2014 Mary Bird Perkins - Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center Community Report

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MARY BIR D PERKINS – OU R L ADY OF TH E L AKE C ANCER CENTER

MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

Cancer care stands on the cusp of major breakthroughs and is evolving at an astonishing rate.

Today, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center remains at the forefront of these innovations by offering robust inpatient and outpatient care, both comprehensive and innovative in scope. As the Gulf South destination for cancer care, the Cancer Center serves more patients than any program in Louisiana, providing advanced treatments and therapies as well as vital support services.

In this report, you will read about how patients and their families access a multitude of expert treatments and advanced clinical trials, support groups, nutrition counseling, patient navigation, survivorship care and much more.

You will also learn about our team’s commitment to providing the highest level of care and how we go to great lengths to meet patient needs — whether medical, psychosocial or spiritual.

We are excited to share our 2014 milestones, including stories about patients we touched and those who touched us. Our pledge to you is that no matter how much we grow or how many patients we serve, we will always stand

side by side with each courageous individual fighting cancer.

Sincerely,

Todd Stevens

K. Scott Wester

Linda Lee

President & CEO Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

President & CEO Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center

Administrator Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center

2014 COM MU NIT Y R EPORT

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NATIONAL STANDARDS

NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CARE

National Cancer Institute Awards Grant to Fight Cancer in the Gulf South More Gulf South residents can now stay closer to home for breakthrough cancer clinical trials due to a fiveyear, $5.6 million National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) grant.

Through NCORP, LSU Health Sciences Center–New Orleans, LSU Health Sciences Center– Shreveport and the Cancer Center, known collectively as the Gulf South Minority/Underserved NCORP (GS-MU-NCORP), are combining their strengths and experiences to bring more breakthrough trials to cancer patients in Baton Rouge and throughout the region. About 80 percent of the state will be reached through GS-MU-NCORP, including the most rural and urban areas, which means fewer patients will experience the hardships of traveling outside Louisiana for the most advanced clinical trials.

For more information, visit mbpolol.org/ncorp.

OPEN

CLINICAL

TRIALS 4

Expert Teams Focus on Most Prevalent Cancers Research shows that patients experience the best outcomes when teams of doctors and other experts collaborate to ensure cancer is attacked from every aspect.

As a result, the Cancer Center’s four multidisciplinary care (MDC) teams focus on fighting specific cancers, including lung, colorectal, skin, and head and neck cancers, and bring national best practice cancer prevention, diagnostics and treatments to local patients.

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COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

MORE COMPREHENSIVE CANCER SERVICES THAN ANY OTHER PROGRAM IN LOUISIANA

While patients supply the courage, our goal is to provide them with all the resources they need to fight cancer at every stage.

P REVEN TION & EDUCAT ION

E A R LY D E T E C T ION

Breast Health Education Program

Cancer Screenings

Health Fairs

Breast

Professional Education

Colorectal

Speakers Bureau

Lung

Sun Safety

Oral

Tobacco Cessation

Prostate Skin Fest for Life, Annual Minority Cancer Awareness Event

D IA GN OSIS Diagnostic Imaging

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Image Fusion (CT, MRI, PET, SPECT)

Medical Physics/Dosimetry

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Virtual Simulation

Tumor Registry and Conferences

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T R E A TMEN T

SU R V IV OR SHIP

Dental Oncology

Complementary Therapies

Guest Services

Art Inspirations

Medical Oncology

Mindful Yoga

Chemotherapy

Health and Wellness Coaching

Meditation and Guided Imagery

Immunotherapy

Hormonal/Antihormonal Therapy

Pet Therapy

Infusion Therapy

Support Groups

Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation

Genetic Counseling

Multidisciplinary Care (MDC) Teams

Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies

Nutritional Counseling and Support

Water Aerobics

Patient Navigation Psychosocial and Emotional Support Radiation Oncology

PA LLIA T IV E C A R E

External Beam Radiotherapy

• Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

Outpatient Palliative / Supportive Care Clinic

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Advance Care Planning

• Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)

Psychosocial and Emotional Support

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)

Shared Decision-making Guidance

Prostate Seed Implants

Symptom Management

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Surgical Oncology

da Vinci Surgical System®

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PREVENTION & EDUCATION

PEOPLE

• BREAST HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM • HEALTH FAIRS • PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION • SPEAKERS BUREAU • SUN SAFETY • TOBACCO CESSATION 8

THE COURAGE TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

In 2014, the Cancer Center launched the Breast Health Education program to increase knowledge about breast cancer and breast health in females under age 30.

Modeled after the Breast Health Education for Young Women Guide offered by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the program has reached hundreds of young women in the Greater Baton Rouge area by targeting local universities and colleges with potentially lifesaving information.

“As part of a comprehensive approach to breast health, it’s important for women to be familiar with their own bodies, play an active role in their own health, know their family histories, and develop close partnerships with their healthcare providers,” said Johnnay Benjamin, the Cancer Center’s early detection and education director.

Source: American Cancer Society 9

EARLY DETECTION

THE COURAGE TO GET SCREENED

IN 2014

Laura Bush was only 38 years old when she felt a lump in her breast while showering.

What concerned her more than the possibility of cancer was that she did not have access to care.

“A good friend of mine, who also happens to be an RN, said if I called the Cancer Center, they would help me,” Bush said.

“I called that day, and I qualified for a free breast screening. I didn’t even have to miss work since I could schedule an evening screening; I was very impressed with how efficient, caring and compassionate everyone was.”

Following her mammogram and further testing, the mass was classified as malignant. With the help of the Cancer Center’s patient navigator (provided at no cost to patients), Bush accessed screening services, as well as resources to assist her with treatment options. and financial arrangements.

Because of the generosity of the community, patients can access screenings for five types of cancer, including mammograms, at no cost. For information on screenings near you, visit mbpolol.org/screenings.

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OVER THE COURSE OF THEIR LIVES 11

Source: American Cancer Society

DIAGNOSIS

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THE COURAGE TO GET ANSWERS

A headache severe enough for 24-year-old Chad Washington to seek emergency care ultimately led to the removal of a lymph node from his neck for biopsy.

The node tested positive for cancer, and Washington was referred to the Cancer Center, where a PET/CT scan and MRI showed the presence of nasopharyngeal cancer.

“Seeing the results of the diagnostic images helped me understand the location and magnitude of my cancer,” said Washington. “More importantly, the precision of the scans helped the doctors develop a thorough and personalized treatment plan.”

Washington has been cancer-free for a year. He continues to have PET/CT scans every three months in the newlyconstructed Thomas J. Moran Imaging Center, which Washington says is very convenient since his doctors are in the same building.

In addition to PET/CT, diagnostic technologies offered at the Moran Imaging Center include CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and MRI. The state-of-the-art imaging center opened in April 2014 as part of the Cancer Center's $23 million renovation project.

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TREATMENT

THE COURAGE TO KEEP SINGING

Melody Breckenridge loves to sing. But when a bump appeared on the side of her tongue, it threatened to end one of the great passions of her life.

After a biopsy of the tumor, Breckenridge was diagnosed with tongue cancer and referred to Michael Dileo, MD, a renowned head and neck cancer surgeon at the Cancer Center and member of the Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Care (MDC) team.

IN THE U.S.

“I wanted to be treated at the Cancer Center because several of my neighbors were and had wonderful experiences,” said Breckenridge.

“I found out later that I was at the only place in the area that does the kind of surgery I needed, and that Dr. Dileo is distinguished among his peers for this kind of procedure.”

In addition to surgery, Breckenridge had radiation treatments and access to other key services, such as speech therapy, nutritional education and symptom management.

Today, Breckenridge has overcome her disease and is happily singing solos again.

“I love to talk and sing, and I’m not stopping.”

Source: American Cancer Society

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TREATMENT (CONT.)

THE COURAGE TO KEEP FIGHTING

When prostate cancer patient James Morgan talks about his radiation therapy, he recalls the kindness of the staff and the convenience of the treatments.

Morgan was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer and needed radiation therapy, which was made more comfortable and precise with a brand-new, state-of-the-art radiation therapy system: the Elekta Versa HD. The Cancer Center is one of the first facilities in the country to offer this breakthrough technology as part of its recent renovations.

FOR MORGAN, THAT MEANS

MORE TIME FOR

TRAVELING

FISHING

&

COOKING

FOR HIS CHURCH

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"It's easy as far as treatment goes; it's painless. There's no sensation. There's no nausea. There's no burn. It's very fast and effective," said Radiation Oncologist Charles Wood, MD. The Versa HD treatment room was also specially designed to ease a patient's anxiety. The room includes ambient lighting that changes colors, and patients like Morgan can watch a video or listen to their favorite music during treatment.

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TREATMENT (CONT.)

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THE COURAGE TO ACCEPT ONLY THE BEST

Breast cancer survivor Jennifer LeBlanc says choosing the Cancer Center for treatment was the easiest decision she made during her cancer journey.

“I came to the Cancer Center seeking experts I could count on, and they didn’t let me down,” LeBlanc said. “All the infusion nurses are certified, and my medical oncologist and his nurses were always there with lots of information and support.”

In addition to the main Cancer Center on Essen Lane, infusion services are provided within the system of care at the Medical Oncology Clinic on Picardy Avenue and LSU Health North Clinic, expanding patients’ access to treatments.

OF OUR

ARE

LeBlanc also appreciated the convenience of the lab located within the Cancer Center and an on-site clinical pharmacy, part of the new 56-semi-private/private-bay infusion suite. She enjoyed being one of the first patients treated in the newly remodeled space and experiencing the renovation firsthand. LeBlanc said all the patientfocused amenities were a real treat and a pleasant distraction, including personal TVs and headsets, heated chairs and Wi-Fi for mobile devices.

by Oncology Nursing Society

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SURVIVORSHIP

THE COURAGE TO THRIVE

Cancer can often cause physical and psychological side effects. "I needed a little help moving forward," said survivor Elizabeth Smith.

THRIVE PROGRAM SERVICES ASSIST WITH:

Now, she and others are benefitting from a better way to adapt to life as cancer survivors. Smith learned about the Cancer Center’s Mind-Body Together support group, one of the elements of THRIVE – a free program and new approach to survivorship designed to help survivors enjoy the most meaningful and full lives possible.

“I’m so grateful to have found support through such encouraging and caring people,” said Smith.

In addition to Mind-Body Together, THRIVE services include health and wellness coaching, yoga, water aerobics, Pilates and massage therapy. THRIVE recently added seminars on proper nutrition, financial planning and other educational workshops addressing common physical and emotional concerns of cancer survivors, family members and caregivers.

“THRIVE is far from a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Francinne Lawrence, LCSW, PhD (c), survivorship director. “It’s a very systematic and comprehensive way of helping survivors adjust to their new normal. Everyone’s cancer experience is different, and so is their survivorship.”

In 2014, more than 6,000 survivorship services were provided thanks to the generosity of the community.

For more information, visit mbpolol.org/thrive.

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PALLIATIVE CARE

THE COURAGE TO FIND THE BEST PATH

Although challenging experiences can occur during a patient’s cancer journey, rectal cancer patient Salwa Amin says that palliative/supportive care can help with many of these situations.

At the Cancer Center, patients like Amin can access the new Outpatient Palliative/Supportive Care Clinic, a service designed specifically to support patients physically, spiritually and emotionally, so they never have to face any difficulties alone.

Palliative care is specialized medical care delivered alongside other medical treatments with a focus on relieving symptoms, easing pain and improving quality of life, according to Mary Raven, MD, board certified in Hospice and Palliative Care and head of the new clinic.

“My mother was experiencing severe pain due to her rectal cancer, and pain medications were not relieving it,” said Amin’s daughter and caregiver, Yara Zohdy.

“Dr. Raven not only helped manage the pain but also offered emotional counseling.”

“Our team works together with radiation and medical oncologists, as well as other specialists, to add an extra layer of support. We can help smooth any bumps in the road and help in determining next steps, if necessary,” said Dr. Raven.

Dr. Raven says her team also often works closely with family members. “When someone has cancer, it affects everyone, so we are also here for those who are connected to the patient and need help dealing with their loved one’s illness,” she explained.

For more information, visit mbpolol.org/medicalservices.

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VOLUNTEERISM

THE COURAGE TO GET INVOLVED

Volunteers ensure patients receive the most compassionate, individualized care possible and serve the Cancer Center in many special ways.

IN 2014 THE CANCER CENTER HAD

168 VOLUNTEERS

CONTRIBUTING

6,376 HOURS OF SERVICE

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Patient volunteer Kay Deumite has been a volunteer at the Cancer Center for almost two decades, and through her unremitting donation of time, has shared her spirit of compassion and hope with countless numbers of cancer patients and family members. Susan and Richard Lipsey presented the Anna B. Lipsey Memorial Volunteer Service Award, named after Richard’s mother, to Deumite at a special appreciation luncheon held in May to honor all of the Cancer Center's many volunteers.

Upon receiving her award, Deumite took the opportunity to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.

“Ask any volunteer here today and they’ll tell you we get back a whole lot more than we could ever give," said Deumite.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit mbpolol.org/volunteer.

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT

L to R: Rob Smith (SJA), Louis Curet and Sivi Miller (St. Michael)

Since the commencement of their partnership with the Cancer Center in 2009, St. Joseph's Academy (SJA) and St. Michael the Archangel High School have successfully raised more than $50,000 for the Cancer Center through the schools' annual Geaux Pink volleyball match.

They aim to not only get both volleyball teams involved, but also engage the full student body, faculty, family and friends of each school. Each year proves better than the year before, and we are honored and thankful for their enthusiasm and hard work to “Paint the Gym Pink.� For these reasons, Louis Curet presented the schools with the Louis D. Curet Volunteer Fundraiser Award at the annual Rathbone Society Dinner in September.

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THE COURAGE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Support in 2014 came from:

Due to the generosity and vision of our supporters, more than $1.6 million was contributed to the Cancer Center in 2014.

The impact of your investment in courage helps with:

ANNUAL

PREVENTION

Reducing cancer mortality through enhanced prevention and early detection and education to screen more, prevent more and stop cancer before it starts RESEARCH

Providing access to groundbreaking clinical trials and translational research for cancer patients throughout the Gulf South region SURVIVORSHIP

Building a national model for survivorship with the resources to educate caregivers on the most current and effective practices so patients not only survive, but thrive INNOVATION

Advancing technology and facilities alongside the best cancer minds in the nation in order to provide the absolute highest standard of care for our patients TEAMWORK

Expanding integrative multidisciplinary care to tackle additional types of cancer, increase continuing educational programs, as well as further cancer collaboration within our community

$520,000

GIVING $486,000

GRANTS

$363,000

SIGNATURE

EVENTS $315,000

THIRD-PARTY

COMMUNITY

EVENTS (70 TOTAL EVENTS)

100% STAYS IN THE GREATER

BATON ROUGE

COMMUNITY

PATIENT ASSISTANCE

Providing patient assistance to those who need it most by removing barriers to treatment and care, including transportation assistance, nutritional supplements, medication, dental extractions and more 27

Bound together by our passion for the fight against cancer, we serve the needs of more patients than any cancer program in Louisiana.

Anticipating the needs of a growing community and dramatic changes in healthcare, the Cancer Center is driving the future of care in Louisiana.

Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center has launched a five-year strategic initiative focused on becoming the destination cancer center for the Gulf South. This initiative – TAKE THE FIGHT FORWARD – will secure $25 million dedicated to making this vision a reality.

This is your fight.

This is our fight.

It’s time to take it forward.

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To learn more about how you can help, contact a member of our development team at (225) 215-1224 or visit takethefightforward.org.

Mary Bird Perkins and Our Lady of the Lake have been accredited together since 1992 by The American College of Surgeons, the gold standard for community-based cancer care.

Outstanding Achievement Award

MARY BIRD PERKINS – OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CANCER CENTER 4950 ESSEN LANE • BATON ROUGE, LA 70809

MBPOLOL .ORG OLOL-278 (5/15) BRP