Megan's Story: From Sarcoma to Survivor

"When I came to the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) with stage 2 synovial sarcoma, I needed hope and I needed help. Dr. Kristy Weber treated my cancer in a way no one else could. She saved my leg and my life. Thanks to the sarcoma program at the ACC, I am a three-month cancer survivor.”  Megan Dychala, sarcoma cancer survivor

At 23, Megan Dychala was a former college soccer player who thought her nagging knee pain was a result of old injuries. She was young, active, and enjoying all that life had to offer her. But, in October, 2013 she got a phone call that would change her life.

Megan’s ongoing knee pain was in fact a tumor behind her knee. One day she was healthy and the next she was faced with a rare and aggressive cancer. Although statistics were against Megan, she knew she wouldn't let anything happen without a fight.

Luckily Megan found Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center and Kristy Weber, MD. While other hospitals said that amputation was her only chance for survival, Dr. Weber knew she could do better – treating Megan’s cancer, but also ensuring a good quality of life after treatment.

Megan shares her personal journey at the Abramson Cancer Center below.

 

My Sarcoma Story

My medical team worked with me to develop an aggressive treatment plan that included five and a half weeks of daily radiation followed by an intense surgery. Dr. Stephen Hahn was my rockstar of a radiation oncologist and took care of me every step of the way. Radiation left me burned and uncomfortable, but it is truly amazing how the skin recovers from so much trauma.

 

My leg after 3, 4, and 5.5 weeks of radiation treatment.

Finishing radiation and ringing the bell, surrounded by my family and the other cancer warriors there, was one of the best days of my life.

The surgery we opted for allowed me to keep my leg, but I would be sacrificing abilities. With so much reconstruction and working with nerves, there is no guarantee the leg will regain proper function. I was told I could never walk without a cane or walker and that I could need to wear a leg brace, possibly for the rest of my life, to support my foot. I was also told I could have limited mobility restricting things like driving and basic daily tasks.

The "what could bes" were daunting, but I trusted Dr. Weber and my vascular and plastic surgeon guru Dr. Stephen Kovach. Together, Drs. Weber and Kovach removed the back of my knee and rebuilt my leg through vascular, skin, and muscle grafts in a 14-hour surgery. I had a long road ahead of me, and a mountain of unknowns to climb.

Drs. Weber and Kovach's work was phenomenal. Less than six weeks after surgery, I was walking on my own two feet. I never had to use a cane or walker. I don't wear a leg brace. I drive my car, work out at the gym, and walk my dog. My leg function is improving everyday, and I see a 100 percent return in my future. This experience has taught me a lot, but most importantly, no matter how much the deck is stacked against you, or how grim the statistics look, you should always remember that you can be the one to improve the statistics.

A positive attitude goes an incredibly long way. I was diagnosed with a “one in a million cancer,” but now I am one more survivor. I owe this second chance at life to my amazing team at Penn Medicine and the Abramson Cancer Center.

Less than 4 months after diagnosis, I was celebrating being cancer free.

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Men's Health Monday: Colorectal Cancer

Approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancers are thought to be preventable. Other than skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis among men and women in the United States. Studies show that 1 in 20 Americans develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is the development of malignant tumors inan in the lining tissue of the colon. Most colon tumors begin when normal tissue forms a polyp, or pre-cancerous growth projecting from the wall of the colon. As the polyp grows, a tumor forms. Because the tumor grows slowly, early detection is possible through screening and tests.

Colon cancer is often combined with rectal cancer, which appears in the last several inches of the colon, and can collectively be referred to as “colorectal cancer.”

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

Some risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

• Over the age of 50
• Personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Inherited syndromes
• FAP – familial adenomatous polyposis
• HNPCC – hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer also known as Lynch syndrome
• Juvenile polyposis
• Peutz-Jegher
• MYH gene
• Racial and ethnic background – African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews
• Lifestyle factors
• Diet high in red meats and processed meats
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Type 2 diabetes

Screening and Prevention of Colon Cancer

Regular screening exams such as colonoscopies can prevent colorectal cancer.  During colonoscopies, any abnormal cells that begin as polyps can be found and removed before they become cancerous. Screening can also result in early detection of colorectal cancer when it is highly curable.

Screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 50 for those with no identified risk factor other than age. People with a family history or other risk factors should talk to their doctor about starting screening when they are younger.

If you have an early onset of colon polyps, colon cancer, or multiple family members with colon polyps or colon and uterine cancer, you should consider genetic counseling and testing. Genetic counselors can be contacted at Pennsylvania Hospital by calling 215-829-6528 or at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania by calling 215-349-8141.

Make an appointment for a colonoscopy at Penn

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Meet Dr. Kosteva, Hematologist-Oncologist at Penn Medicine Valley Forge

We'd like to welcome John A. Kosteva, MD to the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Valley Forge. Dr. Kosteva is a part of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Dr. Kosteva is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine. His practice will be in general hematology and oncology with a special emphasis on treating patients with lung cancer.

Prior to joining Penn Medicine, Dr. Kosteva practiced at Crozer Regional Cancer Center and has also been part of the medical staff at a variety of hospitals throughout the Philadelphia and South Jersey region. Dr. Kosteva received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital. He also completed a fellowship in Hematology/ Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center-Temple University Hospital.

The Lung Cancer Program at the Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine Valley Forge

Patients under the care of Penn’s Lung Cancer Program benefit from a multidisciplinary team of specialists and the resources of the Abramson Cancer Center, including internationally recognized specialists in pulmonology, pathology, oncology, radiation therapy and thoracic surgery who help provide the most advanced treatment options. 

Penn Medicine Valley Forge offers patients the very latest in radiation therapy, infusion, lab and pharmacy services--all in one convenient location. Patients also have access to the latest surgical and treatment options, like proton therapy and immunotherapy, at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Learn more about the lung cancer program at the Abramson Cancer Center. 

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Free Yoga Classes At Penn Medicine Valley Forge


Penn Integrative Medicine invites patients and caregivers to try yoga at Penn Medicine Valley Forge as a way to support the mind, body and spirit during and after treatment.

This free class is open to people on all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and is a very gentle and therapeutic yoga practice.

The practice of yoga during cancer treatment can be helpful on many levels--managing side effects of cancer, including nausea and fatigue. Yoga can also promote better sleep and deep relaxation through the simple act of breathing.

Join us in Valley Forge for Yoga

Days: Thursdays
Time: 1 to 2:15 pm
Location: Penn Medicine Valley Forge, Main Lobby Conference Room, 1001 Chesterbrook Boulevard, Berwyn, PA 19312

Participants will be asked to make a donation of their choice to Penn's Yoga Program for each class attended.

About Colleen Schoenhard

Yoga at Valley Forge is taught by Colleen Schoenhard, a nationally certified Yoga/Meditation Instructor with the Yoga Alliance, at the advanced level. Colleen has over twenty-five years of teaching experience. She is an inspiring and knowledgeable teacher whose personal yoga practice and meditation has led her to witness the powerful effects on herself and her students, some of whom suffer from MS, Crohn’s Disease, Gulf War syndrome, cancer, anxiety, depression, divorce, and loss. Yoga classes with Colleen are a nurturing, joyful integration of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of ourselves.

She studied at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, and the Amrit Yoga Institute with highly qualified, well-known teachers. She currently teaches Classic Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, and Integrative Relaxation (Yoga Nidra) in group classes, private sessions, and workshops in the Philadelphia area. For the last sixteen years, Colleen has taught in Narbeth, PA. She has served on several panels and taught yoga workshops at the Integrative Medicine Conferences at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Learn More

For more information, please contact Fern Nibauer-Cohen at 215.662.3919 or Fern.Nibauer-Cohen@uphs.upenn.edu.

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Cancer Is Not Winning - Why I am Riding the Ride to Conquer Cancer

Erica Voll is a social media marketer and blogger who is riding and raising money for the Abramson Cancer Center through the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer this October. In this blog, she writes about why she's riding to help researchers at Penn conquer cancer. 

Be sure to follow her blog, No Sleep 'til College and Instagram for updates on her training and the ride. 

I am tired of cancer winning.

I know cancer doesn't always "win." There have been amazing breakthroughs in cancer research that has led to better detection, more individualized treatments, and therapies that have led to many remissions.

But with every diagnosis, with every scare and with every scan, cancer interrupts lives. Rich, full lives filled with family, friends, and things still left to do and see all of the sudden seem too short.

In the past 10 years or so, I've met too many young people diagnosed with cancer.

A new mom who thought the lump in her breast was a clogged milk duct she got while breastfeeding.

A young mother of three who found a lump in her chest while in the shower getting ready to take her kids to school.

A father who had to find a way to tell his children he was very ill, and that the outlook was not good.

These are the stories that make me stop in my tracks, look around, and say, "What is going on here??? Why aren't we shouting from the rooftops,'We're tired of being bullied by horrible disease!'"

But when I look around, I see hope. I see the Abramson Cancer Center just over the bridge from my home in New Jersey. I see a place where the best and brightest cancer researchers are making strides in cancer, so that our bodies can fight smarter.

I see a place, where cancer isn't winning. I see a place where the super heroes are researchers, doctors, nurses and caregivers. I see a place where people with cancer aren't giving up.

I am so inspired by the work happening at the Abramson Cancer Center, I wanted to do what I could to support research there - I joined the Ride to Conquer Cancer®.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a 2-day, roughly 150-mile bike ride through the countryside (read: hilly) of Philadelphia's suburbs. Every dollar raised through the ride goes to cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Every dollar.

Won't you join me to help support cancer research?

The Ride to Conquer Cancer®

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer (RTCC)—an unforgettable and epic bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscape -towards one life-changing destination: to cure cancer. The ride isn't just for cyclists, it's for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer.

At two-days and 150+ miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to ride side by side with physicians, patients and families--raising serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.

The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.

Join Today

This event will be remarkable, bringing together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

Before the ride, you will have access to:

• Expert coaching
• Training rides in your area
• Personal web page for fundraising
• Helpful manual
• 2014 ride commemorative item

During the ride, participants will have access to:

• Event-day ride jersey
• Support along the route
• Catered meals
• Entertainment at camp
• Massage and medical care

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Ride to Conquer Cancer - Fundraising Tips

What would happen if we all came together on one day to make an incredible show of support for our loved ones who have been touched by cancer? Let's find out!

Epic Impact Day is today. One day with one very realistic goal: helping every rider in the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer® get at least one donation.

Get involved here.

Epic Impact Day Chat

To help every rider raise as much as they can for Epic Impact Day, the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer will host a social media fundraising chat today at 12 pm EST. Join us, to ask all your fundraising questions and be inspired by the efforts of our riders.

Just head to the Ride to Conquer Cancer Facebook page, or use #RTCCPA on Twitter to participate.

Tips for Fundraising

Ask
Think of the people you can ask, who won’t say no: family, friends, co-workers. Get that first donation to start momentum. You can do it! The sooner you get started, the easier it will be to reach beyond $2,500.

Organize
Write down the names of all of the people in your life: family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, family doctor, auto mechanic...don’t leave anyone out. You know a lot of people.

Email
After registering, you’ll receive a simple email template from us. You can use or adjust that language to your liking, then forward it to all of your contacts. They can click on a link in the email, taking them straight to your donation page, where they can give as much as they feel comfortable. Even better, personalize an email with the story about why you are committed to The Ride. Inspire your donors to support you.

Say thanks
Follow up with a phone call to everyone you emailed after a week to secure a donation, if they haven’t already donated online. Let them know their donation is appreciated--their generosity and your kindness helps extend the spirit and hope of this event.

You can also log in to your personal page online, where you will find emails already written, to send as follow ups and thank you's.

Expand Your Giving Circle
Reach people you’ve never met. Have everyone you email forward your donation request to their friends and family.

Use social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share your journey and encourage others to support you.

Have family and friends distribute donation forms for you and talk to their contacts about supporting your Ride.

Ask for Corporate Support
Ask your workplace to support your epic journey.

Ask management if your company will contribute to your Ride either through a donation or even donation matching. Don’t be afraid to ask big.

If co-workers express an interest in The Ride, form a corporate team with your company’s support. Everyone will raise more money, and it’s excellent for boosting camaraderie.

Customize Your Personal Page
Your Personal Page is an easy way to share why you’ve made the decision to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

- Post your photo, tell your story, update your fundraising goal, request donations, and keep track of your fundraising progress.

- Link to your Personal Page in emails and on social media

Riders who customize their pages raise on average 22% more those who don’t

Set Your Goals High
Though the minimum fundraising requirement is $2,500, the average participant raises more than $3,000. How much more can you raise?

Need one more good reason: there are incentives for fundraising, team-building, and other challenges. Remember, you are asking for money to help provide critical cancer research and your impact will be seen and felt.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer®

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer© (RTCC). For most riders, 150* miles over 2 days will be physically challenging. But all will find it to be a weekend that is incredibly rewarding — a chance to truly change the course of cancer research, riding side by side with our physicians, patients, and families, to raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer. The ride isn't just for cyclists, it's for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer. *exact route distance may vary by up to 30 miles

The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.

Join us

This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

Before the ride, you will have access to:

• Expert coaching
• Training rides in your area
• Personal web page for fundraising
• Helpful manual
• 2014 ride commemorative item

During the ride, participants will have access to:

• Event-day ride jersey
• Support along the route
• Catered meals
• Entertainment at camp
• Massage and medical care

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Men's Health Monday: Prostate Cancer

June is Men's Health Awareness Month. Each Monday in June, we are featuring articles about health issues important for men. Please share these posts with the men in your life.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. The prostate is small, about the size of a walnut, producing the fluid found in semen.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancerous, or malignant, cells form in the tissues of the prostate. It is the third most common cause of cancer death, in men over 75, though it is rarely found in men younger than 50.

Prostate Cancer Risk and Prevention

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, men who develop prostate cancer are more likely to have certain risk factors for the disease.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age. Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 50. The risk for prostate cancer increases as men get older .
• Family history. Men who have a brother or father with prostate cancer have a higher risk for prostate cancer.
• Race. Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than white men, and it occurs at an earlier age in African American men.

This does not mean men who have one or more of these factors will develop prostate cancer, but they should speak with a physician about their risk.

Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment

Men who have conditions that put them at risk for prostate cancer may benefit from consulting with their physician to determine their risk. If they are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, they may consider getting screened for prostate cancer.

Learn More About Prostate Cancer Treatment at Penn

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or an abnormal PSA, you're probably wondering what to do next. Look to Penn's Abramson Cancer Center for the most advanced cancer program in the region - and insights into all your options - including getting a second opinion for your prostate cancer treatment.

Our team will:

• help you understand your PSA levels and guide you towards the next steps you should take;
• ensure you have the most accurate diagnosis using advanced diagnostics;
• offer you the most advanced surgical and radiation treatment options – all in one place;
• answer your questions about the potential side effects of all your options;
• provide an unbiased opinion on your best treatment option.

Call 800-789-PENN (7366) to schedule a consultation with a Penn prostate cancer specialist.

Or, learn more about how we're changing the treatment options and lives of people with all forms of cancer, by finding the cure is within.

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