from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer is a radiation oncology affiliate of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, one of only 40 comprehensive cancer centers in the country as designated by the National Cancer Institute. 4 4W C A H o s p i t a l In addition to having the support of a multi-specialty team that coordinates the best treatment options, patients at WCA Cancer Treatment Center receive information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This partnership provides patients with the latest technology and treatment options to ensure they have access to leadingedge cancer care. Michael R. Kuettel, MD, MBA, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine at Roswell Park At WCA, you ll find state-of-the-art technology, along with a full-time onsite Roswell Park radiation oncologist and medical physicist, and an expert cancer team to care for you every step of the way. Through teleconferencing, expert Roswell Park physicians who specialize in different types of cancer treatments assist in developing a complete care plan for each WCA patient, says Stanley Byun, MD, a Roswell Park radiation oncologist who practices at WCA. As a result, patients receive the same level of care they would if Roswell Park doctors were working with us in the hospital. Your Treatment Team WCA s affiliation with Roswell Park Cancer Institute means patients have access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are in constant communication with WCA physicians. Both groups of physicians meet weekly via teleconferencing to map out every stage of each patient s care. Medical information in the form of text, images, audio, and video are transmitted electronically, in real time, via high-speed digital connections between the two locations. Specialists are able to view CT scans, examine tissue slides, and discuss treatment protocols, providing WCA cancer patients with the highest quality cancer care. We know that every type and stage of cancer is unique to each patient, says Michael R. Kuettel, MD, PhD, MBA, Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Department of Radiation Oncology at the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo. As a result, we work with a team of cancer specialists to personalize each patient s care plan in order to meet his or her specific cancer treatment requirements. If you receive a cancer diagnosis, ask your doctor to refer you to the WCA Cancer Treatment Center and call (716) 664-8670 to schedule an appointment.
Your Cancer Team iation Treatment, Here at Home More than 50 percent of all patients diagnosed with cancer are treated with some form of radiation therapy during the course of their cancer care. For patients living in Chautauqua County, the clinical affiliation between WCA Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Institute means patients are treated at WCA conveniently close to home. Physician Spotlight: Stanley Byun, MD, a full-time, onsite radiation oncologist at the WCA Hospital Cancer Treatment Center, serves as Chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine at WCA Hospital and is on the faculty of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). Dr. Byun earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine at Seoul National University in Korea and completed residency training at the School of Medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Dr. Byun is licensed in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California and is certified by the American Board of Radiology. Dinko Plenkovich, PhD, joined the faculty of RPCI in 2008 as a medical physicist in the Department of Radiation Medicine. He also serves as a medical physicist at the WCA Cancer Treatment Center in Jamestown, New York, as part of a clinical agreement between RPCI and WCA. Dr. Plenkovich earned his doctoral degree in physics in 1986 from the University of Utah. He is certified in therapeutic radiology by the American Board of Radiology and in nuclear medicine by the American Board of Science. Radiation Team: The multidisciplinary team of specialists from WCA Hospital and RPCI work closely to develop customized treatment plans tailored to each patient based on the most up-to-date, peer-reviewed research. WCA Hospital and RPCI radiation specialists are boardcertified by the American Board of Radiology or the American Board of Medical Physics. New Technology: New cancerfighting technology at WCA Hospital the Varian Clinac 2300iX Linear Accelerator is designed to provide intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which enables radiation oncologists to deliver precise radiation treatment. Telemedicine Technology: Teleconferencing between WCA and Roswell Park provides for longdistance, real time communication. Medical information in the form of text, images, audio, and video are transmitted via high-speed digital connections from one location to another. In specifically designed, state-of-the-art conference rooms, radiation medicine experts consult with one another as if they are in the same room. Radiation Treatment Options Offered at WCA Hospital Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) Three-dimensional conformal therapy High-energy external beam linear accelerator WCA Offers Radiation Treatment for: Bone Lymphomas Brain Pancreas Breast Prostate Colon Skin Lung Other cancer sites W C A H o s p i t a l 5
Breast Cancer Survivor Lea Anne s Journey 6W C A H o s p i t a l One breast cancer survivor shares how the committed staff, leading-edge technology, and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services at the Center for Imaging & Medical Arts and the Cancer Treatment Center at WCA made all the difference in her care. For registered nurse Lea Anne Cali, 55, annual mammograms have been part of her routine for 20 years. Although her aunt died of breast cancer in her late 40s and Lea Anne has been having regular mammograms for peace of mind ever since, she never thought she would be diagnosed with breast cancer. SAME-DAY RESULTS Annual mammograms are an effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Take time each year to schedule your mammogram at the Center for Imaging & Medical Arts at WCA Hospital, now offering same-day results. In November 2008, Lea Anne lost her reminder from WCA for her annual mammogram while changing offices at the not-for-profit agency for children and families where she is employed as the Health Services Director. Finding it again after the holidays, she made her appointment. One in three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in his or her life. Record of Health Lea Anne s years of mammograms gave the radiologist several images for comparison. Because a specific area had not appeared on previous mammograms, a biopsy of this area was ordered. After a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, the radiologist determined that Lea Anne had a stage-one tumor with a low risk of recurrence and the breast cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. Lea Anne began a series of 32 intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments that accurately targeted her tumor while sparing the surrounding tissue. I can t say enough about the patient-centered care at the Center for Imaging & Medical Arts and the Cancer Treatment Center at WCA, says Lea Anne. I appreciate the professionalism and support of the staff who included me in treatment planning. As a nurse, I was very impressed. To schedule your mammogram, call (716) 664-8448. You can wait to receive your results following your exam, or, if you prefer, you can receive your results by phone or letter.
Living Well During Treatment Getting the Nutrients You Need For patients undergoing radiation therapy proper nutrition is vital. That s why WCA Hospital s Nutrition Department is dedicated to helping cancer patients receive the nutrients they need to maintain optimal health during treatment and recovery. The side effects of radiation treatment can sometimes make it difficult for patients diagnosed with cancer to obtain the nutrients necessary to regain healthy blood counts between chemotherapy treatments. Nutritional plans must be individualized because each patient s nutritional needs differ depending on the part of the body most affected by the treatment, says Cheryl Harriman, RD, Clinical Dietician at WCA. Each WCA nutritionist is attuned to those needs and provides high-quality care. Nutrition for Every Need Harriman says patients undergoing radiation generally don t consume enough protein and calories, but the dietary modifications necessary to correct these deficiencies depend upon each patient s treatment plan. Those undergoing chest radiation, for example, may have difficulty swallowing and need to change the consistency of their food by pureeing dense solids, says Harriman. Other patients may need to have six small meals rather than three larger ones in order to help them maintain strength throughout the day. Some patients sense of smell becomes more sensitive during radiation treatment, and it s common for these patients to prefer cold food. Many patients are bothered by the odor of food when undergoing radiation therapy, says Harriman. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy products may be more appetizing in this case. Supplements for Strength Patients receiving radiation treatment in the abdominal region often have sensitive stomachs and are especially susceptible to nausea and diarrhea. Liquid nutritional supplements are recommended for these patients. Patients with severe mouth or tongue soreness may not be able to eat without discomfort. In some cases, these patients may need temporary feeding tubes to meet their nutritional needs until pain subsides. As with most patients, Harriman recommends patients undergoing radiation treatment eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, remain as active as possible, and exercise moderation when consuming alcohol. The diet for those undergoing radiation treatment does not have to change drastically, says Harriman. Although radiation treatment can be a difficult experience, patients can still enjoy healthy meals. We provide them with flavorful, nutritious foods to keep them strong in their time of need. To learn more about healthy nutrition during radiation treatment, contact one of WCA s nutritionists at (716) 664-8434. W C A H o s p i t a l 7
T h e p e o p l e y o u k n o w... t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l s y o u t r u s t Care to Count On Your Connection to Cancer Support Services W C A H o s p i t a l 8 WCA Hospital 207 Foote Avenue Jamestown, NY 14702-0840 Telephone: (716) 487-0141 Ask your doctor to refer you to the WCA Cancer Treatment Center Radiation Program (716) 664-8670 WCA Cancer Treatment Center Radiation Program is located at Jones Memorial Health Center a Division of WCA Hospital 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York (716) 664-8670 Visit us on the Web... wcahospital.org Since its inception in 2006, WCA Hospital s Patient Navigator Program has been providing cancer survivors the resources they need. Through the program, a team of healthcare professionals who work in conjunction with physicians and cancer specialists connects patients with a range of services, including: Cancer support groups Counseling services Financial counseling Lymphedema management services Prevention, screening, and wellness programs Transportation For more information about WCA s Patient Navigator Program, call (716) 664-8677. Meet Your WCA Radiation Team Stanley Byun, MD Radiation Oncologist Dinko Plenkovich, PhD Medical Physicist Judith Thomas, RTT Chief Radiation Therapist Dan Eklum, RTT Radiation Therapist Patty Sauer, RTT Radiation Therapist Jill Northrup, RTT Radiation Therapist Katherine Storms, RTT Radiation Therapist Carolyn Nelson, RN Certified Oncology Nurse Sherry Rogers Oncology Clerk Gordon Bloomberg Volunteer