Community Spotlight: Cookeville Regional

The Cancer Center at Cookeville Regional brings an advanced level of cancer care to patients of the Upper Cumberland. The Cancer Center offers both medical and radiation oncology as well as clinical trials research and various supportive services — all in one convenient location. Our cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer for offering the best in oncology care. >>READ MORE

Roper St. Francis Health Care Offers Classes & Events for Cancer Care

Our Charleston Area community member, Roper St. Francis Health Care, offers a variety of upcoming classes and events that will provide additional support for local cancer patients. Checkout their page for dates and signup information. >>READ MORE

FirstHealth of the Carolinas Offers Clinical Trial Programs

FirstHealth Carolinas SCOR Member site

While FirstHealth of the Carolinas has earned widespread acclaim as a national leader in community health, Sandhills residents may not know of a superpower within the system that offers opportunities for patients in the region and worldwide: its extensive

“FirstHealth offers a wide array of clinical trials that far exceeds the average for regional medical centers,” said Charles S. Kuzma, M.D., institutional principal investigator of clinical trials at FirstHealth of the Carolinas. “Patients who choose to participate in a research treatment opportunity at FirstHealth gain access to new, state-of-the-art treatments before they are widely available to the public. On a broader level, the advances in medicine we enjoy worldwide today are thanks in part to clinical trials as part of medical research.” >>read more

Physician Spotlight: Jeffrey DeLo, MD

Today we would like to feature Dr. Jeffrey DeLo, an Oncologist with AnMed Health Oncology and Hematology Specialists.

Dr. DeLo is from Morgantown, West Virginia and graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University with a degree in Political Science. Putting this degree to good use, he next graduated from the West Virginia School of Medicine in 1993. He completed a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in 1999. He has board certifications in Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology, and Hospice/Palliative Care Medicine. His wife, Larissa, is a dentist and they have four children. Once upon a time, Dr. DeLo was the drummer in a band that opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers (before they were famous). He attempts to play golf and tennis. He also is an aspiring blues pianist.

Dr. DeLo has an excellent office nurse, Candice Dill, and Nurse Practitioner, Carla Holmes, who are just now beginning to grasp the nuances of his sense of humor. His office decor can be best described as “cluttered antique store.”

We are very grateful to have Dr. DeLo, and his team, on staff with us at AnMed Health! He is a wonderful asset to our team and does a great job caring for his patients.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor if You’re Thinking of Enrolling in a Clinical Trial

If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial, be sure to ask your doctor, “Is there a clinical trial that I can join?” If your doctor offers you a trial, here are some questions you may want to ask.

Questions about the Trial

  • What is the purpose of the trial?
  • Why do the researchers believe that the treatment being studied may be better than the one being used now? Why may it not be better?
  • How long will I be in the trial?
  • What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?
  • How will the doctor know if the treatment is working?
  • How will I be told about the trial’s results?
  • How long do I have to make up my mind about joining this trial?
  • Who can I speak with about questions I have during and after the trial?
  • Who will be in charge of my care?
  • Is there someone I can talk to who has been in the trial?

Questions about Risks and Benefits

  • What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?
  • What are the possible benefits?
  • How do the possible risks and benefits of this trial compare to those of the standard treatment?

Questions about Your Rights

  • How will my health information be kept private?
  • What happens if I decide to leave the trial?

Questions about Costs

  • Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
  • What costs will my health insurance cover?
  • Who pays if I’m injured in the trial?
  • Who can help answer any questions from my insurance company?

Questions about Daily Life

  • How could the trial affect my daily life?
  • How often will I have to come to the hospital or clinic?
  • Will I have to stay in the hospital during the clinical trial? If so, how often and for how long?
  • Will I have to travel long distances?
  • Will I have check-ups after the trial?

Questions about Comparing Choices

  • What are my other treatment choices, including standard treatments?
  • How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?
  • What will happen to my cancer without treatment?

from: www.cancer.gov