- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLife after cancer can be a very exhilarating yet complicated time in someone’s life. From the time you get the diagnosis, you become extremely focused on the fight of your life. Everyone you know rallies around you and it’s an all-out war against this invader. At the end of your journey, God willing, you get the news and results everyone has been working toward and praying for — you’re cancer free. Then, it’s back to everyday life. I call it the “cancer hangover.” My wife compares it to the lead-up and excitement you feel during Christmas time and the feeling you have the day right after. She said the significant other also experiences this culmination of intense emotions, dedication and support. READ MORE about Brian’s story and how he learned that it’s never too early to take care of your health. Throughout my journey with colon cancer, I kept a journal of sorts with notes in my phone. I find it inspiring to go back and read what I thought in that moment. My notes read: Don’t wait until you are faced with your own mortality to be the son, husband, father, friend, neighbor and person you can be. Live life. Allow yourself to love, strive and achieve. Find patience and peace in life’s challenges. Accept your defeats and learn from your mistakes. Appreciate life’s victories, no matter how small, and be your own biggest fan and critic. Be patient and know that others are going through daily challenges as well. Don’t be afraid of self-analysis and to be critical of yourself. But make sure you also appreciate the positives and come up with a plan for improvement. Find what inspires you, absorb its strength and allow it to usher you forward. You can be a hero starting now. Your actions create the costume. Finding inspiration is easy. It’s remaining inspired that is the true test. Only coming from the lion’s mouth can we learn to roar. A day’s challenge is only as challenging as we make it. A worry will drag you down, confronting it will rise you up. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, in an honest first-hand opinion, what you can do to be the person you know you can be. We grow stronger in the face of adversity, wiser in the wake of mistakes and kinder with hearts open. The better ‘you’ is around the corner, the same one you have been around before. I am one of the lucky ones. After a shocking diagnosis, I was able to complete my cancer treatment plan and am happy to say I continue to be a cancer survivor. It took a lot of patience, a lot of faith, a lot of support and a comprehensive plan from the doctors to be where I am today. Listen to your body and seek help if something isn’t right. We all have our own challenges in life, it’s important to work your way through each battle in order to win the war. Take things one step at a time and prepare yourself to succeed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story so others may be able to learn from my experiences and know that they can overcome what lies ahead. If you’re 50+ this year, pledge to have your colonoscopy. Learn more at askAAMC.org/Milestone50. Author Brian Page, from Annapolis, is a father of two and a 41-year-old colon cancer survivor. Originally published March 11, 2019. Last updated March 2, 2020.0
- Super Specialty ParentWhen you need surgery, you don't have to travel far. Get expert, compassionate care close to home from surgeons who are leaders in their field. Why Choose Luminis Health for Surgery With expertise in a wide variety of surgeries, from emergency appendectomies to elective weight-loss procedures, the surgeons at Luminis Health provide the kind of healing that saves lives. We're known for: Comprehensive care across specialties. Because we have so many experts under one roof, we can handle complex conditions with ease. Your health care team will coordinate across departments so that you have seamless care. Technologically advanced procedures. We're leaders in using minimally invasive robotic techniques whenever possible, which can reduce the amount of time you spend in surgery and recovery. Innovative pain management strategies. We stay up to date on all the latest advances in pain management so that your surgical experience is as comfortable as possible, and you can focus on healing. A respected reputation. You may think you need to travel to a major city to get the best care, but this is not the case. Our surgeons at Luminis Health are internationally recognized for their research and innovations. Surgical specialties & services we offer0
- Physical TherapyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDid you know that April is Occupational Therapy month? As described by the American Occupational Therapy Association, “Occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.” Stroke, brain injury and other neurological conditions can be life changing. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to help them discover the possibilities of a brighter future. Therapists identify how their patients can complete activities in a safe, effective way, which helps them improve their independence. Occupational therapy addresses the actions that occupy your time. For example, returning to work or school, driving, getting dressing, bathing and grooming. Through skilled evaluation, they identify barriers such as sensation, strength, cognition, and visual impairments. Our OT teams help patient’s meet their goals. They provide education on adaptive equipment to improve independence with a task, recommend tools to support and protect and provide strategies for safely getting around your community. Our occupational therapists look at the whole person. They work as part of a neurorehabilitation team that may include physical therapists and speech language pathologists along with your physician. During your first visit with an OT, we collaborate with you and your family members or caregivers, identify your goals, and create a treatment plan to meet your specific goals. For more information on occupational therapy and to request an appointment, visit AAMGPhysicalTherapy.com. Author Kaitlyn Schwartz, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist, specializing in neurorehabilitation, with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy. To reach her office, call 443-481-1140. Originally published April 14, 2017. Last updated April 29, 2021.0
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSummer is here, and for many families, that means it’s time for a vacation. But with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, traveling now comes with new risks. Taking the right safety precautions is more important now than ever before. If you’re planning a trip this summer, here is what to keep in mind. Outdoors are safer than indoors Many beaches, parks and other outdoor spaces have reopened, usually with restrictions. If you’re looking to get away for a few days, consider taking a camping or hiking trip. Spending time outdoors is also great for your mental and physical wellbeing. Just remember, if you’re traveling to a popular tourist spot, it may be hard to observe physical distancing guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay six feet away from others who are not in your household. Before you book your vacation, think about how crowded it’s likely to be. You might want to seek out locations that are off the beaten path instead. Or think about visiting during less popular hours and choosing activities that will take you away from crowds. For example, rent a kayak or paddleboard instead of playing mini-golf. Take a road trip Driving your own car is the safest way to travel right now. Pack a cooler full of snacks and drinks so you don’t have to stop for food. Make sure to have hand sanitizer and face masks with you for when you do have to stop. If you use cloth masks, bring extras with you in case you aren’t able to wash them every day. A good rule of thumb is to have a mask for every day that you are away. This summer, think about traveling to see relatives and staying at their houses instead of a hotel or resort. If you have family members who are high risk, such as older family members or family members with pre-existing conditions, we recommend quarantining for a week before you travel to see them. If you do have to fly, try to book a flight that’s early in the morning or late at night, when fewer people are flying. Wear a mask any time you are in the airport, even if you are in an area with relaxed restrictions, and while on the plane. Bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle or a thermos that you can fill up at the airport, and wipes so you can clean off your seat on the plane. If COVID-19 is spreading in your area, or in the area that you plan to visit, consider postponing your trip. And if you are sick, don’t travel. Consider “staycations” and day trips The safest way to enjoy your summer is still by staying at home. But if you want to get out of your house, now is the time to plan some fun day trips. This way, you are still beginning and ending the day in your own home. If you have kids, it’s time to get creative! Rather than visiting public pools, set up a sprinkler in your yard for your little ones. Arrange play dates that are outside. The same thing goes for adults. Host gathering with friends outside instead of inside. We know that after several months of stay-at-home orders, everyone wants a change of scenery and a return to normal life. But remember, we must do our part to protect others and ourselves and slow the spread of COVID-19. Authors Michael Remoll, MD, is the director of emergency services at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Stefanie Osterloh, CRNP, is a nurse practitioner at Doctors Community Practices at Crofton.0
- SpecialtyGynecologic Cancer Surgery When you are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, surgery may be part of your treatment. While that news may be difficult to hear, rest assured that you are in good hands with the gynecologic oncologist team at Luminis Health. They understand you have worries about facing surgery. Your surgical team will explain every aspect of your procedure — and your follow-up treatment — offering expert care and concern every step of the way. What Is Gynecologic Cancer Surgery? Gynecologic cancer surgery involves a woman's reproductive organs. It usually means removal of a tumor or tumors. It may also include removing organs such as the ovaries, cervix, or uterus. Sometimes surgical treatment is combined with other forms of cancer care, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Here are some of the conditions our gynecologic oncologists treat. Endometrial cancer Cervical cancer Uterine cancer Ovarian cancer Vaginal cancer Vulvar cancer Fibroid tumors Endometriosis Pelvic masses, Why Choose Luminis Health for Gynecologic Cancer Surgery? You can trust the team at Luminis Health to treat not only your cancer, but to care for you as a whole person. The Luminis Health gynecologic oncologists are each board-certified national experts in their field — but beyond that, they offer truly compassionate care to those they treat. Here are some other reasons to choose Luminis Health for gynecologic cancer surgery. Our gynecologic oncologists have a wealth of experience. Our physicians have received numerous awards throughout their careers for their achievements in gynecologic oncology. They maintain the highest ratings from patients for their expert and compassionate care. You can have your surgery close to home. You don't have the added stress of driving in city traffic or trying to find parking. We offer expert care in a familiar setting. We're here for your whole journey. You won't just see us for surgery. Our gynecologic oncologists oversee your entire treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, other recommended therapies and clinical trials. We care for the whole person, not just the cancer. Our gynecologic oncologists provide consultations for risk reduction, gynecologic cancer care, complex gynecologic and pelvic surgery as well as survivorship. We work closely with other specialists from a range of disciplines, including radiation and medical oncology, genetics, nutrition, social work, palliative care, acupuncture, and other supporting services. We specialize in minimally invasive surgery. Our gynecologic oncologists use robotic minimally invasive surgery when appropriate to provide precise surgical outcomes with smaller incisions and a more rapid recovery. We work closely with breast cancer specialists. Breast care often relates to gynecology and treatment of the reproductive organs. Our concern is for each woman's overall health. We offer a range of fertility preserving options . With gynecologic cancer comes the fear of losing your ability to have children. We understand those concerns, and have a number of options available to help keep a family in your future. Enhanced recovery after surgery . Our gynecologic oncology team has implemented the "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery" program to allow for a more rapid recovery and transition to normal activities soon after surgery.0
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