SPRING 2020 THE COMMUNITY CANCER CENTER NEWSLETTERCANCERCENTER.ORG

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A COLLABORATION OF ADVOCATE BROMENN & OSF ST. JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTERS

Joe Prosser, MBA Executive Director

We are the Cancer Center of Choice for the eastern region of Central Illinois

HONORING NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY – JUNE 7

Today, we consider a cancer survivor as anyone who receives a diagnosis of cancer. And when we look at the success of our survivors, not only nationally, but right here in our community, the future is growing ever brighter.

Currently, there are 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. By 2026, that total will rise to an estimated 26 million cancer survivors. There are several reasons for this increase in cancer survivorship.

One of the main reasons is we’re catching new cancers sooner with improved screening and diagnostic methods. We have more effective, targeted treatment regimens and people are living longer post-treatment.

CANCER AND COMMUNITIES

Currently, an estimated 40 out of 100 men and 39 out of 100 women will receive a diagnosis of cancer sometime in their lives. The disease usually develops in older people above the age of 55. As our options for screening, diagnosis and treatment improve – as well as our ability to prevent and treat the side effects of treatment – we strive to not only help cancer survivors live longer, but better as well.

UNDERSTANDING THE CANCER EXPERIENCE

Being a cancer survivor myself gives me a true passion for the job I do here at the Community Cancer Center. It gives me an extra reason to makes sure our cancer patients have a high-quality experience from diagnosis and treatment – and hopefully – through years of survivorship.

Being a cancer survivor gives me a more personal perspective on the cancer treatment and survivorship experience. As someone who has worked in the field as a radiation therapist, and then working my way up to my current position as executive director, I have developed a personal understanding of what cancer patients want and need.

A DAY TO CELEBRATE LIFE

Cancer Survivors Day means a lot to me. It’s an opportunity for all of us as cancer survivors to truly celebrate the value of life.

As I think about the future of our center and of the services and programs can we provide, I look forward to new, and even better technologies, new treatments and new ways to enhance the care we provide here at the center. Thanks to the skill and energies of our Patient Support Services team, I look forward to serving our patients, their families and their caregivers with complementary services and programs that enhance our patients’ quality of life.

Today, when we think about cancer survivorship, we also think about rehabilitation and wellness — not only during treatment but post-treatment as well. That’s because, in our modern world, survivor quality of life is not an option. It is a factor that is critical to expanding survivorship.

Joe

A brighter future for survivors

COVID-19 UPDATE: Read Dr. Woodhouse’s article on page 2 to learn about how our center is supporting the health and treatment needs of patients during this challenging time.

Shermian Woodhouse, M.D., M.P.H.Medical Director

SPRING 2020 | CANCERCENTER.ORG

STANDING UP FOR LIFE AND HOPE IN THE FACE OF COVID-19A geranium bloomed and I’m happy, even joyful.At the end of last season, I kept one of my geraniums simply because it still had a few green leaves. Truth be told, it was nearly dead.

By nature, I am not a person who gives up easily on life. So, I decided to keep on watering it with my other plants, even though, I must admit, I did not have high expectations for success. And one day, unexpectedly, that tough little plant, long, and leggy and crooked though it was – bloomed!

FINDING STRENGTH WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

I was so surprised to see the little bud. It wasn’t even supposed to survive a normal winter, much less bloom. It shows how, even when you least expect it, good things can happen. We can survive difficult times. And we are certainly in a difficult time right now as we face the challenges of COVID-19.

Coronavirus will change our lives forever. But we can’t let it change our spirit. We still have to believe. We still have to have the spirit to fight and believe that even this too shall pass.

It seems everybody these days is all maxed out on coronavirus news. Masks, gloves, and social distancing are our new normal. And suddenly, I turned around and saw this beautiful little plant that found a way to survive nature’s cruelest season. And it didn’t just survive. It bloomed! Seeing that small example of nature’s miracles made me so much more hopeful.

The bottom line is, in times like these, you have to find strength wherever you can. Not only are you literally trying to stay alive, but you are also trying to maintain a healthy state of mind as well.

MAKING OUR STAND AGAINST COVID-19

There’s so much at stake right now, especially trying to fight cancer in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m being very frank here: As the only radiation oncology facility in McLean County, we need every one of our medical professionals to stay healthy and free of COVID-19 to keep radiation treatment available to our patients in our community.

We are also vigilantly aware that cancer patients are one of the most vulnerable risk groups for COVID-19. And I want to assure you that everyone here at the Community Cancer Center is determined to do everything within our power to protect our patients, keep our staff healthy, and keep our center open and running during COVID-19. To do this, we need your help.

SPRING 2020 | CANCERCENTER.ORG

Dr. Woodhouse

PROTECTING YOURSELF PROTECTS ALL OF US: STAY HOME

First and most importantly, we support the current public health social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines. We strongly encourage our patients, families and caregivers to follow these rules to stay safe.

For our cancer patients, the best thing you can do is stay home, unless it is absolutely necessary for you to do otherwise. Social distancing and good hand hygiene work. These are things we are doing ourselves as medical professionals.

Rest assured; the same vigor with which we fight cancer is the same vigor we are using to fight the coronavirus. By working together as a team, we’ll get through this.

HELP US KEEP YOU SAFE

It’s difficult to confront an enemy that science is still only learning about. But we are being as proactive as we can.

We’re keeping abreast of the CDC guidelines as well as learning from the experience of others in the trenches to make the best possible decisions.

EXAMPLES OF ACTIONS WE ARE TAKING TO PROTECT AGAINST COVID-19

All patients are screened over the phone before any clinic visit to assess the likelihood of having or being in contact with someone with COVID-19.

Patients and visitors must answer additional screening questions as well as have their temperature checked upon arrival at the center.

We disinfect commonly used surfaces multiple times per day.

We disbanded our coffee and tea station.

Extra seating has been removed from our waiting rooms to increase the distance between patients.

We have transitioned to telehealth visits by phone or video whenever possible to reduce the risk of transmission among patients and staff.

All non-treatment staff has been assigned to work from home.

Essential on-site treatment teams must pass screening and report temperatures every morning before work.

We have put in place guidelines to manage newly diagnosed cases in a manner that does not compromise treatment outcomes but keeps patients safe.

Additional hand sanitization stations have been installed in the clinic.

For now, cancer patients should work with their physicians to assess their risk of contracting COVID-19 versus the need for cancer treatment to determine if an in-person visit is necessary. To the extent possible, telemedicine is being strongly encouraged.

STAY IN TOUCH BUT SAFELY

Human beings are very social creatures and as much as staying at home is important, protecting your mental health is important as well. That’s why it’s especially important to reach out to others by phone, email, or text. Try to connect virtually with friends and loved ones daily.

This could be the perfect opportunity to renew your relationship with distant friends or family members you haven’t contacted for a while.

A NOTE OF GRATITUDE

I can’t overstate how grateful I am for the dedication and courage of the medical professionals here at the Community Cancer Center. I’d like to thank all of you for coming to work every day even knowing it’s a very scary time. Thanks also to our patients for being willing to do televisits where appropriate and for understanding as we try to triage our patients during difficult conditions. We also appreciate the gifts of masks and supplies that have been generously donated by members of our community.

Together we are strong. Let’s all be safe together to welcome the Summer and all the other beautiful blooms that will come.

“When it rains look for rainbows, when it's dark look for stars”.

- Oscar Wilde

CARE. COMFORT. CONCERN.THREE C’S LIE AT THE HEART OF OUR PATIENT-CENTERED MISSION.

People often refer to the Community Cancer Center by its initials, CCC. But those three letters also stand for our commitment to caring for the whole person. Three patients tell how patient-centered treatment helped ease their survivor journey.

My journey to ring the bellCharita Jeffrey

For Charita Jeffrey, something just wasn’t

feeling right. More unsettlingly, she had

discovered a lump in her breast. So gathering up all her

courage on the day after Christmas, Charita went for a biopsy.

Soon after, she heard those words that nobody wants to hear: “You have cancer.” Doctors had found a tumor the size of an egg. In the tense days that followed, Charita learned more about her condition and met the team who would help her decide on her treatment strategy.

EASING THE JOURNEY

“I was nervous coming into the Community Cancer Center at first,” says Charita. “But they did all they could to make me comfortable and calmed any fears that I had.”

That caring difference was shown in small, but important touches—like being addressed by name when she started as

a new patient. Charita appreciated how her treatment team celebrated her victories—like that day she walked in all by herself—instead of being brought in by a wheelchair.

PATIENT SUPPORT SERVICES ASSISTS

Charita was unable to work during treatment. But assistance made possible by donations to Patient Support Services made sure her utilities stayed on and her car loan never missed a payment. She depleted her own funds, but the generosity of CCC donors helped her get through.

A BELL RINGS OUT

Charita’s best memory was made on the day she learned she was cancer-free. That was the day she rang the bell. Charita says she didn’t understand what the ringing of the bell meant until she rang it. “It didn’t hit me until I was out of the door that IT was done. I broke down in tears realizing it was over. Together, WE had done it.”

A source of help and hopeMelinda Johnson

Melinda’s routine mammogram in December 2017, was normal. But she

was advised to do an automated breast

ultrasound as follow up. Melinda went in for the

diagnostic procedure.

Unfortunately, they found an issue; Melinda was diagnosed with breast cancer.

A YOUNG MOTHER’S TOUGH DECISION.

She explains, “We have a big, unique family, including two 2-year-olds at the time. My whole situation was completely overwhelming when I was diagnosed.”

With the future of her family in mind, Melinda moved quickly to consult with her doctors on a treatment plan. Surgery was scheduled right away.

Melinda shares that it was a hard decision, “but I thought if something does come back in 10 years, or five years or one year, I wanted to know that I did everything that I could do at the time. I was young enough and healthy enough to fight with everything I had.”

LIFE-EXTENDING TREATMENT, CLOSE TO HOME

She continues, “I did all of the chemo here and the staff was amazing: the nurses, the people in the lab and radiation. The people at the cancer center are so caring and top-notch. You just can’t beat the atmosphere here.”

She continues, “I just loved my doctors. They are knowledgeable and clearly explained all the options. The staff, volunteers and everybody just seem to care.”

Melinda is still in contact with some of the staff even though she finished treatment Dec. 21, 2018. She returns to the center for checkups. But best of all, she’s back to what she loves: building a future for her family.

The right team for the fightMatt Streenz

For a long time, Matt wasn’t sure what was going on with him. A few years ago,

he started feeling some pressure on his

tongue. He went to an Ear Nose and Throat doctor

who decided he needed his tonsils out. Still, he felt pressure.

Next came a CT scan, then a biopsy; still, nothing. Time passed, and he spent years trying to find a reason for the pressure. Still, no reason could be found.

WORKING TO FIND A CAUSE

A while later, he discovered a lymph node that had “popped up”. He took one more trip back to the doctor where he was given an antibiotic. But the drug had no effect on the lymph node. Matt’s doctor was concerned and decided to take another look.

On a follow-up visit, Ear Nose and Throat specialist Dr. Thomas Kelly took a flashlight and saw a bleeding spot in the back of Matt’s throat. He knew it wasn’t a good sign.

After a nasal endoscopy, Dr. Kelly sat Matt down with a look that said, “Dude, I’m so sorry.” He gave him the news: “It’s sarcoma of the tongue and it’s probably moved to a lymph node.” A biopsy confirmed it was cancer.

ON THE ROAD TO HOPE

Matt explains, “this is where the CCC comes in. I was introduced to probably my favorite person on the planet, Tate.” Tate was part of the team that handled Matt’s treatment, including confirming that Matt had a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cancer.

That’s why it was missed. This cancer starts as a viral infection and can take years to transform into cancer. The study of HPV cancer is a relatively new field and doctors are still learning about it.

Matt spent seven weeks in radiation treatment. He notes, “It was interesting because the whole time was like a pump-up session from the staff. I had very good emotional support.”

Today, Matt has been cancer-free for two years. Faith and family helped pull him through. Of the Community Cancer Center, he concludes, “I just knew they had this. I had confidence we could win the fight.”

SPRING 2020 | CANCERCENTER.ORG

New research shows that exercise can help prevent and fight cancer

It used to be that cancer patients expected to have to take off their athletic shoes and rest during cancer treatment and even into recovery. That thinking has changed.

New evidence shows that getting more movement into your day, several times a week, not only helps prevent certain types of cancer but also improves treatment outcomes, and reduces the recurrence of some cancers. Exercise also helps patients live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.

An article published by the American Institute for Cancer Research shared news from a paper published in Epidemiologic Review. The review included results from more than 100 studies that focused on the effects of exercise on cancer mortality.

Key findings include:

• Active cancer patients had a lower risk of death from breast cancer, colorectal cancer and other cancer types.

• Cancer patients who had higher levels of exercise had 28-44% less risk of dying of a cancer-specific condition.

• Patients who exercised after a cancer diagnosis also had a lower risk of cancer recurrence (21%—35%), and a decreased risk of death from all causes.

The positive effects were related to healthier levels of vitamin D due to optimum sun exposure, weight loss and improved mood.

Exercise also has direct effects on the body systems that help fight cancer. These include positive effects on an insulin-like growth factor, health-supporting effects on gene expression and DNA repair, and also on antioxidant pathways, chronic inflammation and prostaglandins. Active patients also showed improved energy metabolism and insulin resistance.

Exercise improves quality of life

Other evidence from the study shows that exercise helps fight the troublesome triad of fatigue, anxiety and stress.

• The study found especially strong evidence that cancer survivors were less tired. It suggests that exercise is one of the most promising ways to reduce fatigue.

• Patients who exercised felt less distress, anxiety, depression and stress. They experience a better sense of well-being.

• Although the connection is not as strong, exercise shows some positive effects on such factors as sleep, body image, physical function and overall health.

How much is right for me?

The American College of Sports Medicine advises exercise is generally safe before and after treatment. At the very least, patients and survivors should avoid inactivity. Mary Kay Holloway, Dietitian for the Community Cancer Center, recommends consulting with your doctor and trying to be a little more active each day.

Studies show that the majority of cancer survivors don’t exercise as much as recommended. A recent survey found only 30-47% of survivors met physical activity recommendations.

GET MOVING!

SPRING 2020 | CANCERCENTER.ORG

LIVE BY LIVINGHIKES, WALKS AND RETREATS BRING CANCER SURVIVORS BACK TO NATURE

NOTE: Be aware of COVID-19 infection risks, and social distancing and isolation mandates in both your area and the location of your trip for this and other group activities.

Nature heals, says a statement from Live By Living, a service that offers guided outdoor experiences for cancer survivors, their families and friends. The company offers walks, hikes and nature retreats in the mountains of Colorado and in parks closer to home in Illinois and Iowa.

Owner and experience leader, Julie Wrend, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34. “People say to me, ‘You’re only 50 years old. How can you handle living with a terminal diagnosis like Stage IV?” She answers, “I live by living, I love by loving, and I am courageously courageous.”

Live By Living became the name of her outdoor experience venture which seeks to harness “the solace of nature, the health benefits of exercise and the camaraderie of shared experience.”

To find out more about upcoming mountain trips and local outings, go to livebyliving.org. You can also call 303-808-2339 or contact dsm@livebyliving.org. You can find a brochure in the literature rack to the right of the main entrance as you enter the Community Cancer Center.

GET READY TO GET ACTIVESpring is a perfect time to start increasing your physical activities. Try one of the ideas below, or create your own. Surprise yourself at the possibilities available for beginner or senior participants!

Note: Be sure to follow any current guidelines for COVID-19 social distancing or isolation.

• Plan to walk a little each day

• Get a fitness tracking watch or pedometer

• Garden, paint and redecorate

• Become a volunteer in our Healing Garden

• Play with pets or children

• Create a fitness center in your home

• Join the yoga class at our center

• Work with a personal trainer

• Ask about physical therapy for side effect-related concerns

• Try a dance class

• Take an exercise class at your local senior center

• Treat your dog to more walks

• Join a fitness center that caters to personalized exercise needs

• Form a family or neighborhood walking group

• Dive into a swim or water aerobics class

• Take a walking or hiking adventure (like Live By Living mentioned in this issue)

• Join friends to walk at an indoor track or mall

• Start a dog walking service for neighbors or friends

• Check for exercise groups or activities at your church

• Do some gentle stretching when you first wake up

• Search for free exercise videos for cancer survivors on YouTube

SPRING 2020 | CANCERCENTER.ORG

THE HEALING GARDEN IS A PLACE TO FEEL THE POSSIBILITIES OF A NEW SEASON OF LIFE

In the garden, I tend to drop my thoughts here and there. To the flowers I whisper the secrets I keep and the hopes I breathe. I know they are there to

eavesdrop for the angels. — Dodinsky

When you step outside the back doors of the Community Cancer Center, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Listen to the music of a robin’s cheery song and the rush of water over rocks. This time of year, you’ll spy the last of spring flowers as they make a graceful bow toward summer.

While you’re out there, you might catch sight of a garden volunteer planting a flower in the spot where it will put on its summertime show. Take a seat and rest. Make a wish or say a prayer. Center your thoughts by walking the labyrinth, or catch a glimpse of the season’s first fluttering visitors in the butterfly garden.

It is such a pleasure to sink one’s hands into the warm earth, to feel at one’s fingertips the possibilities of

the new season. — Kate Morton

A GARDEN BUILT FOR YOU

“The Healing Garden is an important part of the Community Cancer Center,” says Megan Fitzgerald, Development and Volunteer Coordinator. “Having an outdoor space where people can find peace is another way to treat the whole person.”

The Healing Garden can be accessed from a door near the chapel or from the medical oncology area. It’s open to all patients, families and caregivers. The terrace garden is gated, but the butterfly garden can be accessed directly

from the parking lot or from the Constitution Trail. This section is open to anyone in the community.

Megan notes, “I especially enjoy the terrace swing Paul Vertin donated in memory of his wife. The milkweed that our volunteers plant for the butterflies is another of my favorite parts of the garden.”

Thanks to gifts from donors, the path through the butterfly garden was paved last year. Now it is more accessible to everyone.

You’ll often see patients, caregivers and staff eating a quiet lunch in the garden. Every so often, musicians drop by to perform an impromptu concert. Memorial pavement bricks and garden features show appreciation for lives remembered.

TREATING MIND AND SPIRIT

“We do the physical treatments here, but the garden treats the mind,” says Megan. “Stopping by the garden lends peace of mind and a little bit of joy. It helps every day go a little bit better.”

HELP OUR GARDEN BLOOMWe welcome your support to help our garden grow. Your financial gift helps us add new features and keeps it beautiful through all seasons. If you prefer to be more hands-on, sign up to be a garden volunteer.

For more information, call the center at 309-451-8500 and ask for Megan. Or stop by the main desk and ask for the volunteer coordinator.

Life begins the day you start a garden. — Chinese proverb

A GARDEN TO KEEP

SPRING 2020 | CANCERCENTER.ORG

TOP TIPS (YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW) ABOUT SKIN CANCER PREVENTION

Skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Central Illinois. Fortunately, we’re always improving our knowledge of how to prevent it. As you head outside for a sun-filled summer, here are some tips to protect your skin for the long term. Some of the information is new. Some advice is not as well known. All are good to add to your strategies for keeping skin cancer at bay.

WATCH OUT FOR WINDOWS

Sunlight feels good streaming through a window. But did you know that cancer-causing rays are filtering through in those sunbeams? Actually, glass can screen out UVB rays. But UVA rays pass right through. It’s true for the windows in your house and office – and also in your car.

While your car’s windshield provides protection, other car windows don’t. That includes the sunroof!

That means you’ll need to apply sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing when you’re in your vehicle. Another option is to install a UV-protective window film to the windows of your auto and home.

SUNSCREEN SMARTS

If you haven’t updated your knowledge of sunscreen recently, take note of this new guidance:

• Avoid products that combine sunscreen and insect repellent. You’ll need to reapply sunscreen often. Applying insect repellent frequently could be harmful.

• Is your skin sensitive to sunscreen chemicals? Select a simple mineral sunscreen like titanium dioxide.

• Did you know less expensive sunscreens can work as well as more expensive ones? Just check the label to make sure the ingredients are the same.

DON’T SKIP YOUR LIPS

Lips deserve protection too. Keep them sun-protected by using a lip product that has been awarded The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. Here is a sample of lip-safe products that meet this standard.

• Aquaphor Lip Repair Protect

• CeraVe Healing Lip Balm

• Shiseido Clé De Peau Beauté UV Protective Lip Treatment

• Colorescience Lip Shine

• CVSHealth Original Lip Balm Sunscreen

• EltaMD UV Lip Balm

• jane iredale LipDrink Lip Balm

• Physicians Formula Super BB all-in-1 Beauty Balm Cheek and Lip

• Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm

• ZO Skin Health Oclipse-C Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

• ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen Primer Broad-Spectrum

For a complete list of sunscreen and sun-shielding products recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, go to bit.ly/2TD24Ry

FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING UPDATE

Every year, this screening event is hosted by the Community Cancer Center and local dermatology providers. It offers an opportunity for people to have a “spot check” of skin areas they are concerned about. It is not a full-body screening and is not be intended for people who see a dermatologist regularly for skin cancer.

We hope to offer this screening event later this year if and when COVID-19 safety guidelines allow. Watch our website and Facebook page for details as they become available.

COMMUNITY CANCER CENTER 407 E VERNON AVE #1, NORMAL, IL 61761 CANCERCENTER.ORG | 309.451.8500

C86 M55 Y11 K7

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C67 M89 Y0 K0

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C70 M15 Y6 K8

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C0 M35 Y85 K0

R251 G176 B64

C0 M10 Y95 K0

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407 E Vernon Ave #1 | Normal, Illinois 61761

GROUP MEETINGSSPECIAL EVENTS

Yoga for Cancer PatientsWeekly sessions held on: Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Wednes-days 7:30-8:30 a.m.Therapeutic, gentle, all levels yoga and meditation designed for patients in any condition. Located on the first floor of the Community Cancer Center just west of the Mid Illinois Hematology and Oncology check-in counter.

Lymphedema Clinics First and third Monday of each month, 9 a.m. This clinic provides preventive education and screening for breast cancer patients. Call 309-451-2216 to register.

I Care Cancer Caregivers’ Support GroupFourth Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 p.m. A cancer caregiver support network for those caring for a loved one with cancer. Call 309-451-2259 for more information.

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)Fourth Thursday of each month, 1-3 p.m. The SHIP event is a free counseling service provided by the Illinois De-partment of Insurance. Community Cancer Center has a SHIP volunteer counselor on-site each month to help our patients with insurance and Medicare questions. Call 309-451-2217 or 309-451-2295 to register.

Classes and events listed in this newsletter are subject to cancellation or change based on current health and safety guidelines.