newdirections - Lakeland Regional Medical Center

Join Us
for our upcoming
Survivorship Programs.
newdirections
v o l u m e t e n , s p r i n g 2 0 1 2
Wednesday, May 9, 6:30-7:30PM
at Lakeland Regional Cancer Center
“Light & Healthy Eating from the Garden”
with a cooking demonstration
by local chef, David Hammer.
Wednesday, June 13, 6:30-7:30PM
at Lakeland Regional Cancer Center
“Meditation for Health” exploring
techniques for relaxation for healing.
Call 863-904-1851 to register.
LRCC’s Survivorship Care program is
designed to guide patients and their
families following treatment. Each patient
is assessed by an oncology-specialized
nurse to determine physical, emotional,
psychosocial, sexual and spiritual needs;
and potential problems and side effects
from their particular cancer. Because
cancer survivors may experience lasting
side effects, this program provides a clear
plan for follow-up care to be coordinated
with the patient’s primary care provider.
The program is open to all cancer survivors.
Existing technologies offer new benefits
for urologic cancer patients at LRCC.
Sometimes the biggest advances in cancer care are new applications
for existing technologies. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is
the perfect example. MRI has been around for years, but has more
recently become a front line diagnostic tool for prostate cancer.
Lakeland Regional Cancer Center, in partnership with Radiology and
Imaging Specialists (RIS), is currently the only facility in Polk County
utilizing the high-tech MAGNETOM Symphony from Siemens Medical
Solutions for the diagnosis of prostate cancer, which in some instances
can eliminate the need for a needle biopsy. Using MRI, LRCC Urologic
Oncologist Dr. Byron Hodge is able to more clearly evaluate the prostate
gland to determine if cancer is confined or if it has spread.
Another example of expanding the use of existing technologies is robotic
partial nephrectomy. LRCC Urologic Oncologist Dr. Frances Martin specializes
Post Office Box 95448
Lakeland, FL 33804-9850
N O N P R O F I T
ORGANIZATION
U. S. P O S T A G E
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in this kidney sparing surgery, which preserves organ function, particularly
in patients who have small to medium-sized tumors; and alleviates chronic
kidney disease, often a side effect when the entire kidney must be removed.
Robotic surgery has been used for bladder and gynecologic procedures for
some time, but newer applications such as less-invasive partial nephrectomy
have become the standard in certain cases in more recent years.
These procedures are just two examples of the innovative cancer care
Lakeland Regional Cancer Center continues to provide, not just via new
technologies, but also through the skill of some of the
country’s leading oncology specialists.
MaY is Skin Cancer
Awareness Month
Now is the perfect time to
examine yourself for the
following warning signs:
• Changes in surface of a mole
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding or
the appearance of a new bump
• Spread of pigment from the
border of a mole into the
Sincerely,
surrounding skin
• Change in sensation including
itchiness, tenderness or pain
Matthew Smith, MD, FACS
LRCC Urologic Oncology Program Leader
If you notice any of these symptoms,
make an appointment with
your doctor immediately.
Our Mission: Delivering exceptional cancer care through research,
prevention, early detection, treatment and the relentless pursuit of a cure.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please call 863-603-6565
or toll-free 866-823-4405. For more information, visit our website
at www.LRMC.com/cancer-center.

Fittings,
accessories
and personable
care are
all the fashion
at our Boutique.
When Kimberly Suggs,
Certified Fitting Specialist
(CFS), and Deborah McNicol,
RN, CFS are not helping breast
cancer patients choose post
mastectomy, lumpectomy and
reconstructive breast forms or
bras and recovery camisoles,
they’re showing off our wide
variety of wigs, mastectomy
swim suits and gifts that cater
Deborah McNicol, RN, CFS
and Kimberly Suggs, CFS.
to cancer patients. In partnership
with “A Place for Her,”
LRCCs Boutique is unique in
that it’s located in our center
where women from around
the region can take advantage
of it soon after diagnosis.
The Boutique is open Tuesdays
and Wednesdays, 9:00AM —
4:30PM. Fittings by appointment
only. Call 863-904-1854.
Veteran Mack Farmer
never thought his biggest battle
would be against
metastatic
melanoma.
Mack Farmer is a Veteran,
but he wasn’t prepared for
the fight that was about
to ensue. He was first
diagnosed and successfully
treated for prostate cancer
at Lakeland Regional Cancer
Center more than five years
ago. So when his dermatologist
found a growth on
the back of his neck, Mack
returned to LRCC for the
treatment of melanoma.
Dr. Helen Chan, LRCC surgical
After another growth had
oncologist and Mack Farmer, metastatic
melanoma cancer survivor.
to be removed from his back, a PET scan
revealed that metastatic melanoma had
spread to his adrenal gland and lung.
Mack underwent a lower lung lobectomy at LRMC to remove the
metastasis from his left lung. And Dr. Helen Chan, LRCC surgical oncologist
specializing in gastroenterology, successfully removed Mack’s adrenal gland
via less invasive robotic surgery. It wasn’t until a year later that follow-up tests
showed the metastatic melanoma had reappeared in Mack’s small intestines.
Dr. Chan, utilizing a small camera to view the inside of Mack’s intestines along
with the robotic surgical system, removed a 4cm tumor. Because Dr. Chan was
able to remove the tumor with negative margins, she was able to reconnect the
intestines giving Mack a better quality of life and the ability to eat normally.
“Robotic surgery has really helped Mack maintain a good quality of
life,” says Dr. Chan. “If Mack had to have traditional open surgery to remove
his adrenal gland and the tumor in his small intestines, he probably would not
be doing as well. For most patients with this diagnosis, the prognosis is not as
good.” In fact, Mack’s was the first robotic adrenalectomy performed in Polk
County. And at 78, he is enjoying life as always. According to Mack, “God
blessed me with the best surgeons and the most wonderful care.”
Added lymphedema therapists.
Added expertise.
Patients who have undergone surgery, lymph node removal,
traumatic injury or burns can be at risk for lymphedema,
swelling caused by the abnormal buildup of fluid. Venous
insufficiency caused by cardiac conditions, diabetes and
obesity can also lead to this common condition.
Lakeland Regional has the area’s only lymphedema
program to provide the skill and knowledge of three certified
therapists, who help patients better manage their
symptoms through highly specialized Complex Decongestive
Therapy (CDT). The program is also one of the few to offer
onsite compression garment fitting and one-on-one aquatic
therapy, which can aid in the movement of lymph, decrease
pain, and strengthen muscle. For more information, please
visit www.LRMC.com/rehab.
Our two employees of the quarter not only bring a high level
of knowledge, they’re also advocates for our patients.
Debbie Norris, Oncology RN and
Leigh Kinney, reimbursement specialist.
Certified lymphedema therapists
Luz Rivera, PT, CLT, Rizwana Mir, PT, CLT
and Kelley Giovannucci, PTA, CLT.
Debbie Norris, RN, works closely with patients and their families as they begin the
radiation therapy process. Whether it’s gathering initial information, providing education
on how radiation works and its side effects, or discussing
what to expect once treatment is finished, Debbie is recognized
for her thoughtfulness and attentiveness to others. Her heart for
helping and healing extends well beyond our walls. She has also
served as a hurricane relief volunteer in Florida and Louisiana,
and has traveled to the Ukraine for mission work with orphans.
Leigh Kinney, reimbursement specialist, serves our patients
behind the scenes ensuring that patient claims are processed
accurately and in a timely manner. She understands that cancer
patients have enough worries, and dealing with insurance claims
shouldn’t be one of them. Her service to others never goes unnoticed
by those around her. When Leigh is not processing claims or
educating others about changes in Medicare guidelines, she serves
on the Gallup Committee for increasing employee engagement.