>> CENTRA CANCER CARE SPECIALISTS VOL. 9 ISSUE 1

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T H E R E G I O N ’ S C A N C E R C A R E F O C U S E D N E W S L E T T E R F R O M C E N T R A

CENTRA ALAN B. PEARSONREGIONAL CANCER CENTER

• LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA •

The following is the third in a series of three portraits andvignettes of cancer survivors at the Centra Alan B. PearsonRegional Cancer Center who trusted their medical team, reliedon their support system, and can proudly say, “I fight. Isurvive. I inspire.”

Centra salutes People of Hope

Improvingcare throughthe OncologyCare Model continued on Page 2

Centra Lynchburg Hematology Oncologyis one of 190 physician practices

selected to participate in the new OncologyCare Model (OCM), a five-year model thatruns through June 2021. Centra is providinghigher quality and more coordinated cancercare to patients undergoing chemotherapy

Robert Stewartcontinued on Page 2

Robert Stewart likes his pace. Steady, but not chaotic.Busy, but not fast. The Appomattox cattle farmer opens a 12-foot gate,

driving his farm truck through to unload a fresh bale of hay.It’s lunch time in the pasture.

Stewart’s farm extends 500 acres, raising beef cattle tosell at the Lynchburg Livestock Market. Retiring to a golfcourse was never his plan.

“Everybody’s got to have a purpose,” Stewart said.“You just get up in the morning and make yourself dosomething.”

A throat cancer diagnosis in 2013 devastated him.Stewart, 75, thought he was battling bronchitis for threemonths. Tim Courville, MD, of Blue Ridge ENT, told him hehad cancer after a biopsy.

He put his faith in Michael O’Neill, MD, a radiationoncologist, and Kathleen Paul, MD, medical oncologist, atCentra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center.

“You couldn’t ask for anything better,” Stewart said.

ROBERT STEWART: THROAT CANCER

through its participation in an innovativeapproach to care developed by the Centersfor Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“The Oncology Care Model encouragesgreater collaboration, information sharing,

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Robert Stewart from Page 1

Oncology Care Model from Page 1

“It’s a good one-on-one relationship there. Whoever getscancer, it’s a frightening experience. I decided I was going togo with them, and we would fight it as long as we could.”

Almost 18 months after his initial diagnosis, KennethSaum, MD, thoracic surgeon, removed a spot detected onStewart’s lung by a CT scan. “Those physicians have beenvery important to me throughout this,” Stewart said. “I wasdetermined I was going to do exactly what they told me.”

Turns out Stewart is pretty determined. “I’m still here,”he said. “When you are first told, don’t fold. Don’t give upright then. When you are first told, that’s not the end of theworld. Go with the program and do your part.”

After spending his career in the garment business,Stewart jumped into farming, calling it a “senior’s hobby.”

“You are a busy, busy person,” Stewart said. “I do it allby myself. From the spring to early fall, your time is prettytaxed.”

Cancer free, Stewart relishes each sunrise and sunset onhis Appomattox farm. “To me, every one of them is a prettyone.”

To see all the portraits and stories in the series, visit theCentra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Mondaythrough Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.

and care coordination, so that patients get the care theyneed, when they need it,” said Christine LaCoy, RN, BSN,CCM, oncology nurse navigator with the Centra Alan B.Pearson Regional Cancer Center.

More than 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancerannually in the United States. Many are over 65 years oldand Medicare beneficiaries. Centra has 1,500 OCM patientswho have sought care at the cancer center since theprogram’s inception.

“Many cancer patients are living longer, butunfortunately cancer rates continue to climb,” said Christine.“Our goal is to continue to enhance our cancer program andprovide higher quality, more coordinated cancer care at alower cost to patients and Medicare.”

Centra provides treatment following nationallyrecognized clinical guidelines for Medicare beneficiariesundergoing chemotherapy with an emphasis on patient-centered care. Using electronic health record technology toshare information and collect data enables continuousquality improvement and patient care coordination.

“We have fabulous physicians, nurse practitioners,nurses, nurse navigators, techs, social workers, andadministrative staff – now we are pulling them together in acomprehensive package to better meet our patients’ needs,”Christine said.

Services being provided as part of Centra’s high-qualitycancer care, include:• Patient access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to a

clinician who has real-time access to the practice’smedical records

• A team of healthcare professionals and administrativespecialists dedicated to helping patients and theirfamilies throughout their cancer care journey

• Shared decision-making that includes input from thepatient on their individual wishes, desires, and values

• Timely coordination of appointments with providerswithin and outside the oncology practice to ensuretimely delivery of diagnosis and treatment

• A comprehensive, written treatment plan to help eachpatient understand their diagnosis, prognosis, treatmentregime, and anticipated expenses “We are using this time as an opportunity to enhance

our processes and services and looking at how we maybetter meet a patient’s total needs,” said Charles Peele,manager, Oncology Quality Programs. In addition to offeringoncology diagnosis and treatment, the cancer center and itsstaff work with patients and their families by coordinatingand offering services that meet the patient’s psychological,social, emotional, spiritual, financial, and logistical needs.

“These issues have not always been formally addressedwith all of our outpatients,” Christine said.

At the Pearson Cancer Center, all OCM patients meetwith Cynthia Hedrick, MSN, RN, OCN, oncology nurseeducator, to review their plan of care. Each patient is given apacket that contains a copy of their plan of care along withhelpful information on how to prepare for theirchemotherapy, what to expect, common side effects, andhow to treat them.

“Our goal is to have our patients keep their packet closeby, adding helpful information to it, and utilize it as theytravel throughout their cancer journey,” Christine said.

In addition to cancer diagnosis and treatment, everyOCM patient participates in depression screenings. Thoserecognized at risk are referred to Tammy Anderson, LCSW.

Christine said, “Our program is very comprehensive,and I am grateful to be part of it. We offer psychosocialtreatment for patients who are depressed, palliative care forthose needing specialized pain and symptom management,and survivorship plans.

“At Centra, we provide excellent, quality care for life,”said Christine. “But there are always opportunities toimprove. Centra and the cancer center are all about what’sbest for the patient and their family. Working with theOncology Care Model helps us keep getting better andexpand these improvements throughout Centra.”

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Massage therapy offered at Seasons Boutique

Looking for a way to relax, reduce your stress, and easetension in your muscles? Come enjoy a massage at

Seasons Boutique at the Alan B. Pearson Regional CancerCenter.

Silvy Crews, LMT, who joined the cancer center inJanuary, offers both therapeutic massage and massageindividualized for cancer patients. You do not have to be apatient at the cancer center to receive a massage. Theservice is among the many offerings at Seasons Boutiqueavailable to patients, caregivers, Centra employees, and thegeneral public.

“Massage therapy has been proven as a technique toimprove health and well-being,” said Silvy, who is alicensed massage therapist with special training in oncologymassage as well as a licensed cosmetologist.

“Massage reduces stress and anxiety, increasesrelaxation, and can help improve sleep,” Silvy said. “It alsoreduces fatigue and decreases symptoms and nausearelated to chemotherapy and radiation. Massage also canhelp reduce the need for pain medications and addressissues related to surgery such as lymphoma. Having amassage also provides pleasant and compassionate socialinteraction.”

Therapeutic massageSilvy offers therapeutic massage, which is a hands-on,

full-body massage of medium pressure. “Therapeutic massage relieves muscle tension,

stimulates circulation, increase serotonin levels, improvesmuscle tone, and promotes total mind and bodyrelaxation,” she said.

The types of therapeutic massage offered at SeasonsBoutique include:• Deep Tissue: A firm pressure therapeutic massage.

Helps alleviate pain, muscle spasms, stress,inflammation, and tissue damage.

• Lymphatic Drainage (LD) Therapy: Aims to gently andrhythmically move lymph through the body, especiallyswollen areas of the body, relieving pressure andenhancing the functioning of the immune systems. Asboth a preventative and remedial technique, LD can beused for a wide range of purposes including fasterrecovery from injury, reduction of swelling anddiscomfort from pregnancy, and strengthenedresistance to illness.

• Hot Stone Massage: Penetrating heat from smooth,oiled, and warm stones is used to relieve tense musclesand sore joints.

• Prenatal Massage: Provides optimal comfort for themother and baby. Prenatal massage reduces much ofthe discomfort associated with delivery.

• Foot Soak with Massage: Warm scented Epsom salt footbath, followed by a foot massage.

• Medical massage: For specific areas of the body, perphysician prescription.

Silvy noted that she offers free chair massages on thefourth Wednesday of every month.

Seasons BoutiqueSeasons Boutique’s “spa-like” atmosphere is designed

to promote peace and healing. The boutique offersconsultation and an array of body image services andproducts to address appearance and self-image concerns,including pre- and post-surgical mastectomy products, hairreplacement alternatives, wigs, hats, scarves, turbans, wigaccessories, manicures, and pedicures. Complimentaryservices for cancer patients include pre-chemo clipper andpost-treatment haircuts. Gift certificates are available.

Services and programs at Seasons Boutique areavailable to patients, caregivers, and the general public. Theboutique is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to4:30 pm. Appointments are suggested, but services may bedone on a walk-in basis.

To make an appointment for a therapeutic massage or forinformation about fees, call 434.200.6103. Appointments foroncology massages are made by physician referral.

Free mammographyscreeningsThe Centra Foundation, M.A.A.M. (Mammograms

Annually A Must), Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital,and the Bedford Community Health Foundation arepartnering to provide free days of mammographyscreenings. Mammograms are the best option foridentifying cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

Free screening mammograms will be offered to women40 years of age or older who do not have health insuranceor are underinsured and have not had a mammogram inthe last year.

Dates

Tuesday, May 15 •Bedford, Danville, Gretna, Tate Springs, Timberlake

Wednesday, June 20 •Farmville

Tuesday, June 26•Bedford, Danville, Farmville, Gretna, Tate Springs, Timberlake

Tuesday, August 7•Bedford, Danville, Farmville, Gretna, Tate Springs, Timberlake

Tuesday, September 18•Bedford, Danville, Farmville, Gretna, Tate Springs, Timberlake

Locations

The Mammography Center, 20293 Timberlake Road,•Lynchburg, VirginiaThe Mammography Center, Suite 15, 1900 Tate•Springs Road, Lynchburg, VirginiaCentra Bedford Memorial Hospital, 1613 Oakwood•Street, Bedford, VirginiaImaging Center, Centra Southside Community Hospital,•800 Oak Street, Farmville, VirginiaCentra Gretna Medical Center, 291 McBride Lane,•Gretna, VirginiaCentra Danville Medical Center, 414 Park Avenue,•Danville, Virginia

Space is limited for these one-day events. To make anappointment, call 434.200.4048.

Our highly trained staff of physicians and certified nurse practitioners each haveoffices in the center. By bringing these experts together under one roof, the centerhelps to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork.

RADIATION ONCOLOGYAngela Brady, MDResidency: Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV School of MedicineInternship: Baylor College of MedicineDegree: Baylor College of Medicine

Anita Joy Hilliard, MDResidency: North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Wake Forest UniversityInternship: Alton Ochsner Medical FoundationDegree: Louisiana State University

Michael J. O’Neill, MDResidency: University of Rochester Strong Memorial HospitalInternship: Western Pennsylvania HospitalDegree: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

INTERNAL MEDICINE, MEDICAL ONCOLOGYEmanual Cirenza, MDFellowship: Georgetown University Medical Center, Lombardi CancerCenterInternship/Residency: Georgetown University Medical CenterDegree: SUNY Upstate Medical College

Stefan Gorsch, MDFellowship, Residency & Internship: Dartmouth CollegeDegree: Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine

Emily Jenkins, MDFellowship: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillResidency: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInternship: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDegree: University of Virginia

Cecilia MacCallum, MDFellowship: University of Virginia HospitalResidency: Maine Medical CenterDegree: George Washington University

John (Jack) MacNeill, MDFellowship & Residency: North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Wake Forest UniversityDegree: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kevin Patel, MDFellowship: Baylor College of MedicineResidency: Michigan State UniversityDegree: Seth GS Medical College

Kathleen Paul, MDFellowship: Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV School of MedicineResidency: University of Chicago HospitalsDegree: Medical College of Virginia

Emaculate Tebit, MD, PhDFellowship: University of Virginia HospitalResidency: Case Western Reserve UniversityInternship: Case Western Reserve UniversityDegree: University of Ilorin

THORACIC SURGERYBrian Litke, MDResidency: West Virginia UniversityResidency: Creighton University Affiliated Hospitals Degree: University of Texas Medical School

Kenneth Saum, MDFellowship: University of MarylandResidency & Internship: The University of Maryland Medical SystemDegree: Medical College of Virginia

NURSE PRACTITIONERSMagen Calland, NP-CMSN/ANP/AANP: James Madison UniversityBSN: Kaplan University

Tiffany G. Clark, ACNS-BC, FNP-CMSN, FNP: Old Dominion UniversityMSN, ACNS: Liberty UniversityBSN: Liberty University

Kirsten L. Hinson, FNP-C FNP, MSN: James Madison University BSN: Liberty University

Kathy Kennedy, FNP-BCFNP, MSN: University of VirginiaBSN: Lynchburg College

Aimee Strong, AG ACNP, BC AG ACNP, MSN: University of Virginia BSN: Virginia Commonwealth University

Emily J. Stubbs, RN, MSN, FNP-C FNP, MSN: Vanderbilt University School of NursingBSN: Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

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Free cancer survivorshipclasses, support available

You are a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosisthroughout the rest of your life. Please join us for free

educational sessions and support from 5:30 to 7 pm at theCentra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, 1701Thomson Drive, Lynchburg.

April 9: NutritionLiz Wade, RD

April 16: Why Is My Brain So Foggy?Yvonne Staton, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

April 23: Coping with Cancer, Sexuality and CancerTammy Anderson, LCSW, andKara Lamb, RN, MSN, OCN, CBCN

April 30: Survivorship…A Physician’s PerspectiveMichael O’Neill, MD

May 7: The Importance of Exercise, LymphedemaRenea Cooper, LPTA IV, CLT-LANA, andAmy DeRamus, BS, LPTA, STAR/C

Free door prizes and refreshments are available. You arenot required to attend all classes. Space is limited. For moreinformation or to register, call 434.200.6067.

Cancer Patient Support Fund

Car ShowTNT Style & Performance VOL. 2 Show4aCureSaturday, May 2611-6 pmCentra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center 1701 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg, Virginia

Proceeds will benefit the Centra Alan B. Pearson RegionalCancer Center Cancer Patient Support Fund that helpscancer patients in need, alleviating some of the burdenand stress during a difficult time.

Clubs For Cancer Golf TournamentWednesday, June 13Noon: lunch | Shotgun start: 1 pmLondon Downs Golf Club1614 New London RoadForest, Virginia

All proceeds will benefit the Centra Alan B. PearsonRegional Cancer Center Cancer Patient Support Fund.The Captain’s Choice four-manteam tournament features cashprizes, a silent auction, andcomplimentary beverages. Thetournament is limited to 32teams. Entry donations are$400 per team, andsponsorships are available.The deadline for entries is May30. For more information, callJeff Dodgion, 434.660.7531;Sean Councell, 434.660.1253; or Anita Lowe,434.200.6093. Tournament sponsors include AmericanLegion Post 16, HT Hackney, JED’s and Village Market,and VA Eagle Distributing Company LLC.

Harley Davidson Event for Breast Cancer AwarenessSaturday, October 2711 am –2 pmTBA

2018 Trees of HopeWe will begin decorating for Trees of Hope on November18. If you would like to place an entry of a tree, wreath,or centerpiece, contact Anita Lowe atanita.lowe@centrahealth.com.

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Free skin cancer screenings to be offered May 1, 2

Free skin cancer screenings are being offered by localdermatologists and Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional

Cancer Center during May, which is Skin Cancer Detectionand Prevention Month.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Whendetected early and treated properly, even melanoma, themost serious type of skin cancer, is curable.

The free screenings will be offered from 4:30 to 7 pmTuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 2, at the cancer center,1701 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg. Screenings will be conductedin private rooms by a dermatologist or other healthcareprofessional specially trained in detecting skin cancer.Participating providers include Central Virginia Dermatology,Dermatology Consultants, Grace A. Newton, MD,Dermatology, and RidgeView Dermatology.

This screening is available to anyone who does not havea dermatologist or who has not had a skin cancer screeningin the last year. Space is limited. To register, visitCentraHealth.com/CancerScreenings or call 434.200.6093.

It is important to catch skin cancer early, and animportant part of catching it early is skin cancer screenings.Your dermatologist also can do these screenings.

The screenings are being sponsored by the CentraFoundation and local dermatologists.