Halvorson Cancer Center
NAVIGATOR A publication of the Halvorson Cancer Center, a collaboration of the SCCA and EvergreenHealth
W
SUMMER 2013
elcome to the Halvorson Cancer Center NAVIGATOR
This quarterly newsletter is intended to help Halvorson Cancer Center patients with news and information in support of your care and to help you and your family and friends access all the services this center offers.
Prostate cancer patient brings sunshine to radiation oncology department
If you’ve ever noticed all the dahlias sitting on the counters at various reception desks during the summer months, as well as pictures of flowers throughout EvergreenHealth’s hospital, you’ve noticed the work of Luther Johnson and his wife, Judith of 59 years –but the story behind all the dahlias is not what you might think. Up until a couple of years ago, Johnson rarely set foot in a hospital, and only went to see his doctor occasionally when he needed something. It was arthritis in the upper torso area as well as some pain in his knee that brought him in to see his doctor. Little did he know there was a much more serious problem lurking within his body. After some blood tests his doctor told him his PSA (prostate specific antigen) level was elevated and he needed to have a biopsy, which showed he had prostate cancer, and more specifically a tumor with a Gleason grade of 8, which indicates a high-grade, aggressive tumor. “From things I had read and heard, I decided on having the robotic –assisted surgery,” the 77-year-old Monroe resident recalls, “but when I talked with Dr. Scott Van Appledorn, the robotic surgeon, about it he told me that I was not a good candidate for the surgery. He referred me to Dr. Eric Taylor at EvergreenHealth.” After discussing his options with Dr. Taylor, Johnson elected image-guided intensity modulated radiation, or IMRT, and
Upcoming Activities August 9-11
Obliteride: Join the bike ride to end cancer
August 25-31 Epic Experience
September 7
Halvorson Cancer Center Survivor Day Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
September 15
Kilometers for Cancer 5 and 10K fun walk/run, Burke Gilman Trail, 7:30 to 11 a.m.
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started treatment right away due to the aggressive nature of his cancer. “The Gleason score is a measure of aggressiveness, it is a scale of 2 through 10,” Dr. Taylor explains. “(A score of) two, three and four progress over years, but his was an eight, which put him in a high-risk category, and in someone who is 76 (at the time) with a high-grade tumor, it needs to be dealt with.” Over the next two months, Johnson underwent IMRT external beam radiation therapy using one of the two state-of-the-art linear accelerators at the Halvorson Center. In terms of outcomes, Johnson had very minor side effects and his PSA and other tests continue to show no detectable cancer. What impressed Johnson, however, was that he never once heard a discouraging word from Dr. Taylor, or anyone on his staff. “Whoever is doing the hiring and training for the radiation department is doing a great job,” Johnson says. “All of the people from top to bottom showed great attitudes, and gave me confidence in my treatment. It is kind of odd to say this, but it almost got to the point that I looked forward to my treatments. The staff and everyone in the radiology group were like sunshine.” As a way to give back some of that sunshine, Johnson and his wife make a weekly trek from Monroe to Kirkland during the summer months to deliver bunches of dahlias that they grow. “I started out bringing in just a few bunches for the radiation oncology department, and a couple of EvergreenHealth’s reception desks,” Johnson says. “But it has sort of become a mission for me, we’re now bringing in more than 15 bunches that we deliver primarily throughout the Green Zone (Halvorson Cancer Center) of the hospital every Tuesday.
State-of-the-art IMRT reduces side effects
In the early days of external beam radiation therapy serious complications were common. “Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) changed all that,” says Dr. Eric Taylor, EvergreenHealth radiation oncologist at the Halvorson Cancer Center. “IMRT delivers small controlled beams to the tumor from many angles with the beam shape changing hundreds of times throughout the treatment. This delivers a higher dose to the tumor while avoiding surrounding organs. “The nice thing about it is it puts the dose where you want it,” Dr. Taylor says. “It gives less dose to tissues like bowel or bladder or rectum. The result is better control, a
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more effective treatment with fewer side effects and less damage to surrounding organs and tissue.” The most common side effects of IMRT for prostate cancer are related to inflammation of the bladder, rectum and the prostate itself. As a result during and after treatment men often feel frequent and urgent need to go, but Dr. Taylor says that all settles down after therapy is over. Many side effects can be managed with medications.
Collaboration is a big plus for Halvorson Cancer Center patients
One of the biggest advantages of the Halvorson Cancer Center for prostate cancer is the level of collaboration among the specialists of the EvergreenHealth community serving the Halvorson Cancer Center. In Luther Johnson’s case he first thought he would treat his prostate cancer with robotic surgery. He discussed it with urologist Dr. Scott Van Appledorn, of Washington Urology Associates, who is the robotic surgery specialist at the Halvorson Cancer Center. “An appropriate candidate for this is a man who has clinically significant prostate cancer, meaning a cancer that is likely to shorten his life,” Dr. Van Appledorn says. “If the man is in good health and a good candidate to do very well in terms of the risks of anesthesia, those men are good candidates for robotic prostatectomy. Age is something we take into consideration very much when it comes to prostate cancer treatment selection, but there is not a hard and fast number.”
www.HalvorsonCancerCenter.com • 425.899.6000 • Nurse Navigator & Healthline: 425.899.3000
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After evaluating him, Van Appledorn referred Johnson to Halvorson radiation oncologist Dr. Eric Taylor, who has 30 years of experience in treating prostate cancer, including having had prostate cancer himself. He says that collaboration is a significant advantage for patients who come to the Halvorson Cancer Center.
Getting the most benefit from Halvorson’s parking and waiting areas
The Halvorson Cancer Center was designed with your convenience constantly in mind. Southbound on I-4
Evergreen Hospital
turn right onto NE 12
NE, turn right on NE • Parking on level of the “All the urologists in the EvergreenHealth community are 12040 NE 128th Street, Kirkland, WAP2 98034 Totem Lake Boulevard Silver Building has been designated great,” Dr. Taylor says. “They make the diagnosis and then, The Evergreen Hospital the signs to the appro Medical Center campus is conveniently at Totem Lake Boulevard (north Kirkland).Cancer for Halvorson let’s say it is one of the urologists that doesn’t do the da Vincilocated just off I-405 exclusively Free parking is av Center patients. surgery, they will tell the patients, ‘Okay, we’ve been trained Northbound in on I-405 Take the NE 124th Street/Totem Lake Blue Parking Garag conventional surgery, but why don’t you meet with Scott VanBoulevard Exit (20B); stay to the right and follow the Totem (Diagnostic Imaging, F Lake Boulevard Exit, and proceed straight from the light, up the • The willFollow take to the first the Tan Appledorn. He can do a da Vinci robotic-assisted prostectomy, Registration), hill on 120th Avenue NE toelevator NE 128th Street. theyou signs to Center, Evergreen Surg garage. floor of the Silver Building where you and then we’ll have you meet with Michael Hunter or Eric the appropriate parking will find the entrance to the Taylor about external beam radiation. Then let’s have you Cancer Center. meet with one of the seed implant guys.’ So the patient is fully educated about the disease, and ends up with a plan.”
Dr. Van Appledorn agrees. “I know that I rely on the radiation oncologists and medical oncologists on many occasions. I think a great advantage is that not only do I feel I have good experience treating prostate cancer surgically, there are many options with prostate cancer treatment and we have the expertise in all the disciplines for taking care of prostate cancer. We all collaborate very well together so I think that is a big plus.”
Participate in Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) You can join the movement for more birthdays and fight back against cancer by enrolling in a new research study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).
There are nearly 13.7 million people in America who have survived cancer and countless more who have avoided it - who will be celebrating birthdays this year. For more information about CPS-3 and the selected enrollment locations, please email CPS3@cancer.org or call toll-free 1.888.604.5888.
For your comfort, we recommend that you arrive just shortly before your appointment. If you arrive early, we invite you to visit the Resource Center and gift shop, or enjoy the comfortable seating in the Central Registration area and near the Whidbey Coffee stand.
www.HalvorsonCancerCenter.com • 425.899.6000 • Nurse Navigator & Healthline: 425.899.3000
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Relays raise $340,000 for cancer
Held multiple times a year across the country, Relay For Life is a celebration of survivorship – an occasion to express hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. During May and June three Halvorson Cancer Center Relay for Life events were held raising more than $340,000. Thanks to all 1,322 who participated. Juanita/Kirkland Relay - May 18, 2013 50 teams and 394 participants raised $68,252.65 surpassing their ACS goal of $65,000. Top fund-raising teams were Rebels for a Cause $7,262, Krys’ Love Homies $5,879, and Walkie Talkies at $4,227. Redmond Relay - June 1-2, 2013 The Redmond/Kirkland Relay for Life was held at Redmond High School. With team names like Kick Cancer’s Butt, Super Cancer Eating Turtles and The Cancer Contenders, 33 teams and 331 participants raised more than $97,124 during the two-day event. Northshore (Bothell) - June 1, 2013 Held at Skyview Jr. High, 66 teams and 597 participants raised $178,664. Top teams included Lions Roaring For A Cure $33,167, Wolfpack Fights Back $20,140.80, Take Flight for the Fight $9,420.20.
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www.HalvorsonCancerCenter.com • 425.899.6000 • Nurse Navigator & Healthline: 425.899.3000
Classes and Support Groups at Halvorson Cancer Center Cancer Lifeline at EvergreenHealth - To register call 206.297.2500 or 1.800.255.5505 or online at www.cancerlifeline.org.
Classes July Gentle Yoga
Summer Rejuvenation
The Lebed Method: Healthy-Steps, Moving You To Better Health
September
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room: Green 1270/1272 Session II: Mondays, July 8-August 19; 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, DeYoung Building Room: 272 Rainier Session II: Mondays, July 8-August 19; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Gentle Yoga
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Session II: Fridays, July 12-August 23; 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Ikebana Flower Arranging
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Session II: Monday, July 22; 1-3 p.m.
Pilates For The Breast Cancer Survivor
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Friday, July 26; 12-2 p.m.
August Benefits Of Meditation For Breast Cancer Patients & Survivors Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1266 Tuesday, August 6; 7-8 p.m.
Addressing Fears Of A Recurrence
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1266 Thursday, August 8; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Decorated Photo Frames
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Friday, August 16; 12-3 p.m.  
Simply Italian
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Friday, August 23; 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270 Wednesday, August 7; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Friday, August 2; 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Dietary Supplements During & After Cancer Treatment with Chad Aschtgen
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1266 Thursday, September 12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
A Visual Journey of Self Discovery with Basha Brownstein
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Wednesday, September 18; 10-11 a.m.
October Mindfulness for Every Day-Finding Calm in a Chaotic World with Megan Swan
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1266 Thursday, October 10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Writing for Wellness: My Universe with Gail Kretchmer Room Green 1270/1272 Wednesday, October 16; 10-11 a.m.
November Coping with Chemo Brain with Vickie Modica, ND Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1266 Thursday, November 14, 2013, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Writing for Wellness: My Universe with Gail Kretchmer Room Green 1270/1272 Wednesday, November 20; 10-11 a.m.
December Holiday Social
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Wednesday, December 4; 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Classes and Support Groups at Halvorson Cancer Center
Support Groups Living With Cancer with Marya Barey Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1266 Thursday, September 12, to December 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lymphoma Networking
Evergreen Health, 10240 128th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033 Room: Green 1270 1st Wednesday (every other month); 6:30-8:30 p.m., June 5, August 7
Oral Head & Neck Cancer Support Group Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Wednesday, September 11 to December 11, 2013, 6:30-8:30 PM
Bosom Buddies with Norma Lee
Kirkland: EvergreenHealth, Halvorson Cancer Center Room Green 1270/1272 Wednesday, September 4 to Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 10 AM-12 PM
Breast Friends-Breast Cancer Networking Group
Kirkland: Evergreen Health, Room: Green 1266 Facilitated by: Tracy Kalloway, MA Presentations: Tuesday, August 6: “Benefits of Meditation for Breast Cancer Patients & Survivors� by Michelle Guske, Certified Yoga Instructor
For more information about groups or the free classes that Cancer Lifeline offers, please call the 24-hour Lifeline at 206.297.2500, 1.800.255.5505 or visit the website at www.cancerlifeline.org.
Upcoming Activities August 9-11
Obliteride: Join the bike ride to end cancer
August 25-31 Epic Experience
September 7
Halvorson Cancer Center Survivor Day Event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
September 15
Kilometers for Cancer 5 and 10K fun walk/run, Burke Gilman Trail, 7:30 to 11 a.m.