- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEthlyn’s story: Ethlyn Carroll of Mechanicsville, Md., underwent several surgeries for gynecological cancer in 2021. After feeling unheard by her physician, Ethlyn decided to contact Dr. Monica Jones, chair of Women’s and Children’s services for Luminis Health. “I sought a second opinion, and I am so glad I did. Dr. Jones and her team welcomed me,” Ethlyn says. Dr. Jones referred Ethlyn to radiation treatment at the DeCesaris Cancer Institute (DCI). Instead of driving one hour each way from her home to DCI, Ethlyn and her husband decided to stay at the Hackerman-Patz House, an affordable accommodation option for LHAAMC patients. “Ms. Cati Revelle [manager of the Hackerman-Patz House] welcomed us with open arms,” Ethlyn says. Before starting radiation treatment, Ethlyn had a simulation done by Radiation Therapist Leah Vinson. “She was so warm and loving. I thought this is the way everyone should be treated,” Ethlyn says. Ethlyn and her husband go home on the weekends and enjoy being active members of their church, including through virtual bible study and Sunday service. Ethlyn is also a writer. She is working on her second book of poetry. Throughout this journey, Ethlyn says God and her husband have been her source of strength. “No one can take care of me like my husband, Gary, can.”0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogZoom has made it easier for us to attend meetings and stay connected, but it may also be contributing to burnout. So, why does Zoom burn us out? A 2021 study observed video conferencing communication increased the cognitive demands of participants. This happens because users have to coordinate the conference call, create the illusion of eye contact and physical presence, read incoming messages, and process the content on the call simultaneously. Here are some practices that can help you prevent fatigue. Ground Yourself Take a moment for you. Try moisturizing your hands, having a snack, filling a water bottle, or taking a breath break before you log into your Zoom meeting. Take Breaks Schedule mini buffers between meetings. Use that time to stretch, take a lap around your house, or do a few desk exercises. It’s Okay to Cancel Advocate for your mental and emotional wellbeing because only you know what you need. Ask if you are a “need to have” or a “nice to have” at the meeting. If you don’t need to be there, it’s okay to ask for notes in lieu of attending. You can also ask someone else to take notes for you, request a recording to watch later, or ask if you can reschedule for another day. Finally, before adding another Zoom to the schedule, ask yourself a few questions: Could this be an email? Could this be a phone call? If you answer yes, it’s okay to suggest or schedule an alternative way to get the work done. Authors Anne Gotimer is manager of WellBeing and Engagement for Luminis Health.0
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEach cancer journey is unique. At Luminis Health, we want to shine a light on these journeys from the perspective of our own patients and staff. That’s why we’ve started this new series – bringing hope and comfort to those who have been touched by cancer. Carol Brumsted’s story: I’ve worked as a registered nurse at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) for 20 years. For the first 14 years, I performed in-patient IV therapy. Then I moved to the outpatient infusion center in the cancer institute where I still work. LHAAMC has grown since I’ve been here, but some things have remained the same — like its commitment to patients and the community. The outpatient infusion center has really grown since I’ve been here. When people come to us for treatment, they’re not coming to see just the surgeon or medical oncologist. They’re also meeting with a social worker, dietician, nurse navigator, oncology rehabilitation specialist, and a financial social worker. We don’t turn anyone away based on what they can afford. Our finance coordinators will do everything they can to help a patient with costs, like working to find less expensive alternatives to medicines or helping patients apply for aid through state or federal programs. A couple of my colleagues are cancer survivors themselves. Several have been caregivers to family members, which gives them an extra connection to their work. I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer two years ago, and he received excellent care here at LHAAMC. Knowing what I know as an oncology nurse, I wouldn’t have had him go anywhere else. LHAAMC has always had a community hospital feel, and even though we’ve grown in scope over the years, I think we still have that feel. My own team and I work with homeless shelters in the area and people in need in the community. We’ve provided lunches, holiday meals and have filled backpacks with school supplies. I also love that we’ve continued to expand community outreach, offering preventive medicine and wellness programs including mental health care. Being there for our patients and community, making sure they’re safe and have consistent, first-rate care, is what it’s all about.0
- Community, Employee Spotlight, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBilled as a “Welcome Back” celebration for the July Fourth Weekend, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley invited healthcare workers to lead the Annapolis parade as part of a citywide “thank you” for helping to get us through the pandemic. A group of healthcare heroes from Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) proudly marched behind a banner celebrating COVID-19 Front Line Workers. “After this most challenging year, it is nice to be honored by the communities we serve,” said Barbara Jacobs, Vice President, Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer for Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “I am proud to walk with all the doctors, nurses, and staff who worked tirelessly to care for patients during the pandemic. They are all incredibly brave and appreciate this recognition. Thank you Mayor Buckley for leading the effort to honor our health care teams.” This comes at a time when COVID numbers have drastically decreased in the last two months. With both state and county positivity rates now under 1%, LHAAMC ended its COVID-19 Incident Command structure July 1, 2021. In the past week, the hospital had fewer than three COVID related hospitalizations. “As someone who has been on the frontlines during the pandemic, it’s a relief to see us heading in the right direction,” said Jean Murray RN MSN CIC, System Director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology. “The COVID vaccine has led us to this moment. I am proud to celebrate America’s Independence and the end of COVID-19 restrictions. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help end this pandemic.” Luminis Health has administered more than 101,500 vaccines in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties. The health system recently received a $2.2 million state grant to expand efforts to bring COVID-19 vaccinations to vulnerable.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
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