Winter 2021 | Quarterly Newsletter |
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Meet Survivor Brian Matthis
On October 2, 2018, I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the right base of the tongue. It’s now 2 years and 3 months since my diagnosis and in January I had my 2 year follow up scans and there are no signs of cancer. Having cancer has taught me that I was not invincible, but I was a lot stronger than I thought I was. You never know how strong you truly are until you’re faced with something like this. I’ve learned how invaluable my relationship with my wife was and still is, she was my biggest advocate and loudest cheerleader. This experience showed me what true faith is and means. I found out how truly dedicated and caring the staff, nurses, and doctors are who treat and care for the cancer patients at the Raab Clinic and Coleman Radiation Oncology. They treat you like family, we have laughed and cried together. They become friends and extended family for life.
What helped me through my cancer journey? Prayer!! I always tried to keep a positive attitude and laugh and pick whenever I felt good enough to. I took things one day at a time, whether it was chemo or radiation or both.
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Sometimes it was taking it an hour at a time or less. I tried not to focus too much on tomorrow and the long journey ahead but just what was right there in front of me. Also, participating in a support group and talking with survivors that had the same type of cancer that I was dealing with and knowing that there were people around that got the same treatments that I was receiving and they were doing well.
My cancer journey was not an easy path for me. Between treatments, multiple surgeries, and complications that I am sure are unique to my cancer path, I have learned humility and the true meaning of love and respect. The ups and downs that I experienced with my loved ones and the truly amazing staff at Carteret Health Care has helped mold me to the person I am today. I enjoy life so much more now than I ever did before. It gives me great joy to spend as much time with my family as possible. I especially enjoy the weekends spent with my son on the family farm, traveling with my wife and our two dogs in our camper whether it’s in the mountains or the Outer Banks and anywhere in between, and going to the dock in our neighborhood to fish even if the fish are not biting, it is nice to be able to take it all in. I also have a much deeper appreciation for the little things in life. I have even learned to enjoy and appreciate some of my wife’s hobbies like shopping and art. I don’t sweat the small things and I remember, as an amazing friend told me, God’s got this!
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Meet a Staff Member
Melissa Hamilton, BSN, RN, OCN
I am a Nurse Navigator for Cancer Services with a certification in oncology. I have 36 years of nursing experience, primarily in cancer care, and have had the blessing of providing cancer care for Carteret County since 2002. I believe I hold the esteemed status of being the longest standing employee of the Raab Clinic! During my 18 years here, I have worn many hats and seen much growth in cancer care.
In my role, I am an educator and advocate, care coordinator, system navigator, and community ambassador. My personal goal is to let the individual cancer patient know that they are not alone, to help them cope during a difficult and stressful time. I help them find answers for their questions and concerns and connect them with the care and resources they need. My mission is to improve the cancer experience for the individual affected with a diagnosis of cancer by being a link to support for the patient and his/her family at a critical time.
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What lead me to work in oncology? I believe God put me where He wanted me and then equipped me to do the work he wanted me to do. I was “called” to Oncology when my former Girl Scout Leader, who was then the nursing director on the oncology unit snatched up my resume and told me she had a job for me. This was the beginning of the most fulfilling and satisfying work.
What I enjoy most about working in the cancer center is that I have a million opportunities every day to make a real difference in someone’s life. It may be a small difference like beating off the chill with a warm blanket and a smile; or it may be a big difference like finding $7,000 in co-pay assistance for a treatment that may otherwise be out of reach. I get to work with a fabulous team of like-minded people who are all grateful to be able to give excellent patient-centered care. Both the hospital I work for and the patient’s I work with make me feel like I make difference.
I enjoy my work, but I enjoy my time away from work too! I love art and creative projects. I enjoy painting and working in clay. Do-it-yourself projects in the home and yard give me a great sense of accomplishment. I am an advocate of Art Therapy because I have learned in my personal life that when I am engaged in a relaxing, creative activity, I am not using the part of my mind that worries or frets. I also enjoy walking in the woods, bike riding and camping.
To share a quote that speaks to me, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” –Pablo Picasso.
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Coping with Cancer Related Anxiety |
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Everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another but it can significantly increase when you have a cancer diagnosis. In my experience, I have found that there are typically 3 significant times when an anxiety level can escalate: when you are first told that you have cancer, during the period of time it takes to learn what your treatment plan will be and gets started, and when you are done with your last treatment. Two major factors for this can be due to the fear of the unknown and/or a feeling of loss of control.
Throughout your cancer journey you may experience anxiety at any point in time such as when there are changes to your treatment plan, while you are waiting on lab results to see if you can have your treatment, financial concerns, progression of disease, or scanxiety. Scanxiety is experienced when anxiety builds the closer you get to a scheduled follow up appointment or scan.
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Common symptoms of anxiety may be excessive worrying, trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, self-isolation, and/or no longer engaging in activities that usually bring you joy. Anxiety may also present itself as experiencing headaches, stomach upset, muscle tension, trembling, or feeling restless. When feeling anxious a simple breathing exercise such as taking 10 deep breaths can be effective.
In closing, remember that experiencing anxiety during a cancer journey is normal and to be expected. There are several strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety such as breathing relaxation, meditation, journaling or expressive writing, exercise, yoga, and prayer. The Cancer Center at Carteret Health Care has two licensed clinical social workers who are trained and certified in oncology and are here to help when anxiety becomes chronic or begins to have a negative impact on your life.
Lorraine Silvano, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
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In 2019 the National Cancer Institute awarded a four year grant to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center to study the impact of implementing financial navigation services at five rural cancer centers in NC. The purpose is to help patients cope with the financial burden related to cancer care. Carteret Health Care Cancer Center will be participating in the study starting in February 2021.
The licensed clinical social workers in our cancer center recently completed a five-week financial navigation training program. Patients will be identified who are at high risk for financial toxicity and will be assessed for eligibility for existing federal, nonprofit, and local financial support resources to help cope with high costs of care.
We are looking forward to offering financial navigation to cancer patients at Carteret Health Care Cancer Center.
Gail Russell, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
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What's Cooking in Kristi's Kitchen This Winter |
The link between cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention is relatively well-studied. Broccoli is one of the most commonly consumed cruciferous vegetables in the US and is an excellent source of vitamin C, carotenoids, folate and fiber. In the winter months, fresh produce can be difficult to come by however broccoli is readily available in fresh or frozen varieties. Preparing soups in which vegetables are pureed to help thicken the consistency provides a creamy, velvety texture without all of the extra fat and calories from flour or cream. |
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As a bonus, pureeing vegetables is a good way to help concentrate the amount of nutrition in each bite! This recipe also incorporates garbanzo beans (chickpeas) into the puree to help thicken the soup and to add plant based protein (BONUS!!). This soup is a one pot meal that can be made in large batches and portioned to store in the freezer for multiple warm, winter meals! |
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Ingredients:
· 4 ½ cups reduced sodium chicken or vegetable
broth
· 1 teaspoon olive oil
· 1 medium onion, chopped
· 1 large carrot, chopped
· 1 celery stalk, chopped
· 1-2 cloves of garlic, chopped
(depending on how much you enjoy garlic)
· 16 ounces of broccoli florets, chopped in pieces
(including stems)
· 1 cup of chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
· ½ cup low fat milk of your choice
· 2 ounces of extra sharp cheddar cheese
· 3 tablespoon of plain Greek-style yogurt and extra
for topping
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Parsley for topping (optional)
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Directions:
- In a medium size pot, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil and sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until tender (approximately 5 minutes).
- Add broth and simmer vegetables another 5 minutes
- Add ¾ of the broccoli (approximately 12 ounces), milk, chickpeas, salt and pepper then simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until broccoli and broccoli stems are tender.
- Add Greek yogurt, then puree soup with immersion blender until creamy and soup has a smooth consistency
- Stir in remaining broccoli, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Kristi Gloe, MS, RDN, LDN
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Upcoming Events:
Head & Neck Cancer Monthly Support Group: 2nd Wednesday at 10 am
Contact Gail Russell at 252-449-6642 to register.
Tickled Pink Monthly Breast Cancer Support Group: 3rd Tuesday at noon
Contact Lorraine Silvano at 252-499-6621 to register.
Due to Covid-19 support groups are held virtual at this time
Skin cancer screening coming this Spring, more details coming soon.
Cancer Awareness Month:
January: Cervical Cancer
February: National Cancer Prevention Month, Gallbladder/Bile Duct Cancer
March: Colorectal Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Multiple Myeloma
He said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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