COVID-19 HAS INCREASED THE CHALLENGE, BUT THE LIGHT OF

Spring 2021 | CARLE CANCER INSTITUTE NORMAL

Joe Prosser, FACHE, MBA Director Carle Cancer Institute Normal

CANCER SURVIVOR/ COVID-19 SURVIVOR

Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer is a cancer survivor. But those who are cancer survivors AND survivors of COVID-19 are an entirely different brand of hero.

To have been diagnosed with cancer, and then survived a virus that has claimed the lives of over 500,000 Americans, is a status truly worthy of honor.

There is exceptional heroism in ALL of today’s cancer survivors. They’ve not only battled cancer, but they’ve also lived through a life-altering pandemic that has changed so many aspects of the ways we work, play, worship and love.

HONOR, HOPE AND HEALING

This is a special time of year for cancer survivors. It’s a time we set aside to honor those diagnosed with cancer and reflect on the meaning and contributions of their lives.

From the time a person hears the diagnosis, “cancer”, everything changes. Priorities shift to doctors’ appointments, diagnostic tests and treatment appointments. As a survivor myself, I lived through those changes as well. We do our best to cope with our situation, figure out what needs to be done and make it happen.

Every day, I’m fortunate to be able to see many of our patients enter Carle Cancer Institute Normal for their doctor appointments and treatments. Most of them have one thing in common: a positive attitude!

YOUR INSPIRATIONAL LIGHT

It is refreshing to see you as you come through our doors for your appointments. I see in your eyes that you are fighters and true heroes. You are truly an inspiration to me as you are to the rest of the staff here at Carle Cancer Institute Normal.

When we think of this year’s Cancer Survivors Day, please take a moment to reflect on the 17 million survivors out there. But also remember that each and every survivor is a unique individual engaged in a fight like no other group in the history of our planet. You are a hero!

Joe Prosser

Shining your lightCOVID-19 HAS INCREASED THE CHALLENGE, BUT THE LIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP BURNS BRIGHT

LIGHT A LIGHT FOR NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY

This year, on June 6 - turn on a light. Light a candle. Sit safely distanced by a backyard fire with family or friends. Light a room up with your smile! Take a moment to honor the light of life in every cancer survivor as we remember this extraordinary year. We’ll be lighting our lights for you.

A PROBLEM SOLVER’S PATHChris Behl

When you meet Chris Behl, it’s clear he favors taking a practical,

well-reasoned approach to solving problems. It’s a talent he honed in his work as Managing Partner in Pro-Ag Consulting LLC, an independent, precision agricultural consulting company.

“I’m in agriculture and I love the seasonal cycles and watching things grow.” Chris says. He takes pride in being a source of solutions for his farm clients and in his active personal life with wife, Kimberly, son, Zachary, and daughter, Reagan.

CATCHING AN EARLY SIGN

So, in August 2020, when he found swelling in a lymph gland on the side of his throat, he put his analytical skills to work. He monitored the swelling on his own for a bit, but when it didn’t subside, he contacted his primary care physician. After evaluation, the doctor referred him to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist Dr. Christopher Lansford.

During the exam, Dr. Lansford saw evidence of a malignancy on Chris’ left tonsil. A biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, human papilloma virus HPV 16. HPV 16 is a common virus and is the cause of 60% of cancers of the nose and throat. Chris shares, “My doctor said it would be a ‘speed bump. It’s going to get tough, but Chris, we’ve seen this respond well to treatment.”

Chris had chemotherapy at Illinois Cancer Care with Dr. Pankaj Kumar. His radiation therapy was conducted by Dr. Kalika P. Sarma at Carle Cancer Institute Normal.

Throughout the process, he carefully recorded each event and milestone along the way, including his feelings, challenges and victories. It’s a habit that has

given him both a detailed account of his experience and a sense of perspective on his journey overall.

A DECISION THAT HELPED

Because his mouth and throat would be impacted by the treatment, Chris was encouraged to have a food port put in place before starting treatment. Although it was a difficult decision, he said the port really became an asset in maintaining his nutritional status and weight more comfortably through treatment.

Chris went into his treatment as an active person and it was important to him to stay involved in his favorite activities. “Cycling and golf are my things,” he says. Being able to maintain his caloric intake without discomfort gave him the energy to maintain his active lifestyle.

BACK TO LIFE

Chris is proud to say he recently completed treatment and will soon have his food port removed. He’s beginning to be able to sample his favorite foods for the first time since treatment.

For patients new to the journey, Chris says he was confident in his choice to stay local with his treatment. He was pleased with his doctors and with the skill of the treatment teams that supported him along the way.

But most of all, he says he can’t imagine doing any of it without the amazing support of his family. “I have these three angels under my roof and I don’t know how I’d do it without them.”

Every day a victoryFOR CANCER SURVIVORS AT CARLE CANCER INSTITUTE NORMAL, A FRESH

CHANCE AT LIFE IS THE GREATEST PRIZE OF ALL.


A 5-YEAR VICTORYDanny Tidaback

“In the late summer/early fall of 2015, I began experiencing fatigue,

occasional fever and a high anxiety feeling,” Danny Tidaback remembers.

“It’s the feeling you have when something doesn’t feel right. I started getting tired easily. Getting up the stairs at work started getting harder.”

Danny says he noticed some enlarged lymph nodes. “Around the holidays of that year, I was continuing to notice fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes,” he says. “I started working with our family physician on those concerns, and after assessments, I was suspicious that there was more going on than infection.”

TREATMENT BEGINS

In January, Danny was referred to Dr. Pramern Sriratana of Mid-Illinois Hematology and Oncology Associates and met Lyndi Alberts, nurse practitioner. After a PET scan, a biopsy of the lymph nodes and a bone marrow biopsy, Danny was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma CD15CD30-RS.

After considering his tumor types, Danny started on an ABVD chemotherapy regimen. Danny’s progress was monitored and adjusted to suit his needs during his nine months in treatment at what is now Carle Cancer Institute Normal.

A TEAM EFFORT

Danny notes, “My wife accompanied me to each and every treatment. We developed a relationship with every member of the team, including the lab, on our visits to the center. We came to know a lot of familiar faces over those months.”

In the summer of 2016, Danny had a PET scan and Dr. Sriratana deemed him to be in remission. He continued treatment until November 2016. This year, Danny hits a significant milestone – five years in remission.

A MAJOR MILESTONE

“From a personal perspective, my family would ask Dr. Sriratana when would I be cured? Obviously, no one can say with certainty that they are cured,” he explains. “My type had the potential for a higher rate of recurrence. But reaching the five-year mark is significant from a statistical standpoint, and I am considered in advanced remission.”

He continues, “Though we were a little uncertain about how this would turn out, we were fortunate. Dr. S. and his team followed through on everything they said. Everything unfolded very close to the way they said it would.”

TRUST, FAITH AND HUMOR

Danny shares that like most patients coming in to cancer treatment, he and his wife considered whether they should seek a second opinion. He says, “We felt trust in what we were hearing and seeing with the team and felt the situation was in very good hands. I continue to feel that way today. I felt the people who worked with us were always appropriate, kind and supporting with great technical guidance along the way.”

Danny notes it helps to have a positive attitude. He says it also helps to have faith, both in the spiritual sense, and in the people on your treatment team. “Occasionally, you also need a little sense of humor,” he adds. “There are times when you feel awkward. It helps to be able to step back from your situation and understand that there are pieces of this that are just crazy. And that’s ok.”

CARLE CANCER INSTITUTE NORMAL | Spring 2021

Gynecologic oncologist joins CCINDR. CHENG BRINGS SPECIALIZED TREATMENT FOR WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM CANCERS TO CENTRAL ILLINOISGeorgina Cheng, MD, PhD

Georgina Cheng, MD, PhD, is quite a find for east central Illinois. She specializes in treating cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. To find the nearest doctor with that specialty, other than Dr. Cheng, would require a drive to Peoria, St. Louis, Springfield or maybe Indianapolis.

Her work has expanded from Carle Cancer Institute Urbana in 2017 to Carle Cancer Institute Normal in 2018. Twice a month, she sees patient referrals and works with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists in Normal.

A SPECIALIST IN OVARIAN AND UTERINE CANCER

Identifying and treating ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer and vulvar cancer are all included in Dr. Cheng’s specialty.

All patient surgeries are done in Urbana. Dr. Cheng works closely with other providers and follows patients after surgery. Patients in the Bloomington-Normal area can have all of their follow-up visits done closer to home at the Cancer Institute.

“Dr. Cheng is a specialized resource never before present in our community. She makes it very convenient for this patient population to be seen close to home. Having this resource in Bloomington-Normal is a true benefit to those patients in need of this care,” Joe Prosser, FACHE, MBA, director Carle Cancer Institute Normal, says.

A PASSION FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

A native of New Mexico, Dr. Cheng earned her undergraduate degree at Cornell University in New York and came to the University of Illinois College of Medicine where she was a medical scholar earning both her MD and PhD.

Her PhD is in molecular biology and it was there she studied yeast and the response to estrogen. She entered the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus earning her medical degree and a gynecologic oncology fellowship.

“When I was a med student, I thought I would never enjoy doing surgery on patients with cancer,” Dr. Cheng said. However, the more she learned about it, the more she wanted to work in a clinic where she could develop rapport with patients and problem-solve with oncologists and radiation oncologists. At Carle Cancer Institute Normal she looks forward to pursuing that opportunity while also adding her surgical skills to the center’s medical repertoire.

Her pleasant and caring disposition will be an asset in serving the needs and medical challenges of communities that range from metropolitan to rural.

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION

“The biggest challenge is teaching women not to ignore their symptoms,” she says. Often, she sees menopausal women focusing on things other than their health and not addressing issues such as postmenopausal bleeding or spotting when it first occurs. “This is a sign of a problem that needs to be further investigated,” Dr. Cheng explains. She sees referrals of these cases from OB/GYN and primary care providers.

To request a consultation with Dr. Cheng, please consult your primary physician to discuss a referral.


Rev. Christine McNeal

Have you ever wished for an impartial person to walk with you on your cancer journey? Someone to really see and hear you? Meet the Rev. Christine McNeal, who

joined Carle Cancer Institute Normal to provide such care to patients and families.

“Chaplains are a unique part of the medical team. They are generally the one person a patient doesn’t have to see,” Rev. McNeal said. “Doctors, nurses and others are all involved with physical symptoms. Chaplains are more involved with the internal struggles that others may not see.”

Those include the ache of absorbing the bad news of a diagnosis, the concern of being abandoned by family members or a faith community, the fear that prayer or meditation is no longer working or the deep sorrow that often comes with regret. These are unseen pains that cannot be addressed with a stethoscope or scalpel.

WORKING LIKE A GARDENER

In contrast to the hands of a trained surgeon, chaplain work is more like that of a gardener, according to McNeal. Chaplains work with patients to cultivate internal soil and place seeds of inspiration to promote new beginnings – things that restore spiritual and emotional health.

Examples are the prayer shawls and notes of encouragement she places in waiting rooms and elsewhere around the building for patients to take home.

McNeal also urges everyone to take a look at the resources inside the chapel and outside of the chaplain’s office. These include offerings from many different faith traditions along with stress-relief aids and self-care cards.

HONORING ALL FAITHS

As an interfaith chaplain, she honors all faiths and cultures, as well as those who seek inspiration and meaning from outside organized religion. Among other things, she is here to:

• Offer you comfort in times of spiritual distress and anxiety.

• Make sure your religious traditions and practices are observed as fully as possible. For example, Communion and Anointing of the Sick can be provided.

• Pray with you during your treatment.

• Support family and friends.

• Talk with you about end-of-life decisions. She can assist you in advance care planning, including the selection of a healthcare agent.

By giving patients permission to pour out their concerns and pain, McNeal understands her biggest gift to patients and families may be to simply be present and listen.

DEVOTED TO SERVICE

McNeal has been the senior staff chaplain and coordinator for faith community relations at Carle BroMenn and Carle Eureka since 2017. An ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, she is a graduate of BroMenn’s chaplain residency program. She is a board-certified chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains. She also is a master trainer in Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychological First Aid. She spent much of her early life as a newspaper editor, before attending seminary and serving as a parish pastor and hospice chaplain. She is “mom” to a sweet little pug named Peanut.

McNeal’s hours fluctuate with her duties at the hospitals, but she’s at the CCIN 20 hours each week – generally Tuesday-Thursday, and by appointment on other days. Contact her any time at [email protected]

Growing through challengeREV. CHRISTINE MCNEAL HELPS PATIENTS NURTURE SEEDS OF HOPE


Even before Carle Cancer Institute Normal existed, it was a garden. The site our

building sits on was originally a tree and plant nursery. It was a prized

wooded plot, and from the time the center’s first plans were drawn, planners made preserving the property’s peaceful, tree-shaded setting a top priority.

And so, instead of sitting close to the road, the region’s new cancer

center was nestled back against a palette of changing greenery.

Gardeners, of course, were immediately attracted to the project.

The property would soon become host to the first dedicated cancer treatment center in McLean County. But the center stayed true to its origins, welcoming patients against the backdrop of a peaceful, garden setting. The grounds would soon be blossoming again with flowers and dotted with a rainbow of butterflies.

A RESTFUL RETREAT

Cancer treatment is a stressful challenge in anyone’s life. No one understands this more than our own patients and their families.

And so, our survivors were among the first to pick up shovels, rakes and trowels to turn up the warm spring soil. And every year since, they’ve planted seeds and settled young plants into flower beds. They’ve dreamed – and built – a waterfall, accommodating pathways, a calming labyrinth and most beloved of all, a butterfly garden.

Together, volunteers and donors created a calm and restful space where visitors could take respite from a stressful world.

RELAX AMONG THE FLOWERS

Garden season is upon us, and we invite you to enjoy the Healing Gardens of Carle Cancer Institute Normal.

Step out for a breath of fresh air. Take a few calming moments to appreciate the beauty of a flower or savor the aroma of an herb. Sit on a bench to pray or meditate. Let the sound of the waterfall wash over you.

If you’re in the medical infusion area, you’ll have a view of the butterfly garden. See if you can spot a hummingbird’s aerial maneuverings or watch the dances of butterflies and bees.

If you’re a visitor to the clinic, you can enter the gated gardens through the door near the library. Community members can access the butterfly garden on the east side of the property from the parking lot or from the adjacent Constitution Trail.

HELP OUR GARDEN GROW

Do you love getting your hands dirty in the name of summertime beauty? Or, would you like to make a contribution to help our garden grow? Go to the Carle Cancer Institute Normal website at cancercenter.org/volunteer to submit a volunteer application. You can also contact Sue Seibring, Manager of Volunteer Services at [email protected].

Petals of welcomeFROM THE BEGINNING, THE HEALING GARDEN HAS OFFERED GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT TO ALL WHO STROLL ITS PATHS


Spring ScreeningSUN IS OUT, SUMMER CLOTHES ARE ON. TIME TO DO A SKIN SAFETY CHECK

Now that the sky is blue and the sun is shining, you’ve probably packed away the sweaters and coats. Out come shorts, short sleeves and wait…what’s this?

This time of year, you might be seeing skin you haven’t paid much attention to for several long, cold months. In that time, things may have changed. You might see a lump. A bump. A patch of red, scaly skin. Or maybe a mole that’s had a suspicious change.

It’s time to check in with your doctor or a dermatology clinic for an annual skin screening.

COVID-19 CONUNDRUMS

COVID-19 protocols and cautions have caused many people to postpone healthcare visits. Unfortunately, this has led some to delay a skin exam or even ignore a suspicious change.

This spring, with COVID-19 vaccines becoming more available, you might feel more confident about going in for a screening. There are also skin monitoring and reporting steps you can take without leaving home:

• Ask for a televisit – Televisits have become a common way for doctors to stay in touch with patients. This is definitely the case with skincare doctors, called dermatologists.

• Take a picture – Use the camera on your phone to snap a photo of the new, changing or suspicious lesion. Take a measurement at the same time. Make a note on your calendar to take a new picture every week or so to check for any growth or changes.

• Share with your doctor – Share your photos and measurements with your doctor. Chances are good they can advise you over the phone or via televisit about whether your skin needs further evaluation.

STAY SAFE IN THE SUN

Sun and summer go together. So do sun and skin cancer. Take control and lower your risk with these skin cancer prevention tips from the American Academy of Dermatology.

• Throw some shade – Whether by an umbrella, an overhang or a leafy tree, chill out away from harsh rays, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Go under cover – Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants. Top your skin-safe look off with a broad-brimmed hat and sun-protecting sunglasses.

• Sunscreen yourself – Slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher from top to toe. Broad spectrum protects against both UVA and UVB waves. You’ll need one ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, for effective coverage.

• Reapplication rules – Plan to reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after you swim or work up a sweat.

• Turn off the tanning bed – Try a good self-tanner instead.

SKIN IS FOR A LIFETIME

It’s great to enjoy the sun and fresh air. But remember, your skin is for a lifetime. When you take steps to protect your skin, you’ll prevent lines that make you look older. And, you’ll help prevent skin cancer.

For questions about your personal risks, or for help with skin screening questions, contact your primary care physician or the Carle dermatology team at carle.org/services/dermatology.

HOW TO DO A SKIN SELF-EXAM

Start by standing in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit area. Have a small, pocket mirror handy to check hard-to-reach areas.

The ABCDE Rule from the American Cancer Society can be used as a guideline for what to look for in your self-exam.

You can find specific details and photos of what to look for on this American Cancer Society page: cancer.org/latest-news/how-to-spot-skin-cancer

A ASYMMETRY – One part of the mole or spot doesn’t match the rest.

B BORDER – Note anything irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.

C COLOR – Check for brown, black, red, pink, white or blue sharing a single spot.

D DIAMETER – Flag anything ¼” or larger, or the size of a pencil eraser.

E EVOLVING – If your spot is changing, it needs to be checked.


Support ProgramsThese programs offer help to patients and families when their life has been impacted by cancer. We encourage you to consider attending our professionally facilitated cancer support programs. They are free and open to anyone in the community, regardless of where they receive their cancer care.

ADVANCED CANCER SUPPORT GROUP For Persons with Stage 4 Cancer Date/Time: Fourth Thursday of each month, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Register: Call (309) 451-2217; you will receive instructions on how to take part.

ReNEW – Nutrition. Exercise. Wellness. Educational Class for Persons with Any Type of Cancer Date/Time: Fourth Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. Register: Call (309) 451-2218; you’ll receive instructions on how to take part.

LYMPHEDEMA CLINIC This Clinic Provides Preventive Education and Screening for Breast Cancer Patients Date/Time: First Monday of each month, 9 a.m. Register: Call (309) 451-2216; you’ll receive instructions on how to take part.

SUPPORTIVE CARE TEAM

Breast Health Navigator (309) 451-2216

Chaplain (309) 451-2259

Dietitian (309) 451-2218

Financial Navigator (309) 451-2295

Oncology Social Worker (309) 451-2217

Here are additional online cancer support communities and resources that can help you manage cancer and find the support you need.

GENERAL CANCER RESOURCES

• The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

• Cancer Care www.CancerCare.org

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society www.LLS.org

• The American Brain Tumor Society www.abts.org

• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship www.CancerAdvocacy.org

CANCER SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

• Imerman Angels www.ImermanAngels.org

• Cancer Hope Network www.CancerHopeNetwork.org

• Cancer Support Community www.CancerSupportCommunity.org

• National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org

PRACTICAL CANCER INFORMATION

• Cancer and Careers www.cancerandcareers.org

• Triage Cancer www.TriageCancer.org

• Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition www.CancerFAC.org

• Cancer Legal Resource Center www.CancerLegalResources.org

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• American Institute for Cancer Research www.AICR.org

• Cancer.Net www.cancer.net

• Chemocare www.chemocare.com

• Cancer Dietitian www.CancerDietitian.com


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COVID-19 HAS INCREASED THE CHALLENGE, BUT THE LIGHT OF