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Honoring Lives Touched by Cancer A special publication of the Glenwood Springs Post Independent | 2014

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THERE ARE MANY REASONS FOR HOPE, JOY, AND OPTIMISM in the health care field. Over the past nine months, in Mountain Family Health Centers’ service area, more than 9,000 Coloradans have obtained affordable health insurance as a result of the Affordable Care Act. MFHC is honored to serve those individuals who are newly insured, as well as continuing to serve those who remain uninsured in Colorado’s rural resort communities. In 2014, Mountain Family Health Centers (MFHC) celebrated our 36th anniversary. Established in 1978, the organization has grown from humble beginnings with one family nurse practitioner in Black Hawk, Colorado, to a sophisticated network of health centers and exceptional staff providing comprehensive primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care services. Today, MFHC serves the health care needs of more than 15,000 patients annually from eight diverse Colorado mountain counties including: Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco counties on the Western Slope and Gilpin, Clear Creek, Boulder, and northwest Jefferson counties on the Front Range. In February 2014, MFHC opened our fifth healthcare delivery site in Edwards, Colorado. This expansion was the result

of years of partnership with the Eagle Care Clinic, Vail Valley Medical Center, Bureau of Primary Health Care and the Eagle County community. MFHC continued to expand dental services at MFHC’s Rifle location; strengthened behavioral health services in Basalt, Edwards, Black Hawk, and Glenwood Springs; and expanded community care coordination services system-wide. Over the past year, MFHC has made significant strides in reducing emergency room usage, controlling unnecessary diagnostic testing, and providing primary care services that are affordable to the communities we serve. Four of MFHC’s five clinical sites are recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) as Level 3 patient-centered medical homes (PCMH). “The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of 21st century primary care that combines access, teamwork and technology to deliver quality care and improve health,”said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. NCQA’s PCMH recognition shows that MFHC has the tools, systems and resources to provide our patients with the right care at the right time. If you are looking for affordable health care insurance and affordable health care, we encourage you to call MFHC (970-945-2840) or visit us online at www.mountainfamily.org and

make an appointment to meet with our staff to assess your health insurance options. We will help you find an affordable plan that works for you, and we will help you access the health care services that your family desires. Se habla Espanol.

ROSS BROOKS, CEO MOUNTAIN FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS

Your Health, Our Mission.

Ken Davis, PA-C

Whether you need a routine physical exam, have the flu, need help managing your diabetes or depression, or need urgent care; you can trust us for high quality service regardless of if you have insurance or not. We accept most private insurances, Medicaid and Medicare, and offer assistance programs for any person who is uninsured.

www.mountainfamily.org Basalt 234 Cody Lane Basalt, CO 81621 (970) 945-2840

Edwards 320 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970) 569-3435

mountain family H E A LT H

Glenwood Springs 1905 Blake Ave, Suite 101 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (970) 945-2840

C E N T E R S

Rifle 195 W. 14th Street Rifle, CO 81650 (970) 945-2840

BELOV ED P UB L I SH ER O F T HE AS P E N T IM ES YO U A RE M IS S E D ! “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” — Hunter S. tHompSon

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contents 6

RALLY THE VALLEY

2014 PUBLISHER Michael Bennett EDITOR Randy Essex ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS Julie Carruth Kristin Anderson Garwood Eric Groves GRAPHIC DESIGNER Malisa Samsel

PUBLISHED BY

Glenwood Springs Post Independent 824 Grand Avenue Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 (970) 945-8515 news@postindependent.com www.postindependent.com

Bike, walk or join the kids parade in the third annual Rally the Valley fundraiser to provide support for patients at the Calaway-Young Cancer Center. Get the details here.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 10 What PI editor Randy Essex learned about cancer — the hard way.

WE SURVIVE CANCER TOGETHER Randy’s wife shares her journey that summer

SURVIVOR STORIES

14-23

Local residents share stories of their journeys coping with cancer.

UPDATE ON PEYTON

THANK YOUS

BATTLING SKIN CANCER

FIGHTING LUNG CANCER

NOW WHAT?

Glenwood’s Peyton Armstrong had not just leukemia, but also an infection. His family turned the ordeal into an opportunity to help others.

Patients thank doctors and others for their care.

The most common form of cancer may at times respond to radiation.

Early detection is the key to fighting this killer. The Citizen Telegram 125 W. Fourth St., Suite 206 Rifle, Colo. 81650 (970) 625-3245 news@citizentelegram.com www.citizentelegram.com

Here are the steps to take if you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer.

CANCER CARE PROVIDERS 2-32 PRINTED BY Colorado Mountain News Media 200 Lindbergh Drive P.O. Box 1500 Gypsum, Colorado 81637 GENERAL MANAGER Jim Morgan

Mountain Family Health Centers

2-3

Aspen Valley Hospital

8-9

Hospice of the Valley

Pathfinders

Heritage Park Care Center

Glenwood Medical Associates

20-21

Grand River Health Therapy Services 31, back cover

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alley View Hospital Foundation will host the third annual Rally the Valley, a community-wide fundraising event provide resources and services to support patients at the Calaway-Young Cancer Center and survivorship and emergency assistance. The event also marks the second anniversary of the CalawayYoung Cancer Center. The rally begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Sayre Park, 1798 Grand Avenue. The Calaway*Young Cancer Center is the Roaring Fork Valley’s only comprehensive cancer center. The center celebrates its second year anniversary with addition of a new radiation oncologist, Dr. David Marcus. During its two short years, the center realized growth far beyond original projections. Several hundred local patients have been treated here and blessed with the option to remain close to family and friends for radiation and chemotherapy treatments now available locally. Last year’s event raised more than $300,000 for the Rally Fund, which financed more than 1,000 integrative therapy

6 | 2014

sessions and 150 emergency assistance cards. In addition to radiation and medical oncology treatments, the cancer center provides much more: • Two patient navigators, Mary Crann, and Diane Heald, both registered nurses, help with identifying and assisting all patients being treated at the center in overcoming barriers to care. • Physical therapy exercise classes two times per week at the hospital. They support patients for a more active and healthy life as well as improved activities of daily living. Nearly 550 patient sessions have been hosted. • Mindful movement classes, yoga and tai chi, which help sustain physical fitness, flexibility and reduction of stress and fatigue. More than 550 patient sessions have been hosted. • Cancer Coffee Walk and Talk, a weekly support group for patients as well as survivors, providing exercise as well as psychosocial interaction. More than 625 patients and survivors sessions have been hosted.

RALLY THE VALLEY TIME 8:30 a.m. DATE Saturday, Sept. 20 PLACE Sayre Park, 1798 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs INFORMATION To donate or to volunteer, go to rallythevalley.org

• A social worker has helped more than 125 patients with housing, food, fuel and basic needs. In 2014, the added lodging to help prevent interruptions in care during emergencies. Up to fifteen lodging nights for patients are now covered. • Integrated therapy sessions such as massage, healing touch and acupuncture help alleviate stress and anxiety and manage the side effects of treatment. In the spring of 2014, the center added a second acupuncturist, providing an additional 150 patient sessions to date. A second acupuncturist also allowed the program to expand to include a pilot study for Xerostomia patients that began in July and will continue throughout the fall.

HOW TO RALLY ›› A 24.5-mile bike ride. ›› A 4-mile walk through downtown Glenwood Springs. ›› A fun kids parade. At lunchtime, all participants will come together for the Rally Party in Sayre Park. The party features fabulous healthy food by local food purveyors, a beer garden, live music and a kids’ zone with bouncy houses and more. Booths on cancer prevention and health will be both educational and inspirational. Admission to the party is included with event registration, or participants can register just for the party. Registration is open at www.rallythevalley.org.

mark your calendars:

RALLY THE VALLEY IS SEPT. 20 cherish ❤ live ❤ hope | 7

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Aspen Valley Hospital

Cancer Care Cancer care . . . close to home

screening tool for breast Nancee Dodge, FNP, is our cancer; both Sally Jobe and Advanced Oncology Certified Shaw Regional Cancer Center Nurse Practitioner. Nancee offer participation in national brings a wealth of experience clinical trials of experimental to our cancer patients through At Aspen Valley Hospital cancer treatments. her work at AVH since 1996. (AVH), we know that when Through our affiliations Nancee provides care to our it comes to cancer, people with these dynamic partners patients on both an outpatient want a quick and accurate and our experts here at AVH, and inpatient basis. She is diagnosis, information about our cancer patients and their actively involved in maintaining their best treatment options, families can be assured of the highest standards of and the support of their receiving a comprehensive excellence in the provision family, friends and health and compassionate team of patient care at AVH. care providers. That’s why approach to their care that Siobhan Conway, RN, we’ve expanded our care for includes nationally recognized CHPN, CRNI, is a registered our cancer patients through would travel anywhere for chemotherapeutic protocols Younurse with certifications in affiliations with Shaw Regional – individualized for each infusion therapy, advance care Cancer Center in Edwards and patient in our new beautiful, planning, and hospice and Invision Sally Jobe in Denver. state-of-the art oncology palliative nursing. Palliative We believe that when it comes infusion center. As Aspen is care expands the traditional to cancer care, the ideal place an international destination disease-model medical to receive your care is locally. for many, we happily provide treatments to include the goals Through our affiliation with care to cancer patients that of enhancing quality of life for Shaw Cancer Center, our but you and don’t to ... are visiting our valley in an our patients theirhave families. patients have access to boardeffort to ensure that their With a palliative care focus, our certified experts specializing care is seamless and their patients and their families are in radiation oncology, quality of life is enhanced. assured that they shall receive oncology pharmacology Our experts here at AVH a unique blend of holistic, and genetics. “Jack’s Place” include: Douglas Rovira, MD, humanistic provides comfortable caring, expertise in the who has led our oncology overnight accommodations management of physical program since its inception for patients and families and emotional symptoms, in 1993. Dr. Rovira is board who travel there for care. coordination of care across certified with the American close home When you cancer, you for but you'd like Invision Sally Jobe a state-of-the-art state-of-the-art close to tocare home When you have have cancer, youiswant want for your your care. care. treatment, butMedicine you'd probably probably also alsovarious like to to be behealth settings, Boardtreatment, of Internal capabilities, clinics weekly At Aspen Valley Hospital, you with our capabilities, oncology clinics staffed diagnostic highly specialized weekly oncology staffed by Atgroup Aspenof Valley Hospital, you can can get get both both in with our diagnostic and assistance and by advocacy Internal Medicine and nurses, nurse and to with Dr. Doug specialty-trained nurses, nurse practitioner practitioner chemotherapy and a a full-time full-time to help help with your your medical medical needs. needs. Dr. Doug Rovira, Rovira,providing specialty-trained chemotherapy radiologists regarding advanced Medical Oncology. Dr. outpatient imaging services. directives. Rovira sees patients weekly seamless And, through our affiliation with when can seamless And, affiliation with Valley Valley View View Hospital, when additional additional care care is is needed needed we we can ensure ensure Onethrough focus our of its affiliation If you’d like to learn inHospital, our oncology/infusion consultations and treatment. consultations and treatment. with AVH is the growing drive more about our oncology department. He is also on to prevent breast cancer, services, please don’t View Hospital, For AVH, call 544.1507. For more more information information about about cancer cancer care care at atstaff AVH, at callValley 544.1507. which includes early screening hesitate to contact us where radiation therapy is for women with a higher at 970-544-1507. We available relatively close disease risk due to genetic, welcome an opportunity to to home. And, he is easily environmental or behavioral show you our facility and accessible to you and your factors. Sally Jobe is a leader to visit with you about our primary care physician with a in breast MRI as an effective capabilities and expertise. full-time presence in the valley.

Great Healthcare,

0401 0401 Castle Castle Creek Creek Road, Road, Aspen, Aspen, CO CO 81611 81611

www.avhaspen.org www.avhaspen.org

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970.925.1120 970.925.1120

https://www.facebook.com/AspenValleyHospital https://www.facebook.com/AspenValleyHospital

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Aspen Valley Hospital

Cancer Care

You would travel anywhere for

Great Healthcare, but you don’t have to ...

When you have cancer, you want state-of-the-art treatment, but you'd probably also like to be close to home for your care. At Aspen Valley Hospital, you can get both with our diagnostic capabilities, weekly oncology clinics staffed by Dr. Doug Rovira, specialty-trained chemotherapy nurses, and a full-time nurse practitioner to help with your medical needs. And, through our affiliation with other cancer centers, when additional care is needed we can ensure seamless consultations and treatment.

0401 Castle Creek Road, Aspen, CO 81611

For more information about cancer care at AVH, call 544.1507.

www.avhaspen.org

970.925.1120

https://www.facebook.com/AspenValleyHospital

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letter from the editor

cancer

We get - and beat -

n the day we expected my biopsy results, I hugged my wife as I left for work, and said, “I don’t want to have cancer.” Who does? But I had it. The ear, nose and throat doctor called about 10:30 that morning in May 2010, to tell me the results were positive. It felt like I was being pulled into a vortex, and all I could hear in my mind was, “I have cancer. I have cancer.” Etc. I had head and neck cancer that, we would learn after exploratory surgery in June, originated in my right tonsil. It’s an increasingly common cancer among middle-aged men that’s related to HPV, the virus also linked to cervical cancer for which a childhood immunization is now available. The only sign was a lump in my neck — a swollen lymph node that wouldn’t

go away. It wrecked by the summer of 2010 with 35 radiation RANDY treatments to my ESSEX mouth and throat and seven chemo sessions. None of this, of course, was fair. I’d quit smoking 19 years before. I ran and biked. My family history includes very little cancer. Cancer is a profound experience, and I learned a lot that summer, perhaps the most important being HERE’S WHAT ELSE how to accept help. People I LEARNED ABOUT were so warm, sincere and encouraging. CANCER: This special section is full ›› No one is immune. of warmth, sincerity and encouragement. We hope ›› It’s not fair. that it lifts your spirits in ›› People want to help; some way and that the many stories here provide strength let them. for those who need it. ›› If anybody tells I’m OK now. My you that they know favorite doctor in the someone who died cancer treatment assembly line frequently said from your cancer in his German accent, or that your cancer “After three years, you “always comes back,” are out ov ze voods.” it’s OK to tell them to

“[MY DOCTOR] TOLD ME THE CURE RATE FOR MY CANCER HAD RISEN IN THE PAST COUPLE DECADES FROM 50 PERCENT TO 90 PERCENT. ‘BUT OF COURSE YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CASE, WHICH IS EITHER 100 PERCENT OR ZERO,’ HE SAID.”

Randy Essex, survivor, throat cancer 10 | 2014

buzz off. ›› Be a patient patient. ›› Kick its butt.

He also told me the cure rate for my cancer had risen in the past couple decades from 50 percent to 90 percent. “But of course you care about your case, which is either 100 percent or zero.” I appreciated the candor and mildly dark humor. It also means that even if the odds appear to be against you, you could end up with the 100 percent survival rate in your case. It’s hope. He also asked me, when I finished my 35th radiation treatment, my neck by then suffering a painful open burn, my taste buds temporarily not working, my weight down, if I wanted to continue for another week. I’d been such a compliant patient — and I was drained — that I paused. Might he be serious? Would it improve my chances? He was teasing, and he laughed as he delivered the punch line: “We’ve never had anyone take us up on that.” So humor was OK. Helpful. My wife and I that day put my sun-protecting Panama hat on the radiation mask that had been used to pin my head in place for treatments. We named it Ray Beam and snapped a photo. See the resemblance? Enjoy our section. Randy Essex is editor of the Post Independent.

together I

don’t by remember ANGELYN exactly how FRANKENBERG I responded that morning when Randy said, “I don’t want to have cancer.” But what I felt - what I knew - was that he did have it. A week before, I had been just as certain that the lump in his neck was not cancer. I had convinced myself there were two possibilities, both benign: 1. a swollen gland from a post-cold infection. Randy said he’d had them before and one of his sisters told us that she recently had the same kind of swelling, and it turned out to be nothing; or 2. a lipoma, a benign fat lump he already had one of those, after all, so it made sense. When Dr. Lamont Jones told us it wasn’t No. 1, I jumped right in with, “then it must be a lipoma, because he already has one.” The doctor answered very calmly, “that’s possible ... (pause) ... but it doesn’t feel like a lipoma.”

HERE’S WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT CANCER:

›› It’s not fair. ›› Your loved one may not respond the way you think he or she should. That doesn’t mean he isn’t fighting. ›› You need help, too. That’s OK. ›› Humor is essential. Meet Ray Beam. ›› Kick cancer’s butt together.

I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room; he might as well have said he was 100 percent positive that it was malignant. When the cancer diagnosis was confirmed, Randy and I were surprised that we’d never heard of this HPVrelated cancer that was on the increase in men. We soon learned that, although the treatment would be hell, the prognosis was better than for most kinds of cancer. I held on to that fact. I felt good about basing part of my hope on science. But I also felt inadequate. My sister, who had Down syndrome, had died two months before Randy’s diagnosis. Although she lived in a group home, I was her legal guardian and felt that I should have done more to help her, that I was being selfish for not taking care of her myself all those years. I panicked: “What if I’m no better at helping Randy than I was at helping her?”

So I decided to be in charge. One example: We knew radiation treatments would make eating difficult, so I insisted on making healthy smoothies instead of letting Randy drink the brand-name canola oil and sugar concoction recommended by the medical team. I was shocked that he wasn’t as impressed with my efforts as I was. I understood later that by telling him what to do - even though I was trying to help - I was not giving him space to feel what he felt and tell me what he needed. As other stories in this section illustrate, cancer affects family and close friends as well as the person who is ill. We all get sick. Resources for the rest of us are so important. Use them.

I HELD ON TO THAT FACT. I FELT GOOD ABOUTXXX BASING PART OF MY HOPE ON SCIENCE.XXX

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Take Your LIFE Back from Cancer.

We have recently expanded our services into the area of grief and loss support

SUPPORT. GUIDANCE. EDUCATION. HOPE. www.pathfindersforcancer.org | 970.925.1226 12 | 2014

Take Your L

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cancer survivors tell their story

Sincere thanks, to family, loved ones -

even cancer

Jenni Fautsko

“THANK YOU FOR TEACHING ME THAT I AM NOT MY CONTAINER, THAT I AM MY SOUL, AND I AM ALWAYS SAFE.” Jenni Fautsko, survivor, breast cancer

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y story began when I found a lump when I was nursing my 12-monthold son, Turner. Of course I thought it was nothing, but I decided to have it taken out in February, 2011. The very next day my doctor called and said, “It’s cancer.” This was one of the worst days of my life. We were already going through a lot with our son. He has hypertonia and spasticity. He falls in the cerebral palsy category. At this time he was going through very extensive and invasive testing. I didn’t have time for CANCER. I was devastated, angry and, of course, in denial that this was actually happening to me and my family. I had to stop nursing right away and had a lumpectomy on March 7. My margins were clear in the breast; however, one lymph node was affected. I began chemo April 15 and had five rounds. I was supposed to have six, but I was having allergic reactions and a hard time breathing. Losing my hair was up there with having to stop nursing. They all say it’s just hair. Not when it happens to you. That was a really hard one for me. My wonderful husband, Matt, made the whole process better,

though. He was actually the one who shaved my head and made me laugh through the tears. During chemo I was hospitalized once for neutropenia and found out I tested positive for the BRCA 2 gene. Knowing this, I had a bilateral mastectomy Aug. 29, 2011, and had expanders placed in my chest (to create pockets for permanent implants), and soon after, I started the expansion process and five weeks of radiation. In the midst of all this, one of my expanders had flipped and had to be removed surgically. Nov. 24, 2011, I had surgery in the morning and went to radiation in the afternoon. This was quite difficult to have my chest be half expanded breast and a side with nothing. I also got an extreme burn from radiation, so I stopped that two treatments early as well. I had a new expander placed Jan. 3, 2012, then expansion really went full force. It was a very trying time. I had severe back and chest pain the entire process. I could not wait to get my implants in and get rid of the rocks in my chest. Along with all that I was going through we were still doing testing, extensive therapy and doctor visits for Turner as well. I had my implant surgery in June, 2012, with instant relief from the expanders, then nipple reconstruction in December, 2012. In January, 2013, our sweet Turner had extensive surgery to reform his hips. This was more difficult for me than any of my own surgeries or procedures.

I have struggled with quite a lot of anxiety through my cancer journey, mostly after my treatments and surgeries. I am working with a counselor and doing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for some of the post-traumaticstress anxiety I have. I had a small liposuction procedure in March, 2013, for a drain site that was in for nine weeks. I am feeling better than I have in over two years, and Turner is recovering quite well from his surgery, too! Through all of my trials and treatments, I have grown so much. I am NOT the same person I was before. This journey has changed me. It has changed me for the better. I never thought I could say this, but I say it now: “Thank you, Cancer.” Thank you for opening my eyes, for making me the person I am now, for knowing, really knowing, who loves and supports me, knowing that God is always with us, for learning who I am and who I strive to be, for making me extremely gracious for all that I have. Thank you for my wonderful family and friends, thank you for learning how strong I am and how strong we are as a family. Thank you for teaching me what is really important and what isn’t, thank you for teaching me that I am not my container, that I am my soul, and I am ALWAYS safe, thank you for teaching me that there is so much more than what we are here for on earth. Thank you for this spiritual journey to teach me what I needed to learn. THANK YOU!

BRCA GENES

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA. ... Cells [with mutated BRCA genes] are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer. source: the national cancer institute, www.cancer.gov

BREAST CANCER (BRCA) GENE TEST

The BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify harmful changes (mutations) in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited mutations in these genes face a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared with the general population. ... Having a BRCA gene mutation is uncommon. Inherited BRCA gene mutations are responsible for about 5 percent of breast cancers and about 10 to 15 percent of ovarian cancers. source: the mayo clinic, www.mayoclinic.org

WHO SHOULD HAVE A BRCA GENE TEST?

You might be at increased risk of having a BRCA gene mutation and a candidate for BRCA gene testing - if you have: • A personal history of breast cancer diagnosed at a young age (premenopausal), breast cancer affecting both breasts (bilateral breast cancer), or both breast and ovarian cancers • A personal history of ovarian cancer and a close relative with ovarian cancer or premenopausal breast cancer or both • A history of breast cancer at a young age in two or more close relatives, such as your parents, siblings and children • A male relative with breast cancer • A family member who has both breast and ovarian cancers • A family member with bilateral breast cancer • Two or more relatives with ovarian cancer • A relative with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation • Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish ancestry, with a close relative who has breast or ovarian cancer • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal history of ovarian cancer source: the mayo clinic, www.mayoclinic.org

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prEsentEd by vallEy vieW hoSpitaL

a ComMuNity SupPoRtiNg CanCer Care at the CalAway â&#x20AC;˘ YouNg CanCer CenTer bikE Or walk !

Join the Valley View staff and the Glenwood Springs community as we come together for the 3rd annual Rally the Valley on Saturday, September 20, 2014! Registration is open: visit www.rallythevalley.org for details.

SepteMber 20, 2014 | sayrE park, glenWood SpringS

16 | 2014

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Valley Valley Valley Valley View View View Hospital View Hospital Hospital Hospital Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation willwill host will host will host the host the third the the third third third annual annual annual annual Rally Rally Rally the Rally the Valley, the the Valley, Valley, Valley, a community-wide aa community-wide a community-wide community-wide fundraisfundrais fundraisfundrais fundraisfundrais fundraisfundrais inging event ing event ing event event onon Saturday, on Saturday, on Saturday, Saturday, Sept. Sept. Sept. 20, Sept. 20, 8:30 20, 8:30 20, 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. a.m. at a.m. at Sayre at Sayre at Sayre Sayre Park, Park, Park, 1798 Park, 1798 1798 Grand 1798 Grand Grand Grand Avenue. Avenue. Avenue. Avenue. Funds Funds Funds Funds raised raised raised raised provide provide provide provide resources resources resources resources and and and services and services services services toto support to support to support support patients patients patients patients atat the at the at the the Calaway•Young Calaway•Young Calaway•Young Calaway•Young Cancer Cancer Cancer Cancer Center Center Center Center and and and survivorship and survivorship survivorship survivorship and and and emergency and emergency emergency emergency assistance. assistance. assistance. assistance. The The The event The event event event also also also marks also marks marks marks the the the the second second second second anniversary anniversary anniversary anniversary ofof the of the of Calaway•Young the the Calaway•Young Calaway•Young Calaway•Young Cancer Cancer Cancer Cancer Center. Center. Center. Center.

duRing duRing duRing duRing ItsItstWo ItstWo ItstWo shOrt tWo shOrt shOrt shOrt yeaRs, yeaRs, yeaRs, yeaRs, thethecaLaway•younG thethe caLaway•younG caLaway•younG caLaway•younG caNcer caNcer caNcer caNcer ceNter ceNter ceNter ceNter RealiZed RealiZed RealiZed RealiZed gRowth gRowth gRowth gRowth farfarBeyonD farfar BeyonD BeyonD BeyonD oriGinal oriGinal oriGinal oriGinal projEctioNs. projEctioNs. projEctioNs. projEctioNs. Several Several Several Several hundred hundred hundred hundred local local local patients local patients patients patients have have have been have been been been treated treated treated treated here here here and here and and blessed and blessed blessed blessed with with with the with the option the the option option option toto remain to remain to remain remain close close close close totototo family family family family and and and friends and friends friends friends forfor radiation for radiation for radiation radiation and and and chemotherapy and chemotherapy chemotherapy chemotherapy treatments treatments treatments treatments now now now available now available available available locally. locally. locally. locally. Last Last Last year’s Last year’s year’s year’s event event event event raised raised raised raised more more more more than than than $300,000 than $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 forfor the for the for Rally the the Rally Rally Fund, Rally Fund, Fund, Fund, which which which which funded funded funded funded more more more more than than than 1,000 than 1,000 1,000 integrative 1,000 integrative integrative integrative therapy therapy therapy therapy sessions sessions sessions sessions and and and 150 and 150 150 emergency 150 emergency emergency emergency assistance assistance assistance assistance cards. cards. cards. cards.

thEre thEre thEre aRe thEre aReseVeral aReseVeral aReseVeral seVeral ways ways ways to ways toralLy: toralLy: toralLy: ralLy: 24.5-mile 24.5-mile 24.5-mile 24.5-mile bikebikebike ride, bike ride, ride, aride, foUr-milE a foUr-milE a foUr-milE a foUr-milE Walk Walk Walk ThrouGh Walk ThrouGh ThrouGh ThrouGh doWntowN doWntowN doWntowN doWntowN glEnwooD glEnwooD glEnwooD glEnwooD spRings spRings spRings spRings orora orfun aorfun a fun aKids fun KidsKids Parade. Kids Parade. Parade. Parade. AtAt lunchtime, At lunchtime, At lunchtime, lunchtime, allall participants all participants all participants participants willwill come will come will come come together together together together forfor the for the for Rally the the Rally Rally Rally Party Party Party in Party in Sayre in Sayre in Sayre Sayre Park. Park. Park. The Park. The The party The party party party features features features features fabulous fabulous fabulous fabulous healthy healthy healthy healthy food food food food byby local by local by local food local food food purveyors, food purveyors, purveyors, purveyors, a beer aa beer a beer garden, beer garden, garden, garden, live live music live live music music music and and and aand aaa kids’ kids’ kids’ zone kids’ zone zone with zone with with bouncy with bouncy bouncy bouncy houses houses houses houses and and and more. and more. more. more. Booths Booths Booths Booths onon cancer on cancer on cancer cancer prevention prevention prevention prevention and and and health and health health health willwill be will be will both be both be both educational both educational educational educational and and and inspira and inspira inspira inspira inspirainspirainspirainspirational. tional. tional. tional. Admission Admission Admission Admission toto the to the to party the the party party party is included is included is included is included with with with event with event event event registra registra registra registra registraregistraregistraregistration tion tion ortion or participants or participants or participants participants can can can register can register register register just just for just just for the for the for party. the the party. party. party. Registration Registration Registration Registration is open is is open is open open at at www.rallythevalley.org. at www.rallythevalley.org. at www.rallythevalley.org. www.rallythevalley.org.

ralLy ralLy ralLy ralLy the the the Valley.Org the Valley.Org Valley.Org Valley.Org• ••384-6620 •384-6620 384-6620 384-6620 cherish ❤ live ❤ hope | 17

cancer survivors tell their story

y name is james julian, and I have lived in Rifle for the past six years. Four years ago this month, I was diagnosed with parathyroid cancer. I had to retire from the job of my dreams, and I spent nine months receiving chemo and radiation treatments. I can’t count anymore the number of times I have heard that I have weeks or months to live. Today, I can say that I am beating cancer through the love and care of my support team and alternative medicines. I would like to say thank you to my fiancee, Kristi. Her love and care are more than I deserve, and I am the luckiest man on earth just to know her. I would like to thank Dick and Judy Hewitt (owners of Action Shop Services) for letting me work the hours that I can, so I’m not sitting home feeling sorry for myself. Their love, support, and, every once in a while, kick in the rear, have helped me more than I can ever express in words. Judy has spent many hours doing research to find treatments for me, and I am currently using oils that seem to be working better than any other treatment. Thank you to all of my kids, friends and family for staying positive and keeping my spirits up. I have lived with this for four years and will continue to fight until it is gone. I try to always remember that I am not fighting for just my life, but for all the people that this has affected. They have given me strength and I need to return that to them.

18 | 2014

PARATHYROID CANCER

is a cancerous (malignant) growth in a parathyroid gland [adjacent to the thyroid gland, at the base of the neck]. The parathyroid glands control the calcium level in the body. ... Parathyroid cancer is a very rare type of cancer. Men and women are equally affected. It usually occurs in people older than 30. ... The cause of parathyroid cancer is unknown. People with a genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type I have an increased risk of this disease. People who had head or neck radiation may also be at increased risk. Such radiation exposure, however, is more likely to cause thyroid cancer. ... The most serious complication of parathyroid cancer is hypercalcemia. Most deaths from parathyroid cancer occur as a result of severe, difficult to control hypercalcemia [too much calcium in the blood], and not the cancer itself. source: the u.s. national library of medicine and the national institutes of health’s medlineplus, www.nim.nih.gov full article - www.nlm. nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ article/007264.htm

“I CAN’T COUNT ANYMORE THE NUMBER OF TIMES I HAVE HEARD THAT I HAVE WEEKS OR MONTHS TO LIVE. ... I TRY TO ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT I AM NOT FIGHTING FOR JUST MY LIFE, BUT FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT THIS HAS AFFECTED.” James Julian, survivor, parathyroid cancer

STAGES OF CANCER STAGE 0 ‘IN SITU’ - Cancer in the position where it started. It is probable that some cancers never go beyond this early stage. Stage I: localized cancer Cancer cells gain the ability to pass through the thin, fibrous membrane that serves as a boundary around the tissue where the cancer began, allowing them to invade neighboring tissue. This invasion is a serious step, because it indicates that the growing cancer cells may threaten life.

Mary Huffine

y story began in the summer of 2001, I was diagnosed with Stage IV invasive breast cancer, which had migrated to my left seventh rib ≠- displayed in a mass along the rib. I’m still here today and in relatively good health, thanks to the surgical skills of Dr. Randall Ross and the extensive cancer treatment knowledge of Dr. Ira S. Jaffrey. I was devastated to recently learn that Dr. Jaffrey is no longer affiliated with Valley View Hospital. What a significant loss that is to the local populace. Subsequent to my successful cancer therapy treatment by Dr. Jaffrey, I have found the skill of Dr. Frank Laws and Dr.

“CANCER, FOR YEARS NOW A TREATABLE MALADY, IS SURVIVABLE IF THE TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE FROM A SKILLED ONCOLOGIST AND THE ATTITUDE OF THE AFFLICTED IS POSITIVE.” Mary Huffine, survivor, Stage IV invasive breast cancer Joseph Schuller of The Heart and Vascular Center in Glenwood Springs to be superb. Following a pacemaker-defibrillator implant in December, 2012, I find myself with increased energy and looking forward to many years of enjoying the active lifestyle of Western Colorado. I also need to thank all the family, friends and real estate industry associates who helped me in many ways with my recovery

from surgery and treatment. Without their ongoing support, it would have been much more difficult. Cancer, for years now a treatable malady, is survivable if the treatment is available from a skilled oncologist and the attitude of the afflicted is positive. My hope is that all cancer patients have the same opportunity for knowledgeable treatment and recovery that I was fortunate to experience.

STAGES II AND III: regional spread - Daughter cells from the original cancer cell invade other parts of the body through a lymph vessel, which, like a blood vessel, can move material throughout the body. Sometimes this produces an immune response that destroys cancerous cells. Other times, however, a cell that has reached the lymphatic system will divide and form a lump in a nearby lymph node. This stage is often referred to as regional spread. That is, the cancer has spread within the general region in which it first began but not to other parts of the body. STAGE IV: distant spread - Cells from the lump in the lymph node may spread further through lymph vessels to more distant lymph nodes or into the blood stream, where they can go just about anywhere in the body, form new colonies and spread further. A person with Stage IV cancer might have cancer cells in multiple organs or tissues. source: paraphrased from the nsw cancer institute, www. cancerinstitute.org.au full article - http://www. cancerinstitute.org.au/patientsupport/what-i-need-to-know/ about-cancer/what-are-thedifferent-stages-of-cancer

cherish ❤ live ❤ hope | 19

Dr. Brett Hesse Dr. Jamie Faught

We are your Constant in a health crisis Glenwood Medical Associates an independent medical practice

Dr. Kelli Konst-Skwiot

our primary care physician is the one who will nag you and nag you to take better care of yourself. Along with diagnosing and treating illness, creating wellness is also part of our job. But what does your personal physician do when you have health crisis? At Glenwood Medical, our first responsibility is to get you to the starting line in your race to get well. We will refer you to the proper specialists and connect you with the process navigator. We will help your family members and answer their questions as well as yours. Once your medical care has transferred

to the specialists, we do not let go of your hand. When you have moved into a recovery stage, we are there for your transition. It’s our responsibility and our privilege to be a rudder that keeps you on the right course, regardless of what is happening around you. We keep track of each stage of your progress and we catalog your health information into your health records at Glenwood Medical as well. Even combining the Roaring Fork Valley folks and our neighbors out west and east into the Vail Valley—we are still a tight and relatively small community. We care about our friends, our work

1830 Blake Avenue, Glenwood Springs 970.945.8503 | www.glenwoodmedical.com

20 | 2014

colleagues, and even about the welfare of friends of friends and of strangers and newcomers. It’s that level of commitment to our collective health that carries us all through the dark days of any potentially life-threatening disease. The health providers at Glenwood Medical Associates are your constant when everything else around you seems to be changing. Start here. Be healthy. We’ll help. We Are Your Constant In A Health Crisis.

Start Here.

Be Healthy. We’ll Help.

When you choose

Glenwood Medical Associates you get Primary Care Physicians and Medical Specialists who will give you care and support in healthy times or in crisis.

It’s our Promise to you. Dr. Bruce Lippman, Sr. Dr. Bruce Lippman, Jr. Dr. Jamie Faught Dr. Kelli Konst-Skwiot Dr. Jason Collins Sarah Oliver, ANP Dolores Snell, PA-C

Dr. David Lorah Dr. James O’Donnell Dr. Greg Feinsinger Dr. Gerry Tomasso Dr. Kelly Thomas Rob Nelson, PA-C Colleen Farnum, PA-C

Dr. Susan Inscore Dr. Steve O’Brien Dr. Brett Hesse Dr. Christiaan Maurer Greg Holley, PA-C M. H. Lawrence, ANP

Glenwood Medical Associates an independent medical practice

970.945.8503 1830 Blake Avenue Glenwood Springs www.glenwoodmedical.com Most insurance accepted & filled MasterCard & Visa accepted

cherish ❤ live ❤ hope | 21

cancer survivors tell their story

John Scalzo

his is my story, as I remember it, with my prostate cancer. I will not mention the doctors names that were involved, because there were just too many of them for me to remember. I was a wholesale liquor salesman and happened to be in Grand Junction one time during late 1988 when they had the Channel 9 News Health Fair. I think some time later in the early 1990s, they started 9 News Health Fairs in Rifle. In July of 1992, I received a letter from the health fair that my PSA was elevated and that I should see my physician. This is how I found out about my cancer. The PSA was 8.1 at that time, and it took some time for them to find where, exactly, in my prostate the cancer was. It was on one side and just about to come out. On July 7,1995, my PSA was up to 9.7. I had to choose to have a radical operation or seed implants (a form of radiation therapy for prostate cancer). My wife, Mary, and I went to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and checked out the seed implant procedure. We decided this was what I should do. In July, 1995, I started five weeks of external radiation at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. On Sept. 6, 1995, I had 114 seed implants done at the Mayo Clinic. The reason for the

22 | 2014

seed implants instead of the operation was because there was less chance of leakage afterward. For over a year, I had no problems of any kind, including no leakage. The bad part was, the doctor at Mayo’s wanted me to go for check-ups at the Mayo Clinic. After about four times, I decided I could have a nurse here hold my hand, and I could tell her how I was doing. Then the doctor would come in and say, “looks like you’re doing OK; see you next month.” So, I decided I could do this at home. Now the bad part. Because of over-radiation of my prostate and the seed implants, the bladder and seed implants started to flake off. I needed to have an operation to clean out the blockage. The procedure, a “transurethral resection of the prostate,” is called a TURP, but most people refer to it as a ream job. In the period of time I had nine TURPs done. We never knew when this would happen. Then, some time in October of 2003, Mary and I talked to a doctor about a new deal that was called Green Light Laser. He said he had never done it to someone that had been given as much radiation as I had. If I wanted to do it, he would go ahead and do it.

Rifle

We decided not to do it right away but rather to do it before we went on a three-week vacation. We talked about having my bladder removed instead but did not do anything at that time. I had the laser operation done Feb. 5, 2003. Because, again, of overradiation, it killed my bladder muscles. It was supposed to be self-healing, but because of the leaking, we could not go on our trip. On March 2, 2003, we went ahead and put a catheter in with a urine bag strapped to my leg. On March 18, 2003, I started bleeding and went to a doctor in Tucson, Ariz., and was told that I should have not put the catheter in. So we left and came home. On Sunday, March 2, 2003, I went to the ER in Rifle, as I was really bleeding again. I spent six days in the hospital with a bug. How or when I caught it, I do not know. Every thing then was OK, except that I would have to wear a catheter for the rest of my life. I would change it every month at home. The Veterans Administration doctor wanted me to have it done at the VA Hospital, as I could have some problems at home. But we could do it at home, as Mary and I were not having any other health

problems. Then the bad part happened, and Mary took sick, around May 26, 2004, with some kind of bug. They called it an “unknown.” They knew what it was but had no name for it. On June 2, 2004, Mary was taken to the ER in Rifle at 9:30 a.m. Later at 4:30 p.m., she was admitted to Saint Mary’s in Grand Junction . Mary, my wife and best friend, died at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital. This could be a whole other story. Now that I was living alone at home, I decided to go ahead and have the VA change the catheter. It was set up to be done on the last Friday of each month. Everything went well until the last Friday of November, 2005. A student nurse was to change my catheter. I should have known better, as she was not prepared with what she needed to do. She did not know what size or kind of catheter she needed. Finally she put it in. I said “it’s in,” and she would say “no it is not,” as she was not getting any urine out. She then had another nurse help her. So, they decided to use an all-silicone foley catheter. I told them it was in, and they

said “no it is not,” until a little blood came out. I asked them to replace it with the proper one, and they said that they were leaving it in. On Monday morning, it was hurting me, so I went to the VA and had to have it changed, as I did not have a catheter to change it myself. Later, on Dec. 27, 2005, I walked into the Rifle ER and was wheeled out later, as I was having a hard time walking. They thought that I had hurt my back, and I also had a bladder infection, for which I started treatment. I started treatment for my back and went to the chiropractor four times, and he said there was nothing wrong with my back. I had all kinds of treatments: X-rays, MRI and a CAT Scan. I had dropped pounds like I could not believe. I went from 210 pounds down to 137 pounds. On July 14, 2006, the Rifle doctor decided that I had more wrong with me than a bladder infection. I was sent to the ER at St. Mary’s. Finally about 11 p.m, after a few tests, they put liquid color in my catheter and said, “There is not much wrong with you. You only have a small hole in your bladder.” With the hole in my bladder, the infection

went all over my body. I was lucky that they were giving me medication for the infection, or I would have gone BYE BYE. On August 2, 2006, I had the operation to removemy bladder. I now have a urostomy pouch and a wafer to hold it on. Now the good news: I now do not have to check out for bathrooms as I have it on me all the time. The bad part is that they took out and used my large intestine to connect my kidneys to the urostomy pouch. I have been asked many times, “Why did I not sue the nurses or the VA?” I was overweight, had high blood pressure an high cholesterol, and my body was out of shape. I am now at 145 pounds and 89 years old. I broke my hip in January, 2013, and am getting around well now.

“THE DOCTOR AT MAYO WANTED ME TO GO FOR CHECK-UPS AT THE MAYO CLINIC. AFTER ABOUT FOUR TIMES, I DECIDED I COULD HAVE A NURSE HERE HOLD MY HAND AND I COULD TELL HER HOW I WAS DOING.”

INTERNAL RADIATION, INCLUDING RADIOACTIVE “SEEDS”

Brachytherapy - Internal radiation is also called brachytherapy (brake-ee-THER-uh-pee). It uses a radioactive source, called an implant, that’s put inside the body in or near the tumor. The radiation from the implant travels only a short distance, so it has very little effect on normal body tissues.

Internal radiation therapy uses a radiation source that’s usually sealed in a small holder (called an implant). The implant is placed very close to or inside the tumor. It’s placed so that it harms as few normal cells as possible. Internal radiation therapy lets the doctor give a higher dose of radiation to a smaller area than might be possible with external radiation treatment. The main types of brachytherapy are intracavitary radiation and interstitial radiation [“seeds” used to treat prostate cancer are a form of interstitial radiation]. Both of these methods use radioactive implants such as pellets, seeds, ribbons, wires, needles, capsules, balloons, or tubes. source: the american cancer society, www.cancer.org full article - www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/radiation/ understandingradiationtherapyaguideforpatientsandfamilies/understanding-radiationtherapy-internal-radiation-therapy

cherish ❤ live ❤ hope | 23

cancer survivors tell their story

Beating the odds

with a dose of positivity and potion

vercoming cancer is a battle for anyone. All the more so for a child. For Peyton Armstrong, the battle was made all the worse when he contracted a rare infection by immediately after RUTH learning he had SCHWARTZ leukemia. News took a still darker turn when his family learned the infection originated at the surgical site from his first surgery to combat the disease. Investigation revealed that Peyton contracted the infection from a brand of surgical wipes manufactured by the Triad Group of Hartland, Wis. Peyton’s parents, Jessica and Noel Armstrong, could have remained mired in anger that their sick son was made even more vulnerable and subjected to more pain because of the tainted wipes. But instead, upon learning Peyton was not the only one who’d been infected, his family launched Peyton’s Potion to raise awareness about the tainted wipes and the need for childhood cancer research. Moreover, Peyton himself helped create “a non-toxic cleaner

24 | 2014

with 100% pure therapeutic essential oils,” the potion’s Facebook site reads. It’s been nearly four years since Peyton was first diagnosed in October of 2010, and he just finished his last treatment in January. In hindsight, the distraction of the infection may have been a blessing. Peyton’s mom, Jessica, or “Jess,” knows the power of positive energy in helping people heal from cancer. Jess is a Mindful Movement Therapist at Valley View Hospital’s Calaway-Young Cancer Center in Glenwood Springs, where the family lives. So she has first-hand knowledge of how mindfulness can direct health. So Jess knows firsthand how much strength she and her family drew from being passionate advocates in the fight against the disease and to protect other children from the potentially lethal infection her son survived. The Armstrongs’ drive to help not only their own son but also others with the disease has yielded some unexpected results. They were invited to visit the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they met researchers and doctors who shared their extraordinary discoveries in

PEYTON’S POTION

WW.FACEBOOK.COM/PEYTONSPOTION/INFO

pediatric cancer research. And earlier this year, Garfield County’s Human Services Commission made Peyton and Jessica joint recipients of the 2014 Inseparable Courage Award. The humanitarian award has never before been given to two people together. Jess stresses that she is a mom first and a therapist and patient advocate second.

Nonetheless, Peyton’s battle to beat cancer, coupled with her work at the cancer center in Glenwood, has given Jess valuable insight into how to fight the disease and manage the added trials of everyday life. She recommends being proactive in treating the disease by listening to instincts and asking questions if concerns arise. Get a second opinion.

Directing your or your loved one’s own care, rather than waiting for information and decisions to be handed to you, can be empowering at a time when you feel powerless. In addition to taking proactive steps, Jess personally relied on prayer, as well as support from devoted family and friends. She recommends

spending time in healing environments, such as Valley View’s Healing Garden, a tranquil spot where anyone can sit and reflect, but also where the community can honor loved ones or simply contemplate their own journey. Peyton has secured a permanent spot in the garden with a paver stone that reads, “Peyton’s magic Potion. Parade, Oct. 2011.”

cherish ❤ live ❤ hope | 25

gratitude and inspiration

Patients thank doctors and other staff at Valley View’s Calaway-Young Cancer Center Compassionate care eases fears Dr. Armas, I will try to remain brief and to the point in sharing some thoughts with you. Since you first cared for me in the ER, I have felt touched and grateful. You have an amazing ability to convey true compassion right from the start. I’m certain that many other scared patients have felt this. You have genuine devotion to what you do. I must say that your staff has also been incredible. All of this has gone a very long way towards helping me to start healing. I really had no idea how sick I was. In closing, I’d like to share one quick glimpse from my perspective. It was about two weeks ago ... my second ever infusion of iron. On my left wrist was your nurse, Tom, who started an IV. Behind me was Becky with a quick shoulder rub, and you, sir, sitting across from me with the most intent look of concentration. Absolutely still and quiet, I wondered what you were thinking. Thank you for your excellent, continuing care. Judith D’Alessandro, 59, Basalt Anemia

26 | 2014

Positive energy prevails Dear Dr. Greene, Thanks for spending so much time with me so soon after my lumpectomy. I am blown away by the quality of care I’ve been shown by your team and by everyone involved. It was a pleasure to meet you and Matt and Lisa, and I look forward to working with your when my radiation begins in the spring. Thank you for explaining the process so carefully. I feel very well prepared. Odd that breast cancer has brought such positive energy into my life. Anonymous

Above and beyond Dr. Armas and staff, We cannot thank you enough for all your special care and concern. From our first appointment with you, you organized all the other details that day and took the time to make sure all the bases were covered. You helped us understand the process and went above and beyond to make sure Dave was comfortable. You are so very special - thanks for everything you do. Love, Dave and Kathy David Olson, 67, Avon Lung cancer

A family’s appreciation Dr. Rovira, We would like to express our appreciation for the care you provided to our mom. You were much more than a doctor, you were a therapist, supporter and friend, a well-wisher and an angel in disguise. You have been a great support to our mom, and caring doctors like you made each visit easier. Your words of encouragement meant the world to her and to her children! Thank you for everything! The Rust Family for Rayola Rust, 58, Meeker Cecum (Colon) cancer

Kindness helps time fly Dear Cancer Center staff, Thank you to everyone for making my 33 treatments go by somewhat quickly. Everyone is so pleasant and helpful. It made my treatment experience easier to deal with. You made this bump in the road very manageable. I love you guys! Kim

Winning with the Greene team I am so fortunate to have a medical team that is so dedicated to their patient’s care and wellbeing. As serious as one’s condition might be, you bring a positive and professional attitude and a bit of fun. I realize you don’t win every case you have, but I want you to know you are all winners, and we are all so lucky to have you. My treatment team - Dr. Greene, Matt, Leesa, Angela, Chad, Karen, Michele and Lee, I hope all the good you do comes back to you. Stephen and Patrice

Fortunate for a dedicated staff Because I do not want to inadvertently leave a staff member’s name out, this note is simple. SO ... I simply would like you to know that I am grateful for the care which I have received at the Cancer Center. From Dr. Rovira, the nurses, the pharmacist, the social worker, the registration staff, the blue light special team and integrative therapies (the acupuncture and the availability of CDS’ has been particularly beneficial to me), all have provided

quality care. They are a most sincere and dedicated staff. I feel fortunate to be in such good hands. Audrey Podl, 73, Carbondale Leukemia

For being there Thank you for holding my hands during my meltdowns and for sharing your professional knowledge when I asked a question. And best yet, laughing with me! Anonymous

Unparalleled care The Cancer Center staff is absolutely amazing and wonderful. I feel so blessed to have been treated by you. The level of care and expertise you deliver is simply mind blowing. Every day, the staff went beyond the call of duty. God knew what he was doing when he brought me to Valley View and into the hands of a remarkable doctor, Dr. Greene. I would like to express my eternal gratitude, but there are not enough words in the English language. Each and every one of you has

given me so much. To have been on this journey with an incredible group of people, there is no other place I’d rather be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for helping me through this very scary ordeal. Your guidance and support is unparalleled to anywhere else. -With much love, Linda M.

A loving team helps show the brighter side My journey just slapped me in the face one day. I went in for a routine mammogram, and forty-five minutes later, I was having a biopsy. What a loving team! They were just a phenomenal group of people. I would come in every day and say it was my spa day ... valet parking, massage, acupuncture a little tanning salon. To get through it, sometimes you just have to look at the brighter side. There is never a day that I walked into the Center, where I didn’t get a hug from every single person who was involved with my treatment. Leslie Shacklette

Barbara Andersen MAY 31, 1937 – APRIL 28, 2013

Thank you for making the world a better and more beautiful place. Wonderful Mother and Wife Talented Cook and Gardener

Top-tier care close to home I could have gone to Dallas or Denver and received good care, but it was so much nicer to be in this community with specialists who have come to this Center to be here and with a reputation that is absolutely stellar. I knew that when I walked in here, that I would receive the care that I needed. Michael Wilde, 59, teacher, Glenwood Springs Melanoma scalp/neck

Couldn’t have made it anywhere else Everybody is just so loving and caring. You feel like you’re part of the family. I’m thankful that I’m here in the valley....we moved here on a whim. If I’d been here anywhere else, I’m not sure I’d be here today. Really. Debra Sea, 59, Carbondale Lung cancer

Surviving and thriving I’ve been a patient at the gorgeous Calaway-Young Cancer Center since January, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in the Survivorship Day party this summer for cancer survivors. There was music (thank you, Lee, for the lovely song you wrote for us), food, balloons, cake, a photographer and even beautiful frames for the photos! Relatives and friends were welcome, too, and it was a wonderful celebration of life. Patients were encouraged to write inspirational messages on the wall. I added one which has helped me through this adventure: “I intend not only to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” - Maya Angelou Passion, compassion, humor and style - that describes both the spirit of the party and the way the Cancer Center staff has made my experience so very positive. Thank you, Calaway-Young Cancer Center! Deborah Williams, Glenwood Springs Breast cancer

CECELIA ANN

(McNulty) WOODS

SEPTEMBER 22, 1943 - AUGUST 9, 2014

We think of you every day and miss you and your laugh. Mack the Pug Dog misses your warm lap. REST IN PEACE. Love, your loving family, friends, and Mack

cherish ❤ live ❤ hope | 27

skin cancer

The role of radiation therapy in skin cancer treatment

kin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed annually. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, each year there are special more new cases of skin cancer than to the the combined inPOST cidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon. The majority of skin cancers are successfully treated by primary care providers, dermatologists and surgeons. Additionally, in certain cases radiation therapy may be indicated, according to Valley View Hospital’s radiation oncologist, Dr. Bruce Greene. “We have known for years that radiation therapy is an effective treatment for skin cancer,” said Greene. “Some skin cancers have aggressive

features indicating an important role for radiation therapy in addition to surgery.” Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses focused X-rays or electrons to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy for skin cancer is given from outside the body onto the tumor. If a tumor is very large or is located in an area that makes surgery difficult, radiation may be used as the main treatment instead of surgery. In some cases, radiation therapy can be an alternative to surgery if the predicted cosmetic outcome will be undesirable, said Greene. “There are occasions on the face, scalp or ear where surgery may have a cosmetic consequence. In many these cases, initial treatment with radiation therapy as an alternative to surgery can result in a more acceptable cosmetic outcome,” said Greene.

SIGNS OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCERS BASAL CELL CARCINOMA Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your neck or face. Signs of basal cell carcinoma ›› A pearly or waxy bump ›› A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA Most often, squamous cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of 28 | 2014

your body, such as your face, ears and hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas that aren’t often exposed to the sun. Signs of squamous cell carcinoma ›› A firm, red nodule ›› A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface MELANOMA Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body -

CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN RADIATION THERAPY MIGHT BE CONSIDERED 1. The skin cancer has recurred following prior surgical procedures.

2. Under microscopic examination, the cancer growth has attached to nerves inside of the skin.

3. The cancer growth has a microscopically aggressive appearance showing possible spread to the lymph glands. 4. The cancer growth has been operated on but incompletely removed.

5. The surgical procedure may be disfiguring. 6. The patient is unable to undergo a surgical procedure.

in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that hasn’t been exposed to the sun. Melanoma can affect people of any skin tone. In people with darker skin tones, melanoma tends to occur on the palms or soles, or under the fingernails or toenails.

VVH HAS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO DELIVER SUPERFICIAL RADIATION THERAPY CONFINED TO ONLY THE SKIN. THIS ELIMINATES UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE TO NORMAL UNDERLYING TISSUES.

Signs of melanoma ›› A large, brownish spot with darker speckles ›› A mole that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds ›› A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-black ›› Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anus

If you suspect you have skin cancer, call your primary care provider or dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. If you have questions about the Radiation Oncology program at Valley View Hospital, please call (970) 384-7579.

lung cancer

Lung Center focuses on early detection of cancer

ung cancer kills more Americans than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. It is the leading cause of cancer death nationally and in Colorado. Many people don’t realize special that nearly 80 percent of those to the diagnosed with POST lung cancer are people who have never smoked or former smokers who quit decades ago. Dr. Akrum Al-Zubaidi is a full-time pulmonologist at Valley View Hospital’s lung center. Dr. Aki, as he is known, started early intervention in 2012, offering two programs for the early detection of lung cancer. In addition to low-dose CT scans, Valley View offers early detection through technology that combines detection, diagnosis and staging in one procedure. The Lung Center at Valley View is one of only 14 hospitals in the country to offer this advanced technology. The procedure brings together two technologies that use Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy, a GPS-like technology to locate, test and detect a lesion in the lung, while Confocal Endomicroscopy enables the pulmonologist to see individual cells in the farthest reaches of the lung. For patients, this translates to a more minimally

invasive approach toward quickly detecting lung cancer in earlier stages. Dr. Aki’s goal is to have the lowest mortality rates in the nation right here in Glenwood Springs and the surrounding areas in Garfield, Eagle, Mesa and Pitkin counties. Currently there are 150-200 new lung cancer diagnoses per year right here in our valley. In 2012, 27 percent of the cases were seen in the early stages, and in 2013 that number rose to 55 percent of cases in Stage I or Stage II. “Imagine if we can catch these patients when they are in Stage I or II. Then we can turn our mortality rates around, and 85 to 90 percent of

those patients will still be alive,” said Dr. Aki. “We are now equipped with the new technology and the new diagnostic tools to make this happen. And, I am personally committed to do everything I can to fight lung cancer here in the Roaring Fork Valley.

For more information about how the Lung Center at Valley View Hospital’s new program may benefit you or a loved one, call (970) 834-7707.

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the steps

You’ve been told you have cancer. Now what? BREATHE Controlled breathing not only keeps the mind and body functioning at its best - it can also lower blood pressure, promote feelings of calm and relaxation and help de-stress. TIME TO TAKE CONTROL You are in the driver’s seat. Having a sense of control is important. Be in control of what you can. GATHER PEOPLE AROUND YOU You need a person or several people that you trust and can talk openly with. GET ORGANIZED Use a notebook for questions to ask and to write down information given to you. Maybe delegate the task of keeping all of the information together to a family member or friend. Have this person attend appointments with you.

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special to the

POST

“You have cancer.”

Those three little words change everything. Life becomes harder in every way as the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of cancer begin to kick in. Here are some tips from the team at the Calaway-Young Cancer Center to help guide you through the process.

USE RELIABLE SOURCES FOR INFORMATION websites that end in nets/.orgs, like the American Cancer Society at www.cancer. org, and the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov., can generally be considered reliable. COMMUNICATE Talk regularly with your primary care physician. ASK QUESTIONS Ask questions like, Who are the local oncologists? Will I need a specialist? Will I need a biopsy? REFERRAL Get a referral for a surgeon if necessary.

TEAMWORK Try to find an organization that has a multidisciplinary team, which consists of a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a social worker, a pathologist, a genetic counselor, a navigator, a clinical trial coordinator, spiritual care and integrative/ complementary services. This will ensure good and efficient communication throughout your care between you and your care team. FIRST APPOINTMENT When you have your first appointment with your oncologist, get information: what are the site, type, location, treatment options and side effects of your cancer?

KNOW YOURSELF Know the details of your cancer diagnosis: type, location and size. GET CLARIFICATION Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, get clarification. BOARD TREATMENT? Find out if your case will be presented in front of a tumor board for discussion and appropriate treatment decisions. DO YOU NEED A SECOND OPINION Can your primary care physician or oncologist recommend someone? How do you get in touch with them? TAKE ACTION Make your treatment decision.

Grand River Health offers Integrated women’s care with walk in appointments for 3D Mammograms, Genetic testing and STAR rehab services for cancer survivors.

t Grand River Health, our primary goal has always been to deliver the highest quality care to our patients. Grand River Health is proud to offer key services in the fight against cancer. As the first facility in Colorado to offer 3D digital mammograms for early detection, and among the country’s first hospitals to offer the STAR program to help those recovering from cancer treatments. Our new women’s care services offer a multi-disciplinary approach to breast health and other important testing in the fight against cancer, including Breast MRI’s as well as a certified patient navigator to facilitate our patients through their treatments, and our newest service, a Genetic Testing Program to test for the breast cancer gene. For patient convenience we offer walk-in mammograms every weekday from 12 – 4. 3D DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY The three-dimensional digital mammogram, also called breast tomosynthesis, is a revolutionary technology that gives radiologists the ability to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. This produces a series of image slices that can be viewed as a three dimensional reconstruction of the breast.

Cancer survivors can return to health and get their lives back on track more quickly by taking advantage of the STAR: Survivorship Training and Rehab program at Grand River Health.

What are the benefits of 3D digital mammography? • Exceptionally sharp images of the breast, improving diagnostic performance • Decrease in false negative readings • Reduction in repeat mammograms • Ability to compare current and prior mammograms on one workstation • Advanced ergonomic design for more patient comfort

Our STAR program helps survivors heal - physically and emotionally from the side effects of treatments. Grand River treatment care through the Survivorship Training and Rehab program at Grand River Health, offers comprehensive post-treatment care through the survivorship services. Grand River Health’s STAR program offers important physical, nutritional and psychological rehabilitation to survivors, so they can recover more quickly and more STAR : SURVIVORSHIP completely than they TRAINING AND would otherwise. Feeling Survivorship Training and Rehab program at REHAB PROGRAM well and being able to Grand River Health. We understand a cancer resume normal day-todiagnosis can be traumatic, day activities is essential and so can lifesaving treatments. to enjoying a good quality of life, Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and and that is Grand River’s goal for its surgery can cause serious medical patients. problems that interfere with daily All our services are reimbursable function and well being. Survivors are by health insurance providers. Having commonly plagued with symptoms access to world-class follow-up care such as fatigue, weakness, insomnia, without added medical costs will help memory loss, fear, anxiety and survivors regain their health and get depression. their lives back on track.

Grand River Health Hospital and Medical Center 501 Airport Road, Rifle, CO | (970) 625-1510 Grand River Health, Therapy Services 501 Airport Road, Rifle, CO | (970) 625-6451 Grand River Health Women’s Care 501 Airport Road, Rifle, CO | 970.625.1100 www.grandriverhealth.org Facebook: Grand River Health Women can obtain a 3D digital Mammogram using this equipment at Grand River Health Hospital and Medical Center. The machine is more ergonomic for patients and gives exceptionally sharp images for better diagnostic performance.

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Therapy Services more information

970.625.6451 Â