Health for Life - September 2011

A PUBLICATION OF HENRY MEDICAL CENTER September/October 2011 www.henrymedical.com

THE

PINK ISSUE

In this issue - it's all about BEATING BREAST CANCER

2 Taking Breast Cancer Down: Jamekia Davis Health for Life is intended to provide general health information only. It should not be used to self-diagnose or as a substitute for advice by a physician or other healthcare professional.

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REAL MEN WEAR PINK

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Picture Perfect - two locations, same great care

12 Preventive Steps - the facts you need to know

For questions or comments about Health for Life, please write or call the Henry Medical Center Marketing Department, 1133 Eagle’s Landing Parkway,

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HMC News & Foundation News

Stockbridge, GA 30281, 678-604-1026.

Charles Scott President and C.E.O. Jeff Cooper Vice President and C.O.O. Donna M. Braddy Director of Marketing, Public Relations, Community Education and Volunteer Services Michelle A. Nunnally Public Relations Specialist Health For Life is a Silver award winner at the 2011 Georgia Hospital Association's Healthcare Marketing & Public Relations Society annual Target Awards.

Design and Art Direction by tbg design Terry B. Gardner – Designer Leigh Delozier – Writer Michie Turpin – Photographer Health for Life, September/October 2011. Published bi-monthly

by Henry Medical Center. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies.

No materials contained herein may be reproduced without the exclusive written permission of the publisher. ©2011 Henry Medical Center. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A.

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Story on page 2

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Health for Life September/October 2011 page 1

Davis’s story began in July 2009 when she first scheduled an appointment with surgeon Scott Timbert, M.D. “Something seemed abnormal with her breast,” Dr. Timbert said. “A mass that showed on her mammogram and ultrasound were benign. But because she had a biopsy at that time, she continued with follow-up visits to be sure things were okay.”

When Davis had her routine mammogram and ultrasound in the fall of 2010, everything looked fine.

Within months, however, things changed.

Davis noticed a skin irritation that lasted for several weeks. “There was flakiness and some irritation, but it always went away,” she said. “But then it got more irritated and inflamed, and was itchy. I went to see Dr. Timbert again and he thought we should do a biopsy just to check whether something was going on.”

When Dr. Timbert offered to perform the biopsy that day, Davis agreed. “Something in my spirit nudged me to just go ahead and do it,” she said. “I wanted to find out what was happening and what we would need to do about it.”

On February 21, 2011, Davis received a call asking her to stop by Dr. Timbert’s office that afternoon.

“That was the day my life changed.”

“I didn’t start noticing symptoms until about four months after my mammogram,” she said. “I could have waited until time for my next regular mammogram to ask about it, but then it would’ve been much worse. I’m blessed because we diagnosed it so early.”

After discussing her treatment options with Dr. Timbert, Davis decided to have a lumpectomy with follow-up radiation. Dr. Timbert performed the surgery on March 12. She went into the procedure knowing she would begin radiation treatments once the surgical wound healed.

“Patients who have radiation come to the center for treatments five days a week, for several weeks,” said Kim Vu, M.D., of Henry Radiation Oncology Center (HROC). “It’s sort of like an X-ray in that the vast majority of patients have no sensation of the radiation itself. They might have cumulative side effects as treatment continues, mostly fatigue and skin irritation.”

Davis credited the HROC staff and the support of her family, especially her parents, aunt and sister, as well as her co-workers and friends for helping her get through treatment. She was teaching fifth grade in DeKalb County at the time, but didn’t want to take a leave of absence.

“

I knew from the beginning that I would get to share my story someday and help somebody.

~ Jamekia Davis

“

R

esearch shows that screening mammograms save lives, but they’re not the only way a woman can detect breast cancer in its early stages.

Stockbridge resident, and Dutchtown Middle School Teacher Jamekia Davis learned that being in tune with your body and knowing what’s normal – and what’s not – can sometimes make all the difference.

Taking

Breast Cancer

“I just wanted to push through this, and my principal and assistant principal were very supportive,” she said. “I started radiation around the middle of April, five days a week for seven weeks. I went for my treatments after work every day.”

She sometimes finished

Dr. Timbert told Davis she had Paget’s disease of the breast, a very rare type of cancer.

treatments to find her

“When Dr. Timbert said the word ‘cancer,’ I went instantly numb,” Davis said. “It was all I heard. My first thought was for my children. I had to trust God, be strong and have faith to get through this for them.”

waiting room.

friend Amy in the “Amy’s

Davis learned that Paget’s disease of the breast is very treatable and highly curable when caught in its early stages.

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Health for Life September/October 2011 page 3

husband had been through cancer,” Davis said.

“She told me, ‘I need to be there for you. I know

“I tell patients that their job is to make it to treatments, and to let us handle the rest.”

~ Dr. Kim Vu

“Ms. Davis’s case was all based on the fact that she noticed a difference in her breast. I can’t stress how important it is to know yourself so you’ll notice changes.” ~ Dr. Padrica Hopkins-Menchion

“So many people helped me, I want to share with others and help them.”

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~ Jamekia Davis

“With breast cancer, patients often have a choice about treatments. We lay out the options and let the patient decide, once she understands what the rest of treatment will be.”

~ Dr. Scott Timbert

you need this.’ It would mean so much when I saw her waiting there. It made me feel so much better.”

“When you first go in the center, you’re nervous,” Davis added. “Nobody knows what the experience is like until they go through it themselves. But seeing other patients who were determined to get well and working with staff who were so friendly and supportive made all the difference. They helped keep me in good spirits because I knew they were taking good care of me.”

Oncologist Padrica Hopkins-Menchion, M.D. agreed. “Many of these patients see life differently,” she said. “They see the roses and butterflies – everything – in a new way. You’ve got to think positively and believe you’ll be cured.”

“I tell my patients that in their book of life, they now have a chapter called ‘breast cancer,’” Dr. HopkinsMenchion added. “It’s very frightening, but it’s just a phase, just a chapter. They have certain things to do in order to get through that chapter and on to the rest of their life. We work through it together, and look forward to a celebration and a different testimony about life at the end of the chapter.”

Davis completed radiation treatments in late June.

She continues to see Dr. Timbert, Dr. Vu, and Dr. Hopkins-Menchion on a regular basis for follow-up, and will take Tamoxifen for the next five years to help prevent the cancer from spreading to her other breast.

She looks forward to this next chapter in her life, including a new teaching position at Henry County’s Dutchtown Middle School.

“When people hear the word ‘cancer’ they always think the worst, but it doesn’t have to be,” she said.

“Always have your mammograms and ultrasounds, but also be in tune with your own body. If something seems abnormal, don’t hesitate to look into it. Finding things early can make all the difference.” •

Health for Life September/October 2011 page 5

For the third consecutive year, a group of Henry County MEN has stepped forward to show that Real Men Wear Pink and that breast cancer is an important issue for everyone. Henry Medical Center organizes the campaign in an effort to raise awareness and encourage women to schedule yearly screening mammograms for themselves or a loved one. Individuals and organizations throughout the county get involved by displaying posters, hosting “wear pink” days, and encouraging women to schedule their annual mammogram.

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“This cancer isn’t just a ‘woman’s thing,’” said Kent Booth, Jr., a teacher at Eagle’s Landing Middle School and football coach for Henry County High School.“It affects everyone, and it’s important for men to step up and acknowledge their awareness of this disease and show compassion to the women who are diagnosed.”

Health for Life September/October 2011 page 7

Close to Home Each man involved in Real Men Wear Pink has good reasons for participating, but the issue reaches especially close to home for some. Several have watched firsthand as wives, mothers, sisters, or other family members or friends battled the disease.

“Breast Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Young, old... it doesn’t matter, said Montá Brown, McDonough City Councilperson, who lost his grandmother to the disease. “I think had we had the preventive care and the education we have now, who knows, she could still be living today.”

“When this cancer was diagnosed in [my wife], said Jimmy Carter of Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, it immediately impacted our entire family. I’m so thankful she had been so conscious of the possibility of breast cancer and had routine exams early on in life. If she hadn’t had this routine exam, it would have been months or years before she realized the problem.”

don’t take care of themselves because they are too busy taking care of their family. By taking care of themselves, they are taking care of their loved ones.”

Increasing Awareness The Real Men Wear Pink representatives will spend October visiting businesses, schools, churches, and other groups to spread the word about early detection and how it can save lives.

“I want to encourage men to be a proactive encourager rather than a regretful reactor to this cancer,” said Paul White, franchised restaurant operator of Chickfil-A at Eagle’s Landing. “A test is far less costly and far less traumatic and may very well save their loved ones’ lives.”

The Real Men Wear Pink initiative extends to Southern Belle Farm this year.

“Our mascot is our Holstein cow named Belle, since our farm was once an operating dairy farm,” Carter explained. “This year we had already

decided that the design for our maze would be our own Belle promoting breast cancer awareness with the theme ‘Save the Udders.’” Carter said farm staff will take it a step further with shirts that say “Real Farmers Wear Pink.”

Men shouldn’t think public venues are the only places to increase breast cancer awareness.

“This is never top of mind for males unless it directly affects their loved one,” said Shane Thompson of Shane’s Rib Shack. “But men don’t have to be ‘well known’ to help others. Any man can make a difference.”

Encouraging Conversation “Everyone knows what an awful disease breast cancer is,” said Hampton City Manager Andy Pippin.

“But people – especially men – are typically embarrassed to talk about it. I’ve never known much humility, so I’ll have no problem talking to

women about it or asking other men to do the same.”

Henry County Solicitor General Chuck Spahos agreed.

“I admire the strength and determination of the women that I have seen breast cancer affect,” he said. “It’s not only acceptable for men to have open conversations with the women in their lives about breast cancer and mammograms – it’s our responsibility to do so.”

Ken Wright of Publix at Eagle's Landing reminds us,

“It's all about someone that you love, making sure that they're well taken care of.”

“It’s easy for everyone to get caught up in our day-today lives and forget how one report from a doctor can change your entire perspective,” said attorney Brian Strickland. “Real Men Wear Pink is a reminder to the men of our community of our obligation to make certain the women in our lives have the encouragement they need to seek early detection.” •

“Breast cancer is a scary disease, and early detection and treatment are crucial,” added Judge Jim Chafin of the State Court of Henry County. “We need to emphasize to men that the women in their lives must take care of their health. Women often assume the nurturing role and Left to right: Andy Pippin - City of Hampton Shane Thompson - Shane’s Rib Shack Chuck Spahos - Henry County Solicitor Montá Brown - McDonough City Council Judge Jim Chafin - State Court of Henry County Jimmy Carter - Southern Belle Farm Ken Wright - Eagle’s Landing Publix Paul White - Eagle’s Landing Chick-fil-A Kent Booth - Eagle’s Landing Middle School Brian Strickland - Smith, Welch, Webb & White

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Health for Life September/October 2011 page 9

“You can think of it as being a photographer. Every day it’s a challenge to get the best pictures we can.” ~Sharon Widener, RT(R)(M)

any women might view having their annual mammogram as a dreaded obligation. But for

“I tell people everywhere that I love my job and wouldn’t take anything for it.”

the women who staff Henry Medical Center’s

~Bettye Hamm, RT(R)(M)

Mammography departments, it’s much more than

IN NEED OF ACCESS TO A MAMMOGRAM?

that. It’s a chance to show compassion every day and make a difference in another person’s life.

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Once a technologist becomes certified, she maintains her license through continuing education credits and

Hamm agreed. “Some women want us to tell them what we think about their test, but only the radiologist can do that. Though, if I see something that doesn’t look right to me, I’ll call the scheduling department and ask them to have the radiologist look at it right away."

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Widener went through the same steps to gain her mammography certification in 1990.

“That’s not to say it’s always easy,” said Widener.

“I remember one woman in particular who had become good friends with us over the years. I knew when I took her pictures that she would be back, and that her life would never be the same. I thought about it a lot on the drive home that night. It makes you wonder what you would do if it were you.

That makes our job even more important.”

To register, call 678-604-1040 or visit www.henrymedical.com

care of it.” Hamm will often call the scheduling department, set an appointment, and let the patient know when to return to the hospital for her diagnostic mammogram. “These ladies are anxious and don’t always know how to go through the steps. Why not help do it for them?”

Hamm also goes “above and beyond” by making the whole process a little easier.

If there’s one message Widener and Hamm hope to share, it’s that mammography is an important part of every woman’s health.

“We only do screening mammograms at the Pavilion, but patients don’t always realize that,” Hamm said.

“If she’s been told to have a follow-up diagnostic mammogram, she wants to get in there and take

“Don’t wait years between tests,” Widener stressed.

“Mammogram screenings really do save lives – I’ve seen it. Come in for your screening.” •

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After about a year, Hamm took the credentialing test and passed. Registered mammography technologists, however, also must meet other requirements before becoming fully certified including completing supervised mammograms on patients.

by completing at least 200 mammograms every two years. The education requirements and hours spent learning, however, are nothing compared to helping these women, said Hamm and Widener.

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“I had enjoyed working in mammography, so I decided I wanted to get my mammography license. I started studying for the test and I talked with the current staff and got pointers from them.”

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 6:00pm - 8:00pm Henry Medical Foundation Education Center

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“I started out doing a little bit of everything,” Hamm said. “Back then, you had to because there were only maybe five or six radiology technicians. You helped wherever you were needed, whether it was in mammography or surgery or special procedures.”

Breast Health Connection

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“People ask me sometimes how I can do this all day,” said Sharon Widener, RT(R)(M), of the hospital’s Mammography Department. “What they don’t understand is that it’s not about the breast. It’s about the person you’re working with. Bettye Hamm, RT(R)(M), agrees. She came to Henry Medical Center in August 1986, and later moved to the Diagnostic Imaging Center at HMC’s McDonough Medial Pavilion.

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Health for Life September/October 2011 page 11

steps Other common risk factors for breast cancer include: • Personal history of breast cancer • Family history of breast cancer (especially mother, sister, or daughter) • Inherited changes in certain genes • Breast density • Reproductive and menstrual history (first menstrual period before age 12 or menopause after age 55, or no full-term pregnancies) • Long-term use of menopausal hormone therapy (more than 5 years)

Research shows that

an annual

is the first line of defense against breast cancer.

Check yourself: Getting a high-quality screening

Plus, women

who have digital mammography (like Henry Medical Center offers) instead of the typical analog (or film) imaging have an even better chance of early detection, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Save this list so you (and the women you love) will have key information on hand when it’s time to discuss mammography.

Watch the timing: The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman obtain her first baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 to 40. After the age of 40, she should receive a yearly mammogram. Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer may need to obtain mammograms earlier than these recommendations and at more frequent intervals. Talk with your doctor about the best time for you to begin mammograms.

mammogram and having a clinical breast exam (one performed by a healthcare provider) on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early. Women are encouraged to perform breast self-exams (BSE). BSE help keep women alert to what’s normal for their breasts and what should be examined by a healthcare provider.

Make the call: Henry Medical Center

makes it easy to schedule a yearly screening mammogram. Simply call 678-604-1055.

You must have your doctor’s written order for the mammogram before calling.

The scheduler will ask whether you want to have your mammogram at the hospital or at Henry Medical Center’s McDonough Medical Pavilion.

Henry Medical Center News Henry Medical Center and Piedmont Healthcare to Advance Partnership Transaction Process

Jackie Fogle Named Director of Nursing Resources

The Boards of Directors of Henry Medical Center (HMC) and Piedmont Healthcare and the Hospital Authority of Henry County approved the detailed terms for the addition of HMC to Piedmont Healthcare.

In addition, Piedmont Healthcare and Henry Medical Center were notified in mid-August that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had completed its review of the required Hart-Scott-Rodino filing regarding the proposed partnership of the two organizations, reflecting compliance with all requirements and rules and completion of review by the FTC and the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division.

Over the next 90 to 120 days, necessary regulatory approvals will be pursued prior to the signing of definitive agreements, with projected “go live” of the new organization

by January 2012.

HMC’s Lab Completes an Outstanding Review by The Joint Commission Henry Medical Center’s Laboratory recently underwent a rigorous threeday inspection by surveyors from The Joint Commission, resulting in the hospital’s lab earning an outstanding review and two-year accreditation.

Jackie Fogle, RN MSN/MHA began her career as a nurse 26 years ago, with experience in telemetry, medical/surgical and outpatient surgery. She has served in management for the past three years at Henry Medical Center and was instrumental in opening the hospital’s Direct Admit Unit in December 2010.

The unit provides a direct pathway for non-emergent patients to be placed on inpatient units without having to go through the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Real Men Wear Pink Campaign Earns Award Henry Medical Center’s Real Men Wear Pink Campaign earned the 2011 Target award for Best in Show from the Georgia Hospital Association’s Society for Healthcare Marketing & Public Relations.

The Best in Show award is given by the judges to one entry from all those submitted by hospitals all across Georgia.

Foundation News

This award was one of seven won by HMC for 2011.

2011 Pacemaker 5000

HMCF Corporate Honor Roll

More than 1,000 people gathered for Henry Medical Center Foundation’s 2011 Pacemaker 5000 5K/10K run, 1 mile walk and Tot Trot presented by Southern Heart Specialists, P.C. on Saturday, August 20 at Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club.

Classic Landscapes has designed and built outdoor environments for clients in South Atlanta and beyond since 1993. www.classiclandscapesga.com

This year’s race was held at night and raised more than $40,000 for programs and services at Henry Medical Center.

CrossFitPulse offers one-on-one training and group classes using the CrossFit strength and conditioning philosophy. www.crossfitpulse.com

Know the risks: Age is the most important risk factor for

breast cancer, because the chances of developing the disease increase as a woman ages. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.

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Golf Tournament Friday, October 14, 2011 Crystal Lake Golf & Country Club Call 678-604-1045 for more information.

Health for Life September/October 2011 page 13

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 333 MARIETTA, GA

PINK EVENTS Sept. 24

Visit www.henrymedical.com to submit your PINK PHOTOS

11:00am – 3:00pm

Tanger Outlet Mall “Meet the Real Men” Breast Cancer Awareness Event & Sidewalk Carnival with games and giveaways!

Oct. 13

6:00 – 9:00pm

Ladies Pink Night Out

on the McDonough Square

Oct. 1 Save the Udders Day!

at Southern Belle Farm - Admission discounts (valid all weekend): • Breast cancer survivors get in FREE • Wear pink and receive $1 off farm admission Event schedule: 2pm Pink Survivor

Hayride Parade 3pm Pink Survivor

Ceremony &

Balloon Release 4pm Pink Pumpkin

Patch Dedication 2 - 4pm Live outdoor concert

Oct. 8 TangerStyle

Fit For Families 5K Run

Register to Run/Walk at www.tangeroutlet.com and select the Locust Grove Race

Proceeds benefit Henry Medical Center Breast Cancer Awareness

Visit Shane’s Rib Shack in October for

Pink Fun

Purchase a Pink CARD

at TANGER Outlet customer service for $1 to Fight for

the Cure

save 25%

and

September 15 through October 25 Proceeds benefit Henry Medical Center Breast Cancer Awareness