A PUBLICATION OF THE BARBARA ANN KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE
HOPE JANUARY 2019
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Taking Steps Towards Ending Disparities
Support Group Encourages, Inspires Young Cancer Patients Facing the New Year with Cancer
PATIENT CONQUERS HIS PERSONAL EVEREST
Karmanos Bone Marrow Transplant Experts Help Patients Maintain Hope
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ast March, John Raithel of Grosse Ile completed a group mountain climb across treacherous paths and jagged rocks to reach Mount Everest base camp, elevation 17,500 feet. The achievement is more remarkable considering that just 15 months earlier, John was recovering after receiving a bone marrow transplant at the Karmanos Cancer Center for multiple myeloma. John says his personal achievement of climbing Everest—which raised funds for multiple myeloma research—is secondary to the peaks he scaled while battling his disease. “I’m blessed to have done the Everest climb,” says John, 59, who owns a printing equipment company. “But I reached the summit beforehand by accomplishing things cancer wanted to take away, like walking my daughter down the aisle and seeing my newborn granddaughter.” John was always physically active and enjoyed hiking, camping and fishing. So he was surprised when a routine physical in 2012 showed his urine had abnormal levels of protein. Further tests revealed John had smoldering myeloma— a precursor to multiple myeloma.
“The cancer diagnosis was scary and overwhelming,” John says. “I didn’t think about tomorrow in the same way.” Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. Malignant cancer cells accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out normal plasma cells that fight infection. Doctors diagnose about 25,000 to 30,000 new cases each year in the United States. While patient survival has improved over the past 20 years, the disease remains incurable. Seeking treatment at a hospital that specializes only in cancer care, John made an appointment at Karmanos. He saw Jeffrey Zonder, M.D., a member of the center’s Malignant Hematology Oncology Multidisciplinary Team and a multiple myeloma specialist. Dr. Zonder saw John every six months for three and a half years. His health was steady and he felt fine. That changed in 2015 as the disease became more aggressive. “My kidneys were failing,” John says. “I received eight weeks of chemotherapy but it wasn’t effective.”
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WELCOME Dear readers, As we welcome the New Year, we do so with gratitude and the promise of hope for all those impacted by cancer. For many people across Michigan, they or someone they love may be facing a cancer diagnosis. There are others who are in search of new therapies to help them survive their disease. Whatever the circumstances, Karmanos Cancer Institute is committed to providing exceptional care, research advancements, education and supportive services to help cancer patients and their families throughout their journey. This issue’s cover story is about a patient with multiple myeloma who, after recovering a bone marrow transplant, had the unlikely adventure of climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp with his oncologist. This amazing story encourages us to never give up and to stay focused on achieving our summit, whatever that might be. We’ve also included stories that engage Michigan residents to have a voice to help end cancer disparities and advocate for cancer research. You’ll also read about a young adult patient who put her life on hold to undergo treatment. The support group she attends gives her a forum to share her fears, hopes and desires. There are also tips to help manage the worry caused by a cancer diagnosis. We hope these inspiring stories will be a comfort and resource for you. Sincerely,
Justin Klamerus, M.D., MMM President, Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Network
HOPE JANUARY 2019
ABOUT KARMANOS The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a McLaren Health Care subsidiary, is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center is the pinnacle of translational oncology research. Patricia A. Ellis Director, Media Relations Editor, HOPE Email: hope@karmanos.org FOR YOUR OWN COPY OF HOPE, VISIT karmanos.org Copyright 2019 Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
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PATIENT CONQUERS HIS PERSONAL EVEREST Continued from page 1
After further discussing his treatment options, John opted for a bone marrow transplant (BMT). Karmanos’ BMT program is one of the largest in the country with the most options for treating multiple myeloma and other cancers of blood-forming organs. Karmanos’ BMT team performs approximately 270 transplants a year and the program has ranked DR. JEFFREY ZONDER, (LEFT) WITH higher than the national JOHN RAITHEL AT MOUNT EVEREST average in patient outcomes, with a strong reputation for treating high-risk patients like John. In January 2016, John had a bone marrow transplant at Karmanos and remained hospitalized for six weeks. “John had an unusually severe and rapid kidney injury from his myeloma, which complicated his case,” Dr. Zonder says. “He was extremely weak heading into the transplant and had a very slow recovery. Fortunately, as John recovered, so did his kidneys. He’s back to his baseline health.” During treatment, John became close friends with Dr. Zonder, who shares a love of hiking. In December 2016, Dr. Zonder mentioned the Everest fundraising climb, part of the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma program which supports the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and Consortium. Karmanos is a member of this prestigious research group. Dr. Zonder asked if John would join him on the climb. “That moment changed my life, because it gave me hope and a purpose,” John says. “I realized cancer didn’t rule my life. I could do extraordinary things because Dr. Zonder gave me courage and confidence for tomorrow. I started training for the climb.” When John reached the Everest base camp, he did so alongside Dr. Zonder and Silva, Dr. Zonder’s wife. This year, both men and their wives are planning to participate in a fundraising climb in Patagonia, South America. “I had the support of a three-legged stool: a hopeful attitude, my wife and family, and the exceptional care at Karmanos,” John says. “If patients can have those three things, they can reach their personal summits.”
CONTACT US For more information about bone marrow and stem cell transplants, call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org.
SHARING YOUR VOICE
Taking Steps toward ENDING DISPARITIES NEW OUTREACH PROGRAM ENGAGES COMMUNITIES ACROSS MICHIGAN
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here is no population group in America that cancer doesn’t touch. But the disease hits some harder than others.
Numerous cancer health disparities affect groups defined by race, ethnicity, gender/sexual identity, geographic location, income and other factors. For example, Hispanic women have higher rates of cervical cancer than women of other ethnic groups, according to the American Cancer Society. African American women have the highest death rate from this disease. People with lower education levels are more likely to die before age 65 from colorectal cancer than people with more education. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karmanos Cancer Institute has always focused on eliminating cancer health disparities. Now, Karmanos launched a community outreach and engagement program called Michigan Cancer HealthLink to better integrate its efforts to tackle the problem.
FACULTY DIRECTOR OF OCHECE IS HAYLEY THOMPSON, PH.D., ASSOCIATE CENTER DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT, KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE AND WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY (THIRD FROM LEFT), IS JOINED BY HER STAFF (L-R) VONCILE BROWN-MILLER, SARA KIM, KNOLL LARKIN, CARIE FRANCIS AND LEZINA TOPCIU. (Photo: Timothy Haunert)
The outreach efforts, coordinated by Karmanos’ Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement (OCHECE), will cover a 46-county area across Michigan.
treatment, and family health history and genetic risk of cancer. With that input, we can connect the councils with people at Karmanos with expertise in those research areas.”
“We want to connect with people in communities where cancer is a huge issue,” says Hayley Thompson, Ph.D., associate center director for Community Outreach and Engagement at Karmanos. “We’re asking for their input on what research areas are important to them. Those ideas will inform the focus of our cancer health disparities efforts.”
Researchers are already taking steps to address council concerns. Mark Manning, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Oncology at Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine, is developing a smartphone app to help users collect and share their family health histories. Assistant Professor of Population Studies Lauren Hamel has developed a prototype of an app that generates a list of questions to help patients talk to their physicians about the costs of their cancer treatments.
Through the OCHECE and HealthLink, Karmanos has formed Cancer Action Councils in partnership with community-based groups such as LGBT Detroit and ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services). Council members include cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates. They identify research priorities and develop specific research questions relevant to cancer care and outcomes in their community, group or demographic. In addition to the six councils located in Wayne County, other areas will include Mt. Clemens, Southfield and Burton, in the Flint area. By leveraging the reach of the Karmanos Cancer Network’s 15 locations, councils will eventually extend across the state. “The first three councils have identified 17 research areas and 81 specific research questions,” Thompson says. “Some of those areas are cancer caregiving, the financial burden of cancer
“Karmanos physicians and researchers bring a certain expertise to cancer through their training, education and clinical experiences, but we know cancer patients and their families are also experts,” Thompson says. “They’re living with cancer on the front lines. They observe how cancer impacts their lives and communities in ways we don’t necessarily see. Integrating their expertise with our clinical experience will result in stronger science and better cancer outcomes.”
PROVIDE YOUR INPUT To learn more about a Cancer Action Council in your area or how to become involved in Karmanos’ efforts to end cancer health disparities, visit cancerhealthequity.org. KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE
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FROM PATIENT TO ADVOCATE
RALLYING FOR
Research
KARMANOS PROGRAM HELPS SURVIVORS BECOME ADVOCATES
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he Karmanos Cancer Institute is not only helping patients become survivors, it’s also helping them and their family members become advocates for lifesaving cancer research.
The Karmanos Cancer Advocacy Program (KCAP) trains survivors and their family members to help direct Karmanos cancer research initiatives, review grant proposals for research studies, and become involved in volunteer-led action groups that impact the future of cancer care. “Since cancer survivors and their family members are our most important stakeholders, it’s important that they remain engaged with cancer research efforts and organizations like the American Association for Cancer Research,” says Elisabeth Heath, M.D., FACP, associate center director of Translational Sciences at Karmanos and KCAP creator. “Survivors are the ones who should direct research efforts. They share with researchers what they want us to focus on, not the other way around.” KCAP, which launched in July 2018, is an outgrowth of the successful Prostate Cancer Advocacy Group (PCAP) at Karmanos, which began eight years ago. Using PCAP as a model, KCAP focuses on breast, colon, lymphoma, lung, ovarian, and head and neck cancers. Each month, KCAP’s 25 members meet to learn about topics like clinical trials, funding for research studies, cancer survivorship trends and more. Dr. Heath and Cathryn Bock, Ph.D., associate professor of Population Science at Wayne State University School of Medicine, lead the training sessions. Once the year-long program concludes, KCAP members will be empowered to direct future cancer research. Advocates provide input as members of grant review study sections, participate in panel discussions at seminars on issues affecting cancer research, join advocacy groups, meet with government officials to discuss issues impacting cancer care, and more.
For more information about a cancer services and ways to get involved, call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org. MEMBERS OF KARMANOS CANCER ADVOCACY PROGRAM (Photo: Timothy Haunert)
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“A number of our PCAP advocates have participated in Lobby Day with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network,” Dr. Heath says. “Advocates meet with lawmakers in Washington D.C. to express their support for things like oral chemotherapy legislation. This is just one example of how advocates direct the future of cancer care. Our KCAP members will follow a similar game plan.” Marcie Paul is a stage 3C ovarian cancer survivor and KCAP member from West Bloomfield who received treatment at Karmanos. She became an advocate for ovarian cancer education, awareness and support in 2011, when she helped build the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance. She’s also participated in numerous ovarian cancer research advocacy groups, advocates for cancer research funding on Capitol Hill, and is the co-chair of the Karmanos Patient and Family Advisory Council. As a consumer reviewer with the U.S. Department of Defense—a major funder of national cancer research—Marcie provides input on the merits of individual research grant applications. “Advocates are indispensable to furthering the cancer research process,” Marcie says. “I attend many conferences and frequently meet researchers who have never before met with cancer survivors. Invariably, they’re extremely gratified to talk to us. Researchers find the discussions informative because survivors and their family members are willing to share their unique perspective on cancer research priorities. “I’m an advocate because there are so many other ovarian cancer patients who are no longer here or not able to do this kind of work. I’m one of the fortunate ones who can speak on their behalf. I want to ensure that current and future patients have the same kind of world-class treatment I received at Karmanos.”
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
A BEACON
of Hope
SUPPORT GROUP ENCOURAGES, INSPIRES YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS
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t age 20, Shardé Fultz was busy working full-time and enrolled in Oakland University’s dance program. She dreamed of becoming a professional dancer, but a persistent cough ended up changing the course of her life. “After having the cough for a while, my mom insisted that I see a doctor,” says Shardé, who is now 29. “I had a mass in my chest the size of a small watermelon and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Because I was so young, I was optimistic that I’d get treatment and resume my regular activities quickly.” Over the next two years, Shardé received chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a bone marrow transplant at Karmanos. She became cancer-free, but developed an intestinal infection that required immediate surgery and an ileostomy. That procedure requires her to wear a pouch that collects body waste. She also developed Graft Versus Host Disease, which can cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal disorders and other issues.
SHAR DÉ FU LTZ
“The cancer treatments and recovery time took up about six years of my life,” Shardé says. “It put my education on hold, it impacted my dance abilities, and I didn’t have a chance to date or explore relationships. I struggled with seeing my friends graduate from college while I was put on pause.” Shardé also noticed there were no other patients in her age group when she went to her cancer treatments. “All the other patients were older than me by decades,” she says. “It made me feel more alone.” Thankfully, Shardé learned about the Young Adult Group, a support group for cancer patients and survivors in their 20s and 30s which meets monthly at Karmanos’ Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills. The members support each other by sharing their experiences with cancer and the accompanying social and emotional challenges. “A young adult may not know anyone else his or her age with cancer,” says Kathleen Hardy, LMSW, oncology social worker and counselor at Karmanos who facilitates the Young Adult Group meetings. “Feelings of isolation can make a patient more likely to have depression or anxiety. That’s why the Young Adult Group is critically important.” Group members discuss issues like physical changes and fertility issues, returning to school or work, and pursuing relationships. “Many young patients wonder when they should tell the person they just started dating that they have cancer,” Hardy says. “The group chooses topics they want to discuss. They have a lot of power to help each other by sharing their common experiences. It’s inspiring to see them go from feeling overwhelmed by cancer to going back to pursue their lives. They face their challenges very admirably and their courage is very inspiring.”
PLEASE JOIN US! The Young Adult Group is open to all cancer patients in the community who are in their 20s and 30s. Meetings take place on the last Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Karmanos’ Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills. For more information on the Young Adult Group, contact Kathleen Hardy at 248-538-4712. For a listing of all support groups, visit www.karmanos.org/support-groups.
Shardé, who has been cancer-free for seven years, continues to attend the Young Adult Group and often travels across the country to attend survivor retreats. She’s working as a home health aide and taking online classes in family and human development through Arizona State University. She’s also resumed dating. “The Young Adult Group is a beacon of hope for me,” she says. “It makes such a difference knowing there are other people in my age group who have had similar experiences. The group members remind me of how much I’ve grown since I received my cancer diagnosis. “And we don’t just talk about cancer. We might joke with each other about our funny dating experiences or other daily things unrelated to cancer. We can be very honest or very silly with each other. The group is a safe space to be yourself and share things that we might not be able to with others. The support and friendships are worth cherishing.” KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE
FACING THE NEW YEAR
with Cancer
SUPPORTIVE CARE HELPS TREAT THE WHOLE PATIENT
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he New Year can bring changes that may be stressful for anyone, let alone someone dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Common questions and thoughts expressed by cancer patients and their loved ones can include: • Why do I cry all the time? What is wrong with me? • Everyone keeps telling me to “be positive,” but I just feel sad. • I don’t want to be a burden to my family so I don’t talk about my disease. • I want to be positive for my loved one with cancer, so we don’t talk about the future or what their wishes are.
life, preventing them from focusing on their restored health and living in the here and now.” Dr. Harper has her patients manage their worrying by giving them, what she calls, a “worry hour.” She asks patients to make a list of all the things that are worrying them and then they are allowed one hour a day to worry about what’s on the list. When the timer goes off, it’s back to doing other activities to help them cope with treatment. That includes eating heathy, getting a restful sleep, meditation or prayer, getting some daily exercise, being present with loved ones, and talking about how they are feeling.
These are just a few of the questions and comments Felicity Harper, Ph.D., psycho-oncologist at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, hears in her clinic. And, according to Dr. Harper, these feelings are normal.
Dr. Harper added, “Listening is key. If the cancer patient doesn’t have family members or a close friend they can share things with, they need to find someone else they can talk to about how they’re feeling.
“Patients will ask me these questions and I tell them it’s normal to worry and feel sad when you’re dealing with the uncertainty of cancer,” said Dr. Harper.
“When a patient comes to Karmanos, our medical team works closely with each patient to manage their medical care and treatment plan. As part of the Supportive Oncology team, I help guide patients, and their families, so they can cope beyond the treatment. This multidisciplinary team approach helps maximize the patient’s quality-of-life during treatment and beyond.”
“Letting the cancer patient know that it’s okay to feel anxious and worried validates what they’re experiencing. However, it’s also important that the worrying doesn’t consume their
Karmanos offers an array of integrative therapies, including counseling, support groups, art therapy, Reiki, Yoga and more to help support the mind, body and spirit. To learn more, call 1-800 KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or visit www.karmanos.org.
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EXPANDING CANCER SERVICES
MEET OUR NEW CANCERFIGHTING SPECIALISTS The Karmanos Cancer Institute and Karmanos Network continue to grow, bringing expert cancer care to meet the unique needs of cancer patients throughout Michigan. Meet some of the newest members of Karmanos’ cancer-fighting team.
Amit Bhatt, M.D., Ph.D. Radiation Oncologist Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing
Rana Bilbeisi, D.O. Hematology Oncologist Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb, Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center
Jeffrey Critchfield, M.D., FSIR Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist, with expertise in
interventional oncology and vascular interventional radiology
Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit Jeffrey Hotaling, M.D. Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit
Kathleen Kirtek, M.D. Radiologist and Breast Imaging Specialist Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit and Farmington Hills
Geetika Kukreja, M.D. Hematology Oncologist Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Bay Region
KARMANOS EXPANDS CANCER CARE SERVICES IN FARMINGTON HILLS The Karmanos Cancer Institute is expanding its Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills into a full-service, outpatient oncology center. Since opening in 2001, the Weisberg Center quickly outgrew its capacity, limiting future service offerings. When the expansion is complete, Weisberg will be nearly four times larger and provide an enhanced cancer care experience for patients and their families. “Since Karmanos is the only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center in metro Detroit, we’re committed to providing advanced level care to patients at our main Detroit campus and throughout the region,” says Karmanos President and CEO Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. The project’s first phase, which began in May, will expand the radiation area to offer the latest advancements in radiation oncology, imaging bays and research. The expansion will also include new procedure rooms and an interventional radiology suite. The project’s second phase, expected to begin in April 2019, will renovate the infusion, laboratory and pharmacy areas, clinic care space and areas for support services and survivorship programs. “Advancements in cancer treatments are leading to more cancer survivors each year,” says Justin Klamerus, M.D., MMM, president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Network. “The larger facility will make services more accessible to cancer patients and their families throughout their cancer journey, as well as help them maintain follow-up care after their cancer treatment has ended.” Karmanos continues to see patients during renovations, as well as offer its patient and family programs at the Weisberg Center. KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE
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Questions or comments: info@karmanos.org Connect with Karmanos
KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE AND WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS GRANT Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit and its academic partner Wayne State University received the prestigious LAPS Grant (Lead Academic Participating Sites) for the second time. The LAPS Grant is a national recognition honoring outstanding clinical and academic leadership who help advance cancer research. A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center since 1978, Karmanos has consistently met and exceeded clinical trial enrollment accruals to advance science and help make new cancer therapies available to more cancer patients. In addition, Karmanos experts have played an important role in both scientific and administrative leadership roles, serving on national task forces and committees and authoring/co-authoring several abstracts and manuscripts. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the leadership, collaboration and commitment of our clinical, science and academic leaders. CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO HELP END CANCER.
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