May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center

Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Noreen was referred immediately to
Aasim Kazmi, M.D., section chief of
neurosurgery at Ocean Medical Center
and part of Meridian Neuroscience.
After conferring with Noreen’s cancer
team, Dr. Kazmi recommended surgery
to remove the tumor.
“The tumor was causing swelling
that irritated the brain cells, leading
to Noreen’s headaches. By removing
the tumor, the headaches would
be relieved,” Dr. Kazmi explains.
“However, the primary purpose of the
surgery was to biopsy the tumor so
that the source of the cancer could be
treated appropriately.”
To treat lung cancer with the most
effective chemotherapy possible, it’s
necessary to understand the type
of cancer. This is identified through
a tissue biopsy. Since the lung
cancer had spread to Noreen’s brain,
removing and performing a biopsy
on the tumor would provide this vital
treatment information.
“Although brain surgery always
carries risks, it was safer for us to
remove the tumor in Noreen’s brain
than to conduct a lung biopsy due to
potential breathing complications,”
Dr. Kazmi explains.
Before surgery, Dr. Kazmi sat
down and thoroughly explained the
procedure to Noreen and her family.
He listened to their concerns and
answered all their questions.
“Dr. Kazmi discussed everything
with me — the good and the bad. I
needed to know as much as I could
and not have anything hidden from
me,” Noreen says. “I’m glad I found a
doctor who is willing to communicate
openly. It made me feel much more
comfortable.”
Innovative Technology
In October 2012, Dr. Kazmi performed
surgery to remove Noreen’s brain
tumor at Ocean Medical Center.
During the four-hour operation,
Dr. Kazmi used the Medical Center’s
advanced Brainlab technology.
“Brainlab technology is like an
intraoperative GPS,” Dr. Kazmi explains.
“It uses an advanced computerized
camera system to pinpoint tumor
locations in real time within the body.
Ocean has one of the most advanced
systems in the area. It’s a tremendous
benefit to our patient community.”
In the past, removing a brain tumor
would require the surgeon to expose
as much of the brain as possible to
clearly visualize the area and ensure
the cancerous tissue was removed. This
typically required making a large bone
opening and even larger incision. With
Brainlab technology, surgeons have
accurate details on where the tumor
is positioned. As a result, much smaller
openings are needed to access the brain
in the immediate area of the tumor.
“This technology reduces the risk
of surgery complications and results
in a much faster recovery time,” Dr.
Kazmi says. “It allowed us to safely
and effectively remove and biopsy
Noreen’s tumor.”
Life After Surgery
Noreen’s surgery was a success.
Dr. Kazmi completely removed
the cancerous tissue using minimal
incisions. The tumor was then
biopsied to help plan Noreen’s
chemotherapy, which she began
in November. By December 2012,
Noreen also began radiation therapy
for other small cancerous spots that
developed on her brain.
“I know there is no cure for my
cancer. I refuse to let it get me
down. I have a wonderful support
system. My husband is with me at
every appointment, and the visitors,
cards, and prayers I’ve received are
countless,” Noreen says. “I put one
foot in front of the other and focus
on positive thoughts.”
As a school bus aide for
special-needs children prior to her
diagnosis, Noreen is preparing to
work again as a substitute. She also
plans to continue traveling.
“My chemotherapy will continue
indefinitely. But my doctors are
wonderful and are more concerned
about my quality of life. They told
me they would plan my treatment
around my schedule. If I want to
travel, we’ll travel,” Noreen says. “I’m
going to live a pretty good life.”
Meet a Patient Beating MS
Ocean Medical Center
With the help of her daily
therapy at Shore Rehabilitation
Institute at Ocean Medical
Center, Colleen O’Dell Multer is winning
her battle against multiple sclerosis.
Visit MeridianNeuroscience.com
to learn more about Colleen’s story.
Becoming vice president of a major bank.
Changing careers to pursue her dream of being a chef.
Graduating from culinary school…seven months after spine surgery.
Just nine credits away from graduating, Georgette Thomas was diagnosed with spinal stenosis — a condition
that put her spine at risk of snapping. At Ocean Medical Center…part of Meridian Neuroscience, Georgette
found an amazing neurosurgeon who recognized the severity of her case and performed spinal fusion
surgery three days later. Within weeks, Georgette was back at culinary school. Seven months later, she
graduated and was ready to cook up a bright new future.
A MOMENT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Taking Care of
New Jersey
Meridian Neuroscience
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Ocean Medical Center
Riverview Medical Center
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Meridian Partner Companies
Meridian Team of Physicians
© 2012 Meridian Health
Take a moment to learn more. Visit MeridianNeuroscience.com. For a physician, call 1-800-DOCTORS.