Hollings Headlines // November 2021 |
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Thankful for a decade of friendship |
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When Frank Gary entered the infusion suite at Hollings for treatment of stage 3 anaplastic astrocytoma, he could have never expected to form 12-year friendships with the nurses who cared for him, including Nicole Meiklejohn, R.N.
“I don’t know how I would have gotten through my treatment emotionally and spiritually without my nurses and doctors,” Gary said. “They always reminded me not to lose hope and faith. They don’t always get the recognition they deserve, but I’ll never forget what they have given to me.”
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“I always wanted to be involved in oncology and help care for patients going through really difficult times. I think the patients we see in the infusion suite are some of the kindest, most grateful people you will ever meet. It’s an honor to be with them and be able to share in both the good and bad moments.”
Nicole Meiklejohn, R.N.
Hollings infusion nurse
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Lung and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month |
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Army veteran battling lung cancer has message for others
Battling terminal lung cancer is a challenge, but it's one Caroline Perez, 66, is up for. The Army veteran comes from a family of fighters and is using her diagnosis to inspire others to be more aware about the disease and encourage them to get lung cancer screenings, especially other veterans.
“I hope my story brings more awareness to cancer and that people need to take their health into their own hands," Perez said. "If people were more aware and knew what to look for, I think more lives could be saved.”
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Lung cancer screening disparities
A new Hollings-led study by Gerard Silvestri, M.D., finds that the recent changes to lung cancer screening guidelines may paradoxically increase health disparities rather than reduce them, given a gap in insurance coverage for some people. In 2021, screening guidelines were revised, expanding the stated age range from 55 to 77 to 50 to 77. The smoking history of a patient also was expanded, changing from smoking a pack of cigarettes daily for 30 years to a pack daily for 20 years.
“We have much higher uninsured rates in that age group of 50 to 64 among Blacks than we do among whites,” Silvestri said. “In fact, the change in screening guidelines could actually increase disparities.”
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Hollings Cross Talk
In case you missed it, Dr. Nichole Tanner did a great job highlighting lung cancer advancements being made at Hollings with Dr. Raymond N. DuBois.
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Pancreatic cancer survivor thankful for Hollings
Most people feel lucky to get one new lease on life — Bob Hessler, 74, has had two. The first came 15 years ago after he realized that he was an alcoholic, and he quit drinking heavily. The second came earlier this year when his treatment for pancreatic cancer at Hollings wrapped up. He's now on a mission to raise awareness about the cancer and give back to others.
"MUSC Hollings Cancer Center saved my life. I think it is an extraordinary facility. I get to do what I love to do with the people I love the most, and for that, I’m very thankful,” Hessler said.
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Hollings will host the Talbot Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Reception tonight at 5:30 p.m.
Earlier this week, volunteers delivered purple balloons to thank doctors, researchers and staff for their work in fighting back against pancreatic cancer.
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Hollings Research Spotlight |
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Hollings researcher helps expand smoking cessation efforts
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A Hollings researcher known for expertise in smoking cessation is helping to expand cessation services to cancer patients across Canada. Graham Warren, M.D., Ph.D., serves as an expert advisor to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. With Warren's help, the number of cancer care settings in Canada offering smoking cessation has increased from 26% to 87% since 2015.
"We know there's a 50% to 60% increased risk of cancer recurrence if you smoke," Warren said. "It increases a patient's risk of developing another cancer down the road and continues to increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and other smoking-related diseases even after a cancer diagnosis."
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Historic LOWVELO raises cancer research funds |
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When Evan Graboyes, M.D., a Hollings head and neck cancer oncologist and researcher, promised to ride in LOWVELO21 with Scott Wentzky, he meant it. Despite the wind, rain and cold temperatures, Graboyes joined Scott to ride in honor of Rayna Wentzky, one of his patients and Scott's sister.
“A lot of my patients are really at their lowest points when they meet me,” Graboyes said. “They’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Some have already gone through months of treatment and extensive surgeries. To be able to serve as a support system for them is important to me. That’s one of the reasons why I chose this profession.”
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Thank you to all of our riders, volunteers and supporters for making LOWVELO21 such a success. Remember, fundraising continues until Dec. 31 with 100% of rider-raised money going to support lifesaving cancer research at Hollings. |
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Hollings publications and featured trials |
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