Berger Health
Fall 2015
Colon cancer treatment
Truly ‘above and beyond’ David Weaver has faith in his Berger Health System team
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Joy Leverich, MD, and David Weaver
n a cold night in January, Circleville resident David Weaver was overcome with extreme stomach pain. Throughout the evening it escalated, becoming so severe that he couldn’t move. He was rushed to Berger Hospital by ambulance. Weaver assumed he had a stomach virus, but it was much more serious. “It came over me all of a sudden and without warning; I was in immense pain,” says Weaver. “Thankfully when I arrived at the hospital there was no wait. Berger got me evaluated immediately.” That night, Joy Leverich, MD, General Surgeon at Berger Health System, (whom Weaver nicknamed “Doc”) was called in for an emergency surgery. Dr. Leverich determined that Weaver’s colon had ruptured, and he was diagnosed with colon cancer. She operated immediately, removing all of the cancer and 65 percent of his colon. “Dr. Leverich immediately gave me so much confidence that I was going to be OK,” says Weaver. “The whole process was magnificent. I could have easily died. This was not a day at the beach, but from the time she got to the hospital and throughout the procedure, Doc was fantastic. I can’t say enough nice things about her.” Weaver's birthday was five days after he was —Continued on page 2
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WELCOME, NEW PROVIDERS
Raul Zamora, MD 740-420-8376
Sanju Mahato, MD 740-420-8632
Amy Peters, CNP
Raul Zamora, MD, earned his bachelor of science degree in cellular and molecular biology and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residencies at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, and Western Reserve Health Education, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Youngstown, Ohio. Dr. Zamora joins the expanding surgery team to provide exceptional surgical care for our patients in a wide range of general surgery procedures. Sanju Mahato, MD, graduated from the Universal College of Medical Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. She completed her integrative medicine residency at the University of North Dakota in Minot. Dr. Mahato is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine and American Medical Association. Dr. Mahato specializes in pediatrics but is welcoming new patients of all ages. Amy Peters, CNP, graduated from Hocking Tech with an associate degree in nursing. She went on to receive both her bachelor of science and master of science degrees in nursing from Ohio University. Peters is practicing at the Convenience Care Clinic located in Berger Hospital.
2 Berger Health System • Fall 2015
OUR AWARDWINNING SURGERY TEAM Robert Kloos, DO
Raul Zamora, MD
Truly ‘above and beyond’ — Continued from page 1 diagnosed with cancer. He received a visit from a Berger food service team member who brought him a cupcake that said “Happy birthday!” “It was so special, and it made my day,” Weaver says. “I don’t think many hospitals would have done something like that for their patients.” When asked what he liked most about Berger, Weaver jokes, “The bistro has great cheeseburgers and french fries!” But jokes aside, throughout his cancer battle, Weaver was won over by his caregivers’ level of professionalism and competence. He felt confident putting his life in the hands of Berger physicians.
Care that’s ‘above and beyond’ Weaver developed meaningful relationships with the staff at Berger Hospital's Bradley Cancer Center that made coping with his cancer treatments much more tolerable. He is often greeted with hugs from the staff at appointments. “The Bradley Cancer Center has been wonderful. I love the staff there,” Weaver says. “They truly go above and beyond most hospitals. I’ll never forget when I came back for my second surgery—Dolly Nelson, who assists me with my chemotherapy medication, hugged me. It means so much to know that I have these great people taking care of me.” “David has always maintained an amazing and upbeat attitude,” says Dolly, Medical Assistant at Berger Health System. “He is such a joy to have in the office.” Weaver had his second surgery on April 28
to reattach his colon. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments, which have been going well. He recommends that anybody in his situation should take rehabilitation seriously and exercise often. He believes that doing this helped him and made his recovery go smoothly. “David’s positive attitude has made him a pleasure to care for,” says Dr. Leverich. “He has an infectious and caring personality that truly makes me appreciate the wonderful people that I get to help.” Weaver’s family has also been very supportive. His nieces and nephews have stuck by his side and check in on him regularly. Weaver is a Pickaway County native; he graduated from Walnut Township High School. He enjoys spending his time with his family, reading and volunteering at the Pickaway County Library. Weaver has overcome many obstacles and continues fighting his cancer battle. He will continue to complete treatments and followup at the Bradley Cancer Center. “Berger Hospital has been lucky to care for somebody as wonderful as David Weaver,” Dr. Leverich says. “We look forward to helping him fight his cancer battle and maintaining the friendship that has formed.” Berger Health System has recently partnered with OhioHealth to provide cancer care in Pickaway County. OhioHealth is a certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network—a program of a world-renowned leader in cancer care, MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Still searching for Dr. Right? Visit www.bergerhealth.com to search for one—by specialty or by name.
MEET OUR CANCER SPECIALISTS
Sudhathi Chennuru, MD
Anitha Nallari, MD
OhioHealth-affliated cancer physicians are now accepting new patients at Berger Health System. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 740-420-8521.
OhioHealth cancer care now at Berger
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arlier this year, Berger Health System officially launched a partnership with OhioHealth. Through that partnership, we now have access to a cancer care network that includes 11 hospitals and close to 400 specialists with proven success in diagnosing and treating more than 50 types of cancer. In fact, two of those cancer specialists—Sudhathi
Chennuru, MD, and Anitha Nallari, MD—both care for cancer patients at Berger. The Berger and OhioHealth partnership is especially unique in that OhioHealth is a certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network—a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center, which is a world-renowned leader in cancer care devoted exclusively to advancing cancer care, research, education and prevention. Since U.S. News & World Report began its annual “Best Hospitals” survey in 1990, MD Anderson Cancer Center has been named one of the top two in cancer care—and No. 1 for 11 of the past 14 years. OhioHealth has a longstanding reputation for providing
compassionate, patient-focused cancer care delivered locally, and now our Berger patients have access to OhioHealth’s well-established, advanced standards of cancer care close to home, including access to more than 100 clinical trials. Dr. Chennuru and Dr. Nallari will continue to see patients in Columbus at OhioHealth facilities where their involvement in tumor boards, clinical trials and quality committees is applied in the treatment of patients at Berger.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month Lung cancer is usually caused by smoking. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do, try to quit. For help, go to www.smokefree.gov or talk with your doctor.
Berger Health System—a ‘Top Performer’ in excellence
CARING FOR YOU
To learn more about our approach to cancer care, visit www .bergerhealth.com/cancer.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“Berger Health System’s mission: To advance quality, compassionate care, personal health and community well-being.”
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m. Healthy U—Wellness Wednesday
Pickaway County Library 1160 N. Court St., Circleville Information on the Healthy U program and how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holiday Bazaar Berger Hospital Gift Shop, Berger Health System Community Room Proceeds support Berger equipment purchases and nursing scholarships.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m. Friends of Berger Food Sale and Raffle
Berger Health System Hospital Lobby Proceeds support continuing education and scholarships for clinical team members at Berger Health System.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Parkinson's Educational Forum Berger Health System Community Room Join us for the forum to hear from a panel of experts about Parkinson’s and to learn about the program Berger will unveil in 2016. Call 740-420-8222 now to reserve your seat.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. Light Up a Life Tree Lighting Ceremony and Service
Pickaway County Courthouse 207 South Court St., Circleville The tree lighting will be followed by a candlelight procession and memorial service. If you have questions, call Berger Hospice at 740-420-7950.
Care at the end of life:
How hospice can help
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rom the day we enter this world until the day we leave it, specialized medical care can make our journey easier. For people near the end of life, this care is often provided through hospice, a program that strives to bring comfort and peace to terminally ill patients and their families. “There are emotions, fears and concerns that come with end-of-life treatment,” says John Bohlen, MD, Medical Director of Berger Hospice. “Hospice can provide you with quality John Bohlen, MD and compassionate care while relieving suffering and improving your quality of life. This personalized care helps patients and their families focus on what’s most important: enjoying time together.” Generally, those receiving hospice care are expected to live six months or less. They’ve chosen to end treatments aimed at curing their disease. But they do receive support that can make them more comfortable—physically, psychologically and spiritually. This support is delivered by a team of hospice professionals. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, that team may include a person’s primary care physician, a hospice
physician or both; nurses; home health aides; social workers; and counselors or spiritual advisers. Together, the hospice team develops a plan of care tailored to each person’s specific needs. Then they work with that person’s family members, who typically serve as primary caregivers. Should the need arise, members of the team are available to offer assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As an added benefit, hospice staff stays in contact with a person’s family after he or she has died. They offer support to the family through the grieving process.
Finding a hospice Often, hospice care is provided at home. But it may also be offered in a hospital, nursing home or hospice residence. There is a Medicare benefit if hospice care is provided by an approved agency. Private health plans, the Department of Veterans Affairs and, in most states, Medicaid offer coverage as well. Doctors and hospital discharge planners can help people find hospice care in their area. If you or a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, consider how hospice may help. The end of life can be a challenging time, but hospice may make it easier for all involved. For more information, contact Berger Hospice at 740-420-7950.
CONNECTIONS is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of BERGER HEALTH. Information comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your primary care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2015 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. CMM31657