Cancer News | May June 2023

ISSUE 3 MAY/JUNE 2023

Lincoln Kidney Cancer Patient Part of National Clinical Trial

Home support system, less life interruption are key factors in care

In December 2020, Stephanie began to experience persistent pain in the left side of her abdomen. Her primary care physician suggested she may have a urinary tract infection but ordered blood tests to rule out anything else. When test results were outside normal range, additional lab tests and scans revealed abnormalities in her kidney. This led her to Dr. Scott McHam, medical oncologist at Cancer Partners of Nebraska, where she was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

After surgery in February 2021, she was feeling better, but by April, she started to experience pain again. Additional tests showed that the cancer had spread to her liver.

Dr. McHam and the research team at Cancer Partners worked to develop a plan for Stephanie. The team met with her to go over options to fight this rare cancer, including a clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Fortunately, the Lincoln research team was able to provide the same clinical trial here, so Stephanie could continue to live at home with her support system and receive the same protocol.

Stephanie continues to work while receiving care and treatment, plus the trial’s required monthly visits.

“Working with my research nurse, Sheila, through this whole process has been smooth. I can pick up the phone or go in for a visit to discuss my symptoms and have my lab work done. I can’t imagine trying to balance my health while working and traveling for a clinical trial in another state.”

Stephanie Henderson Clinical Trial Participant

National Clinical Trials Available in Lincoln

Patients in our region have access to many clinical trials, thanks to Bryan’s partnership with Cancer Partners of Nebraska. They have membership with:

• MD Anderson Cancer Center

• ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Patients can access clinical trials today. They will continue to be available at the upcoming April Sampson Cancer Center

For more information about available clinical trials, please visit: cancerpartners.com/care/clinical-trails

DID YOU KNOW?

April Sampson Cancer Center Will be Accredited by:

• Commission on Cancer

• American College of Radiology (ACR)

Collaboration with Cancer

Partners of Nebraska provides:

• Clinical trial access through National Cancer Institute (NCI) networks

• MD Anderson Cancer Center research affiliation

• Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) certification

• Radiation Oncology ACR accreditation

• Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) pharmacy

Medical oncologist Dr. Scott McHam and research nurse Sheila Evans, RN, CCRP, with Stephanie Henderson

Rehabilitation Empowers Patients Throughout Cancer Recovery

From a breast cancer diagnosis to having a partial mastectomy, Karen Luhr has had a whirlwind of life-changing experiences but is on the road to recovery. She is moving and feeling better than ever before, thanks to the help of the cancer rehabilitation team at Cancer Partners of Nebraska.

Rehabilitation therapy, both at Bryan Medical Center and at Cancer Partners, can help patients recover more quickly and fully from cancer treatment. The rehabilitation teams work with patients to customize a plan to meet their goals.

The Cancer Partners rehab team taught me to do exercises at home to help with my stability. I feel stronger every day, and I contribute my success to the team’s encouragement and positivity.

– Karen

After Karen’s lumpectomy, she underwent 20 rounds of radiation and 11 chemotherapy treatments with minimal side effects. However, she did experience fibrosis, balance issues and neuropathy in her feet. Dr. Joni Tilford, her Cancer Partners medical oncologist, referred her to their rehabilitation team.

Laura Korbelik, MOTR/L, CLT, occupational therapist, and Michaela Bidrowsky, certified occupational therapist assistant, helped Karen with lymphedema, improved range of motion, reduced pain and more independence at home.

Physical therapist Tara Benes, DPT, and physical therapist assistant Jonathan Aten, helped remedy some of the issues Karen was having with balance and overall strength. Balance exercises can counter some of the effects of muscle imbalances and body asymmetry after surgery.

Karen meets with the rehabilitation team monthly and plans to start some of the exercise classes they offer in the coming months.

Karen also met with Cancer Partners certified mastectomy fitters to ensure she was wearing the appropriate garments after her partial mastectomy.

Cortney Driewer, certified mastectomy fitter, works with breast cancer patients.

“My job is to listen to the patients and understand their needs,” Cortney said. “We ensure they have a properlyfitting bra and any other related supplies, such as prosthetics. We also provide education on how to use and maintain these supplies and garments.”

Karen is happy with her care and recovery. “Sometimes, dealing with cancer can leave you feeling defeated, but with the help of Cancer Partners staff, I am feeling more and more like my old self every day,” she said.

Cancer Partners and Bryan Cancer Program will move to the April Sampson Cancer Center in less than a year. This state-of-the-art cancer center will offer many additional support services – including genetic testing and counseling, rehabilitation, nutrition, mental health support and survivorship care, as well as outdoor space with walking trails and natural surroundings that include trees and a pond.

Members of the Cancer Partners rehabilitation team with Karen Luhr (second from left)

April Sampson Cancer Center will feature both indoor and outdoor therapy areas.

Oncology Social Worker and Survivor

Joselyn Hayes is an oncology social worker with the Cancer Program at Bryan Medical Center, where she has worked for 20 years. In her role, she provides support to cancer patients and their families by helping them reduce stress, cope with emotions due to their diagnosis, understand Social Security/disability/insurance benefits and apply for assistance programs.

Little did she know that one day she’d have her own cancer story to tell. Joselyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021. Her journey through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation has given her a unique perspective in helping patients and families.

Joselyn has been a certified social worker for 26 years. Her passion is in medical social work, as she has worked in hospitals, home health care and hospice. She holds a bachelor’s in social work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and master’s in teaching with a focus on language, literacy and culture from the University of Nebraska. She will graduate with her master’s in social work next spring from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Outside of work, Joselyn enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their children, Abby (13) and Ryan (11). They enjoy going for walks, biking, spending time with their two Shih Tzus, Howie and Bernie, vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and watching shows together. In her spare time, Joselyn also enjoys reading, journaling and lattes from The Mill.

Donor Corner

Oncology Social Work

How do oncology social workers help cancer patients?

• Provide education so patients can understand and cope with their diagnosis and treatment

• Offer supportive counseling to patients, their caregivers and families

• Provide information on how to access financial assistance

• Answer questions about social security, disability, insurance and advance directives

• Help arrange transportation to and from medical appointments

• Teach them to advocate for themselves and speak up with concerns and needs

Cancer patients can access Bryan social workers free of charge by calling 402-481-7900. This service will continue at the April Sampson Cancer Center.

April Sampson Cancer Center is grateful for generous donors in our community, such as:

Olsson is the engineering designer of the cancer center. The Lincoln-based engineering firm is also funding one of the new infusion bays with views overlooking a pond and green space.

An infusion bay is a place where folks spend a lot of time thinking and contemplating. They are there for an extended period of time, and we wanted to contribute to a positive element of that experience. Your heart goes out to those who are there. You want them to feel good while they’re in that space.

– John Olsson, executive vice president of consulting services and son of founder John E. Olsson

Joselyn Hayes and family

Address Service Requested

Cancer News will keep you up-to-date on comprehensive cancer services available now and in the future. April Sampson Cancer Center will open in less than a year.

National Cancer Survivors Day is June 4

Celebrate the survivors in your life by purchasing a ribbon in their honor for Bryan Medical Center East and West Campus tree displays in Lincoln. Funds support programs through the April Sampson Cancer Center.

Purchase ribbons online at bryanhealth.org/salutesurvivors

LifeSpring Cancer Wellness Program

8-week exercise and wellness program for anyone recently diagnosed with cancer

Research shows LifeSpring participants experience significant improvement in their quality of life, especially helping with:

• Fatigue

• Pain

• Depression

• Strength

Cancer Support Groups

Patients can connect with others, share experiences and meet Bryan cancer care experts. Open to anyone diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.

• General Cancer Support Group

1st Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bryan LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group

• Sleep

$100 per 8-week session – includes:

• Full LifePointe membership

• Exercise sessions twice per week

• Optional monthly support group

• Optional monthly cooking demo

Patients can call 402-481-6300 for more information or to register. Or visit: bryanhealth.org/lifespring

2nd Thursday of the month, 7-8 p.m., Bryan West Campus, 2300 S. 16th St.

• Cancer Cooking Demo

3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bryan LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St.

• Thyroid Cancer Support Group

1st Saturday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m., Bryan Medical Plaza East Campus

Patients can call 402-481-7900 for more information or visit: bryanhealth.org/cancer-support-groups