Texas Oncology

Don’t let a busy schedule or lack of symptoms deter you from scheduling an annual well-woman visit. These exams include routine check-ups and screenings for gynecologic cancers. Early detection is essential to preventing the spread of cancer in the body. Learn more about the importance of well-women and gynecologic exams here: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/news/2024/the-importance-of-well-woman-visits-for-gynecologic-cancer-prevention

Join us in welcoming these two new physicians to the Texas Oncology network:
⭐Oluchukwu Oluoha, M.D., Texas Oncology–Baytown and Pasadena
⭐Ioannis Konstantinidis, M.D., Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–El Paso Gateway
Learn more about these physicians and their passion for oncology: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/meet-our-new-physicians

When temperatures peak this summer, make sure you are staying cool and hydrated. Being hydrated can help mitigate cancer treatment side effects like nausea. Learn more about the importance of hydration: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/news/2024/beat-the-heat-hydration-essentials-for-cancer-patients

"Trust in your ability to navigate this new chapter of your life with courage and grace," shares Jackie Castillo, LCSW, Texas Oncology–McKinney. Listen to her guided meditation “Working Through a Cancer Diagnosis” to relax your mind and body after you or a loved one receives a diagnosis.

https://guided-meditations-everybody-has-a-story.simplecast.com/episodes/working-through-a-cancer-diagnosis-dIjgd_Vu

The hot weather might keep you indoors, but your wellness journey doesn’t need to pause. Simple activities like indoor walking or light resistance exercises can be done comfortably at home, helping you stay active and positive this summer. Do you have any favorite at-home workouts? Share with us in the comments.

Cancer treatments can impact appetite, taste, digestion, and overall energy. However, maintaining a healthy diet can help bring back some much-needed strength. Discover these small changes and tips you can use to ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/news/2024/understanding-the-eating-and-nutrition-challenges-faced-by-cancer-patients

A cancer diagnosis shouldn’t stop you from living your life, but it may require you to make some changes.

Download this journal prompt centered on navigating grief during cancer and how to reconnect with the people, places, or things you miss:https://www.texasoncology.com/getmedia/88655a49-0614-44ea-8549-02b8fd9ed35c/Prompt_02_DiagnosisGrief.pdf

Due to severe weather conditions from Hurricane Beryl, some Texas Oncology locations will be impacted. The safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority. Please follow updates on closures and delayed openings today here:
https://www.texasoncology.com/important-notifications

From Greece to Houston to the next frontier, Ted Voloyiannis, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, Texas Colon & Re**al Specialists–Webster performed a groundbreaking remote simulated surgery in space.

Check out this episode from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Houston We Have a Podcast to hear more about this monumental achievement.

Robotic Surgery in Space - NASA A payload developer and surgeon discuss testing a robotic surgery technology demonstration aboard the International Space Station. HWHAP Episode 339.

Sarcomas account for about 1% of adult cancers and about 15% of childhood cancers. This rare cancer type can sometimes be difficult to detect in the early stages. Discover the signs and symptoms to look for with soft tissue sarcoma and bone cancer here: https://www.texasoncology.com/cancer-blood-disorders/cancer-facts/sarcoma

We are excited to welcome Parth K. Shah, M.D., to Texas Urology Specialists–Fort Worth Clearfork. Learn more about Dr. Shah and his inspiration to practice urology:
https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/meet-our-new-physicians/2024/welcome-parth-shah-to-texas-urology-specialists%E2%80%93fort-worth-clearfork

"Take a moment to think about the people who have supported you during your cancer journey," shares Breana Mobley, LMSW, Texas Oncology–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.

Reflect on how you can express your appreciation toward those you love by listening to our "Gratitude" guided meditation today: https://guided-meditations-everybody-has-a-story.simplecast.com/episodes/gratitude-2azfejiz-RUnCH0YL

Summer is in session! No matter how you plan to celebrate, it's important to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Learn how to lower your risk of skin cancer and stay safe in the sun this season: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/news/2022/four-myths-of-summer-sun-safety-debunked

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and sometimes you don't know how to start processing the information.

Download this journal prompt centered on “Understanding” before your next appointment to reflect on questions about your diagnosis and treatment plan.https://www.texasoncology.com/getmedia/12ea77ca-2930-4a86-9cee-2c31e432ae48/Prompt_01_Understanding.pdf

Alice Rostkowski, vice president of Houston Collie Rescue, felt overwhelmed and confused after receiving a diagnosis of stage II breast cancer. With no immediate family history of cancer, she looked for direction on where to go next. Chemotherapy was challenging, and her doctor, Jorge Darcount, M.D., MHCM, Texas Oncology – Houston Medical Center and Sugar Land, thought Alice was an ideal candidate for an upcoming clinical trial – Flamingo-01.

“Texas Oncology is a leader in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials in Texas, paving the way for new breakthroughs in cancer care,” says Dr. Darcourt.

“I feel so lucky to have received the call from Dr. Darcourt to be a part of this innovative clinical trial right here in my own community,” says Alice. “I’m ready to move on and get healthier…take advantage of every medical opportunity you are offered.”

Learn more about Alice’s journey, participating in clinical trials, and the innovative research taking place at Texas Oncology: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/texas-oncology-news-hub/2024/her2-breast-cancer-survivor-%E2%80%98i-feel-lucky-to-be-part-of-a-clinical-trial%E2%80%99

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? More than 56% of cancer patients say they were unprepared for the mental side effects of their diagnosis.

Texas Oncology's social work team created guided meditations and journal prompts to support your self-care before, during, and after treatment. Access the free meditations, prompts, and additional resources here:

https://www.texasoncology.com/everybody-has-a-story

Have the men in your life visited the doctor recently? According to the CDC, men have a higher rate than women of receiving a fatal cancer diagnosis. Encourage the men in your life to prioritize screenings this .

Learn more about the tactics men can implement today to reduce their risk of cancer and promote overall wellness: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/texas-oncology-news-hub/2024/five-strategies-for-men-to-combat-their-cancer-risk-today

Let's give a warm welcome to our newest addition to Texas Oncology:
⭐Esther Han, D.O., FACS, FACOS, Texas Urology Specialists–Arlington

Learn more about Dr. Han and what she has learned about the resilience of the human spirit: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/meet-our-new-physicians/esther-han

Phillip A. Kovoor, M.D., Texas Oncology–Plano West and William F. McNamara, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Medical City Dallas worked together to save the life and artistic spirit of James E. Masch after being diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

“Mr. Masch refused to be muted. Instead, he picked up a different kind of instrument and began to write his own story,” Dr. McNamara said.

Read more about Mr. Masch’s journey as an artist and Texas Oncology patient: https://www.texasoncology.com/patient-stories/james-e-masch

Oncology nurses are at the heart of patient care for Texas Oncology. Join us in celebrating these dedicated nurses this by sharing your gratitude in the comments.

We recognize the researchers and participating patients who are helping advance and develop new treatments this .

“By taking part in these [clinical] trials, patients can contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of cancer research,” said Scott Paulson, M.D., medical director of research at Texas Oncology, and co-chair of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Research committee with Sarah Cannon Research Institute. “Their involvement helps develop more effective treatments and improved outcomes for future patients.”

Learn more about the importance of clinical trials by visiting: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/news/2024/navigating-hope

Montgomery Lax, a teacher and avid marathon runner, had to take a step back when she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of 30. She felt a weight of isolation and heaviness on her shoulders, but found community at the Texas Oncology–Austin Brain Tumor Center.

“Treatments for brain cancer affect every other part of your life,” shared Montgomery. Since receiving her diagnosis, she has completed the New York City Marathon and is looking forward to running the Chicago marathon later this year.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms for brain cancer here: https://www.texasoncology.com/cancer-blood-disorders/cancer-facts/brain-cancer

Congratulations to our outstanding physicians at Texas Oncology–Baytown and Texas Urology Specialists–Baytown who are chosen as Baytown’s Best by readers of The Baytown Sun.

👏 Pamela Medellin, M.D., Texas Oncology–Baytown and Pasadena
👏 Deepa Sash*tal, M.D., Ph.D., Texas Oncology–Baytown and Pasadena
👏 Tamer Dafashy, M.D., M.S., Texas Urology Specialists–Baytown and Webster

Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer with potential reoccurrence, is expected to cause approximately 8,290 deaths in 2024. Texas Oncology is participating in a clinical trial that focuses on reducing the risk of recurrence and improving cure rates.

Learn more about this clinical trial here: https://www.keranews.org/health-wellness/2024-04-22/vital-signs-skin-cancer-melanoma-keytruda

Close your eyes and inhale, then exhale. Meditation can happen anywhere and is proven to address anxiety, cognitive issues, and depression.

Discover more benefits associated with the simple practice of meditation: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/news/2024/the-benefits-of-meditation

Spending time outside can be beneficial for a patient's mental and physical health.

Here are local parks you can explore this week.
🌲McKinney Falls State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin
🍃Memorial Park Conservancy, Houston
🌳Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco
🪨Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife, Fredericksburg

Learn more about the benefits of getting outdoors here: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/news/2023/spending-time-in-the-outdoors

Join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest physicians:
⭐ Thomas Tucker, M.D., Texas Oncology–Kerrville
⭐ Jade Anderson, M.D., Texas Oncology–Amarillo Cancer Center

Discover what inspired these two to specialize in cancer care: https://www.texasoncology.com/who-we-are/meet-our-new-physicians