More than 1,400 people joined Bryan Health and Cancer Partners of Nebraska April 13 to celebrate the opening of the April Sampson Cancer Center. The event featured remarks from Bryan Health Vice President David Reese, Bryan Medical Center President Eric Mooss and Cancer Partners of Nebraska Medical Oncologist Nathan Green, MD.
Nebraska Volleyball Head Coach John Cook also welcomed community members, sharing the importance of great facilities in Lincoln as well as moving, personal stories of how cancer has affected him and his players. The ceremony included an official ribbon cutting with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Guests were then able to walk through the cancer center and talk with staff stationed throughout the building.
The April Sampson Cancer Center is Lincoln’s first and only comprehensive community cancer center, offering all aspects of cancer care under one roof. The new center also has access to clinical trials through two prestigious national networks, including an MD Anderson affiliation.
Danielle Henricksen, Bryan Cancer Program director, and Steve Dunder, MD, Cancer Partners of Nebraska medical oncologist, cut the ribbon, with Nathan Green, DO, Cancer Partners of Nebraska medical oncologist; John Cook, Nebraska head volleyball coach; and Jason Ball, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce president.
Bryan Multidisciplinary Clinic (MDC)
A variety of services are now offered at April Samspon Cancer Center at the Bryan Medical Center MDC. This space has its own waiting area, three blood transfusion bays and six exam rooms outside a central conference room, where providers collaborate on treatment plans.
• Breast Cancer MDC (more clinics coming soon)
• High Risk and Cancer Prevention Clinic
• Survivorship Care
• Mental Health
• Genetic Counseling and Testing
• Blood Transfusion
• Echocardiogram and Doppler Ultrasound Place referrals in Epic or call Bryan Cancer Program at 402-481-7900.
Radiation Oncology Accreditation
The American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. It is only awarded to facilities that meet specific practice guidelines and technical standards.
Cancer Partners of Nebraska at the April Sampson Cancer Center is the first and only independent and free-standing facility in Nebraska to be radiation oncology accredited. They have held this designation for the past decade, recently receiving re-accreditation.
Ribbon Cutting Recap Video
Stage IV Lung Cancer Patient Completes Ironman Triathlon
Ryan King is an exceptionally positive person. He’s an engaging, energetic man who will put you in a good mood just by talking to him. You would never guess what he is going through.
More than two years ago, Ryan, 50, was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer that had spread to his brain. The five-year relative survival rate of this diagnosis is less than 10 percent. But Ryan has tried to maintain an upbeat attitude despite what he faces.
“From what I see, I think there are a lot of people who get a diagnosis and they go home and wait to die,” he said. “That would not be what I recommend.”
Since his diagnosis, Ryan’s care team has included neurosurgeon Dr. Steven Gogela and Cancer Partners of Nebraska oncologists Dr. Steven Dunder and Dr. Mark Stavas.
Before his diagnosis, Ryan was an avid triathlete. He decided to run in one more Ironman triathlon after his first round of chemotherapy and radiation. He was able to finish the entire 70.3-mile race and later gave his medal to Dr. Stavas for being his “biggest cheerleader.”
“The medal meant a lot to me, but I think it maybe meant as much to him because he’s just a great guy,” Ryan said. “He’s talked me off a ledge many times the last couple years.”
Dr. Stavas was honored. “Ryan embraces the best of what it means to live life with uncertainty, celebrating each moment to its fullest while recognizing it may be his last,” Dr. Stavas said. “He has been a wonderful teacher to me, realizing each of us can be as healed as those we are healing.”
Ryan has had two craniotomies and multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation during the last few years. Ryan also underwent two Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery procedures in March and June of this year. He has struggled with anxiety and depression, especially surrounding his health. Every mundane headache brings fears that his cancer may be back.
Despite this, he strives to be positive and take each day one step at a time. He said his wife, Kim, and his two stepchildren have surrounded him with support. His doctors and the entire staff at the April Sampson Cancer Center have made him feel comfortable and welcomed.
“When I walk into the Cancer Center, it’s like everybody gives me a big hug,” he said. “Everybody knows my name. They know what you’re going through because they see it every day, and they’re compassionate.”
Ryan hopes his story helps others with cancer find the positivity in their lives. Despite the difficulties of the last few years, he’s grateful for his home, work and family.
Now, Ryan lives three months at a time, which is the frequency of his brain scans. His uncertain life expectancy has altered his outlook. He tries to squeeze as much out of each day as he can.
“I’ll go to the ends of this earth just to get one more day.”
Ryan King and Mark Stavas, MD
Meet Our Acupuncturist Bryan Medical Center – The Spa
Betsy DeGrandi is a licensed acupuncturist at Bryan Medical Center – The Spa at April Sampson Cancer Center. She brings 25 years of experience treating patients in private clinics, hospitals and as a community care provider for Veterans. Her expertise is blending Eastern Acupuncture with Western Acupuncture to get the best results for her patients. Her focus is to meet patients where they are in their health journey.
Betsy is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego and in Motor Point Acupuncture/Sports Medicine from the University of California San Diego. This dual approach allows her to treat cancer patients by decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy/radiation, along with helping anyone with acute/chronic pain, auto-immune issues and/or anxiety/depression.
Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of symptoms including:
• Cancer treatment-related symptoms (neuropathy, nausea, hormonal imbalance, emotional, fatigue)
• Insomnia
• Women’s health concerns (endometriosis, menopause, menstrual health, pre- and post-partum wellness)
Refer in Epic or call The Spa for more information at 402-481-7973.
Breakthrough Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Option Now Available
Cancer Partners and Urology Partners of Nebraska are introducing the Promaxo MRI System – a significant advancement in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. This cutting-edge technology offers improved accuracy and precision, all within a clinic setting.
One of the key benefits of the Promaxo MRI System is its ability to provide a more comfortable experience for patients and superior cancer detection rates.
“We can accurately target lesions without the use of any transrectal ultrasound – for our patients, that makes their experience more comfortable,” explains Adam Mues, MD, a urologic oncologist at Urology Partners of Nebraska.
Dr. Mues is Lincoln’s first fellowship-trained urologic oncologist, specializing in the following cancers:
• prostate
• kidney
• bladder
• penile
• testicular
• adrenal
The Promaxo MRI procedure can be administered in-office at Urology Partners, located at the April Sampson Cancer Center.
For questions about the benefits of the Promaxo MRI System, contact Urology Partners of Nebraska at 402-413-2800.
Betsy DeGrandi, LAc, MS
Adam Mues, MD; Alex McIntire, RN; and Liz Ley, RN, BSN
April Sampson Cancer Center
4101 Tiger Lily Rd. Lincoln, NE 68516
Address Service Requested
Cancer News
Stay informed with the latest comprehensive cancer care updates View online & previous issues: bryanhealth.org/cancer-newsletter
New Faces at April Sampson Cancer Center
Antonio Beltran, MD Urologist
Urology Partners of Nebraska
Support Programs
Our support programs are up and running at the April Sampson Cancer Center at 4101 Tiger Lily Rd. They include:
Cancer Support Group
Meets first Thursday of each month, 3-4 p.m.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets second Thursday of each month, 5-6 p.m.
Wellness Through Cancer
An 8-week cancer recovery program incorporating movement, education and support to help all aspects of patients’ well-being. Meets most Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Learn more at BryanHealth.org/SupportPrograms
Adam Mues, MD Urologic Oncologist
Urology Partners of Nebraska
Donor Corner
We are grateful for generous donors in our community, such as Desta Osborne, who funded the Bridge of Courage. She was married to the late Dr. Robert Osborne.
“ It is my hope this bridge will bring comfort and strength to all who view and walk upon it. May it lead to renewing their courage to move forward. “
Call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or visit AprilSampsonCancerCenter.org/Giving for more information on giving opportunities.
