Mercy Cancer Center Report to the Community - mercyweb.org/cancercenter
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Mercy Cancer Center Report to the Community mercyweb.org/cancercenter
mercyweb.org/cancercenter 2
Contents:
A letter from Michael Stark, MD, Mercy ... Page 4
Cancer Center Liaison Physician and
Chairman, Breast Care Sub-committee
A letter from Rajender Ahuja, MD , Chair ... Page 5
and Adnan Alkhalili, MD, Co-Chair,
Mercy Network Cancer Committee
A letter from Buzz Hermann, ... Page 6
Administrator, Mercy Oncology Services
Mercy exceeds national standards ... Page 8
for performing needle biopsies
prior to breast surgery
Mercy brings 3D breast ... Page 10
mammography to Toledo
Understanding breast cancer genetics ... Page 12
is key to developing individualized
strategies for prevention and detection
Mercy Pathology Department provides ... Page 15
valuable information about prognosis,
treatment of breast cancer patients
Patient navigators provide ... Page 18
compassionate care and service to
breast-cancer patients and enhance
service to primary care physicians
Patient navigator makes big ... Page 20
impression on breast cancer patient
Mercy is an Integrative Medicine pioneer ... Page 21
Mercy offers Support Services for ... Page 22
cancer patients and loved ones
Cancer patients receive personalized ... Page 23
education from Mercy
3
Mercy has a long history of providing cancer care to this community. The very first cancer
registry began at St. Vincent in the 1960s, allowing for the study of cancer patients in order
to improve treatments and outcomes. Medical oncologists at St. V’s were among the first
to participate in clinical trials that to this day lead to better cancer treatments. The Mercy
related hospitals evolved into Mercy St. Anne Hospital, Mercy St. Charles Hospital, Mercy
St. Vincent Medical Center and Mercy Children’s Hospital. St. Anne, St. Charles and
St. V’s each had an approved cancer program through The American College of Surgeons
Commission on Cancer. Understanding that we could better serve the community by
working together as a system; in 2009 we became an approved network program: The Mercy
Cancer Center. Each approved program has a Liaison Physician to The American College of
Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and I am proud to be one of The Mercy Cancer Center’s
representatives.
The Mercy Cancer Center evaluates, diagnoses and treats more than 1,000 new patients
with cancer each year. We provide access to the most advanced cancer treatment, including
surgical treatments, medical oncology and radiation oncology. Outpatient treatments are
performed at Mercy St. Anne and Mercy St. Charles, and all three Mercy Metro hospitals
provide inpatient oncology care.
I wish to acknowledge and thank all of the administrators, nurses, therapists, technologists
and physicians who, as part of our family, make providing the best cancer care to you and
your family possible. We take your trust in us seriously and pledge to live up to it. I am
honored to introduce this Report to the Community and to my colleagues, and I welcome
your comments.
Michael E. Stark, MD FACS
Mercy Cancer Center Liaison Physician,
Chairman, Breast Care Sub-committee
4
The success of the cancer program at Mercy is a result of our commitment to compassionate,
patient-centered care. We achieve this goal through our multidisciplinary teams of experts,
innovative clinical research and use of the most advanced treatments. This means collaboration
between services from multiple specialties, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation
oncologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists and pathologists. With the dedication and
relentless efforts of these specialists, along with the cancer registry staff, we have very active
weekly general cancer conferences in addition to disease-specific cancer conferences for breast,
lung and genitourinary cancers.
The Mercy cancer program continues to be recognized and accredited by the American
College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer. We received a three-year accreditation
with commendations following our survey in 2010. This reflects the tireless efforts of many
people, including the registry staff members who ensure the quality of cancer data collected,
patient navigators, social workers, administrative staff and everyone involved in the clinical
care of our patients.
We are excited that Mercy Women’s Care was the first in Toledo to receive accreditation by
the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by
the ACS.
In support of Mercy’s firm commitment to providing the best care possible, in fall 2011, we
began a phased implementation of 3D breast Tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening.
Tomosynthesis provides 3D digital breast imaging that enables radiologists to see “inside” the
breast. It takes 15 successive images at slightly different angles across the breast, resulting in
improved accuracy in screening results and pinpointing of lesion location. Conventional 2D
mammography captures the breast in one exposure, resulting in a flat picture in which features
can be hidden. Tomosynthesis is like looking into a ball versus looking at a circle.
We are proud to offer many treatment options to best help our patients battle cancer. In
addition to using the most advanced chemotherapy, Immune therapy and targeted agents,
we offer every radiation therapy treatment available, including MammoSite® 5-day targeted
radiation therapy, which delivers a targeted dose of radiation directly to the area where the
cancer cells have maximal potential to recur. Having so many tools at our disposal to diagnose
and treat cancer supports our efforts to individualize the care we provide to each patient. We
also offer extensive support services, including education, outreach and integrative medicine
programs.
We are proud to provide some details about the care available at the Mercy Cancer Center
through this report. Additional information is available online at mercyweb.org/cancercenter.
Rajender Ahuja, MD Adnan Alkhalili, MD
Chair, Mercy Network Cancer Committee Co-Chair, Mercy Network Cancer Committee
5
It was with great pride that we shared the news last summer that Mercy received a three-year/Full
accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC),
a program administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Mercy’s Breast Program
encompasses services provided through Mercy Women’s Care at Mercy St. Anne Hospital, Mercy
St. Charles Hospital and Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center as well as the Mercy Cancer Center
at St. Anne* and St. Charles. Mercy is the first health system in our region and one of just 14 in
Ohio to achieve this accreditation.
Even more exciting than our accomplishment in
achieving accreditation is what it means for our patients.
We gained so much just by completing the survey
application required to be evaluated for accreditation.
During the application process and later during the
actual survey, we demonstrated compliance with
NAPBC-established standards including proficiency
in the areas of center leadership, clinical management,
research, community outreach, professional education
and quality improvement. The surveyors were
particularly impressed with Mercy’s medical and
administrative leadership across multiple sites.
While the survey validated a great deal of the work we have done, it also laid the framework for
continual improvement. Accreditation and having access to NAPBC standards and best practices
will help us make decisions that will direct the future care of our breast cancer patients. As patient
needs evolve and access to new technology, medications and standards for treatment emerge,
we must be prepared to adapt. Our NAPBC accreditation sets the stage for our being able to
constantly provide the most advanced and coordinated breast cancer care available.
Buzz Hermann
Administrator, Mercy Oncology Services
*The Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne is a department of Mercy St. Vincent Mercy Center.
6
7
Mercy exceeds
national
standards for
performing
needle biopsies
prior to breast
surgery
One of the first steps in determining whether a lump in a
woman’s breast is cancerous or not is typically a needle
biopsy. Nationally, needle biopsies are performed in only The advantages of
70 percent of cases prior to surgery. At Mercy, in 2009 needle biopsy are
and 2010, 94 percent of cases underwent a needle
biopsy prior to definitive surgery.
that if the biopsy
is noncancerous,
“The consensus is that 90 percent of breast cancers
no operation is
should be diagnosed by needle biopsy,” said Michael
Stark, MD, FACS, Cancer Liaison Physician and needed, and if
Chairman, Breast Care Sub-committee Mercy Cancer it is cancer, the
Center. “We are happy to exceed that standard
at Mercy, as we want to avoid diagnostic surgery
surgeon can plan
whenever possible. The advantages of needle biopsy the operation
are that if the biopsy is noncancerous, no operation is
around treatment
needed, and if it is cancer, the surgeon can plan the
operation around treatment and not just diagnosis.” and not just
diagnosis.
The American Journal of Surgery published a study,
Utilization of minimally invasive breast biopsy for the
evaluation of suspicious breast lesions, in February
2011. The study found that 30 percent of the breast
biopsies recorded in the Florida Agency for Health Care
8
Administration outpatient surgery and procedure database from 2003 to 2008 were surgical.
“The figures in the rest of the country are likely to be similar to Florida’s,” the New York Times
reported the researchers as saying, “which would translate to more than 300,000 women
a year having unnecessary surgery, at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars. Many of
these women do not even have cancer: about 80 percent of breast biopsies are benign. For
women who do have cancer, a surgical biopsy means two operations instead of one, and
may make the cancer surgery more difficult than it would have been if a needle biopsy had
been done.”
Mercy provides stereotactic (mammogram-guided), ultrasound-guided and MRI-guided
biopsies and is proud to exceed the national standards for the use of biopsy prior to surgery.
“We researched our performance in this area as part of our successful application for
Breast Center Accreditation through the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
(NAPBC),” Dr. Stark said. “At Mercy, needle biopsies are used by radiologists and surgeons
alike to diagnose 94 percent of breast cancers. In those cases in which a needle biopsy
is not used at Mercy, there typically is a specific reason, such as the size or location of the
mass or the patient choosing not to have a biopsy. The people of Toledo and surrounding
communities should be happy to know that they have access, through the Mercy Cancer
Center, to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”
9
Mercy brings
3D breast
imaging
to Toledo
In fall 2011, women in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan gained access
to revolutionary new technology that provides the clearest, most comprehensive
mammograms available in our region. Mercy was the third healthcare provider in Ohio
and the first in our region to offer 3D breast imaging for breast cancer screening. The new
capabilities are possible because of Selenia® Dimensions® digital mammography systems
recently installed in Mercy Women’s Care at Mercy St. Charles Hospital and Mercy St.
Anne Hospital. These machines equate to a $1.9 million investment in women’s health.
“3D breast imaging enables radiologists to see through the entire depth of the breast,”
said Richard Cooper, MD, Mercy Women’s Care Radiologist. “It takes 15 successive
images at slightly different angles across the breast, resulting in improved accuracy in
screening results and pinpointing of lesion location. Conventional 2D mammography
captures the breast in one exposure, resulting in a flat picture in which features can be
hidden.”
The advantages of 3D Mammography include:
• Easier detection: Improves the radiologist’s ability to screen for and detect potential
breast cancers. Helps radiologists pinpoint the size, shape and location of
abnormalities.
• Earlier detection: Helps physicians detect smaller tumors sooner – at the earliest
stages of breast cancer.
10• Better visualization: Shows the breast in slices, making it easier to see a hidden
or small cancer, especially in women with dense breasts. Reduces or eliminates
problems caused by dense tissue overlap.
• Fewer call-backs: Can help distinguish harmless abnormalities from real tumors,
leading to fewer call-backs and less anxiety for women. Reduction in false positives,
meaning less anxiety and fewer biopsies. Reduction in the amount of call-backs for
women to have follow-up mammograms because the imaging is much clearer and
more precise, enabling the physician to find any issues on the spot.
• More comprehensive: When cancer is detected in one breast, 15% of women
have another tumor in the same breast or the other breast. 3D breast imaging
screens the whole breast, not just the problem area as a regular diagnostic
mammogram does.
“We are so excited to offer this new technology, which
was just approved by the FDA in February 2011, following By offering
10 years of research,” said Susan Jaros, Director, Mercy
Women’s Care.
women the latest
technology in
Mercy does not charge more for this new screening
mammography, we
as some other centers do. And, acknowledging that
today’s patients require availability of services outside hope to increase
the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. business day, Mercy’s the number of
full-service Women’s Care centers offer extended
early morning and evening hours as well as Saturday
women who will be
appointments for screening patients. Patients can be routinely screened.
scheduled for a 3D mammography within two weeks of
The stage at which
calling for an appointment. If a lump is found, the patient
will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment within 48 breast cancer is
hours. If a patient requires additional evaluation, and detected influences
possibly treatment, Mercy Women’s Care has a Patient
Navigator who will help them navigate the diagnosis
a woman’s chance
and treatment process. *See Patient navigators provide of survival. If
compassionate care and service to breast-cancer patients
detected early, the
and enhance service to primary care physicians for more
details on this service. five-year survival
rate is 97 percent.
“By offering women the latest technology in
mammography, we hope to increase the number of
women who will be routinely screened,” Dr. Cooper said.
“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded
only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer
in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance
11For more
of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent.
information or to
Mercy is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering
schedule a breast
3D digital mammography, we provide the latest in imaging quality.”
screening, call
Mercy St. Anne
at 419.407.1770 or If you would like to schedule a breast screening or have questions
Mercy St. Charles about this important breast health procedure, please call
at 419.696.7900. 1.888.987.6372.
Understanding
breast cancer
genetics is key
to developing
individualized
strategies for
prevention and
detection
By Mohammad Al Nsour, MD, Mercy Cancer Center
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and
is a leading cause of disease and death in American women. While
most breast cancer cases are sporadic, about 15-20% of patients
diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer
in a first- or second-degree relative. (A first-degree relative is a
parent, sibling or child; a second-degree relative is a grandparent,
grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or half-sibling.) Extensive
scientific research has looked for inherited genetic mutation
associated with breast cancer. Multiple genetic mutations have
12been identified. In general, those genetic mutations tend For patients with
to cluster into two groups. The first is a group of relatively
common mutations that lead to a small increase of breast
identified genetic
cancer incidence. The second is a group of rare mutations mutations, there
that lead to a much higher likelihood of developing breast are multiple
cancer as well as ovarian cancer. For patients with identified
genetic mutations, there are multiple identified risk reduction identified risk-
strategies that should be undertaken. This article will explore reduction strategies
genetic risks for breast cancer as well as the tests and
preventive strategies available to respond to them.
that should be
undertaken. This
Collectively, an inherited mutation is identified in 5-6% article will explore
of women with breast cancer. Most of those mutations
identified involve deletion in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. genetic risks for
Those mutations are inherited in autosomal dominant breast cancer as
fashion, meaning you only need to get the abnormal gene
from one parent in order to inherit the disease.
well as the tests
and preventive
The genes BRCA1 and BRCA 2 are located on strategies available
chromosomes 17 and 13, respectively. They function as
an essential part of DNA repair from double strand breaks. to respond to them.
Inherited genetic mutations are generally deletions that
lead to a non-functional or truncated product. Patients with
BRCA-related cancers inherit a mutated BRCA gene, while
the second hit is acquired in the tumor.
Patients with inherited BRCA mutations have a lifetime breast cancer risk of 65 to 85%.
They also have increased incidence of other tumors, such as ovarian cancer. The United
States Prevention Services Task force published its recommendations on who should be
offered genetic testing for BRCA mutations:
• Patients with documented family history with deleterious BRCA mutations
• For women of Ashkenazi Jewish decent:
• any first-degree relative (or two second-degree relatives on the same side
of the family) with breast or ovarian cancer
• For women not from Ashkenazi Jewish Decent
• Two first-degree relatives with breast cancer, one of them diagnosed at or
before age 50
• A combination of three or more first- or second-degree relatives
with breast cancer, regardless of age at diagnosis
• A combination of breast and ovarian cancer
in first or second-degree relatives
13• A first-degree relative with bilateral breast cancer
• A combination of two or more first- or second-degree relatives
with ovarian cancer, regardless of age at diagnosis
• A first-degree relative with both breast and ovarian cancer at any age
• A family history of male breast cancer
For patients with identified BRCA mutation but no cancer, there are multiple identified
strategies for risk reduction. These strategies include:
• Prophylactic (preventive) surgery: both prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and
oophorectomy have significant impact on reducing the risk of subsequent
malignancy. While oophorectomy (surgery to remove the ovaries) by age 40
reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 90-95%, it also reduces the chance of
subsequent breast cancer by 45-50%. Bilateral mastectomy decreases the risk
of breast cancer by more than 90% but has no effect on subsequent ovarian
cancer.
• Chemoprevention:
• Selective Estrogen Receptor modulators (SERM): prophylactic tamoxifen or
raloxifene have been very effective in reducing breast cancer incidence in
BRCA mutation carriers. When combined with prophylactic oophorectomy
at age 40; there was a significant reduction in breast cancer incidence
(by more than 85%). In addition to the surgical protection against ovarian
cancer, this approach might represent the best option for high-risk, young
BRCA carriers who wish to complete their families and do not want
mastectomies at a young age.
• Oral contraceptives: Combined estrogen and progesterone pills have
significant impact on the risk of subsequent ovarian cancer. This
represents a good option for patients who underwent prophylactic bilateral
mastectomy.
• Increased surveillance: for patients who decide not to proceed with risk-
reduction surgeries, the following screening guidelines are recommended by
the US Preventive Services Task Force:
• Monthly self breast exam by age 18
• Clinical breast examination two to four times annually by age 25
• Annual mammography and MRI screening starting by age 25,
individualized based on the earliest age onset in the family (many alternate
mammogram/MRI every six months)
• Twice yearly ovarian cancer screening with ultrasound and serum CA125
beginning at age 35
14Mercy Pathology
Department
provides valuable
information
about prognosis,
treatment of breast
cancer patients
The pathologists at Mercy play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of
patients with breast cancer. They provide essential information about the patient’s
prognosis as well as data that helps guide physicians with appropriate treatment options
and patient management. Information provided in surgical pathology reports can also be
helpful in educating patients about their disease process and treatment course.
When a woman has a biopsy of a breast lesion, a pathologist then performs tests to see
if the lesion is benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous). All malignant lesions identified
in the biopsy are evaluated histologically for tumor type, grade, in situ vs. invasive
features, hormone receptor status, and HER2 oncogene expression.
“All breast cancers, in situ and invasive, are evaluated for estrogen and progesterone
receptors with immunohistochemistry,” said Stephen Strobel, MD, Chairman,
Department of Pathology at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. “The tumors are
scored as positive or negative for each hormone receptor, and evaluated for intensity
of expression, identified as strong or weak. Studies have shown estrogen and
progesterone often contribute to the growth of breast cancer, so knowing whether a
tumor is positive or negative for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors
and the strength of expression helps physicians determine prognosis and select
appropriate antihormonal therapy.”
15Currently, evaluation of HER2 oncogene expression is performed only on invasive cancers.
“Overexpression of this oncogene identified patients who may respond to receptor
therapy,” Dr. Strobel said. “Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) testing is performed at
the Mercy Integrated Laboratories for the initial evaluation of HER2 expression, since this
is the most accurate test for HER2 expression. Unusual cases with equivocal results may
also be evaluated with immunohistochemical staining.”
When a patient undergoes surgery to treat breast cancer, either via a lumpectomy
or mastectomy (referred to as a resection), the surgeon’s goal is to remove all of the
cancerous tissue, along with a margin of normal tissue around it. During or after surgery, a
pathologist examines the margin of tissue to be sure it is clear of any cancer cells. If cancer
cells remain in this margin, this will influence decisions about treatment, such as additional
surgery or radiation therapy.
“We also evaluate the tissue removed for tumor size, surgical margin status, extensive
invasion (such as skin or skeletal muscle involvement), and to determine whether or not
the cancer has invaded the lymphovascular system,” Dr. Strobel said. “Typically, axillary
(underarm) lymph node status is evaluated to see if the cancer has spread.”
Using information from the biopsy and resection specimens, along with the lymph node
status, the pathologist assigns a pathologic stage for the breast cancer. The stage
indicates the pathologic impression of the extent of tumor spread and the adequacy of
the surgical treatment. The pathologists at Mercy, as well as those throughout most of
the United States, use the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system
for the evaluation of breast cancers. All of the data identified in the biopsy and resection
specimen, as well as the AJCC stage, are provided in a final surgical pathology report. This
report ensures all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care will have easy access
to accurate information. The pathologists at Mercy are committed to providing the most
complete and accurate information possible for every patient.
“We take our role in contributing to a patient’s diagnosis and providing information that
will help to guide treatment decisions very seriously,” Dr. Strobel said. “In addition to
generating the surgical pathology reports, pathologists play an integral role in hospital
tumor boards where patient diagnoses and management are discussed to ensure the best
multidisciplinary care possible. Pathologists also take an active role in selected educational
programs at certain community sites, such as the Victory Center.”
1617
Patient navigators provide
compassionate care and
service to breast-cancer
patients and enhance service
to primary care physicians
The Mercy Cancer Center and Mercy Women’s Care at Mercy St. Anne Hospital*,
Mercy St. Charles Hospital and Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center dramatically enhanced
service to patients and referring physicians in 2009 when they added patient navigators
to their teams. Patti Beach, RN, MSN, AOCN, ACHPN; Mary Lou Burkhart, RT (R)
(M), CBPN-IC; Becky Mang, RT (R) (M), CBPN-IC; Audrey Milbrodt, RN, BSN,
CBPN-IC; and Bev Rego, RT(R) (M), CBPN-I, help coordinate and expedite care for
and provide support to patients. They also ensure referring physicians receive updates
in a timely fashion.
*The Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne is a department of Mercy St. Vincent Mercy Center.
18“We aim to provide ease of access as well as education
and support throughout the cancer care continuum, with For more information
an emphasis on breast cancer patients, although we about the patient navigator
have also served other cancer patients,” Ms. Beach said. service, please call:
“As more cancer care is provided in a multidisciplinary,
Audrey Milbrodt, RN, BSN,
outpatient setting, patients find it very helpful to have
CBPN-IC,
one familiar contact they can call with their questions, Mercy Women’s Care
regardless of where they are at in the diagnostic or and Mercy Cancer Center at
treatment process.” St. Charles
419.696.5885
One goal of the patient navigators is to help ensure Patti Beach, RN, MSN,
patients receive the information and care they need as AOCN, ACHPN,
Mercy Cancer Center
quickly as possible.
at St. Anne*
419.407.1160
“We work to decrease the time from a suspicious finding
Mary Lou Burkhart, RT (R)
to diagnosis and then from diagnosis to treatment,” Ms.
(M), CBPN-IC,
Beach said. Mercy Women’s Care
at St. V’s
The work of the patient navigators in Mercy Women’s Care 419.251.2728
has resulted not only in greater patient satisfaction, but Becky Mang, RT (R) (M),
also a substantial improvement in the diagnosis time. The CBPN-IC,
time between a patient having an abnormal mammogram Mercy Women’s Care
at St. Charles
and undergoing a biopsy is consistently two weeks or
419-696-5835
less. In some cases, we are even able to provide same-
day biopsy. Bev Rego, RT(R) (M),
CBPN-I, Mercy Women’s
Care at St. Anne
The patient navigators begin their work as soon as there is 419.407.1606
an indication for additional imaging or a biopsy.
“Our patient navigators in Mercy Women’s Care make sure
the additional imaging or biopsy gets scheduled in a timely
way after a screening mammogram,” Ms. Milbrodt said. “They are there to help and
support the patients, as they may fear the worst. If the patient does have a positive breast
cancer diagnosis, then she is referred to Patti and I, and we will follow up by sending
breast cancer information as well as by calling them or seeing them at our Cancer Center.
Patients often call with questions after appointments. They are confused and scared, and
we offer support and answers. Many times they just need to talk about what they are
going through and are very grateful for our time.”
Patients often comment that the patient navigators have a very positive impact on their
overall experience at Mercy. Referring physicians’ offices also benefit from the services of
the patient navigators and appreciate having a consistent point of contact.
*The Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne is a department of Mercy St. Vincent Mercy Center.
19Patient navigator makes big
impression on breast cancer patient
Kay Hatzidakis completed treatment for breast cancer at the Mercy Cancer Center at St.
Anne* in August. While no one wants to battle cancer, Ms. Hatzidakis said she was glad she
was able to do it at Mercy.
“Once you see the doctors there and begin the process, you don’t feel like you are just a
number or a body moving through the system to them,” she said. “My overall experience was
that I would walk in, and things were on time. They were prepared for me, they knew what was
going on, they were very well-organized without being impersonal. I felt very well taken care of. I
also appreciated that the facility was very accommodating to my bringing my daughter with me
to all of my appointments. She and I could sit and talk. That made it easier, less traumatic.”
Ms. Hatzidakis said she also really appreciated
the Massage Therapy available at the Cancer
Center.
“The massage program was priceless,” she said.
“The therapist helped me to be very aware of my
lymphatic system.”
Ms. Hatzidakis said the greatest factor in the
positive experience she had at Mercy was the
interaction she had with Patient Navigator Patti
Beach, RN, MSN, AOCN, ACHPN.
“When you are diagnosed with cancer, it’s a
lot to take in,” she said. “You don’t have the
energy or capacity to process all of the information and ask all of your questions at the time the
information is first presented. So later, you have all these questions and concerns.
“Some of the questions I had now seem little in retrospect, but at that time they were huge.
Patti answered a lot of questions and allayed a lot of fears. She helped me maintain a feeling
of being a human being who happened to be facing a challenge. Patti is a person you’d love
to call a friend. Her demeanor is very calming, and she was so personable and indispensable. I
always looked forward to seeing her.”
Ms. Hatzidakis said having a knowledgeable, friendly person she could contact with all of her
questions and concerns was invaluable.
“Patti is very intent on listening to you as an individual,” Ms. Hatzidakis said. “You never feel
like she has somewhere else she needs to be. I could talk to her about anything – no question
was too big or too small, and if she didn’t have an answer for me immediately, she found one
quickly. I felt completely comfortable calling her with questions I didn’t want to bother the doctor
with. I had a level of confidence in knowing I could always bounce things off of her. That had a
huge impact on my experience in fighting cancer at Mercy.”
*The Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne is a department of Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center
20Mercy is an
Integrative
Medicine pioneer
A decade ago, Mercy was one of the first hospitals in the nation to use massage therapy
with oncology patients. Today, the Mercy Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Department
offers one of just two sites in the nation for massage therapists seeking national
certification in oncology massage to receive hands-on training. And, what began with
massage therapy has blossomed into a full-blown Mercy Integrative Medicine Department
that offers an array of services and classes for cancer patients and survivors.
We address the whole person: mind-body-spirit. Services include:
• Comfort oriented massage
• Guided imagery
• Comfort touch All Integrative
Medicine services
• Yoga
are free for cancer
• Partner massage
survivors and their
• Eastern Oncology Massage Clinic
caregivers. For
• Lymphatic massage more information,
• Scar tissue mobilization call 419.407.1168.
• Meditation
• Fitness classes
All massage therapists have had more than 100 hours of oncology massage training so
they can provide a safe, effective and comforting session, all while assisting in relieving
symptoms such as nausea, pain, anxiety, sleeplessness and shortness of breath.
Special training has prepared them to provide lymphatic massage and Eastern Oncology
Massage. In addition, Tina Ferner, LMT, and Cindy Vincent, LMT, each have completed
the 400-hour National Oncology Massage Certification. They are the only two massage
therapists in Northwest Ohio who have completed this difficult certification. Mercy is the
only local provider of scar tissue mobilization paired with lymphatic drainage to improve
the range of motion and reduce risk for lymphedema in breast cancer patients. Many of
Mercy Integrative Medicine’s therapists also have additional training in other modalities
that are used during Integrative Medicine’s outpatient classes, which include: Yoga, Chair
Yoga, Fitness ETC (Energize, Tone, Cardio), Belly Dancing, Guided Imagery, Massage and
Nutrition.
All Integrative Medicine services are free for cancer survivors and their caregivers.
For more information, call 419.407.1168.
21Mercy offers
Support Services
for cancer patients
and loved ones
Cancer diagnosis and treatment is not something that patients at Mercy have to face
alone. Mercy Cancer Center Support Services offers many programs to support cancer
patients, regardless of where they have been treated, free of charge. Families and loved
ones are always welcome and encouraged to get involved as well.
Mercy’s cancer support programs include:
• Art of Healing
• Cancer Support Group
• Look Good Feel Better** (Cosmetics provided)
• Man to Man (Prostate Cancer Support Group)**
• The Lebed Method: Healthy Steps (Gentle exercise).
There also is a Library Resource Center at the Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne* that is
open Monday through Friday to cancer patients, their families and the community. This
comprehensive resource center has accurate and up-to-date information about different
types of cancer, community resources, cancer prevention and treatment. Internet access
and computers also are available.
For additional details, please call Nancy Keller, Cancer Support Services Coordinator, at
419.407.1186.
For additional details, please call
Nancy Keller, Cancer Support Services
Coordinator, at 419.407.1186.
*The Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne is a department of Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center
**Programs held in conjunction with the American Cancer Society
22Cancer
patients receive
personalized
education
from Mercy
Each cancer patient seen at the Mercy Cancer Center receives education and support
before, during and after treatment.
“I provide one-on-one patient education about their cancer, treatment, every aspect
of their care,” said Deb Ross, Coordinator, Cancer Center Education. “I usually spend
about an hour with them upfront. It is a very comprehensive visit. We go over their
pathology report if they want, talk about their medications and frequency of treatments.
I provide each patient with a notebook to keep track of all of their lab reports,
appointments, etc. I am available to them if they have questions during treatment.
“Then, when the patient finishes the prescribed chemotherapy or
radiation therapy, I provide a summary of all the treatments they
received in a Survivorship Visit. We go over community resources
available to them, services they may need – such as physical For more
therapy or nutrition counseling. We put together a long-term information about
education services
plan that includes a surveillance plan that answers the questions
provided at the
of ‘How often do I need to come in for bloodwork or scans?’
Mercy Cancer
and ‘What do I need to do for the rest of my life to take care of
Center, contact
myself?’” Deb Ross at
419.407.1187.
For more information about education services provided at the
Mercy Cancer Center, contact Ms. Ross at 419.407.1187.
23mercyweb.org/cancercenter
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