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MERITUS STORIES
‘Exceptional care’: Breast cancer survivor tells her story
It was the Wednesday before Memorial Day that Cheryl Luger went in for her second mammogram of the year. The first one, before Mother’s Day, led staff at Meritus Center for Breast Health to ask Cheryl to come back for another scan. The results were conclusive: They found two masses. A biopsy the day after Memorial Day confirmed it was breast cancer. “I was pretty shocked because nobody in my family had had breast cancer,” said Cheryl, who is on leave from Meritus Surgical Specialists where she is a scheduler. She had a double mastectomy at the beginning of August. She’s due back to work in mid-October, but to complicate things, her oldest daughter, who also works at Meritus, is getting married just before then and moving to Savannah, Ga. Cheryl credits her experience with the Center for Breast Health, as well as the John R. Marsh Cancer Center at Meritus, with making a scary and emotional situation more manageable. “It’s been exceptional care from beginning to end,” she said. ‘A positive thing’ She received the call from the Center for Breast Health at 8 a.m. the Wednesday after Memorial Day. Ann-Marie Hugh, M.D., the medical director at the center and a specialist in breast surgery, said the biopsy showed it was adenocarcinomas, a type of cancer that starts in the glands that line the organs. “She bought into my case super quick,” Cheryl said. By 9 a.m., she’d received a call from a nurse navigator at John R. Marsh to set up her first appointment. That appointment included meeting all of the doctors who would be involved. “That was a positive thing, meeting everyone at one time like that,” Cheryl said. “Everyone’s opinions were shared, and we decided what was going to happen.” As part of some of the tests prescribed by Dr. Hugh before the cancer center appointment, Cheryl had testing done showing she had Lynch syndrome, which is a genetic condition that increases the risk of many kinds of cancer. It was decided that Cheryl should have a double mastectomy, and that reconstructive surgery by Salvatore DiMercurio, M.D., a plastic surgeon with Meritus Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in Hagerstown, should start right away. ‘He read the notes’ Victoria Giffi, M.D., Cheryl’s oncologist with Meritus Hematology & Oncology Specialists, said the goal is to take each case on its own terms. “We do our best to treat each person individually, taking both recent medical evidence and their personal preferences into account,” Dr. Giffi said. “I always tell my patients, ‘I treat people, not cancer,’ and I often remind myself that the person sitting in front of me, and where they are in their life, is more important than any lab test or scan that I order.” The personal care was evident to Cheryl when she was speaking to Dr. DiMercurio about her reconstructive surgery. “He said, ‘I understand we have to have you ready by your daughter’s wedding,’” she recalled. “And it struck me that he read the notes in my chart. He took the time to look at my case.” Cheryl is using her experience to teach others the importance of seeing the doctor and getting a mammogram regularly. “I’ve been vocal with people about my story because I was so nonchalant about it,” she said. “I’m very bad at taking care of myself. I went in for my yearly care with my female doctor and she noted that I was five months late in getting my mammogram. “It only takes a few minutes,” she said. To learn more about the Meritus Center for Breast Health, go to www.meritushealth.com/breasthealth. For more about Meritus Hematology & Oncology Specialists, visit www.meritushealth.com/HematologyOncology. To learn more about the John R. Marsh Cancer Center, go to www.meritushealth.com/cancercenter. Colors of Cancer While Cheryl had the support to make it through her cancer journey, not everyone with the diagnosis is so lucky. Along the course of the journey, many unexpected needs can arise. Being able to cover these expenses allows patients and their families to focus on their health. By supporting the Colors of Cancer, it will ensure Meritus patients have reliable transportation to and from appointments and financial assistance for medication, and it will ease the additional financial stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.meritushealth.com/Colors.
NEWS & UPDATES
Early breast cancer detection saves lives
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a Meritus physician is offering some advice on how to reduce the risk of getting the disease and how to check for it. Ann-Marie Hugh, M.D., FACS, with the Meritus Center for Breast Health said there are some standard practices women can do to stave off developing breast cancer and preventing death from it. “While evidence-based guidelines suggest that breast self-examinations do not reduce breast cancer deaths, it is still important for women to have awareness of how their breasts look and feel and to report any changes from their normal to their providers,” she said. COVID’s impact on mammograms It is also important for women to get regular mammograms. Many women stopped having their mammograms during the COVID pandemic because of the lockdown, and there are still some women who have not yet resumed having their mammograms, she said. “Screening mammography is often able to catch breast cancer at a stage where it will not threaten one's life,” she said. “It is important to get back to doing screening mammograms. There are even some women in our community who have never had a mammogram. Most breast cancers are curable but only if it is detected early.” Dr. Hugh said she wanted to stress that many women don’t realize they could be at a higher risk for breast cancer. The published mammography screening guidelines are for women at average risk to develop breast cancer. That includes women who don’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer, and who has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 20. Dr. Hugh suggests talking to your doctor to best understand what category you fall into. What can you do to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Meanwhile, she has some suggestions regarding breast health and breast cancer prevention: Regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk. Decrease or avoid alcohol intake as alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Strive to attain and maintain a healthy body weight. If you are aware of a genetic mutation in the family, get tested. There are strategies to screen women with high risk to develop breast cancer as well as to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. It is important to know your family history and talk to your doctor about it. In particular, talk to your doctor about your family history of breast and ovarian cancer. These cancers in the family may be an indication to get genetic testing. If you feel a lump in the breast have your doctor evaluate the mass. Do not assume it is a cyst and forget about it. Men can get breast cancer. In particular, if a man feels a lump in his breast, it is important to have it evaluated by a doctor. To learn more about the Meritus Center for Breast Health, go to www.meritushealth.com/breasthealth. Colors of Cancer For those diagnosed with breast cancer, the journey can be a struggle. Along the way, many unexpected needs can arise. Being able to cover these expenses allows patients and their families to focus on their health. By supporting the Colors of Cancer, it will ensure Meritus patients have reliable transportation to and from appointments and financial assistance for medication, and it will ease the additional financial stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.meritushealth.com/colors.
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Meritus Health experts urge prevention ahead of viral illness season
As Meritus lives its mission of improving the health of the community, dedicated caregivers are sharing information about preventative measures to take during viral illness season. In alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Meritus experts strongly recommend that individuals age 6 months and older receive an updated flu vaccine in addition to staying informed about COVID-19 precautions, and they encourage all eligible individuals to consider vaccination or booster shots as needed. Dr. Anand Budi, Meritus chief medical officer, emphasizes the health system’s commitment to safeguarding the community against viral illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu. “Vaccination remains our most effective defense against the spread of these viral illnesses,” he said. There are multiple options available for scheduling your vaccinations and boosters: • MyChart: You can conveniently schedule your flu and COVID-19 vaccines or boosters through your MyChart account. • Primary Care Provider: Reach out to your primary care provider's office for vaccine appointments and guidance tailored to your health needs. • Your Local Health Department: Stay informed about local vaccination resources by checking with your nearby health department. • Your Local Pharmacy: Many local pharmacies offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, making it easily accessible for you. Over-the-counter flu and COVID-19 tests are readily available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. These tests are user-friendly, quick, and provide reliable results for most individuals. For those requiring laboratory testing, Meritus Medical Laboratory locations offer comprehensive testing services. Please be aware that a healthcare provider's order is necessary, and your insurance will be billed accordingly. You can schedule your flu and COVID vaccine appointments with ease today through MyChart, your primary care provider's office or by visiting a pharmacy or grocery store. “We all have a part to play in reducing the spread of viral illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu,” Dr. Budi said. “By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the well-being of our entire community.” For the latest, up-to-date information on the flu season, viral illnesses, testing, treatment, and vaccination options, please visit MeritusHealth.com/Viralillness. ### Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the region by providing the best healthcare, health services and medical education. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus has nearly 4,000 employees and serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.
Meritus Crisis Center, Mental Health Walk-in there to help everyone
When it comes to mental health or fighting addiction, it can seem like you’re on one side of a river looking to cross to the other side. A rushing torrent of forms, red tape and insurance issues can be discouraging enough to make you stay put. The Meritus Crisis Center and Meritus Mental Health Walk-in facility are designed to be a bridge, said Halima Naluwooza, MSN, CRNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. “For anybody who is struggling, whether it's with mental health or addiction, it's sometimes hard to get a provider,” she said, noting some providers in the area are scheduling six months out or longer. “We're willing to bridge them, to get them in and assessed.” Help is available for those age 6 and older at the Mental Health Walk-in. The Crisis Center is for those 18 and older. The ones who seem to need the bridge the most are those seeking substance abuse recovery, she said. They are sometimes discouraged to get help because of the stigma that still surrounds substance use or they’ve tried before only to relapse. “With recovery, it doesn't matter if they’ve gone through it 20 times,” Naluwooza said. “We'll help them with the 21st time. Even when you’ve struggled before, we’re still willing to help.” What happens when you walk into the Orange Entrance? Access to the Crisis Center and Mental Health Walk-in starts in the same place: The Orange Entrance to the Robinwood Professional Center at 11110 Medical Campus Road. Go through the automatic double doors, then go in the first door on the left. There you walk into a waiting room with a front desk staffed to guide you, depending on your needs. Whether it’s addiction services or mental health, Naluwooza is one of the first stops. It’s her job to evaluate patients for mental health and general health issues. Perhaps they’re trying to get established with a mental healthcare provider, but aren’t able to get a prompt appointment. Naluwooza can determine if they need medication and prescribe it until the patient can see their own provider. Perhaps the patient wants to give up drinking or drugs. Naluwooza would determine if they can enter the six-bed Crisis Center, or if they’re suffering from conditions that would require them to visit the Emergency Department first. For example, she said alcoholic withdrawal known as delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening, requires immediate medical care. “Most are OK, but we do have to send some to the ER,” she said. “So long as they have been medically cleared, they can come back to us.” Once in the center, patients usually stay up to three days to get management of withdrawal symptoms while a discharge coordinator works to get them into an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. The coordinator also works with insurance companies and sometimes even secures scholarships for patients to cover costs. What makes Meritus behavioral health services different? A key part of the Crisis Center program is the availability of peer support personnel. These are people who, at one point in their lives, were struggling with substance abuse and are now working to help those in the throes of addiction. “We find the patient is more open to going through rehab or whatever treatment we can offer because they see someone who has gone through it before them and come out on the other side,” Naluwooza said. It’s the one-stop-shop aspects of the Crisis Center and Mental Health Walk-in that provides her satisfaction. “The biggest thing is just helping them start on their journey. They meet a lot of barriers when they start. They don’t know where to go,” Naluwooza said. “The thing I like about this place is that anyone who walks in here can be helped in one way or another.” To learn more about the Crisis Center, visit www.meritushealth.com/crisiscenter. To learn more about the Mental Health Walk-in clinic, go to www.meritushealth.com/mentalhealth.
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