2016 Fall Edition
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Laurence J Heifetz, MD, FACP
Welcome to our inaugural issue of Tahoe Cancer News. In the ten years since we started providing hematology and oncology services in this community we have been honored to be your doctors. Your trust in us is not taken for granted, and we hope to continue to earn that trust everyday.
Melissa Kaime, MD, FACP
The immune system is a wonderfully complex system that protects us in many ways. We all know it protects us from infection but it also stands guard against the beginnings of cancer that develop in our bodies. New cancer cells get destroyed by our immune system before we ever know it. But cancer cells are smart and the really smart ones have w
Kirk Ditterich, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist
When I first meet with a patient or caregiver, I often just say, “I’m here if you’re in a tough spot—someone to talk to.” When people can safely talk about their fears, they become less frightened and feel a sense of relief.
Karen Aaron, RN, BSN, OCN, CN, BN
As a Nurse Navigator, my goal is to assistwith a patient’s overwhelming process of a cancer diagnosis, to help coordinate their care and be a point person so they can receive the best care possible. Many patients are unfamiliar with the healthcare system and don’t know what to do next, or who to go to.
Dr. Thomas Semrad, MD, MAS, FACP Medical Oncologist and Hematologist
The Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center welcomes Thomas J. Semrad, MD, MAS, FACP, Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.
Exercise for Energy: One on One
Michelle Larson, MP, CLT-LANA, CET-ACSM, Physical Therapy
I'm super excited to bring personal one-on-one consultations to our cancer patients. I will meet you where you are, whether in the infusion chair or elsewhere at the Cancer Center, whether you are just beginning treatment or finishing care. You don’t have to go to another building or schedule an additional appointment—I’ll come to you.
Fiber Facts
Heather Lutz, MS, RD, CSO, Medical Nutrition Therapist
When cancer touches our lives, eating a healthy diet becomes more of a priority. As a cancer center dietitian, I help people eat to fuel the fight and help them determine how eating well translates to food choices and meal plans that fit into a busy life.
Ashley Connor, Receptionist
Ashley Connor is one of the first smiles you see when you walk into our Cancer Center. Here, she shares a few thoughts about why she loves her job as receptionist.