Category: Cancer Care

  • Early Detection Saves Lives: The Importance of Mammograms

    Early Detection Saves Lives: The Importance of Mammograms

    By: Karla Meisner, RT(R)(MR), Director, Imaging Services & Connie Hernandez, RT(R)(M), Mammography Technologist II

    If you are a woman over age 40 you are probably very familiar with the word “mammogram.” But, if you’re not, you may have heard the word without knowing what it’s all about. Either way, mammograms are important for everyone, especially women, to understand. This breast cancer awareness month, familiarize yourself with screening mammograms and talk to your doctor to see if it’s time for you to get one.

    What are Mammograms?

    Mammography is imaging of the breast tissue designed to detect tumors and other abnormalities. There are two purposes for a woman getting a mammogram: screening or diagnostic.

    A screening mammogram is used in the early detection of breast abnormalities in women that have no symptoms. The goal is to detect breast cancer before there are any noticeable signs. When detected early, breast cancer is 99-100 percent curable within 5 years of diagnosis.

    You will usually receive results within a few weeks. If your screening mammogram comes back normal, you will continue to get regular mammograms. This will allow your doctor to compare them as time goes on and look for subtle changes in your breast tissue.

    If your mammogram is “abnormal” that does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Your doctor will likely recommend additional mammograms, tests, and exams to help determine what may be going on. They may also refer you to a specialist or surgeon, not because you have cancer or need surgery, but because they are experts in diagnosing breast problems.

    The other purpose of a mammogram is to diagnose a breast change such as a new breast lump, breast pain, and unusual skin appearance, nipple thickening, or nipple discharge.

    Who Should Get a Mammogram?

    While guidelines for starting regular mammograms vary, most experts agree that women with average risk can choose to be screened starting at age 40. Many women begin them at age 40 and continue having them every year or every two years.

    Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may benefit from starting screening mammograms before age 40. Risk factors such as family history of breast cancer or precancerous breast lesions may indicate a benefit to getting screening mammograms earlier. If you have an increased risk for breast cancer, your doctor may recommend breast MRIs in addition to screening mammograms.

    Have a conversation with your doctor about your own risk factors, your preference, and the benefits and risks of screening. Together you can decide the screening mammography schedule that is best for you. You should also check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage for screening mammograms.

    What to Expect

    When you arrive for your regular screening mammogram, you will be asked to remove your shirt and put on a gown that opens at the front. You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine and the technologist will place your breast on the plate. Another plate will move down from above and compress the breast, holding it still while the image is taken. You will feel some pressure in the breast and it may be uncomfortable for a few seconds. These steps will be repeated to take a side image and images of the opposite breast.

    After all four images have been taken, you will wait while the technologist checks them to make sure they don’t need to be re-taken. Remember, the technologist cannot tell you your results so they will be sent to your doctor who will review them and call you.

    Mammograms at Fisher-Titus

    Fisher-Titus offers 3-D mammography and curved paddles for increased patient comfort. To schedule your mammogram, call the Fisher-Titus Imaging department at 419-663-1975 ext. 6205.

    In honor of breast cancer awareness month, Fisher-Titus is offering walk-in mammograms throughout October. During these designated times, patients can walk in through the emergency entrance, let admitting know they are there for a walk-in mammogram, and have their screening mammogram done at that time. Walk-in mammograms will be offered:

    • Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, October 8 and Saturday, October 22 from 7-10:30 a.m.

    It can be scary to think about breast cancer, but a regular screening mammogram can be your best defense, and learning more about mammograms can help ease your fears.

    Karla Meisner is the Director of Imaging Services at Fisher-Titus and Connie Hernandez is the lead mammography tech. Fisher-Titus offers 3-D mammography and curved paddles. We also offer Breast MRI services should you need further breast imaging. Talk to your doctor to see if you should be getting a regular screening mammogram.

  • Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

    Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

    While prostate cancer education is important year-round, September is a special month for Prostate Cancer Awareness. It is a time of year when the community, health care experts, and health advocates make an extra effort to raise awareness about prostate health and cancer.

    What is Prostate Cancer?

    The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland found only in men below the bladder, responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men—about 34,500 deaths estimated this year—and there are often no symptoms. Some more facts about prostate cancer:

    • It’s the second most common form of cancer in American men after skin cancer.
    • About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
    • About 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer are estimated this year.
    • Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men.
    • About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men at diagnosis is about 66.

    Many men do not experience symptoms with prostate cancer but for those who do, symptoms may include:

    • Trouble urinating
    • Decreased force in the stream of urine
    • Blood in the urine
    • Blood in the semen
    • Bone pain
    • Losing weight without trying
    • Erectile dysfunction

    Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer die with it, not from it. In fact, more than 3.1 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. At 5 years, over 99% of men with localized or advanced prostate cancer survive. Once it has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate decreases but men being diagnosed now have a better outlook due to significant advancements in treatment.

    Early Detection

    Early detection is so important with prostate cancer because so many men do not experience symptoms and it is very treatable when found early. However, prostate cancer screening recommendations can vary. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends obtaining a baseline PSA and digital rectal exam in average risk men 45-75 years of age. In those at higher risk (family history of certain cancers, African-American, exposure to Agent Orange), screening should start at age 40. Shared decision making with your provider is important when determining whether to screen for prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening options so, together, you can determine what the best decision is for you.

    One of the most common screening tests for prostate cancer is a PSA blood test. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by prostate gland cells (both normal cells and cancer cells). PSA is mostly found in semen, but a small amount is also found in blood. Although PSA levels can rise due to prostate cancer, they can also rise for non-cancer reasons such as an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia), older age, infection/inflammation, ejaculation, or prostate stimulating activity such as riding a bicycle. Certain medications can also lower your PSA artificially, so it is important your doctor knows what medications you are taking.

    Depending on your PSA level/trend, digital rectal exam, and risk factors, further testing may be recommended. This may include additional urine or blood biomarkers to determine your cancer risk, imaging such as a prostate MRI to evaluate for suspicious lesions, and/or a prostate biopsy, which can be done in the office or under sedation in the operating room for your comfort.

    The Long-term Effects of Prostate Cancer

    Despite the obvious benefits to diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, there are unfortunate downsides to its treatment. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy can all lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).

    Whether men experience sexual dysfunction after treatment is most dependent on pre-treatment potency and the type of treatment they had. Anywhere from 25-85% of men report sexual dysfunction after cancer treatment, however these rates have improved with better treatment technology and techniques.

    Thankfully, there are options to improve erectile function after your cancer has been cured. These include oral or injectable medications, and surgery to implant a penile prosthetic with excellent patient satisfaction.

    Erectile dysfunction is not just a physical symptom, but one that deeply affects a man’s mental health, confidence, intimate relationships and general quality of life. If you want to learn more about overcoming ED, contact your local Urologist and start the conversation.

    About Dr. Lue

    Dr. Kathy Lue is a Urologist with Executive Urology of Fisher-Titus in Norwalk, Sandusky, and Bellevue. Providing patient-centered care is Dr. Lue’s primary focus when treating all areas of Urology, including oncology, sexual medicine, and minimally invasive surgery. If you think you might be experiencing erectile dysfunction or another urological concern, learn more by calling 419-627-0363.

  • Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Importance of Colonoscopies

    Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Importance of Colonoscopies

    By: Beth Steinmetz, MSN, APRN- CNP, Fisher-Titus Digestive Health

    March is colorectal cancer awareness month. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals have a colonoscopy starting at the age of 45. Current guidelines also recommend having a colonoscopy every 10 years if your previous colonoscopy was normal.

    There are multiple risk factors that can increase your risk of colorectal cancer including:

    • Personal or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
    • Past/current smokers
    • Older age

    Individuals considered to be at an increased risk of colorectal cancer may need to have a colonoscopy completed more frequently than every 10 years and may also be performed prior to the age of 45.

    A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that enables either a gastroenterologist or general surgeon to examine your colon and rectum. Colonoscopies are performed to assist in early detection and prevention of colon cancer. Colon polyp(s) may also be removed if discovered during a colonoscopy to assist in prevention of colon cancer.

    Preventative care, such as routine colonoscopies as recommended by your primary care provider, gastroenterologist, or general surgeon are vital to both digestive health and overall well-being.

    If you have any questions or concerns about having a colonoscopy, you can contact your primary care provider or Fisher-Titus Digestive Health. Same day appointments are also available and can be scheduled through our online self-scheduling service at fishertitus.org/schedule. Fisher-Titus Digestive Health also offers convenient Virtual Visits to diagnose and treat a wide range of complications involving your digestive system.

    About Beth

    Beth Steinmetz is a Certified Nurse Practitioner at Fisher-Titus Digestive Health. Fisher-Titus offers Digestive Health services at our Norwalk location in Medical Park 3 as well as convenient Telehealth services. To learn more or schedule an appointment, go to fishertitus.org/digestive-health/.

  • Sun Safety

    By: Dr. James Fanning, Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center

    With the summer well underway, the time to enjoy the outdoors is upon us. Whether you’re planning to have a picnic or enjoying your own backyard, you will likely be spending a lot of time under the summer sun. While soaking up the sun is a favorite summer pastime for many, that “healthy glow” can quickly become skin damage.

    What is Sun Damage?

    The ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight is absorbed by the skin and can damage the genetic material in skin cells whether you get a sunburn or not. Over time, this damage accumulates and increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

    While sunlight exposure can cause damage at any age, exposure earlier in life is particularly dangerous. According to a study published by the American Association for Cancer Research, there is a direct link between sunburns earlier in life and higher risk of melanoma skin cancer. The women in the study who experienced a minimum of five sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 years old were 80 percent more likely to later develop melanoma skin cancer than others.

    Early exposure means cells have more time to become damaged and ultimately result in skin cancer. That is why it is important to not only take precautionary steps to protect yourself, but your children as well. Skin damage can start at a young age, but so can safe sun exposure habits.

    Preventing Sun Damage

    On warm summer days it is natural to want to get outside and enjoy the sun. So, taking necessary steps to protect your skin from sun exposure should also be second nature.

    Try to avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 10a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest. Plan any outdoor activities either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Seek or create shade using umbrellas, shelters, or even a tree. Remember, there is no such thing as a “safe tan” so avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, which can also result in serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.

    While it is best to stay out of the sun altogether, protecting yourself from the sun does not have to mean becoming a hermit during the summer months. By keeping these tips in mind, you can reduce the damage done to your skin without having to miss out on any of the outdoor fun and holiday festivities.

    This slip-slop-slap method of sun protection is based off an Australian sun safety campaign and is an easy way to remember how to protect yourself and your skin.

    • Slip: Slip on a shirt and other clothing to protect as much skin as possible.
    • Slop: Slop on sunscreen wherever your skin may be exposed. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF. Reapply at least every two hours and always after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
    • Slap: Slap on a hat and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV light.

    In the United States, skin cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Pay attention to any new growths, sores, spots, and patches on your body that aren’t healing within a few weeks and consider scheduling a visit to your doctor. And remember, before you head outside, slip-slop-slap!

    About Dr. Fanning

    Dr. James Fanning is an Oncologist with Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center. For over 20 years, the Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center has delivered comprehensive care for people with all types of cancer. Fisher-Titus’s cancer program has held Commission on Cancer accreditation since 1989. For more information, visit fishertitus.org/cancer.

  • What to expect on a cancer journey

    There are a lot of words, thoughts, and emotions that can describe a cancer journey. Patients may find there are good days, there are bad days, and then there are the really awkward days. We often refer to this as the good, the bad, and the awkward.

    The Good

    Patients gain new perspective on life and they learn to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Patients often gain new family in the doctors, nurses, secretaries, medical assistants, and other members of their health care team. They find strength they never knew they had, strength that cancer tried to strip from them. Many find new faith or maybe they become more faithful. A cancer patient finds themselves a beautiful reflection of life and spirit.

    The Bad

    Patients have sometimes described their diagnosis as a tailspin. Patients may struggle to find stable ground or to gain control. Some are afraid to share their news with their loved ones for fear of being treated differently. There are multiple appointments and new routines to learn. The patient might have chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. All three are scary, but necessary. There are tears, fears, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

    Patients will be moved through the care coordination process quickly as time now matters. Time matters to reduce the growth of the disease or to gain quality of life. But, there are also limits to what can be offered and end of life discussions may have to happen, sometimes too soon. Although these bad conversations may be necessary, our team here at Fisher‐Titus will walk you through them and make sure you have the best care possible. We are often a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on as you navigate these tough talks.

    The Awkward

    Cancer leaves chance for some awkward moments. Moments like picking out a wig and needing help to ensure it fits just right. Or when treatment has left a patient so weak that they now need help going to the bathroom—a potty partner. Sometimes it’s hard asking for help. Paying bills and buying food can become difficult and it’s often a conversation no one wants to have. There are body changes from treatments and the cancer itself. This can leave a patient not fitting quite right into their clothes. Who knew someone could actually gain weight while going through chemotherapy? That goes against all the preconceived notions about chemotherapy, right? In any awkward moment along the cancer journey, take comfort in knowing that we have seen it all and we will embrace those moments along with you.

    The good, the bad, and the awkward of the cancer journey are moments in time that should be embraced with confidence in the care you choose…the care given by the people who choose you.

    About Jackee

    Jackee Porter, RN, BSN, OCN is the Oncology Nurse Supervisor at the Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center. For over 20 years, Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center has cared for cancer patients close to home. For more information, visit fishertitus.org/cancer.

  • What to Expect on Your Cancer Care Journey

    A cancer diagnosis is something no one expects. As you go through diagnosis and treatment you may have a lot of questions about the process, but you may also want a support team there to comfort you on this journey.

    For over 20 years, Fisher-Titus has cared for cancer patients close to home as if they were their own family. No matter where you are in your journey, our team is here to support you.

    Prevention and Screenings

    Detecting cancer early is key for treating cancer. Sometimes there may be signs or symptoms that something is wrong like lumps, sores that will not heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent indigestions, and chronic hoarseness.

    However, sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s important to complete the regular screenings recommended by your doctor. These may include the following screenings:

    • Breast – screening mammograms
    • Colon – colonoscopy
    • Lung – CT scan of the lungs
    • Skin – visual exam of the skin
    • Cervical – Pap smear and/or HPV test
    • Prostate – Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test or Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

    If you are unsure what screenings you should be getting regularly, talk to your doctor. They can take into consideration your age and any risk factors your may have to determine which screenings you should be getting and how often.

    Accessing care close to home

    When you receive a cancer diagnosis, it’s likely you don’t want to have to drive far to receive your treatment. There’s a comfort in being close to your home and your family as you journey through what is usually a difficult time.

    At the Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center, you have access to some of the latest diagnostics and treatments including the early detection screenings listed above, diagnostic imaging, radiation services, surgery, rehabilitation, and support services. We provide these services for a many different types of cancers including:

    • Breast cancer
    • Colon/rectal cancer
    • Pancreatic cancer
    • Bladder cancer
    • Prostate cancer
    • Lymphoma/leukemia
    • Brain cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Head/neck cancer
    • Lung cancer
    • Gastric cancer
    • Kidney center
    • Melanoma
    • Multiple myeloma

    Survivorship

    Caring for yourself through your cancer journey does not end when you are “cancer free.” Through survivorship programs, patients can go beyond being physically cancer free and maintain a healthy lifestyle mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

    After completing treatment, your survivorship journey may include a variety services including:

    • Physical or occupational therapy
    • Behavioral Health
    • Nutrition
    • Financial
    • Radiology
    • Lab
    • Nursing
    • Primary Care

    In 2019, The Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center hosted two Cancer Survivorship events focused at providing education and fellowship for cancer survivors, current patients, and their families. In 2020, we are working to continue to develop and expand our survivorship program to support our patients long after they are cancer free.

    About the Dr. Adamowicz

    Dr. Timothy Adamowicz is a medical oncologist seeing patients at Fisher-Titus. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. The Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center recently welcomed two medical oncologists, Dr. Timothy Adamowicz and Dr. James Fanning of NOMS Oncology. For more information about the Cancer Care Center, visit fishertitus.org/cancer-care-center.

  • Surviving Cancer: One Woman’s Journey

    Barb Schafer, employed for 38 years at Fisher-Titus, is a Surgery Charge Nurse. This is her breast cancer story, from her own perspective, in her own words.

    Given the choice, I would never want cancer. But it changed my life in a positive way because I chose to make it positive.

    By the grace of God, I discovered my cancer in September 2015 and followed up the next day with my surgeon, Dr. Jayne Minier. I feel that she saved my life because she believed me even though I had a normal mammogram a month earlier, a recent normal breast exam, and my cancer was difficult to feel.

    A needle biopsy confirmed I had an aggressive TripleNegative breast cancer. A lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy with Dr. Minier and Dr. Eric Schmidt revealed my cancer had spread to a lymph node. Dr. Schmidt placed an infusa-port as my oncologist, Dr. Brian Murphy, recommended chemotherapy. I underwent chemotherapy every two weeks from October through January at the Fisher-Titus Cancer Care Center. That was followed by radiation therapy with radiation oncologist Dr. Phillip Engeler.

    It was a tough battle. When treatment was completed in April 2016, I was grateful I was alive but inside I was terrified, as I was no longer fighting the cancer. I kept wondering, “will it come back?” I had been fighting to survive and now that I was done with treatment, I was being pushed back into the real world which was no longer recognizable to me. I felt lost because cancer had changed me. Even though everyone thought I was the same person, I was not. Everyone said, “you look so good,” but they didn’t understand that I had changed. My emotional and physical healing had just begun. I wasn’t prepared for that.

    I needed to figure out how to navigate this new life. I joined an online Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Survivor group to connect with women going through the same experience. Their feedback helped validate that my feelings were normal. It helped to understand the “new me.”

    I began my journey back to health with physical therapy at Fisher-Titus to strengthen myself. I walked during my treatment when I could – and added hiking, biking and eventually yoga. My faith was an important part of my healing process. It kept me calm, and it still does.

    I was given a second chance to live and didn’t want to waste a single day. Cancer gave me the opportunity to share my experience to help others, and that is a gift.

    What brings passion and joy to your life? Find your answer and start living it. Cancer forced me to stop and figure it out. I began traveling and making many beautiful memories. I take time to enjoy my family and friends and take on challenges and risks that I would not have before.

    I am now stronger, healthier, happier and live with more gratitude and faith. My purpose is to give other survivors hope that they can have a better life. I am forever grateful to Fisher-Titus for providing me with such exceptional care so close to home. The physicians, nurses, and radiology and oncology departments were overwhelmingly warm, caring and supportive. They provided me with the best possible care that I could have had, especially during such an emotional time going through my cancer diagnosis and treatment. I only have praises for them. They exceeded my expectations!

    Remember, you’re a survivor! You deserve a great life! Life after cancer is worth celebrating!