- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt had been thirty-six years since Sunny Janin quit smoking, and while asthma had been a problem for her, she had not expected the lung cancer that snuck up on her. At 66, the Stevensville resident had been seeing her doctor for follow-up after knee surgery at AAMC. She had lost weight, and was fatigued and having night sweats. The doctor ran some tests to see what was going on. Because of her history, CT scans revealed a few spots on her lungs that a bronchoscopy and biopsy had missed. She was immediately placed in the lung screening program where she was closely monitored with CT scans every three months. Her original fatigue and night sweats were unrelated to any lung problem, and they quickly passed. She assumed her health was fine. For a year-and-a-half her CT scans remained the same. Then, doctors saw a change in her lungs between one scan and the next. It was stage one lung cancer. “Within three weeks, I was in surgery,” Sunny said. “It was caught so early I didn’t need any other treatment with radiation or chemo.” Her thoracic surgeon Stephen Cattaneo, MD, said regular lung screening with CT for high risk patients like Sunny has been proven to save lives because it can catch the cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. “Most lung cancers aren’t found until they’re fairly wide spread within the chest or until they’re metastatic,” he said. “I didn’t have any symptoms. But AAMC is very aggressive about early detection. That was the key for me,” explains Sunny. Now, at age 70, she continues to practice yoga and care for her husband. “I have a full life,” she says, enjoying her grand children, proctoring for the community college, and until recently, serving as a tour guide at the Naval Academy. “It was that early detection that was key for me.”
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is proud to announce it has received our tenth consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for providing patients with exceptional, safe care. According to Leapfrog, the non-profit hospital in Annapolis is one of 152 hospitals nationwide, and the only one in Maryland, to maintain a consistent ‘A’ rating for every grading period since 2018. In response to this outstanding accomplishment, LHAAMC President Sherry Perkins expressed deep gratitude to the entire team. “Exceptional quality and safety are only achieved through the knowledge and caring of our teams in every role – our physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers. We work around the clock to earn the trust of patients, families and all members of our community for their care. To receive an ‘A’ grade for patient safety consistently is a testament to our team and the community partnerships we treasure. Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that drive quality, safety and accountability in all aspects of our operations. Our commitment to patient safety is ingrained in our organizational culture, evident through our regular safety meetings, patient rounds, educational initiatives for clinical staff, and the invaluable insights we gain directly from our patients. We maintain close collaboration with our health system’s Patient Family Advisors, a collective of both staff and community members, who work together to voice concerns and propose solutions. The Leapfrog Group is a nationally renowned organization dedicated to assessing and improving healthcare quality and patient safety. Its Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of medical errors. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually in the fall and spring.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen discussing women’s cancers, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers often come to mind. However, lung cancer claims more lives among women in the United States than the combined mortality of these three. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to learn more about how to prevent lung cancer, as well as the symptoms that can be associated with it. Risk factors and prevention Over the past 20 years, lung cancer rates have increased in women. The exact reasons are unclear, but there are several possible explanations including hormones or increased exposure to secondhand smoke. Genetics also likely plays a role. Most lung cancer risk factors are environmental, such as smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to cancer-causing substances in the air and prior radiation treatment. A family history of lung cancer also puts you at higher risk of developing it. Doing your best to avoid environmental risk factors helps lower your risk of getting lung cancer: Don’t smoke; smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. To speak with a tobacco treatment specialist about quitting tobacco, please call 443-481-5366. Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid radon exposure in your home. Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil and water. Radon can get into homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and build up in the air. You can order radon testing kits here. Avoid exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in many products including insulation and construction materials; its fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Symptoms, screening and treatment Unusual fatigue, weight loss, a persistent cough and/or coughing up blood, shortness of breath and wheezing are all symptoms of lung cancer. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor right away and don’t hesitate to request a screening. Our experts recommend annual lung cancer screening starting at the age of 50-years-old for those who currently smoke, or have quit in the past 15 years. As with all cancers, earlier detection of lung cancer improves outcomes. Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and IV treatments such as chemotherapy. There are also some patients who might be eligible for oral pills that can target the cancer specifically. Different treatments are sometimes used together, with a treatment plan tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. In Conclusion The rise in lung cancer in women is concerning and more research is needed. Both men and women should talk to their doctor if they have any questions regarding lung cancer prevention or to see if they qualify for a lung cancer screening imaging test. Authors Feras Abdul Khalek, MD is an experienced medical oncologist at Luminis Health. He is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He is also an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer.
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTanja Syre-Goodman of Annapolis, Maryland, was taken aback when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. She had kept up with her yearly mammograms and no one in her family had experienced breast cancer. She scheduled an appointment with Dr. Rubie Jackson, a breast surgeon at the Luminis Health Breast Center. “It was a fantastic experience,” Syre-Goodman said about her appointment. Dr. Jackson discussed various treatment options with her, and together they decided on a one-sided nipple-sparing mastectomy. ”I was so pleased that Tanja had the option to keep her nipple. A nipple-sparing mastectomy allows a woman to keep all of the skin of her own breast, including her nipple and areola, while the internal breast tissue is removed,” Dr. Jackson explains. “The result is that the reconstructed breast has the most natural appearance possible. Women who have to undergo mastectomy usually are more satisfied with the results of their surgery when their nipple can be preserved.” After the treatment plan was established, Syre-Goodman found herself counting down the days to surgery. To pass the time, she played golf and went boating to distract herself. The surgery, which also involved reconstruction by the Luminis Health Plastic Surgery team, was performed in October 2020. “I know that Dr. Jackson routinely performs these procedures and even instructs others in the field, so I felt I was in really good hands,” Syre-Goodman said. Following the surgery, Dr. Jackson offered a reassuring hug. Three years later, Syre-Goodman has recovered successfully and maintains an active lifestyle through yoga and kayaking. Her advice to others is, “Take each day as it comes. Every day is a gift.”
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs you enjoy colorful leaves and brisk temperatures, take a moment to recognize National Addiction Treatment Week during the third week in October. This annual initiative raises awareness about substance use disorder as a chronic, treatable disease and helps undo the stigma that surrounds it. Substance use changes your brain and your behavior. At Luminis Health, we understand that those impacted by substance use disorder are not in control, and we want to help you take that control back. Risk factors Substance use disorders are treatable medical disorders that affect a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control their use of drugs – whether legal or illegal – including alcohol or medications. Substance use disorders can develop from the use of many types of mood/mind-altering substances, with people developing dependencies on alcohol, stimulants, marijuana, opiates and others. Risk factors for developing a substance use disorder can include: Family history of substance use Readily available alcohol or drugs Starting substance use at a young age The presence of an untreated mental health condition Available treatment options It is important to realize you are not alone and there is hope. Many available treatment options are available to meet you or your loved ones needs, such as: Twelve-step support groups and other self-help groups, such as Celebrate Recovery Office-based treatment with a psychiatrist or primary care doctor using medications that are FDA-approved for substance use disorders Outpatient treatment—including intensive outpatient treatment—at substance use disorder treatment programs Inpatient residential treatment centers Recovery residences to help promote long-term change Resources It can sometimes be difficult to know where to begin your path to recovery. Here are some trusted organizations: Maryland residents can access substance use services by calling 211 and pressing 1, by visiting https://211md.org or by texting 898-211 and entering your zip code. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, free 24-hour hotline for individuals or family members facing mental or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations. You can also visit SAMHSA’s online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Closer to home, Luminis Health Pathways offers care for individuals that need support with managing addiction and substance use. Support for loved ones If you have a loved one who is struggling with a substance use disorder, you must take proactive steps to help them on their journey to stay sober and drug-free. Here are some suggestions: Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with your loved one, expressing your concern and support. Encourage them to seek professional help, such as a therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist, who can provide the necessary guidance and treatment options. Find a support group. Al-Anon and Alateen can be very helpful in learning how to take care of yourself while also discovering how to appropriately support your loved one with a substance use disorder. Consider a therapy-based education program for families. Luminis Health offers family wellness workshops. Call (443) 481-5449 for upcoming dates and more information. Be patient and understanding, as recovery can be challenging and an ongoing process. There’s always hope “I have seen many more substance use disorder success stories than failures in my years of practice,” says Dr. Aliya Jones, executive medical director of behavioral health for Luminis Health. “Most people are eventually successful when they are able to use available resources for support and stay engaged in their care.” To learn more about substance use disorder and treatment, please visit here. Author Aliya Jones, MD, is the executive medical director of Behavioral Health for Luminis Health.
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?