- Community, Uncategorized, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen Lisa Stiffler’s mother fell critically ill her biggest concern was being by her mother’s side. Although she was hundreds of miles from her home, Lisa was able to focus on what mattered because of the convenience and hospitality of the Hackerman-Patz House for AAMC patient family members. I live in Maine and when I my mom was admitted Anne Arundel Medical Center, we were in crisis and the Hackerman-Patz House was the best thing that ever happened to me. When I got an emergency phone call that my mom was in the intensive care unit, I hopped on the next flight out. It was such an emotional time as I sat with my mom. So all day, I was never thinking, ‘where am I going to stay?’ It was getting late and I asked the nurse about hotels, and she said, “We’ve got plenty of hotels around, but have you ever heard of the Hackerman-Patz House?” It was like a godsend. I was there for 18 days and because it was so reasonable I saved some money on what was a very expensive trip. But it was also just a very comforting place to be. The greeting of the staff and the volunteers were wonderful. After feeling stressed and overwhelmed all day, I felt like the director and staff bent over backwards for me. At the end of the day, I looked forward to going there. It was nice. There were always fresh flowers sitting on the counter. One night I walked in and I didn’t feel like going to bed yet, so I turned on the TV and made a cup of tea. I just relaxed on the comfy couch. There were snacks. Someone had bought fresh fruit. It was just nice that I could sit there and have something healthy. I’d spend the entire day with my mom, then I’d go back to the Hackerman-Patz house to have a cup of coffee or sleep—just go back and forth. And I was able to do laundry. I packed so quickly, I basically had the outfit I came in and a couple days of clothing. Thank God, my mother recovered and after a couple of months in rehab was well enough to go home. But while she was in the hospital, the Hackerman-Patz House just made it so easy for me to be there for her.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogReceiving a cancer diagnosis can be devastating and overwhelming. When you think of treatment types, you may think chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. There is another treatment option that may not be on your radar: immunotherapy. What is Immunotherapy? Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, is treatment that uses your immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy works by stimulating your immune system’s natural defenses, or by using substances to restore or improve the immune system. How is Immunotherapy given? Immunotherapy can be delivered through IV, injection or orally. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, immunotherapy can be your only form of treatment. This therapy is also combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. It may also be used as maintenance therapy following chemotherapy. What Does Immunotherapy Treat? Immunotherapy treats different types of cancers, including: bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal (colon) cancer, head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer, skin cancer and lymphoma. How Long Has Immunotherapy Been Around? The FDA approved the first cancer immunotherapy in 1990. Since then, several immunotherapy drugs have received FDA approval. What is Immunomemory? When you receive immunotherapy, your immune system learns to go after cancer cells if they return. This is called immunomemory, and it could help people stay cancer-free for a longer period of time. Where Can I Receive Immunotherapy? Talk to your oncologist about which treatment options are right for you. Immunotherapy is available at many hospitals in Maryland, including Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC). You can contact the team at the LHAAMC Infusion Center at 443-481-5740 to find out if immunotherapy could be right for you. Authors Imad Tabbara, MD, FACP, has more than three decades of clinical experience with cancer patients, and holds board certifications in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He leads the LHAAMC Hematology and Medical Oncology program. Learn more at LuminisHealth.org/cancercare.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJohnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine is the third vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And, many consider it to be the gamechanger the country needs to streamline its mass vaccination efforts. Here are important things to know about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: It protects against severe disease and death Research shows the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prevents 85% of severe disease. The vaccine prevented severe illness even in areas of the world where concerning variants circulate. Plus, the vaccine was 100% effective in clinical trials at preventing deaths. It’s natural to want to compare the effectiveness of Johnson & Johnson to the other COVID-19 vaccines. But it’s not that easy. Testing happened during a more complicated phase of the pandemic, after more variants emerged. And, it was tested in different areas of the world for effectiveness. Preventing severe disease, hospitalizations and death are what we most need in a vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine provides this protection. Side effects and exclusions are similar to other vaccines Common side effects include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea that last a day or two after vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for those 18 and over. It’s not recommended if you’ve had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine. Essentially, the guidance is similar to other COVID-19 vaccines. It shows promise for protecting against asymptomatic spread According to the FDA, there’s evidence the vaccine may protect against asymptomatic infections. This means it can reduce the risk of a vaccinated person unknowingly passing along the virus to others. This has been a key question about vaccines throughout the pandemic. It was developed by Jannsen Jannsen is the pharmaceutical arm of Johnson and Johnson. Even though the media refers to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you may see references in other places to the Jannsen vaccine. For instance, your vaccination card may say Jannsen instead of Johnson & Johnson. It’s easier to use and store The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires a single dose instead of two. And, it’s stored in a regular refrigerator instead of extreme temperatures. It’s a much-needed tool in our immunization toolbox because of its ease of use. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine should help our country, and the world, more easily vaccinate the most vulnerable in our population. These are the places where specialized refrigeration and the ability to follow up for a second dose are not practical. And, it should help streamline our mass vaccination efforts. Remember, it will take time to vaccinate everyone against COVID-19. We must keep adhering to tried and tested measures that keep each and all of us safe. This means we must continue to follow the 3Ws – Wear your mask, Wash your hands and Watch your distance.0
- Community, Giving, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFour years ago, local photographer and Davidsonville resident Linda McCarthy began applying her talents to benefit her community. As a 20-year veteran photographer specializing in weddings and family portraits, Linda often found herself taking great photos of babies, and thought they would make a wonderful local calendar. But she wanted this to be more than a calendar – she wanted this project to have a positive impact on her community. Thus the Angel Calendar was born. Partnering with the AAMC Labor and Delivery Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Linda met dozens of families that had beautiful babies, some of whom had survived and thrived thanks specifically to the care and dedication of the NICU team. “As I would take photos of these adorable babies, I would hear the most wonderful stories about the family’s experience at AAMC’s NICU and their sincere appreciation of the care their babies had received,” explains Linda. “It gave me such joy to know I was creating a way for these families to say thank you to people who had played such an important role in their lives.” Since 2009, Linda’s Angel Calendar has raised more than $70,000 to support care for NICU babies at AAMC. “The Angel Calendars have brought a special magic to our NICU with a miracle worker leading the charge,” praises NICU Clinical Director Carol Lacher. “Thanks to the efforts and generosity of Linda and Visual Concepts Photography, we purchased much needed special emergency carts, chairs for family members to sit in while staying in the room with their baby, and special the room lighting for medical treatments.” “I have always believed in giving back to the community,” explains Linda. “What can be better than knowing you are helping someone who truly needs it!” To learn more about the Angel Calendar project, go to Visual Concepts.0
- Cancer Care, Men's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat started as a casual conversation in a hospital waiting room ended up as a meaningful friendship and vital source of encouragement and support. John and Matt immediately bonded when they found out they were both at Anne Arundel Medical Center for prostate cancer treatment. As they continued to see each other at treatment appointments, the bond strengthened. Each man helped the other through treatment, and today they are both survivors. “Just to be able to talk to him in the morning time would chill me out and stop me from worrying about things,” says Matt. As for others going through cancer treatment, Matt has some advice. “Don’t be silent and sit in a corner. If there are people in there going through treatment, whatever it is, try to latch onto somebody because it’s going to help you.” For John and Matt, forming a friendship helped take their minds off cancer and keep calm during times of uncertainty. They both agree that while family members can be a great source of support, there’s a deeper level of understanding among fellow men going through similar treatment. “It was really encouraging to see each other,” says John. “You kind of feed off of that,” adds Matt. Learn more about prostate cancer treatment0
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