On today’s episode, we dive into the topic of chemotherapy ports. We discuss what they are, how they work, and why and when they're used and not used in cancer treatment. Exploring the benefits and potential risks associated with ports and the issues surrounding when they should be removed after treatment, it's an informative and insightful conversation that sheds light on this often inquired-about important aspect of cancer care. Dr. Burnette explains the different types of ports, their placement, and the reasons why they are often preferred over other infusion devices. He also addresses common misconceptions about ports and shares his perspective on when and why they should be removed after treatment. Dr. Burnette's expertise and compassionate approach to patient care make him a trusted authority on the topic of chemotherapy ports. A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Winkler attended Hendrix College in Conway, where he received his B.A. in biology. He attended medical school at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine and completed his internship and residency. He completed his oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, hematology, hospice, and palliative medicine.   “Oftentimes when you bring up a port, the picture a patient or the family member has in their mind is somebody having a dialysis catheter, a long IV hanging out of the arm, and it's different than that." ~ Dr. Brian Burnette   Today on Cancer Covered: A chemotherapy port is a device inserted under the skin that connects to a large blood vessel in the body, providing secure IV access for medication infusion. Ports are different from other devices like PICC lines or Hickman lines. While ports are commonly placed in the chest, they can also be placed on other body parts by surgeons or radiologists. Ports must be flushed regularly to maintain their function, usually every four to six weeks. Ports provide a more pleasant experience for patients with difficulty getting IVs in their arms, as they offer secure and easily accessible IV access. Some chemotherapy drugs can be harsh and irritating to the inside of veins, making ports a better option for infusion as they can handle more challenging conditions. Ports are not necessary for all patients receiving medications, but they are particularly useful for treatments that require secure IV access or protracted infusions. The decision to keep a port in after completing cancer treatment is a personal one, but it is important to consider the psychological burden and potential risks associated with leaving it. Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/  

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou about the importance of having transparent and honest discussions with cancer patients about their prognosis and treatment options. We discussed how many doctors struggle to answer the question of how long a patient with Stage IV cancer will live and the negative impact this can have on patients. Dr. Burnette emphasized the need to set realistic expectations and prepare for the worst while maintaining hope. He explained that about a third of patients will not respond well to treatment and may have a short life expectancy, while another third will respond well and have long periods of disease control. Dr. Guiou added that it is crucial to be honest with patients and not give false hope, as this can lead to unnecessary treatments and emotional harm. We also discussed the importance of ongoing patient conversations about their prognosis and treatment options and the need to respect each patient's hopes and goals. Overall, the episode highlighted the importance of trust, honesty, and open communication in providing the best care for cancer patients. Dr. Brian Burnett: A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas. Dr. Michael Guiou was born in Sacramento, California; with his father's career in the Air Force, he grew up across several states. He attended the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento and completed a residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Guiou loves the kind and caring culture of the Midwest, a trait he found was often lacking in bigger cities where he lived. Dr. Guiou has always wanted to help people and considers it a privilege to care for the patients under his care.   "If somebody looks like they're heading out of this world, and they have an opportunity to spend one last time with the people that mean the most to them, and they weren't aware that time was short, boy, you just cost them a lot."~Dr. Brian Burnette This week on Cancer Covered: Uncertainty in Prognosis: Doctors often cannot accurately predict how long a patient with stage 4 incurable disease will live. Admitting uncertainty and discussing the range of possible outcomes is more helpful than providing an average survival statistic. Individualized Outcomes: Patients with the same diagnosis can have vastly different experiences. About a third may not respond well to treatment, a third may have an average response, and a third may respond exceptionally well, living many years longer than expected. Importance of Honest Communication: Clear and honest discussions about prognosis are crucial. Physicians should avoid giving false hope and help patients understand their situation realistically to make informed decisions. Impact of Misinformation: Providing unrealistic expectations can lead to patients missing out on important life events, spending unnecessary resources, and experiencing additional emotional and physical distress. Evolving Conversations: Discussions about prognosis and end-of-life care should be ongoing and evolve as the patient's condition changes. This helps build trust and prepares patients for potential outcomes. Changing Perceptions of Hope: Hope should not be limited to the prospect of a cure. It can take many forms, such as the hope for quality of life, not being a burden, or having a peaceful death. Patient Autonomy: Modern medical practice emphas...

In this episode, we're joined by the pioneering founders of Green Bay Oncology - Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer - along with Dr. Tony Jaslowski, a dedicated oncologist and hematologist at GBO. Our conversation delves into our practice's roots, exploring the establishment of a service and ethics-driven team approach. We reflect on how this ethos and culture, which prioritize teamwork, camaraderie, and equality, have flourished at GBO since its inception. Our discussion further highlights the founders' commitment to prioritizing patient needs rather than focusing solely on financial goals. We explore our ongoing mission to provide honest, compassionate care, a philosophy that has become our and our founders' lasting legacy. Additionally, we delve into the genesis of clinical research trials at GBO and examine the advancements in cancer research over the past thirty years. To be an oncologist is an incredible privilege. You meet people at one of the worst times of their lives, and they allow you to care for them. Sometimes you cure their cancer, and sometimes they succumb to the disease – or something in between. But one thing remains consistent in our careers as a physician – It’s an incredible privilege to help our patients. Caring for our patients is a gift – a gift they give to us. It’s something our founders at Green Bay Oncology have never forgotten. And it’s something every oncologist should remember. “Standardization of care is the ultimate vision for where we want this to go so everybody can have the best results.” - Dr. Skip McGovern This week on Cancer Covered: Treating each other as equals promotes teamwork Putting the patient's needs first Our mission is to provide honest, compassionate care The differences between a profit-driven practice vs a service-driven practice How clinical research trials began at GBO Understanding what an IRB is and what they do How clinical research impacts communities   Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Cancer research and treatment has come a long way over the last few decades. From having only a handful of treatment options and medications at our disposal in the late 1970s and early 80s to now having a wide range of treatment options, the ability to diagnose and treat cancer earlier, and even cure many different types of cancer – the evolution of cancer treatment and care has significantly evolved. Our founders – Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, and Dr. Gerald Bayer - witnessed cancer treatment's evolution and revolution first-hand. Dr. Paul Koch, Dr. Skip McGovern, Dr. Jules Blank, Dr. Gerald Bayer, and Dr. Tony Jaslowski join us again today to discuss the evolution of cancer care, what cancer treatment plans were like when Green Bay Oncology first began, and the treatment options that are currently available to oncologists and patients. We discuss how cancer research has improved the life expectancy of many patients with various types of cancer over the last several decades. They share the most memorable cancer treatment developments throughout their careers and the cancer drugs they were glad to see retire. We also discuss how the introduction of in-home hospice care has significantly improved the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients and how the number of cancer patients being admitted into the hospital for cancer treatment side effects has been impacted by the development of modern drug treatment options. “When hospice moved to taking care of patients in an outpatient setting, in their own home – it was a game-changer. It was actually care for them to receive.” - Dr. Skip McGovern This week on Cancer Covered: How cancer research has improved the life expectancy for patients over the last 40 years Various cancer drugs our founders were glad to see retire The most memorable cancer treatment developments that occurred throughout their careers What life was like for cancer patients in the late 70s and early 80s and how it has evolved over time Patients experiencing nausea, fatigue, and hair loss following a round of cancer treatment The number of patients admitted into the hospital to receive chemotherapy treatments   Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Mitch and I delve into hair loss during cancer treatment in today's episode. We explore why certain therapies cause hair loss and discuss the emotional impact it can have on patients. We also touch on the treatments more likely to cause hair loss, such as anthracyclines and taxane drugs. Mitch shares insights on the temporary nature of hair loss and how patients can cope with the distress it may cause. We also discuss the option of scalp cryotherapy as a preventative measure, although it comes with challenges. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding and validating the emotions that come with hair loss while highlighting cancer patients' resilience and adaptability. Join us as we shed light on this aspect of cancer treatment.   "This is a temporary phase, just like the cancer treatment is.” ~Dr. Mitch Winkler In This Week’s Episode of Cancer Covered: Why some cancer treatments cause hair loss. Specific treatments more likely to cause hair loss. Is hair loss permanent for cancer patients? Preventing hair loss during treatment. How cancer patients cope with hair loss. How common is it for people to lose their hair during cancer treatment? Adapting to hair loss during treatment   Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/   We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In this week's episode, I am joined by Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Michael Guiou to discuss the importance of cancer staging. We delve into cancer staging and how it helps guide treatment decisions. We also explore the evolving nature of cancer staging, shifting towards considering molecular characteristics and functional status in addition to traditional staging systems.   Dr. Brian Burnett: A native of Upper Michigan, Dr. Burnette completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic after graduating at the top of his class from Michigan State. Most recently, he served as Instructor of Medicine at Mayo. He is well-published and lectures internationally on cancer-related topics. Dr. Burnette treats all cancer types and is excited to serve the people of Green Bay and the surrounding areas. Dr. Michael Guiou was born in Sacramento, California; with his father's career in the Air Force, he grew up across several states. He attended the University of California Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento and completed a residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Guiou loves the kind and caring culture of the Midwest, a trait he found was often lacking in bigger cities where he lived. Dr. Guiou has always wanted to help people and considers it a privilege to care for the patients under his care.   "Stage is one piece of how we set our expectations for how the cancer is going to behave, how the cancer might do, and what we can reasonably expect to achieve." ~ Dr. Brian Burnette   This Week on Cancer Covered: What is cancer staging, and why is it important in cancer treatment? How does the cancer stage determine the treatment options for a patient? Can Stage IV cancer be curable? Are all Stage II cancers less severe than Stage III or IV cancers? How do molecular characteristics and biology of a tumor affect cancer staging? Is the stage the only factor that determines prognosis and treatment for cancer? Why does the staging process take time, and how does it affect patients' anxiety? How can patients and their families have productive conversations with doctors about the cancer stage?   Resources Mentioned: AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) - A staging system used for cancer that divides tumors into early, intermediate, or late-stage disease. TNM staging system - A classic tumor-lymph node-metastasis staging system used for many cancers. 8th edition of the AJCC staging system - The most recent edition of the staging system, with a 9th edition expected to be released in the next year or two. p16 mutation - A mutation that can affect the stage and behavior of certain cancers, such as head and neck cancer. Functional status - A patient's overall health and ability to function can be a better predictor of survival than Stage IV solid tumors.     Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/     We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode.

In today's episode, Kyla and Mitch delve into the uncomfortable conversations surrounding cancer. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, they explore the reasons behind our anxiety when talking to someone with cancer. Discussing the fear of saying the wrong thing, the desire to reassure the patient, and the discomfort of confronting our mortality, they draw from their experiences and conversations with cancer patients; Kyla and Mitch shed light on the various ways individuals cope with their diagnosis. They address people's common missteps when engaging with cancer patients, such as offering dismissive reassurances or prying into personal details. Providing valuable insights, they offer practical tips on how to navigate these conversations with sensitivity and support. Through their discussion, Kyla and Mitch emphasize the importance of maintaining normalcy and companionship for cancer patients, highlighting the power of simply being present and listening.   "Companionship is a really powerful therapeutic in ways that we still don't quite understand, but I know it from my work, and I know it from my own personal life, the power it can have." ~Dr. Mitch Winkler   This Week on Cancer Covered: • Anxiety plays a significant role in our discomfort when talking to someone with cancer. • Cancer patients often don't want their illness to define them and prefer to maintain a sense of normalcy. • Many cancer patients feel othered and isolated due to visible signs of treatment or people avoiding them. • Blanket reassurances can feel dismissive and diminish the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. • Good listening skills, empathy, and avoiding probing questions are essential when talking to cancer patients. • Offering specific, concrete help and acknowledging your own discomfort can be meaningful gestures of support.   Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Tony joins us today to discuss why providing cancer care close to home is essential. We discuss the travel expenses often associated with receiving cancer treatments and why they often cause patients to delay their treatment. We discuss how often many cancer patients need to visit the oncologist for cancer treatments and how they typically feel after a round of treatment. We also discuss the psychological benefits of receiving cancer treatment at medical facilities closer to home, as well as how outreach clinics impact the local communities. Dr. Tony Jaslowski is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Green Bay Oncology and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the United States Air Force Academy and his medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. Tony completed his internship and fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Before joining the Green Bay Oncology family, Tony served as a military consultant to the Surgeon General for medical oncology and hematology and was twice awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award by Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Tony is passionate about ensuring patients receive the best treatment choices to fight cancer. Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and four children during his free time, playing racquetball at the YMCA, biking, and gardening.   “It’s not what’s convenient for me’or what’s convenient for the staff’. It’s what’s best for the patient and their families.” - Dr. Tony Jaslowski   This week on Cancer Covered: Why some cancer patients may delay their cancer treatments Travel expenses associated with receiving cancer treatments How cancer outreach clinics help ensure patients receive the care they need How patients often feel after receiving cancer treatment The psychological benefits of receiving cancer care close to home Why Green Bay Oncology is committed to providing patients with cancer care close to home How cancer outreach clinics help local communities   Join Our Free Monthly Support Group No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most. Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/   We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

In today’s episode, we discuss advanced directives and how they support patients at the end stages of life. We describe the historical context of advanced directives and explain how doctors solely made end-of-life decisions until the recognition of patients’ rights in the 70’s. We outline the consequences of not having an advance directive. We also emphasize the need to proactively plan for advanced directives and underscore how parents and caregivers can encourage younger adults to create advanced directives. All end-of-life decisions used to be made exclusively by doctors without any input from their patients. Futile, painful treatments were conducted on patients, even if they didn’t want them. In 1969, human rights lawyer Louis Kuttner argued that patients had the right to clearly state their end-of-life care preferences and demand physicians follow them. This right was recognized by the courts in 1975 after the parents of Karen Ann Quinlan—who suffered brain death—sued on her behalf to have her ventilator discontinued. Today, our right to choose our own treatment at the end of life is clearly established—but it only happens if we define our wishes with advanced directives.   “An advanced directive is a set of instructions about how a person wants to be cared for at the end of life. It's intended to represent you and your wishes if you become too ill to speak for yourself.” - Dr. Mitch Winkler.   This week on Cancer Covered: The historical context of end-of-life decisions Advanced directives: their importance and components The need for advanced directives for all adults The types of advanced directives Simplifying and updating advanced directives The “Five Wishes” document and how to obtain an advance directive The barriers to completing advanced directives The completion rates of advanced directives The downside of not having advanced directives How parents or caregivers can encourage young adults to create advanced directives The ideal time to create advanced directives Advanced directive completion in La Crosse, Wisconsin   We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Tom joins us today to discuss denial and why it is a fundamental part of the human experience. He describes how denial, while unhealthy in some situations, can be a healthy coping strategy when facing difficulties. He also explores different strategies to overcome unhealthy denial, underscores the power of having a trusted supporter when facing fear, and highlights how overcoming denial gives individuals confidence and mastery over hardships. Tom Bekkers, MSW, APSW, is an oncology social worker and the facilitator of the monthly cancer support group at Green Bay Oncology, which offers psychotherapy related to the challenges of adjusting to new health situations, lifestyles, and interpersonal relationship dynamics, as well as therapy to cope with death, dying, and grief—available to patients and loved ones. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Marquette University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Tom co-authors The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse.   “Overcoming denial allows you to develop confidence and mastery over your situation. You start feeling like you don’t have to live in fear and can trust again.” - Tom Bekkers.   This week on Cancer Covered: The meaning of denial How denial can be a healthy coping strategy Why denial is a fundamental part of the human experience How denial is almost always portrayed as a negative thing Denial of diagnosis and illnesses Denial of unhealthy lifestyle choices or unhealthy behaviors Accepting or denying new physical limitations due to aging or stress Denial of early symptoms and the “neglected breast cancer” phenomenon Strategies to overcome unhealthy denial and acknowledge your fears The good that comes from facing denial Connect with Tom Bekkers: Tom Bekkers on LinkedIn Book: The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse   We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.