SOMC Receives Komen Grant

March 4, 2010 » Southern Ohio Medical Center will continue to offer breast health screening services to uninsured and underinsured women in Scioto, Pike and Lawrence counties, thanks to a grant received from the Columbus Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“This is the fourth year SOMC has been awarded the grant,” Kimberlee Richendollar, breast health navigator at the Cancer Center, said. “We will receive $69,250 for the 2010-2011 grant year, which is significantly more than last year.”

Richendollar explained that the grant is used to fund a program at the Cancer Center called Hands of Hope. The funds provide free mammograms, as well as other screening services for women in the community. Criteria and eligibility is screened and determined by Richendollar with guidelines set by the grant.

“Women diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage have much higher survival rates,” Richendollar said. “Unfortunately, not everyone in our community has the financial ability or access to obtain screening services for early detection, which is why the Hands of Hope program is so important.”

The program also provides breast health education to the public through health fairs and screenings. During the 2009-2010 grant year, Hands of Hope was able to provide more than 150 free screening and diagnostic mammograms to local women.

“We are so glad to have the opportunity to partner with Komen Columbus again this year,” she said. “As a result of the grant, the Hands of Hope program provides a great service to our community and we hope it will help the women of our area to become better informed about breast health and the importance of proper screening.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest and most progressive network of breast cancer survivors and activists. Since its inception in 1982, the foundation has contributed more than $1.5 billion in funding for global breast cancer research, as well as millions of dollars of support for local education, screening and treatment programs.

To learn more about Hands of Hope and its qualifications, please call Kimberlee Richendollar at (740) 356-PINK (7465).

SOMC to Sponsor Jack Sprat

February 25, 2010 » The Cancer Center of Southern Ohio Medical Center has partnered with the Portsmouth Area Arts Council (PAAC) to promote healthy eating habits and provide education about cancer risks to thousands of local children through the Jack Sprat Low-Fat World Tour, an interactive and fun-filled musical production commissioned and endorsed by the American Cancer Society.

“We recognize the childhood obesity crisis and the growing need for more education regarding healthy lifestyles and ways to reduce cancer risks,” Wendi Waugh, director of the SOMC Cancer Center, said. “As a health education initiative, we are sponsoring the Jack Sprat show and taking it to several local schools.”

The program will be performed at Wheelersburg, Green and Portsmouth elementary schools March 8, 9 and 10. A special performance for preschool and home school students will be held at 1 p.m., March 9 at the SOMC Friends Community Center, 1202 18th Street with an additional community performance at 6 p.m. that evening. Admission is $1 per person with limited seating available.

According to the American Cancer Society, “Experts recommend that people establish habits of healthy eating and physical activity early in life to prevent overweight and obesity.”

The ACS also states that, “Obesity and physical inactivity may account for 25 to 30 percent of several major cancers—colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, and cancer of the esophagus. Preventing weight gain can reduce the risk of many cancers.”

“SOMC sponsors many community health initiatives, including free screenings, diabetes education and physical activity programs for children,” Waugh said. “At the Cancer Center we want to focus specifically on teaching young students the importance of starting healthy habits now to help prevent cancer and other health issues later in life.”

For more information about Southern Ohio Medical Center’s community health education and initiatives, please call Ashley Salyers at (740) 356-2720.

SOMC to Host Knit for Hope

February 22, 2010 » Knitters and crocheters of all skill-levels are invited to an evening of fun, food and to support a good cause as part of the Knit for Hope group at Southern Ohio Medical Center.

The group will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the SOMC Friends Community Center, 1202 18th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio.

Patterns for lap quilts, throws, shawls, hats and caps will be available, though attendees are asked to bring their own needles and yarn (of any color). Finished products will be donated to breast cancer patients of the SOMC Cancer Center.

For more information, please call the Friends Center at (740) 356-7101.

A Night of Broadway Donation

February 11, 2010 » Dr. Vincent Scarpinato recently presented a donation of more than $19,000 to the SOMC Breast Cancer Compassion Fund, designed to provide assistance for local breast cancer patients. Shown at the presentation is (l to r) Joni Bray, RN; Dr. Scarpinato; Wendi Waugh, director of the SOMC Cancer Center; and Kelly Lawson, clinical manager for SOMC.

The donation came from the “Night of Broadway,” fundraising event hosted by Dr. Scarpinato, Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth West Vocal Department, Shawnee State University and the Portsmouth Area Art Council, held Jan. 30 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

Night of Broadway Raffle

February 11, 2010 » Kelly Lawson (left) clinical manager for SOMC Oncology Services presented Kris Lewis (right) with a gift basket from a raffle in conjunction with “A Night of Broadway,” a fundraising event hosted by Dr. Vincent Scarpinato, Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth West Vocal Department, Shawnee State University and the Portsmouth Area Art Council held Jan. 30 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. The event raised more than $19,000 for the SOMC Breast Cancer Patient Compassion Fund, designed to help local breast cancer patients with transportation and medications.

Local realtor Debbie Gambill and Century 21 Realty provided Lewis’ gift basket. Terri Holler was named the winner of the “Best of Scioto County” gift basket put together by Becky Lovins and the Portsmouth Area Arts Council and Jane Gee accepted the giveaways from LIFE Ambulance and The Wharf.

Other local businesses that supported the effort included Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association; Portsmouth Little Theatre; Port City Café; Hatti Beasley; Market Street Café; Z Collections; Morgan Brothers Jewelers; B Sweete Chocolaterie; The Party Connection; WNXT; and The Portsmouth Daily Times.

Scioto Guild Presents Donation to SOMC

January 14, 2010 » Members of the Scioto Guild (pictured above), a part of the Friends of SOMC, recently presented Kimberlee Richendollar (back right), breast health navigator for the SOMC Cancer Center, a donation of $5,000. The contribution was collected through the guild’s annual Flower Sale, held every May. The funds will go toward SOMC’s Breast Cancer Compassion Fund, which provides assistance to local breast cancer patients.

Kids Cope Christmas Party

January 14, 2010 » The SOMC Cancer Center recently held a Christmas party for the Kids Cope group (pictured above). Stephanie Craft, a social worker, started the program two years ago for children with family members receiving cancer treatment at SOMC. During the event, Santa visited on his sleigh (provided by Nile Township Fire Department) and participants enjoyed food, games and gift bags provided by employees of the center.

Oncologist Geller Welcomed at SOMC

January 11, 2010 » Robert Geller, M.D., a physician specializing in hematology and medical oncology, has been welcomed to the medical staff of Southern Ohio Medical Center. He is the Senior Medical Director of Medical Oncology at the SOMC Cancer Center.

Originally from Cincinnati with parents from Huntington, W.Va. and Harlan, Ky., Dr. Geller received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., and a fellowship at the John Hopkins Oncology Center in Baltimore, Md.

Prior to going into private practice, Dr. Geller held faculty positions at the University of Chicago, Emory University and the University of Arizona. Dr. Geller has published more than 150 articles, abstracts and book chapters related to the care of patients with hematologic and oncologic problems. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology.

His family previously owned a business in Portsmouth and he is pleased to return to southeastern Ohio.

Dr. Geller is currently accepting patients and can be reached at the SOMC Cancer Center, 1121 Kinneys Lane, Portsmouth, OH 45662. For more information, call (740) 356-7490.

Promise Guild Donates Robes to Cancer Center

January 4, 2010 » Members of the Promise Guild, a part of the Friends of SOMC, recently donated 60 robes to the Cancer Center at Southern Ohio Medical Center. The guild raised money to purchase and monogram the robes through various fundraisers during the year. The idea for the robes came from a patient suggestion and will provide comfort and privacy for cancer patients during treatments.

Pictured above are: (back, l-r); Kelly Lawson, clinical manager of SOMC Oncology Services; Rose Havens, promise guild member; Joyce Payton, promise guild member; Kristie Meeker, assistant nurse manager of SOMC Oncology Services; (front, l-r); Sherrill Day, promise guild member; Marilyn Mercer, promise guild member.

Pike County CTC Students Donate to SOMC Cancer Compassion Fund

December 22, 2009 » As a fundraiser, high school students from the Pike County Career Technical Center recently paid money to wear pink clothing to school. The group raised $250 and made a donation to Southern Ohio Medical Center’s Breast Cancer Compassion Fund, which provides assistance to local breast cancer patients. Pictured to the right of the students is Connie Tackett, instructor at Pike County CTC presenting a check to Kimberly Richendollar, breast health navigator at SOMC.

Girl Scouts Donate Scarves for Cancer Patients

December 15, 2009 » Members of Girl Scout Troops Jackson Daisy 406 and Gallipolis Junior 515 worked together to make more than 500 head scarves for cancer patients in the Southeast Ohio area during the national Make A Difference Day campaign. The girls, ranging in age from kindergarten through eighth grade, worked on the project for eight months while learning to measure, iron and sew the scarves. The SOMC Cancer Center was one of five area hospitals to receive the handmade scarves.

‘Cherry Tomato Lady’ Hosts Book Signing at SOMC

December 15, 2009 » Joan Thomas Ungerleider, author of the cookbook, “Cooking with the Cherry Tomato Lady,” will host a very special “Memories and Traditions” get together and book signing from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 at the SOMC Cancer Center, 1121 Kinneys Lane, Portsmouth.

“Years ago, I dubbed my grandmother the ‘Cherry Tomato Lady’ because she grew copious amounts of the tiny tomatoes and delivered them to family and friends as healthful snacks,” Ungerleider explained. “After she was gone, I adopted the name for myself, continuing her practice and sending seeds to my grandchildren so they could grow their own crops.”

As the reigning “Cherry Tomato Lady,” Ungerleider’s goal is to bring families together in the kitchen. Her cookbook offers a grandmother’s mix of memories and recipes, dishing up more than 200 family-pleasing recipes along with nostalgic recollections spanning six generations.

“The book is a tribute to relationships kindled in the kitchen,” she said. “When I started looking back, all my memories of my grandmother and family revolved around food. And I thought, what better way to create a lasting memory than to put it in writing?”

Wife of the Cancer Center’s Dr. James Ungerleider, mother to five and grandmother of nine, Ungerleider said the concept of leaving something in writing, or the gift of memories, has always been important to her. She has worked to embed the tradition into her own family.

“When my grandmother passed away, the only thing I can remember wanting from her was something in her handwriting. From then on, I decided it would be my goal to use the written word to create a lasting bond with my family and teach them about love and health along the way,” she said.

She explained that the process could be simple, like writing a birthday letter every year, starting a memory jar or making a book of family recipes. The important thing to remember is to not put off what you can do today.

“At your next family reunion, ask those who will be attending to bring in a recipe. Have someone type them up and then send out a special family book. It doesn’t take much effort, but it will be something that your family will always cherish. And most importantly, it will be a gift that can be passed on for years to come.”

Copies of “Cooking with the Cherry Tomato Lady” can be purchased from the SOMC Cancer Center and proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Compassion Fund. For more information or to purchase your copy, please call Lisa Morgan at 356-7496.

Four Battles Then: Four Victories Now

How Four SOMC Employees Are Spreading Stories Of Hope

Pictured then (left) are Noel Pemberton, Norma White, Wendi Waugh and Carolyn McKinnon; pictured now (right) are McKinnon, White, Pemberton and Waugh.

October 13, 2009 » In 2006, four employees at Southern Ohio Medical Center embarked on what would be the hardest journey of their life: the battle against breast cancer.

Three years later, each woman is cancer free and sharing their stories to provide inspiration and encouragement for those following in their footsteps.

Norma’s Story:

Norma White, a purchasing analyst at the SOMC Cancer Center, first discovered a lump in her breast while at work. She let it go for week before visiting a doctor. “At 32 years old, and with no previous history of breast cancer, I didn’t think it was possible for me to have the disease,” she said. “I kept denying it, but finally realized it wasn’t worth putting off any longer—I needed to help myself get better.”

Within seven months of a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and multiple radiation treatments, Norma was officially declared cancer free. She now uses her experience to relate to first-time chemo patients, explaining that it may not be an easy road, but that they will see their old self again.

“Many cancer patients feel like they have to put their lives on hold, but they don’t,” she said. “I still exercised, went shopping and spent time with my family. My biggest goal was to put the treatments behind me and move on with my life. Now I can show my patients that it’s possible.”

Carolyn’s Story:

After a routine mammogram, 51-year-old Carolyn McKinnon was told that she had a lump in her breast. Four days later, she was undergoing surgery.

“It all happened so fast that I barely had time to think about it,” she said. “I was definitely scared, but I also always had hope.”

Within 10 months of a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Carolyn was cleared of cancer. She now uses her story to encourage others to not put off what they can do today.

“My experience made me realize that life is too short—you don’t get another time around,” she said. “I needed to accomplish all the things I said I wanted to do, but hadn’t; I have since gone back to school to become a nurse practitioner and I’m very happy with where I am in life.”

Wendi’s Story:

Wendi Waugh, director of the SOMC Cancer Center, was aware that there was a lump in her breast nearly five months before visiting her physician for an exam.

“I had an order for a mammogram, but held onto it because I hoped the lump would go away,” she said. “Unfortunately, I always knew in my heart that it wouldn’t disappear.”

A year and a half after her double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Wendi returned to her normal life without cancer. Her experience has helped her relate on a new level with her patients, creating a greater sense of compassion and understanding of their situations

“Breast cancer is a roller coaster ride: you don’t know where the loops are, but you can choose to experience the ride and learn from it,” she said. “I chose to learn and to take care of myself so that now I can take care of others.”

Noel’s Story:

As a registered mammographer and advocate of the monthly self-breast exam, Noel Pemberton understood what avenues to take after finding a pea-sized lump in her breast.

“I immediately went to my doctor and scheduled a mammogram,” she said. “From the first image, we knew that it was cancer.”

A double mastectomy, eight chemo treatments, 38 radiation sessions and six months later, Noel was in the clear. She now sits with patients during their hour-long bone scans and encourages them by sharing her story.

“What better place can we be to touch patients?” she said. “I have bonded with so many people by sharing my experience and have made friends that I never would have met otherwise. Being able to inspire others through my own story is an amazing feeling and I’m truly blessed.”

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join the SOMC Cancer Center in celebrating by receiving your annual mammogram today and learning about the many ways that you can fight the disease. For more information or to schedule your appointment, please call (740) 356-7490 or visit them online at www.somccancer.org.

HDR Procedure Available for Gynecological Cancers

September 15, 2009 » Southern Ohio Medical Center now has the technology available to cut the treatment for gynecologic cancers down from days to hours. High Dose Rate Brachytherapy, currently being used at the SOMC Cancer Center in the treatment of some forms of breast and skin cancer, is now available to women with gynecological cancer and soon will be available for the treatment of lung cancer.

“In the past, women suffering from gynecological cancer would be subjected to at least three days stay in the hospital, lying flat on their back with no movement and no visitors due to the radiation emission in the room,” said Dr. Li-Fen Lien Chang, Senior Medical Director of Radiation Oncology Services. “This procedure will eliminate the lengthy, uncomfortable hospital stay and minimize the number of treatments.”

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation treatment where radioactive sources are placed on or into cancer tissue. High dose rate (HDR) is a technically advanced form of brachytherapy. A high intensity radiation source is delivered with millimeter precision under computer guidance directly into the tumor killing it from the inside out while avoiding injury to surrounding normal healthy tissue. In gynecological treatments, a vaginal cylinder or a tandem and ovoids are comfortably inserted directly inside the woman’s anatomy and are used to administer the radiation.

“Our team takes a CT scan of the patient prior to the treatment to help create a specialized treatment plan specific to that patient’s needs. The treatment takes approximately 30-90 minutes depending upon the size and complexity of the implant and the activity of the source,” she explained.

Chang said the procedure is outpatient and is more accurate in delivering treatment because it is so focused and allows for a much higher, very localized dose of exposure that is designed to kill the remaining cancer cells at the site.

“Because of the success with this procedure, we will be looking toward the use of HDR brachytherapy for the treatment of lung cancer,” she said.

For more information on this new technology, visit Southern Ohio Medical Center’s Cancer Center on the web at www.somc.org/cancer

Longaberger Consultant Presents Donation to SOMC

September 2, 2009 » Local Longaberger Branch Leader Dolores Schuman (right) recently presented SOMC Cancer Center staff members Kelly Lawson (left) and Kimberly Richendollar with a donation of more than $800. The contribution was collected by area Longaberger consultants during their Horizon of Hope luncheon and will go toward the hospital’s Breast Cancer Compassion Fund, which provides assistance to local breast cancer patients.

2009 River Days Contestant Raises Funds for SOMC

August 25, 2009 » 2009 Miss River Days Contestant Julie Seaman, a senior from Northwest High School, hosted a Carnival for a Cure to benefit cancer patients of Southern Ohio Medical Center June 27. Through the event, Seaman was able to create a greater awareness of breast cancer within the community, as well as raise donations for the SOMC Breast Cancer Compassion Fund. Shown at the donation presentation are (l to r) Kelly Lawson, clinical manager of SOMC Oncology Services, Julie Seaman and Kristie Meeker, assistant nurse manager of SOMC Oncology Services.

Girl Scouts Donate Blankets to SOMC Cancer Center

August 7, 2009 » Members of local Girl Scout troop 305 recently created and donated 16 blankets for the patients of the Cancer Center at Southern Ohio Medical Center. The troop’s service project will go toward their hours needed to receive the Girl Scout Silver Award later this year. Shown at the presentation with the troop members and leaders are SOMC Cancer Center staff members Traci Boland (left) and Eve Phipps (right).

Breast reconstruction now available for breast cancer patients

July 2, 2009 » This year alone, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Each year, more than 250,000 women face the challenges associated with breast cancer. Those whose diagnosis is warranted are often faced with the choice of total breast removal (mastectomy) or partial breast tissue removal (lumpectomy). Southern Ohio Medical Center has surgery specialists who can provide breast reconstruction for those who opt for the procedure.

“Breast reconstruction is a surgery that rebuilds the breast, after a mastectomy or lumpectomy,” said Dr. Michael Stefan, M.D., plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Southern Ohio Medical Center. “Many women choose this procedure to maintain a balanced contour which aids in overall body image and builds self-esteem.”

Stefan explained that women always have a choice in the reconstruction process. Immediate reconstruction can take place at the time the mastectomy is performed which means one less surgery.

“We work together to perform a breast reconstruction,” said Vincent Scarpinato, M.D., senior medical director of the Surgery Department at Southern Ohio Medical Center. “I remove the breast tissue and Dr. Stefan conducts the reconstruct. This minimizes the procedures that the patient would have to go through and has been very successful.”

Dr. Stefan received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. He completed a residency in general surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital and a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery from the University of Florida and aesthetic and breast surgery from Georgetown University. He is board certified in plastic surgery.

Dr. Scarpinato received his medical degree from New York Medical College where he also completed his residency in general and breast surgery. He is board certified in general surgery.

For more information contact SOMC Surgical Associates, 1735 27th St., Waller Building Suite 102, Portsmouth, OH 45662. Call (740) 353-3562.

SOMC Cancer Center Brings Disease Awareness to Local Students

June 9, 2009 » The Cancer Center at Southern Ohio Medical Center recently opened its doors to local students to bring a greater understanding and awareness of the disease, its treatments and its preventive measures to the youth of the community.

“Earlier this year, we sent letters to all area guidance counselors, inviting students to visit the center for a special one-on-one tour and day of learning,” Kelly Lawson, clinical manager of SOMC Oncology Services, said. “Multiple schools responded to the offer and so far we’ve probably conducted six tours to around 200 students.”

Alice Spriggs, third grade teacher at Northwest Elementary School, said she eagerly jumped on the invitation, noting that the tour was the perfect opportunity to give her students a better grasp of the disease.

“Last year we had a student who was diagnosed with cancer, and now-a-days there are so many with family members who are suffering from it,” she said. “My students wanted to know what they could do to help, which is why we wanted to visit the center and hear first-hand from the employees who work there everyday.” 

Lawson explained that during the tour, students are able to learn specifics about many different types of cancer and the therapies and treatments that may be associated which each.

“We try to gear the visit toward the group’s specific age so they can gain the most from the experience,” she said.

“For one eighth grade group, we talked a lot about lung cancer prevention and showed them X-rays of the disease in hopes of keeping them from smoking. With the younger kids, we focus on lighter, but relevant topics, like wearing sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and eating balanced diets and exercising to stay healthy.”

Students also have the chance to ask questions and learn answers to topics that may previously have seemed frightening, such as hair loss, length of hospitalization and painfulness of treatment.

“The visit really put things in a different perspective and was very worthwhile,” Spriggs said. “It also helped my students learn that, while cancer is a terrible disease, it does not always mean death and there are things that can be done to prevent it. We thank the Cancer Center for their kindness and enthusiasm and look forward to bringing students back next year.”

New Cancer Treatment Room at SOMC Shines With Images of Nature

April 29, 2009 » When you open the door to the high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatment room at Southern Ohio Medical Center, you might think you have stepped into a garden. The walls shine with the images of birds and butterflies, flowers and trees, blue sky with white clouds. There’s even a small structure that looks like a child’s playhouse.

The structure is actually a lead booth where patients receive one of the newest radiation treatments for cancer. The room itself is one of the most unique in the United States.

SOMC’s Cancer Center was the first facility in the country to utilize an HDR Tx Booth, a lead-lined unit which is placed inside a normal room and used for HDR radiation treatments. The concept is unique because the entire room does not have to be lead-lined, according to Wendi Waugh, R.T. (R)(T) CMD CTR, administrative director of the Cancer Center.

In HDR brachytherapy, a highly radioactive source is placed at the site of a patient’s cancer. This treatment is primarily used with breast, lung, skin and gynecological cancer patients. The source, which is no larger than a grain of rice, is left in the body five to 10 minutes. Because the treatment involves use of radioactive materials, the procedure must take place in a lead-lined location.

The room grew out of what Waugh termed a long-time need for HDR brachytherapy in the community. “We had one normal-sized lead-lined room but needed another one for the HDR brachytherapy treatments. We looked at building a second room but that was not making sense economically.”

At the same time Waugh was looking for a solution to her problem, Tom Rhea, a physicist with Advanced Physics Solutions in Franklin, Tn., was looking for a customer for a small lead booth he’d designed for HDR brachytherapy treatments.

The mural on the room’s wall and the painted booth add to the facility’s uniqueness, Waugh said.

“I’m being nice when I say it (the booth) looked like a building you’d put a lawnmower in,” Waugh added with a laugh. When the unit arrived at the Cancer Center, “It was a functional lead box. We have a beautiful center here and this did not meet our standards. We wanted a warm, comfortable, inviting area for our patients.”

Franklin Furnace Artist Keiva Jenkins  worked on the room and booth in stages over a 10-day period.

The booth, which weighs approximately 23,000 pounds, arrived in pieces in November 2008, and was assembled inside the treatment room. It’s about the size of a child’s playhouse with interior measurements of 7’4” long by 4’6” wide by 5’ high. The unit has interior lighting, piped-in music, a camera and intercom monitoring system and forced air ventilation.

“It’s inviting and it gives patients a calm, serene and open atmosphere during treatment,” said Waugh.

For more information on HDR Brachytherapy, visit Southern Ohio Medical Center’s Cancer Center on the web at www.somc.org/cancer.