Led by health professionals, these informal sessions offer both the educational and emotional support you and your family may need in facing the issues involved with cancer treatment and survivorship. Location: Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center, 299 SE 9th Ave., Hillsboro. A 90-minute session: first and third Tuesday of each month, at 3:30 p.m. Free. No registration required.
[June 1, 2007]
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New Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy
Reduces Treatment Time, Side Effects
The Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center recently began providing a new form of radiation treatment for certain women with breast cancer that greatly reduces the time commitment required to complete the therapy.
The MammoSite® Radiation Therapy System, which is a form of "high-dose rate brachytherapy," requires just 10 visits over the course of five days (two per day) to treat breast cancer after a lumpectomy procedure. Traditional techniques require women to return for radiation treatment appointments on a daily basis for six to eight weeks.
"Now, this sought-after therapy is available right here in our community," said Carol Marquez, M.D., radiation oncologist, Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center. "Local women don't have to worry about making the long drive to Portland to get the convenience of MammoSite."
Appropriate for select women who have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, the MammoSite process uses a small balloon positioned in the breast within the cavity left after a lumpectomy. The balloon is attached to a thin catheter (tube) and filled with a saline solution.
During each treatment, a high-dose radiation "seed" is fed through the catheter and positioned in the balloon to deliver the radiation dose. It is inserted and removed using precise computer control.
The process allows the radiation to be directly targeted at tissue where the cancer is most likely to recur, while decreasing radiation exposure to healthy tissue. This can reduce some of the common side effects caused by external-beam radiation therapy.
"The convenience of this process is one of the benefits that makes it so appealing," added Tina Dickerson, director, Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center. "In just five days, women can complete radiation therapy that could otherwise require nearly two months of daily trips to a radiation center."
Using the MammoSite process, the balloon and catheter are inserted into the breast cavity at the time of the lumpectomy surgery or during a later procedure. The saline-filled balloon remains in the breast for the duration of the treatment course. The balloon and catheter are then easily removed once the five-day treatment is completed.
[May 1, 2006]
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Massage Therapists Volunteer to
Provide Relief for Cancer Patients
Debbie Goetz and Lisa Fargo have many things in common.
Both of their lives have been touched by cancer. They both share a desire to help others. And recently, after many years of working in conventional jobs, they decided to pursue careers that are a little more "hands on."
Debbie and Lisa are recently graduated licensed clinical massage therapists. They volunteer each Tuesday to provide comfort and therapy to appreciative patients and family members at the Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center.
"The patients just love it," said Tina Dickerson, director. "They really look forward to 'massage day.'"
"People will come in even when they don't have other business at the center," added Lisa. "They are just excited to get that massage and get some relief from the stress."
Debbie is a breast-cancer survivor who completed radiation therapy at the Cancer Center last October. She offers a voice of experience and encouragement for the patients. "I understand what people are going through," she said. "I can help alleviate some of their fears. I'm very positive in telling them 'you'll make it through.'"
"Cancer runs in my family," said Lisa, who has lost close relatives to the disease. She also remembers a time in her own life when she was seriously sick. "I was trying to rebuild my health, and massage therapy gave me something extra that I needed," said Lisa. "It was the power of touch."
When Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was in the midst of completing massage school. Coincidently, during one of her visits to the Cancer Center, Tina mentioned that she was thinking of bringing in massage therapists for patients. "That's weird," Debbie told Tina, "because I'm going to massage school."
Debbie and Lisa were classmates at the time. When they compared notes, they both realized that volunteering at the Cancer Center would provide the avenue they were seeking to help others in a very direct way.
Both agree that the Cancer Center staff inspired them to get involved. "I just love them," said Debbie, remembering her experience as a patient. "They actually make you laugh each time you come in for treatment."
"The Cancer Center is a fabulous place to volunteer," Lisa agreed. "The people here are great."
Lisa has launched her own business, In Touch Massage, and is enjoying the change from her previous job working in a payroll department. "Now I'm fulfilling my desire to give back, and not dealing with people who want to argue over paychecks," she laughed.
Debbie also is growing her business, Heaven Sent Massage, while she continues to work full-time for a local company. "I've been working on my massage therapy career for two-and-a-half years," she said. "I'm ready for it and I really want it."
[April 6, 2005]
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Donation Helps Patients
Get Valuable Information
Patients and their families coming to the center have convenient new resources for medical and other support information. Thanks to a $2,500 donation from Varian Medical Systems, we have purchased two personal computers that include special medical-reference software and Internet access. One computer is installed in the lobby for individuals to use on their own, while the other is installed in a meeting room so that information can be discussed in private with cancer center staff. Varian is the manufacturer of the center’s advanced linear accelerator, which generates high-energy radiation for treating cancer. Tina Dickerson, director, said that the computers help to empower patients. “Up-to-date and accurate information is so important when you are undergoing cancer treatment,” she said. “This gives them another means to have their questions and concerns addressed.” Tina praised those who helped to make the computers a reality. “This was a generous donation from Varian, and we are very grateful,” said Tina. “Plus, Jennifer Baumann from the Tuality Healthcare Foundation did a lot of work to make this happen. Our thanks go to her as well.”
[January 19, 2005]
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Cancer Center Adorned
with Special Seasonal Splendor
The center’s “official” quilters, Katherine Vergara and Geri Dreiling, put some of their holiday quilts on display in the front lobby for patients, families and staff to enjoy. “They look so pretty, and really add some holiday cheer to the environment,” said
Tina Dickerson, director. She said the quilts will continue to grace the walls until after the first of the year, and that anyone can stop by in the days ahead to see these “warm winter wonders.” Katherine and Geri began volunteering for the center last year when they put their passion for the craft into creating “survivor quilts” featuring the names and/or inspirational messages from cancer survivors and loved ones (see story below). The survivor quilts are on permanent display in the center, where names and messages are continuously added.
[January 19, 2005]
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Lobby Quilters Sewing Tribute to Patients
Two kind and caring volunteers are putting their sewing skills on display in the Cancer Center lobby, as they patch together a loving tribute to patients.
Katherine Vergara and Geri Dreiling are setting up their quilt-making "shop" every second and fourth Thursday of the month. You can see them there cheerfully cutting material and sewing it all together using a classic black 1956 Singer machine.
The resulting "survivor quilt" will be on permanent display in the Cancer Center after it is completed in the spring. It will incorporate soft pastel colors, "Quilt for a Cure" material, and special panels for Cancer Center patients to write their names and/or inspirational messages using fabric pens.
"We've had patients and visitors stop off to look at their work, and exchange quilting secrets," said Tina Dickerson, director. "This is the kind of community friendliness and familiarity that have become so important for the Cancer Center."
Geri and Katherine are veterans of the local quilting scene. They both participate in the Valley Art Quilters Group based in Forest Grove, plus have displayed and sold their creations at a number of regional venues, including the Forest Grove Senior Center, and the Valley Art Center.
Katherine is an experienced Tuality volunteer who currently minds the gift shop once a week at Tuality Forest Grove Hospital. She says that volunteering and activities like quilting help to fulfill her creative and social needs. "I enjoy getting involved and getting out to meet people," she said. Katherine is delighted to have the opportunity to provide a little warmth and color for Cancer Center patients.
Cancer has had a profound impact on Geri's life. A four-and-a-half-year breast cancer survivor, Geri lost all of her four brothers to the disease, including one who passed away just last December. She said that the quilt project gives her a way to help brighten the patients' spirits who are going through some of the same challenges that her brothers experienced.
"This will be a very beautiful and fitting tribute to our patients," said Tina. "And we are so pleased that Katherine and Geri have volunteered their skills to do this."
[March 2, 2004]
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Artwork Adorns Center Wall
During February, we are proudly displaying four drawings by Oregon artist, Bob Fergison. The oil pastel landscapes are vivid, colorful depictions of scenes in and around the Wallowa Valley, near Bob's home in Enterprise.
Through March and April, Bob will join Wallowa Valley Potter, Ted Juve, to show works at the Valley Art Center in Forest Grove. Bob will display a series of five oil paintings that focus on a single pond, plus 15 oil pastels that take a more general look at the Enterprise area's mountains, valleys, and streams.
Before making art his full-time passion, Bob enjoyed a 30-year career in corporate marketing, communications and graphic design. Today, his oil pastel drawings are displayed statewide, and also are available for viewing and purchase at his Website, www.bobfergison.com.
"We greatly appreciate Bob's generosity and talent," said Tina Dickerson, director. "It's a wonderful treat for our patients to be able to enjoy such beautiful works when they come for treatment."
[February 18, 2004]
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Thirsty Thursday
Jimmy Buffet would have felt right at home at our recent salute to "Margaritaville" and other "refreshing" places. And while tequila was definitely not part of this "mixer," patients were treated to some important nutritional supplements served up like fancy cocktails.
Tina Dickerson, director, said that her staff continuously "push" healthy drinks and other fluids, always looking for appealing ways to get patients thinking about their nutritional needs. "It’s so important to patients undergoing radiation therapy," said Tina. "Many lose their appetites, and for head and neck cancer patients, eating can hurt. But during this time it is very important that patients keep healthy. They need their calories, protein, and fluids."
Center staff continually offer "theme" days and other special activities for patients to keep spirits high, and to help reduce some of the stress of cancer therapy.
[November 6, 2003]
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Race for the Cure
Our "super team" of staff, patients, and former patients "made tracks" at this year’s 12th Annual Komen Portland Race for the Cure, held on Sept. 14, at Waterfront Park in Portland. They were proud to participate in this very popular event, raising money to support breast-cancer research, treatment and education, all causes that are close to our hearts!
[November 6, 2003]
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Look Good... Feel Better
This free, non-medical, product-neutral service teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their self-image and appearance during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals teach women about makeup techniques, skin and nail care, and options after hair loss such as wigs, scarves and turbans. Each participant receives a free kit of cosmetics. This national program is offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the National Cosmetology Association, and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. Location: Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center, 299 SE 9th Ave., Hillsboro. Call for dates and times. Free. Registration required. Call 503-681-1758.
[January 29, 2007]
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- Cancer Champions
- New Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Reducues Treatment Time, Side Effects
- Massage Therapists
Volunteer to Provide
Relief for Cancer
Patients - Donation Helps
Patients Get Valuable
Information - Cancer Center Adorned
with Special Seasonal
Splendor - Lobby Quilters Sewing
Tribute to Patients - Artwork Adorns
Center Wall - Thirsty Thursday
- Race for the Cure
- Look Good...
Feel Better
