Rae Norrod, MS, RN, AOCN^®, CNS is the clinical nurse specialist for Cancer Services at Kettering Medical Center. She is a graduate of Kettering College of Medical Arts and Andrews University. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Wright State University, specializing in Adult Health and Illness, and is a certified advanced practice oncology nurse.

She has more than 20 years' experience in cancer care, including staff nurse, charge nurse and staff educator positions at Kettering Medical Center, Clinical Instructor for Kettering College of Medical Arts, and Cancer Clinical Trials Research Nurse for the Dayton Clinical Oncology Program. She currently holds several positions with the Oncology Nursing Society, including Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Trainer, peer-reviewer for the Oncology Nursing Forum, and member of the Education Advisory Council.

She is a frequent speaker on cancer-related topics at Kettering Medical Center and in the community. She is available to assist patients and families as well as healthcare professionals and the public with questions about cancer, treatments, and support groups or other resources. You may reach Rae by calling the KMC Cancer Services office at 937-395-8115.

Sharon Kershner, MS, RN, Certified Breast Health Navigator / Breast Care Coordinator. Specializing in breast cancer, Sharon is available to assist patients and their families navigate the sometimes overwhelming road to recovery, providing individualized breast cancer education and support. She is a graduate of the MVH School of Nursing, Andrews University, and Walden University, with over 30 years of expertise in the care of individuals with cancer. Collaboration with physicians and other disciplines within the healthcare setting allows comprehensive care for the patient through his/her journey with breast cancer. As co-facilitator and instructor of the Kettering Health Network breast cancer support groups and education classes, further support and education is provided to individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those who are long term survivors.

She is an active member of the Breast Cancer Task Force of Greater Miami Valley, proactively involved with breast cancer awareness education within the community, nationally certified in oncology nursing, a member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers, and holds a national certification as an Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Trainer.

The Breast Health Navigator can be reached at (937) 298-3399, ext. 57593.

Karen Pelfrey, MS, RN, OCN, CHPN Certified Breast Health Navigator is a Breast Care Coordinator for KHN’s Cancer Services Department. She is available to provide education and support to anyone who has received a breast cancer diagnosis or would like information about breast health. She is a graduate of Kettering College of Medical Arts, Andrews University, and Walden University. Karen has over 18 years of oncology experience including 15 years on a medical-oncology floor and experience as the Oncology Outreach Coordinator with a focus on prevention and early detection of cancer. In addition, she has experience in hospice and emergency care. She is nationally certified in Oncology and Hospice and Palliative care, and is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society in the West Central Ohio Chapter.

She is a co-facilitator for SOAR, KHN’s support group for breast cancer survivors and co-instructor for the Navigating the Breast Cancer Journey classes. She is chair of the local Breast Cancer Task Force and a member of the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

(937) 298-3399 ext. 57404 or pager 334-1697.

Tammy Fanz, BSN, RN, OCN. is the Community Outreach Coordinator for KMC's Cancer Services. She completed her nursing education at Wright State University and previously graduated from Kettering College of Medical Arts with a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, a nursing honor society and received an academic award from this organization while attending Wright State University.

Tammy has 8 years of experience in cancer care including positions as staff nurse, pediatric oncology research coordinator, and as a Clinical Trials Research nurse for the Dayton Clinical Oncology Program (DCOP). She received the DCOP nurse of the year award in 2005. Tammy also is a facilitator for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Support Group at KMC. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and holds a national certification as an Oncology Certified Nurse. Tammy is an active member of the Breast Cancer Task Force of the Greater Miami Valley and is involved with breast cancer prevention education within the community.

Tammy is available to provide cancer prevention and early detection education and programs to the community. You may reach Tammy by calling the KMC Cancer Services office at 937-395-8115

From left to right Peggy Kent, RHIT - Lori A. Nay, RHIT, CTR - Janice S. Morath, RHIT

2006 Site Specific Review 2005 Site Specific Review 2004 Site Specific Review 2003 Site Specific Review

Fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons. The tumor registry is a data system for the collection, management and analysis of data on persons diagnosed with malignant and some benign tumors. Local, state and national cancer agencies use registry data in defined areas to make important public health decisions that maximize the effectiveness of limited public health funds, such as the placement of screening programs. Cancer registries are valuable research tools for those interested in the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Fundamental research on the epidemiology of cancer is initiated using the accumulated data. Health care facilities report cancer cases to the central or state cancer registry as required by law. As an American College of Surgeons approved cancer program, the Kettering Health Network tumor registry submits data to the NCDB. The National Cancer Data Base (ncdb) is a nationwide oncology outcomes database used as a clinical surveillance mechanism to monitor changes and variation in patterns of cancer care and patient outcomes.

Jacob Locke, M.D., Medical Director, Department of Radiation Oncology, completed his training at Washington University and attended medical school at Boston University, Boston, MA. He is Board Certified in Radiation Oncology and specializes in the treatment of breast, prostate, lung and brain tumors. Dr. Locke has specialized training in breast and prostate brachytherapy using both high and low dose radiation, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), intravascular brachytherapy and Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

Radiation oncologists are physicians who oversee your radiation therapy treatments. They work with the other members of the radiation therapy team to develop your treatment plan and ensure that each treatment is given accurately. Your radiation oncologist will also monitor your progress and adjust treatment as necessary to make sure the radiation is properly targeted to your tumor while minimizing side effects. Before, during and after your radiation therapy treatments, your radiation oncologist works closely with other cancer doctors, such as medical oncologists and surgeons, to optimize your treatment.

Radiation oncologists have graduated college and medical school followed by one year of general medical training, and four years of residency or specialty training in radiation oncology. They have extensive training in cancer medicine and the safe use of radiation. After passing extensive testing following residency training, radiation oncologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology.

Radiation oncology nurses work together with radiation oncologists and radiation therapists to care for you and your family during your radiation treatments. They will explain the possible side effects you may experience and describe how you can manage them. They will assess how you are doing throughout treatment and will help you cope with the changes you may experience. They will also provide support and counseling to you and your family.

Radiation therapists work with radiation oncologists to administer the daily radiation treatment under the doctor's prescription and supervision. They maintain daily records and regularly check the treatment machines to make sure they are working properly.

Radiation therapists go through a two-to-four-year educational program following high school or college. They take a special examination and are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. In addition, many states such as Ohio, require radiation therapists to be licensed.

Qualified medical physicists work directly with the radiation oncologist during treatment planning and delivery. They oversee the work of the dosimetrist and help ensure that complex treatments are properly tailored for each patient. Medical physicists are responsible for developing and directing quality control programs for equipment and procedures. Their responsibility also includes making sure the equipment works properly by taking precise measurements of the radiation beam and performing other safety tests on a regular basis.

Dosimetrists carefully calculate the dose of radiation to make sure the tumor gets enough radiation. Using computers, they work to develop a number of treatment plans that can best destroy the tumor while sparing normal tissue. Since treatment plans are often very complex, dosimetrists work with the radiation oncologist and the medical physicist to choose the treatment plan that is right for you.

Many dosimetrists start as radiation therapists and then, with very intensive training, become dosimetrists. Others are graduates of one- to two-year dosimetry programs. They are certified by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.

You may work with a number of other healthcare professionals while undergoing radiation therapy. These specialists ensure that all of your physical and psychological needs are met during your treatment.

• Social Workers are available to provide a variety of supportive services to you and your family. They can provide counseling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis of cancer and with your treatment. They may also help arrange for home healthcare and other services.
• Nutritionists or dietitians work with patients to help them maintain their diet during their treatments. They will help you modify your eating plan if the side effects of treatment are affecting your appetite, will determine what you can eat, and can provide recipes, menu suggestions and information on ready-to-use nutritional supplements. They address dietary issues and current developments that may affect cancer treatment outcomes.
• Physical Therapists use therapeutic exercises to ensure that your body functions properly while you are undergoing treatment. These exercises are used to help manage side effects, alleviate pain and keep you healthy.
• Dentists may be involved in the care of patients who are receiving radiation for oral or head and neck cancers. It is important that you have cleaning and examination of your teeth before receiving radiation to your mouth. For example, you may require extractions of teeth in poor condition and this should be completed before you begin radiotherapy typically - ask your doctor if you have questions about this. Your doctor may recommend that you have preventive dental work prior to radiation. They will also help you manage oral complications of cancer therapy, such as dry mouth. A dental hygienist may also perform these services under the supervision of a dentist.