News from The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders

March 2011

Supporting our patients!

President
Medical Oncologist

At The Center, we strongly believe that supporting our patients and their loved ones with emotional and spiritual encouragement is just as important as providing excellent cancer treatment.

We are very proud to announce another uniquely patient-focused cancer treatment program: The Careity Breast Center, inside The Center at Huguley Memorial Medical Center. The new site offers a "we're in this together" approach to caring for breast cancer patients and was featured on CBS 11 television. To reduce fear and confusion, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients will meet with their surgeon, a physician specializing in medical oncology, a physician specializing in radiation oncology, and a cancer navigator at a single appointment prior to beginning treatment. (read more)

In a different effort to support cancer survivors, The Center has a long history of donating to cancer-related community events. This year we will pay the registration fee for the Komen Race for the Cure for any patient of The Center (at any location) and for all employees. The race is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, at Ridgmar Mall in west Fort Worth. (read more)

Finally, I encourage you to take time to look through messages of support offered by other cancer survivors who received treatment at The Center, in our book: Inspirational Stories of Humor, Courage and Strength. It is now available on our website. The pages even turn-just like a real book!

As always, thank you for choosing The Center for your cancer treatment. We want to provide you with the same loving support we would a cherished family member.

Our focus remains on healing lives and advancing care.

Sylvia's Story of Hope

By Terry Purdom, Editor and Cancer Survivor

I invite you to share your stories of Hope Elevated, as we continue the cancer journey together. Send stories to sassante@txcc.com for possible inclusion in this column.

I have weathered many storms in my life. My husband and I came to Fort Worth in 2005 after hurricane Katrina washed away our home and everything else God gave us. We were hoping that things would calm down after that, but it didn't work out that way.

I was watching television in our new home when I felt a knot in my breast. I knew what it was because I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and had a mastectomy on my right breast. We were so new to the area; I had no idea where to go. I called a friend of mine from Louisiana who has relatives that work with cancer patients. She gave me Dr. Robyn Young's information and I came to The Center at Fort Worth - Central Campus,

Not long after I had my right breast removed, I found another knot near my right shoulder. Dr. Young told me I had cancer in my chest wall and it would require chemotherapy. I had more complications later when blood clots turned up in my legs. I had infections in my heart valve and other places. It was a difficult time.

Before these diagnoses, I knew about God and His omnipotence, but after the first bout I learned to lean on Him more and more. I'm feeling better now and, at 51 years old, I am thankful for all that I have. I tell cancer patients to keep hope elevated through having a will to live, a good sense of humor and a positive attitude. Most importantly you have to dance, dance in the light of God.

The Center Offers Free Weight Loss Program to Anyone

Cancer treatment, at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth, moves forward with a new weight management program challenging survivors to exercise their options to reduce the chances of cancer returning and build self-confidence.

The 12 week exercise and nutrition program is free of charge and open to any cancer survivor or patient at the Center. The program includes an hour-long work out with a physical trainer, three times a week from 6:45 a.m. to7:45 a.m. Participants learn how to develop healthy eating habits by meeting with a certified dietitian every two weeks. To address cancer-related issues, Helena Iannaccone, an oncology-certified nurse practitioner and cancer survivor, meets with each individual four times during the course of the program.

Iannacone said, "After my cancer treatment ended, I was suddenly alone with fears about the disease coming back. During treatment, I was surrounded by the encouragement of nurses and doctors, plus I was doing something to take care of myself. (read more)

Patient Appreciation Day!

We love our patients! To honor your courage, strength, and sense of humor, we are hosting a special lunch for patients and family members on Thursday, March 24, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Drop in any time during those hours, at our Fort Worth - Central Campus, in the community room.

On that same date, we're hosting a Shop for the Cure fundraiser for our Relay for Life- Fort Worth team. Shop between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Fort Worth - Central Campus.

The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders