Cancer News | September October 2023

Gynecologic Oncology, Right Here in Lincoln

Dr. Peter Morris, of Cancer Partners of Nebraska, is a gynecologic oncology surgeon specifically trained in the surgical and medical treatment of cancers that involve the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina and vulvar area.

One of his first patients in Lincoln was a woman facing the diagnosis of endometrial cancer, which is cancer in the lining of the uterus.

Mary told her gynecologist about her post-menopause spotting. She had a biopsy that indicated cancerous cells, then her doctor referred her to Dr. Morris.

Mary saw Dr. Morris at Cancer Partners within 24 hours of meeting with her gynecologist. Dr. Morris assured Mary that they caught it early, which provides the best possible outcome. Soon after, Mary had a robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy performed by Dr. Morris at Bryan Medical Center. After the pathology results came back, he recommended a few rounds of radiation therapy to destroy any residual cancer cells.

Mary had questions about what would happen before and after her hysterectomy and treatment. She met with Laura Korbelik, MOTR/L, CLT, a Cancer Partners occupational therapist, for guidance and to discuss her individual treatment plan.

Laura meets with patients like Mary for pre-operative assessment of their posture, pelvic floor range of motion, prior pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms, nutrition education and fascial assessment for restrictions. She also provides education about signs of lymphedema when inguinal nodes are removed.

A few months after her surgery, Mary’s scans show she is now cancer free. It’s a road she didn’t think she would ever have to travel, but she is happy to get the best cancer care, close to home.

“ I found an extraordinary village when I experienced cancer. A forest of friends, family and health care workers that held me up through powerful winds and floods . . . loved me when I was thoroughly unlovable . . . and delivered sustenance and faith to my door.

– Mary, endometrial cancer patient “

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Some cancer treatments may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunctions such as incontinence, sexual pain, anatomic alteration, myofascial pain and pelvic organ changes. Pelvic floor therapy by a specially trained occupational therapist can help. Typical treatments and techniques for pelvic floor therapy:

• Manual therapy – Massage or stretching to help reduce fascial restrictions, improve posture, blood circulation and mobility

• Education – About pelvic anatomy, function and strategies to reduce symptoms

• Biofeedback – A tool to help patients “see” how the pelvic floor muscles are working

• Exercises – Includes stretches to lengthen and strengthen the pelvic floor, plus helping improve posture of the pelvic girdle and pelvic floor

• Vaginal/rectal dilators – Can be used to prevent stenosis.

• Prostate recovery – Minimize the risk of side effects of treatment including bladder control, sexual function, incontinence and bowel habits

Pelvic floor therapy is offered at Crete Area Medical Center and Cancer Partners of Nebraska, which will move to the April Sampson Cancer Center.

Find out more at: cancerpartners.com/care/rehab/pelvic-floor

Peter Morris, MD Cancer Partners of Nebraska

Laura Korbelik, occupational therapist, and Mary

One Appointment Offers Convenience, Peace of Mind for Breast Cancer Patients

Sandy Minnick, 70, had no family history of breast cancer. She completed her mammogram screening at Bryan Medical Center every year, but the scan in July 2022 looked different. After more scans and a biopsy, Bryan oncology nurse navigator Carmen Orr called Sandy to tell her about Bryan’s new breast cancer multidisciplinary clinic.

One Visit, Multiple Experts

In one appointment, Sandy met with a team of specialists, including breast surgeon Rachel Jendro, DO, FACOS, of Bryan Breast Surgical Specialists, and medical oncologist Haris Zahoor, MD, and Kam Chiu, MD, radiation oncologist, both of Cancer Partners of Nebraska. She left with a treatment plan and peace of mind.

“I’m so grateful for this approach to care,” Sandy said. “Having that team made a huge difference.”

Treatment Plan

In September, Sandy underwent a double mastectomy with Dr. Jendro. Because of the tumor’s genetics and that it was caught early, Sandy did not need chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Today, she has regular follow-up visits with Dr. Zahoor and uses Cancer Partners’ rehabilitation team for lymphedema therapy. She is cancer free.

“I’ve been lucky every step of the way, and it’s because of that team,” Sandy said.

Breast multidisciplinary clinics are the future of oncology, and we are fortunate to be experiencing it now. Cancer treatment is complex, and patients may need a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach. From the patient’s perspective, it gives them an opportunity to see all providers in one day and leave with a complete plan.

— Haris Zahoor, MD Cancer Partners Medical Oncologist

Patients nervous about getting a mammogram?

Share this new video for what’s involved, answers to common questions and ways to prepare for a mammogram.

New Breast Biopsy System Faster, More Comfortable for Patients

Patients undergoing breast biopsy now have a faster, more comfortable and less invasive option at Bryan Pine Lake Campus.

The Brevera® Breast Biopsy System improves efficiency by combining tissue acquisition, real-time imaging, verification and post-biopsy handling. This makes it an average of 13 minutes faster than a conventional stereotactic breast biopsy. Bryan is the first in the area to offer this integrated system.

The new biopsy system will move to the April Sampson Cancer Center next year.

Refer patients in Epic or by calling the Bryan Scheduling Center: 402-481-5121.

Sandy Minnick and her husband, Mike

Cancer Program Advanced Practice Provider

The Bryan Cancer Program welcomes Teresa King as an advanced practice provider. In this role she will be running the survivorship program and Bryan high risk clinic, coming soon.

Donor Corner

We are grateful for generous donors in our community, such as Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, who is sponsoring an administrative conference room at the April Sampson Cancer Center.

Teresa King, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

A graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School, Teresa earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Union College and her master’s in nursing from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She earned her post-master’s certificate as a family nurse practitioner from Clarkson College.

She comes to Bryan from Omaha Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, where she was a certified pediatric nurse, while also working at Fallbrook Family Health Center as an advanced practice nurse practitioner. Teresa is passionate about advocating for those she serves, as well as for oncology care and survivorship, making her a great fit for this role.

Outside of work, Teresa enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books, watching movies and going on adventures with her husband and three children.

Teresa can be reached at teresa.king@bryanhealth.org or by calling 402-481-7900.

“Farmers Mutual of Nebraska believes in the power of community. Together, we can accomplish so much more than any of us can individually. Cancer is a disease that has impacted all of us in some way, shape or form. We’re honored to be a part of this project bringing holistic, coordinated and comprehensive cancer care to Lincoln and surrounding communities. #TeamFM is proud to support the vital work of Bryan Health in changing lives, improving outcomes and helping cancer survivors thrive.

— All of us at Farmers Mutual of Nebraska

Join the cause — be a part of advancing cancer care in our community.

Call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or visit bryanhealth.org/join-the-cause for information on giving and naming opportunities.

Palliative Care Maximizes Quality of Life

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, improving quality of life for both the patient and the family. It is provided by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support.

Palliative care is appropriate at any time of the disease and can complement curative and life-prolonging therapies.

Palliative care reminds us to honor the inherent dignity of every human being, offering solace, care and comfort during life’s most challenging times. The practice encourages a philosophical shift, embracing the natural cycle of life while maximizing quality and alleviating suffering along the way.

— Mark J. Stavas, MD Cancer Partners of Nebraska Radiation Oncologist

It can help alleviate symptoms of cancer or side effects of treatments to help them tolerate and complete recommended therapies. It also can provide support for caregivers with different stressors or concerns.

Palliative care is offered to cancer patients at Cancer Partners of Nebraska and will continue at the April Sampson Cancer Center. Palliative care also is offered to patients hospitalized at Bryan Medical Center.

As palliative care providers partner with your oncology team, together they can ensure you have all the resources you and your family need to cope, understand and navigate your personal journey with cancer.

— Melissa Johnson, MD, Bryan Palliative Care

For more information, contact: Outpatient: Cancer Partners of Nebraska

402-420-7000

Inpatient: Ask for Bryan Palliative Care

Bryan Cancer Program

1600 S. 48th St. Lincoln, NE 68506-1299

Address Service Requested

Cancer News

Stay informed with the latest comprehensive cancer care updates View online & previous issues: bryanhealth.org/cancer-newsletter

New Faces in Cancer Care

Brett Grieb, MD

Medical Oncology

Cancer Partners of Nebraska

Started August 1, 2023

• Hometown – York, NE

• Bachelor’s degree – University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Medical degree – University of Nebraska College of Medicine

• Residency & fellowship – Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic

A breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Ease your patients’ stress with a referral to the Bryan Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic.

• One appointment – A breast cancer surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist will review test results in one convenient visit.

• Personal attention – Each specialist will share information and answer questions. An oncology nurse navigator and other health professionals provide additional support.

• Treatment plan – Your patient receives a personalized treatment plan at the end of the appointment.

Clinic is available now and will continue at new cancer center.

To refer a patient, call 402-481-7900.

April Sampson Cancer Center

Coming to Lincoln early 2024

Reduce Hair Loss

In Chemotherapy Patients with Solid Tumors

With the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System, patients wear a cooling cap during their chemotherapy treatment. It helps minimize hair loss in two ways: Reduced blood flow – Narrowing of blood vessels in the scalp helps limit the amount of chemo delivered to the hair follicles

Reduced metabolism – Lower scalp temperature decreases reaction rate, slows cellular activity

Insurance doesn’t always cover this treatment. Financial assistance is available for patients who qualify.

Learn more at: cancerpartners.com/dignicap-scalp-cooling-system

South 40th St. between Yankee Hill & Saltillo Roads