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Minnesota Oncology News                                                                              November 2015
In This Issue
Upcoming Events & Support Groups






To all our veterans - thank you for everything you've done for our country.  We honor you and your families.
CampChemoMN Oncology Patient Shares Her Story in "Camp Chemo: Postcards Home from Metastatic Breast Cancer"

Camille Scheel
Camille Scheel
Minnesota Oncology patient Camille Scheel is one of an estimated 155,000 people currently living with metastatic breast cancer in the United States. Last month, she published her memoir 
"Camp Chemo: Postcards Home from Metastatic Breast Cancer."

Scheel says she wanted to share her story because the experience of living with metastatic cancer isn't often told. "I wrote an approachable story that has some humor in it to say, 'Okay, let's start talking about this.'"

"I wanted to speak from the perspective of someone who won't be cured but is living well and has hope for a good life regardless," she says.

Copies of Scheel's book, "Camp Chemo: Postcards Home from Metastatic Breast Cancer" can be found in the infusion rooms at Minnesota Oncology clinics.   Read more.

Order the book from Itasca Books  here.

CustomerServiceCustomer Service Update: Phone System Upgrade, Increased Scheduling Staff in Process at MN Oncology

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At Minnesota Oncology, serving our patients is our highest priority. Our goal is to ensure all aspects of your care experience are of the highest standard and as seamless as possible.

We are working to continually improve our service at Minnesota Oncology. This week, we are transitioning to an updated phone system. At the same time, we are working to expand our scheduling staff. These changes will allow us to continue to provide the high quality service we strive to deliver every day.

We sincerely value your understanding and tolerance given the growing complexity of cancer care for our patients. Scheduling does take time because we schedule many different appointments as well as additional tests, imaging and other procedures for you.  Fitting these additional tests and procedures into our patients' busy lives requires time and attention to many details. In order to get things correct the first time, we ask for your patience and tolerance for what can become long telephone wait times. Please know that when we are working with you to schedule your appointments, we are focused on YOU, the patient.

Thank you for entrusting us with your care.
MCCRenovationsMaplewood Cancer Center Renovations Begin Dec. 1

Beginning December 1, our Maplewood Cancer Center will undergo a  three-month "refresh" process for the entire building.  Among the upgrades will be new flooring and wall coverings, updates to all exam rooms, and new furnishings for the patient lobby and exam rooms.  

Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to the clinic!
RedMeatFrom the Dietitian: Reaction to WHO Report on Link Between Processed Meats, Red Meat and Cancer

By now, you have probably heard the  news  from the  World Health Organization's International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC)  as they reported that processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, sausage and cold cuts ARE carcinogenic to humans and red meat such as beef, pork and lamb are PROBABLY carcinogenic to humans. Is this true? What does it mean?  Sarah Barts, MA, RD, CSO, LD, breaks down the information.  Learn more.
Bowling4Angel"Striking Out Cancer": Bowling for Angel 2015

On Saturday, November 7, 2015, Minnesota Oncology held its annual Bowling for Angel event at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park. Fifteen teams of Minnesota Oncology employees met on the bowling lanes for some healthy competition, a great time, and a wonderful cause. Overall, Minnesota Oncology raised more than $12,000 to help fund Angel Foundation in the coming year as they provide support and non-medical financial assistance to patients and families facing cancer. 

Throughout the year, employees came up with creative fundraising ideas and donated time, energy and money to help make Bowling for Angel a success.  This year, the awards went to:

Maplewood Cancer Center Team
The Maplewood Cancer Center team won the Best Costume award and was named Grand Champions of Bowling for Angel 2015.
Fundraising  
  • First Place: Central Business Office (CBO)
  • Second Place: Coon Rapids Clinic
  • Third Place: Fridley Clinic
Best Team Costume
  • Maplewood Cancer Center - Gilligan's Coconut Rollers
Highest Score
  • Alisha Steinolfson - Burnsville Clinic - 187 high game!
Grand Champion Trophy
  • Maplewood Cancer Center and CBO Tied
  • Bowl-Off Winner: Joe from Maplewood!!
HolidayScheduleClinic Holiday Schedules

All clinics will be CLOSED for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 26.
All clinics are OPEN on Friday, Nov. 27.
All clinics will CLOSE at NOON on Thurs., Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve.
All clinics will be CLOSED on Friday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day.
All clinics will be OPEN for regular clinic hours on Thurs., Dec. 31.
All clinics will be CLOSED for New Year's Day on Friday, Jan. 1.

Please confirm your schedule with your treatment team.

View the online calendar here.
GeneticRiskWhat is Genetic Risk Evaluation?
Anna Leininger, MS - Genetic Counselor
Anna Leininger, MS - Genetic Counselor
What is genetic risk evaluation and who is a candidate? Meet genetic counselor Anna Leininger, MS, and learn more about genetic risk evaluation at Minnesota Oncology. Our certified genetic counselors are committed to educating and supporting people with an elevated risk of cancer due to genetic factors. Their expertise in accurate risk assessment and surveillance techniques provide an additional dimension of insight for medical providers in caring for their high-risk patients.

For short video answers to the most frequently asked questions about Genetic Risk Evaluation, click here.
AngelGala2016