The final #SurvivorSaturday of #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth is very special because it's one of our own! Lauren Peyton was treated at #MSKKids, our pediatric program, when she was fourteen and is now a Clinical Nurse IV at #MSKMonmouth. She was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and later had myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. Lauren needed a stem cell transplant and was matched with a donor from Germany. They were able to meet in person and are now close friends who text every day and even have matching tattoos to symbolize their connection!
Lauren was inspired by her own nurses to become a nurse. She said, "Every day I’m really grateful for everything MSK has done for me. Having that support behind you as a patient inspired me to provide that to people.” Lauren also added, "What COVID has taught us, and what being a survivor has taught me, is that you can plan as much as you want but you cannot control what happens. I have learned to live in the moment.”
We're so grateful to have you on our team, Lauren! #MSKHealthcareHeroes
Treatment for #prostatecancer can cause side effects, but one way to combat them is through exercise. It can boost strength and muscle mass, reduce fatigue, and improve quality of life.
Lee Jones, an exercise scientist at MSK, shares more details, including the best type of exercise for those receiving a common prostate cancer therapy. https://bit.ly/307wpdL
MSKCC.ORG
How Can Exercise Help People with Prostate Cancer?
We’re all in this together! At #MSKKids, our pediatric program, nothing can stop us from always being there for our patients and families – or from busting a move! Check out a small taste of what makes MSK Kids so special.
Researchers at MSK developed a test that can detect three different COVID-19 antibodies, which could help answer important questions about how the body responds to the virus. See how they did it and what it could mean for the future. https://bit.ly/3mLPlZx
MSKCC.ORG
MSK Antibody Test Will Aid Understanding of Immune Response to COVID-19 Virus
When he was 13, Joey developed an adrenal cortical carcinoma, a cancer that's extremely rare in children. So rare that his care team brought in MSK's in-house team of disease detectives, the Pediatric Translational Medicine Program (PTMP), to learn more about it and see if other treatments might help.
Learn more about Joey’s experience and see how it's helping the PTMP make other important advances for MSK’s youngest patients. https://bit.ly/3cmtPWh
MSKCC.ORG
It Starts with One Child
#CancerCare can’t wait. If you or someone you know has symptoms or has been diagnosed with cancer, please don’t wait. The #cancer experts at Memorial Sloan Kettering are here for you. Connect with an MSK cancer expert. #MSKAlways
Thanks to Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, and Lewis Miller Design, our Ralph Lauren Center in Harlem now has a beautiful flower display for #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth. This #FlowerFlash is part of Ralph Lauren's #PinkPony campaign, which works to ensure quality treatment and reduce the disparities in cancer care. What a perfect way to brighten up this rainy day! 🌷🌹
On Metastatic #BreastCancer Awareness Day, we’re so honored to share Kerry’s story – one of persistence, strength, and grit. Kerry was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was 16 years old but then was cancer-free for over 20 years. At 37, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which her doctors believe was either a side effect of radiation or due to a BRCA mutation. She underwent a double mastectomy and a prophylactic hysterectomy then had a recurrence a few years later. Now 45 years old, Kerry found out she had another recurrence just days before she was scheduled to move to Florida. She put those plans on hold to receive daily radiation treatments at #MSKNassau for what is now considered stage IV breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer.
Through all of these obstacles and setbacks, Kerry has been an avid runner and CrossFitter. She even runs after every radiation appointment! She loves staying active but it’s also her way of taking back control and being able to bounce back quickly after surgery or treatment. Kerry said she felt embarrassed at first when she had a recurrence as if she had failed. But then she says, she realized, “F*&^ that! I AM stronger than you, cancer, and I will be stronger than you and I will beat you and I’ll fight, fight, fight.”
Kerry’s journey shows that breast cancer doesn’t necessarily look a certain way and that there’s so much more to Breast Cancer Awareness Month than prevention and pink ribbons, which is why awareness of metastatic breast cancer is so important. We’re so grateful to Kerry for letting us share her story to help spread this awareness. And for the cherry on top, today also happens to be Kerry’s last day of radiation! Please help us congratulate her in the comments and cheer her on! 💪🏃♀️
Most people have heard of the BRCA gene and know that people with BRCA mutations are at high risk for developing breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers.
But do you know the three groups of people that should get tested for the mutation? See what doctors recommend. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth https://bit.ly/3iRcZk5
MSKCC.ORG
Who Should Be Tested for a BRCA Mutation? The Science Is Evolving
Yesterday was a very special day for Michael - it was his last visit with Dr. La Quaglia! Michael was diagnosed with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor at the age of 5 and had several surgeries at MSK that he credits with saving his life. One of the surgeries to remove the tumor left him with a paralyzed vocal cord and diaphragm. Luckily, doctors were able to repair Michael's vocal cords and restore his normal voice, which he definitely needs because he writes, sings, and records his own music! Michael is now 25 years old and plans to take the LSAT to go to law school and pursue a career in the criminal justice system.
Here's what Michael shared with us for #SurvivorSaturday: "Today was officially my last visit as an MSKCC pediatric patient. Saying that doesn’t even sound remotely real. It is an indescribable accomplishment being that 20 years ago this month, I was getting ready for the first time to put my life in this man’s hands. I couldn’t be more eternally grateful for God bringing us together! I truly owe you everything that I have become and everything I have done with my life! 3 surgeries that were all life-threatening and each time God gave you the ability to keep me alive. Thank you Dr. Michael La Quaglia from the bottom of my heart! Words, songs, and every other way I could possibly express my gratitude will never even touch upon how truly grateful I am. God bless you always Doc Mike and all the nurses & staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center! (My dad was unable to come with us because of COVID rules, but I have to give major thanks to my parents for being along for this wild ride, they’ve been my cornerstone always & yes that notebook my Mom’s holding is only a fraction of the notes she’s been taking for these past 20 years!) This one's for all those who didn’t get to leave with me! 🙏🏼“
He also added, "I truly am just humbled to be a survivor. Because of my time in the hospitals, I’ve seen far too often families not get the same end result. I just hope that my music can even help one person through their struggles." We can't wait to see what you do next, Michael!
Can intermittent fasting play a role against breast cancer? More from our Dr. Neil Iyengar.
MSKCC.ORG
Intermittent Fasting and Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Deputy Chief Nurse Kevin Browne found himself in a somewhat unfamiliar place: in the back of an ambulance headed to MSK—this time as a patient.
Read below, as Kevin describes the experience of becoming a patient in his own hospital, being cared for by the team he had mentored, and sharing his story with Hoda Kotb and The Today Show https://bit.ly/2I6Sbs0
MSKCC.ORG
MSK Healthcare Heroes Featured on NBC's Today
Treating liver cancer is a challenge because surgery isn't usually an option. However, a precise, minimally invasive approach called interventional radiology can treat smaller tumors by pinpointing their exact location. Patients tend to have fewer complications and recover faster. Learn more about it below. #LiverCancerAwarenessMonth https://bit.ly/31QOuOk
MSKCC.ORG
No Scalpel Required: Targeting Liver Tumors with Interventional Radiology
This year, respiratory therapists have been thrust into the spotlight as they've stepped up to save lives throughout the pandemic. During Respiratory Care Week, we're proud to recognize the respiratory therapists of MSK, who do everything from diagnosing lung and breathing disorders to analyzing specimens to managing ventilators and artificial airway devices. Let's give it up for these #MSKHealthcareHeroes!
"I'm a miracle. In all reality, I shouldn't be here."
Marisa knew the prognosis for her #breastcancer wasn't good. But after being in a clinical trial at MSK Commack for several years, she has no sign of cancer. Read more in Newsday about why clinical trials are so important. https://nwsdy.li/3muL1wz
NEWSDAY.COM
'I shouldn't be here': She skipped cancer surgery to try a clinical trial instead
Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released draft recommendations stating adults should get screened for #colorectalcancer beginning at 45, not 50. Lately, more and more people under 50 are being diagnosed with colon and rectal cancers, which is why MSK opened the first of its kind Center for Young Onset Colorectal Cancer.
Dr. Robin Mendelsohn, co-director of the center, shares why these new guidelines are important. https://bit.ly/35IYBFS
MSKCC.ORG
MSK Expert Weighs in On New Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations
This week is Respiratory Care Week—a moment to recognize the contributions of our respiratory care professionals. This team has been absolutely instrumental throughout the pandemic, providing ventilator support in our expanded ICU as well as other respiratory support throughout the hospital.
Please help us celebrate them by leaving a comment below! #MSKHealthcareHeroes
WED, OCT 28
Cancers Below the Belt: Uterine and Colorectal Cancer in the Black Community
😷 #MaskUp
🧍♂------🧍♀ Practice social distancing
🧼 Wash your hands
Let's save lives together. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3fM0x4Z
“I never thought I’d get to call myself a long-term cancer survivor.” Meet Annie Ellis, a Patient Advisor with MSK's Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality (PFACQ).
Annie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004 and experienced 2 recurrences, 3 debulking surgeries, 5 lines of treatment and participated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. An early stage breast cancer in 2010 included more surgery, radiation and physical therapy for lymphedema. Now NED (No Evidence of Disease) with both cancers, Annie recently reflected on the many treatments, surgeries, tests, scans and follow-up visits at MSK.
“I know the doctors, nurses, technicians and hospital and clinic staff are extremely caring and compassionate,” stated Ms. Ellis, “but until I joined PFACQ, I had no idea how many more brilliant professionals are also constantly hard at work behind the scenes to ensure the highest quality of patient care at MSK.” MSK's PFACQ is a group of patients and caregivers that sit on various hospital committees and projects to provide the patient and family member perspective to better improve the patient and caregiver experience at MSK.
Annie draws on her many experiences as a patient to provide peer support through MSK’s Patient to Patient Program and to bring a broad patient perspective as research advocate with NCI, FDA, ASCO and ovarian cancer organizations. She is thrilled to also use these experiences with #PFACQ assignments in the areas of patient education and clinical trials. Ellis adds, “It’s quite extraordinary how everyone I’ve been involved with really listens to the patient perspective and incorporates our collective view in their work. This is true teamwork!”
"Our goal is always to find the best treatment for every patient."
For nearly two decades, MSK has led the way in matching people who have lung cancer with the best targeted therapies for their disease.
MSKCC.ORG
A Perfect Match: Molecular Tests Developed at MSK Guide Personalized Treatment for Lung Cancer
Chris is a teacher and coaches football and baseball at Chaminade High School on Long Island. He’s also a #stomachcancer survivor.
Read his story this #StomachCancerAwarenessMonth. https://bit.ly/3le6yc2
MSKCC.ORG
Keeping the Faith after Metastatic Stomach Cancer: Christopher’s Story
This year more than ever, we are so grateful for our #MSKHealthcareHeroes and the entire MSK community.
From all of us at MSK, have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.
It's #WellnessWednesday, and did you know MSK is here to help you work on your wellness from home?
Integrative Medicine at Home is a new kind of digital membership — one built for people impacted by cancer. Visit our site for more information and sign up today. https://bit.ly/3o0m8cP
MSKCC.ORG
Integrative Medicine at Home Membership Program
THU, FEB 18 AT 2:00 PM EST
MSK Information Sessions: Wellness at Home
Kenny, a nurse practitioner at MSK, had to watch her father fight for his life against COVID-19. Luckily, he survived and was able to see her get married. But she says, "I don’t want any other family to have to experience what we did. I encourage every Black person to get the vaccine as soon as they can.” https://bit.ly/2MGtN3j
MSKCC.ORG
Building Trust: COVID-19 Vaccine Protection for the Black Community
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. But many of those are preventable with lifestyle changes and earlier detection.
This National Cancer Prevention Month, learn more about who should get screened for lung cancer and how it works. https://bit.ly/3aLwJUh
MSKCC.ORG
Should I Get Screened for Lung Cancer?
Do you have hesitations about taking the COVID-19 vaccine? The more people who get vaccinated, the sooner we will reach "herd immunity" and can get back to doing the things we love with the people we love.
Here are four more reasons why you should not wait to get it if you are eligible. https://bit.ly/3d4Qqcz
MSKCC.ORG
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
Want to stay up to date with the latest covid-19 vaccine information? Make sure you are registered for MyMSK.
MyMSK is our patient portal and how eligible MSK patients will be contacted to schedule an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Patients without a MyMSK account can visit https://bit.ly/3jp0HRC, call 646-227-2593, or call their doctor’s office for an enrollment ID.
Watch to learn how you can enroll in MyMSK to access information about your care at any time securely. https://bit.ly/2YOVPvL
