17 minute read
EXCLAMATION POINTS
Thankfully, Life Truly Does Go On
The world “thankful” has taken on a whole new meaning this year. Sure, I have expressed sincere gratitude throughout my life being thankful for so many things, but, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that our entire way of life could change in an instant. I didn’t know that friends and peers would become incredibly ill and some die from a flu-like virus. I didn’t know that our economy could be decimated in a heartbeat.
This year has given us a hard lesson to learn, an insidious pill to swallow. And it’s lasted forever. But life truly does go on. In our cover story, Houston Methodist Sugar Land physicians urge us to seek preventative Patti and Tim at the Kaminski family pretreatment in our lives, regardless of the pandemic Thanksgiving 2019 in New York City pandemic. They stress that we should not at Harry Potter on Broadway. forego taking care of ourselves, especially when it comes to cancer screenings. Because of COVID, cancer screenings have come to a screeching halt, and that’s not good. One of the most powerful tools in fighting cancer is early detection, and it’s vitally important – COVID or no COVID – because life truly does go on.
Because of the pandemic, holidays will look a little different this year, but we will still have them. Travel, large gatherings, holiday traditions – they all may be a bit unconventional. But the staples – the core values – remain the same: family, faith and feasts. In ’Tis the Season, we share some holiday ideas that will help keep your Thanksgiving festive and fun, because remember, life truly does go on. As we celebrate the season of gratitude, I encourage us all to focus on the positive – on what we do have. Get out the holiday décor, dust off the fine china and celebrate your blessings as “normal” as possible. Rose Kennedy said, “I’m like old wine. They don’t bring me out very often, but I’m well-preserved.” Our holidays live in our hearts along with our family and our faith, so do as Ms. Kennedy said and take them out for everyone to enjoy, because life truly does go on. Wishing you and your family many blessings this Thanksgiving,
Kassidi and Kolton Kaminski.
Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Vol. 16 No. 11 November 2020
281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406
PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kay Garrett
ART DIRECTOR Grace Belleza
WEB DESIGNER Joey Belleza
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Natalee Sembrick
IT SUPPORT ADMINISTRATIVE/ SALES ASSISTANT Kolton W. Kaminski
CONTRIBUTORS Travis Johnson Steve Kursar Denman Moody Alisa Murray
INQUIRIES 281-690-4242
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
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Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, P. O. Box 1253, Richmond, Texas 77406. Copyright© 2020 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Fort Bend FocusTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.
OUT& ABOUT IN THE HEART OF THE BEND
Enjoy Remembering the Wonderful Thanksgivings with the People and Traditions You Treasure the Most GARDENS OF AVALON
We miss you! We want to know what you’re doing – a family trip, a game night with friends, virtually hanging out or whatever you’re doing – send us your favorite quarantine pictures.
Please include the first and last names of all individuals in the photo left to right, and you just might be seen in the pages of Fort Bend Focus!
Submit your Out & About photos to grace@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
Found! A charming 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home located on a private levy lot complete with sparkling swimming pool. The first floor home office/home school room offers French doors and bookcases. The gathering room, the center of the house, is complete with fireplace and views of the pool. The 1st floor, owners’ retreat is complete with relaxing spa bath. 3 more bedrooms and 2 baths plus games room complete the 2nd floor of this 3900+ home ready and waiting for you.
SOLD
SWEETWATER SECTION 8
As you enter this beautiful brick estate in Sweetwater with over 7,000 square feet, 6 bedrooms, and 5.5 baths, you are entering a home that offers serenity, comfort and a lifestyle for many. The home offers 2 first floor owners’ retreat, perfect for an in-law arrangement. Features of this home include hardwood floors and plantation shutters, two story private home office, formal living room with fireplace, gracious formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with Wolf/Subzero appliances. Adjacent to the kitchen is a comfortable family room featuring a stone fireplace. Found on the second floor is 4 bedrooms, reading nook, study area, plenty of storage, plus 3 entertainment areas - Gameroom, Home Theater Room and Billiard Room. Well-landscaped, private yard with pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen. Conveniently located to private golf club and Sugar Land Town Square. Call to schedule your private showing.
RIVERSTONE – KENSINGTON UNDER CONTRACT
Custom 1 story stucco home by Darling Builders. Flickering gas lamps welcome you to a gated private courtyard. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, many designer features: gleaming wood floors, open living areas, home office, kitchen has 10 ft granite counter, double ovens, copper farm sink, brite sun room, year round private paradise yard, large salt water, heart-shaped pool, spa, fire pit, complete outdoor kitchen views of lake and the fountain. Home is ready for buyers looking for a brand new and exciting lifestyle!
Call Me For Personal Virtual Tours
Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS “Selling Fort Bend’s Finest Homes Since 1985” 281.414.8400 arolsen@cbunited.com www.ArleneRolsen.com
Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land 16675 Southwest Fwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77479
Don’t Let COVID-19 Fear Postpone Your Cancer Screening The hospital is safe, and coming in for a screening can save your life.
Cancer has not stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what has come to a stop – almost completely – is regular cancer screening. One study, from the electronic medical records system Epic, found that screening mammograms across the U.S. dropped 94 percent in March when concerns over the spread of COVID-19 intensified.
Another study by the IQVIA Institute in April found similar results: since February, colonoscopies were down 90 percent; Pap smears, down 83 percent; PSA testing, used to detect prostate cancer, down 60 percent; and CT scans for lung cancer, down 39 percent. “These are very significant numbers because they represent a delay in finding and treating the most common and deadly forms of cancer,” said Jorge Darcourt, M.D., board-certified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar
Jorge Darcourt, MD Land. “One of our most powerful tools
Hematologist- in the fight against cancer is early Oncologist detection. We know from experience
that the earlier we can identify the presence of a cancerous lesion or tumor, the better success we have in isolating it and treating it. It’s time for patients to resume critical screening that can save lives.”
The Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land offers the full range of oncology services – from diagnosis through treatment – at one location. Houston Methodist Sugar Land is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons-Commission on Cancer accreditation. The accreditation demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing the best cancer care through a vast array of high quality, specialized services – screening, diagnostics, genetic testing, advanced technology, clinical trials and patient support.
Since February, many people have put off annual screenings, such as mammograms due to fear of going to the hospital, or uncertainty about changes in appointment processes. But Houston Methodist Sugar Land has developed key safety protocols that protect patients throughout their screening. Since March, the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land has performed more than 2,800 mammograms, ensuring the safety of every patient even during the pandemic.
“Getting a mammogram or other test today is no different than it was before, except that we have additional layers of protection and safety,” said Michelle O’Shea, M.D., boardcertified breast surgeon at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land. “There is no reason for patients to worry. If you missed your annual mammogram during the first part of the year, you can feel safe coming in now. The staff continues to put patient safety first, which now includes extra precautions and safety measures.”
The hospital’s focus on safety includes constant deep cleaning and the use of CDC-approved disinfectants – including UV lighting sanitizers – along with the following new safety processes:
• A new in-car check-in process, as well as reconfigured waiting rooms and check-in lines to support social distancing.
• Mandatory masking and social distancing guidelines for all physicians, employees, patients and visitors.
• Screening all patients to ensure those suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 are scheduled for a later date.
• Daily screening and frequent testing of employees as recommended by the CDC.
• Mandatory personal protective equipment rules for all staff and physicians.
• Additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.
Screening guidelines are based on years of data and are designed to ensure that patients are checked regularly for the most common forms of cancer.
“Following the guidelines is an important step in protecting your health,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., boardcertified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “It’s important to know
Sindhu Nair, MD Hematologist- your risk factors, such as family history Oncologist or underlying health conditions, and I recommend that patients talk with their primary care physician about cancer screening as part of their annual check-up. In some cases, it may be beneficial to follow a more frequent screening schedule than is recommended.”
Here are some basic guidelines for the most common forms of cancer screening:
Breast Cancer: Women ages 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam every three years. At the age of 40, women should have both a clinical breast exam and a mammogram annually. High-risk women should utilize additional screening methods at their doctor’s discretion.
“Here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land, we have the latest and most sophisticated imaging technology available, including 3D screening and diagnostic mammography; breast MRI and ultrasound; and biopsies, all read by specialized breast radiologists,” said O’Shea. “That gives us a significant advantage in diagnosing tumors at the very earliest stages, which means that women have the best chance for complete recovery – all at one location close to home.”
To schedule your screening mammogram, visit houstonmethodist.org/imaging or call 281.542.3492.
Cervical Cancer: Women ages 21-29 should have a pelvic exam annually, and a Pap test every three years. Women ages 30-65 should have a pelvic exam annually and a Pap test every three to five years, along with an HPV screen every five years. Women over the age of 65 should have pelvic exams and Pap tests at their doctor’s discretion. To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates at Sugar Land, call 281.882.3130, or visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to find a doctor near you.
Colon/Rectal Cancer: Men and women younger than age 45 should talk with their doctor about when to begin screening and screening frequency.
“Your doctor will want to know about high risk factors, such as family or personal history of polyps, colorectal or uterine cancers, or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease,” said Kirtan Nautiyal, boardcertified hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. Men and women age 45-75 without specific risk factors should be screened regularly per their doctor’s recommendation. “An annual fecal blood test is the minimum screening I would
Kirtan Nautiyal, M.D recommend,” said Nautiyal. “That
Hematologist- should be combined with regular
Oncologist colonoscopies as indicated.”
To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639. For a referral to a gastroenterologist, call 281.205.4514.
Lung Cancer: Regular lung cancer screening for asymptomatic patients is relatively new, but it is making a significant difference in doctors’ abilities to successfully treat the disease. Men and women between the ages of 5577 who have a 30-pack year history of smoking – defined as one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years – and those who currently smoke or who have smoked within the past 15 years should be screened using low-dose CT scans. To find out if you qualify for a lung cancer screening, visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening or call 281.672.8585.
Prostate Cancer: In general, men who have more than one first-degree relative (father, brother or son with prostate cancer at an early age) should begin screening at age 40. Beginning at age 45, men with one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, and AfricanAmerican men, should begin screening. All men 50 and above should be screened regularly.
“Men who are 40 and above should talk with their physician about the need for regular prostate cancer screening,” said Patrick E. Prath, M.D., hematologist-oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “As with colon cancer, family history plays a big role in your individual risk, and your doctor can help you decide on the right approach. An annual digital rectal exam, along with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, can identify most prostate cancers early. If you need additional testing, we can provide the full range of diagnostic imaging needed to pinpoint your cancer and determine the best course of action.”
To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639. To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Urology Associates at Sugar Land, call 281.746.6611.
Don’t Delay: Schedule Your Screening Today
Doctors at Houston Methodist Sugar Land say that it’s important to guard your health and continue with cancer screening tests as recommended by your doctor.
“We are open and available for cancer screening and treatment,” said O’Shea. “While it’s important to take precautions against COVID-19, it’s also critical that you protect yourself against cancer by keeping up with regular screenings.”
Meet Our New Doctors
Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is pleased to welcome two new physicians to its medical staff.
Hematology-Oncology
Patrick E. Prath, MD, fellowshiptrained hematologist-oncologist, recently joined the doctors and staff of Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land.
Their integrated, team approach addresses each patient’s unique needs, delivering individualized therapies, innovative research and clinical trials, all backed
Patrick E. Prath, M.D HematologistOncologist by the advanced technology of Houston Methodist Sugar Land. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive, world-class cancer care, close to home.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Prath, call 281.201.6669.
Breast Surgery
Dr. Michelle O’Shea, boardcertified breast surgeon with over 20 years of experience, specializes in the treatment of both benign and malignant breast diseases.
The physicians at Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners in Sugar Land are dedicated to using the most innovative surgical techniques to create a fully individualized treatment plan for Michelle O’Shea, M.D. each patient. They bring a strong Breast Surgeon background in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases as well as a compassionate approach to patient care. To schedule an appointment
with Dr. O’Shea, call 281.724.4276.
Ronaventure: A Frugal Foray
By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher The Corona Chronicles A Digital Mini-Magazine Covering the People, Places and Happenings of Fort Bend
COVID has clipped all of our proverbial wings when it comes to travel. So, you can imagine how excited I was when Tim Kaminski suggested we take a trip for his birthday! Of course, traveling is different now, so he put some stringent parameters in place. And yes, I’m unaccustomed to stringent parameters – unless I make them.
Nevertheless, I was excited. How bad could traveling really Drinking wine from a moustached be right now? We discussed Dixie cup – night one of my taking all of the necessary Ronaventure. precautions and being smart about our excursion. And I was prepared with Lysol spray, hand sanitizer, wipes – you name it. I had ample supplies to clean an entire plane if necessary.
First rattle out of the box, Mr. Kaminski brought up the luggage issue. We were flying to Denver, so naturally I needed fall clothing – and accessories. Now I’m an accessory girl. I seriously could travel with a steamer trunk solely for accessories. But I took one for the team on this one and packed in two small bags that I – really Mr. Kaminski – could easily carry on the plane without checking luggage. It took military precision, but I did it, and I did it with a smile.
Of course, one of my strategically packed bags got flagged during the security screening. It was the miniature can of Lysol spray that nailed me. When the officer removed it from my bag, I queried, very loudly, “So if get sick because I cannot properly sanitize my airplane seat, you are going to cover my medical bills and lost wages, right Officer Ramirez?” Well, you know what happened next. He very quickly gave the aerosol canister right back to me.
We flew on points, which meant Southwest Airlines and the frantic 24-hour pre-check in and cattle car boarding system. We had to wear a mask during the plane ride, but that’s just safe – and smart – so no issue there. And there was no alcohol service on the plane, but I could live with that. In case you’re wondering, no, you cannot bring your own glass of wine on board either. We won’t discuss the particulars of how I learned that.
But again, it was a trip, and my attitude was stellar. Now
Mr. Kaminski had discussed with me previously that we were doing this little jaunt on a “budget.” When we checked into our hotel in Denver, the word reared its ugly head, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad hotel; it was simply not what we – mostly me – were accustomed to. Again, I persevered with a smile and drank my wine out of the complimentary paper cup that sported a moustache. It was kind of like camping I suppose.
The next day we traveled to Pagosa Springs, and the fall scenery was gorgeous. I was in high spirits still sporting an amazing attitude because I only had to stay one night in the subpar accommodations. I took my wine and my complimentary moustached paper cup as a precaution, but I was certain the next leg of our “trip on a budget” would be better.
We had an amazing day, and when it came time to check into our next home away from home, this budget thing got real. Upon check-in we were provided with a complimentary cocktail valued at $4 from the hotel bar. Y’all know I love a good gift with purchase, so I was still optimistic. The smoke was oppressive as we headed to our room, and to be consistent, the room was equally as pungent and filthy. At this point on our frugal foray, I was done. I had lasted nearly 48 hours.
I quickly took charge – admittedly with a less than stellar attitude – and promptly relocated us to the Wyndham. Yes, things were clearly looking up; I had a credit card. We had a wonderful birthday weekend and even did a little shopping. I bought Happy Birthday Tim! Sporting my new Beth Dutton shirt in the beautiful fall Colorado foliage. the cutest t-shirt. It said, “Sorta Sweet, Sorta Beth Dutton.” I’m a huge Yellowstone fan, and yes, I love Beth. I may or may not have channeled her as I promptly got us out of the previous hotel reservation with a full refund and into the Wyndham at a last minute discount rate, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do when things get tough.
I donned my new shirt the last day we were there and proudly modeled for Mr. Kaminski. His reply? “Definitely spot on with the Beth Dutton part. Not so sure on the sorta sweet part though.” Lord I’ll miss that man.
