A diagnosis of cancer can affect many areas of a person’s life, causing them to feel overwhelmed.Oncology social workers help patients access various non-medical services throughout their treatment journey. In this episode we explore the role of the oncology social worker and the ways in which they help patients and their families navigate the many emotional, social, and financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis. Guest Nicole Reitsma, LICSW, is an certified oncology social worker and part of the Minnesota Oncology social work team. With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology off ..read more

Cancer survivors can face many challenges including physical, psychological, and social issues related to their cancer treatment. The health needs of cancer survivors are different from those who have never faced a cancer diagnosis.  Survivor care focuses on monitoring for side effects of cancer treatments and improving your quality of life. In this episode, Kimberly Ness, APRN, CNS, discusses survivor care and the Survivorship Program at Minnesota Oncology. Kim helped pioneer survivorship at Minnesota Oncology over a decade ago and now leads the program for the practice. She shares what ..read more

As Lung Cancer Awareness Month continues, we talk to thoracic oncologist and surgeon Dr. Matthew Graczyk about what thoracic surgery entails. Thoracic Surgery, also known as chest surgery, may be used to diagnose or repair lungs affected by cancer, trauma or pulmonary disease. For lung cancer, your surgeon may remove nodules, tumors and lymph nodes to diagnose, stage and treat the disease. Dr. Graczyk explains the role of the thoracic surgeon, the risks and benefits of thoracic surgery. With more than a decade of thoracic oncology and surgery experience, Dr. Graczyk shares his passion for canc ..read more

Many women experience blood problems during pregnancy, including iron deficiency (or anemia). Iron is an essential for anyone, but it is really critical during pregnancy.  Iron is a component of hemoglobin, which is a substance in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs throughout your body. During pregnancy your blood volume increases by 50 percent, which requires a lot of iron.  When you are not replacing iron as quickly as your body is using it, you end up with a deficiency. If you are deficient in iron during pregnancy, it can cause premature labor or low birth w ..read more

Minnesota Oncology’s Dr. Uzma Ali discusses the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and “flu season” and what it means for cancer patients. As we approach the holidays, begin to spend more time indoors due to colder weather, what do those diagnosed with cancer and their families and caregivers need to know? Dr. Uzma Ali is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist with Minnesota Oncology. She sees patients at Minnesota Oncology’s Fridley Clinic. With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest evidence-based treatment paths, 12 close-to-home locatio ..read more

Oncology pharmacists serve an important role on the patient’s care team because much of cancer treatment is achieved with infused and oral medications. In this episode, Minnesota Oncology’s Director of Pharmacy and Admixture Services Paul Forsberg, PharmD, MHA, BCOP, and Pharmacy Manager Brian Meger, Pharm D, discuss the role of the oncology specialty pharmacy. Minnesota Cancer Care Pharmacy (MCCP) at Minnesota Oncology offers an in-depth knowledge of medications, pain management, and drug interactions, and the availability to review medications with each patient as well as assistance with ins ..read more

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. In this episode Dr. Emily Schafhauser from Minnesota Oncology and Dr. Bennett Clark from Livio Health share insights on advance care planning. Dr. Emily Schafhauser leads Minnesota Oncology’s Palliative Care program. Dr. Schafhauser is board certified in Hospice and Palliative Care and Internal Medicine, and has a special interest in caring for young adults with cancer. Dr. Bennett Clark is Livio Health’s Chief Medical Officer. He has a clinical background in internal medicine and hospital medicine. Prior to joining Livio, he served on faculty at ..read more

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is in April. In cancer and hematology care, lab visits can be frequent, and the laboratory staff are a critical part of a patient’s care team. As we recognize lab professionals, Patrice Vandelinde, Laboratory Supervisor at Minnesota Oncology, talks about the various roles in the lab. She shares insights on the advantages of onsite labs in cancer and hematology care, the types of tests performed in the lab, and accreditation and safety of the labs at Minnesota Oncology. With more than 100 cancer care providers, Minnesota Oncology offers access to the latest ..read more

Cancer survivors can face many challenges including physical, psychological, and social issues related to their cancer treatment. The health needs of cancer survivors are different from those who have never faced a cancer diagnosis.  Survivor care focuses on monitoring for side effects of cancer treatments and improving your quality of life. In this episode, Kimberly Ness, APRN, CNS, discusses survivor care and the Survivorship Program at Minnesota Oncology. Kim helped pioneer survivorship at Minnesota Oncology over a decade ago and now leads the program for the practice. She shares what ..read more

World Cancer Day is February 4th. Learn the 5 things you should do is you're diagnosed with cancer from expert Dr. Yang Liu. She details the best way for newly diagnosed cancer patients to take action and feel empowered. The American Cancer Society estimate that in the US in 2021, almost 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed, and those numbers may be even higher due to the fact that fears of contracting COVID kept people from getting cancer screenings. It's evident that extra education and support for cancer patients will be strongly needed in the upcoming months. Listen, Learn, and b ..read more