>> CENTRA CANCER CARE SPECIALISTS VOL. 8 ISSUE 2

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The following is the second in a series of three portraitsand vignettes of cancer survivors at the Centra Alan B. PearsonRegional Cancer Center who trusted their medical team, reliedon their support system and can proudly say, “I fight. I survive.I inspire.”

Centra salutes People of Hope

Veran systemhelps detect

lung cancer atearliest stages

T H E R E G I O N ’ S C A N C E R C A R E F O C U S E D N E W S L E T T E R F R O M C E N T R A

CENTRA ALAN B. PEARSONREGIONAL CANCER CENTER

• LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA •

[CONTINUED ON PG.2]

Centra continues to bring state-of-the-arttechnology to Central Virginia with the

addition of the Veran SPiN ThoracicNavigation System, enabling pulmonologistsand cardiothoracic surgeons to diagnoselung cancer at its earliest and most treatablestages.

Lynda Bullington and Pepper.[CONTINUED ON PG.3]

Watching your child battle cancer is a parent’s worstnightmare. Just ask Lynda Bullington. In 1997, her 18-

year-old daughter, Amanda, was diagnosed with leukemia.“A cancer diagnosis and treatment is life changing, butwatching your child suffer through it is far worse thangoing through it yourself. I would have traded places withher in a heartbeat. Her dad and I prayed a lot, as well asour family and friends, and we are eternally grateful.”

Amanda, who was treated at University of VirginiaPediatric Cancer Center, beat cancer while continuingcollege during treatment. Twenty years later, healthy, witha husband, two beautiful children, and a busy schedule, sheis enjoying life to the fullest.

In 2014, Lynda was the one in treatment. She felt alump in her breast in April of 2014. “I knew it was my turnto put on my big girl pants and face this ugly beast yetagain.” Treatment began with chemotherapy at Centra AlanB. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, followed by surgery.Sixteen radiation appointments completed her treatment.

LYNDA BULLINGTON: BREAST CANCER

Lung cancer, which is the leading causeof cancer death among both men andwomen, is responsible for one out of everyfour cancer deaths. More people dieannually from lung cancer than from colon,

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Veran system from page 1breast, and prostate cancers combined, according to theAmerican Cancer Society.

The new navigational bronchoscopy system combinesadvanced imaging techniques with electromagneticnavigation to precisely locate, biopsy and remove smalllung lesions without invasive surgery or a needlebiopsy. Navigational bronchoscopy uses aflexible tube with a camera at the end so thatphysicians can look inside a patient’slungs and airways.

“Low-dose chest CT scans arefinding nodules more frequently andwhen they are smaller in size,” saidAimee Strong, MSN, AGACNP-BC, thoracicsurgery nurse practitioner and coordinator ofCentra’s lung cancer screening program.“The challenge with lung nodules isdetermining which ones are cancerous andwhich are not. In the past, some nodules weretoo small to reliably biopsy. The new thoracicnavigation system builds a ‘3D roadmap’ ofthe lung so that physicians can navigatethrough the patient’s airways to reachnodules that were previously thought tobe too small to biopsy or were onlyaccessible with surgery to remove that part of the lung.”

Albert “Al” Bergeron, 73, of Roanoke, was one of thefirst patients at Centra to have navigational bronchoscopywith the new Veran system. Al has abnormal areas in twodifferent places in his left lung that were concerning forcancer. One of the tumors cannot be removed because ofits location near his bronchial tube, where it is surroundedby veins and arteries.

“Dr. Bradley Litke, who performed the procedure,explained that the system works like a GPS – it tells himwhere to go, how to get there, and not get lost on thetrip,” Al said. “The procedure enabled him to look at thatparticular tumor and take a biopsy to determine mytreatment.”

Dr. Litke, who recently joined Centra Medical GroupCardiothoracic Surgeons, is board certified in surgery andthoracic surgery.

“A representative from Veran made me feel even morecomfortable by explaining every step of the newprocedure,” Al said.

Unique to this new system is the ability of the Verancomputer technology to account for respiratory movement

during the procedure, leading physicians to moreaccurate biopsies and results. “Not only does thesystem enable physicians to reach areas of thelungs that couldn’t be accessed before, theinstruments have a ‘GPS’ sensor that takes thephysician right to the nodule,” Aimee said.“Because the procedure is minimally invasive, side

effects and recovery time are also decreased.”Al said after the procedure he had only slight chest

discomfort, which went away within 24 hours.The thoracic navigation system is available for

both outpatient and inpatient procedures. Anoutpatient diagnostic procedure takes 30 to 45minutes, and patients return home in several hours.If a CT scan is worrisome, surgeons can performsurgery immediately if the navigation system shows

the nodules to be malignant. Pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons can

also safely and accurately access lung nodulesoutside of an airway, using the system’s navigated

transthoracic needle. “There is less risk associated withthis type of biopsy as compared to a traditional CT guidedbiopsy,” Aimee said.

Al, who travels 90 minutes from his home in Roanoketo Centra, said, “it’s an hour and a half worth taking” outof his day.

“I am extremely impressed with Centra’s providers andits facilities,” said Al, who works as a roofing inspector formajor business and manufacturing operations. “Everyonethere is professional, considerate and empathetic. Centrastays up to date with modern advancements, and theupkeep of the facilities is excellent. My wife had lungcancer in 2008, and she is still with me today. When youtake all of that into consideration, I wouldn’t trust anyplace else. When this is all done, and I am cured, I will oweit to the hospital.”

Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Centeroffers lung cancer screening to people consideredto be at “high risk” for the development of lungcancer. If you meet the following criteria, you areconsidered to be “high risk” for developing lungcancer and screening for a yearly low-dose CTscan is recommended:

• For 55-77 years of age

• Have a 30 pack-year history of smoking(this means one pack a day for 30 years,two packs for 15 years, etc.)

• AND a current smoker or have quitwithin the last 15 years.

To make an appointment at Centra’sComprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Clinic, call434.200.3100.

Lung cancer screening for ‘high risk’ patients

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Lynda Bullington from page 1

Dr. Litke joins Centra Medical Group Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Bradley Litke, MD, has joined CentraMedical Group Cardiothoracic

Surgeons in Lynchburg. Dr. Litke isboard certified in surgery and thoracicsurgery. In addition to performing heartsurgeries, he will be performing surgeryrelated to lung cancer.

Dr. Litke earned his medical degreeat the University of Texas MedicalSchool at Houston. He served

residencies in general surgery at Creighton UniversityAffiliated Hospitals and in thoracic surgery at West VirginiaUniversity. Prior to joining Centra Medical Group StroobantsCardiovascular Center, Dr. Litke was associated with CentralFlorida Regional Hospital, Florida Hospital South, HalifaxHealth Medical Center, and Florida Hospital MemorialMedical Center. He is a member of the Volusia CountyMedical Society.

Dr. Litke is accepting new patients. To make anappointment, call 434.200.2212.

The hurdles kept coming. Last May, her husband, John,had surgery to remove cancer from the base of his tongue.He is also cancer free now. “You have to maintain a positiveattitude, have faith, and get through one day at a time.”

During treatments, Lynda found solace in a familiarplace – on the back of a horse. Her chemotherapytreatments had a consistent cadence. “The first week I feltlike I was being dragged behind a horse. By the third week,I was riding one again,” she said. “By the time I felt decent,it was time for another treatment.”

This repeated itself for 18 weeks as she continued tolook forward to long rides in the mountains on Pepper, herfriend Nancy’s horse. Pepper’s registered name is BlackPepper Pusher. “She lives up to her name sometimes. She’smy buddy, but can be a little pushy at times. She keeps meon my toes,” Lynda said.

The desire to literally get back in the saddle motivatedher throughout treatment. “Riding became my therapy, andI didn’t want anyone treating me like a disease,” she said,and her riding buddies certainly didn’t do that. “Our ridinggroup, known as the Happy Hoofers, is the trail crew for the

semi-annual Fleetwood Trail Ride every spring and fall inNelson County. Many are over 60 with varying aches andpains. Riding really gave me incentive to keep my strengthup and get back on the horse.”

Lynda went on a cattle drive in Montana last year andplanned to do another this summer. After retiring fromLynchburg City Schools in 2007, she stays busy withgrandchildren, a part-time job, and getting together withfriends. “Hands down, I have the best friends in the world.I don’t know what people do without faith, family, anddear friends to lean on.”

The Bullingtons, along with family and friends, planprojects each Christmas for pediatric cancer patients atUVA. Friends from Amelon United Methodist Church knitprayer shawls, hats, and blankets for Centra cancerpatients and others in the community. “We feel veryblessed and try to pay it forward,” Lynda said.

To see all the portraits and stories in the series, visit theCentra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Mondaythrough Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bradley Litke, MD

Colorectal cancer roundtable slated for October 6

The Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia invites you tojoin the Virginia Colorectal Cancer Roundtable and its

efforts to eliminate colorectal cancer as a major publichealth issue. The Central Southern Virginia ColorectalCancer Roundtable will be held Friday, October 6.

This free event will include a discussion on thenationwide initiative to reach an 80 percent colorectal cancerscreening rate by 2018. The discussion will focus on bestpractices for screening, development of communitypartnerships, available tools and resources, and a plan ofaction to increase screening in our communities.

The host site is New College Institute, 191 FayetteStreet, Martinsville, with satellite sites at CentraLynchburg General Hospital, First Colony Conference

Room 1, 1901 Tate Springs Road, Lynchburg; CentraSouthside Community Hospital, First Floor ConferenceRoom, 800 Oak Street, Farmville; and Sovah Health –Danville, Large Dining Room, 142 South Main Street,Danville.

On-site check-in is at 8:30 am, with the roundtablediscussion from 9:15 am to 2:45 pm. This event is opento the public and lunch is included.

For more information, please contact the CancerResearch and Resource Center of Southern Virginia inDanville at 434.421.3060 or cllitzenberg@vcu.edu.To register by September 28, go towww.surveygizmo.com/s3/3643401/censova.

Free mammographyscreeningsThe Centra Foundation, M.A.A.M. (Mammograms

Annually A Must), Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital,Bedford Community Health Foundation are partnering toprovide free days of mammography screenings.Mammograms are the best option for identifying cancer atits earliest, most treatable stages.

Free breast screening mammograms will be offered towomen 40 years of age or older who do not have healthinsurance or are underinsured and have not had amammogram in the last year.

Dates

Friday, October 20•Timberlake, Danville, Gretna, Farmville

Tuesday, November 14•Timberlake, Tate Springs, Danville, Gretna

Locations

The Mammography Center, 20293 Timberlake Road,•Lynchburg, VirginiaThe Mammography Center, Suite 15, 1900 Tate•Springs Road, Lynchburg, VirginiaCentra Bedford Memorial Hospital, 1613 Oakwood•Street, Bedford, VirginiaImaging Center, Centra Southside Community Hospital,•800 Oak Street, Farmville, VirginiaCentra Gretna Medical Center, 291 McBride Lane,•Gretna, VirginiaCentra Danville Medical Center, 414 Park Avenue,•Danville, Virginia

Space is limited for these one day events. To make anappointment, call 434.200.4048.

Our highly trained staff of physicians and certified nurse practitioners each haveoffices in the center. By bringing these experts together under one roof, the centerhelps to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork.

RADIATION ONCOLOGYAngela Brady, MDResidency: Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV School of MedicineInternship: Baylor College of MedicineDegree: Baylor College of Medicine

Anita Joy Hilliard, MDResidency: North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Wake Forest UniversityInternship: Alton Ochsner Medical FoundationDegree: Louisiana State University

Michael J. O’Neill, MDResidency: University of Rochester Strong Memorial HospitalInternship: Western Pennsylvania HospitalDegree: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

INTERNAL MEDICINE, MEDICAL ONCOLOGYEmanual Cirenza, MDFellowship: Georgetown University Medical Center, Lombardi CancerCenterInternship/Residency: Georgetown University Medical CenterDegree: SUNY Upstate Medical College

Stefan Gorsch, MDFellowship, Residency & Internship: Dartmouth CollegeDegree: Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine

Emily Jenkins, MDFellowship: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillResidency: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInternship: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDegree: University of Virginia

Cecilia MacCallum, MDFellowship: University of Virginia HospitalResidency: Maine Medical CenterDegree: George Washington University

John (Jack) MacNeill, MDFellowship & Residency: North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Wake Forest UniversityDegree: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dwight Oldham, MDFellowship & Residency: Medical College of Virginia HospitalsDegree: Medical College of Virginia

Kevin Patel, MDFellowship: Baylor College of MedicineResidency: Michigan State UniversityDegree: Seth GS Medical College

Kathleen Paul, MDFellowship: Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV School of MedicineResidency: University of Chicago HospitalsDegree: Medical College of Virginia

Emaculate Tebit, MD, PhDFellowship: University of Virginia HospitalResidency: Case Western Reserve UniversityInternship: Case Western Reserve UniversityDegree: University of Ilorin

THORACIC SURGERYBrian Litke, MDResidency: West Virginia UniversityResidency: Creighton University Affiliated Hospitals Degree: University of Texas Medical School

Kenneth Saum, MDFellowship: University of MarylandResidency & Internship: The University of Maryland Medical SystemDegree: Medical College of Virginia

NURSE PRACTITIONERSMagen Calland, NP-CMSN/ANP/AANP: James Madison UniversityBSN: Kaplan University

Tiffany G. Clark, ACNS-BC, FNP-CMSN, FNP: Old Dominion UniversityMSN, ACNS: Liberty UniversityBSN: Liberty University

Kirsten L. Hinson, FNP-C FNP, MSN: James Madison University BSN: Liberty University

Kathy Kennedy, FNP-BCFNP, MSN: University of VirginiaBSN: Lynchburg College

Aimee Strong, AG ACNP, BC AG ACNP, MSN: University of Virginia BSN: Virginia Commonwealth University

Emily J. Stubbs, RN, MSN, FNP-C FNP, MSN: Vanderbilt University School of NursingBSN: Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

FOR MORE CENTRA CANCER CARE SERVICES INFORMATION, CALL 1.877.MDLINK1 (1.877.635.4651) CENTRAHEALTH.COM | 4

FOR MORE CENTRA CANCER CARE SERVICES INFORMATION, CALL 1.877.MDLINK1 (1.877.635.4651) CENTRAHEALTH.COM | 5

Breast cancer awareness fairOctober 3 at cancer center

Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center ismarking breast cancer awareness month with a special

Breast Cancer Awareness Fair on Tuesday, October 3. Pleasejoin us. You do not have to be a cancer survivor to attend.

Activities• Book signing: Putting Breast Cancer in the Rearview

Mirror by Kathleen Kennedy and Ellen DeLuca – Freebook for the first 50 visitors.

• Renew – Free Breast Cancer T-shirts and lightrefreshments

• Seasons Boutique fitters will provide a free professionalbra fitting. Call 434.200.6103 for an appointment.

• Free mini manicures and hand massages from SylvainMelloul International Hair Academy

• Mini chair massages from Massage Envy• Free mini facials from Centra’s Healthy Skin Center• Knitted Knockers - FREE knitted breast prostheses• Free crafts by Timber Touch• Centra Mammography Coach. To make an

appointment for a mammogram, call 434.200.4048.Free screening mammograms will be offered to women40 years of age or older who do not have healthinsurance or are underinsured and have not had amammogram in the last year.

Volunteer breast healtheducator workshops

Become a volunteer breast health educator! As a volunteereducator, you will teach the community:

• How breast cancer develops and is detected• Breast cancer risk factors• Breast self-awareness messaging• How to find resources on screenings, diagnostics,

and treatments for breast cancer• What Susan G. Komen does in your community

Workshops will be held:

• Thursday, October 19, 5:30 – 8 pmLiberty Mountain Conference Center, Lynchburg

• Saturday, December 16, 9:30 am – NoonLynchburg Public Library, Lynchburg

For more information or to register, go to:https://tinyurl.com/LynchburgBHE.

Gifts at Seasons Boutique

Do you have last minute gifts to buy? Seasons Boutiquecan help with all your holiday gift giving dilemmas. From

cool T-shirts, jewelry, handbags and headwear to footies andgift cards, Seasons Boutique has something to suit just abouteveryone. The boutique is located in Centra Alan B. PearsonRegional Cancer Center.

Thank you!

Thanks to Jeff Dodgion, left, and Sean Councell for asuccessful Clubs for Cancer golf tournament, which raised$13,000 for the Centra Foundation Cancer Patient SupportFund. They are joined by Tammy Anderson, LCSW, Centraoncology social worker, and Anita Lowe, Centra communityoutreach coordinator, right.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2Centra1920 Atherholt RoadLynchburg, VA 24501

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Trees of Hope open house December 10, from 1 – 5 pm

Please join us this year as we celebrate the holidayseason and lift the spirits of those visiting the Centra

Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. Trees of Hopewill be available for viewing between 9 am and 6 pm,November 16 to December 12 (closed on weekends).

Come enjoy holiday music, light refreshments, and aChristmas photo booth at the open house celebration.There will be a silent auction of the trees, wreaths,centerpieces, and cakes. The silent auction of the trees willrun from November 17 to December 10. You may pick upyour bidding number at the information desk, ImageRecovery Center, or the administration office of the cancercenter. The bidding ends on December 10 at the openhouse.

Proceeds from the Trees of Hope benefit the CancerPatient Support Fund, which assists area patients in need ofimmediate financial help during one of the most uncertaintimes in their lives. The community-based fund is supportedby the Centra Foundation.

The Trees of Hope display is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 434.200.6093.