American Cancer Society Invites public to share ideas, learn more about Berks resources
 
The public is invited to an open house in the main lobby of St. Joseph Medical Center on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. to learn more about the variety of resources available for cancer patients and their families from the Berks Unit of the American Cancer Society.
 
The Berks Unit's Volunteer Board of Directors will also be attending and will ask attendees for their ideas and suggestions about how to better meet the community's needs as well as how to create more community awareness about the society's resources.
 
Two-time cancer survivor, Cindy Castner, the president of the Berks Unit's Board of  Directors, emphasized the need for people to know what's available to them so that if they or family or friends would not feel alone in dealing with a new cancer diagnosis.
 
"If I only knew all the support the American Cancer Society offered, it would have made so many things easier for me and my family when I was first diagnosed," Castner explained.  "Our board is determined to get the message out and to inform as many people as possible about the education and prevention, and support and treatment resources we have right here in Berks."
 
The event is free of charge.
 
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Strong and Smart; Living Well with Cancer
Dial-up Seminar Series
Thursday, July 21, 1 p.m.
Free one-hour session
Register now! Call 800-278-7837

Join us from the comfort of your own home or office. Listen to our experts via phone and view their presentations on your computer. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask questions.

Planning for the Future – Making Your Wishes Known will cover:
• Advance care planning – what is it, who needs it and how to begin
• Tools for advance care planning
• Matching your care to your goals – a brief look at palliative care and hospice

Presenters:
Tammy Bhang, ARNP
Palliative Medicine Service
St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Tacoma, WA

Christine Cofer, MD
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Franciscan Health System, Tacoma, WA
The Strong and Smart: Living Well With Cancer dial-up seminar series is presented by St. Joseph Medical Center

Thursday, June 16, at 1 pm
Free one-hour session
Register now! Call 800-278-7837

Join us from the comfort of your own home or office. Listen to our experts via phone and view their presentations on your computer. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask questions.

Cancer Survivorship – Moving Beyond Your Cancer will cover:
• Common chronic health problems in cancer survivors
• The cancer connection with these health problems
• Healthy living after cancer treatments

Presenter:
Meg Trewhitt, APRN-NP, OCN, CBCN
Cancer Survivor Navigator
St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, Lincoln, NE

The Strong and Smart: Living Well With Cancer dial-up seminar series is presented by St. Joseph Medical Center.

 

Strong and Smart: Living Well With Cancer dial-up seminar series

Wednesday, January 26 1:00 pm   Free one-hour session Register now! Call 800-278-7837 Join us from the comfort of your own home or office. Listen to our experts via phone and view their presentations on your computer. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask questions. Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Medicine and Holistic Health will address: Wellness activities and their benefits Finding and evaluating wellness activities in your community Exploring your survivorship toolbox through the body, mind and spirit  Presenter: Lynn Spencer Oncology Program Manager Dorcy Cancer Center at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center, Pueblo, CO The Strong and Smart: Living Well With Cancer dial-up seminar series is presented by St. Joseph Medical Center.

 

Leonard "Lee" Tuanquin, M.D., radiation oncologist, practices at St. Joe’s Cancer Center, under the auspices of the ongoing affiliation between St. Joe’s and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute. Dr. Tuanquin is an active member of the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute clinical faculty and St. Joseph Medical Staff.

 

Dr. Tuanquin earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and anthropology from George Washington University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

He received his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed his residency at University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, serving as chief resident during his final year of residency.

 

He is a member of the American Society of Radiation Oncology and the American Brachytherapy Society. Dr. Tuanquin treats radiation therapy

patients at St. Joe’s Monday through Friday.

PENN STATE HERSHEY AND ST. JOSEPH EXPAND CARE FOR CHILDREN AND CANCER PATIENTS IN BERKS COUNTY

Pediatric specialties services now open; radiation oncology service opens July 19

Reading, PA  -  Berks county children and families now have increased access to pediatric specialty care and enhanced cancer services through the growing partnership between St. Joseph Regional Health Network and Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Health System.

On Monday, July 5, Penn State Hershey opened the new Penn State Hershey Medical Group at St. Joseph Medical Center, located on the St. Joseph medical campus in Bern Township. By the fall, approximately two dozen Penn State Hershey Children‟s Hospital physicians in15 pediatric specialties and sub-specialties will see patients at the St. Joseph site Monday through Friday on a rotating basis.
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Patient to pin Rottweiler/Rhodesian Ridgeback as hospital's first dog
"Guardian Angel"

Reading, PA, January 21, 2010 -- When Mary Meanen came to St. Joseph Medical Center, she expected the high-tech scanners, the newest medications, and an experienced and compassionate staff to help her. What she also found was a seven-year-old Rottweiler/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix named Buster who cozied up to her with his warm nose as she got the "cold" news that her cancer had spread.

And now, Buster, owned by the hospital's Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Daniel Woolley, MD, will officially become Meanen's Guardian Angel today as part of a pinning ceremony that is usually reserved for honoring hospital staff that go the extra mile to help patients.

In nominating Buster, Meanen wrote that after being hospitalized and learning that her cancer had spread "it was a God-send to have Buster. He knew I was sick and came to me."

Meanen, 71, of Mohrsville, met Buster after she received the news that she had developed a rare form of cancer, myoepithelial carcinoma.

Prior to their meeting, Meanen had spent five days in the critical care unit at St. Joe’s and had been in and out of the hospital numerous times over the past year. Upon meeting Buster, Meanen felt that he "sensed" her cancer and "gave all his love and support" to her when she needed it most.

"It was such tough, tough news to swallow, so it was great having him there." Meanen said. "His empathy in what he does is far and above anything I've ever seen."

Maureen Woolley, who takes Buster to visit with patients, and who works on the Bern Campus, said that Buster’s "touch offered more than words could express."

Buster is certified by Pet Therapy Inc. and is a Good Canine Citizen. He has been providing friendship and support for patients at St. Joe's since 2007.

The Guardian Angel program enables patients to nominate hospital staff for their exemplary performance in patient care and kindness throughout the patient’s time at the hospital.