Journeys Fall 2017

Journeys FALL 2017

COV ER S TORY

Support When You Need It

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More Than She Expected n Partners in the Fight Against Cancer n

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Accreditations The Nassif Community Cancer Center and its partners meet the highest accreditation standards for cancer care.

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Quality Cancer Care: Recognizing Excellence

Copyright ÂŽ 2017 UnityPoint Health. All Rights Reserved. ÂŽ SM trademarks of UnityPoint Health.

Journeys Contents

Dedicated to excellence At Nassif Community Cancer Center, dedication to excellence is at the heart of our mission of “Providing exceptional cancer care that places you at the center of all we do.”

4 More Than She Expected 6 Helping You Look Like You 8 Support When You Need It 10 A Gift of Thanks 12 Part of Her Family 13 Children’s Holiday Celebration 14 P artners in the Fight Against Cancer 16 In Good Hands 18 Quality Report: Thyroid Cancer 19 The Role of the Medical Dosimetrist in Radiation Treatment ON OUR COVER: A TransAmerica grant for cancer wellness services came full circle when it benefited employee Christina Ross. Read more on page 8.

Our partnerships with UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids, St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) and local health care providers, as well as the resources available to us through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, mean Nassif Community Cancer Center offers patients a superior level of care backed by world-class research.

For example, on page 14 you’ll learn how esophageal cancer patient Bryan Gates is benefiting from the collaboration between his PCI physician, Nassif Community Cancer Center and the experts at Mayo Clinic.

And our 2017 Quality Report on thyroid cancer looks at what early detection, advanced treatment and coordinated care mean for patients like Regina Buhs (page 16). By working together with providers from multiple disciplines, we’ve developed a comprehensive system of care that meets the unique needs of thyroid cancer patients in our community.

The partners at Nassif Community Cancer Center are on your side in the battle against cancer. Together we meet the highest standards for cancer care, while surrounding you with personalized services focused on caring for the whole person—body, mind and spirit.

Kimberly Ivester, MS, BSN, RN, OCN

administrative director, Nassif Community Cancer Center director, Cancer Care, UnityPoint Health® – St. Luke’s Hospital

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More

Sonya Moses (with husband Korie and children) had her hands full fighting cancer while pregnant

Than She Expected Care coordination helps pregnant woman battle breast cancer Pregnancy is a hectic time, especially for a 39-yearold working mom who already has three kids she’s shuttling to school and sports. For Sonya Moses, the one thing she didn’t plan on was being diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time.

“I was 20 weeks pregnant when I learned I had cancer,” recalls Moses. “It was overwhelming. I didn’t know what to do next.”

Fortunately, Care Coordinator Mona Cook was at her side from the start. “Mona took a lot of the

4 Journeys | Fall 2017

stress off,” says Moses. “She walked me through everything, encouraged me to call with questions at any time, even coordinated my surgery and doctor appointments so all I had to do was show up.”

From the time of her diagnosis, Moses was under the care of three physicians—Obstetrician Scott Bemus, Oncologist Rasa Buntinas and Surgeon Kerri Nowell.

And because UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, the provider team regularly consulted with Mayo experts

as well. It was a process Moses said ran smoothly and made life easier for her.

“As my oncologist, Dr. Buntinas was the driver. She communicated with my OB and surgeon back and forth behind the scenes,” explains Moses. “It was so reassuring. I didn’t have to repeat information each time I went to a different doctor. When I saw Dr. Bemus, I could tell he had already reviewed all the notes.”

Sonya Moses and her healthy new daughter

Moses was surprised when clinic physicians recommended she start chemotherapy immediately.

“I never thought they could give chemo during pregnancy. They had to time everything carefully so I finished my fourth treatment three weeks before my planned c-section. All along the way, they told me the placenta would block the chemo from my baby.

She came out healthy. In fact, she has more hair than I do now!”

Moses adds, “Losing your hair is the biggest shocker besides finding out you have cancer. I didn’t realize how much wigs cost, but Mona told me about Strands of Strength. I was able to get a wig for free. It looks natural, so when I go out in public, people don’t know.” Moses is also grateful to her “awesome friends and co-workers” who chipped in and surprised her with a second wig.

Battling cancer and dealing with the combined side effects of chemo and pregnancy was challenging, but knowing what was waiting for her helped Moses “march to the end.” Daughter Akenna arrived safely on May 8, 2017. And although Moses has more chemotherapy and surgery ahead, she’s thankful for the support she has received.

“My great doctors, friends, family and co-workers— they all worked together to help me get this far.”

For more information on

Nassif Community Cancer Center’s collaborative approach to patient care, visit communitycancercenter.org/patient/support.

“I was 20 weeks pregnant when I learned I had cancer. It was overwhelming. I didn’t know what to do next.”

– Sonya Moses

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Jody Sloan’s kids say her wig “looks just like you!”

Helping You Look Like You Women fighting cancer get “back to normal” with help from Strands of Strength A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Even everyday activities like going to work can feel strange. That’s especially true for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

“I’m a substitute teacher,” says Jody Sloan, 47, who is fighting a recurrence of breast cancer. “I don’t want to explain to kids why I don’t have any hair.” Adds Veronica Wampole, 44, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, “I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. I want to look as natural and normal as possible.”

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Wampole and Sloan are just two of the many women who have received wigs through Nassif Community Cancer Center partner Strands of Strength. Founded in 2011 by a breast cancer survivor, this nonprofit organization provides wigs free of charge to cancer patients who otherwise could not afford them.

“If a woman is going to have chemotherapy that will lead to hair loss, we talk to her before treatment begins and explain her options,” says Nancy Yeisley, psychosocial services coordinator at Nassif

Community Cancer Center. “If she wants a wig but can’t afford it, we give her a voucher from Strands of Strength. She can use the voucher at one of our local participating salons and receive a wig uniquely made for her.”

Veronica Wampole’s wig gave her peace of mind

“Strands of Strength was a huge blessing,” recalls Sloan. “Without the voucher, I probably would have been just a hat and scarf person. But having the wig has helped so much, especially with my children.” Sloan is the mother of five, ranging from teenage triplets to sons age 7 and 11. Each child has handled Sloan’s illness differently. For some, the thought of Mom losing her hair was especially traumatic. But when Sloan tried her wig for the first time, her daughters exclaimed, “Mom, that looks just like you!”

“I explained after the strong medicine is done, my hair would grow back,” says Sloan. “But until then, ‘looking like me’ helped reassure my kids.”

Wampole says her wig gives her peace of mind. “I’ve been wearing it for six months now and it’s become a part of me.” She likes when co-workers compliment her hair, not realizing it’s a wig. “People can’t tell you’re going through chemo just by looking at you.”

Sloan agrees. “Not all eyes are on me. It feels good to know some things in your life can stay the same.”

For more information on

Strands of Strength, call Nassif Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876.

For more information on Strands

of Strength, call Nassif Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876.

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“The nurses who helped with my chemo treatment were amazing in the love and support they gave me.”

– Christina Ross

Christina Ross fights cancer with help from her son, extended family and TransAmerica co-workers

Support When You Need It

Nassif Community Cancer Center helps patient who helps others in return Christina Ross remembers the day her life changed forever. She was getting ready for major back surgery—a frightening prospect for the 42-yearold single mom of a young son. Then she noticed a lump in one breast. A visit to her doctor revealed a second lump. Ross had back surgery, followed by a mammogram and a biopsy. On October 3, 2015, she received the diagnosis: breast cancer.

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“When my back problem occurred, I prayed,” Ross recalls. “I said please don’t let me become paralyzed because I have to take care of my son. Little did I know God was preparing me for cancer.”

Ross says she “received a lot of bad news very fast.” Because the tumors indicated a fast-growing cancer, Rasa Buntinas, MD, of Physicians’ Clinic

of Iowa Hematology & Oncology advised starting chemotherapy right away. Admits Ross, “Right then I had to ‘man up.’ I had to prepare myself not just to deal with the cancer, but to tell my son and family. That was going to be hard.”

Psychosocial Services Coordinator Nancy Yeisley met Ross on her first day of chemo. Yeisley says, “Christina hadn’t told her son yet and was very worried. We talked about how to approach the conversation with him and made a plan together. We also agreed she would tell him within the next three days. Christina likes deadlines, so that helped.”

Fortunately, Ross already had a strong support group, starting with her sister Flora “Sandy” Williams.

Together Ross and Williams broke the news to Ross’s son Cameron as well as to Williams’ children. “We were prepared for their questions,” explains Ross. “We stressed the cancer was caught early, it hadn’t spread.

We knew the kids would take their cue from us. It helped them to see our positive attitude.”

The initial rounds of chemotherapy were followed by surgery on April 25, 2016. “I’m cancer-free as of that date,” Ross beams. Surgery at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital was followed by more chemo as well as radiation therapy at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center.

“The nurses who helped with my chemo treatment were amazing in the love and support they gave me,” adds Ross. “They all deserve a month’s paid vacation wherever they choose! And my radiation team made me feel extra special.”

As Ross moved through treatment and into recovery, she continued to rely on her support network, including Nassif Community Cancer Center. “That cancer center is like an extended family to me!” she exclaims.

Just two months after her diagnosis, Ross and Cameron attended the Children’s Holiday Celebration put on by Nassif Community Cancer Center’s Family Care Program. “We had a great time. Cameron is outgoing—one of the things I love about him—and he had a long conversation with my social worker, Nancy.

Later she told me how much Cameron loves me. As a parent, it means so much to hear that.”

Nancy Yeisley notes the holiday season brings special challenges to those facing cancer—whether their own or a loved one’s. She encourages patients and caregivers to reserve their energy for the things that really matter. “When you go through something like cancer, it makes you look at what is important in your life,” says Yeisley. “Cherish the moments you have with the people you love.”

Both the Family Care Program and Nassif Community Cancer Center’s Spirit Fund helped Ross through that first Christmas. Made possible by the generosity of donors and staff, these programs provide needed financial assistance for cancer patients and their families. Ross remembers crying when she saw the gift cards she received. “My son said don’t open the mail any more. Every time you do, you cry,” recalls Ross. “I still cry when I think about it. They really helped me.”

Now Ross is determined to help others. Even while going through treatment, she started volunteering for Gems of Hope—a nonprofit that provides gifts of jewelry on inspirational cards for cancer patients. She also donates to the Spirit Fund to help other patients in need. Christina Ross adds, “Whenever I see patients with this disease, I stop and cheer them on. I say stay strong, you can do it.”

“I know, because I’m doing it.”

Special thanks to the Aiming for a Cure Foundation for helping to establish the Family

Care Program. You can keep up with news on cancer care and support services for cancer patients and their families through our free Care Connections newsletter. Subscribe online at communitycancercenter.org/resources/publications or call (319) 558-4876.

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Lisa Parsons (center) made a donation to thank members of “Team Lisa”

A Gift of Thanks Grateful Patient donors use the power of “Thank You” to save lives Fighting cancer isn’t easy. But it helps when you have someone to make your journey easier. Lisa Parsons of Cedar Rapids, who’s battling lung cancer, found a whole team at Nassif Radiation Center. Now she’s giving back in their name.

“I went for treatment every day for 30 days, so I got to know everyone,” Parsons recalls. “Once you walk through those doors, they go above and beyond to make you forget why you’re there. Radiation isn’t

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fun, but day after day they were always so upbeat and friendly.”

Parsons adds, “It takes a special person to do what these people do. They deserve recognition.”

Parsons chose to honor her exceptional caregivers with a Guardian Angel donation. Guardian Angel, part of Nassif Community Cancer Center’s Grateful Patient program, lets patients and loved ones pay tribute to the special people who helped them along

their cancer journey. Their donations, in turn, help fund programs and services that support all cancer patients and their families.

“It takes a special person to do what these people do. They deserve recognition.”

– Lisa Parsons

“Hearing the words ‘thank you’ from a patient or family means so much to our team members,” explains Danielle Rauser, development manager for cancer services with St. Luke’s Foundation. She says donations can be made in appreciation of any physician, team member or volunteer for the care they provide to cancer patients and their loved ones.

A recognition ceremony is held for every Guardian Angel gift.

Mark Ogden and Iris Muchmore wanted to do something special to recognize Mark’s care team.

Both Mark and Iris have taken advantage of wellness services at Nassif Community Cancer Center and appreciate the support and friendship they’ve found there. “The center is an important resource for cancer patients like me,” says Mark Ogden. “The services they offer, like exercise, yoga and massage, have played a big role in helping us deal with my cancer treatment. Iris and I wanted to thank the team members who have done so much for us.”

A Guardian Angel donation is just one of the meaningful ways patients and loved ones can show their gratitude. Rauser says, “Through our Grateful Patient program you can help someone move beyond cancer to wellness for life when you sponsor a creative art or wellness class. Or you can dedicate a photograph from The Healing Power of Art project in the name of a loved one, or to honor members of your care team.”

“I was truly blessed to have the Radiation Center team on my team—Team Lisa,” says Parsons. “My gift let me say thank you for being my Guardian Angels.”

Mark Ogden and Iris Muchmore’s donation honored the wellness team and friendly staff

If you would like to change lives with your gift of thanks, go to

communitycancercenter.org/about/donate or call Danielle Rauser at (319) 369-8100.

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Part of Her Family Cook Cancer Wellness Program “serves up” compassionate help Nassif Community Cancer Center was in its infancy when Pam Towe was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2009. “The wellness program was getting started at just the right time for me,” Towe recalls. That summer, she was asked to take part in a new offering—working out at the cancer center with a personal trainer.

An active tennis player and former head tennis coach at Jefferson High School, Towe jumped at the opportunity.

“I’ve never been the type who goes to a gym, but I like to exercise and this was a way to keep my body moving. I said absolutely yes, I’ll do it!”

Towe started working out twice a week with Cancer Exercise Specialist Matt Schmitz…and that was just the beginning. Over the years as the wellness program grew, Towe has tried almost everything it offers. She even serves on a patient advisory board at the center.

“The cancer center offers so many things all year to help cancer survivors and their families and keep us involved,” says Towe. “Exercise has been the top thing for me but I also love the massages. I’ve done meditation, tried reiki and yoga, and I’m hoping to take an art class soon.”

The nutrition program is another favorite. “I don’t always eat healthy enough, so I appreciate the dietitians,” explains Towe. “They’ve gotten to know me and send me healthy recipes they think I’ll enjoy.”

Exercise boosted Pam Towe’s confidence to fight cancer

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That level of support and understanding—what Towe calls “compassionate help”—is important to her. “Nassif

Community Cancer Center has been a godsend for me.

There’s always someone you can talk to and you know they’re in your corner.”

Nassif Community Cancer Center helps patients move beyond cancer with wellness for life, whether they are newly diagnosed or well into survivorship like Towe. Through generous support from the family of Jane Borg Cook and other donors, most wellness services are free for cancer patients and their loved ones. Towe says, “It’s a fantastic program. You don’t just surround yourself with people who have had cancer. You can bring anyone, from your spouse to a friend, parent, child or grandchild.”

Towe loves taking her grandkids to the annual Children’s Holiday Celebration, adding, “Everyone is there, from patients going through chemotherapy to children and staff members.

It’s such a neat thing and the camaraderie is wonderful.”

Towe’s cancer is in remission, but she continues to be an active part of Nassif Community Cancer Center. “I have my actual family, my tennis family and my book club family,” says Towe.

“The cancer center has become another family for me.”

Pam Towe stays active in survivorship

Children’s Holiday Celebration Nassif Community Cancer Center Family Care Program kicks off the season with a Children’s Holiday Celebration. This annual event for cancer patients with children or grandchildren in their home is packed with fun activities, yummy food and of course a visit from Santa!

Monday, Dec. 4 6 to 7:30 p.m.

PCI Medical Pavilion First Floor Atrium Register at communitycancercenter.org/ event-registration by Monday, Nov. 27. Space is limited so register soon!

For more information on the Cook Cancer

Sponsored by Aiming for a Cure Foundation

Wellness Program at Nassif Community Cancer Center, visit communitycancercenter.org/wellness.

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Partners in the Fight Against Cancer Collaboration with Mayo Clinic is a seamless process for Cedar Rapids man Bryan Gates doesn’t sound like a guy with cancer. This self-described “Bryan with a Y” is easy-going and quick with a joke even when talking about the challenges he’s facing.

Gates, 61, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2017. This cancer begins in the cells that line the esophagus (the tube that runs from your stomach to your throat) and strikes men more often than women. What causes it is not clear. Says Gates with a laugh, “Maybe it was all that Mountain Dew I drank as a kid!”

He underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, then surgery, with more chemo to follow. Gates adds, “The cancer was causing internal bleeding and I was slowly fading away. I had six blood transfusions before the chemo shrunk the tumor.”

Gates had his first round of chemo as well as his surgery at Mayo Clinic. His sister-in-law is a professor at Mayo, which makes it convenient for him to receive care there. But after

his first chemo session, Gates said, “I told them I’d like to get the rest of my treatment at PCI.” Dr. Bharat Jenigiri of Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Hematology & Oncology is Gates’ physician. Dr. Jenigiri says his practice often collaborates with Mayo Clinic.

“They send a lot of their patients from Iowa to us. And we use e-consults with Mayo when we want a second opinion on a patient’s care here.” These electronic consultations are made possible by UnityPoint Health Cedar Rapids, a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

“It’s a seamless process,” explains Dr. Jenigiri. “The physicians at Mayo have access to UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital’s imaging system so they look at the same images I see. We consult with them for complicated cases. We also reach out to them when we are trying to decide between multiple treatment options.”

Want to show your appreciation for the special caregivers who made your

family’s cancer journey easier? The Guardian Angel program is a meaningful way to say “thank you,” while helping to fund programs and services for cancer patients and their loved ones. Call (319) 369-8100 for information on how you can give or go to communitycancercenter.org and click on the DONATE link to donate online.

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Bryan and Julie Gates repay the kindness he’s received by making hand-warmers for fellow chemo patients

Gates came through his pre-surgical chemotherapy with minimal side effects. But he learned many chemo patients are bothered by increased sensitivity to cold, especially in their hands. “My wife Julie and I had been thinking about how we could give back to others,” says Gates. “A light bulb went off and we realized we could make hand-warmers.

Julie’s sewed about 300 so far. We give them to chemo patients and also to rheumatology patients with arthritis.”

Gates hopes his story will reassure cancer patients who “hear chemo and instantly think they will have a huge

problem with side effects. That’s not always the case any more.” Dr. Jenigiri agrees, “There are newer drugs that provide targeted treatment with no side effects. We also have drugs that are really effective at controlling reactions like nausea. We try to find options for each patient that provide the most benefit with the least side effects.”

“Dr. Jenigiri and his staff bend over backwards for you,” says Gates. “You can tell they’re concerned about their patients.

I have been subjected to the most effective kindnesses here and deeply appreciate it.”

The partnership with Mayo Clinic provides world-class care, right here at home.

Find out more at communitycancercenter.org/mayo-clinic.

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Regina Buhs faced thyroid cancer treatment while caring for her active family

In Good Hands Team approach helps “non-stop runner” slow down to battle thyroid cancer Regina Buhs began her cancer journey with a visit to her endocrinologist, Dr. Prasuna Rao (Madhavaram) with UnityPoint Clinic Diabetes & Kidney Center.

“I went in for a diabetic check-up and Dr. Rao noticed my thyroid was enlarged,” recalls Buhs. Dr. Rao ordered a follow-up exam, then an ultrasound, which detected a thyroid nodule. In March 2017, a biopsy confirmed

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Buhs had papillary carcinoma—the most common form of thyroid cancer.

“At the time, we had seven kids living at home,” says Buhs, whose family has included biological, adopted and foster children. “Usually my life feels like it’s non-stop running.”

Instead, Buhs had to make time for her own health.

Fortunately, she was in good hands. “I went to Dr. Rao for my diabetes, but I learned as an endocrinologist, thyroids are her specialty. And after the biopsy, she sent me to Dr. Carpenter.”

Dr. Kevin Carpenter, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), is also an expert at treating thyroid cancer. After a CT scan showed the cancer was likely in Buhs’s lymph nodes, Dr. Carpenter performed a complete removal of her thyroid and six lymph nodes.

“Dr. Carpenter was great,” says Buhs. “He told me he’s done hundreds of surgeries.”

Also helping Buhs on her cancer journey was her Nassif Community Cancer Center care coordinator, Andrea Watkinson. The care coordinator is a patient’s point of contact from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship. Watkinson communicates with team members, patients and loved ones, connects patients with providers and services and offers education and emotional support. Buhs explains, “I talked to Andrea before and after surgery. She told me what was going on, answered my questions and even scheduled appointments for me.”

Thyroid cancer strikes men and women, but is more common in women. Because the disease does not produce symptoms early on, most cases are found, as Buhs’ was, during a routine exam, or during an imaging study performed for an unrelated reason. For most thyroid cancer patients, the outlook is excellent.

“I told my kids this is the easiest cancer to take care of,” recalls Buhs.

Because her disease was in the lymph nodes, the next step was treatment with I-131 radioactive iodine.

“Based on our thyroid cancer protocols, I determine whether radiation treatment is needed,” explains

Dr. Rao. “In Regina’s case, I contacted Dr. Bobby Koneru at St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center for I-131 treatment.”

Unlike external beam radiation therapy, I-131 is administered in pill form on an outpatient basis. Prior to the treatment, patients also go on a low-iodine diet to maximize effectiveness.

A follow-up full-body scan after Buhs’ treatment revealed no active cancer cells.

Dr. Prasuna Rao

Buhs will repeat the scan in one year. Meanwhile, she takes replacement Dr. Bobby Koneru thyroid hormone under Dr. Rao’s care. “After my thyroid was removed, I had no energy at all,” says Buhs.

“Now for the most part I feel OK. ” She adds, “My doctors all worked well together.” Dr. Rao agrees, saying, “The ENT specialists, Dr. Koneru and I work as a team. We developed these protocols as the best way to take care of thyroid cancer patients in our community and each have a role to play. The care coordinator is also essential in educating patients and connecting them to the right team providers at the right time. She also connects patients to the extensive services the Nassif Community Cancer Center offers to meet the unique needs of each patient.”

For more information on thyroid cancer treatment or support services available to

all cancer survivors, call the Nassif Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.

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Quality Report: Thyroid Cancer The incidence of thyroid cancer in the U.S. has been increasing at a rate of five percent per year, making it the nation’s fastestgrowing cancer.

Ryan Dempewolf, MD, of Physician’s Ryan Dempewolf, MD Clinic of Iowa Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) says this increase is largely due to more sensitive imaging techniques. “Scans being done for other reasons, such as an ultrasound of the carotid artery, are picking up thyroid nodules at a very early stage,” explains Dr. Dempewolf. He adds, “We have a robust group of primary care physicians and specialists in Cedar Rapids who do an excellent job of following up on these findings.”

Nassif Community Cancer Center Director Kimberly Ivester says specialties including otolaryngology (ENT), radiation oncology and endocrinology collaborate to provide the highest standard of care for thyroid cancer patients. “Our work group of providers from multiple disciplines spent a full year developing protocols for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. They established best practices for care coordination, standardized work-up and treatment protocols, and identified key services to provide psychosocial support and enhance quality of life.”

Ivester adds, “Nassif Community Cancer Center care coordinators ensure excellent communication and coordination between providers so patients are supported as they move through diagnosis and treatment. In addition to the providers and care coordinators, dietitians and social workers play an integral role with each patient.”

UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s Hospital provides the full spectrum of thyroid cancer treatment from diagnosis to surgery and radiation therapy including I-131 radioactive iodine. “Through the St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center, we provide I-131 radioactive iodine treatment so our patients don’t have to go outside the system for care,” observes Ivester. Genetic testing is also available. And follow-up care including thyroid hormone replacement is managed by Prasuna Rao (Madhavaram), MD, endocrinologist with UnityPoint Clinic Diabetes & Kidney Center.

Nine out of 10 thyroid cancers diagnosed at St. Luke’s in 2014 were stage I or II. Dr. Dempewolf notes early detection allows for more complete initial treatment and a lower risk of recurrence.

He adds, “Because the incidence of thyroid cancer is relatively high, there’s a lot of data available to us.

We’ve learned you don’t always have to remove the entire thyroid. Smaller cancers found early give us the option of treating people less invasively and without the need for radioactive iodine, while still getting the same tremendous outcomes.”

Thyroid Cancer Facts

56,870

Estimated new cases of thyroid cancer in U.S. in 2017.

98

%

3

91

Five-year survival rate.

out of

4

75% of patients are women. *

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Most thyroid cancers diagnosed at St. Luke’s were found in the earliest stages. *

%

2014 data from the National Cancer Data Base

Marty Triplett, CMD, is a certified medical dosimetrist with St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center. He works behind the scenes at St. Luke’s to plan effective radiation treatment for cancer patients.

Ask the Expert What is the role of the medical dosimetrist in radiation treatment?

What is a medical dosimetrist?

A medical dosimetrist is a critical member of the radiation oncology team. The dosimetrist’s role is to create a custom treatment plan for each patient to ensure the correct dosage of radiation reaches the tumor while protecting healthy tissue. Patients don’t see us on a daily basis but we are involved in every patient’s treatment.

How do you develop a treatment plan?

We start by performing a CT scan with the patient positioned exactly as they would be for treatment.

The scan helps me visualize where the disease is located. Then I use multiple techniques to ‘sculpt’ delivery of radiation to the targeted area and away from critical organs or tissue.

What happens after you create the plan?

It’s reviewed and approved by one of our board-certified radiation oncologists. Our medical physicist double-checks the plan to ensure the linear accelerator will deliver the exact dose prescribed. We perform multiple checks throughout the process to ensure we deliver the safest treatment to every patient.

Radiation therapists administer treatment to the patient on a daily basis.

How do you protect healthy tissue from the radiation?

We use multiple techniques, from controlling the angle and intensity of the radiation beam to positioning the patient for treatment. For example, with breast cancer on the left side, it’s important to protect the heart to guard against radiation-related cardiac issues later in life. We have the patient hold a deep breath while the treatment is delivered. It actually pulls the heart away from the treatment area.

What do you like best about working at St. Luke’s Radiation Center?

We have a great team here. We work closely together to achieve the best outcome for our patients. Our goal is to kill the disease but limit side effects the patient may experience.

For more information about St. Luke’s Radiation Center, go to unitypoint.org/ cedarrapids/radiation-oncology or call (319) 861-6944.

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202 10 th Street SE, Suite 285 | Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 communitycancercenter.org

Connect with us at communitycancercenter.org

GROW HAPPY a celebration of life, music and the arts Every cancer patient deserves to grow happiness in their lives. You can help when you join Nassif Community Cancer Center and Culver’s Garden Center & Greenhouse for our Grow Happy fundraiser celebration.

Enjoy the music of Alisabeth Von Presley, heavy hors d’oeuvres from Early Bird Café, desserts from THE chocolate SHOP, artwork from DKW Art Gallery & Studios, horticultural tips from Culver’s and more. 100 percent of the proceeds will stay local and benefit the patients of the Nassif Community Cancer Center.

Ticket price is $35 per person. Every ticket includes a “signature plant” to help you Grow Happy.

Please join us!

Saturday, October 14, 2017

5 to 7 p.m.

Culver’s Garden Center & Greenhouse 1682 Old Dubuque Rd, Marion, IA 52302 Located just one mile east of the Highway 151 and Highway 13 intersection in Marion

To purchase tickets go online to communitycancercenter.org/event-registration. Space is limited.

Please order tickets online by Friday, October 6.