The GBMC Cancer Center
GBMC’s Cancer Center has been fortunate to receive the support of so many generous friends. You will see their names - Joseph S. Keelty, Milton J. Dance, Sheila Riggs, Rita Kwasnick, Lois Harvey Miller, Dr. John P. McGovern –displayed in many areas of the Cancer Center. The names of generous supporters, Malcolm and Sandra Berman, will be installed in the fall of 2004 at the entrance to the Comprehensive Breast Care Center and in the Radiation Oncology Patient Waiting Room. These extraordinary supporters have ensured that the best, most up-to-date care is available to our community.
The GBMC Cancer Center has grown to be the largest community cancer program in central Maryland, providing care to more than 2,100 individuals each year. The Center’s medical oncologists - Dr. Gary I. Cohen, Director; Paul Celano, MD, Chief of Medical Oncology; Madhu Chaudhry, MD; Robert Donegan, MD; Marshall Levine, MD; and Paula Pearl, CRNP – are the central source to GBMC’s oncology-related services, referring patients to a radiation oncologist, a surgeon, or a diagnostic radiologist. “We have exceptional physician colleagues available for consultations on any aspect of patient care, and ultimately that leads to the best results in treating the patient’s cancer,” says Dr. Cohen. The majority of patients receive treatment as outpatients, enabling them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their homes. Additionally, the Center provides inpatient care in Unit 34, a 26-bed unit named for Joseph S. Keelty.
The Dance Center works with the head & neck rehabilitation team of medical oncology and radiation therapy. The Dance Center was named to honor Milton J. “Laddie” Dance, who with his wife Jeanne, made a generous donation in appreciation for his successful treatment of cancer.
GBMC is one of a handful of medical centers in the country to offer laryngeal electromyography (EMG), an interdisciplinary diagnostic test to assess the nerve activity and recovery po tential of the larynx.
The Dance Center maintains its status at the cutting edge of head and neck cancer treatment by offering patients opportunities to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials such as assessing whether early prophylactic intervention through the use of oral motor exercise, oral care and trismus management (closing of the jaw due to muscle spasms) improves functional swallowing after chemotherapy/radiation treatment. “Our belief,” says Barbara Messing, MA, “is that early and consistent intervention will maximize functional outcome for the patients…our goal is to enable our patients to reach the highest level of functional outcome and quality of life long after their cancer treatment.”
The Comprehensive Breast Care Center consolidates the talents of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, oncology nurses, genetic counselors, a psychologist and radiologists to treat almost 600 patients annually, making it the busiest center in the Baltimore area.
Advanced Radiology’s Pavilion Imaging is connected for ease of patient use for mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy services. “Women in their gowns can go right down the hall to get their biopsies,” says Dr. Schnaper. “If there is a problem with their imaging, we can get immediate resolution.” The Center also works closely with GBMC’s Pathology Department to provide complete lab results within 48 hours. “Most other labs have a two-week turnaround for comprehensive results, which is a source of tremendous anxiety for patients,” says Dr. Schnaper. Barbara Raksin, RN, Clinical Nurse adds “Our goal is to make the women who come here as comfortable as possible with their diagnosis and treatment.”
GBMC’s Infusion Center was named in 1993 for Lois Harvey Miller in appreciation for the generous memorial gift from her husband, Charles A. Miller, Jr. In 14 years, The Infusion Center has experienced remarkable growth – from treating 35 patients a week to 55-60 patients daily in 2004 and now offers, in addition to chemotherapy, IVIG transfusions for in vitro fertilization, preoperative antibiotics and blood product administration. Patient comfort is a priority as treatments may last 8-10 hours. Each treatment station is equipped with a comfortable chemotherapy chair, supply cart, visitor chair, television and piped-in oxygen.
“The Infusion Center has a wonderful group of dedicated oncology nurses who continue to strive to meet the changing needs of the community”, says Dawn Stefanik, Unit Manager.
GBMC’s Department of Radiation Oncology was named for one of GBMC’s most generous and dedicated supporters, Sheila K. Riggs. The Patient Waiting Area is being named in Fall 2004 for Malcolm and Sandra Berman in appreciation of their extraordinary gift (featured in this publication) of a new linear accelerator with the capability to treat patients with higher doses of radiation without damage to healthy areas of the body.
GBMC was one of the first community hospitals in the country to use intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Robert Brookland, MD, Chairman of Radiation Oncology, says. “It is a very customized distribution of the radiation dose, allowing us to treat tumors adjacent to critical structures, while still protecting the normal tissue.” IMRT treatments were especially beneficial to head and neck cancer patients. Many generous supporters, including Joseph S. Keelty, Charles A. Miller, Jr., John Somerville and The La Verna Hahn Foundation, made the purchase of this equipment possible.
When Dr. John M. McGovern, who was chief of GBMC’s Obstetrics/Gynocology Service in the early 80’s, was diagnosed and began treatment for cancer, he and his wife became the force behind the development of GBMC’s Oncology Support Program.
Today, thanks to generous individuals, like Joseph S. Keelty and John Ariosa, the program has grown to meet the increasing needs of GBMC cancer patients. Gifts from the GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary have helped people pay for transportation to GBMC for treatments and The Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation’s gifts provide emergency medicines and treatments.
“When people think of support, they generally think of support groups, but that’s just a small portion of what we do,” says Donna Lewis. Services include individual counseling, support groups, as well as a wide range of support groups and classes.
Every contribution counts in the Cancer Center’s mission to provide the very best care for people with cancer and to continue expanding services and innovative treatments, ensuring the best medical care for its patients, and the community it serves.
