<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3vkbXxDGYyg" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> This is the story of Prince Randall, a patient of Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at GBMC. Mr. Randall went from wondering if he was going have his toe amputated to now having what his wife calls, "the prettiest toe she's ever seen!" </p>
<p class="article-body"> When I was at week 29 of my pregnancy, I went into GBMC to have blood work done since my blood pressure was high and wasn't going down. I didn't feel stressed out and I wasn't worried. As the doctors did some blood work and routine tests, I just had this feeling that this wasn't going to be one of those times when I entered and exited and everything was okay. I was right. <br> <br> The doctors told me that based on my protein count and blood pressure I had developed preeclampsia. Through a sonogram they also noticed I had developed IUGR (inner uterine growth restriction). Both of these are serious conditions and they landed me a bed in the high-risk unit. <br> <br> The doctors stated my original due date of January 27, 2013, wasn't going to happen and that I could deliver at any time. My husband and I met with staff and doctors of the NICU and discussed what would happen if our son was born early. The laundry list of things that could go wrong was overwhelming. Thanksgiving night, at only 31 weeks into my pregnancy, everything went downhill and I ended up in labor and delivery. Still convinced I was going to hold out until I hit 32 weeks, the doctors and nurses said my stats weren't good and I would have to have a sonogram first thing on Black Friday morning. That morning, at 8:00 a.m., I had my sonogram and it showed our son was only receiving 0-50% blood from the placenta. The staff immediately scheduled me for an emergency C-section and started the preparation process for delivery. </p> <blockquote> Our family arrived and saw me before I went under the knife. At 31 weeks, 1lb 14oz, our son Xavier Eli Chin was born. I saw his small face and heard a small cry before they took him up to the NICU and was thrilled he was okay. That began the next phase in our journey: raising a NICU baby. </blockquote> From kangaroo-ing to bathing, diaper changes, pumping and bottle feeding, the NICU nurses showed me how to care for our son. They set us up for success. I cry sitting here thinking about how hard they worked. I stayed long hours in the NICU and got to know the staff. Nurse Monica was amazing during the week and so was Nurse Kim, our weekend nurse. I will never forget how much they cared for our son when we weren't there. They taught us so much and showed love for a child who had a small survival rate. He had the deck stacked against him and he fought hard. The NICU nurses helped him in the fight and we are forever grateful. While being told by the doctors Xavier could be blind or deaf, or have a chromosomal or genetic disorder, we believed God had a plan. And He certainly did. God gave us angels in the NICU and they saved our son. They gave Xavier a chance, and for that we are so thankful. <br> <br> My son just recently turned two years old. Xavier is just as feisty and active as he was in the NICU! He is talking, running, climbing, playing and constantly learning. He has a passion for construction vehicles (they are everywhere in our house!) and he loves <em>Frozen</em>. <br> <br> We are forever grateful for the care we received at GBMC. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oqNpighp55k" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h5 style="text-align: right"> * For closed captioning, click the <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/edd9ba121c174d97705f2b40e511e38b.png" style="width: 20px;"> button in the bottom-right of the video. * </h5> In July 2010, Jasmine and Khary Thomas’ 13-month-old daughter, Kharmin, was still recovering from a severe case of bacterial meningitis when her family received troubling news. Although the toddler was healing from her illness, she had suffered profound hearing loss in both of her ears… and it was only getting worse. <br> <br> “In rare cases of bacterial meningitis, the cochlea — a part of the inner ear that transforms sound into nerve impulses, which then travel to the brain — may begin to ossify, or turn to bone,” says Brian Kaplan, MD, Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology, the surgeon who treated Kharmin. “This happens as a result of the body fighting off the infection. Once the cochlea begins to ossify, it may lead to a permanent hearing loss which cannot be treated by a cochlear implant.” <br> <br> The Thomases soon found themselves at GBMC’s Cochlear Implant Center, where Kharmin was examined and quickly cleared for surgery to implant two devices, called cochlear implants, that would restore her hearing before it was too late. The devices consist of: <ul> <li> a speech processor with dual microphones, worn behind the ear to pick up sound </li> <li> a small device placed under the skin near the ear, with electrodes inserted in the cochlea </li> </ul> The speech processor collects sound from the microphone, converts it to information and sends it to the cochlear implant. The implant device tells nerves in the ear to send a message to the brain and the message is understood as sound. Typically, the devices are implanted in two separate surgeries, but in Kharmin’s case, there was no time to wait. After nearly six hours, Dr. Kaplan successfully placed cochlear implants in both ears during one surgery, a first at GBMC. <br> <br> <blockquote> “...Everyone at GBMC has been helpful and patient, which gives us hope for Kharmin’s future.” </blockquote> “Hearing loss is a new experience for us,” says Jasmine Thomas. “But, with the help of Kharmin’s caregivers, we continue learning about her condition and how we can support her.” <br> <br> Once she recovered from the surgery, Kharmin’s cochlear implants were activated. With her hearing restored, she now receives aural rehabilitation therapy from the specially trained staff at the Cochlear Implant Center. Through therapy, she is learning that sound has meaning, how to properly identify sounds and how to develop her speech and language skills, just like her peers. <br> <br> “We never imagined something like this could happen to our family,” says Mrs. Thomas. “But everyone at GBMC has been helpful and patient, which gives us hope for Kharmin’s future.”
<h4> Adele Millwood's Story </h4> For my first 32 years, I heard all the sounds of life, including my two sons' first cries. But Christmas 1988 was the last time I heard normally. That winter, I suffered a major sinus infection which left me with mild hearing loss in the right ear. I got a hearing aid and things started sounding better; doctors assured me it wouldn't get worse, but over the next 16 years, that proved to be quite untrue. <br> <br> When my left ear starting fading also, I had numerous MRIs, but doctors could not figure it out. I vividly remember staying up all night with my husband, Randy, both of us crying. What was wrong with me? Why was I losing my hearing? We were both terrified I would wake up one morning completely deaf. <br> <br> Even with the addition of a second hearing aid, it was getting dangerous for me to be in parking lots; I couldn't hear cars speeding up behind me. I was terrified of being home alone when Randy traveled for work. My corgi adapted to my loss and helpfully barked to alert me to the phone or oven timer, but I was isolating myself socially. It was difficult to be involved in conversations with friends, and my adolescent sons were struggling to communicate with me, too. Frightened and frustrated, they lost patience when I was unable to understand. <br> <br> <div class="split"> <figure class="image-left"> <img class="" src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6333cc992e13f990824ba133bb18567e.jpg" alt="Adele's wedding"> <figcaption> Adele and Randy's wedding day </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/77d7463780bf46e05bc45821b9ed4317.jpg"> <figcaption> The family celebrating Christmas </figcaption> </figure> </div> In the spring of 2005, at my (dreaded) yearly hearing test, the audiologist asked, "How are you functioning?" In tears, knowing I had 'failed' once again, I responded that I was not. I was actually totally withdrawn from life. She said I might qualify for a cochlear implant (CI), and I cried even more at the hope of a solution. There were very few surgeons near our New Orleans home at the time who were doing CI surgery, but I was referred to one and confirmed as a candidate. On August 27, 2005, I got approval in the mail from my insurance company. The very next day, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans and forced us to evacuate our home. I had that insurance letter in my hand on the way out the door! <br> <br> My son Caleb's wedding was scheduled to take place in New Orleans for the week after we evacuated, but luckily we relocated. Though it was a beautiful day, I could not hear the vows or the toasts. All the noise was muffled by my hearing aids. The same thing happened at my son Josh's graduation. He was valedictorian, but even from the front row, I didn't hear his speech. My surgery could not come soon enough; I had zero reservations about it. <br> <br> My CI was scheduled for six weeks after Hurricane Katrina, and the hospital regained power just in time. They shaved the right half of my head and made an incision all the way behind my ear. Then, I waited six weeks for activation, anxious, nervous and excited. It seemed like forever. My hearing aid in my left ear wasn't doing much and I depended on reading lips. Curiosity consumed me — what would it sound like? The first things I heard were beeps and buzzes. They were testing the electrodes to make sure everything was connecting and firing up. <br> <br> <blockquote> The next thing I knew, I heard Randy say he loved me, and we were both crying. He was the first one I wanted to hear. </blockquote> <br> <br> One week after activation day was Thanksgiving, my first real holiday in a long time. The whole family gathered, and unlike years before, I was part of every conversation. Voices sounded crisp and clear, and I learned that my sons had developed a habit of talking about me behind my back, even when I was in the room! In those first few weeks, I relearned sounds. Even the sounds of the car blinker and the hum of the refrigerator were new. Some sounds were wonderful: waterfalls, birds chirping and waves crashing on the beach. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/653ff7f8f6ef1062af76238bede33859.jpg" alt="Adele with her granddaughter"> <figcaption> Adele with her granddaughter, Kaylee </figcaption> </figure> I celebrated five years of hearing in October 2011 by having my other ear implanted. I started out with two good ears and wanted that again. By now, we had moved home to Maryland and I was referred to Doctor Regina Presley and Doctor Scott London, who are both incredible. The surgery was way easier than the first one: the incision was much smaller, and they barely had to shave my head. I went home that day, thrilled with the results and motivated by my grandbabies to recover quickly. I got to hear my granddaughter Kaylee say her first word, my name, 'Delly.' <br> <br> I am forever grateful for finding the Cochlear Implant Center at GBMC. They took the time to know me as a person and understand my life and family. I'm not just a number here, like at other places. Dr. Presley goes above and beyond, even holding workshops for patients where we care for each other and learn together. Her passion for helping is amazing. She now helps me extend my wonderful experience with the Cochlear Implant Center into volunteerism by connecting me with new CI candidates. I answer questions from a patient perspective and offer support. It's so much more than just a clinical setting here — it's family. <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> After Kelly Campbell had surgery in April 2015, she was recovering well and healing with no complications. Things changed suddenly three weeks after surgery, when she began to have debilitating symptoms. Ms. Campbell told her doctor about the high fever, extreme fatigue and intense pain she was experiencing, and was immediately referred to Richard Franklin, MD, a board-certified general surgeon at GBMC specializing in wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). <br> <br> "I was so sick before I saw Dr. Franklin that I could hardly walk," says Ms. Campbell. "I had no energy whatsoever." <br> <br> Dr. Franklin diagnosed Ms. Campbell with a compromised flap, a condition that can occur in procedures where a flap of skin is raised to close an incision and the body rejects the skin. Skin flaps are commonly used in ventral hernia repairs, skin cancer removal and plastic surgery procedures such as face lifts or, in Ms. Campbell's case, breast surgery. <br> <br> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/149a0079db0a16b92bd5f7888e309e19.jpg" class="image-right">"When the flap becomes compromised, tissue necrotizes, or dies, and is rapidly lost," Dr. Franklin explains, noting that for Ms. Campbell, this was impeding blood flow to the area, causing her fever and fatigue. "The goal was to work quickly to save the tissue and prevent further damage. I had Ms. Campbell start hyperbaric oxygen therapy that afternoon." <br> <br> A compromised flap is often treated with HBOT, a type of treatment in which patients breathe 100 percent oxygen in an enclosed chamber at two to three times atmospheric pressure. Oxygen dissolves into the blood plasma causing an increase in tissue oxygenation, stimulating healing of tissues, forming new blood vessels, controlling infections and regenerating new, healthy tissues. <br> <br> A session in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber lasts about 90 minutes and a technician remains next to the chamber the entire time. It takes between 10-15 minutes to adjust the pressure at the beginning of the treatment and to return to normal pressure at the end, and every patient's level is different. "Our practice strictly follows the guidelines set forth by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society," explains Thomas Arwady, Wound Care Consultant, noting that the pressure in the chamber is similar to scuba diving. <br> <br> If a patient expresses concerns about claustrophobia, sedation is available by consultation with the physician; however, the chamber is completely transparent, and flat-screen TVs are nearby for viewing the extensive movie collection. In addition to compromised flaps and grafts, the GBMC Hyperbaric Medicine Department is able to treat a number of other hyperbaric indications such as diabetic foot ulcers, necrotizing infections and osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis (bone damage caused by radiation therapy) and other soft tissue radiation injuries. <br> <br> Ms. Campbell's treatment at the Wound Care Center involved 20 treatments in the hyperbaric chamber, followed by additional wound care techniques until she was fully healed four months into treatment. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> "I started feeling better after two weeks. Once the progression of the necrosis stopped, I started to feel like myself again." </blockquote> Dr. Franklin notes that Ms. Campbell could have required up to 12 months of routine wound care if she had not pursued hyperbaric therapy, adding that she also could have lost both breasts if she had not sought treatment right away. <br> <br> "Dr. Franklin was absolutely wonderful," says Ms. Campbell. "If it wasn't for his support, along with the staff and nurses, I don't know if I would have had such a great experience going through such a hard time." <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
Dayna Bell's StoryAt age 29, the last thing on my mind was cancer. I was busy planning my wedding and working as a speech pathologist. I had a faint family history, but nothing that caused me concern. When I discovered the lump in my breast, I had it checked immediately. "It's nothing to worry about," my doctor from another hospital said. However, a few months later, it had grown bigger and so had my worries. I was rechecked by another physician and, only three days before my 30th birthday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Suddenly, my world was turned upside down. I was supposed to get married in three months! Luckily, the physicians and staff at the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC started me on treatment right away. I had a lumpectomy, eight weeks of chemotherapy and 36 daily radiation treatments. Dr. Paul Celano and his staff knew about my upcoming wedding and assured me that I would still be a blushing bride. Two months before the wedding, I began losing my hair, so my fiancé shaved my head. In November 2007, we had our dream wedding in Disney World and, although I wore a wig, I still felt like a princess. In March 2008, I completed my treatment. Instead of being excited, I felt scared. What if the cancer came back? Dr. Celano reassured me that I would be back for follow-up appointments, and that he was only a phone call away. I did end up back at GBMC in February 2010, but this time for a much happier occasion - the birth of my daughter, Ellie. Having a child was something I always dreamed of, but I was unsure if it would ever happen after my diagnosis. Now that I have a daughter, I got tested for the breast cancer gene at the Harvey Institute for Human Genetics at GBMC. I thought it was important to find out, not only for me, but for her. I tested positive for the gene and had a double mastectomy with reconstruction at GBMC in 2011. I am thankful to have made this decision and appreciate the support offered by the entire GBMC team. GBMC saved my life and helped me bring a new life into the world. You can't ask for much more than that.
<p class="article-body"> I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. <br> <br> My first diagnosis occurred when I turned 40 years of age, which was seven years ago. I remarried the love of my life, we returned from our honeymoon on a Sunday and that next Wednesday I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). I had my first meeting with Dr. Lauren Schnaper, and she sent me for a stereotactic biopsy of the left breast. It was confirmed that I indeed did have DCIS. I then was scheduled for my lumpectomy. <br> <br> Dr. Schnaper was the kindest, most informative doctor I have ever met. Once my lumpectomy was completed, I then met with Dr. Robert Donegan, my oncologist. He placed me on the medication tamoxifen, which I took for about three months, but my body just could not handle the medication. I then went through six weeks of radiation, and that caused me to have a pretty bad burn. Through it all, the doctors were very helpful and supportive. <br> <br> I've kept up with my mammograms throughout the years, but if we fast forward to this past June, 2014, I found out that my breast cancer had returned in the same breast. That news really threw me into a tail spin. I returned to Dr. Schnaper, and she sent me again for another stereotactic biopsy which came back positive for pre-cancerous cells. She then recommended going in to get a larger tissue sample, so she performed another lumpectomy. My lumpectomy came back with the DCIS. <br> <br> At that moment we decided to do a double mastectomy. I just decided that I was too young to go through this again, so on July 30th, 2014, Dr. Schnaper performed the surgery. I was scared to death, but she and her team made me feel at ease. After my mastectomy, we got my pathology report back and I indeed had a small area of immature dendritic cells or IDC. Early detection has saved my life not once, but twice. <br> <br> I am forever thankful for the entire team at the breast center, and the GBMC oncology department. Dr. Sheri Slezak is my plastic surgeon at the moment, and she works very closely with Dr. Schnaper and is incredible. I had a staph infection in the left breast from my tissue expander during the beginning of my beast reconstruction, and had to have my expander removed. I ended up spending four days at GBMC’s main hospital on a vancomycin IV drip. I got incredible care at the hospital, from the emergency room staff, the doctors and the entire nursing staff. <br> <br> Dr. Slezak is incredible and very companionate. She checked on me every morning while I was in the hospital. Dr. Donegan ran into my husband in the halls and he even came into my hospital room just to visit with me and talk. I am still currently in treatment at the breast care center and could never imagine seeing anyone else but this team. <br> <br> Because of GBMC’s entire staff, from the nursing staff all the way up to my surgeon, I felt at ease during my surgeries and procedures. I am here and able to share my story with other women and encourage them to get their mammograms because of my wonderful care. I am forever grateful to GBMC. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Jewel Henry is used to hard work and the aches and pains that go with it. After a career in the military, he became a mail handler, a career he’s had for almost 21 years. As part of his job, he carries the heavy containers of bulk mail that arrive at the main post office in Baltimore City. Over time, back pain became a regular part of his day and, as the years passed, that pain became more and more severe. <br> <br> “I toughed it out for years, figuring it was just what happens when you have the kind of job I do,” he says. “But eventually, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I lost feeling in my feet, my back hurt all the time and I could barely walk upstairs. I could never get comfortable. Once, my wife and I were driving from Baltimore to Detroit. We hadn’t been on the road for long, but I had to pull over at a rest stop because sitting was so uncomfortable. I was living with this pain every day and it was getting in the way, keeping me from doing what I wanted.” <br> <br> </p> <h3> Time to talk about surgery </h3> Mr. Henry tried physical therapy and steroid injections to help relieve his back pain and these treatments helped for a while. Eventually, however, they became less effective. A friend who was also retired from the military recommended he see the physician who had helped him with his back pain, Bimal Rami, MD, FACS, Division Head of Neurosurgery at GBMC and physician with Greater Baltimore Neurosurgical Associates (GBNA). <br> <br> “Mr. Henry had moderate to severe spinal stenosis,” explains Dr. Rami. “This condition puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which is what causes the pain and the numbness he experienced. Because physical therapy and steroid injections were no longer working, I performed a laminectomy and fusion. This surgery decompresses the spinal canal and stabilizes the spine by placing rods and screws in the back and front of the spine to help reinforce the damaged areas.” <br> <br> “Every day is a good day for me now,” says Mr. Henry. “I don’t have the pain and numbness. I can stand up straight and tall. If I had known that surgery could work this well, I wouldn’t have waited so long! I’m so glad I found Dr. Rami. I felt very confident in him from the moment we met. I always planned to travel across the country in an RV with my wife when I retire. Now, I’ll be able to enjoy the trip!” <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Kristen and Tom Hewitt got the surprise of their lives when they learned they would become parents — to identical triplets! The couple, married for four years, became an instant family of five upon learning they would have three boys. This is their story, in their own words. <br> <br> We always knew we wanted to have children. After Tom’s sister gave birth to a baby boy in March of 2015, she jokingly said, “You guys are up next!” Oddly enough, later that week Kristen took a pregnancy test and it was positive! We were thrilled to find out we were expecting, since we had been trying to conceive for more than two years. <br> <br> We had an ultrasound scheduled during our first appointment at Perinatal Associates at GBMC. After the technician started moving the wand across Kristen’s belly and looking at the screen, she didn’t say anything for a while. Eventually, Tom broke the awkward silence by joking, “So, is there more than one baby in there?” When she told us there were three babies, we looked at each other in pure joy — and shock! Finding out we were having triplets, especially without any fertility treatments, was a huge surprise! When we learned that the babies were identical a few months later, we knew this had to be something rare. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/28b3c4759aecaf43c74c5dd79b429b83.jpg"> <figcaption> Identical triplets Oliver, Finnegan and Thomas Hewitt. Avid hockey fans, Kristen and Tom Hewitt have nicknamed their identical triplets "the Hewitt Hat Trick." The boys already have personalized hockey sticks. </figcaption> </figure> Kristen was scheduled for a Cesarean section on October 13; however, the boys decided to come early. After Kristen’s water broke early in the morning on October 6, she was admitted for delivery that day. On October 6, 2015, we welcomed our three sons: Thomas “Trip” Hewitt III, weighing in at 4 lbs, 3oz; Finnegan “Finn” James at 3 lbs, 6 oz; and Oliver “Ollie” Dean at 3 lbs, 12 oz. Aside from Trip needing initial support with breathing, the boys were all in great health from the start. <br> <br> When the boys were born, the news of their arrival garnered a significant amount of media attention. It was honestly a bit overwhelming! We knew the boys were special from a statistical perspective, but did not realize how popular they would be in the news. When we saw ourselves on “Good Morning America” and the front page of The Baltimore Sun, we really had to step back and realize how unique our situation was. Things have settled down for now; however, we do get attention whenever we leave the house. It’s not something we’re used to, but we haven’t really gone anywhere in public with the boys except for short walks around the neighborhood. We suspect when the weather gets warmer and as the boys grow, we’ll draw more attention! <br> <br> <blockquote> We want to thank the labor and delivery nurses and the NICU nurses. Everyone took great care of us and the boys. The labor and delivery nurses were so helpful and kept Kristen as comfortable as possible during the hospital stay. </blockquote> The logistics of raising three identical boys is a constant challenge. When we first got home from the hospital, we used a color-coding system Tom developed to tell the boys apart. Now that the boys are nearly three months old [as of January 2016], the three are looking more and more identical every day. It took some time, but we have finally found our groove as parents of multiples. We live four hours at a time. Everything revolves around those four hours, in which over an hour is dedicated to changings and feedings. Then it’s the countdown to the next changing/feeding session. Depending on the time of day, the “in-between” consists of stimulation and interaction with the boys, reading books and of course, naps! <br> <br> One challenge we have run into is the sheer volume of diapers and formula needed for all the changing/feeding sessions! When we purchased our home in Baltimore City’s Hampden neighborhood, we had the addition of one baby in mind! Storage for diapers and formula for three babies in a rowhome is nonexistent, so we have frequent Amazon deliveries to our house! <br> <br> Our support system has been incredible. To anyone who is reading this who has assisted us during our journey, we want to say thank you. It seems like everyone who has helped us went above and beyond because they knew they were part of a special situation, and we’re truly grateful for that. We are specifically appreciative of our doctors at Perinatal Associates, to include Dr. Victor Khouzami, Dr. Margaret Cyzeski and Dr. Kristin Engorn. The NICU nurses took such great care of our boys and got them healthy enough to come home. We also appreciated all the tips and tricks we needed to start our lives as parents! <br> <br> All the reading and planning doesn’t prepare you for the determination needed to raise triplets. The boys are truly a joy and a blessing to us, and that gives us strength. People often ask us how we’re adapting to life with triplets. Our answer? We’re running on love and awe…and coffee. <br> <br> Follow the Hewitt triplets at <a alt="Follow the Hewitt Hat Trick Triplets here on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/hewitthattrick/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/hewitthattrick/</a> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2-HJLO087s8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Xavier Smothers-White is helping others to live a more healthy life and focusing on doing the same for himself. <br> <br> He was a fit, former member of the U.S. Air Force when he injured his knee. But he said he continued to eat as though he was as active as he used to be. <br> <br> "I ballooned up to 330 pounds, figured enough was enough, and I came to an info session here at GBMC," Smothers-White said. <br> <br> He took the leap and underwent bariatric surgery at GBMC. It's a decision that has changed his life. <br> <br> "The weight loss surgery is a tool, there's still a lot of work that goes into it," Smothers-White said. <br> <br> He's lost a total of 141 pounds since having the surgery and has shifted into a new profession focused on fitness. <br> <br> "Post-surgery life has been awesome, I've had a career change. No longer sitting behind a desk I'm out, active, I got a awesome job as a fitness trainer at Planet Fitness and now I spend every day helping other people who aren't quite ready for bariatric surgery get healthy, lose weight," Smothers-White said. </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/7314d4522c41caba192ee53ba3537198.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6a376ad46b2e19c518a7a6ded19918a5.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/304168cd0908fb38a64a13263d4ee9bc.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/49202ec9769da5099a8d619b81164330.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/60e99c77286fcac3cc614773732c947a.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4fe164cf883e2234471c4a603571cb8a.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/0a9f75ce58a4521664c68af71963eebd.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/8cd6fed239de4a9d4e74f15ad80968b7.jpg" alt="Xavier Smothers - Bariatric Patient at GBMC"> </div> </div> </div> <em>A Day in the Life is produced by WMAR - ABC2</em>
The story of Becky Stover, in her own words.I should start this narrative by saying that I play a lot of sports. I love to run, swim, bike, dance and more. I’ve been dancing since I was four years old and I truly have a hard time sitting still! In March of 2013, I was playing broomball (which is a sport most similar to ice hockey) and took quite a tumble on the ice. I was able to return to work without issues, but I was unable to return to exercise of any kind without pain. I consulted my GBMC primary care provider who referred me for physical therapy.I requested to come to GBMC’s physical therapy office, and I was paired up with an amazing therapist, Emily Wood. At the time, I was working as a bedside nurse and had already informally asked the inpatient therapists, physicians and orthopedic nurses for their therapy recommendations. I was frustrated, concerned and worried about whether I would be able to play sports again. I had gone from being a tri-athlete to being unable to complete a single mile. I met with my therapist and explained my story. While I thought I had a back injury, she informed me it was actually a rotation of my pelvis, which she was convinced we could correct. Additionally, she had remedies for all of my other ailments to help correct the injuries. The therapy office worked with my schedule, setting up appointments during my breaks at work, and the inpatient and outpatient therapists continued to encourage me when I thought I would never get back to running and sports. Becky (on left) at the Ronald McDonald House 5KFast forward one year to March of 2014. I completed my first post-injury 5K, the Ronald McDonald House Charity Fundraiser. I was able to regain control of my injuries and compete in running and sports again. I am back to swimming, biking, running and all my other sports! Thanks to the patience of my therapist and her unwillingness to let me give in to my frustrations, I continued to progress, and am back on the ice playing broomball. Completing the 5K was a huge accomplishment, and really opened my eyes to preventative measures. I continue to take charge of my own health at the gym, in my diet and in my everyday activities. I am very thankful for the GBMC physical therapists!
<p class="article-body"> Susan Alban’s Story <br> <br> I joined the GBMC family on September 14, 1987 as a laboratorian. If you know anything about laboratorians, you know that we are a “behind the scenes” type of people. We love and care for our patients with the same compassion and dedication as others in the hospital, just from the comfort of the laboratory. Most of us don’t venture out unless we have to, so we miss the opportunity to see our other GBMC family members. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/89798699912b8c4faecb5ccf627fb65b.jpg" alt="Susan Alban"> <figcaption> Susan Alban </figcaption> </figure> In the spring of 2013, I was led to find out more about my cousins — the cousins by blood on my father’s side of my family and those here in my GBMC family. In April 2013, I was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a genetic predisposition to a variety of cancers, with colon and endometrial being the most prevalent, and a lifetime risk between 60-80 percent. Lynch gave me a bridge of communication to my “blood” cousins, some of whom I had never met, so I am thankful for that since the syndrome has already wiped out two previous generations and half of mine. <br> <br> Lynch also gave me the chance to meet many of my GBMC cousins! Christy Haakonsen (now Smith) in Clinical Genetics broadened my knowledge and helped me decide on a prophylactic hysterectomy. That led me to meet Dr. Francis Grumbine for my surgery. Then, because we found cancer, I was able to meet Dr. Paul Celano and the awesome team in the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute when I went for chemotherapy. And, because I wanted to know everyone I possibly could, I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Geoffrey Neuner and the friendly gang in Radiation Oncology! <br> <br> <blockquote> It has been quite a journey these last two years, but I would not have wanted to experience it anywhere but here. </blockquote> My coworkers were so supportive, filling in for me where they could, donning hats the first day after I shaved my head, learning more about Lynch or just having a friendly smile when I needed it most! I have been here at GBMC for over half my life, and am very thankful for the ability to provide for my family through working here and for the great team who has helped me to become cancer-free! I would not have wanted to be anywhere else! Thank you, my GBMC family! <br> <br> I may never be fully out of the watchful eye of the docs here at GBMC because of my Lynch syndrome. But, because I am currently cancer-free and feeling stronger every day, I am able to continue my journey as part of the GBMC family, providing excellent care so others may continue to have successful stories! <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Karen Cherelstein had a normal mammogram in October 2006, but a self-examination in January 2007 revealed a lump. A visit to her OB-GYN and a biopsy confirmed her fears: she had Stage 1 cancer with a small tumor just before her fiftieth birthday. “When my internist asked for a special appointment, I knew the news wouldn’t be good,” Ms. Cherelstein says. “As more results came through, I learned that my cancer was aggressive.” She spent several months undergoing chemotherapy and radiation under the guidance of Gary Cohen, MD, Medical Director of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, and has been cancer-free for eight years. <br> <br> “By October 2007, I was working full-time again and my hair was growing back,” Ms. Cherelstein says, “but I was beginning to have weight issues.” At 5 feet 1 inch tall, she says that any additional weight is obvious on her body. Not realizing it might be related to her cancer, she struggled with managing her weight for years and, by October 2014, she had reached a number on the scale that she could not believe. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> "Studies have shown that excess body weight may be linked to certain cancers, including breast cancer." </blockquote> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6107387bd9a48d6beaedf69215ec3a59.jpg"> <figcaption> Friends and cancer survivors Karen Cherelstein (left, in pink) and Diane McClyment often exercise together to encourage each other and hold each other accountable. </figcaption> </figure> While Ms. Cherelstein fought to achieve a healthy weight, her friend Diane McClyment was going through similar life and body changes. Ms. McClyment was called back after a mammogram in October 2013 and a biopsy revealed she had breast cancer. Her physicians at a local hospital recommended radical treatments, which had her on edge. Ms. Cherelstein suggested a second opinion with Dr. Cohen. “The minute I met him, I knew he was the right doctor for me,” Ms. McClyment Friends and cancer survivors Karen Cherelstein (left, in pink) and Diane McClyment often exercise together to encourage each other and hold each other accountable. www.gbmc.org | GREATER living 5 says. “He handled everything, even contacted a physician I had 25 years ago in New York to discuss my previous lymphoma treatment.” <br> <br> With Dr. Cohen overseeing her care, Lauren Schnaper, MD, performing her surgery and Geoffrey Neuner, MD, administering radiation therapy, Ms. McClyment felt she was in great hands. She had a lumpectomy and was treated with a “one and done” radiation treatment, both of which were successful. “My only complaint was the weight gain. Like Karen, I was grateful to be alive, but had a difficult time shedding excess pounds.” <br> <br> At a September 2014 follow-up appointment, Dr. Cohen could tell Ms. McClyment felt negatively about her appearance. “Studies have shown that excess body weight may be linked to certain cancers, including breast cancer,” says Dr. Cohen. “Excess weight and obesity may lead to worse outcomes despite cancer treatments, and weight gain following a breast cancer diagnosis may significantly increase the risk of recurrence and cancer-related deaths.” Dr. Cohen referred Ms. McClyment to a clinical trial entitled “A Randomized Study Evaluating the Effect of a Remote-Based Weight Loss Program on Biomarkers in Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer” being offered through the Johns Hopkins Clinical Research Network (JHCRN). The JHCRN is a collaborative effort between GBMC, the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and several other regional medical centers. It is designed to accelerate the transfer of new diagnostic, treatment and disease prevention advances from research to direct patient care. Ms. McClyment was excited about the weight control study and immediately enrolled. <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/a6651afc6a88d124a6a8e4c75843cd52.jpg"> </figure> “The trial is a yearlong weight loss program designed to specifically meet the unique needs of women who have completed their acute therapy for early breast cancer,” says Vered Stearns, MD, Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Breast and Ovarian Cancer Program and a lead physician on the JHCRN research team. Study participants are randomized into two groups, self-directed weight loss or active remote intervention (Practice-based Opportunities for Weight Reduction, or POWER-remote), and each group follows a strict plan of exercise, diet tracking and health assessments. The goal of the study is to gauge the effectiveness of weight loss intervention techniques and assess the effects of weight loss on biomarkers associated with breast cancer, inflammation and obesity. This information will be used to help implement further clinical intervention techniques in breast cancer patients. “While it is too early to determine overall benefits, we have seen an increase in awareness and attention to diet and physical activity in all participants, and several women have experienced a reduction in their weight,” says Dr. Stearns. <br> <br> Ms. McClyment was placed in the active intervention POWER-remote group and has lost 37 pounds and four inches from her waist, is down four sizes and is pleased with the reasonable goals and accountability aspects of the program. Ms. Cherelstein, who could not directly take part in the study because of the time elapsed since her treatment, completed the program on her own by sharing Ms. McClyment’s study plan. Both women are thrilled with the marked improvement in their individual bodies, minds and overall health. “We started checking in with each other almost every day as the pounds started rolling off,” Ms. Cherelstein says. “It was a process, but we’ve both excelled. We talk about shopping for new clothes instead of how fat we feel! We’re grateful for the care we received and are optimistic that the odds of cancer recurrence have been decreased for both of us.” <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<h4> Erlene Miller's story, in her own words. </h4> I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. I had an excellent team who took outstanding care of me, from the mammographer, who was at Advanced Radiology at St. Joseph, to Dr. Bill Howard who did my biopsy and was my second opinion doctor. My treatment team was at GBMC. <br> <br> Dr. Frank Rotolo did the lumpectomy. I told him that I felt well enough to go back to work after a week, but he would not allow me because I still had the drainage system in. I told him that I had prepared my students and purchased several oversized sweaters. I could do it. He still said no. After that, I met with Dr. Paul Celano, my Oncologist, who mapped out my treatment plan. I will never forget what he said to me. Dr. Celano said, "Just take one day at a time. If you are a person who has handled other situations in your life and did not fall apart, you will handle this too." <br> <br> Dr. Celano also said that at my age, we were going to need to be aggressive and give me both chemotherapy and radiation. I was 46 years old. He said it would put me into menopause, and informed me that unfortunately I might not come out of it at the end of treatment because I was so close to the natural time for menopause. My niece was with me and she was very negative saying Dr. Celano should give me something for my emotional state. Dr. Celano must have read my body language or facial expression because he asked her to wait outside. <br> <br> The nurses who provided the infusion could not have treated me better. I'm embarrassed to say this, but the nurses loved me, and I them, but I forgot this one particular nurse's name. You know you always have a favorite. The chemo treatment was fourteen days on and fourteen days off for about six to seven months. I told Dr. Celano that I had a busy summer already planned and that if he could work around my schedule, that would be nice. He replied, "We can do that." <br> <br> I had written a proposal to become a candidate in the Governor's Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology, a program that was very intensive and held at Towson University for one month, and I was accepted into the program. At the end of that program, I had a week's vacation scheduled to Buffalo, New York, Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada. After returning from that trip, I had my second chemo treatment before heading to London, England and Paris, France for two weeks. <br> <br> After returning from my Europe trip, I began my treatment program non-stop. I was in a week-long workshop in south Baltimore, too, and when school started in August, I went every day. I was never sick and did not lose my hair, though I will say it thinned out some. After chemo, I began radiation for about six to eight weeks, Monday through Thursday. I thought my chemo team was great, but Dr. Robert Brookland and his radiation team were phenomenal. Dr. Brookland greeted me every day with a hug, and his bedside manner was outstanding. He said he had never had a patient like me. I kept him posted on everything I was doing. At the time, I lived alone and took total care of myself except for once or twice when I had my niece come to change my bandages. I had a routine. <br> <br> After my treatments for both chemo and radiation, if I needed a prescription or groceries, I would go to the Giant Foods near my home and sit in the chair by the pharmacy to wait for my medications to be filled. The only problems I experienced were tiredness after treatment and a few mouth sores from eating acidic foods. Once I learned that, I did not eat any more acidic items during treatment. The radiation did burn my skin, but I was told to use aloe vera gel and that worked perfectly. Dr. Brookland asked if I would agree to be featured on Channel 2 as a cancer survivor and I agreed. I requested permission from my principal and students' parents, and Channel 2 came to my classroom for the interview. Evidentially I made AP news because family members saw me on the news in New Jersey! <br> <br> I will always love my treatment team because they saved my life. I am an almost 21-year cancer survivor. Oh, I almost forgot: My primary care doctor, Dr. Mark Stromberg, referred me to Dr. Rotolo and that got this whole ball rolling. <br> <br> Since my treatment at GBMC, I continued to work. In fact, I seemed to have taken on much, much more. I was a renter at the time, and I did not have life insurance. I saw that my life was in shambles and I needed to get my business in order. I was separated with one daughter who counted on me. <br> <br> First, I took out a life insurance policy. Next, I met with my financial planner. He helped me to get organized so that I was able to build my four bedroom, two car garage colonial in Harford County. I have since owned two Lexus vehicles, I put my daughter through Pennsylvania State University’s School of Engineering and my real estate sales took off. I love to travel. I have been to Barcelona, Spain; London, England, twice; Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Jamaica; Aruba twice; St. Thomas; Barbados; Nassau; Paradise Island; Dominique; St. Marteen; Freeport and around 31 out of 50 US states. I am currently planning a trip to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, scheduled for 2015. I am retired and traveling is my life. In fact, as I write this, I should be packing right now for a trip to Boston, Massachusetts. <br> <br> Thanks to GBMC, I feel relaxed and complete. I now have a Will, a Living Trust, an Advanced Directive, a Power of Attorney and Final Arrangements in place. I am proud of the love, care, expertise and professionalism of my treatment team at GBMC. They made an unfortunate situation bearable. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Right from the start, I sensed there was a special culture at work at GMBC, one that demanded doing things differently. I saw facets of this extraordinary culture in everything from my dedicated medical team and the soothing physical surroundings to the opportunity to give back by participating in research. <br> <br> To me, the term “patient-centered” doesn’t begin to convey the kind of care I received. Reflected in my personal experience is GBMC’s commitment to provide every patient, every time, with the care one would want for their own loved ones. <br> <br> Little things, like having the flexibility to choose my own appointment times, or to communicate with my team by email, meant a lot to me. I felt an unparalleled level of compassion and sensitivity. <br> <br> I wasn’t the only recipient of GBMC’s watchful eye and healing. The team was always acutely aware that they were one of two caregivers. Alongside GBMC was my nurturing wife, Lynn, whose needs along the path to recovery were of equal consideration. I am forever grateful of the support from both. <br> <br> Like every GBMC patient, I had a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who were with me every step of the way. It was reassuring to know that everyone, from my primary care physician to my dietitian, was always up to speed on my case. <br> <br> Seeing the same familiar faces throughout my treatment made me feel like a family was looking after me, and because of that I would like to share a story that I’ll never forget: Back in the hospital after my cancer treatment had ended, I opened my eyes to find my entire former team had come to visit me! <br> <br> I love GBMC. I want to support them with my time, my funds and my message. <br> <br> I see GBMC as unique among community hospitals, investing heavily in medical research and technology within a “healing environment” through gardens, walking trails, artwork and natural light. Many former patients give back to the hospital by participating in visionary research, and in turn, support the patients who follow in their footsteps. As a research participant myself, I take joy in being part of this “circle of giving” at GBMC. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
