<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cUa_qABsAzk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> <strong>A cancer survivor gives back</strong> <br> <br> Six years ago, Beth Nardone was diagnosed with an invasive, aggressive form of breast cancer. She underwent three surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Today, she shares her own experience and supports cancer patients and caregivers at GBMC as the co-chair of the Oncology Patient & Family Advisory Council. She talked with Mary Beth Marsden and Don Scott about her diagnosis and treatment and why she feels blessed to be able to give back through the council. <br> <br> “When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you need to make your treatment the priority,” Beth explained. “Because my cancer was aggressive, I needed to start treatment quickly. I was lucky to have the team of doctors I did. They not only treated my cancer, they also have such heart and care so much about you. When I had complications from a medication I was taking to control the cancer, they didn’t give up. They found a way for me to get treatment for the heart-related side effects and continue taking the medication, which was an essential part of my treatment. Because of that commitment and care, I’m here today.” <br> <br> In her role on the council, Beth works with other survivors to make the process of undergoing cancer treatment at GBMC better for those that come after them by advocating for changes big and small and sharing patient and family feedback with GBMC leadership. “Being part of the council is my way of taking something difficult and negative and turning it into something positive,” she said. “In addition to being a survivor, I was also the caregiver for both of my parents, so I understand both sides of the experience. It’s a gift that I can give to help others.” <br> <br> Asked what she wishes the friends and family of cancer survivors knew, Beth explained, “Don’t walk on eggshells. We may want to talk about our fears and a lot of difficult topics that no one really wants to talk about. But it’s helpful when friends and family are open to those conversations.” <br> <br> <strong>Watch the entire series:</strong> <br> <br> <a href="/node/3320">Part 1</a> — Dr. Robert Donegan, MD, Medical Oncology <br> <br> <a href="/node/3473">Part 2</a> — Brandon Costantino, Oncology Support Services at GBMC <br> <br> <a href="/node/3474">Part 3</a> — Barbara Pisano Messing, The Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center, Head & Neck Surgery, and the Johns Hopkins Voice Center located at GBMC <a href="/node/3665">Part 4</a> — Beth Nardone, Co-Chair of the Oncology Patient & Family Advisory Council and Cancer Survivor </p>
<p class="article-body"> A few years ago, Laura Gorrell looked at the trajectory of her life and didn't like the picture she saw developing, so she decided to do something about it. At age 23, she joined GBMC's <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank">Comprehensive Obesity Management Program</a> (COMP). Weight issues had always run in her family and even though she was active in sports, Laura, too, struggled with her weight. <br> <br> Throughout high school, Laura had been very involved in horseback riding, even competing at the national level. Everything went downhill when she went to college. With the work of two science degrees crammed into four years, she didn't have time to exercise or do much of anything else. "All I did was study, eat, and sleep," she says. Within the span of several months, she gained almost 90 pounds. Despite her passion for horseback riding, she felt she needed to stop due to her increasing weight. <br> <br> Laura struggled with the idea of weight-loss surgery, thinking that her family wouldn't support her. She was concerned they would think she was too young. She needn't have worried though; her family was incredibly supportive of her decision. Once she realized this, she immediately moved forward and made an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Dovec. Despite her busy schedule, Laura found a way to make it work. "I didn't want to look back 20 years from now and feel like I had missed out on living. I want to live my life now." <br> </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5bc116341e67b146a7ba34aac28cf0f0.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/da0538bd6691aaec37956ab74d99c9b8.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/ad264eb7a171fbf69b52f79733e4327c.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/c4f96834696de93a1c00d0c0bf3ac3bb.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> </div> </div> <br> In November of 2015, she had her weight-loss surgery. 115 pounds later, Laura is back to riding and she's training for half marathons with the RUNGBMC group. "I never thought I would do that," she says. Her weight loss has also improved her professional life as a scientist. People treat her differently than they did before. "I always felt like I needed to prove that I wasn't lazy. I don't get the feeling that people assume that about me anymore." Laura is now more confident than she has ever been. <br> <br> "I'm so glad I didn't wait." <br> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/07bb1acedabf5febb4a02e1e13316a73.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e863dc07a23c44fb34323add59cfa5f3.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6e5b6cbb7493aae98eac6829cd27ce01.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/54bd9beeba56098855b98186f3667490.jpg" alt="Laura Gorrell"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> When Kathleen Speca, in her fifties, was diagnosed with early osteoarthritis in her late twenties, she recognized that her knee pain would increase over the years. However, after being diagnosed and treated successfully for breast cancer through radiation treatments and long-term medication, her discomfort worsened more quickly than expected. <br> <br> In the hopes of alleviating her pain, Mrs. Speca turned to Lee M. Schmidt, MD, Director of GBMC’s Joint Center. “We first tried a conservative approach of cortisone shots and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding my knee,” Mrs. Speca explains. When the pain persisted despite the treatment, she and Dr. Schmidt discussed and agreed upon the surgical option of a total knee replacement. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/71868e773edbda8ba8bc451baef92d2f.jpg"> <figcaption> Whether dancing, cooking or just relaxing at home, Mrs. Speca is thankful to be pain-free. After two total knee replacements, patient Kathleen Speca is on her feet again. </figcaption> </figure> “I had the first total knee replacement surgery on my right knee on March 6, 2012, and then on my left knee on October 23, 2012. Although I was prepared for a tough recovery, I bounced back like a teenager!” she says. “There was certainly pain and discomfort, but nothing I couldn’t handle. Plus, with Dr. Schmidt’s excellent surgical technique and by strictly following my physical therapy guidelines, I was off to a speedy recovery.” <br> <br> According to Dr. Schmidt, “Every component of the joint replacement process is done at the Joint Center. Patients are evaluated by a surgeon and are given a guidebook that explains what happens each day in the hospital, how to prepare for surgery and plan for their recovery.” He adds that patients are invited to attend a class to meet the Joint Care Coordinator and become better educated about the process. <br> <br> Post-operative care is provided on Unit 58, which is tailored specifically for joint replacement patients. The team includes orthopedic nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists and discharge planning specialists, all supervised by the Joint Care Coordinator. Each patient also has a designated coach to help them prepare for surgery and assist in recovery. In addition to total joint replacement, the Center offers a full array of surgical services, including minimally invasive options and partial joint replacement surgery, in which only the arthritic portions of the joints are replaced, resulting in faster recovery. <br> <br> <blockquote> “The nurses and techs on the unit were all fabulous. The care I received from the beginning to my discharge was superb. Dr. Schmidt and the entire staff treated me like family every step of the way.” </blockquote> Mrs. Speca enjoys dancing and cooking, which had always played havoc on her knees. Even going up and down steps was extremely painful. “Now, I am better able to be on my feet for hours preparing meals for guests, and no matter what, I’ll never stop dancing,” she says. “It’s so nice not to have your knees hurt as you climb the stairs. I can keep enjoying my life as a productive person in society, continuing my career in the non-profit sector, volunteering and helping others.” <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Little Liam was born at GBMC four weeks early, weighing six pounds. He was immediately transferred to the <a href="/node/2487" target="_blank">Neonatal Intensive Care Unit</a> (NICU) because his lungs had filled with fluid and he was unable to maintain his body temperature or blood sugar. By the next morning, he had dropped to five pounds, eight ounces. The two days that Liam spent in the NICU felt like an eternity to his parents, Kurt and Gretchen. <br> </p> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/446ddc29a6124886788dc22c1ea9f497.jpg" alt="Liam in the NICU"> </figure> Liam was Gretchen's third child, but this pregnancy was different from the others. She had miscarried twice since her last daughter was born, and every little thing filled her with anxiety. "I was constantly on edge," she said. When she learned that Liam was going to the NICU, she was devastated. In her mind, babies only went there if they had birth defects or were extremely underweight; she was incredibly concerned about her newborn’s condition. It was her mother who gave her perspective. <br> <br> Thirty-four years earlier, Gretchen had also been admitted to GBMC’s NICU — she, too, was born early and had weighed only four pounds. In 1983, the NICU was a very different place than it is today. There was significantly less technology and fewer products were available for preemies. There weren't diapers small enough for Gretchen, so her nurses had to improvise. She ended up wearing surgical masks until she was big enough to fit into infant diapers. Her mother kept reminding her "if you can make it, Liam can make it, too." <br> <br> Liam was actually one of the biggest babies in the unit. At six pounds, he was given the nickname "Chunker" by his nurses — a name that caught on in the rest of the unit. Families in the NICU often form close bonds over their shared experiences. Gretchen found this to be true even in the short time Liam was there. <br> <br> Thanks to his medical team, Liam's lungs are now free of fluid and he is at home with his family, growing stronger every day. The support from her family, the NICU team, and the other families got her through what was a frightening experience. "Everyone was truly amazing," she said, "I'm extremely grateful to the nurses and staff." <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/8442c59abd2eac15bb6bbdedcb01158e.jpg" alt="Liam Blinke"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/731cf0b5f49756463a02f589674ee52e.jpg" alt="Liam Blinke"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e230bd6ab1ab12ff773e2abd13fc8cdf.jpg" alt="Liam Blinke"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e1086692f25946a56b2e048d97c08c21.jpg" alt="Liam Blinke"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/1d3cf20e55a2311905881b00f687174d.jpg" alt="Liam Blinke"> </div> </div> <figure class="col-md-12"> <figcaption> Some images provided by Desiree Ortman Photography </figcaption> </figure> </div> <br> Kurt and Gretchen plan to bring Liam to the <a href="http://gbmc.healthcare/5k/" target="_blank">Father's Day 5K</a> on June 17, held every year to raise funds for the NICU. They look forward to reuniting with the staff members who cared for him when he was so vulnerable. This year’s Father’s Day 5K is especially important because the funds are going towards a <a href="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/a0eecc7886614d29c16fa78f333df9bf.pdf" target="_blank">new NICU</a>! One of the most exciting things about the new space is that each room will feature a Kangaroo Chair. These chairs, designed specifically for GBMC’s NICU, promote skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding, both of which are critical to improving development. The chair’s design was based on input from those who know best — NICU parents and nurses! We hope to see you at this incredible event! <a href="http://gbmc.healthcare/5k/" target="_blank">Click here to register!</a> <br> <br> <figure class="image-full" style="float:none;"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e24abb440c3465276d70eaf672e82727.jpg" alt="Liam Blinke"> </figure> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> In 2007, Bruce Bradshaw, 70, discovered a lump on the side of his throat that he knew should not have been there. He went to his primary care physician to have it checked out and then had an ultrasound performed to get a better look. What they found was a malignant tumor on the base of Mr. Bradshaw’s tongue. He describes a whirlwind of events that landed him in the care of Marshall Levine, MD, medical oncologist at GBMC’s Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, and Ray Blanco, MD and John Saunders, MD [retired], head and neck surgeons in the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center at GBMC. The daunting diagnosis was made in January 2007 and in March and April of that same year, Mr. Bradshaw was undergoing a powerful course of chemoradiation therapy at GBMC to eradicate the tumor and the cancer itself. In July 2007, He underwent surgery to have his lymph nodes removed on the side of his neck where the tumor was located by Dr. Blanco. And, while the treatment and surgery were successful in eliminating the cancer, Mr. Bradshaw was left with some debilitating and rare side effects of radiation treatment. <br> <br> “I was one of only a few patients who experienced the closing of my esophagus as an extreme side effect of the radiation therapy,” explained Mr. Bradshaw. Mr. Bradshaw had 18 dilations performed by his surgeons to open up his esophagus over the course of a year. While the dilations worked temporarily, Mr. Bradshaw experienced the closure of his esophagus repeatedly following his treatment, causing extreme discomfort and resulting in the placement of a feeding tube because of his inability to eat or swallow. “The chemo and radiation got rid of the tumor. That was the easy part,” said Mr. Bradshaw. “The subsequent swallowing issues were the hardest part. I certainly don’t recommend this as a weight loss solution!” he joked. <br> <br> Mr. Bradshaw praises the work of the Dance Center team, particularly Barbara Messing, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-S, Administrative-Clinical Director of the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center. “I can’t say enough about Barbara. In the beginning, I was on a feeding tube and couldn’t swallow at all. She was patient and encouraging as she taught me exercises that helped me recover the ability to swallow over time. Ten years later, I’m still doing the exercises! She gave me all the confidence in the world. Without her, I don’t think I would have made it. I could call and talk to her whenever I needed her and she was there for me.” <br> <br> Mr. Bradshaw’s head and neck cancer journey certainly changed his life, and so did his experience at The Dance Center at GBMC. “Everyone at the Dance Center was just great. The way everyone worked together as a team was incredible. I have all the praise in the world for them.” <br> <br> He added, “Initially, when I was told I had advanced stage three cancer, I didn’t think I’d make it. But I’m here 10 years later. I’m still alive.” </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Kevin Murphy spent much of his life in and around airplanes. He fixed them, flew in them, and sometimes, dropped supplies out of them. He loved it, but his weight grounded him...literally. Kevin was in the U.S. military for most of his life, and went on several overseas tours throughout his 33 years of service. Although he was incredibly dedicated to his work, he often felt held back by his weight. <br> <br> He was always in what he described as "the fat boy program" because he was not within the Air Force's required weight range. He was regularly weighed and counseled on health and fitness. Despite this, he never lost enough weight to be in the required range and he eventually developed diabetes. Kevin’s weight got so out of control that he no longer felt comfortable flying and took on a more administrative role. Having to stay on the ground was a discouraging and very visible consequence of his weight, both to him and to his fellow service members. <br> <br> Kevin fell into a depression and began experiencing severe anxiety; he turned to food for comfort. "It was like I was eating the last supper every night," he said. The more he ate, the more weight he gained. The more weight he gained, the more depressed he became. The more depressed he became, the more he turned to food for comfort. <br> <br> </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/ff0b82a05d2572a0bc8145f9d942f0f2.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/0fc6362706ebb36bd8c632b38cd95858.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/3b9cb14d03be74f58288b56056f4e08f.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/da8a68093fe184633fcc0ab3b445bb54.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> </div> </div> <br> After years of unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, he decided to consider the option of weight-loss surgery. He had been aware of bariatric surgery for some time, but he was hesitant to take that step for himself. When he was introduced to Dr. Elizabeth Dovec, bariatric surgeon and medical director of GBMC’s <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank">Comprehensive Obesity Management Program</a> (COMP), he was immediately put at ease and decided to move forward. <br> <br> Kevin had bariatric surgery when he was 60-years-old and has lost almost 100 pounds since the procedure in 2014. His diabetes is under control and he is in a much better place with his mental health. Almost everything about his life is different. He went from avoiding gyms like the plague to actively seeking them out and going three to four times a week. He is very involved in COMP and has spoken at several weight-loss information sessions. He can often be found volunteering and participating in COMP events. <br> <br> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/d6e098dfb9da4c9afb486e539a002132.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e4f51dfa12d7b43c9694ecb46eb7d230.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/b9393e16e0c9125371ba8eea3193d663.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/7d5ad4cde04f906fed959e80b22991e4.jpg" alt="Kevin Murphy"> </div> </div> </div> <br> Kevin feels better than ever and is doing things he never thought he could. He has never looked back. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> When Taylor* arrived at GBMC's Emergency Department, she was in a state of shock. As she was leaving for work that morning, a man that she didn't know forced his way into her house and sexually assaulted her. After hearing her story, Taylor’s nurse immediately contacted the on-call Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) nurse, Sara Hein. <br> <br> Once Taylor had been medically cleared, Sara led her to a private room, separate from the busy Emergency Department, where she recounted the events of her morning. After her attacker assaulted her, he took pictures of her body, forced her to shower, and threatened to kill her. <br> <br> The first thing that struck Sara was that the man had made Taylor shower, a surefire way to get rid of physical evidence. It made her think that this wasn't his first time assaulting a woman and she was worried that there wouldn't be any DNA evidence left to test. Despite her concerns, Sara kept her composure and completed her examination. She took Taylor’s clothing to send to the Baltimore County Crime Lab and provided her with a new outfit to go home in. Just four hours after the attack, Taylor walked with Sara back to the Emergency Department and into the arms of her family members who were there waiting for her. <br> <br> Several months later, Sara was surprised to learn that she had been issued a court subpoena for Taylor’s case. She had thought that there wouldn't be any evidence left to test, so it was encouraging to know that there had been a DNA hit. As the court date drew nearer however, Sara got a call saying that additional information had been found and that the date had been pushed back to allow for further investigation. <br> <br> Many postponements and almost two years later, the case finally went to court. The evidence she had collected from Taylor contained DNA that matched the suspect and also linked him to another assault from several years earlier. After three months in court, the man was given two life sentences without the chance of parole and an additional 10 years for breaking and entering. <br> <br> Two and a half years after Taylor’s assault, justice was finally served to her attacker. Sara marveled at Taylor’s persistence and courage throughout the many postponements and the trial itself. Because Taylor refused to back down, a serial rapist was taken off the streets and will never again be able to prey on women in the community. <br> <br> <em>*Patient name has been changed</em> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DQehLqANqws?ecver=1" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> "The transoral procedure was a very quick procedure, not only time in the OR, but recovery time as well. Really, after the first couple of weeks I was up and moving and speaking well." - Kim Rothman, patient </p>
<p class="article-body"> Sean Miller lost 150 pounds. And then he gained every single pound back, and more. <br> <br> He was unmotivated, heavier than ever, and close to giving up. He had tried it the old fashioned way – with diet and exercise – and failed. "There was no way in hell I was going to do that again," he said. "I needed something new and I needed accountability." <br> <br> Sean attended a <a href="https://gbmchealthcare.formstack.com/forms/weight_loss_information_session" target="_blank">weight-loss information</a> session at GBMC, met successful patients from the <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank">Comprehensive Obesity Management Program </a>(COMP), and was inspired to change his life. "The info session debunked every single myth I'd heard about weight loss surgery. It gave me the confidence to move forward," Sean said. <br> </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6f5dfee5179e1d6882c42d3f0601cf8f.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/ff203f69cccb3a3148d43cd95922bc9a.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/1439002d431ad8ad51c631317ec46c76.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/86ea045cbb69531bd79f844ad2875484.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> </div> </div> <br> Now, two years after surgery, confidence is something that Sean is feeling a lot more of. He's in the best shape of his life and living out experiences that are possible only because of how comfortable he feels in his own skin. "When I physically transformed, my goals felt more in reach," he said. "Even just being able to dress in nicer clothes at work made me more confident in the job, which resulted in a promotion. It translates to every aspect of life. I'm not afraid to go after things I used to be shy about." <br> <br> One of those things is a relationship that makes him feel great. In fact, it was posting about COMP on Instagram that connected him to his partner. "We bonded over our shared weight loss journeys," Sean said. "I would never have thought (before surgery) that I could attract a fit, muscular partner and feel like an equal in the relationship. It feels like I'm living a dream." <br> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4f04080063ce95f06d88648c4d4ae84c.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/abf8b2e208eddf58deb79646a7ca9857.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/98968382ec03f4a805189901b93231d6.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/828f3d39dba1c12552201815ca47d26a.jpg" alt="Sean Miller"> </div> </div> </div> <br> In the past, Sean's weekends revolved around pizza and the remote. "I used to spend entire Saturdays catching up on all my shows," he said. "Food was my main joy. I spent time thinking about the next thing I was going to eat – mozzarella sticks, Chinese food, ice cream – and I didn't go to the gym, the beach, or parks, because I just wasn't comfortable and didn't feel like I fit in." <br> <br> After his transformation took him from waist-size 52 to 32, he started feeling at home in the gym and even tried something new on the weekends: theater. He's currently rehearsing for a local production of Into the Woods. "I can sing, but I never had the confidence to be on stage, due to my size. Roles would have been a lot more limited, and I never thought I was any good." <br> <br> That kind of thinking is in the past for Sean, as are weekends on the couch. "I barely even have time for TV at all anymore," he said. "I'm out living my life." <br> <br> Sean says he owes a lot of his newfound self-assuredness to the doctors in the COMP program and the members of the private support group. "I couldn't be this successful without the support of Dr. Bello and Dr. Dovec, who are both so kind and helpful, as well as the friends I've made through the program," he said. <br> <br> Now, as a veteran of the COMP program, Sean has been surprised to find himself acting as an inspirational role model for others. "People now look up to me. It's radical the impact this has had on my psyche," he said. "I tell people that I don't have wishes anymore and I don't make excuses. If I want it, I can achieve it, and they can too." <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Karen Woolsey remembers the day exactly — she was at the bank where she ran into an old friend who she hadn't seen in months. They struck up a conversation and Karen learned that her friend was active in GBMC's <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank">Comprehensive Obesity Management Program</a> (COMP) and was preparing for weight-loss surgery. This was the first time she had heard specifics about the surgery, although it didn't occur to her that it was something she could do. She didn't know it at the time, but this was the beginning of her journey towards better health and a better life. <br> <br> Karen struggled with her weight for years. Although she tried many ways to lose weight, she could never stick with it. She bounced between weight-loss programs, without success and paid for gym memberships that she didn't use. She recalls once calling to cancel a gym membership and having to tell the person on the phone that she hadn't gone a single time. Karen described this time in her life as an emotional roller coaster. <br> <br> </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/56eed8b10cf16553c3a5dc36be3e5b82.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e6f938c3cc60d8a7f714d5725ba7c4aa.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/9ec628a77bfd1a9426325fa632bd6c8b.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/1d1545af14f3661087ac082a2d1daee1.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/9e2f29c5f44f1bc098e444b443835b51.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> </div> </div> <br> When she was younger, Karen was very active in high school sports, to the point that she was voted "most athletic" in her senior yearbook, but once she graduated, her activity levels decreased significantly. When she was 21-years-old, she lost her mother to breast cancer and everything went downhill from there. Suddenly, she was taking care of her 11-year-old sister, all the while dealing with grief from the loss of her mother. Food became a comfort and any time for exercising went out the window. In her words, she "simply stopped taking care of herself." This behavior continued when she had her own children; she gave them all of her energy and neglected her own health. <br> <br> It wasn't until she ran into her friend later that year that Karen thought about weight-loss surgery again. It was now several months after her friend had undergone surgery and Karen was shocked by how happy she was and how successful she had been in such a short amount of time. When her kids became teenagers, she had a bit more time for herself and she decided to attend an <a href="https://gbmchealthcare.formstack.com/forms/weight_loss_information_session" target="_blank">information session</a> at GBMC. It was an easy decision from there. After discussing it with her husband, she decided to enter the program and promised herself that she would no longer live for food. <br> <br> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/c501df35e59d0b7c4290506b560ba482.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/f9d1c0c26bc8fb0498966d858c9aecd7.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/aab79fcbfd40e17b39a714ef3fc6aef3.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/021188331cbd2f1071cd3667ea154f96.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/735025244363a782bd29cbdc70e46d39.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4b2720fec895b75300c7660b308bb448.jpg" alt="Karen Woosley"> </div> </div> </div> <br> Now two years out of surgery, Karen is down 90 pounds and feels better than ever. She goes to the gym three to four times a week and is in the best shape of her life. For the first time in years, she is able to walk into any store and find clothes that fit her and now, she enjoys being in front the camera instead of hiding behind it. Her advice is simply this: learn more about it. Talk to family and friends and dig deep within yourself to figure out if surgery is your next step. If it is, you’ll know it. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> "I was always the fat kid." <br> <br> Despite being active with sports and dance, Natalie Semon was always bigger than everyone else her age. Very early in her life, she developed an unhealthy relationship with food which persisted through adulthood. Her home was always filled with processed foods and her diet was unbalanced. Food was a reward when things went well and a comfort when they didn't. <br> <br> In fifth grade, she had blood drawn during a routine checkup and her levels were so off that the doctor thought there had been a mistake. After a second draw, she was immediately referred to a specialist. At age 10, she was put on medicine for high cholesterol. As an adult, Natalie described herself as a "yo-yo dieter," losing weight and then gaining it back time and time again. Each time the weight came back, she was a little heavier than she was before. </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/067b82acba6162c0ca2a61574ec21209.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/86fe2ee2e73630eb77818b678167e1b9.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/caedb176c907fea3a4af27265f1e3259.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> </div> </div> <br> Her cholesterol was under control, but it was beginning to rise again. It was around this time that a close friend "basically forced" her to start exercising; she began training for 5Ks and half marathons. She walked — Natalie had a strict rule that she would only run if she was being chased — but she finished the races and she began losing weight again. <br> <br> Everything changed when she adopted her son. She became sedentary and gained back all the weight she’d lost and more. With her blood pressure now rising, Natalie worried that she may not be around to watch her son grow up. It was time to do something different than anything else she had tried. After researching local bariatric programs, she decided to try GBMC's <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank"> Comprehensive Obesity Management Program </a>(COMP). She knew after her first consultation that weight-loss surgery was her next step. <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/29bb804d87f3350d328a92b65a6a6913.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/54221afb698bec838e9771caa4e4bbb3.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/6706162c64f8dd6049afa581af08a9f6.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5ab74ad2761b8b4bd3666781c413a14e.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/3bc4e62591ec6a927b6b0012423f69b2.jpg" alt="Natalie Semon"> </div> </div> </div> <br> A year and a half later, Natalie is <em>running</em> marathons. She looks good, she feels good, and her bloodwork is normal. Natalie never set a goal weight for herself; all she wanted was to be healthy and to be comfortable in her own skin. She made it. Every day she can feel her stamina and endurance improving and she is an active part of COMP's RUNGBMC group. She has become close friends with people she met through the program and loves the camaraderie in the support group. Natalie has more hope for her future that she has ever had before. Most of all, she’s proud that she'll be able to watch her son grow through the years. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> I had had every test possible and was seen by a variety of doctors, all of whom declared that no cancer was found. I was scheduled to have surgery on February 6, 2014, to have both ovaries removed. I was also told that my lymph nodes were growing outwards inside my body and that they were going to be clipped during my surgery. During surgery and the clipping of one of my lymph nodes, a cancer cell was found lying across my cervix wall across my main blood artery. It could not be removed surgically. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> I have always been a healthy eater. I researched all foods that are linked to cancer and they do not enter my home. I eat only cancer-fighting foods. </blockquote> When I awoke from the medications and was told, with my daughter and son, that I had cancer. I was in denial and was devastated. All I wanted to know was if it was curable. It was confirmed by a group of doctors that included Dr. Grumbine that it was curable and that chemotherapy, and possibly radiation therapy, was needed to do so. I was so devastated, in denial and depressed, but was preparing myself to put on my boxing gloves to beat this disease. <br> <br> I went through one round of chemo treatments once every three weeks for six cycles of treatments. I had another CT scan done which determined that the cancer was not gone. I had to do another six and a half weeks of mild chemo treatments once a week as well as radiation for six and a half weeks the same time at 4:00 pm every day. With the grace of God, I survived through all of those medications which were horrible. I was loaded with side effects from numbness, tingling, vision problems, loss weight, constipation, and loss of appetite. I lost all of my hair and didn't care. I just wanted to live. <br> <br> I was treated with the best care, respect and compassion from the entire staff at GBMC. I did my research with the best doctors. I was surrounded with friends that experienced cancer to help prepare me along the way. I became cancer-free in February 2015, exactly around the same time as the year before I was diagnosed. I had the best doctors, nurses and personnel at GBMC. My port was removed in May 2015, and I still get tested periodically. I can't thank GMBC and the staff enough. Thanks for my new hair and a new life! <br> <br> I have always been a healthy eater. I researched all foods that are linked to cancer and they do not enter my home. I eat only cancer-fighting foods. I also juice, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables only. I continued my ballroom and hand dancing. I exercise as much as possible to keep my girlish fitness. Life is short! <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> I grew up in Texas, and have been overweight my entire life - it's a part of every memory that I have. Even when it's a small part of a bigger memory, it's still there and still brings back those feelings of embarrassment, frustration, or sadness. I remember my mom taking me shopping in the "husky" section of the clothing store, and how it was sometimes difficult to find a Cub Scout uniform in the right size. I remember what it was like to struggle through every gym class, and to be the last one that finished doing laps each morning. I remember the first time I was afraid to get on a roller coaster, because I might be too big. I remember my grandmother taking me to a hypnotist when I was a pre-teen to see if that would help, and I remember worrying that I'd mess up a friend's wedding photos by being the biggest person in them. The thing I remember most, though, was feeling helpless. Nothing I tried worked for long, and I think I tried it all... <br> <br> I moved from Texas to Maryland for a new career, but then dealt with loneliness and the stresses of the move by gaining more weight. My blood pressure and cholesterol levels were both high, and I was prescribed medications to treat them. When traveling for work, my feet would hurt throughout the day and flying or taking a train were uncomfortable and embarrassing. On February 21, 2014, I turned 39 and promised myself that I was going to turn 40 a healthier, happier person. I had been reading about different approaches to weight loss, and read a lot about the GBMC COMP program. I attended an information session and met Dr. Elizabeth Dovec for the first time. Dr. Dovec is an amazing person with a unique set of gifts - she's talented in the operating room, but also has an amazing empathy for her patients that is very special. She and the team at GBMC put me immediately at ease, and never made me feel self-conscious about my weight. Instead, they helped identify what was keeping me from the successful weight loss that I wanted so badly and gave me hope that I could successfully work to take the weight off and keep it off. Dr. Dovec helped treat nutritional deficiencies and sleep apnea, and her team of nutritionists showed me changes I needed to make. They also helped me understand that I had issues that willpower alone wouldn’t solve, and showed that they could give me some of the tools that I needed to succeed. <br> <br> </p> <blockquote> I've been given the chance to live a longer, fuller life </blockquote> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/8418aae000612c1fa6852b9a7e024c04.jpg"> </figure> For six months, I attended nutrition classes and participated in a private Facebook-based support group hosted by Dr. Dovec. I met other people who had gone through the same struggles, learned many of the same lessons, and were on the journey alongside me. I asked questions and got answers from Dr. Dovec in the middle of the night, when I know she’d been in surgery or with patients throughout the day. I started to see some results from the better food choices I was making, which were reinforced in my monthly visits to the office. The psychologist that I met with and my conversations with Dr. Dovec and the nutritionists helped me identify that portion control was by biggest issue, and I chose to have a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy at GBMC. This surgery would give me a real tool in my fight for a healthier life, and I had never felt so certain about anything. I had been given reams of information and support at the GBMC COMP office, had seen other specialists and my primary care doctor to get their feedback, and was SO ready! <br> <br> I received a surgery date of October 28, 2014, and was so excited when my insurance company approved the paperwork. I was the first surgery of the day, so my mom flew in from Texas and stayed with me for the two days of liquid diet and then a night in a hotel near the GBMC campus. We went to the hospital at 5AM, and flew through the registration process. After some comedic shenanigans involving earrings that I couldn’t get out, it was my turn. The anesthesiologist and nurses got me situated, and Dr. Dovec came in for one last pep talk. My mom had obviously been worrying, but was immediately calmed after meeting with her. I was wheeled into surgery, and was asleep before I even knew it. I woke up in recovery, with my mom and Dr. Dovec by my side. Everything that had been explained to me so many times before surgery had gone off without a hitch, and I now had a stomach the size of a banana. I was whisked up to my room within an hour, and was up and walking the floor an hour after that. Like the GBMC COMP team, the nurses and staff on the surgical floor were amazing. I was kept completely comfortable and had an immense amount of support. I slept like a baby that night, had some tests the next morning, and was then released to go home by the afternoon. When leaving the hospital, I was given a ton of detailed information about what to expect for the next few days, my prescriptions were filled, and I was headed home! <br> <br> The COMP team and Dr. Dovec checked on me over the next couple of days, and I had regular visits to the office to make sure my four tiny incisions were healing properly and that I was comfortable. Fortunately, I didn’t even need pain medicine after the first night, and was able to return to work about a week after surgery thanks to a job that allowed me to take it easy for another week after my return. My follow-up visits went fine, and the results of the surgery were almost immediate. My appetite is greatly decreased, and the new portions I eat meet my needs but my smaller stomach doesn’t allow me to overeat. After the first week, I started to lose weight while still having energy to go about my daily routine. After the first month, I was already noticing a difference, and by the second month other people were noticing and commenting on the weight loss. On July 28, 2015, I get to go to the COMP office for my 9-month follow-up appointment. For the first time in my life, I look forward to visiting my primary care doctor for a checkup or COMP for follow-ups. Each visit, the news gets better and better, and I no longer take ANY prescription medications. My blood pressure and other measures of health like my cholesterol levels are normal, and my doctors are all thrilled. <blockquote> I'm more comfortable doing presentations in front of large groups, which is a big part of my job, and I feel more sure of myself and love it when people tell me how happy and healthy I look. </blockquote> <br> <br> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/fd8e4d359afa03862fb44cff242ea8f2.jpg"> </figure> At my heaviest, I weighed 463 pounds. I am 160 pounds lighter now, but still have a ways to go. Dr. Dovec and the team at COMP have been right beside me for this entire journey, as have the many patients who share their successes and struggles. I have dropped six pants sizes, three shirt sizes, and have never felt better. I'm able to travel much more comfortably, have spent entire days at theme parks without pain or being overly tired, and I am able to attend conventions and stand on my feet for eight to ten hours a day without needing to sit down or worry that my feet will be killing me in the morning. I went on a cruise and spent entire days poolside feeling good and having fun, then ventured out to the beach for the first time in 20 years. <br> <br> I'm more comfortable doing presentations in front of large groups, which is a big part of my job, and I feel more sure of myself and love it when people tell me how happy and healthy I look. I actually ENJOY shopping for clothes, something I didn't think I'd ever say. I think I've taken more pictures (even a bunch of silly "selfies") in the last year than in the ten years before that, and then I don't mind showing them to other people! <br> <br> One of the best gifts, though, has been the opportunity to encourage other people who thought they would spend the rest of their lives overweight. Whether it's friends or coworkers who I take to an information session or someone on Facebook who just feels like they don't have any options, I love being able to tell them about the great experience that I've had and the hope I now have for my future. I'll forever be grateful to GBMC and everyone that makes it such a special place. I've been given the chance to live a longer, fuller life, and you can't put a price on that. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Eight years ago, Jake Rinnier's doctor told him that he needed to get serious about getting his weight under control. His blood pressure was out of control, he had developed Type 2 diabetes, and he was running out of options. His medications weren't working, so the next step was insulin shots. That's when his primary care physician suggested he look into GBMC's <a href="/node/2332" target="_blank"> Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP)</a>. <br> <br> At the time, he was going through three cases of soda a week and regularly indulged in fast food. His life revolved around eating. Jake said that he "would eat pretty much anything that wasn't weighed down." He couldn't find clothes that fit him and simply wasn't comfortable in his own skin. In his job as a landscaper, he couldn't fit into smaller spaces and got winded from pushing his wheelbarrow up a hill. His weight was affecting every part of his life and something had to give. <br> <br> </p> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/42bc8787f05a8053ed2da86e45b7e123.jpg" alt="Jake Rinnier"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/f8286c7d4e3225a53a02b183617f8329.jpg" alt="Jake Rinnier"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/ebbf605c4b15f20845fc34efa0e4adcb.jpg" alt="Jake Rinnier"> </div> </div> </div> <br> <br> Jake followed his doctor's advice and attended a <a href="https://gbmchealthcare.formstack.com/forms/weight_loss_information_session" target="_blank">COMP information session</a>. That changed everything for him. It wasn't the information that convinced him, although it was definitely helpful, it was the people with whom he connected. For Jake, seeing others’ success first hand was his tipping point. He finally felt like he wasn't alone and became inspired by the transformations that he saw. He decided to go for it. <br> <br> Now Jake's life is drastically different. He doesn't drink soda anymore — he doesn't even think to reach for it. He's working out three to four times a week and running multiple races a year. His energy and confidence levels are "through the roof," he's off all but one of his medications, and he finally feels comfortable with his body. Every day he's doing things he thought he would never be able to do. <br> <br> <div class="container-fluid" id="gallery"> <div class="leftside-stories-wrapper full-doc-list"> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/aa321bd26d845b8f48f5c942e6f52d5e.jpg" alt="Jake Rinnier"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/d4c2c5b140b5cfd1ad0c65b31f24cac9.jpg" alt="Jake Rinnier"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/89ec8dd856a6c47db053deab64c9fe74.jpg" alt="Jake Rinnier"> </div> <div class="gallery-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/66bc99244d521a7095efdf40bc6663f3.jpg" alt="Jake Rinnier"> </div> </div> </div> <br> <br> The support of his family and coworkers along with the encouragement from other patients in the program’s private support group greatly helped him through his transition. He found that although everyone in the group had different lives, they were all having similar experiences. He has made friends with many of the people that he's met through COMP and they continue to support each other years after surgery. <br> <br> Jake's biggest advice to people who have any interest or questions in bariatric surgery is to attend an information session. For him, that's where it all began, and he will never go back. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aa_6naIdBRQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> If a place saves your life, you will do anything to pay them back. <br> <br> Just ask the Kaplans. <br> <br> Ken and Bonnie love each other, and they also love a place with the initials GBMC. ABC2 News’ Lamont Williams tells us that this couple is leaving quite a legacy when it comes to volunteering. </p>
