Tumors Have Nowhere to HideBuilding on our legacy of bringing state-of-the-art technology to our patients, we are proud to be the only health system in north Atlanta offering one of the most innovative and personalized tumor treatment systems available in the world: TomoTherapy®. Designed to revolve around the patient, not only does the system itself physically revolve around the body during treatment, it also allows us to customize certain aspects of treatment in ways formerly not possible.

Before beginning TomoTherapy treatment, our team puts together a plan using 3-D images from a combination of scanning technologies (such as CT and MRI) and special software that help define the size and shape of each tumor and proximity to surrounding sensitive organs

or tissues. The doctor then prescribes how much radiation the tumor should receive, as well as acceptable levels for healthy tissue nearby. The TomoTherapy treatment system calculates the appropriate pattern, position and strength of the radiation beams to be delivered, based on the prescribed dose.

Unlike conventional systems, which allow radiation to be delivered from only a few directions, TomoTherapy rotates in 360 degrees, meaning that treatments can be delivered continuously to the tumor from every angle. More beam directions give physicians more control in how they plan treatments – and more assurance that the dose will be confined to the tumor, reducing the risk of short- and long-term side effects.

With the addition of TomoTherapy this April, WellStar Kennestone is the only hospital in Georgia to offer both it and CyberKnife® to our patients. We’re thrilled to be able to provide individualized treatment choices to patients that will enhance the quality and longevity of their lives.

LATEST NEWS IN ONCOLOGY

SPRING 2015 • ISSUE 1 02

THE NEW

TOMOTHERAPY

SUITE AT THE

KENNESTONE

CANCER CENTER

Paulding Outpatient Infusion Adds ChemotherapyChemotherapy has recently been added to the line of services that Paulding Outpatient Infusion offers. This is exciting news for the Paulding community, which would normally have to drive to other WellStar facilities to receive their chemotherapy. The Paulding Infusion Center is located inside the main hospital on the second floor near Same-Day Surgery, and is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Douglas Outpatient Infusion UpdateThe outpatient infusion center at WellStar Douglas Hospital supported approximately 4,000 visits last year, and it is continuing to grow. The team of outpatient infusion nurses includes Debbie Shadrix, RN, OCN, Nancy Keeney, RN, OCN, Rebecca Farmer, RN, and the newest member, Enika McClain, RN. Rebecca Farmer and Enika McClain have both successfully completed the chemo provider course.

Pictured: It’s still a construction zone, but the new WellStar Kennestone

Infusion Center is coming right along.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:

INFUSION

Kennestone Outpatient Infusion Center MoveOn May 3, the Outpatient Infusion Center at Kennestone Cancer Center will move into its new space, a 6,600 square-foot area directly attached to the Cancer Center parking deck, in Building 340. The new space will have 24 motorized, reclining chairs (increased from 16) each with a private nursing bay encompassing four chairs, and a dedicated nurse. Each patient will have his/her personal, comfortable area complete with cabinet with pullout television,

adjustable lighting, seating for a visitor and a closet for personal belongings. A state-of-the-art pharmacy with a dedicated pharmacist and pharmacy technician will be onsite, along with a large, private bedroom for patients requiring specific positioning or privacy for care.

Visitors as well as patients will have handheld pagers allowing them the opportunity to go outside of the Infusion Center into the Garden of Courage, or later this fall, the new Welcome Center and Cancer Support Services building. Feel free to stop by for a tour.


WellStar Paulding staff pose with the new Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).

Pictured (l-r): Mike Kelly, dosimetrist, Allison Brown, RT, Amy Howard, RT, and Lindsey McNeil, RT

VMAT Now Available at PauldingWellStar Paulding Hospital now offers Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), a newer way of delivering radiation to patients with cancer, that speeds up treatments and minimizes healthy tissue damage. VMAT technology allows for a continuous beam of radiation to be delivered while the treatment machine rotates around the patient, eliminating the need for the machine to start and stop between each treatment field, resulting in shorter treatment times. Elekta, the manufacturer of the equipment, claims treatment times are reduced from as much as eight to 12 minutes to as few as two minutes.

NEWS YOU CAN USE


WellStar Expanding Mammogram AccessibilityThanks to a $25,000 grant from It’s the Journey, Inc.

The WellStar Foundation was awarded a $25,000 grant by It’s The Journey, Inc., producer of the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. The grant will pay for mammograms for women in our community with limited resources.

“It is an honor to fund critical breast health organizations’ efforts to bring breast cancer services to women and men in their communities,” said Kimberly Goff, executive director of It’s The Journey, Inc. “This year, we will reach nearly 90 counties and fund screening, diagnosis, genetic testing, and supportive services for 16,000 Georgians. We are proud that our grants remain focused on local needs and impact the lives of Georgians, from basic clinical exams and breast health education to genetic testing and services helping patients navigate their breast cancer diagnosis.”

Pictured (l-r): Angelina Cain, M.D., medical director of WellStar Comprehensive Bariatric Services, Dave Broussard, grants and research officer, WellStar Foundation, and Kimberly Goff, It’s the Journey, Inc., executive director

NAPBC On-site Survey for Kennestone Breast Center’s Re-Accreditation

WellStar Kennestone is scheduled for an onsite survey for re-accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. During the survey process, Kennestone Regional Medical Center will demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast. This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 20 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services.

• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options.

• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options.

• Quality breast care close to home.

Cobb Cancer Center Physician MixerOn Thursday, April 16, around 98 physicians and advanced practitioners from WellStar Cobb Hospital gathered for a physician mixer at the newly-named Cobb Hospital Cancer Center. Attendees mingled and toured the newly-renovated space in the 1800 Building on Hospital Drive South on the Cobb Hospital campus.


Provider MixerPlease join us for a

Mix & mingle with WellStar Cobb Hospital medical staff including physicians, PAs and NPsThursday, April 16, 20155:30 - 7:30 p.m.Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be servedTour the newly renovated WellStar Cobb Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Services 1700 Hospital South Drive | Austell, GA 30106

Complimentary Parking at 1700 Medical Office Building Garage RSVP to [email protected] or 470-644-0300

AWARDS & ACCOLADES


Crump Award for Excellence in Oncology NursingCreated through the generosity of the Crump family, this annual award is intended to recognize oncology nurses who embody the core values of the WellStar Cancer Network, and strive to go the extra mile while providing care for those in our community who are battling cancer.

The nominees were nominated by their peers, and were subject to a competitive evaluation process with the goal of recognizing the individual who most personifies the compassion, competency and commitment to world-class care that is expected from nursing role models within this organization. All nominees were recognized as part of the award process and their contributions highlighted as part of the award ceremony.

One exemplary individual was awarded $2,000 to be used to support his professional growth and development.

Congratulations to this year’s winner, Pete Lawrence, RN! Pete’s dedication to his patients includes praying with them when asked, bringing them lunches and paying for their parking out of his own pocket. Of his award, Pete said, “I find this humbling and I work with such great colleagues. I am a composite of all the input I’ve had from them over the last 30 years.” WellStar is very proud of Pete and all the nominees, and we are very grateful to the Crump family for their generosity. We look forward to honoring oncology nurses for years to come with this prestigious scholarship.

Pictured: The Crump Award nominees pose with Joel Helmke, (l-r): Lynn Haghihat, RN, charge nurse, Inpatient Oncology Unit; Erica Senegal, RN, charge nurse, Inpatient Oncology Unit; Joel Helmke, vice president, Oncology Services; Patti Harrison, RN, unit based educator, Inpatient Oncology Unit; Pete Lawrence, RN, oncology nurse clinician, Outpatient Infusion Center

Pictured: Crump Award winner Pete Lawrence (center) with Craig Crump and Carla Crump Holmes

Bonnie Santucci, RN, OCN, resource nurse, WellStar Paulding Outpatient Infusion, is the recipient of a Nursing Excellence Award in Leadership. Her manager, Becky King, BSN, RN, Manager CDU/OPIC, said, “Bonnie fosters a culture of cooperation, communication, and empowerment through everyday practice. She communicates efficiently with physicians, nursing team members and nurse leaders to facilitate patient-centered care.”

Jackie Williams, RN, MSN, OCN, WellStar Cobb Infusion Therapy, created a PowerPoint presentation for Jabian Health, titled “Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Cancer Risk.”

Kendra Mathis, RN, MSN, CNL, clinical nurse leader, Cobb Hospital 6 South, and Jackie Williams, RN, MSN, OCN, WellStar Cobb Infusion Therapy, wrote an article for Visions (WellStar Nursing newsletter) about the development of the WellStar Chemotherapy Oncology Nursing Readiness and Safety (ONRS) course to meet education and training needs of nurses who administer chemotherapy and biotherapy.

Kellie Mitchell, BSN, RN C, TNCC, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

<<continued


Pictured (l-r): Bunny Albin, RN, RNC-OB, Barbara Burke, RN, CCRN, Nancy Keeney, RN, OCN, Amy Nichols, RN, CMSRN, and Debbie Shadrix, RN, OCN

Jodee Morency has been promoted to chief therapist at WellStar Cobb Radiation Oncology. She has been a staff therapist for more than seven years and will continue to provide patient care and staff leadership in her new role as chief. Jodee also actively supports various cancer-related organizations in her participation in fundraising events. Recently, she raised over $700 for the Ovarian Cancer “Ride to Change the Future” by riding a bicycle for 6 hours and 112 miles! In April, she participated in the American Lung Association’s “Fight for Air Climb” where she walked up 51 floors and 1,200 steps! So far she has raised over $500 for this cause. Jodee is dedicated to fighting cancer through her choice of career and her extracurricular fundraising activities.

Nancy Keeney, RN, OCN, and Debbie Shadrix, RN, OCN, of Douglas Outpatient Infusion, were honored at the Douglas Nursing Certification tea held on National Certification Day, March 19, at the Douglasville Convention Center.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to our new team members:

WELCOME TO THE TEAM


NOT PICTURED:

Michele Daniel, RN Emergency Department

Jennifer Reeves Billing Specialist, Radiation Oncology at Kennestone

Kristine McKie, BSN, RN Breast Nurse Navigator

at Kennestone

Paula Garcias Patient Access Specialist Cancer Support Services

Ladona Smith, RN Oncology Nurse Clinician

OP Infusion Center, Kennestone

Kimberly Foster, MBA, BSN, RN Oncology Nurse Navigator

at Douglas

Lisa Sherman, BSN, RN Breast Nurse Navigator

at Kennestone

Carolyn Fletcher, RN Oncology Nurse Clinician


Jennifer Ray, RN Clinical Nurse PRN


Heather Clark, RN Oncology Nurse Clinician


Jessie Ruiz Benn, CMA Medical Assistant

Genetic Risk Assessment Program


Cancer Support Services Volunteers Making a DifferenceThe volunteers in Cancer Support Services are doing great things in our community! Robin Hill, our art volunteer, does the Cards for Heroes each week in our lobby and also on the inpatient oncology unit. She also helped 23 fourth and fifth

graders at Creekview Elementary in Alpharetta create cards for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. They discussed what the patients might be feeling once they were diagnosed and what would they like to say to them in their cards. They collectively created 40 inspirational cards. Five of the children had close relatives with breast cancer – mothers, an aunt and a grandmother. They presented Robin with four handmade posters of thanks.

When the snacks donated by an elementary school ran out, volunteer Mark Zwerner approached local businesses (Target, Kroger, Sam’s, etc.) about donations for patients

waiting in the infusion area. It was a huge success and everyone appreciates the snacks, his welcoming presence and assistance with directions and resources. Robin and Mark both consistently exceed our expectations for weekly volunteers!

VOLUNTEER NEWS

Pictured (left): Robin Hill’s display in the lobby; (above): Mark Zwerner

Interested in Being a Speaker? WellStar’s Community Education and Outreach Department is always looking for volunteers to speak publicly on cancer-related topics. If you’re interested in participating, contact Barb Wilson, MS, RN, AOCN, ACNS-BC, director of Oncology Clinical Practice, at [email protected].

It’s Relay Time

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Today, with the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 400 lives a day. And we won’t stop until we finish the fight against cancer!

WellStar Health System is the presenting sponsor for the Relay For Life events in our service area:

Relay For Life of Cobb County May 2, 2015 | 4 p.m. – Midnight

Relay For Life of Douglas County May 8, 2015 | 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Relay For Life of Paulding County May 15, 2015 | 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Relay For Life of Vinings/Buckhead May 29, 2015 | 5 p.m. – Midnight

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Leigh Webb, MPH, CTR,

manager of Cancer Data Center, at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER NEWS


Volunteer Today!

Volunteers Needed for Road to RecoveryRoad to Recovery is the American Cancer Society’s volunteer-based driving program that provides transportation to and from medical centers for cancer patients undergoing treatment. We know that timely and regular treatment offers the best chance of surviving cancer, but many patients miss treatments due to lack of transportation. “By driving a patient to an appointment they might have otherwise missed, you are contributing to improving their chances of survival,” said Pam Ashman, mission delivery specialist for the American Cancer Society.

To become a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society you must have a current, valid driver’s license; own a safe and reliable vehicle; pass a background and motor vehicle check; be between the ages of 18 and 85; have proof of adequate automobile insurance; and complete Road to Recovery volunteer training.

To volunteer, or learn more about this program, contact Pam Ashman at 404-582-6120 or

[email protected].

continued>>


LETTERS OF THANKSHelping a

Stranger in Need

Going the Extra Mile for Our Patients

Patient Sends Letter of Gratitude

“I would like to recognize a fellow co-worker, Kathi Mansfield, manager of Outpatient Infusion at Kennestone Cancer Center, for her help with a homeless man. Kathi noticed a gentleman in her waiting area. After speaking with him, she realized he was homeless, on a walker and had frostbite over much of his extremities. She contacted Leena Nehru, MSW, LCSW, care coordinator, Kennestone Cancer Support Services, to ask if she could help with housing for him. Long story short, because he did not have ID, he could not qualify for housing in the centers with which Leena works.

Kathi escorted him to the Kennestone Emergency Department, and before leaving the hospital, they assisted him with housing.

I do not know how this story would have ended without the care and compassion of Kathi. She is the manager of Outpatient Infusion and it is a very busy place. She could have simply turned him away, but thankfully she took the time to help someone in need.”

– Vicki McKelvey, Front Desk Supervisor Kennestone Radiation Oncology

“I have MS and have to go for treatments at the infusion center at WellStar Douglas Hospital. I was weak and didn’t think I could get in, so I called and told them the problem. When I got over to infusion, Nancy Keeney, RN, OCN, came out and helped me in. Her, Rebecca Farmer, RN, and Debbie Shadrix, RN, OCN, are always nice to me and are always there to help. I consider them all to be my friends and I would never go anywhere else but WellStar. Thanks for the outstanding healthcare and outstanding people!”

“Dearest Michelle Hawkins, RN, Outpatient Infusion at Cobb,

This being my last infusion appointment, I feel the need to let you know a couple of things. First, I just want to thank you for being you. I feel like you sincerely like what you do and I’m thinking that’s because you sincerely care for people and strive to make their (our) experience bearable.

You and your staff have turned my head around as far as my perception of nurses and healthcare personnel. You guys have shown me a side I haven’t seen before. Everyone on staff here conveys a desire to accommodate people in need.

This is my first experience with a life-threatening situation and the professional air, yet also personal involvement with your patients, is very uplifting and encouraging. I never dreaded coming to infusion because I knew it would be a relaxed, pleasant day and I would be engaging with people that would communicate with me as a new friend and I do indeed consider you a new friend. May God bless you and keep you in this profession. It needs you, and so do the patients.”

Pictured: Kathi Mansfield


LETTERS OF THANKScontinued>>

Ringing the Bell of Victory at Cobb Cancer CenterUpon a patient’s last day of radiation treatment at the Cobb Cancer Center, he/she receives a “graduation certificate” and gets to ring the “Bell of Victory” as our staff cheers for the achievement. The patients really enjoy that we make a big celebration of their completion of treatment. A recent patient commented, “I could not have gotten through this difficult time without the care and compassion shown to me and my family by your staff.”

Pictured (top): Patient Betty Karac rings the Bell of Victory!

(bottom): Patient Lisa Foster celebrates next to the bell!


By Jennifer Kilkus, Ph.D., Psychology Fellow Take Care of Yourself

Anyone who has worked in healthcare is familiar with the high stress and fast-paced environment that defines this career. Chronic exposure to this type of environment tends to have significant negative consequences for the physical and mental health of healthcare staff. This is particularly true in oncology, where staff is exposed to serious illness, death and dying, and intense emotional distress daily.

Compassion fatigue and burnout are neither inevitable nor unmanageable. The key is to recognize that even the best healthcare professionals need to care for themselves first in order to provide the best care for their patients and then take active steps to make this a part of everyday life. The use of effective coping strategies has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression, and stress, improve quality of life, and increase empathy and self-compassion in medical professionals.

There are many effective ways to cope and the best strategy is to find a variety of tools that work for you. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to managing stress. And if I had a quarter for every time I ask others what they do to take care of themselves and get a blank stare in response, I’d be in the Bahamas right now! So start small and do what you can, but start somewhere! Your health matters just as much as those you care for.

Some ideas for coping include:

• Back to basics: Eat foods that fuel you, get adequate sleep, treat physical illness, engage in some kind of physical activity you enjoy, and avoid excessive alcohol intake. These are the building blocks to managing stress – if there is something interfering with this, brainstorm ideas to manage it or seek professional help.

• Find activities that are relaxing or soothing. Listen to your favorite music, try a hot bath, take a walk in nature, draw or paint.

• Distract yourself temporarily from worries – watch television, play a game, read a book.

• Talk to family and friends who are supportive. Be open to counseling from a professional if needed.

• Keep a journal of your worries.

• Learn meditation, relaxation, or diaphragmatic breathing practices. These practices have been shown to be effective for managing chronic stress and improving a number of physical symptoms that result from chronic stress.

Jennifer Kilkus, Ph.D.Psychology Fellow

Apps:

• Headspace • Daily Yoga • Breathe2Relax

The following apps and websites have excellent (and free!) strategies for coping:

Websites:

• Choprameditationcenter.com • Excelatlife.com • Self-compassion.org • Innerhealthstudio.com

WELLSTAR CANCER NETWORK DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY

wellstar.org

5/15 CNC0073

WellStar Cancer Network News is published

quarterly. Please submit content for future issues

to [email protected]. When

submitting employee names, please include their

credentials, title and department. Anyone other

than team members featured in photos must

sign a consent form, and these can be obtained

by emailing [email protected].

Content for the summer issue is due by June 15.

Contact Us

KENNESTONE Imaging ........................470-793-0060Infusion .........................770-793-7518 IP Blue Main .................470-793-4162IP Medical Imaging ......770-793-5556Lung Screening ............770-312-3482Rad Onc ........................770-793-7500Scheduling ....................678-581-5900STAT ..............................770-793-7440

PAULDINGRad Onc ........................770-505-3840Imaging ........................470-644-8060Infusion .........................470-644-7235IP ..................................470-644-7048

COBBCT/MRI .........................470-732-1515Diagnostic ....................470-732-3526Imaging ........................470-732-3551Infusion .........................770-732-4330IP .................................770-732-4660Manager .......................470-732-5672NM ...............................470-732-3513Rad Onc ........................770-948-6000STAT ..............................770-732-4821

DOUGLASImaging ........................770-920-6102Infusion .........................678-715-6860

WINDY HILLImaging ........................770-644-1240Surgery Center .............770-644-1284

cancer network news spring 2015

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