wr it e n e x t d oor with columnist Colleen D’Angelo
Strength and Resilience Dublin cancer survivors improve treatment methods
there are many great stories, ideas and foundations that have emerged from the pain. The center is an amazing collaboration between Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates and OhioHealth. “Everything is under one roof,” says Renee Jordan, director of human resources for Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates. The center is light, bright, welcoming While touring the facility I recognized and state of the art, but I still had a pit in the ease of checking in, getting lab work my stomach thinking of the struggles that done and meeting with your doctor all cancer patients endure. I lost my father to in one area. If the oncologist orders tests, esophageal cancer 18 years ago and a dear you can go upstairs for X-rays, ultrasounds, friend to pancreatic cancer two and a half CT scans and 3-D digital mammography. years ago. I remember the exact moments Downstairs is a cancer-specific infusion when I learned that they were ill and can’t center with individual bays. imagine how mind-blowing it is to hear “They are built with privacy in mind but the words, “You have cancer.” still open so the nurses can keep their eyes I have many friends, too many to men- on you,” Jordan says. tion, who have battled breast cancer or are The center is staffed with specialists in currently going through treatment. This medical oncology and hematology, breast terrible disease has touched all of us, but and cancer surgery, thoracic surgery, surgical due to the resiliency of the human spirit, and gynecologic oncology. Patients can even access medical tattooing following procedures. This is commonly used in mastectomies in which patients’ nipples are removed. Most impressive were the details that went into patient comfort at the Dublin cancer center. A baby grand piano sits in the upstairs waiting area and is played for music therapy. I met Kristi Kreutzer, a diagnostic nurse navigator, who shares lots of Kleenex and tears as she helps people navigate scary times. “I guide patients through every step of diagnostic testing so they know what to expect and don’t Renee Jordan, director of human resources for ever feel alone,” says Kreutzer. Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates
Recently, I walked into the new OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital: Cancer Center on Perimeter Drive for my annual mammogram (good news, my results were fine and I’m clear for another year!).
44 • August/September 2021
Survivorship clinics help patients with diet, exercise and mental health during and after their treatments, offering a holistic approach to treatment. The Over My Head Cancer Boutique is an on-site store catering to breast cancer patients and helping them return to wellness. After founder Bethany Golden’s mom passed away from breast cancer, she wanted to make a positive impact. So, she opened her business that specializes in wigs and Kelly Taggart wearing head coverings for the cold cap cancer patients. OhioHealth asked Golden to collaborate and together, they opened stores in the Bing and Dublin Cancer Centers. Now they have mastectomy and lumpectomy fitters, synthetic and human hair wigs, cancer safe skin care products, headwear and bathing suits and bras that can be fitted with prostheses. Over My Head also has trained experts in cold cap therapy, which is a method that can help patients retain some or most of their hair during chemotherapy. The cap is filled with a gel coolant that is chilled to between -15 and -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The caps are fastened to the head and worn for one hour before chemotherapy, during the infusion and for a predetermined amount of time after the infusion. A trained helper is necessary to change the gel packs out every 20-25 minutes. www.dublinlifemagazine.com
