- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDuring this month – National Cancer Survivors Month – we will share a series of blog posts from our own cancer survivors. Each cancer journey is unique. At Luminis Health, we want to shine a light on these journeys from the perspective of our own patients. That’s why we’ve started this new series – bringing hope and comfort to those who have been touched by cancer. Chris D’Andrea’s Story: In 2018, I started having severe reactions to mosquito bites. My primary care physician in Virginia Beach did some blood work, and I had consultations with an allergist and dermatologist, but everything came back normal. In the summer of 2019, I began having other symptoms including night sweats. My doctor ran additional tests and performed a lymph node biopsy. These tests confirmed my worst nightmare: I had cancer. I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, specifically mantle cell lymphoma. It was a huge curveball. The kind of cancer I have only affects 4,000 people per year in the U.S. and the average age is 65. I was 49 when I was diagnosed. I definitely went through the “why me?” phase. But as my journey progressed—and cancer is a journey—I started telling myself, “why not me?” I wouldn’t want it to be any of my family members or friends. I started chemotherapy in the fall of 2019 at George Washington University Cancer Center (GWUCC) and had great response to treatment. In January 2020, I began maintenance therapy with Dr. Tabbara, who was then at GWUCC, in preparation for an autologous stem cell transplant. Nurse Kathy Zimmerman, Dr. Tabbara’s hematology/oncology transplant coordinator, has been amazing and my touchpoint since I began treatment. She always kept the process moving forward, be it navigating insurance approvals or answering my numerous questions. Nurse Manager Emily Zerges from the oncology/transplant ward has also been fantastic making my hospital stays as comfortable as possible and addressing any of my treatment concerns. Unfortunately, my lymphoma returned before my stem cell transplant, so I began an oral treatment regimen. Mantel cell lymphoma can become resistant to treatments that previously worked, so it’s important to have a team that understands the nuances of the disease and the numerous treatment options. I had my transplant last October and was doing very well initially but, unfortunately, I’ll need to have a second one later this year. For that one, my son will be the donor. But the crazy thing was that in the middle of all this, Dr. Tabbara, Kathy, and Emily told me they were transferring to Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. It was a punch in the gut to hear they were leaving, because I had been through so much with them on this journey and they were just such a great team. But since my wife, who was active duty military at the time, was stationed in Washington, D.C., I decided to continue my care with Dr. Tabbara and his team. So I said, “tell us when you’re going, I’ll make sure insurance covers it, and I’ll go.” So now, I travel from Virginia Beach to Annapolis for treatment. Our insurance has been great; it even covers travel for medical appointments. My wife has also been amazing, coming with me to all my appointments, staying by my side at the hospital during treatment and documenting my journey so we can ask the right questions. She has been my rock and source of strength. I also have great support from friends and a strong prayer chain. I couldn’t do it alone. Like I said, cancer is a journey. You meet great people along the way, whom you would never have known if you’d just passed them on the street—but because of the way fate and God work, we met. We consider the doctors and nurses to be friends of the family now. They see people at their worst and they’re always there, redesigning treatment plans and supporting you along the way. There is no cure for my disease, but my doctors are very confident we’ll get it into remission for a long time. And when your doctors feel that way, it’s helpful—it gives you hope as a patient. Each day you can wake up and see the sunshine is a good day.
- Men's Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBetween work, family and personal priorities, a man’s health can sometimes take a back seat as the years go by. But it’s important to stay in charge of making smart lifestyle choices as you get older so you can achieve, preserve and truly enjoy a healthier quality of life. Make Small Changes: They Add Up The leading cause of death for men in the U.S. is heart disease, and about half of the men who died suddenly from coronary heart disease had no symptoms before it happened. The top heart disease risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are medical and lifestyle factors such as: Diabetes Excessive alcohol use Hypertension Obesity Physical inactivity Unhealthy diet These factors can also impact your risk for other health conditions like stroke, certain cancers and more. Fortunately, you can take steps to keep your body healthy with the everyday choices you make. Eat those greens. Making the choice to fuel yourself mainly with wholesome foods, and avoiding sugar and salt, will affect how you feel and reduce your long-term health risks. On an everyday basis, try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and switch up your sources of protein. Keep it moving. Getting enough exercise is important. The CDC recommends for 20 minutes per day, but even small amounts of physical activity count, especially any activity you like that makes you sweat. Healthy habit shifts like taking the stairs, choosing to park at the bottom of the hill, or knocking out some pushups while you wait for the microwave might help you keep up an active mindset and lifestyle! Watch what’s in your cup. Choosing water over soda is an easy way to cut down on excess sugar. If you drink alcohol, curbing your intake can have positive effects on a variety of health conditions. Make sure you keep tabs on exactly how much alcohol you consume on a weekly basis. Get to Know Your Doc It can be all too easy to avoid getting a checkup at the doctor’s office, especially if you’re feeling healthy. But some diseases don’t show symptoms at first. Seeing a healthcare provider regularly and making tune ups when needed can help you prevent or treat conditions before they get significantly worse. Talk to your doctor about your blood pressure and cholesterol. Ask if there are any conditions you should be screened for, such as diabetes, or colon cancer if you’re over 50. It’s not always convenient, but taking these steps is within your control. Take Care of Your Mental Health Just like you check in with your doctor, don’t forget to check in with your mental health. Stress can affect your lifestyle choices and your body’s immune system. Men and women experience the same types of mental health conditions, but men may not show the same warning signs as women. If you’re feeling differently lately, don’t ignore your symptoms. You can work to reduce your stress level or find good-for-you ways to manage your stress. Time for a Change? It’s never too late to take charge of your health. If you need to make swaps in your food options, move your body more or get rid of a habit that’s not helping you, every day is a new chance to start. What might be uncomfortable at first will soon feel more familiar. And keep it up—your health is worth it. Author David Press, MD, is associate chief medical officer at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- Pregnancy & Birth, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogYou’re pregnant – congratulations! Whether it’s your first baby or you’re adding a brother or sister to the family, having a safe, healthy and positive labor experience is what every family wants. One option for many women and their partners is to include a doula as part of their care team. A doula is a trained, non-medical, professional who nurtures, supports and offers guidance for families throughout labor and delivery, and after the birth. Doulas offer a wide range of services, including help with breastfeeding as well as postpartum care. Studies show a doula’s continuous labor support benefits mom and baby in many ways. It can often mean: • A more satisfying birth experience• Less need for pain medications• Less likelihood of needing a cesarean delivery• Shorter labor Finding the right person to be part of one of the most important events of your life may feel overwhelming. So, where do you start and how should you choose? Here are six tips to guide you in your search. Start looking early in your pregnancy It’s good to begin the process of finding a doula at your fourth to fifth month of pregnancy. Finding someone who’s the right fit may take more time than you think. Doulas work on-call, so they have a limit on how many clients they can serve at one time. Choosing a doula early in your pregnancy will give you time to get to know each other and get comfortable with your birth plan. Talk to other families As with most things, word-of-mouth referrals are gold. Talking with friends who have used a doula about their experience can help you start and even narrow your search. Technology – Facebook groups, a Google search for other online groups and forums – can connect you with other moms in your area. Keep in mind that everyone’s experience can be different. A good match for someone else may not be a good match for you, and vice-versa. Talk with the provider who’s caring for you during your pregnancy You’ll need to let your doctor or midwife know you’re planning on having a doula as part of your labor and delivery team. And if your provider has worked with a doula in the past, they may be able to offer a recommendation. The hospital’s lactation consultants and childbirth educators are also good resources. Check with doula certification programs Most doulas will have completed a certification program and are continually participating in education to increase their knowledge. These programs offer national, and even global, online directories of certified doulas that you can search by location. Some well-known programs include: • Birthing From Within• Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)• DONA International• DoulaMatch.net• International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) Interview potential doulas Spending face-to-face time with the person who will be part of your baby’s birth is a must. You not only want to gather important information about them and their background, but you also need to get a feel for whether your personalities are a good fit.Prepare for the interview by thinking about why you want a doula and what you them to do for you. Spend time on the doulas’ websites. DONA International recommends asking potential doulas about: • Availability• Certification status• Experience• Fees• Services offered• Training Trust your gut When you choose someone to provide any service, there’s no doubt experience and technical skills are must-haves. But soft skills, such as communication, empathy and teamwork, come into play too. Pay attention to how you connect with and feel when you’re with them. No one knows you and what you need better than you do. Listen to and follow your instincts. Learn more Sara Shaffer is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAll this month – National Cancer Survivor Month – we are sharing stories from our own cancer survivors. Each cancer journey is unique. At Luminis Health, we want to shine a light on these journeys from the perspective of our own patients. That’s why we’ve started this new series – bringing hope and comfort to those who have been touched by cancer. Jeannie Barzanti’s story I am a registered nurse and started working at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) about 18 months ago, as a clinical supervisor in surgery. The organization’s reputation in health care proceeds them, and I had very intentionally wanted to be a part of it. Everything was going great, but as life would have it, on September 17, 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on a routine mammogram. Then came the ultrasound, and the biopsy, which showed invasive ductal carcinoma. My sister is a 10-year survivor of breast cancer, so I knew something about what the process could be like, and I also knew that it was very possible to survive it. Still, nothing prepares you to hear that you have cancer—it’s terrifying. My eldest daughter had just gotten married, my younger daughter was almost through graduate school, and there was so much going through my mind, about the future and all the unknowns. It was extremely hard to tell my daughters and my husband that I had cancer. But the treatment at Luminis Health is first rate—as an employee I knew that, but I experienced it in a different way as a patient. My case went to the Tumor Board, a multidisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, radiologists, pathologists, genetics counselors, social workers, and nutritionists who review each patient’s diagnosis and design a game plan. They all agreed that I would have chemotherapy first, then surgery, then radiation. Along the way, I had an amazing support system outside the hospital which included my daughters, my husband, my sister and friends in the community. But the support inside the hospital was just as important. I first met with my doctor, Dr. Lorraine Tafra, at the Breast Center to outline my treatment. I then met with Nurse Navigator Alyson Figlioli, who made appointments for me, provided a detailed plan with my specific diagnosis, made sure I saw all the right clinical staff including my medical oncologist, Dr. Young Lee, and radiation oncologist, Dr. Mary Young. Alyson ensured I completed all of the required testing. She really held my hand and led me through the process. She calmed my fears and helped me understand the overwhelming process I was about to undertake. All of the staff made me feel so supported. I found it very comforting to be in my “own house” during this time, to work at the same place where I received treatment. Though I’d take several days off after chemotherapy, I kept working throughout my treatment. I needed a total of six rounds, three weeks apart. I found that toward the end it gets harder to bounce back, and you need more support. In LHAAMC’s infusion center waiting room, there is a bell hanging on the wall to celebrate patients completing chemo. When I finished my last dose of chemo, my husband and daughter joined me for this celebratory “ringing of the bell.” But before I rang this bell, the infusion center staff sang a “no more chemo” song. Such a simple celebration meant the world to me! Tears were streaming down my face as I realized that the worse part was over, and I was going to be OK. After chemo, I had surgery and then radiation, and my incredible care continued. Dr. Tafra and the operating room (OR) staff were amazing and listened to all of my fears. Since I work in the OR, I knew I was in great hands. The radiation staff, which included Dr. Mary Young and technicians Vicki, Leah, and Michelle, were also exceptional. They treated me like I was the only patient they had for the day. They were so very compassionate and efficient. I finished my radiation treatments in the middle of April 2021 and, today, I’m officially cancer-free. When I was first diagnosed, I had told my husband that I didn’t want breast cancer stuff—no pink survivor sweatshirts or ribbons. But then I got knee-deep in chemo, and I started feeling differently. I realized we are all warriors. And the staff at Luminis Health were right there by my side, fighting with me the whole way.
- Pediatrics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAfter a year of lockdown, quarantine and social distancing, you’ve never been more ready to take advantage of the long summer days. We get it. But before you grab your grilling apron, beach towel or hiking boots, it’s important to know that with many outdoor activities and beloved holiday traditions comes a spike in accidents and injuries. In fact, every year emergency departments across the country prepare for an annual surge in visits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 130 million emergency room visits in 2018, with a third of them happening during the summer months. Learn more about what calls for a Band-Aid and a Popsicle — but also when emergency medical care is needed. Bites The more time you spend outside, the more susceptible you are to bites from beasts and bugs of all shapes and sizes. Dog bites A dog bite may need stitches if it’s deep. Consider seeking medical advice if it begins to show these signs of infection, even after washing it regularly: Redness Swelling Warmth Whitish-yellow discharge Insect bites For some people, insect bites and stings can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. Watch for symptoms, such as: Difficulty breathing Dizziness Swelling of the face Nausea Hives Diarrhea, stomach cramps Broken bones and sprains Whether you’re on the bike trail, trampoline or ballfield, there are endless ways to take a fall that results in a nasty twist or break. Get to your local emergency department if you: Are unable to move fingers with an arm injury or toes with a leg injury Experience heavy bleeding Have bone pushing through your skin or a visually out-of-place or misshapen limb Burns Grills, fire pits, campfires and, no surprise, fireworks are all hot spots for summertime burns. Any activity that involves fire or extreme heat in any form requires vigilance, distance and extreme caution.Serious burns, burns to your eyes, mouth and hands, or burns that cover a large area, need emergency care. A few important notes before you head there: Do not remove clothing stuck to burned skin Do not put anything on the burn Keep burned areas elevated until you get to the emergency department to reduce swelling Sunburn Some sunburns can be severe (often referred to as “sun poisoning”). Watch for these symptoms: Dehydration Chills Confusion Headache High fever Nausea Severe pain Cuts Running barefoot? Chopping a salad or summer fruits? A deep cut can happen in an instant. A wound likely needs a stitch or two if it’s: Bleeding enough to soak through bandages, even after applying direct pressure for five to 10 minutes Filled with debris like glass or gravel More than a half an inch long Ragged (rather than what looks like a clean cut) Other wounds — such as animal or human bites or wounds with a dirty, rusty or pointed object — that go deep into the skin may not need stitches but could require other treatments such as a tetanus booster shot. Falls While most falls don’t land you in the emergency department, they can leave you with more than a goose egg. Be on the lookout for head injuries that may not be visible. Go to the emergency department if you see signs, such as: Balance problems Confusion, disorientation Loss of consciousness Nausea or vomiting Seizure Food poisoning Heat can wreak havoc on picnic food favorites. If cold foods aren’t kept cold and hot foods hot, dangerous bacteria invite themselves to things like potato salad and burgers. Signs of food poisoning can show up within hours of eating contaminated foods and will likely include: Abdominal pain and cramps Fever Nausea Vomiting Watery or bloody diarrhea If you are having severe or prolonged symptoms, it’s time to go to the emergency department. When to forget about finding your keys and call an ambulance Every second counts with certain injuries or conditions. Call an ambulance if you or a loved one experience: When to forget about finding your keys and call an ambulanceEvery second counts with certain injuries or conditions. Call an ambulance if you or a loved one experience: Chest pain Difficulty breathing Slurred speech Spinal injuries, such as from diving or jumping in water Swelling of the tongue or face from an allergic reaction Stroke symptoms, such as any new numbness or tingling Having trained medical personnel come to you can make a lifesaving difference. Don’t forget to look for the closest emergency department in your community and have the address handy. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center 8118 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD 20706 Author Amber Marshall, MD is Assistant Medical Director of LHDCMC’s Adult Emergency Department Author Michael Remoll, MD is Medical Director of LHAAMC’s Adult Emergency Department
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