leaDING MeDICINe Your link to health innovations, news and tips IN FORT BEND And Surrounding COUNTies
SP RING 2015
game Changers
your springtime guide to getting fit without injury
The Right Team for Delivering Your Baby
Free Back and Neck Pain Seminar
Cancer Battles Houston Methodist’s team approach makes a difference for patients Becky Turner was not expecting a cancer diagnosis when she went for a second opinion regarding a proposed surgery. Within days, Dr. Clive Shkedy Turner’s life was turned upside down as she came to terms with the diagnosis of cancer. But thanks to her physicians at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land, Turner was not alone. She had more than just outstanding treatment — she had a full team of oncology experts providing compassionate, personalized medical care and support. “The doctors at Houston Methodist Cancer Center communicated with me, listened to me and really went out of their way to help me,” said Turner, 62, who lives in Richmond. “I wasn’t just another face in the crowd.” It was September 2013 when Turner saw colorectal surgeon Dr. Ali Mahmood for a second opinion on a recommended surgery. Mahmood discovered a rectal mass that he found
Becky Turner (front row, middle) with her radiation therapy care team.
troubling. He performed a surgical biopsy five days later, which confirmed his suspicion: squamous cell carcinoma. He then referred Turner to Dr. Charles Conlon, hematologist/oncologist, and Dr. Clive Shkedy, radiation oncologist. “Dr. Mahmood played a key role in getting my treatment underway quickly,” said Turner. “I was fortunate that the treatment protocols for this type of cancer were available at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. He got me in to see both Dr. Conlon and Dr. Shkedy within a week.”
Team Approach
At Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land, Mahmood, Conlon and Shkedy are some of the key participants in the center’s collaborative approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment. The center’s physicians come together frequently to discuss diagnoses and determine the best course of treatment for each patient. And along with their expertise, they provide care that is supportive and encouraging. “We view our patients as unique individuals who happen to have a
Cancer Survivors Day Luncheon
Friday, June 5, from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Conference Center Local cancer survivors and a guest are invited to join us as we honor all survivors in a celebration of life. RSVPs are required. To reserve a seat, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.274.7500.
2 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND And Surrounding COUNTies
cancer — not as cancer patients,” said Shkedy. “Providing a supportive, nurturing environment and making patients feel comfortable is very important to their well-being.”
Care and Support
Turner’s medical treatment included two rounds of chemotherapy, along with six weeks of intensity-modulated radiation therapy using the cancer center’s stateof-the-art linear accelerator. Today, Turner is cancer-free and life is back to normal. She is grateful for the cancer center team and the way her physicians helped her not only during her treatment, but afterward as well. “The treatment was over, but the side effects lingered for a while,” she said. “Both Dr. Conlon and Dr. Shkedy were very attentive to keeping me as comfortable as possible during some trying times.” In addition, she had assistance and support from her primary care physician, Dr. Tayma Shaya, and her endocrinologist, Dr. Vidhya Subramanian, both of whom provided treatment and care when chemotherapy affected Turner’s thyroid. “For the past year, I’ve had five doctors from Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital all working together to help me get cancer-free and recover,” said Turner. “To receive this high level of care so close to home was a blessing.” For more information or a referral for cancer services, contact our cancer care navigator at fgoerlich@houstonmethodist.org or 281.274.7930. n
Baby on
Board
Choose the right team and facility for a day that will change your life
Dr. Gene Huebner
Dr. Shaeequa Dasnadi
Bringing a baby into the world is a journey with unexpected twists and turns, many details to consider and sometimes stressful moments — then finally, an amazing miracle. Parents can prepare by choosing a hospital team with expertise in caring for mothers and babies no matter what challenges may arise.
Expert Care
photo by thinkstock
Dr. Gene Huebner, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, understands the importance of choosing the right facility. “The expertise of the staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the Birthing Center itself make it an ideal choice for deliveries, including challenging ones,” said Dr. Huebner. “The nurses are experienced and efficient, and they follow the latest guidelines for care. I feel very comfortable when my patients are in their hands.”
All physicians and nurses at the Birthing Center are trained to handle complex cases. In addition to standard neonatal care, the center also includes an advanced level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staffed by Texas Children’s Hospital neonatologists. “This is significant because it means that sick babies can get the expert care they need close to home,” Huebner added. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Birthing Center cares for babies born 30 weeks or later. If babies are born younger than 30 weeks or have extreme complications, the staff will stabilize here and then transfer them to a level III NICU in the Texas Medical Center. “New parents can rest assured that our team of experts can take care of highrisk babies,” said Dr. Shaeequa Dasnadi, medical director of neonatology. “That’s all we do — 24/7.” Since 1998, Houston Methodist Sugar Land has delivered over 25,000 babies. And due to a 36 percent increase in births from 2013, the Birthing Center will be expanding for the third time to continue to meet the needs of our growing community. For a referral to Dr. Gene Huebner or another obstetrician-gynecologist on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, call 281.274.7500. n
TOUR OUR BIRTHING CENTER
Tours are offered on Fridays from noon – 6 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary. If these times are not convenient, call 281.274.7080 to schedule a time that works for you.
CHECKLIST for EXPECTANT PARENTS Pack your bags at least a month before your expected delivery with the following items. FOR MOM: ❏ Nightgowns, nursing bras, robe and slippers ❏ Toiletries and cosmetics ❏ Lamaze-recommended items ❏ Cellphone and charger FOR DAD: ❏ Electronics and chargers ❏ Change of clothes ❏ Camera (photos can be taken in the birthing suites, but videos can only be filmed in the nursery and postpartum units) ❏ Toiletries ❏ Snacks ❏ List of family and friends to call or text when baby arrives FOR BABY: ❏ Car seat ❏ Receiving blankets and mittens ❏ Clothes for departure (make sure baby’s attire is appropriate for the weather) ❏ Baby book
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Fitness Foils For every favorite springtime sport, there’s an injury that can keep you sidelined. Learn how to prevent the pain and stay in the game.
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND And Surrounding COUNTies
F
or many of us, springtime means playtime. The sun is shining and the fields, paths and courts beckon. But one wrong move or too many years of pounding the pavement can leave you couch-ridden. Here, we take a look at some of the most common sports injuries and how you can avoid them.
you love: Tennis You’re at risk for: Elbow pain
An injury so common it has its own name, tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse of the arm, forearm and hand muscles. The weak grip strength and burning pain aren’t actually due to an injured elbow — these symptoms are telltale signs of damage to the forearm muscle that helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight (during a ground stroke, for example). When this muscle is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the tendon where it attaches to the joint, leading to inflammation and pain. Get back in the game: “Up to 95 percent of patients have success with nonsurgical treatment, but the first step is to put down the racket for a while,” said Dr. Vincent Phan, board-certified hand and upper extremity orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “In addition to taking a break, drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.” Be sure to have your tennis equipment checked for proper fit, too. Stiffer rackets that are more loosely strung may reduce stress on the forearm.
keep you from your daily sweat session. When it comes to the all-too-common shin splint, there’s no true consensus among experts as to its cause. Theories include small tears in the muscle that’s pulled off the bone, an inflammation of the muscle or a combination of the two. Fortunately, experts agree on one aspect of shin splints: how to treat them. Get back in the game: “When splints strike, stop running or decrease your distance, depending on the extent of the pain,” said Dr. Kenneth Renney, sports medicine specialist with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “From there, be sure to ice your shins regularly to decrease inflammation, practice proper stretching and try cross training like cycling, swimming or yoga.” When you return to your regular running schedule, work your way up by increasing mileage slowly — aim for a 10 percent increase each week. Wear the right shoes for your feet and try to avoid hills and excessively hard surfaces.
you love: Cycling You’re at risk for: Knee pain
Cycling is practically the definition of a repetitive motion, with the average cyclist pedaling 3,600 times in an hour. No wonder cyclists often experience knee pain from overuse. One common problem, patellofemoral pain syndrome, occurs when the patella (kneecap) gets out of alignment, causing wear on cartilage and pain around the kneecap. Get back in the game: “Knee injuries in cyclists are often caused by muscle imbalance,” said Dr. Timothy Sitter, board-certified knee and shoulder
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Common Exercise Mistakes Feeling more sore than sculpted? You may be committing these workout no-nos.
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Going all-out, right away. Give your body about five minutes to warm up before you really hit it.
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Running the same route. Variety is the spice of life. Mix up your workouts with some cross training.
the stretching. 3 Skipping Always end a workout with a good stretch. Your legs will thank you in the morning.
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Playing through the pain. A little discomfort is good; actual pain is not. Respect your limits and give it a rest when you’re hurt.
orthopedic surgeon with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “Exercises for the quadriceps and hips can strengthen the muscles that support the kneecap, keeping it in proper alignment.” Ask a professional about your bike fit and cycling form. A seat that’s too high or low can cause injury, as can pedaling with your knees facing inward or outward. n
photo by superstock
you love: Running You’re at risk for: Shin splints
Runners, admit it: You’re a wee bit crazy (in a good way, of course). Mile after mile, rain or shine, you pound away at that pavement. So it’s understandable that you refuse to let a little shin pain
Expert Help Is Available
For an appointment with Dr. Vincent Phan, Dr. Kenneth Renney, Dr. Timothy Sitter or another specialist with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, easily schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics or call 281.690.4678.
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Keep Back Pain at Bay Find relief from your discomfort right away Your back is like a hardworking machine. It gives strength to your movements and supports most of your weight. With all this work to do, it’s Dr. Jeffrey Wood no wonder the back is prone to injury and strain. Four out of five adults will experience at least one episode of back pain in their lifetimes.
Why Backs Attack
“Back pain is experienced by both the young and old, but the risk of developing it increases with age,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wood, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Neuroscience & Spine Center. “Back ailments can stem from a variety of sources, including heavy lifting, improper sports or exercise techniques, sitting hunched over a desk or being overweight.”
Conditions such as a herniated disk, muscle spasms, arthritis and scoliosis can also contribute to back pain. Depending on the source of your back problem, you may experience acute pain (lasting no longer than a few weeks) or chronic pain (lasting for months or years). Whether your pain is intense or a slight throbbing, it’s important to seek a treatment option that’s right for you.
Getting Rid of the Pain
Minor back ailments, primarily those associated with strains or spasms, can be successfully treated at home with a combination of hot and cold compresses, rest and anti-inflammatory medications. “Although you may be tempted to spend a few days in bed recuperating, this isn’t the best solution,” said Wood. “To help maintain back strength and movement, try to keep up with your regular activities.” If your pain is severe or disabling, a spine specialist can perform an exam to
FREE Back and Neck Pain Seminar
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN FORT BEND And Surrounding COUNTies
1. Watch your weight. A few extra pounds can cause added stress on your back and muscles. Losing weight in a healthy manner can help keep back pain at bay. 2. Stay active. Exercising regularly is the best way to keep your back in working order. Strong, toned muscles provide proper cushioning for everyday movements. 3. Put out the cigarettes. Smokers may have more difficulty recovering from a back ailment because their oxygen levels are reduced. 4. Be aware of how you sit and move. Your mother may have told you to “stand up straight.” Her advice was true. Good posture, whether sitting, standing or lifting, keeps your back in alignment.
determine the source of the discomfort and prescribe a treatment plan that may include physical therapy, injections or surgery to relieve pain. The main goal of treatment is to help you live a pain-free life. At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Neuroscience & Spine Center, our board-certified physicians work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care, designed to help patients return to a productive lifestyle. We offer expedited appointments, including second opinions, with our highly regarded specialists. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wood or another specialist at our Neuroscience & Spine Center, email spinecenter@ houstonmethodist.org or call 281.274.7979. n
photo by thinkstock
Thursday, April 30, 6 p.m. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Conference Center Dr. Jeffrey Wood will discuss the causes and prevention of back and neck pain, leading-edge imaging, treatment and rehabilitative options, and address any questions you may have. Registration required. Register at houstonmethodist.org/events or by calling 281.274.7500.
4 Steps to Prevent Back Pain
Courtesy of Dr. Michael O’Connor, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Photo comparison of mammography versus molecular breast imaging of a lesion in a patient with dense breast tissue.
Catching Breast Cancer Earlier
photo by thinkstock
MBI screening better detects cancer in women with dense breasts There’s no question that digital mammography revolutionized breast cancer screening with the ability to detect even the smallest tumors. Dr. Stephen But now, women Phillips with dense breast tissue have access to technology that can identify tumors often not even visible with digital mammography. It’s called LumaGEM™ low-dose molecular Dr. Sandra breast imaging Templeton (MBI) and is the first FDA-approved digital imaging system that uses proprietary breast imaging technology. Forty percent of women who get mammograms have dense tissue. And while they are five times more likely to develop breast cancer than other
women, mammograms are not as effective at detecting cancer in dense breasts. Mammography uses X-ray technology, so the images of both tumors and dense breast tissue often appear white on the image. Clinical studies, however, show that MBI gives a clearer image of the lesions and is able to detect three times as many cancers in women with dense breast tissue — and the amount of radiation is equivalent to digital screening mammography. “We are excited to have been the first in the greater Houston area to offer this technology as a secondary diagnostic tool for women with suspicious findings and difficult to interpret mammograms,” said Dr. Stephen Phillips, board-certified breast radiologist and medical director of the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land. “Having played a role in the clinical research and development of MBI, I am confident it contributes to the general health and well-being of women.”
Board-certified breast surgeon Dr. Sandra Templeton concurs. One of her patients needed to have a breast MRI with contrast (dye), but she was unable to tolerate the contrast, which is necessary for the study. “Luckily, the Breast Care Center has molecular breast imaging technology,” Templeton said. “Dr. Phillips found a 5 mm lesion that would not have been seen otherwise.” According to Phillips, mammography will continue to be the gold standard, but MBI gives this patient population a more effective diagnostic tool for mammographically dense and/or high risk patients. If you think you would benefit from molecular breast imaging, ask your doctor or contact our breast care navigator at masocci@houstonmethodist.org or 281.276.8989. n
SCHEDULE TODAY!
Schedule your screening mammogram at Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Sugar Land. Simply go to houstonmethodist.org/ online-scheduling or call 281.242.PINK (7465).
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