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ProgramM E R C Y H E A L T H S Y S T E M 2 0 1 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Cancer

2 Mercy Regional Cancer Center 2013 Annual Report

Table of contents

Message from the president...............................................................................................3

Mercy Cancer Committee: chairman’s report..................................................................4

2013-2014 Cancer Committee.............................................................................................4

Mercy Regional Cancer Center phone numbers .............................................................5

Mercy Cancer Registry report: 2013..................................................................................6

Cancer prevention and screening focus ...........................................................................7

How exercise benefits cancer patients ............................................................................8

Combating cancer through weight loss...........................................................................10

Mercy Regional Cancer Center: hematology/medical oncology...................................11

From our patients: Donna Conkle .....................................................................................12

From our partners: Amy Lambert .....................................................................................13

Mercy’s clinical trials program...........................................................................................14

Mercy Regional Cancer Center: radiation oncology ......................................................16

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes.........................................................17

From our patients: Jill FitzRandolph-Groelle..................................................................18

From our partners: Sharon Swanson ...............................................................................19

Mercy Regional Cancer Center: surgical oncology.......................................................20

Hospitalists ensure exceptional inpatient care .............................................................21

From our patients: Cheryl Krueger..................................................................................22

From our partners: Cathy Grabowski..............................................................................23

Mercy MyChart....................................................................................................................24

Cancer support groups......................................................................................................25

Mercy Palliative Care Program .........................................................................................26

Mercy Hospice Care............................................................................................................27

Mercy Home Health Care ..................................................................................................28

American Cancer Society ..................................................................................................29

Mercy Foundation...............................................................................................................30

Cancer Resource Center.....................................................................................................31

Support services .................................................................................................................32

Raising cancer awareness in our community................................................................34

We’re dedicated to offering the best cancer care in the area. In fact, our oncology program has been recognized with commendation by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons as offering the very best in cancer care. Itis a recognition of the quality of our comprehensive, multidisciplinary patientcare. We’re proud to have brought the very best in today’s cancer treatmentcloser to home.

Cancer.MercyHealthSystem.org 3

As all too many of us know, cancer is a formidable opponent. At the Mercy Regional Cancer Center, our patientscount on us to never rest in our fightagainst it—and we will never let themdown.

This year brought exciting new changesdesigned to offer a better experiencefor all our patients and their families.

In May, we welcomed board-certified radiation oncologist, Kevin Kozak, MD,to lead our radiation therapy programat the Regional Cancer Building. In October, we also welcomed board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, Mohammad Khan, MD. Dr. Khan joins Emily Robinson, MD, and Shahid Shekhani, MD, in offeringexcellent patient care at the MercyMichael Berry Clinic.

Our breast cancer patients have foundtremendous guidance and reassurancewhile working with our breast care navigators, Shannon Petter and SandraMascari-Devitt. We are happy to nowexpand the navigator program to all ourcancer patients. At the end of the year,we promoted Cindy Gunn, RN, BSN,OCN, as our first oncology nurse navigator. Cindy’s job is to guide andsupport our patients through their cancer journey, from their first day of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

This year, our medical oncology department transferred to the National Cancer Institute’s Central Investigational Review Board’s inde-pendent model that allows Mercy toopen clinical trials more efficientlybased on the needs of our patients.This means we can offer clinical trials to patients with more rare cancers in only days. It’s important for us to remember that today’s standard cancertreatments were once clinical trials, and today’s clinical trials will lead to tomorrow’s standard cancer treat-ments. Our clinical trials program is discussed on p. 14.

Our new Mercy Outpatient PalliativeCare Clinic, located within the MercyMall Clinic in Janesville, opened in 2013to complement our Mercy Inpatient Pal-liative Care Program at Mercy Hospitaland Trauma Center. Details regardingthese programs begin on p. 26.

Due to patient demand, our supportgroups continue to evolve. The formerprostate cancer support group, nowcalled the Men’s Cancer Support Group,has expanded to include all male cancerpatients, no matter their type of cancer.The new Cancer Facts Discussion Groupis led by Dr. Kozak. Learn more aboutthis popular monthly group on p. 25.

This year’s report focuses on the importance of exercising, not only toprevent cancer, but also to battle its effects. According to the American Cancer Society (see p. 9), many cancersare linked to obesity. Mercy’s fitnessand diet experts are available to helppatients discover a healthier quality of life through lifestyle changes.

Working as a team focused solely onproviding the best care for our patients,the Mercy Regional Cancer Center hasgrown to touch more lives than ever before. Thank you for supporting us on our journey.

Regards,

Javon R. Bea, President/CEOMercy Health System

Message from the president


Care for our cancer patients dependson people and services. A lot of newand talented people joined us duringthe past 12 months.

Dr. Kevin Kozak, radiation oncologist,joined the staff at Mercy Regional Cancer Center. Dr. Mohammed Khan,medical oncologist, joined that depart-ment in late summer. We also have newcase managers in the persons of AmyLambert and Jamie Tegt. Our nursenavigator position has been approvedand is being filled. Dr. Kelly Fehren-bacher, geriatrician, assumed the roleof Mercy Hospice Care director. LeslieKelly, APNP, joined Mercy Hospital andTrauma Center’s palliative care team.

The majority of Mercy nurses providingoncology care in outpatient settings,Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center’smedical floor and special care unit, andin the radiation oncology department,are chemotherapy-trained. Many areoncology certified nurses (OCN®).

Mental health services are now offeredto cancer patients by Mercy OptionsBehavioral Health Services. A total of

20 research protocols covering malig-nancies of the breast, colorectum, lung,prostate and blood are available and offered to each appropriate patient.

We continue to provide category onecontinuing medical education credits to physicians attending cancer confer-ences and tumor boards. Mercy’s ownand outside university speakers discussed in formal lecture setting topics such as survivorship, breast cancer margins, melanoma, childhoodcancers, integrated approach to cancercare and end-of-life care.

Our community outreach plan for 2013included increasing public participationin smoking cessation programs, increas-ing the number of skin cancer screen-ings in the communities we serve, andincreasing participation in discountedmammography events.

I wish to thank everyone involved incancer care at Mercy Hospital andTrauma Center for their work and theircommitment. This is an outstanding and award-winning program that wecan be proud of.

Physician membersGregory Denison, MD RadiologyKelly Fehrenbacher, MD Hospice CareThomas Haas, DO PathologyFrancis Kaveggia, MD UrologyMohammad Khan, MD Medical Oncology/HematologyKevin Kozak, MD Radiation OncologyEmily Robinson, MD Medical Oncology/HematologyShahid Shekhani, MD Medical Oncology/HematologyB.K. Wasiljew, MD General Surgery/Committee Chair

Non-physician membersLinda Brethauer, APNP, AOCN Medical Oncology/HematologyJan Botts, RN Director, Quality ManagementAmy Carey MarketingShawn Davenport Director, Medical OncologyDebra Davis American Cancer SocietyRev. Doug Dowling ChaplainRhonda Graf Clinical ResearchTani Hein MarketingDon Janczak PharmacyAmanda Johnson, PA-C Medical OncologyJanice Johnson, RN Clinical ResearchLeslie Kelly, NP Palliative CareAmy Lambert Oncology Case ManagerSandy Mascari-Devitt Breast NavigatorTricia Obrecht, CTR Cancer RegistryShannon Petter Breast NavigatorSue Ripsch Vice PresidentMartha Roberts Cancer RegistryMaggie Schultz Manager, Medical and Radiation OncologyNatalie Wagner Director, Radiation Oncology

Mercy Cancer Committee: chairman’s report

B. K. Wasiljew, MD, FACSChairman, Mercy Cancer CommitteeMercy Health System

2013 Cancer Committee Members


Since 1990, the Center has helped thousands of cancer patients and their families meet the challenges of cancerhead on. Our comprehensive cancer care program offers the full range of resources necessary to detect and treat cancer, and help our patients not only recover, but thrive. Our entire staff—with our combined knowledge and expertise—understands what each patient is experiencing. We know that our patients require not only state-of-the-art technology to heal, but also the human touch. It is this spirit of compassion and kindness that makes our Center stand out. How do we know? Our patients tell us, every day.

Your Mercy Regional Cancer Center team

American Cancer Society ...............................................................................(800) 227-2345American Cancer Society Navigator ............................................................(608) 266-6025Mercy Cancer Registry......................................................................................(608) 756-6139Mercy Hospice Care..........................................................................................(800) 369-2201Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center................................(608) 756-6000/(800) 756-4147Administrative director, oncology ................................................................(608) 756-6871Breast health navigator...................................................................................(608) 756-6011Clinical trials data manager ...........................................................................(608) 756-6871Dietitian/nutritionist ........................................................................................(608) 756-6151Financial counselor........................................................................................(608) 756-6500Genetic counseling ..........................................................................................(608) 756-6871Hematology/medical oncology.........................................(608) 756-6871/(800) 928-1103Inpatient special care unit (SCU) .................................................................(608) 756-6897Manager, oncology..........................................................................................(608) 756-6770Oncology social worker .................................................................................(608) 756-6824Outpatient transfusion/infusion (Treatment Coordination Center)......(608) 756-6601Pastoral care...................................................................................................(608) 756-6000Radiation oncology..........................................................(608) 756-6500/(800) 261-6565Surgical oncology ............................................................................................(608) 756-7277Urology ..............................................................................................................(608) 741-6990

Mercy Pain Center............................................................................................(608) 756-6049Susan G. Komen.................................................................................................(608) 836-1083


The Cancer Registry of the Mercy Can-cer Program provides data managementservices to comply with mandatorystate cancer reporting regulations, as well as the data needs of clinicians,administrators and other qualifiedusers. In addition, the registry also provides data to national-level cancersurveillance organizations for incidencemeasurement and epidemiological studies.

Since its inception in 1994, the registryhas collected data on more than 11,100cancer patients, with more than 550new cases entered for the calendaryear 2012, the last complete year ofdata collection.

What is a cancer registry?This computerized system is designedfor the collection, management andanalysis of cancer data. Interpretationof cancer data is essential for optimalpatient care, evaluation, cancer program planning and management, administrative planning and education.

• Lifetime patient follow-upOne of the cancer registry’s primary responsibilities is to provide lifetime follow-up on all patients diagnosed ortreated at Mercy Health System. Ourpatients or their primary physicians arecontacted at least annually and askedfor follow-up information regardingtheir health status. This helps us assessthe patient’s treatment and assess the need for future cancer programs.

• ResearchData collected and maintained in ourcancer registry serves as a valuable resource for physicians interested inthe cause, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The patient’s identity is kept strictly confidential.

• EducationCancer registry data (including patternsof care and length of survival) is used to further the education of physicians,nurses and other health care providers.

• National databaseOur connection to a large national database enables us to compareMercy’s cancer registry statistics with national statistics.

How this benefits patientsOur cancer registry helps your doctorand health care team provide the mostcomprehensive, up-to-date treatmentsavailable. The registry extracts informa-tion regarding your diagnosis and treatment from your medical record and enters it into a computerized databank. Your doctor can then requestdata to assess the benefits of yourtreatment program and to assimilatedata from other medical facilities.

Please stay in touchIt is important that we are able to maintain contact with our past cancer patients. Patients who move or change phone numbers are asked to call the Mercy Cancer Registry at(608) 756-6500.

Mercy Cancer Registry report: 2013


In 2011, a variety of concerned RockCounty community partners conducteda community health needs assessmentto collect and analyze data regardingthe health care priorities of county residents.

Members of the planning committee included individuals from:• Mercy Health System• Beloit Memorial Hospital • Beloit Area Community Health Center• St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital• Edgerton Hospital and Health Services• Rock County Health Department• University of Wisconsin Extension,Rock County

• HealthNet of Rock County• Rock County Human Services

Mercy Health System: cancer prevention and screening focus

The completed Rock County Com-munity Health Needs Assessmentreport showed these key findings:

• Cancer was residents’ most concerning health problem

• Cancer was the leading cause of death in Rock County

• Cancer incidence (per 100,000) wasstatistically higher per incidence innewly diagnosed lung cancers in RockCounty versus Wisconsin, and statis-tically lower per incidence in newly diagnosed female breast cancers and prostate cancers.

• Wisconsin ranks in the top quartile for deaths due to prostate cancer.

• Death rate for colorectal cancer in theMidwest exceeds the national rate andis the highest in the U.S. compared toother geographic regions.

• Alcohol use• Wisconsin has the highest rates ofalcohol consumption, binge drink-ing, heavy drinking, and alcoholabuse/dependence in the nation

• Rock County residents engage ingreater levels of alcohol consump-tion relative to state averages

• 26% of residents report bingedrinking within the past 30 days(state average is 23%)

• Tobacco use• Wisconsin ranks 18th in the nationfor the percentage of adults whosmoke

• 17% of deaths in Rock County in2009 were directly related tosmoking

• Total smokers: 22.5% in RockCounty versus 16.3% in Wisconsin

• Breast, cervix and colorectal cancerscreenings are underutilized in RockCounty

• Obesity• 23% of Rock County adults age 20 and over are physically inactive(state average is 23%)

• 34.5% of Rock County residentsversus 27.0% of Wisconsin residents are obese

Rock County Community Health Needs Assessment: 2012 action plan

The Community Outreach Subcommit-tee, under the direction of the MercyHospital and Trauma Center cancercommittee, developed the following action plan to address the report’sidentified priorities.

PreventionPrimary focus: Obesity – 34% of RockCounty residents versus 27.0% of Wisconsin residents are obeseSecondary focus: Smokingeducation/cessation

ScreeningsPrimary focus: Oral screenings*

• Based on the socioeconomic popu-lation and high volume of historyof smoking and/or alcohol usage

• High volume of head and neck can-cers within Mercy Health System

Secondary focus• Increase number of skin cancerscreenings**• Volume of newly diagnosedmelanomas at Mercy Health Systemcontinues to increase annually

• Continue with annual System-widecancer screenings for both breast andprostate cancers• Lower cancer incidencerates/100,000

• Higher prostate cancer death rates

*Oral cancer screening event:In December 2012, six patients werescreened for oral cancers at Mercy Clinic South in Janesville. None of the patients had oral cancer.

**Skin cancer screening events:In January 2013, Jeanne Godar, MD,board certified dermatologist at Mercy Clinic East in Janesville, screened12 patients. None of the patients had skin cancer.

In March 2013, Daniel Hoffman, MD, board certified dermatologist at MercyClinic East in Janesville, screened 18 patients. Dr. Hoffman followed up withthree of those patients. One patient had skin cancer removed.


Exercise through the eyes of apatient battling cancer

“It’s been three weeks since my cancerdiagnosis and today my doctor talkedabout exercise as a way to help me feelbetter. I just nod my head, thinking tomyself, okay, yeah, right. I barely havethe energy to get to the doctor’s officelet alone have energy to exercise. Mydoctor gave me a brochure on a pro-gram that he recommends I check out. I am still thinking there is no way I canget on a treadmill to walk and still haveenergy to prepare food, do laundry, dothe grocery shopping, etc. So, when Iget home, I put the brochure in my cancer file and forget about it.

“The next day, I go to my chemo treat-ment. I explain to the nurse that I amfeeling tired and not sleeping too well.She asks if I do any sort of exercise andI tell her I don’t. She tells me that evena little exercise can boost my energyand help me feel better. It’s hard to believe.

“I get home from my treatment, feelingeven more wiped out, but decide I oweit to myself to at least try exercising.What have I got to lose? I get out theexercise program brochure and readthrough it. It’s about Mercy’s Journey to Health program at the Mercy CardiacFitness Center. I make the call. I meetwith an exercise specialist who tells me the same thing my chemo nurse and my doctor did. She says even a little exercise can make a big difference.She must have sensed my concernabout exercising when I’m already tired.She assured me that I can exercise inshort, doable increments, and that itdoesn’t have to be high intensity to be a benefit. After our talk, I am feelingbetter about trying this.

“Well, jump ahead four weeks. I am stillfeeling some fatigue, but I do think I amfeeling a little better. I’ve even noticedpositive changes in my sleep quality and my mood. Plus, my legs don’t feelquite as weak. I am happy—and a littlesurprised—to find that exercise is help-ing me cope with my cancer treatmentand helping me maintain some of mystrength.

“I will continue to exercise because it is something easy I can do to help me battle my cancer.”

When the going gets toughHow exercise benefits cancer patients


Battling cancer is a tough jobThe cancer treatment journey takesmental and physical toughness. Exercise can improve both, and many other related health concerns:

• The immune system can be negativelyimpacted by cancer treatment. Exercise has been shown to improveimmune function, and help fight off infections.

• Excess body fat is a risk factor forcancer. Exercise can help reduce body fat.

• Exercise can improve the cardiovascu-lar system, helping to lessen fatigueand increase stamina.

• Exercise can help combat muscleweakness, loss of range of motion,balance concerns, and muscle imbalances.

• Research also shows that exercisecan help improve mood and be a good treatment for those with mild to moderate depression.

A prescription for feeling betterCancer and its treatment affect eachperson differently, and in many ways.For cancer patients who struggle withtiredness, low mood, anxiety, weaknessand other side effects, a medically supervised exercise program, likeMercy’s Journey to Health (J2H) program, can be just what the doctorordered.

J2H starts by fully assessing a patient’sphysical and mental condition. “First,we need to understand how an individ-ual has been affected by their cancerexperience,” says Stephanie Kittleson,MS, clinical exercise physiologist andmanager of Mercy’s Journey to HealthProgram. “Our exercise program is tailored to each patient’s needs andabilities. We want patients to feel confident that exercise will be safe and help them feel better.”

The primary goals of exercise are tohelp cancer patients better toleratetheir treatments and keep as muchstrength as possible. “Our patientsstart off slowly. If five minutes is all they can tolerate on the first day, then five minutes is all they do,” saysStephanie. “We continually monitor our patients and adjust their exerciseprescription to minimize exercise-induced fatigue. Slower progression may be needed for some people.”

Research shows that exercise can improve a cancer patient’s overall quality of life. But those patients knowthat some days are better than others,and that it can be tough to stay thecourse. Stephanie has seen it time andagain. “Patients need to be supportedin their exercise efforts. They need tobe reminded that any exercise is betterthan none. We’re here to help themthrough those hard days.”

Cancer prevention: Body weight and cancer risk

In the US, excess body weight isthought to contribute to as many asone out of five of all cancer-relateddeaths. Being overweight or obeseis clearly linked with an increasedrisk of several types of cancer:• Breast (among women who have gone through menopause)

• Colon and rectum• Endometrium (lining of theuterus)

• Esophagus• Kidney• Pancreas

Being overweight or obese also likely raises the risk of other cancers:• Gallbladder• Liver• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma• Multiple myeloma• Cervix• Ovary• Aggressive forms of prostate cancer

While it is not clear exactly how excess body fat, consuming toomany calories, and lack of physicalactivity raise cancer risk, there is no question that they are linked toan increased risk of many types ofcancer and that they are a seriousand growing health problem.

Although our genes influence our risk of cancer, most of the difference in cancer risk betweenpeople is due to factors that are not inherited. Avoiding tobaccoproducts, staying at a healthyweight, staying active throughoutlife, and eating a healthy diet maygreatly reduce a person’s lifetimerisk of developing or dying fromcancer.

Source: American Cancer Society, cancer.org

J2H numbersNew Journey to Health participantsduring 2012:

January - 3February - 6March - 4 April - 8May - 14June - 2 July - 1August - 0September - 5October - 6November - 3December - 2

These 54 participants enjoyed a better quality of life simply by saying “yes” to exercise. To learnmore about Journey to Health at the Mercy Cardiac Fitness Center in Janesville, call (608) 755-7996.


As noted on p. 9, excess body weightplays a role in as many as one in fivecancer-related deaths. If you’ve triedlosing weight, but always put it back on, consider this unique program thatoffers individual care and support. You’ll learn the effective tools you needto lose weight in a healthy way, andkeep it off for good.

Every participant in this program receives:• A consultation with a board

certified family medicine doctor who specializes in weight loss

• A nutrition assessment and follow-up visits with a registered dietitian certified in adult weightmanagement

• Education geared toward theirlifestyle (for example, dining andcooking, holiday and travel)

• An exercise assessment, prescrip-tion and two follow-up assessmentsfrom an exercise physiologist, plustwo free personal training sessions

• The option to exercise at the MercyCardiac Fitness Center at the MercyHealth Mall (first month is free)

• Lifestyle counseling by a clinical psychologist to help them focus on permanent weight loss

• Documentation sent to their health care provider regarding their progress

• Follow-up care as needed

Combating cancer through weight lossMercy Healthy Image Weight Management Program

The Healthy Image program hasbeen the answer to permanentand healthy weight loss for many.New patients who joined 2012:

January - 6February - 17March - 24 April - 20May - 35June - 20 July - 22August - 16September - 15October - 28November - 15 December - 6

These 224 new participants, plusothers enrolled, lost a total of4,362 pounds in 2012!

To register for a free HealthyImage Weight Management Program information seminar in Janesville or Lake Geneva,please call (608) 755-7996.


Mercy Health System’s hematology/medical oncology clinic specializes inproviding care to our patients withhematology (blood-related) and cancerdiagnoses. Our experienced care teamincludes medical oncologists, a nursepractitioner, a physician’s assistant,registered nurses (RNs), medical assistants, case managers, a dedicatedoncology dietitian, patient financialcounselors and numerous support staffincluding a medical records clerk andseveral receptionists.

This extensive team works togetherwith the guiding principal of providing seamless, compassionate care to thepatients needing our services. Conve-niently located on the second floor ofthe Sister Michael Berry Building on theMercy Campus in Janesville, the clinicalso offers satellite services at MercyWalworth Hospital and Medical Centerin Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Individualized chemotherapy treat-ments are provided by specially trainedRNs under the supervision of our medical oncologists. Many of our RNshave advanced certifications throughthe Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). This certificationrecognizes their experience and expertise in providing care for patientswho experience the complex problemsassociated with a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment plans are individually structured based on factors such as the patient’s type and stage of cancer,

the patient’s response to treatment,and NCCN guidelines that are based on nationally recognized protocols. Of course, new and cutting-edge treatments are always considered forpatients meeting the strict criteria ofresearch studies and national clinicaltrials. These treatments are set upthrough the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group of the National CancerInstitute, as well as the Wisconsin Oncology Network. Clinical trial treat-ments are monitored on-site by our research nursing staff under the directsupervision of our medical oncologists.More information about clinical trialscan be found on page 14.

Additional supportive care provided by our nursing staff includes lab draws,injections, dressing changes, mediportflushes and immunizations. These services are all given through our newFast Track program. This program wasdesigned with an eye on improving patient flow and access to care. It ultimately reduces wait times for our patients and has led to improvedpatient satisfaction.

Recently, the clinic added a dedicatedoncology dietitian who specializes ineducating and counseling our patientson the importance of nutrition. Our dietitian directs general informationalmeetings for all patients and also conducts one-on-one counseling withpatients seeking further guidance.

Additionally, Mercy Options BehavioralHealth Services counselors are availableto help patients and their family members with their mental health and emotional needs. This importantservice can be arranged through ourdepartment.

Finally, in 2013, we introduced our newoncology nurse navigator program. Our nurse navigator acts as a singlepoint of contact for our patients. Thenurse navigator acts as a liaison between the patient and all members of the multidisciplinary care team, including the patient’s primary carephysician, radiation oncologists and/orsurgical oncologists, and any supportservices that may be required or requested. The navigator functions, as all of our team members do, to ensure continuity of care and a collaborative approach to care for our patients.

608.756.6871 800.928.1103

Mercy Regional Cancer Center hematology/medical oncology clinic mission statement

The Hematology/Medical Oncology Clinic of Mercy Health System exists to provide patients superior care and state-of-the-art therapy for cancer and blood disorders. The Mercy Hematology/Medical Oncology Clinic will achieve a high level of patient satisfaction through coordination of treatment,

commitment to quality, superior patient care, and an exceptional degree of caring and compassion for our patients and their families.

Mercy Regional Cancer Center: hematology/medical oncology

From our patients …

Donna Conkle takes her health seriously and always has her annualexams right on schedule. Even so, atlast year’s mammogram appointment,she joked with the technician abouthow many more years she would needthe test. The tech emphasized the reasons why lifelong screenings are important.

When Donna’s mammogram showed anarea of concern, the technician’s wordsof ‘why’ took on a new and very serioussense of importance. Donna’s biopsyconfirmed breast cancer.

Donna’s medical oncologist, Dr. EmilyRobinson, told her about a clinical trialMercy was offering for her type ofbreast cancer. Dr. Robinson explained it was voluntary, but Donna didn’t

hesitate to say yes. “I wanted to partici-pate because if it could help me, then itcould help others down the road. And I thought what could it hurt if, in the future, it helped others.” (To learn moreabout Mercy’s clinical trials program,see p. 14.)

From day one, Donna received the best care possible at Mercy. While she participated in the clinical trial, radiation oncologist, Dr. Kevin Kozak,administered her radiation therapy.Donna says, “I thought Dr. Kozak was a very nice guy … and I was lucky tohave him for my doctor. And the otherphysicians and staff I met with werevery concerned, very caring and very up front through the whole process.Everyone made me feel comfortable. I would recommend Mercy to anyone.”

Donna also considers herself fortunatethat her cancer was found early. “Myexperience proves that preventivescreenings work and that it is importantto get your mammograms when sched-uled. I could not have found that lumpon my own. It was the mammogram thatfound my cancer. It saved my life.”

Donna ConkleBreast cancer survivor

Preventivescreenings work …my mammogram

saved my life.

“

”



A cancer diagnosis can be very over-whelming and affects every aspect of apatient’s life. Mercy social worker, AmyLambert, wants each patient, as well astheir family and loved ones, to knowthat there are many supportive servicesavailable to them. “Whether there is financial strain, issues with transporta-tion, or a need for counseling and support groups, I want to make sure to connect each patient with the services needed to help release some of their stress so they can ultimatelyfocus their energy on getting throughtheir treatments.”

Amy earned her Master of Social Work(MSW) degree at Loyola University in2005. During her master’s program, shecompleted an internship at a hospital

working with cancer patients and theirfamilies.

“I always knew I wanted a career in ahelping profession. Social work becamea natural fit for me as I really connectedwith the philosophy of valuing the im-portance of human relationships andrecognizing the social, emotional andenvironmental influences that makeeach person unique. I knew hospitalwork was an area of social work Iwanted to pursue and was very happywhen a position opened at Mercy!”

One of Amy’s favorite parts of her jobday is sitting with a patient during theirchemotherapy treatments. “The simpleact of taking the time to be present andreally listen to a patient can make such

a difference. I get to see pictures ofgrandchildren and pets, obtain favoriterecipes, learn about their life experi-ences, and sometimes share a fewlaughs and smiles. There is somethingso powerful and healing about the basichuman connection.

“I also believe that everyone has the power within to face the many obstacles that life throws their way. I understand that, as a social worker, I do not have all the answers or knowthe perfect thing to say in the momentto ‘make it all better.’ However, I amthere to walk alongside the patient as they maneuver through with theirown strength and wisdom. I feel blessedto be a part of such a caring and compassionate team at Mercy.”

From our partners …

Amy Lambert, MSWDepartment of oncologyMercy Health System

I believe that everyone has the

power within to facethe many obstacles

that life throws their way.

“

”


At the Mercy Regional Cancer Center,we continually strive to offer thenewest treatments in a coordinatedcare approach. This ensures the bestpossible patient experience and pro-vides access to the latest advances in cancer care close to home.

When patients with newly diagnosedcancer are seen in Mercy’s medical oncology clinic, they are evaluated forparticipation in clinical trials. Mercy’smedical oncology doctors are membersof the Eastern Cooperative OncologyGroup and the Wisconsin Oncology Network; through these organizations,the doctors offer patients treatmentthrough phase II and phase III trials.

Mercy’s clinical trial program started in 1997, and currently there are trialsopen for patients with breast cancer,lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectalcancer, and myelodysplastic syndrome.Available trials change monthly depend-ing on accrual. We continuously evalu-ate our patients’ needs and, throughthe National Cancer Institute’s new independent Central Investigational Review Board, we will be able to opentrials more efficiently based on their individual diagnosis.

Most of the trials are large, phase IIIclinical trials that compare promisingnew treatments with standard treat-ments. The phase II trials test newtreatments to determine effectivenessin smaller groups of patients. Our patients have participated in trials that led to the FDA approval of severalnew cancer therapies.

Our clinical trial program closely workswith Mercy Health System’s InstitutionalReview Board (IRB) to make sure our patients’ needs are being met. The IRBincludes doctors, community represen-tatives and clergy. The IRB reviews alltrials before they are opened, and

regularly monitors the research. TheIRB’s oversight protects the rights andensures the safety of trial participants.

Our clinical research team includes thepatient’s oncologist, plus a researchnurse, data manager, research assis-tant, principal investigator, chemother-apy nurse, oncology case manager and an oncology mid-level practitioner.Each team member has a specific role in making sure patients participating in research studies are safely treatedaccording to protocol.

One advantage of clinical trials is theextra attention patients receive before,during and after their treatments. Clinical trials are an opportunity for patients to benefit from advances incancer care. Through our community-based program, patients at the MercyRegional Cancer Center are able to receive the newest treatments close to home, without having to travel to alarger city.

If there is not a local clinical trial avail-able for patients, our research team hasaccess to researchers at nearby majoruniversities and cancer centers. Wealso help interested patients navigatetheir way to the most appropriate care available.

If you’d like more information about clinical trials, please call the Mercy Regional Cancer Center at (608) 756-6871 or toll-free (800) 928-1103.

Mercy’s clinical trials program

Emily Robinson, MDClinical trials principal investigator,Department of Medical OncologyMercy Health System


Oncologist• Identifies patient for clinical trial• Conducts discussion of risks and benefits

• Obtains informed consent• Directs study treatment as outlined by the protocol

• Monitors response and side effects

Research nurse/data manager• Screens patient for eligibility• Monitors treatment plan, response and toxicity

• Collects data to send to study sponsor

• Reports adverse events to sponsor and the National Cancer Institute

• Communicates with IRB

Principal investigator• Reviews potential studies for participation

• Presents new studies and follow-up reports to IRB regularly

• Oversees adherence to study protocol

• Reviews adverse events in study patients

Oncology social worker/counselor• Meets with all new cancer patients

• Provides emotional support before, during and after treatment

• Provides resources for patients as needed

Chemotherapy-certified oncology nurse• Administers study treatment• Monitors side effects

Oncology nurse practitioner• Monitors patients between visits with oncologist

• Assesses for side effects

Mercy’s clinical trials program

Your cancer clinical research team


We are excited to offer the highest possible quality radiation therapy toresidents of Janesville and surroundingcommunities. Treatment options avail-able at the Mercy Regional Cancer Center include external beam radiationtherapy, intensity modulated radiationtherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiationtherapy (IGRT), and high-dose ratebrachytherapy (HDR).

We are committed to always raising the bar. In fact, Mercy Regional CancerCenter’s radiation oncology departmenthad some exciting changes in 2013.

Several new developments focus on elegant patient immobilization. We are championing the use of a pronebreast-positioning device that permitsconsiderable sparing of the heart fromradiation in patients with left-sidedbreast cancers. Moreover, we have acquired the Elekta BodyFIX® system.This device represents state-of-the-artpatient positioning and maximizes precision during radiation therapy. Coupled with the exceptional imagingcapabilities of our Siemens® linear accelerators, these devices ensure thehighest possible accuracy in radiationdelivery. These developments form the foundation of our efforts to bringstereotactic radiation therapy to theMercy Regional Cancer Center—a development expected in 2014.

One of the most significant assets ofthe radiation oncology department isthe staff. Our team members comefrom a wide variety of health care settings and bring diverse experiencesand expertise to the department. Ourteam consists of a radiation oncologist,a medical physicist, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, plus a registerednurse, case manager and patient

financial counselor. Support services areprovided by our friendly receptionistand cancer registry staff.

Our radiation oncologist, Dr. KevinKozak, joined the department in 2013.Dr. Kozak completed medical training,and a PhD in biochemistry, at VanderbiltUniversity and finished first in his class.He then went on to receive his radiationoncology training at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program. Dr. Kozakserved as a cancer researcher and academic clinician prior to joining Mercyand has more than 70 peer-reviewedarticles, book chapters and patents to his credit. He has been recognized as a “Face of Komen” by the Susan G.Komen Race for the Cure Foundationand as a “Top Doctor” by Madison Magazine.

The radiation oncology staff is deeplycommitted to both community outreachand continuous quality improvement.Along those lines, the department hasinitiated a monthly Morbidity and Mortality conference to review side effects of cancer treatment and develop system-wide strategies to minimize these effects. More ambi-tiously, the department has embarkedon the process to receive the AmericanCollege of Radiology Radiation Oncology Practice accreditation. Finally, the department has started a monthly Cancer Facts community discussiongroup where cancer topics of interest to community members are reviewed in an informal setting (see p. 25 formore information).

During the course of radiation treat-ment, our patients visit every day, Monday through Friday, for five to sevenweeks. Our staff takes pride in puttingpatients first and providing the highest

quality care available. Our patients havevery positive statements about the carethey receive and the relationships theyform:

“From the very first set-up session, Ifelt the team was dedicated to doingtheir part in making me cancer-free.I looked forward to each radiationsession as one more day of assur-ance that the cancer wouldn’t comeback.”

“I will always be thankful for yourdedication and compassion, and willmiss seeing all of you.”

“I will never forget your kindness andcaring ways.”

The Mercy Regional Cancer Center hasalways been dedicated to providing the finest quality care and the bestequipment and services to the patients, families and communities it serves. This is evident in the Center’s continuedupdates in equipment and the staff’scontinued education.

Mercy Regional Cancer Center’s radia-tion oncology department is located in the Regional Cancer Building on theMercy Janesville Campus, adjacent toMercy Hospital and Trauma Center and the Sister Michael Berry Building.

608.756.6500 800.261.6565

Mercy Regional Cancer Center: radiation oncology


Genetic information and testing is apart of cancer care. Individuals who arediagnosed with breast, ovarian, colonand/or other specific cancers at ayoung age, or have a strong family history of those cancers, are recom-mended to receive personalized information and counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes.

Some families have a gene mutationthat can be passed from parent to child,causing an increased risk for particularcancers. Mercy Health System providescounseling and assistance with testingfor hereditary breast/ovarian cancersyndrome and hereditary colorectalcancer.

Most individuals tested will not havethe gene mutation. In fact, less than10% of those tested are found to havethe gene mutation that increases theirrisk of cancer. Patients who have thegene mutation are offered treatmentoptions that significantly decrease their risk of developing cancer.

Family members may also be tested. Ifthere is a gene mutation in the family,each person has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Genetic testing is recom-mended when certain risk factors or“red flags” are present. These include:

• Being diagnosed with breast, colon,intestinal or uterine cancer beforethe age of 50, or ovarian cancer at any age.

• Strong family history of a combination of certain cancers.

Genetic testing can be a valuable toolfor decreasing the risk of cancer in families with these gene mutations, and for decreasing anxiety in individualswithout the gene mutation.

If you or your family has any of the redflag risk factors for having hereditarycolon cancer syndrome, or hereditarybreast/ovarian cancer syndrome, talk to your doctor about your concern.

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes

Linda Brethauer, APNP, AOCNDepartment of Medical OncologyMercy Health System



A breast cancer diagnosis can make any women’s mind race. Surgery dates,insurance premiums, disability cover-age—the details can easily becomeoverwhelming. That’s why Mercy HealthSystem now has two breast health pa-tient navigators who can both literallyand figuratively hold a patient’s handafter she hears the dreaded “c” word.

“It’s just an amazing service,” says JillFitzRandolph-Groelle, 55, who was diag-nosed with breast cancer in the springof 2013 after her annual mammogram.

Jill, who lives in Milton, underwent a lumpectomy with surgeon Patricia Garner, MD, in May. Subsequent testing determined she needed further treatment with radiation oncologist, Dr. Kevin Kozak. Through it all, breasthealth patient navigator Sandra Mascari-Devitt, CSW, CBPN-1C, was in constant contact to help her under-stand the steps she needed to take.

Jill first met Sandra at the appointmentwhere she set up her lumpectomy sur-gery. Right away, Sandra told her abouttwo organizations that provide supportfor women who have been newly diag-nosed: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis(ABCD) and the American Cancer Society. “Within two days, I heard fromboth of those organizations,” says Jill.“I wouldn’t have known about them at all if it had not been for Sandy.”

The biggest stressor for Jill was workingwith the company that coordinated her short-term disability coverage. The company was taking a long timegathering the information it needed to approve her case, but with just a fewcalls, Sandra connected the companywith Jill’s doctor, Patricia Garner, MD,and helped move the process forward.

“I just try to help connect the dots,”says Sandra, who is herself a breastcancer survivor. “Sometimes when

patients are going through the difficultperiod of being diagnosed with breastcancer, there’s a lot on their plate.When you can take something off theirplate, it helps relieve some of theirstress.”

Jill has a long way to go before she canconsider herself cured of her cancer.However, she is comforted knowing shehas the support she needs at Mercy.“Sandy has been there for me and continues to be there for me,” she says.“She takes care of things for me evenbefore I know I need them.”

Jill also has words of praise for Mercyoverall. “The care I received was amaz-ing. The whole experience, as horribleas it is to have cancer, was made easierby Mercy. All of my doctors are alwayson the same page. When I go to see one doctor, they already know whathappened at my last appointment with another doctor. I like that.”

Jill FitzRandolph-GroelleBreast cancer survivor

The care I received

was amazing.“

”



Sharon Swanson has been a clinical dietitian for over 30 years, and hasbeen part of the cancer center at theMercy Michael Berry Clinic in Janesvillefor about a year. Her specialty is helpingpeople create personalized diet plansthat help them either regain goodhealth or remain healthy.

Sharon knows that lifestyle factors, likediet, have a great impact on a person’srisk for developing cancer. “People havegenetic predispositions that can makethem more susceptible to differentkinds of cancers. There are many different environmental factors that determine whether or not these genesget expressed. Diet is actually one ofthe primary factors,” she said. “Eatinghealthy food has a direct impact on preventing cancer.”

Working in the cancer center givesSharon direct interaction with Mercy’scancer therapy patients, and allows her to become a valuable resource forthem. She helps them manage theireating habits, which can lessen side effects like fatigue and weight loss.

“Cancer patients who lose a significantamount of body weight are at a muchgreater risk of a poor long-term out-come,” she said. “I develop plans to help them retain their body weight and develop healthy eating habits tohelp make their body strong enough to deal with the disease.”

Sharon sees many patients who come in feeling discouraged because of theirtreatments. Treatments can cause severe symptoms, including a large lack

of energy, that can leave them feelingpretty miserable.

Sharon said watching her patients takeher advice and seeing them start to feelbetter between treatments is a very enjoyable part of her job. She especiallyenjoys helping people manage their diet to minimize their side effects. “It’sextremely rewarding,” Swanson said.“The patients are very appreciative, andit is very rewarding to see them feelingbetter.”

Sharon Swanson, BS, RD, CDEMercy Michael Berry Clinic Oncology DepartmentMercy Health System

Eating healthy food has a

direct impact on preventing

cancer.

“

”


Mercy Regional Cancer Center: surgical oncology

Patients whose cancer treatment regimen requiressurgery look to the Mercy Regional Cancer Center’ssurgical oncology department, staffed by board certified surgeons and support professionals withyears of experience. Our surgeons’ offices are locatedat the Terrace Building, just across the parking lot from Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, where thesurgical procedures are performed. The surgical oncology department employs:

Technologically advanced procedures, including minimally invasive techniques that use a small scope.The small incision needed for the scope to enter thebody offers the advantages of faster in-hospital recovery, faster healing, less pain and minimum risks as compared to traditional surgical techniques.Screening, surveillance and diagnostic upper and lower gastrointestinal fiberoptic endoscopy is also provided by the department.

A wide variety of cancer-related surgeries for allstages of cancer treatment. These include removingcancers completely in the majority of patients to permanently cure them; removing cancer that hasspread (metastasized) beyond the original tumor; removing the majority of malignant tissue (called debulking) in preparation for chemotherapy; and reconstructive surgeries that help patients look and feel their best, leading to emotional healing.

Continuous multidisciplinary review of individualcases, through pathways such as the Tumor Board and the Mercy Cancer Registry. In this way, Mercy’ssurgical oncologists review and implement quality controls, provide and receive ongoing physician education, and evaluate existing technology to guarantee our patients receive quality care that’s held to the highest standards.

608.756.6869


Hospitalists ensure exceptional inpatient cancer care

Doctors who devote most of their practice to providing care to hospital-ized patients are called hospitalists.They are experts in treating very sickpatients requiring comprehensive inpatient care and are available to patients around the clock each andevery day.

Mercy’s cancer team works closely and collaboratively with hospitalists at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, offering the best possible care for ourpatients. In many cases, Mercy hospi-talists take responsibility for the care of our cancer patients during their hospital stay.

When a patient requires hospitalization,the oncologist contacts the hospitalistteam to make arrangements. After discussing the patient’s history andtreatment details, they work togetherto formulate the patient’s inpatienttreatment plan.

During the patient’s hospitalization,Mercy hospitalists offer evaluation andtreatment, and frequently consult withthe patient’s oncologist. While the patient’s oncologist stays involved during the entire hospital stay, most of the patient’s ‘round-the clock care is provided by hospitalists.

The patient’s complete electronic medical record is accessible to all collaborating doctors at all times; this ensures timely and accurate communication between doctors and nurses, and the best possibletreatment for the patient.

Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, he is scheduled for follow-up care with his primary care doctor and oncologist.

Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center’s hospitalist services are provided by:

M. Javid Akbar, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineOrson Bangert, DO Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineHeather Chady, APNP, RN Hospitalist services, advanced practice nurse practitionerAmanda Goplen, FNP Hospitalist services, nurse practitionerJuan Hernandez, MD Hospitalist, board certified family medicineDavid Isaacson, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineK. Khan, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineHyung Kim, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineSusan Kinast-Porter, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineKeith Konkol, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineMark Menet, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineManoj Mody, MD Hospitalist, board certified internal medicineCatherine Onsrud, DNP Hospitalist services, doctor of nursing practiceAmi Prag, MD Hospitalist, board certified family medicineGabriel Szekely, MD Hospitalist, board certified family medicineJason Welch, MD Hospitalist, board certified family medicine



Very painful cramps led Cheryl to seeDr. James Horton, family medicine specialist at Mercy Clinic South, in the winter of 2008. “I thought it wasjust my period,” she remembered. Dr. Horton ordered lab work and acolonoscopy. “I was concerned. I wasonly 49, and even though my dad hadhad breast cancer and my sister hadhad lung cancer, we have no history of colon cancer in our family.”

The Mercy doctor who did hercolonoscopy removed a suspiciouspolyp and sent it to the pathology department for examination. It turnedout to indicate Stage 3 colon cancer.Cheryl was devastated. She bargainedwith God. “I told God I would quit smoking if he would let me live and be with my family.”

Cheryl is very family- and faith-oriented. “God is my stronghold. Myfaith helps me stay positive and stayaway from negativity. My cancer diag-nosis changed my life and made memore aware of how important life is …we shouldn’t take things for granted.”

Since being diagnosed, Cheryl has hadongoing chemotherapy and has a PETscan every three months. “Dr. EmilyRobinson, my oncologist, takes goodcare of me. And my chemotherapynurses are angels on earth.”

Unfortunately, Cheryl experienced a reoccurrence of her cancer in 2009 and was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.Dr. Patrician Garner removed 17 lymphnodes; 12 had cancer. Once again, herfaith in God and trust in her medicalteam got her through.

Cheryl has been a medical student atBlackhawk Technical College since 2010.“It’s hard to be a full-time student, because of all my treatments, butthings are looking up. After my 2013colonoscopy, my doctor told me I don’tneed another one for three years—what great news! I’m happy to be onmaintenance care for now.

“I have a good team of doctors andnurses here at Mercy. If I had all the money in the world, I would dosomething amazing for them.”

Cheryl KruegerColon cancer survivor

Listen to yourbody. It will

tell you when something is

wrong.

“

”



Cathy Grabowski is an exercise physiologist and exercise specialist at the Mercy Cardiac Fitness Center in Janesville. She has worked withMercy for nine years. One of her manyendeavors is Mercy’s Journey to Health(J2H) exercise program. J2H offers patients a safe and effective avenue to physical health. While patients participate in a group setting, the exercises are specifically tailored foreach of them.

“Journey to Health can be beneficial for everyone, but it can be especiallyhelpful for people who are battling cancer. It helps improve their physicalfitness, which improves their outlookduring their treatment. Physical exer-cise is a big factor in the health of these patients,” said Cathy.

While improving their physical fitness,patients also enjoy increased energylevels. “Cancer can drain a lot out ofpeople, and chemotherapy treatments,especially, can be very draining. I helpmy patients regain some of their en-ergy, and that makes the common tasksof their everyday lives a little easier.”

Cathy enjoys helping her patients improve their strength and energy. She says, “My job is very rewarding. I really like what I do, and that’s important because it makes my job not feel like work.”

Cathy Grabowski, MSMercy Cardiac Fitness CenterMercy Health System

I help my patientsregain some of

their energy, andthat makes the

common tasks oftheir everyday

lives a little easier.

“

”


Mercy MyChart helps you manage your life

With Mercy MyChart you can review your:• Medical history• Medications• Allergies• Immunization history• Test results• Recommendations for preventive care

You can also:• Schedule appointments with your

pediatrician, internal medicine doctor and family medicine doctor

• Request appointments with specialists you have seen in the past

• Request prescription renewals • Email your provider directly and securely • Access your family’s health record

(authorization required)

My health record. At my convenience.

Request online access to your health record at the next visit with your provider or online at MyChart.MercyHealthSystem.org

Mercy MyChart is a secure, online tool that gives you access toyour Mercy health records 24 hours a day from your computer,tablet or mobile device.

Mercy cancer support groupsDo you or someone you know have cancer? These support groups are offered for you, and your friend or family member.

In 2012 and 2013, the Mercy RegionalBreast Center received grants from theSouth Central Wisconsin Affiliate ofSusan G. Komen for the Cure®. Mercycollaborates with other Susan G. Komengrantees to develop community-specificeducational meetings, including thoseto help patients, caregivers and part-ners find insurance and other financialsupport for screenings and treatment.

The Rock County Community HealthNeeds Assessment showed that femalebreast cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer in Rock County, and is number two in Wisconsin. While 80%of Rock County women aged 50 andover had a mammogram within the lasttwo years of the report’s date, we havemuch to do to emphasize the impor-tance of breast health and screeningsin women of all ages.

Mercy’s 2013 efforts to encouragebreast health include:• Over 5,000 breast health educationmaterials were distributed

• Mammography scholarships were given to 11 underserviced/uninsured women

• Four community breast health educa-tional events were held during BreastCancer Awareness Month in October

• Our breast cancer support groupserves woman diagnosed with breastcancer and their families from allreaches of Rock County

• Mercy Foundation funds paid forscholarships for 10 breast cancer survivors to attend the Journey toHealth program

Mercy partners with many communityand state organizations—includingHealthNet of Rock County, WisconsinWell Woman Program of Rock County,Center for Patient Partnership, and theRock County Job Center—to promotebreast health care and awareness.

Our breast health navigatorsThe Mercy Regional Breast Center usedits Susan G. Komen grant to recruit itsbreast health navigators to help breastpatients navigate their health care experience.

Of the 18 nationally certified breast patient navigators in Wisconsin, two are employed at the Mercy RegionalBreast Center in Janesville.

Shannon Petter, RT(R)(M), BHPN-I, is a nationally Certified Breast Patient Navigator in Imaging (CBPN-I). SandraMascari-Devitt, CSW, CBPN-IC, is a nationally Certified Breast Patient Navigator in Imaging and Cancer (CBPN-IC). Sandra is also the only CBPN socialworker in Wisconsin and is a member of the Wisconsin Breast Cancer TaskForce. Sandra was honored as one ofthe 2013 Susan G. Komen 32 Championsof Breast Cancer.

Mercy Health System and Susan G. Komen


Mercy Cancer Support Group • Meets every Wednesday, 10-11 am, atMichael Berry Building, Janesville.Information: (608) 756-6824

Mercy Breast Cancer Support Group• For women diagnosed with any type of breast cancer. Meets the second Thursday of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm, at Mercy Clinic North, Janesville.Information: (608) 756-6011

Men’s Health Support Group• For men diagnosed with any type of cancer. Meets the first Thursday of the month, 6:30-8 pm, at Mercy Clinic North, Janesville.Information: (608) 756-6824

Cancer Facts Discussion Group• Cancer is a common disease but remains a mystery to many of us.Learn the facts at this free group.Held the second Wednesday ofeach month, 6 pm, at Mercy Clinic North, JanesvilleInformation: (608) 756-6100


Mercy Palliative Care Program

Since January 5, 2009, Mercy Hospitaland Trauma Center has had an activein-hospital palliative care consultativeservice.

The World Health Organization has succinctly stated that, “Palliative careaffirms life and regards dying as a normal process, neither hastens norpostpones death, provides relief frompain and other distressing symptoms,integrates the psychological and thespiritual aspects of care, offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death, offers a support system to help thefamily cope during the patient’s illnessand in their own bereavement.”

In light of that definition, the Mercy Palliative Care Program strives to offera high-quality service for patients, and their families, with serious or life-limiting illness who are seeking life-prolonging or curative care, or are nearing the last stages of life.

The Mercy Palliative Care Program accomplishes these goals by using aninterdisciplinary team approach. Thisteam includes the patient’s primarycare physicians, medical and nursingspecialists in palliative care, plus directcare nurses, clergy and discharge planners.

Mercy’s hospital-based palliative careteam includes Leslie Kelly, APNP, FNP-BC, ACHPN, Mercy’s first palliative carenurse practitioner; geriatrician KellyFehrenbacher, MD; and medical oncologist, Shahid Shekhani, MD. Dr. Fehrenbacher and Dr. Shekhani are both certified in hospice and palliative medicine by the AmericanBoard of Internal Medicine. In addition,Dr. Fehrenbacher recently establishedthe Mercy Outpatient Palliative CareClinic at the Mercy Mall Clinic inJanesville.

By using Mercy’s interdisciplinary team,our patients and their families have theopportunity to discuss and plan thecomplicated goals of care, code status,transition to hospice, symptom man-agement and their care at the end oflife.

Many studies have shown that effectivepalliative care can manage fatigue, anxiety, breathlessness, nausea, depression, constipation and other distressful patient symptoms. A recentstudy demonstrated patients with advanced lung cancer actually livedlonger when they were involved withearly palliative care intervention in theirdiagnosis when compared to those patients who were not offered palliativecare until later.

Palliative care can benefit patients withcancer, congestive heart failure, emphy-sema, AIDS and other serious illnesses.

The Mercy Palliative Care Programstrives to coordinate complicated medical decisions through communica-tion and excellent medical care to provide the highest quality of life possible for our patients with seriousand life-limiting illnesses.

And after leaving the hospital, our patients can continue palliative care by using the at-home palliative careservices offered by Mercy Home HealthCare’s Journey Program. See p. 28 formore information.

Keith A. Konkol, MDDirector, Mercy Palliative Care ProgramMercy Health System

Shahid Shekhani, MDMedical oncology, hospiceand palliative medicine

Leslie Kelly, APNP, FNPBC, ACHPNPalliative care nurse practitioner

Kelly Fehrenbacher, MDInternal medicine, geriatric medicine, hospice and palliative medicine


Mercy Hospice Care

We’re here when you need us most

Comfort, compassion and support.That is the essence of hospice care. Our staff at Mercy Hospice Care alsoadds generous amounts of hugs, smilesand calming touches when patients andtheir families need them most. Whenyou or a loved one faces a terminal illness, we are here to help.

Since 1994, we have offered our pa-tients physical, emotional and spiritualcare during the most trying of times.The goal of hospice is to improve thepatient’s quality of life by managingpain and symptoms. We also teach family members how to comfort andcare for their loved one and each other.

A team of specially trained, compas-sionate professionals including doctors,nurses, social workers, chaplains, therapists, dieticians, bereavementcounselors and volunteers assess theunique needs of each patient and family. The patient, the patient’s familyand loved ones, and the patient’s primary care physician direct his or her own plan of care. The patient’sneeds, desires and comfort are central to all aspects of care.

Mercy Hospice Care is unique in that it is the only hospice in south-centralWisconsin that is directly linked to ahealth system. This connection gives us the resources and knowledge to beable to provide our patients and theirfamilies with expert care. It also allowspatients who have used Mercy HealthSystem as their health care provider to continue to use the same trustedcontinuum of care.

Recently, Mercy Hospice Care addedthese special services to benefit its patients:

Pet Peace of Mind® — Volunteer petcare services, foster care and poten-tial adoption opportunities for MercyHospice Care patients who are unableto care for their pets while on hospice.

Music therapy — A unique way to reduce stress, pain and other symp-toms by offering CDs, audio recordingsand singers or musicians to visit withpatients at their home.

Massage reflexology — This gentletherapy helps with stress and circulation. Our certified massagetherapist/reflexologist uses pressurepoints in the hands and feet to relievepain and symptoms.

Mercy Hospice Care offers its servicesto patients wherever they call home—intheir own home, a hospital, an assistedliving facility or a nursing home. Ourservice area spans five counties including Rock, Walworth,Green, and southern Dane and Jefferson.

GriefCare Support GroupMercy Hospice Care invites you to share and receive the support of others facing the challenges of grieving the loss of a loved one.Family, friends and children are welcome to this free support group.

First and third Tuesday of every month, 6 pm Mercy Clinic NorthCommunity Room3400 Deerfield Dr., Janesville

To register, call (608) 756-6100.


When you’re confronted with the diffi-cult issues of an illness, injury or aging,Mercy Home Health Care is here to helpyou maintain the best health possible inthe comfort of your own home. We offerseveral levels of service:

Skilled medical assistance — If you arerecovering at home from major surgery,Mercy Home Health Care staff will visitand help with medications, wound care,physical and occupational therapy, andother skilled services.

Personal care assistance — Our per-sonal care aides are here to help youwith important everyday tasks likebathing, washing your hair and gettingdressed.

Homemaker Companions — Need helpwith errands, cooking, small chores,cleaning or other household tasks?Consider our Homemaker CompanionService.

Telemonitoring service — Manage yourvital health statistics seven days a weekin the comfort of your home. Telemoni-toring is cost effective, provides earlydetection of health problems, and offersa sense of security.

Anodyne therapy — A non-invasive wayto treat pain, poor circulation and mus-cle spasm caused by a range of factorsincluding acute injuries, chemotherapy,diabetes, vascular disease and more,Anodyne Therapy also helps improvebalance, function, strength and safety.

Private home care — When you needspecial care to live safely and comfort-ably at home regardless of your age ordisability, consider this self-pay service.

Journey Program — Sometimes, despiteeveryone’s best efforts, a person’schronic illness will progress and causesevere symptoms. When this happens,our Journey Program staff can helpmanage symptoms and even offer at-home chemotherapy and pain management treatments. Our nursesare cross-trained in hospice care, so if the person’s condition worsens, theycan gently guide the person towardhospice services when appropriate.

Mercy Home Health CareThe finest home health care services under one roof … yours

To learn more about Mercy HomeHealth Care services, please call

(608) 754-2201 or toll-free (800) 369-2201. You may also

visit MercyHomeHealthCare.org.


Mercy Health System and the American Cancer Society

This past year, Mercy Health Systemand the American Cancer Society continued to grow their successfulpartnership through sponsorships andsupport services for cancer patientsand their caregivers.

The American Cancer Society saveslives and creates more birthdays byhelping you stay well, helping you getwell, by finding cures, and by fightingback.

The Society proudly offers a range of services to cancer patients and caregivers:

Information options• Our toll-free line, available day ornight: (800) 227-2345

• A trusted, reliable internet site atcancer.org

• Advice on clinical trials• Tools to help with treatment

Day-to-day help• Transportation and lodging• Prescription medicine questions• Financial and insurance questions

Emotional support offerings:• Help finding local support groups• Cancer education classes• An online community for cancer survivors and caregivers

New access to information for Rock County patientsThe American Cancer Society, MercyHealth System, the Rock County CancerCoalition and the Wisconsin WellWoman program of Rock County joinedtogether in a new undertaking.

Mercy volunteers received trainingabout American Cancer Society programs and services. The goal is to make it easier for patients to access cancer information, and to have volunteers help patients find programs and services, removing some of that burden from staff.

Rock County support helps us fight backIn 2013, volunteers in the communityraised more than $77,343 through theAmerican Cancer Society Relay for Lifeof Janesville, with considerable helpfrom Mercy Health System participants.Through these valued partnerships, the American Cancer Society is able to reach even more patients, survivorsand caregivers and help them fight backagainst cancer.

The American Cancer Society lineup of events for 2014 includes:• Walk/Run• American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Janesville

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

For more information on these events,please contact Debra Davis of the American Cancer Society at (608) 662-7551 or email [email protected].


Mercy Foundation

The purpose of Mercy Foundation is to make a difference by creatively connecting your philanthropic goalswith opportunities to support healing inthe broadest sense in every communityMercy serves. Mercy Foundation’s mission is to inspire positive change andhealing through philanthropic giving.Your gifts support community outreachservices, certain capital improvements,technological advancements and otherprograms that are integral to the mission of Mercy Health System.

Through Mercy Foundation, two cancer-specific funds honor a Mercy patientand a Mercy partner.

The Chrissy Fund was started by BillTischer whose wife Chrissy passed away in April 2011 at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center due to a rare formof uterine cancer. Bill wanted to find away to carry on his “wife’s glory” bysuggesting a fund in memory of his wife to help other families who gothrough similar medical experiences. Todate, the Chrissy Fund has purchasedthree sofa sleepers for families to usewhile their loved ones are in the MercyHospital and Trauma Center intensivecare unit.

The Holly J. Barten Fund was startedby the family of Holly, a longtime Mercypartner who passed away due to cancer. In Holly’s memory, the fundserves as a resource for people livingwith the effects of cancer. Beneficiariesof the fund can include a Mercy patient,volunteer, partner or family member ofa Mercy partner. The funds can be usedto allay the expenses of treatment.

In addition, our Grateful Patient donorprogram offers you a way to show yourappreciation for a Mercy caregiver—adoctor, nurse, technician or other Mercypartner—who touched your life. Yourgift of gratitude becomes an instrument of healing for others and can be used inany number of ways at your request.

Other funds you may earmark your donation to include:

• General fund• Mercy Regional Cancer Center• Mercy Hospice Care• House of Mercy Homeless Center• Mercy Health System Family Medicine Residency Program

• Mercy Medical Technology Fund• Mercy Regional Plastic Surgery, Skin and Laser Center

• Autism Support Fund

In the past year, Mercy Foundationfunds have paid for scholarships for 10 breast cancer survivors to attendMercy’s Journey to Health Exercise program, and for scholarships for 10cancer patients to attend Mercy’ssmoking cessation program.

For information about the Mercy Foundation, or how to donate, pleasecall Jennifer Johns at (608) 755-8821.


Mercy Cancer Resource CenterWhether you need reliable informationon a particular type of cancer or simplywant some privacy when you visit themedical oncology and hematology clinic,you’ll find that and more at our CancerResource Center, located off the main waiting area in the Mercy Michael Berry Clinic.

Here, you have multi-media access to a wealth of information about varioustypes of cancer, nutrition, coping

strategies for symptoms and side effects of treatment, communi-

cating with family and work, support groups, and local

and national cancer-related resources.You are welcome to take and keepthese resources, or return them whenyou are finished so that others may use them.

The Center also is a place to find refugeon days when you need some privacy,you aren’t feeling well, or have lowwhite blood counts and want less interaction with others.

Feel free to enjoy the coffee and cook-ies, and use the computers with free Internet access to check your MercyMyChart account or other websites. The Mercy Cancer Resource Center isopen during regular business hours.


AcupunctureMercy Clinic South, Janesville(608) 755-7960 (ext. 6)Mercy Complementary Medicine Center, Janesville(608) 741-6799

American Cancer Society(800) 227-2345

Breast care:

Breast cancer support group (608) 756-6011

Breast health navigatorFor help guiding you through thestages related to breast health andbreast cancer, from assistance witheducation, diagnostic testing andtreatment, to finding resources and support.(608) 756-6011

Mercy Regional Breast Center,JanesvilleDigital mammography, biopsy, ultrasound, MRI and more(608) 741-6999

Mercy Women’s Boutique, JanesvillePost-mastectomy items: prostheses, undergarments, swimwear and more(608) 755-7989 • (800) 279-5810

Cancer rehabilitation therapyPhysical therapists help you beat the effects of cancer.Mercy Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Janesville(608) 755-7880

Cancer registryLifetime follow-up for all patientstreated at Mercy and Dean RiverviewClinic. Please let us know when youmove or change phone numbers.Mercy Cancer Registry(608) 756-6139

Cancer-related genetic testing,JanesvilleTesting for hereditary cancer syndromes.Mercy Regional Cancer Center(608) 756-6588 • (888) 816-3729

Case managersMercy Regional Cancer Center,Janesville(608) 756-6824

Chemotherapy (medical oncology)Mercy Regional Cancer Center,Janesville(608) 756-6588 • (888) 816-3729Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center, Lake Geneva(262) 245-0535 • (877) 893-5503

Clinical health and rehabilitation psychologyEmpowering cancer patients toachieve optimum quality of life.Mercy Clinic South, Janesville(608) 755-7960Mercy Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Janesville(608) 755-7880Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center, Lake Geneva(262) 245-0535 • (877) 893-5503

Clinical trialsOffering Phase II and Phase III trials for a variety of diagnoses.Mercy Regional Cancer Center,Janesville(608) 756-6871 • (800) 928-1103

Esthetician servicesLearn ways to improve your skin texture and tone, and minimize thevisible side effects of treatmentthrough expert makeup application.Mercy Regional Plastic Surgery, Skin and Laser Center, Janesville(800) 236-6868 • (608) 756-6300

Exercise programsMercy Harvard Rehabilitation and Fitness Center(815) 943-2975Mercy Cardiac Fitness Center’s Journey to Health program, JanesvilleScholarships available(608) 755-7996

Financial counseling and assistanceFor help with unexpected costs andlack of insurance, and referrals tocommunity resources.(608) 756-6500

HematologyMercy Regional Cancer Center,Janesville(608) 756-6588 • (888) 816-3729Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center, Lake Geneva(262) 245-0535 • (877) 893-5503

Home health careMercy Home Health Care(608) 754-2201 • (800) 369-2201

Home medical equipmentMercy Home Medical Equipment and Supplies, Janesville and Harvard(800) 279-5810 • (608) 755-7989

Hospice careMercy Hospice Care(608) 754-2201 • (800) 369-2201

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Support services


Information and health librariesTwo ways to learn more about your condition:MercyHealthSystem.orgCancer Resource Center inside theMercy Michael Berry Clinic, Janesville

Lifeline® home emergency response systemHelps you feel safer when you’re home alone.In Janesville and Harvard(608) 756-6784

Lymphedema treatmentMercy Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Janesville(608) 755-7880

Massage therapyMercy Complementary Medicine Center, Janesville(608) 741-6799

Meals On WheelsDelivered fresh dailyIn Janesville and Harvard(608) 756-6784

Mental health and addictions treatmentFor help with healing from depression, anxiety and other emotional concerns.Mercy Options Behavioral Health Services(800) 341-1450

Mohs surgery for skin cancerMercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center, Lake Geneva(262) 245-0535 • (877) 893-5503

Nutrition services/dietitian(608) 756-6588 • (888) 816-3729

Pain managementMercy Pain Center – Harvard (815) 943-8090Mercy Pain Center – Janesville (608) 756-6049Mercy Pain Center – Lake Geneva (262) 245-0535

Palliative careMercy Hospital and Trauma Center (inpatient), Janesville(608) 756-6000Mercy Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic, Janesville(608) 741-2430

Pastoral careMercy Hospital and Trauma Center,Janesville(608) 756-6000

Plastic/reconstructive surgeryOffering scar revisions, breast reconstruction and other advancedmedical procedures.Mercy Regional Plastic Surgery, Skin and Laser Centers(800) 236-6868 • (608) 756-6300

ProstheticsOur certified prosthetists are experts at fabricating and fitting a variety of prosthetic devices.Mercy Orthotics and Prosthetics Centers(888) 39-MERCY

Radiation oncologyMercy Regional Cancer Center,Janesville(608) 756-6500 • (800) 261-6565

Radiology Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center(608) 756-6400

Rehabilitation (inpatient)Mercy Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville(608) 756-6822Mercy Harvard Care Center(608) 755-7880Mercy Manor Transition Center atMercy Hospital and Trauma Center,Janesville(608) 756-6050

ScreeningsCall to learn about Mercy’s latesthealth screenings.(608) 756-6100 • (888) 39-MERCY

Smoking cessationFour-week Fresh Start program forthe quitter and a support person. (608) 741-2411

Support groupsFree groups offered to cancer patients and their friends and family.(608) 756-6824

SurgeryMercy Terrace, Janesville(608) 756-6869

Susan G. Komen(608) 836-1083

UrologyMercy Regional Urology Center,Janesville(608) 741-6990

Wigs for PatientsQuality wigs for individuals sufferinghair loss due to a medical condition.Features Hair & Nail Company,Janesville(608) 756-0307Coulterz Cutz, Janesville(608) 752-2490

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Raising cancer awarenessin our community


Kay’s cancer ride, May 2013

Skaters as waiters, October 2013

Walk for hope, May 2013

Race for the cure, August 2013

Susan G. Komen 31 champion, October 2013 Susan G. Komen 31 champion, October 2013

Mercy breast patient navigator, Sandra Mascari-Devitt,CSW, CBPN-IC, (center, in t-shirt) attended the JanesvilleJets Paint the Rink Pink hockey match on October 4-5.As the event’s honorary breast cancer survivor, shethrew out the first puck.


Susan G. Komen 31 champion, October 2013 Susan G. Komen 31 champion, October 2013

With all our heart. With all our mind.

Mercy Regional Cancer Center 1000 Mineral Point Ave., JanesvilleCancer.MercyHealthSystem.org

Documents

Ca ce P g a - Mercy Health · prostate cancer support group, now called the Men’s Cancer Support Group, ... not only to prevent cancer, but also to battle its effects. According