Winter 2015 - Glens Falls Hospital

The C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital
Winter 2015
Issue No. 56
Quarterly
Cover photo by
Cate Howland, RN
Survivorship Stories
An Unexpected Journey
By Justine Dobert
I'll never forget the phone call I received in May of
2015. It was a Friday at about 3 o'clock and my
kids were just getting off the school bus. My doctor was calling to give me the results of my biopsy.
A few weeks earlier, I had found a lump in my
breast and called my doctor that day. I was scheduled for an appointment the next day for a physical exam. That led to another appointment for a
mammogram and ultrasound. Based on these visits, I really wasn't expecting it to be cancer. I had
been told that the growth had more characteristics
of something benign but we should do a biopsy
just to be sure. I remember feeling a little annoyed
that I had to take a half day off work for another
doctor appointment. Imagine my surprise to find
out that the growth was indeed cancer and I was
being referred to a surgeon and oncologist! I was
in a bit of denial over the weekend. I thought
about giving the lab a call on Monday and asking
what the chances were that my sample got
switched. After all, I am 44 years young, I exercise
and eat a healthy diet. I rarely get sick. The only
time I see a doctor is for yearly checkups and
screenings. I have been in the hospital twice and
that was to give birth to my two amazing children,
Marvin, 13 and Kiki, 11.
The next week I got a call from Vickie Yattaw, the
oncology education support nurse at the C.R.
Wood Cancer Center. She was calling to let me
know I had an appointment scheduled to see Dr.
Gillani. I didn't realize it at the time but Vickie's
number would soon be at the top of my contacts
list on speed dial! I shortly received other calls
confirming my appointments with my surgeon, Dr.
Anderson, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Singh. My husband came with me to many of my appointments.
It was so nice to have him with me for support and
also because there was so much information and
a lot of details that I could easily forget. These visits were not like a typical doctor appointment that I
had ever had. They were lengthy, educational
sessions.
During my appointment with Dr. Gillani, I learned
that I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a very common type of breast cancer. We went over options
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that I had to think about for surgery and then treatments that would be determined once we received
the pathology report. Waiting to know what my plan
would be was not easy. I wanted to know right then
and there exactly what was going to happen and
start as soon as possible! I've never thought of myself as being creative but boy could I create all
kinds of scenarios for my future. I started looking at
my entire cancer project and felt overwhelmed and
scared. People always say to write your questions
down before a doctor visit but I found that I had so
many more to ask a day or two afterward. Then I
remembered that Vickie said, "You can call me
anytime..." I called Vickie Yattaw a few times a
week. She was so available and always called me
back. A lot of my questions started with "What if..."
Vickie had this amazing way of keeping me
grounded. She reminded me that no one can predict our future and if I have a day that I feel good, I
should just enjoy it! How true!
On June 10th, I went in for my surgery. It went well
and I came home to an amazing network of family
and friends. My fridge was full of meals and I had
so many offers for trips to the store, rides to doctor
appointments, and rides for my busy kids to and
from little league, softball, etc. My daughter’s fifth
grade class had made cards and posters for me.
My son was carrying the groceries and doing laundry. I couldn't imagine going through this without
the support I had. Just knowing I had people that
cared about me and wanted to help took the weight
off my shoulders and I was able to focus on healing. Waiting for the pathology results was not easy.
Connections Quarterly
I finally got my results and realized that chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy were all
most likely in my future. We had just finished
building our house and I had taken the summer off
to have fun with my kids. I felt like my entire plan
was derailed. I felt anxious and sad that my life
had changed so much so quickly. I didn't want to
feel this way and I knew I needed someone to talk
to. I set up an appointment with Dr. Florio, the
psychologist at the C.R. Wood Cancer Center. I
explained how I was feeling and his advice was to
incorporate little activities that I enjoyed before
surgery, something I could do on a daily basis,
even if on a smaller scale. He also reminded me
that the way I was feeling was most likely temporary. I wouldn't feel like this forever.
There is a beautiful trail that leads to the top of the
mountain right behind my house. I started walking
on it a little every day. It was so peaceful. I began
to remember how much I loved hiking. I had
climbed a lot of the high peaks in New York and
Colorado and hiked the Appalachian Trail from
Georgia to Maine in 2001. It’s funny how we all
get so busy and forget about things we love to do,
even right in our backyard. Not that I hadn't been
hiking the last few years. I had, but it was different. It was more of a power walk, setting the timer
on when I should turn around and looking down at
the trail or at my shoes instead of everything else
around me. I was starting to feel more like myself.
I was physically feeling better and gaining some
confidence about my future. I started hearing of
others that have been in a similar place as me,
people that have gone through treatment and are
now happy and healthy. I wanted to get as much
information as possible so I went on a road trip
with two of my sisters-in-law to Dana Farber Institute for a second opinion. I think I got to know
them more on that trip than over the fifteen years
since we met! We agreed to go on a road trip next
year that didn't involve any hospitals. The doctors
at Dana Farber agreed with my plan that was recommended by Dr. Gillani for chemotherapy (4
rounds of adriamycin and cytoxan and 4 rounds of
taxol) and Dr. Taylor for radiation therapy. Once I
knew that these treatments were a sure thing and
in the best interest of my future, I was okay with it.
I knew what I had to do. My plan was in place and
I wanted to get on with it… like yesterday!
Winter 2015
On the one month anniversary of my surgery, I
drove up to Keene and hiked Noonmark mountain
by myself. It was a beautiful day and the best day
I’d had in a long time. I took my time, I felt super
aware of my surroundings and noticed how beautiful the trees, rocks, streams and ferns were. The
last time I was on top of this mountain was with
one of my best friends that I rarely find time to talk
to. I thought about the fact that I shouldn't wait so
long to reach out to people that I care about. I had
my lunch at the top of the mountain with a 360 degree view and then hiked back down and got an
ice cream at the Noonmark Diner. It was delicious.
I expected that during chemo I would have days
that I didn't feel that great, and days that I felt
pretty good. I set myself a goal to hike one mountain per treatment. The size of the mountain didn't
matter. I thought that would give me something to
look forward to, a goal to achieve and a sense of
accomplishment. I imagined my summer floating
by and not enjoying much of anything. I was so
wrong about that. Much to my surprise, I had a
great summer! I spent time with family and friends,
went to the beach, and even went on a family vacation to Maine. My brother and his wife were in
town with my nephews. They came over one day
after Vickie had shaved my head. I wondered how
they would react since they were used to seeing
me with long blonde hair. My youngest nephew,
(Continued on page 6)
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Food for Thought
Winter Recipes
By Andrea Chowski, RD, CD-N
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Ingredients:
 ½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
 1½ cups regular, almond or soy milk
 2 tablespoons raisins
 ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
 ¼ teaspoon salt
 1 cup rolled oats
 ¼ cup roughly chopped roasted pecans or walnuts
 Maple syrup
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk
together the pumpkin puree, milk,
raisins, pumpkin pie spice and
salt until smooth. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the oatmeal, then turn
down the heat to a simmer and
cook, stirring occasionally, until
the oats are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Serve topped with pecans and
a drizzle of maple syrup.
“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody,
even one's own relations.”
― Oscar Wilde, “A Woman of No Importance”
Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients:
 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, plain
and unsweetened

⅓ cup melted coconut oil, grape
seed or canola oil
 2 large eggs
 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, plus ¼
teaspoon reserved
 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
 ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
 ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
 ½ teaspoon baking soda
 ½ teaspoon salt
 ¾ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon reserved
 1½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
 ¾ cup acorn squash, peeled and cut
into ½-inch chunks
 ½ cup roughly chopped pecans
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1. Put a rack in the middle of the oven
and preheat to 350 degrees. Put muffin
liners in a muffin tray. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the
pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, cinnamon,
nutmeg, cloves, ginger, baking soda,
salt and sugar until smooth. Stir in the
flour until just combined. Fold in the
acorn squash and chopped pecans.
3. Divide the batter among the muffin
cups, filling them about ¾ full.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar and reserved ¼ tea spoon cinnamon. Sprinkle
the tops of the muffins, then bake for 25
minutes, or until golden brown and a
wooden pick comes out clean.
5. Let the muffins cool in the tray for 5
minutes then move the muffins onto a
wire rack. Eat warm or cool to room
temperature.
Connections Quarterly
Pharmacy Corner
Neulasta On-Body Injector/Onpro
By Beth Sponzo, RN, BS, OCN®
Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is a white cell growth factor that is
given as a subcutaneous injection 24-48 hours after the completion of some chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy can
cause a low white blood cell count which increases the risk
for illness or infection. Neulasta® stimulates the bone marrow
to produce white blood cells. This decreases the risk for infection and helps keep the treatment schedule on track by
maintaining an adequate white blood cell count. Your oncologist will determine if you will need Neulasta® with your treatment.
Neulasta® is now available in the on-body injector. The on-body injector is applied to the skin, either on the
back of the arm or abdomen on the same day you have chemotherapy. It is designed to deliver Neulasta®
approximately 27 hours after it has been applied to your skin. After your dose has been delivered via the injector it can be removed at home and disposed of in a sharps container.
By using the on-body injector, patients do not have to return to the Cancer Center the day after treatment.
This is an advantage for patients that live far away, have high co-pays or would rather not come for another
appointment.
The Lake George Free to Breathe
Walk/Run Results
The Lake George Free to Breathe Walk/Run was held on
October 17th, 2015. Over 400 participants walked or ran
the 5K course at Shepard’s Park Beach. Over $50,000
was raised for lung cancer research and support. The
Cancer Center team raised over $285.
Pictured are Jackie Barker (middle) and Aspen Forman
(right) from Scheduling along with Jackie’s sister, Janet (left).
Dr. Taylor (Radiation Oncologist) walks with his daughter at the event.
Apple Pie Smoothie
Ingredients:
 ½ cup cold unsweetened applesauce
 ¾ cup very cold plain Greek yogurt
 ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
 ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
 Pinch allspice
 1 teaspoon maple syrup, or to taste
 3 tablespoons apple juice or water, as needed
Winter 2015
Combine all ingredients
in a blender and blend
until smooth, adding an
ice cube or two if your
ingredients are not very
cold. Taste for sweetness and consistency,
then drink immediately.
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Oktober Breast Ride Donates to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center
The Third Annual Oktober Breast Ride was held
on Sunday, October 4th, 2015. Starting at Core
Fitness of Glens Falls, the participants in this
event had the option to ride 50, 25 or 10 mile
routes. There were also indoor spinning classes
and a yoga class at Common Roots Brewery.
Many baskets that were raffled were donated from
local business thanks to the tireless efforts of Denise Joseph who rode her bike around downtown
Glens Falls and Queensbury to every business
promoting this event. Other sponsors of the event
were the Adirondack Triathlon club, Adirondack
Race Management, Core Fitness of Glens Falls,
Common Roots Brewery, Davidson Bros. Brewery, Grey Ghost Bicycles, Just Water, Northeastern Promotional Group, Original Works and Saratoga Cycling Studio. All of the proceeds were donated to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center’s Breast
Cancer Care and Research Fund which helps
support young women with out of pocket costs
throughout treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis. The check for $7,600 was presented to Vickie
Yattaw, RN, OCN, Nurse Navigator of the C.R.
Wood Cancer Center. Many thanks to all who
sponsored, supported or participated in the event
in any way.
The Next Oktober Breast Ride will be held on
Sunday October 2, 2016 with all proceeds
Representatives from the Adirondack Triathlon
Club present a donation to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center. Pictured above are John Davidson,
Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery; Steve
Fairchild, Grey Ghost Bicycles; Janey Fairchild,
Breast Cancer Survivor; Vickie Yattaw, Nurse
Navigator, C.R. Wood Cancer Center; Jason
Gardner, President of the ADK Tri Club and
Southern Wine & Spirits; Todd Eicher, Treasurer
of ADK Tri Club and Hudson Headwaters Health
Network.
supporting the Breast Cancer Care and Research
Fund. For more information, please contact Vickie
Yattaw, RN, OCN at (518) 926-6639 or e-mail
[email protected].
An Unexpected Journey
(Continued from page 3)
(7 years old), looked at me and said, "Ya know, Aunt Justine, I've never seen a bald person before." I knew
he was so curious. I took off my scarf and hat. His eyes grew big and he had a huge smile on his face and I'll
never forget him saying, "Actually, you look pretty cute!" That made me feel so good because he was so sincere. I finished chemo on October 30th and hiked my 8th mountain on Nov. 8th. I did some of my hikes with
family and friends, and some by myself or with my new puppy, Roxi. I took a photo on top of every mountain
and they are some of my favorite pictures. I never knew how much fun it could be to take selfies when you
are bald!
Since my cancer diagnosis just six months ago, I have learned that there is this whole other world out there.
There are survivors and those in treatment all around me. I am not alone. I recently participated in the Lymphedema Awareness Fashion Show at C.R. Wood Cancer Center. I was a little nervous since runway model
is not on my resume, but I was so honored to be asked. I met the most amazing people that night. There are
those that dedicate their lives to helping others affected by cancer. There are survivors that are so brave and
full of joy, and they have found their silver lining in their experience. I am currently in radiation therapy and
think of it as a bump in the road. I look forward to getting back into the high peaks in the Adirondacks and
cherishing my time with my husband, family and friends.
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Connections Quarterly
Breast Cancer Collaborative Registry (BCCR)
By Nannette Oberhelman
The C.R. Wood Cancer Center Research Office at
Glens Falls Hospital, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), has
begun screening patients to take part in the Breast
Cancer Collaborative Registry (BCCR). What
does this mean? If you have breast cancer that
has been recently diagnosed, have a history of
breast cancer, are at high risk of developing
breast cancer or have a family member with
breast cancer, you may be asked by your health
care provider to take part in this registry.
The BCCR is a web-based system developed and
hosted by the Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer
Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This registry/tissue bank focuses on the collection of detailed information and biological samples from participants. The most relevant research
comes from the sharing and study of human tissue samples. The information is put into one or
more scientific databases along with information
from other studies. The combined information may
lead to improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment of breast cancers.
If you decide to participate in this study, you will
be asked to complete a survey about yourself.
You may be asked to complete follow-up surveys
at additional time points while you are being
treated. You will also be asked to release tissue
that has already been collected and saved from a
prior surgery or biopsy. You will be asked to donate a small blood sample to be frozen and stored
(banked) at UNMC. You may be asked to donate
more blood samples, depending on your disease
status (active treatment, history of breast cancer,
etc.).
You are not expected to receive any direct benefit
from participating in this registry. However, information from this study may help researchers gain
a better understanding of cancer, determine risk
factors, advance treatments and discover prognostic markers. This registry/tissue bank may help
identify those individuals who would benefit from
more detailed screening measures for early detection which could lead to more options for treatment.
If you have an interest in participating in this registry, please mention it to your doctor at your next
visit. We will be happy to provide you with additional information to help you make your decision.
Our Surveys and You
You may have received a survey from Press Ganey on behalf of the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, or you may
receive one in the near future. We encourage you to complete it as it is how you can let us know how we are
doing. Your feedback is important to us and can help us improve upon the services that are important to you.
The survey asks questions about your visit and how your experience was. You will be asked to fill in a few
dots to express this and if you wish, there is room to comment. For example, one section asks questions
about our facility: Is it clean? Is it comfortable? You would simply fill in the circle that expresses your opinion
ranging from very poor to very good.
It should take only a few minutes to complete and includes a reply envelope that is ready to go out in the mail.
If you have shared your e-mail address with us you may receive the survey via e-mail and can then send it
back to us via e-mail.
We strongly encourage you to reply with your honest opinion about the services that you have received here.
If you are seeing us on a regular basis (daily or weekly, for example) you may receive a survey as often as
every 3 months. You may also receive a separate survey after an inpatient stay or a visit to the emergency
department. We appreciate your help with this important assessment of our services.
Winter 2015
7
Support Services and Programs
For general questions about cancer or support services available, please call Oncology Resource Nurses:
Vickie at 926-6639 or Paul at 926-6629.
Services for Individuals by Appointment
Care Management
For:
Continuing care needs, transportation and
financial concerns
Info:
Karen Cook , LMSW, OSW-C ~ 926-6619
Patient Financial/Insurance Assistance
For:
Referrals, prior authorizations, billing,
insurance questions
Info:
Michele Walker ~ 926-6637
Chemotherapy Education Class
For:
Individuals & family starting chemotherapy
Meets: Tuesdays at 4:00 P.M. ~ Cancer Center Library
or by appointment at your convenience
Info:
Vickie Yattaw, RN, BSN, OCN® ~ 926-6639
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6629
Psychosocial Oncology
For:
Counseling for patients and/or their families
Info:
Gerry Florio, Ph.D. ~ 926-6529
Call 926-6640 for an appointment
Karen Cook , LMSW, OSW-C ~ 926-6619
Clinical Research
For:
Anyone interested in learning about clinical
trials
Info:
Beth Brundage, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6644
Genetics Counseling
For:
Anyone concerned about their personal or
family history of cancer
Info:
Rebecca Kerr, MSc, CGC ~ 926-6574
Nutrition Counseling
For:
Anyone interested in dietary counseling
Info:
Andrea Chowske, RD, CD-N ~ 926-2635
Pastoral Care
For:
Anyone interested in spiritual counseling
Info:
Please call 926-3531
Nurse Navigators
For:
Individuals & family diagnosed with any cancer
Meets: By appointment or stop by
Info:
Vickie Yattaw, RN, BSN, OCN®~ 926-6639
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6629
Spa Services at Cindy’s Healing Place
(Massage Therapy)
For:
Cancer patients during and after treatment
Meets: By appointment at Cindy’s Healing Place
Info:
Please call 926-6640
Uniquely You® Boutique & Salon
For:
Any cancer patient
Free wigs, hats & turbans, skin & hair care
Meets: By appointment on Tuesdays in the
C. R. Wood Cancer Center
Info:
Please call 926-6640
Special Programs (Pre-Registration Required)
CG Men’s Retreat
For:
Men living with and beyond cancer
Meets: One weekend each year in the Fall
Info:
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6629
Cindy’s Retreat
For:
Women living with and beyond cancer
Meets: One weekend each Spring and Fall at
Silver Bay on Lake George
Info:
Karen Cook, LMSW ~ 926-6619
www.cindysretreat.org
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Cindy’s Comfort Camp
For :
Children and teens ages 6-17 years who have
experienced the death or serious illness of a
parent or close relative
Meets: One weekend each Spring and Fall at the
Double “H” Hole in the Woods Ranch in Lake
Luzerne
Info:
926-6515 or www.cindysretreat.org
Tobacco Cessation
Whether you’re thinking about quitting or
ready to quit, call the NYS Smokers’
Quitline for help and support.
1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487)
Connections Quarterly
Support Groups and Events
These groups are open-ended and you may come as you wish. You may want to call if you are new or you have not
come for some time to make sure that the schedule or location has not changed.
Discussion Groups
Activity Groups
ABC Support Group
(After Breast Cancer)
For:
Individuals with breast cancer
Meets: 4th Monday each month
6:00 P.M. ~ Cancer Center Waiting Room
Info:
Vickie Yattaw, RN, BSN, OCN® ~ 926-6639
Healthy Steps©
For:
Gentle exercise for individuals with a cancer
diagnosis
Meets: Tuesdays at 10:00 A.M. – Community Learning
Center (Side B)
Info:
Vickie Yattaw, RN, BSN, OCN® ~ 926-6639
Blood Cancer Support Group
(Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
For:
Individuals & family diagnosed with
lymphoma, leukemia or multiple myeloma
Meets: 2nd Wednesday each month
6:00 P.M. ~ Cancer Center Library
Info:
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6629
Tai Chi and Relaxation/Meditation
For:
Anyone interested
Meets: Monday afternoon at 3:30 P.M. and 5:30 P.M.
Community Learning Center (Side B)
Info:
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6629
Prostate Cancer Awareness Group
For:
Men with prostate cancer and their families
Meets: 3rd Thursday each month
7:00 P.M. ~ Cancer Center Library
Info:
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6629
Rays of Hope
For:
Women with ovarian cancer
Meets: 3rd Wednesday each month
4:00 P.M. ~ Cancer Center Library
Info:
Mary Davis ~ 656-9321
Carol Smith ~ 793-0565
Annual Survivors Events
(Pre-Registration Required)
Breast Cancer Survivor Luncheon
October, please call Vickie at 926-6639 for information
Spring Survivorship Celebration Breakfast
Spring, please call Paul at 926-6629
for information
Twisted Twirlers
For:
Individuals diagnosed with any cancer who
would like to join this Hall of Fame twirling
group
Meets: 11:30 A.M. ~ 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month
Community Learning Center (Side B)
Info:
Carol Newton ~ 854-9860
Ways of Seeing - Art Workshop
For:
Individuals & family diagnosed with any cancer
who want to enjoy the life affirming pleasures
of creating art
Meets: 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month at
11:30 A.M. in the Cancer Center Library
Info:
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® ~ 926-6629
Quit for Life
Stop Smoking Program
(Pre-Registration Required)
A 4 week program for anyone who would like to quit smoking
January 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 2016
Tuesday nights at 6:00 P.M.—7:00 P.M.
In the CR Wood Cancer Center Library
For information or to register please call Paul at 926-6629
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Buddha
Winter 2015
9
Your Cancer Care Team
Betty Ille, RN, BSN, OCN® — Manager, Tower 2
Betty has recently joined the team as manager on Tower 2. She has been a
nurse for 39 years. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Walden University and was manager of the Medical/Surgical Oncology/Hospice/
Palliative Care Unit at Ellis Hospital for 36 years.
Betty and her husband, Ken, have two adult children, Ken and Michael. She
enjoys golfing with her husband as a new sport and fishing and boating at Sacandaga Lake.
Barbara Moehringer, RN — Outpatient Medical Oncology
Barbara received her nursing degree from SUNY Adirondack. She has worked
on the medical/surgical floor at Saratoga Hospital and with Warren County
Health Services before joining our medical oncology clinic.
Barbara lives in Chestertown with her husband, Edward, and they have been
married for 18 years. She has one son and one daughter. She loves to ride
motorcycles and travel.
Katie Wright, RN — Outpatient Medical Oncology
Katie received her Associate’s degree in Nursing from Maria College in May,
2014. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from SUNY
Delhi. She worked on 3 West after graduating from Maria College and has recently joined us in the C. R. Wood Cancer Center clinic.
Katie is newly married to Jeff and has a 4 year old daughter, Parker. Katie
stays busy with work, school and playing with her daughter while they are settling into their new home in the community.
Patty McGuire — Cancer Services Program
Patty has joined the Cancer Services Program as a data and case manager.
She has worked at Hudson Headwaters Health Network for ten years as dental
assistant, lead receptionist, claims analysis and in the sliding fee department.
Patty states that she “has always had a passion for helping others”.
Patty lives in Queensbury with her husband, Dan and 6 year old daughter, Brittann. They have a 10 year old Yorkie named Hobey. She enjoys family time,
golfing, hiking and traveling.
10
Connections Quarterly
Christina Celadon — Referral Specialist
Christina has been welcoming patients at the front desk since this past fall.
She relocated from Clemson, South Carolina last spring, having worked at the
reception desk for Clemson Neurology at Baptist Easley Hospital in South
Carolina.
Christina grew up in the area and moved back after her daughter, Charlotte (14
months), was born to be near family here. Her husband, Trent, is a veterinarian
and they have two dogs, a cat and frequent overnight guests from her husband’s veterinary practice. They once lived in the West Indies for two years on
the island of St. Kitts. She enjoys weekends on Glen Lake, hiking and snow
skiing.
Jenna Nolan, Tech II — Inpatient Oncology
Jenna is working nights on Tower 2 as a Tech II. She previously spent three
years with Tribune Media in customer care. She is presently studying nursing
at SUNY Adirondack.
Jenna is married to Matthew with two children, Cecelia, 7 and Daniel, 5. She
enjoys fishing and camping in her free time.
Karen McKeever, RN — Inpatient Oncology
Karen has joined the Tower 2 team working evenings. She received her Associate’s degree in Nursing from Maria College in May, 2015. She had been a
preschool teacher for 25 years.
Karen is married to Jesse, who is a Physical Therapy Assistant here at GFH.
They have a son, Ben, who is 10 years old. She enjoys reading, hiking and
snowshoeing.
Joe Evonek, RN — Inpatient Oncology
Joe is currently in training and will be working nights on Tower 2 when he completes his orientation. He received his Associate’s degree in Nursing from
North Country Community College in May, 2013. Joe worked at The Stanton in
long term care for two years before joining us at GFH. He once owned a bar in
Endwell, New York.
Joe lives in Lake George with his wife, Autumn, and their twin daughters,
Rachael and Sarah, 6 years old. He enjoys skiing, fishing and cooking.
Winter 2015
11
Announcements
Komen Grant Awarded to CSP
Glens Falls Hospital has been awarded grant
funds from The Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Foundation to increase breast cancer screening
rates in Washington County. The funds will be
used to provide transportation to appointments for
breast cancer screenings.
Criteria for this program:
 Washington County Resident
 Age 40 and above
 Breast Cancer Screening appointment established
To arrange transportation, eligible individuals can
call The Cancer Services Program at (518) 9266570, or Vickie Yattaw at (518) 926-6639.
We are very excited to utilize this program to the
fullest potential.
Sock it to Breast Cancer
When former professional golfer and Saratoga
native Dottie Pepper was asked by U.S. sock
manufacturer THORLO to select a partner for a
breast cancer fundraiser, she didn’t have to think
twice—The C.R. Wood Cancer Center. Thanks to
Dottie, Thorlo’s clinically-tested padded socks in
special pink hues for men and women were on
sale at the Gift Atrium throughout the month of
March is Colon Cancer Awareness
Month
The Cancer Services Program will partner with
local communities for the fifth annual Main Streets
Go Blue (MSGB) in March, 2016. The MSGB
campaign promotes awareness and prevention of
colorectal cancer.
Local businesses will hang blue ribbons and display colorectal cancer information. Free colorectal
cancer FIT test screenings will be available for
uninsured men and women 50 and older who are
at average risk. We can also provide colonoscopies for individuals who are at high risk or
symptomatic if eligibility criteria is met. Please
help us spread the word!
For more information, please call the Cancer Services Program @ 518-926-6570.
October. Ten dollars (from every fifteen dollar purchase) was donated for breast cancer programs at
the C.R. Wood Cancer Center. The total donation
came to $5,320!
Dottie has worn Thorlos for over two decades and
is a spokeswoman for the company’s national
breast cancer awareness initiative. She was a longtime friend of the late Cindy Ginsburg who, along
with her husband, Stuart, have been long time supporters of the C.R. Wood Cancer Center.
Staff from the Breast
Center, Tower 2
(Inpatient Oncology),
Outpatient Medical
Oncology/
Hematology,
Medical Records and
Radiation Oncology
sport their pink Thorlo
socks.
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Connections Quarterly
C.G. Men’s Retreat
The C.G. Men’s Retreat was held on November
13th-15th, 2015 at the Christ the King Spiritual
Life Center in Greenwich, New York. This year,
the theme for discussion was mindfulness. Relaxation techniques, massage, great food and indepth discussions were enjoyed along with free
time for informal discussion and camaraderie.
Standing: (left to right) Chuck Morel, Michael Donahue, Edward MacDonald, Robert Jones, Richard Laliberte,
Mark Sullivan, Robert Miller, (seated) Gerry Florio and Joseph Kerbelis.
7th Annual Lymphedema Fashion Show and Fundraiser
Glens Falls Hospital’s 7th annual Lymphedema Fashion Show and Fundraiser raised almost $3,000 for lymphedema patients struggling with the cost of compression garments necessary for their treatment. Lymphedema is a build-up of fluid in soft body tissues that occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked
which can result from cancer treatments. Glens Falls Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department has therapists specially trained to provide individualized treatment programs to help reduce the swelling associated with lymphedema. After completing treatment, specific compression garments are an essential component to continue
to encourage lymphatic fluid movement and maintain the edema reduction achieved with therapy. Very few
insurance companies provide coverage for the cost of these garments, which range in price from $80 to more
than $400.
Approximately 130 people were on hand to cheer on the fashion show’s models and to bid on silent auction
items donated from the community. Among the guests was Josh Levin, CEO of LympheDivas, a Pittsfield,
Massachusetts based manufacturer of compression garments with beautiful designs. LympheDivas donated a
number of garments to coordinate with the models’ outfits and allowed those participants with lymphedema
needs to keep the pieces they modeled. The remaining garments were donated to Glens Falls Hospital for
use by lymphedema patients.
Participants in the 7th annual
Glens Falls Hospital Lymphedema Fashion Show and Fundraiser included (Front)12-year-old
Caleb Strayer, and (Back, from
left) Lisa Mallette, Stacie Dunn,
Vickie Yattaw, Kathy Preda,
Justine Dobert, Victoria Richards,
Mark Sullivan, Karen Rose,
Margaret Meyer, Lisa Amorosi
and Mechelle Roskiewicz.
Winter 2015
13
Hope is my Super Power
The 23rd Annual Uniquely You Breast Cancer Survivors Luncheon was held on October 31st, 2015 at the Sagamore Resort and Conference Center in Bolton Landing. This
year’s theme was “Hope is my Super Power”. Attendees were encouraged to dress as their favorite Super Hero. A few people arrived wearing Superman and Batman capes and outfits, others
showed support of their favorite super heroes—their nurses and
doctors.
The Guest speaker was Becky Olson, a three-time breast cancer
survivor and self proclaimed Breast Cancer Survivor Expert. She
is the author of a wonderful book titled “ The Hat that Saved my
Life”. She is also the founder of Breastfriends.org, an organization
that helps encourage women and men who are going through a
diagnosis of breast cancer.
For more information about the Annual Breast Cancer Survivors Luncheon, or to be added to the mailing list,
please contact Vickie Yattaw, RN, OCN at (518) 926-6639 or e-mail: [email protected].
Holiday Celebration
The support group sponsored holiday celebration
was held on December
2nd, 2015. Over 30 people enjoyed festivities,
food and time to chat and
catch up with each other.
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Connections Quarterly
About Us
Clinical Research at the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may want to talk to your physician about taking part in a clinical
trial. Clinical trials may offer treatment options for patients with cancer that are not otherwise available.
• If you have just found out that you have cancer, the time to think about a clinical trial is before you make
a treatment decision. Talk with your doctor about all your options, including a clinical trial.
Other clinical trials are looking for people who have already been treated for their cancer.
• If you have already had one or more forms of cancer treatment and are looking for a new treatment option, there may still be a clinical trial for you to think about.
Please call our research office at 518.926.6644 or 926.6701 for more information about clinical trials available
at Glens Falls Hospital or visit our website at www.glensfallshospital.org/CRWood-Cancer-Center/clinicalresearch/clinical-research.cfm.
You may also want to visit the National Cancer Institute website for other clinical trials at www.cancer.gov/
clinicaltrials.
Cancer Services Program (CSP)
Men and women who are uninsured, meet eligibility criteria and are in need of treatment for breast, cervical, colorectal or prostate cancer, may be eligible for full Medicaid coverage through the Medicaid Cancer Treatment
Program. Coverage is arranged through the Cancer Services Program Case Manager and will last for the entire
treatment period.
These eligibility guidelines are more generous than local counties’ departments of social services. So if
you’ve been denied in the past, please don’t let that stop you from applying again through the Cancer Services Program.
Glens Falls Hospital provides a New York State Department of Health Cancer Services Program grant that
funds breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and follow-up testing at no cost for uninsured women
and men. If you or someone you love is without health insurance, call today at:1.800.882.0121 or
518.926.6570.
Connections Editorial Board
Joan Carpenter, CSP
Andrea Chowske, RD, CD-N
Kelle Engel, RN, BSN, OCN®
Melissa Engwer, RN
Paul Miller, RN, OCN®
Andrew Morrison, RN
Nannette Oberhelman, CCRP
Beth Sponzo, RN, BS, OCN®
Suzannah Virgil, Secretary
Ruth Whitney, RN, OCN®
Donna Winchell, RN, BSN, OCN®
Vickie Yattaw, RN, BSN, OCN®
Winter 2015
Connections is published quarterly by
The Charles R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park Street,
Glens Falls, NY 12801. Phone: 518.926.6640, Fax: 518.926.6643
Connections is available online: www.glensfallshospital.org
The information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not
intended to be used as medical advice. Please consult your physician for
questions regarding your treatment.
If you are unable to view us on the internet and would like to receive
Connections at home, please call, write or e-mail the editor:
Paul Miller, RN, OCN® 926.6629
C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital Glens Falls, NY 12801.
e-mail: [email protected]
Please let us know if you wish to be removed from our mailing list.
15
When You Need to Call Us
Medical Oncology
When you call during clinic hours (8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. weekdays) you will reach the telephone triage
nurse. Her phone number is 926-6620, the number you are given to call if you have any questions or problems.
When you call you will very likely need to leave a message as she is often busy with other patients who have
also called. Please try to speak clearly (without rushing) giving the following information in the message to
help her assist you efficiently:
 Your name, or the name of the person you are calling about (please spell the last name)
 Date of birth
 Your doctor’s name (not the PA because they work with multiple doctors)
 Your phone number (or where she can best get back to you)
 The reason why you are calling
If you are calling for a medication refill, please also include:
 The name of the pharmacy you use
Patty Godnick
 The medication and the dose
You will need to allow 48 hours to have the medications refilled. Most prescriptions will
be sent to your pharmacy by e-mail (e-scribed). If it is a medication that cannot be sent electronically, we will
call you back with instructions.
If you are having a medical problem, we will try to call you back within 2 hours. Please be patient as sometimes many calls come in within a short period of time.
MyChart (the online site) allows 48 hours for a response. If you are having a medical problem that needs
prompt attention, it is better to call us and leave a message. MyChart is designed to provide a brief summary
of your most recent visit with your doctor. Unfortunately, it is not an efficient forum for a detailed discussion
with your care team. It is better to call with questions or, if appropriate, wait to discuss them at your next visit.
Many doctors return their calls (especially test and lab results) at the end of their clinic or at lunch time, so it
may be a few hours before they get back to you. When you call, you can let us know if it is okay for them to
leave a message with the results on your answering machine.
If you call after hours and need a response, (evenings, nights, or weekends) please tell the answering service
to page the on-call doctor. No one is available to check messages during off hours so it will not be received
until the next business day.
Radiation Oncology
Patients receiving radiation therapy who have questions during clinic hours (8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. weekdays)
should call the Radiation Therapy Department at 926-6670 and ask to speak to a nurse. You will be directed
to Kelle Engel RN, BSN, OCN or Kit Howard, RN, OCN. If they are not available to speak with you, please
leave a brief message with a call back number. You should expect a call back within 20 to 30 minutes.
If it is an emergency, please call 911. If you have questions or concerns after the department closes or on the
weekend, please call the same number, 926-6670. An answering service will take your information along with
a phone number and a radiation oncologist will return your call. Please do not wait with a problem. The radiation oncologists are on call to address any of your concerns.