January/February 2019
Your Ghosh Circle News

Stories and updates for patients, family members, friends and colleagues.
News
Prescription Savings Hits a New High

We're off to a record start this year when it comes to helping you save money on prescriptions. From the moment you become a patient, we get to work finding sources of funding to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

In January alone, we found $847,911 in funding compared to $2,458,934 for all of 2018. This brings our total prescription savings to over $8,000,000 over the last four years - and we're just getting started in 2019!

If you'd like to learn more about this free service, contact Becki or Mike at our office.
Change to Weekly Wellness Schedule

All activities will now be on Thursdays, as follows:

  • Guided Meditation – 1-2 pm by appointment only
  • Reiki – 2-4 pm
  • Chair Yoga – 3:15-4 pm


New Schedule for Newsletter

We're moving from a monthly to a bimonthly schedule for our newsletter, so look for it every other month.

Blog Posts & Stories
Cold Weather Precautions for People with Cancer

This winter's been tough on everyone, but it's even more brutal if you have cancer. Cancer patients face special challenges and health risks when the temperatures drop.

Learn how to stay safe.

Spring Flowers, Community Support and Scholarships

Soon, you'll see welcome signs of spring through Gems of Hope's daffodil fundraiser. But did you also know they provide scholarships to high school seniors who've been personally affected by cancer?

In 2019, they will be granting up to 12 scholarships of $1,500 each.

You're Still You

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it can start to affect your identity. Your calendar fills up with appointments for tests, scans and treatment. Your appearance may change, especially if you’re sporting a head scarf or wig. Everything may be different – from your eating and sleeping habits to your activity level.

But here’s what’s the same. You’re still you.

Health & Nutrition
Pump Up Your Protein During Cancer Treatment

Protein is one of the key nutrients important to fighting cancer. It’s necessary for cell maintenance, growth and repair. According to the National Cancer Institute, eating the right amount of protein and calories is important for healing, fighting infection and having enough energy.

Plant-Based Proteins
When your appetite is affected by cancer treatment, you may have to get creative to get enough protein. Plant-based proteins are often the healthiest and least expensive options. Nuts and seeds are a great way to sneak protein into your diet. Sprinkle flaxseeds or chia seeds over a salad, or pack pistachios, almonds or roasted pumpkin seeds for a quick snack. Dip sliced fruits or vegetables into peanut butter or other nut butters. Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense, so you only need a small portion to reap the benefits.

Avocado is another healthy source of protein. You can add avocado slices to salads or mash them over toast or crackers. Spoon them into a salsa or make your own guacamole.

For appetizing ways to boost your protein intake:

Protein Supplements
Protein powders, bars and shakes can be an easy way to incorporate this essential nutrient into your diet. At The Ghosh Center, we offer Vega products, which are plant-based, organic sources of supplemental protein. Vega One protein powder shakes are gluten-free, with no grains, no added sugar, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. To learn more, talk with Leesa or call us at 319-294-1899.
In Touch with Our Team
All Heart

Many of you know Sam Martin by his huge grin and high spirits. His mom is Mindy Martin, nurse practitioner at The Ghosh Center. Sam and his whole family – parents Mindy and Chad; siblings Raegan, Kate and Jake – are special to us for many reasons. They’re a close-knit family that lives and loves fully, especially when they rally around Sam and his health issues.
Sam in the Spotlight
You last read about Sam in May, when Raegan shared her story of taking him to her senior prom: The Perfect Prom Date. Now Sam’s in the spotlight again as this year’s Cedar Rapids Ambassador to the Heart Ball held last Saturday at the Hotel at Kirkwood.

Sam and a roomful of supporters gathered for a festive evening that raised funds for The American Heart Association. For each donation, the Martin family handed out bottles of hot sauce and spicy chocolate bars accompanied by a note from Sam.
A Story of Strength
The Martin family shared Sam's story in this beautiful video:
Cedar Rapids Ambassador
Participants also learned about Sam through the following introduction in the evening’s program:

Sam Martin was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition in which the left side of the heart is severely undeveloped and unable to support circulation. He had three heart surgeries by the time he was three years old.

Sam was doing really well until last summer. He developed protein-losing enteropathy, a rare long-term complication from his last heart surgery. He had a few hospital stays in 2017 and 2018 for this complication. In addition, Sam has sick sinus syndrome, requiring surgery last June for an epicardial pacemaker. That’s all the medical jargon about Sam.

That isn’t all who he is. Sam has a smile that lights up any room, and he loves life. Here are all the things you need to know about Sam! He:

  • Loves meeting people, and those who meet him are changed for the better.
  • Is a diehard Hawkeye and Team USA wrestling fan and tries to never miss a meet. He can hold his own talking about wrestling with the best of them.
  • Loves the St. Louis Cardinals and hopes to visit every baseball stadium in the U.S.
  • Recently started watching hockey and has already determined the Chicago Blackhawks are his favorite team.
  • Loves being outside riding his bike, rollerblading, snowboarding, shooting hoops and playing bags (he’s really good and super-competitive).
  • Loves spicy food and challenging those around him to eat something spicy (don’t take him up on this; he will beat you).
  • Is in 8th grade at Mount Vernon Community Schools.
A Song from Raegan
The evening was capped off by Raegan performing a song she wrote about Sam when she was twelve. It was a remarkable tribute to an amazing young man and a perfect expression of the love they share. The video and lyrics are below.
Why Him?

Family gathered around him
Helping us through times of hardship
We thought he would see Jesus, but no he lived
 
God why did you have to put him through this
Why does he have to keep strugglin’
I know You created a miracle, but
Why, why, why him
 
He’s older now, lives like nothin’ happened
All the prayers and crying
Prayers to God asking for a favor
Oh, oh, He did
 
God why did you have to put him through this
Why does he have to keep strugglin’
I know You created a miracle, but
Why, why, why him
 
God, why him
Why do we keep wonderin’
God end his sufferin’
Throughout his life, we’ll keep wonderin’
 
God why did you have to put him through this
Why does he have to keep strugglin’
I know You created a miracle, but
Why, why, why him

Big Fan Base
So many people celebrated Sam Saturday night - family, friends, neighbors and his wonderful cardiologist, Dr. Mark Zittergruen . And of course, his second family from The Ghosh Center. It was our privilege to be part of Sam's big night.

The Ghosh Center for Oncology & Hematology
1951 51st St. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-294-1899