Claxton-Hepburn

CARVING A NEW LIFE AFTER CANCER T o our friends, Welcome to our first special issue of Living Well, which is dedicated exclusively to oncology services offered through the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center at Claxton- Hepburn Medical Center. Since 1994, the Cancer Center has provided members of the Ogdensburg community with state-of-the-art cancer treatment options close to home. In fact, it is the only program of its kind in the North Country to be recognized by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Radiology. While the Cancer Center houses the latest medications, treatments, and technologies, our medical staff members are what really set us apart from other facilities. From nurses to physicians, everyone on staff works as a team to provide the educational, emotional, and physical support patients need to overcome cancer. Sincerely, {CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1} Taylor enjoys woodcarving, making stained glass, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Judy, and his three children. When Taylor's radiation treatments were complete, he carved miniature wooden birds as tokens of his appreciation for the physicians, nurses, and technicians at the Cancer Center who were involved with his care. "I wanted to give everyone a memento of the relationships we forged as I underwent treatment," says Taylor. "I cannot say enough about the staff at the Cancer Center." For more information about services offered at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, visit www.claxtonhepburn.org. Finding Strength to Fight Cancer When wife and mother of two daughters Jodi Burke, 41, of Massena, heard she had breast cancer, her life changed forever. With a positive attitude and support from family, Burke decided cancer would not keep her away from the ones she loved. DURING A ROUTINE appointment in 2008, Burke's gynecologist felt a lump in her breast. Results from a mammogram, breast ultrasound, and breast magnetic resonance imaging showed the area as noncancerous. However, a year later, her physician felt a lump in the same area, and Burke underwent a breast biopsy immediately. When Burke received a phone Mark Webster, FACHE PRESIDENT AND CEO Giveaway Announcement Find the hidden apple in Living Well and win a leaf blower. Go to our website or send a postcard with your name, address, and phone number indicating the page number and location of the apple to: Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Attn: Community Relations 214 King Street Ogdensburg, NY 13669 www.claxtonhepburn.org All entries are due by October 31, 2011. One entry per person. Correct entries will be entered into a drawing. Must be at least 18 years old to enter. Claxton-Hepburn employees and their immediate families are not eligible for the drawing. Congratulations to our last issue's winner: Vicki McClare, Antwerp Did you fi nd the apple in the last issue? It was hidden on page 5! On Our Cover: Prostate cancer survivor Jack Taylor and his wife, Judy, of Morristown 2 L I V ING WE L L call after leaving work on July 15, 2009, Burke's fear that she had breast cancer was confirmed. Working with Lucille Alston, MD, board-certified medical oncologist at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Burke underwent surgery a month later and started chemotherapy in September. After three months of chemotherapy, she began 36 sessions of radiation treatment in December. "I had heard nothing but good things about the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, which is why I decided to have my treatment there," says Burke. "The staff members at the Center became like family to me, and we still stay in touch." Burke describes losing her hair in October 2009 as the hardest moment during her cancer treatment. With help from her sister-in-law, Burke bought a wig and cut it to match her own hairstyle. When her oldest daughter Jeanelle, 7, had trouble understanding her mother's hair loss, Burke explained that just like the trees in autumn that lose their leaves every year, Burke's hair would grow back in the spring—and it did. Since completing her treatment plan, Burke has delivered several speeches at cancer events to encourage others battling breast cancer. "Learning I had cancer was very emotional for me," says Burke. "In the few days after hearing my diagnosis, I went through stages of disbelief, fear, and anger, but I decided to put those feelings to rest and stay strong. Cancer helped me learn my strengths and find out my weaknesses, and I realized my desire for life." www.claxtonhepburn.org

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