News from The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders

April 2011

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Celebrating Spring & More

President
Medical Oncologist

     April arrived with blooming flowers and budding trees--reminders of the return of new life and new hope--signs of the great possibilities opening up every day for our patients, their families, and our staff. Take a minute to enjoy our spring photo gallery, all courtesy of The Center's staff.
     It's also a great time to salute the courage and strength of our patients. Our physicians, nurses, and other staff have the honor of witnessing the renewed commitment to take on cancer on a daily basis. To celebrate that miracle, we recently hosted a Patient Appreciation Day, at our Fort Worth-Central Campus. Take a look at some of the staff (photos below) who pitched in to make the day very special.
     We have other reasons to celebrate. Fourteen cancer specialists, from The Center, were recently named Top Doctors by

Fort Worth, Texas Magazine. In addition,

Dr. Michael Ross

and I were honored, by

Texas Monthly magazine, as Super Doctors. Check out the list in the special section (at right)-then give your physician a pat on the back!
Congratulations are also in order for
Dr. Robyn Young, who recently received recognition for her dedication to raising funds and awareness of breast cancer. The Bridge Breast Network, a charity that assists low-income Tarrant County residents with breast health needs, dedicated a special award to her efforts. Dr. Anita Chow, a breast surgeon in Fort Worth, was also recognized.
I encourage you to celebrate the miracle of spring and your personal accomplishments-whatever they may be-you deserve recognition for your part in fighting cancer and in supporting those in the battle.

Together, we are healing lives and advancing care.

Keeping Hope Elevated

By Rebecca Zook
Patient at The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders

Fort Worth-Central Campus

Rebecca Zook is an artist, wife and disease-fighter.

The ambient sounds in the large tiled room suddenly cease. Everyone was listening. At first you could barely make out the whistling, but soon smiles could be seen on most of the patients sitting in the turquoise chairs. Even some toe-tapping. The tune was familiar to everyone. Someone at the far end of the room was watching "The Andy Griffith Show". As the last note fades, the voices regain strength. More people arrive to fill the chairs. The smiles, however brief, are welcome and needed. Most of the people sitting in the chairs are quietly engaged in battle. Most are fighting cancer.

     Often the first one here, I always sit by the window. There are roses outside in warmer months. My feet dangle in the chair, not quite reaching the floor. My shoes slip off. I feel a bit like a child here; dependent on the staff that bustles around reacting with efficiency to the beeping of the machines calling out to them. Would I like a blanket, a pillow? Something to eat? No, I'm fine.
     I'm here once every three weeks. It provides me with a unique perspective about people and about life. I have a treatable, but not curable blood disorder, a primary immune deficiency. IVIG, an expensive blood plasma product, boosts my immune system and helps to control secondary autoimmune diseases. It's also the only treatment available for my illness.
     We are hooked up to individual machines. Mine is giving me infection fighting antibodies. A man comforts his wife. Talking in quiet whispers. Right now the man next to me is discussing a dog that recently came into his life. He didn't want it. He thought he hated dogs. Now he is grateful for its affection and that it has given him something to focus on other than his cancer.
     A sign on the wall proclaims, "Live. Laugh. Love." We all deal with our personal disease differently. Some overcome with sadness or anger. Some pray. Others stoic and practical, realistic about the odds, but we are trying, all of us, to keep our Hope Elevated. We understand more than most that each day is a gift not to be wasted.

Top Doctors Named By
Fort Worth Texas Magazine

Congratulations to our execptional team of physicians!

Dr. Matthew Cavey, Radiation Oncology
Fort Worth - Central Campus

Dr. Gregory Freiss, Medical Oncology
Arlington, Mineral Wells

Dr. Prasanthi Ganesa, Medical Oncology
Fort Worth - Central Campus

Dr. Peter LaNasa, Radiation Oncology
Fort Worth - Central Campus, Arlington

Dr. Lance Mandell, Hematology
Fort Worth - Central Campus

Dr. Shadan Mansoor, Medical Oncology
Huguley Medical Ctr. in Burleson