At CalvertHealth, we're dedicated to bringing you the best in cancer care. The cancer program at CalvertHealth allows patients to stay closer to home, work and family while receiving treatment. At the same time, our patients can feel confident about the quality of care we provide.

What is a Support Group?

It is a gathering of people having a similar experience in life for which they want to have the opportunity to discuss what they are going through, and obtain information and support.

Who attends the Cancer Support Group?

Patients currently receiving treatment for all types of cancer, patients who have recently completed treatment for all types of cancer, and their loves ones are welcome to attend the Cancer Support Group

Who leads the Cancer Support Group?

A licensed clinical social worker leads the Cancer Support Group.

Is there a fee involved?

There is no fee required to attend the Cancer Support Group.

To register call 410-535-8722.

Breathe Easier.
Learn Your Lung Cancer Risks.

Early lung cancer shows no signs or symptoms, but if caught early, is it often treatable.

If you or someone in your family is a current or former smoker, you probably worry about their cancer risk. Calvert’s new lung health program is here to help you breathe easier.

Whether you are a current smoker, a previous smoker or even a non-smoker who has been exposed to environmental toxins or secondhand smoke, your lung health matters.

For more information, contact the Lung Health Program by calling 410-286-7992.

Our new lung health program provides:

• Expanded tobacco cessation resources and initiatives
• A dedicated Lung Nurse Navigator to answer any questions you may have, any step of the way
• A lung cancer screening (low dose CT scan) through CalvertHealth Medical Imaging Center
• A multidisciplinary team approach for all of our patients, to include a lung patient care conference comprised of medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and interventional radiologists, area pulmonologists and lung surgeons.

CT scan, you must:

• Be between the ages of 55-77
• Have a ‘30 pack’ smoking history (means that they smoked one pack a day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years, etc.)
• Be a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years

At CalvertHealth we use the latest technology to produce superior, in-depth images that result in a more comprehensive diagnosis. Most services are provided on the main hospital campus in Prince Frederick, however, some radiology and laboratory services are available at our satellite locations in Dunkirk and Solomons.

We offer the latest in:

• Cystoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Laboratory Services
• Radiology including
  • CT
  • MRI
  • P.E.T
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Mammography

The Gynecologic Oncology Center at CalvertHealth is a collaborative effort with Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore The center, the first of its kind in our region, offers women in Southern Maryland the opportunity to be expertly treated for cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers close to home. Dr. Hyung Ryu, fellowship-trained in gynecologic oncology, is the medical director.

Dr. Ryu earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine where he also completed his residency in obstetrics & gynecology. His fellowship in gynecologic oncology was completed at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis. Dr. Ryu has extensive training in leading edge laparoscopic techniques used for the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive tract. He actively participates in research concerning evolving surgical techniques, as well as effective options for expanded chemotherapy regimens with the hope of improving outcomes for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers.

Dr.Ryu sees patients at CalvertHealth one day per month. Some surgeries are performed at Calvert. However, when a patient's condition requires a more complex procedure, they may be treated at Mercy. In that case, their pre-op and follow-up care can still be done at CalvertHealth.

The Gynecologic Oncology Center is located in Suite 112 of the CalvertHealth Medical Office Building in Prince Frederick (next to the hospital). For more information or to make an appointment, call 410-535-8272.

CalvertHealth's Infusion Therapy Center combines warm, personalized care with the latest technology. Situated in a bright and spacious suite in CalvertHealth, the center is designed to provide the utmost in comfort and convenience.

The space dedicated for this service allows for more privacy and faster service. The unit includes eight reclining chairs, individual TVs, piped-in music, and its own separate blood draw and testing station for oncology patients. A separate area is provided for private consultations with a dietitian, nurse or social worker.

In the Infusion Therapy Center, we've brought together a team of skilled professionals who provide our cancer patients with comprehensive care and genuine caring. Our team includes three full-time medical oncologists.

They're backed by a lineup of highly qualified healthcare providers, including diagnostic radiology, surgery, radiation oncology, plastic surgery, pathology, nursing and counseling. This "team approach" means that you can access the services you need in the most convenient, timely way.

A 16-member committee oversees our cancer program. They review patient care evaluations, reports from the CalvertHealth and Maryland tumor registries and quality assurance reports. The tumor registry at CalvertHealth tracks the care of cancer patients from their initial visit and continues to monitor their after care.

For more information about the Infusion Therapy Center at CalvertHealth, call 410-535-8276 or 301-855-1012, ext. 8276.

CalvertHealth currently has three medical oncologists on the active medical staff. You will develop a close relationship with your oncologist, so be sure to select someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident. You should also discuss your options with your primary physician or surgeon. Often they can recommend a doctor who they feel will meet your individual needs. Our physicians also work closely with many of the surgeons and oncologists at the tertiary care centers. Even if you have a complex procedure that must be performed at an academic medical center,still get your follow-up care here, close to home.

A vital element of the CalvertHealth Cancer Program is the emphasis on public awareness, particularly the importance of cancer prevention and early detection. In addition to educational programs, we offer free prostate and skin cancer screenings throughout the year. Our Woman's Wellness program offers women who qualify free care (PAP test and mammogram) through the Maryland Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. We offer Freedom from Smoking classes providing support, education and tools to quit smoking and our "Tobacco Road Show" is a 50-minute interactive demonstration educating our youth about the dangers of teen smoking.

For more information on Cancer Outreach programs, call our KeepWell Center at 410-535-8233 or 301-855-1012 ext. 8233.

CalvertHealth has joined forces with local and metropolitan hospitals to offer you the highest quality radiation therapy available today, close to home. The Chesapeake Potomac Regional Cancer Center is a joint venture between CalvertHealth, Civista Health and St. Mary's Hospital that make up the Chesapeake Potomac Heathcare Alliance and Maryland Regional Cancer Care which includes Adventist HealthCare and Holy Cross Hospital.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and the center's sophisticated technology offers unprecedented precision in cancer treatment. Now it is possible to treat tumors with higher doses of radiation while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

The center's radiation oncologists are well regarded for their expertise, dedication and commitment to providing the finest radiation oncology care. They work with your primary physician or medical oncologist to provide coordinated, comprehensive cancer care that is precisely tailored to your unique needs.

Two convenient locations feature flexible hours to fit busy schedules, ample parking and friendly, welcoming staff. One is at 3007 Business Center Drive in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. Free transportation is available daily to and from the center. For more information, call 301-884-2508. The other is at 11340 Pembrooke Square, Suite 201, Waldorf , Maryland. For more information, call 301-705-5802. The two sites are electronically linked so that a patient's medical record is accessible at both locations.

Choosing a Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon is clearly a very important decision. Often your primary physician or your oncologist can refer you to a surgeon they recommend. Calvert Memorial also offers a physician referral line and an on-line physician locator. You can use these services to find out about the training and educational background of the surgeons on our active staff.

Check out our Provider Directory.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your surgeon:

Are you board certified?
How many years have you been in practice?
How many of these procedures have you done?
Where did you go to medical school?
Where did you do your residency training?

Most importantly, you should feel comfortable with your doctor. You should be able to ask questions and feel confident that you understand the process. You can reach the CalvertHealth physician referral line at 1-888-906-8773.

When the diagnosis is cancer, making the right decisions about care can be complex and intimidating. You are probably wondering "How will I get through this? Who should I see for my care? What resources are available? Which treatment is best for me?"

It's our job to support you through the treatment process and make sure you have access to the resources you need. Our multi-disciplinary approach to care means you have a full spectrum of services available to you. We are here to help.

We also have a Cancer Resource Center, located in the outpatient concourse, right outside the Infusion Center. You will find patient education and resource materials, selected cancer-related books, a TV/VCR for viewing videos of interest and a computer with links to other cancer sites. It is open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and other times by appointment.

Home Health

The Chesapeake Potomac Home Health Agency, Inc. is a full service organization providing quality home health care to the residents of Southern Maryland. It is owned and operated by the Chesapeake-Potomac Healthcare Alliance (CalvertHealth, St. Mary's Hospital, Civista Medical Center).

The agency is licensed and certified by Medicare/Medicaid and offers a continuum of services including nursing, physical, speech and occupational therapy, medical social work and home health aides.

Their goal is helping patients achieve their greatest level of health while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Call 1-800-656-4343 for more information.

Nutrition Services

At CalvertHealth, we understand the special dietary needs of our cancer patients. We have dietitians dedicated to caring for and advising patients undergoing cancer care. We provide dietitian counseling and nutritional assessment. You can make arrangements to talk with a dietitian by calling 410-535-8233.

Certain chemotherapy drugs and especially those used in combination can cause nausea and vomiting. Sometimes it happens right after treatment. With others it can occur later. In the last few years, newer, more effective medicines have been developed that can provide significant relief.

The best way to treat nausea and vomiting is to prevent them from occurring. There are several things you can do to help. First and most importantly, be sure to take your medication as prescribed.

Here are some other suggestions:

• Eat small meals through the day to keep from feeling too full and prevent a prolonged empty stomach.
• Avoid drinking liquids at mealtimes to prevent feeling full. Limit fluids to one hour before or after eating.
• Avoid eating sweets or fried or fatty foods.
• Eat slowly.
• Drink all fluids slowly.
• Relax and chew your food well.
• Eat dry foods, such as toast, crackers or dry cereal to ease an upset stomach, especially in the morning before or after activity.
• Do not lie down flat for at least two hours after eating.
• Rest after eating.
• Salty foods, such as pretzels or salted crackers, may help control nausea.
• Tart foods, such as lemons, may help control nausea.
• Try to avoid the smell of foods when you are not eating. Ventilate your home, especially the kitchen.

For Cancer Care, Call Calvert First.

Pastoral Care

The Department of Pastoral Care serves the spiritual needs of patients and their families. To request a visit, call extension 8249 or tell your nurse that you would like to see a clergy person.

The medical center chapel, located off the front lobby in the outpatient concourse, is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation phase of any illness or injury is just as important as the initial treatment. The Rehabilitation Services Department at CalvertHealth offers a wide range of therapies on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Our physical and occupational therapists are licensed/registered in their specialty. They work closely with each other and our physicians to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate and highest level of care.

Our physical therapists provide:

• Amputation and prosthetic management
• Muscular/skeletal pain management
• Orthopedic and back rehabilitation
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Reconditioning and strengthening
• Wound care
• Crutch training

Our occupational therapists provide:

• Adaptations and compensatory training for daily tasks
• Arthritis management
• Energy conservation/joint protection training
• Hand and upper extremity rehabilitation and splinting
• Self care and daily activity retraining
• Wheelchair and seating recommendations

Ongoing outpatient physical therapy (including aquatic therapy) can be provided by Calvert Physical Therapy & Sports Fitness Centers, which are affiliated with CalvertHealth.

Calvert Physical Therapy has five convenient locations in Calvert County: Dunkirk, Chesapeake Beach, Prince Frederick North, Prince Frederick South and Solomons.

Your Cancer Team

Cancer Care Coordinator:
An experienced, oncology certified RN with advanced training in cancer care. She works closely with patients and families to coordinate all aspects of care.

Medical Oncologist:
The doctor who plans your chemotherapy treatment, directs your care and monitors your ongoing status.

Cancer Specialists:
Physicians such as gastroenterologists and urologists who diagnose and treat specific cancers like colorectal or prostate.

Surgeon:
The doctor who performs your surgical procedures (biopsy, bowel resection, ostomy) and helps coordinate your care. Board-certified plastic surgeons are available to perform breast reconstruction, if needed.

Anesthesiologist:
The doctor who administers the medicine to put you to sleep or numb the area on which you will be operated.

Pathologist:
The doctor who examines the tissue removed during colonoscopy or surgery to evaluate malignancies and other characteristics.

Case Manager:
The social worker or nurse who discusses what to expect during your hospital stay and sets up support services for when you get home.

Radiation Oncologist:
The doctor who oversees your radiation treatment.

Clinical Pharmacist:
The pharmacist who works with the medical oncologist to plan chemotherapy regimens for cancer patients in the Infusion Therapy Center.

Infusion Nurse:
Registered nurses who are experienced and skilled professionals with extensive training in infusion therapy and chemotherapy administration.

Oncology Social Worker:
Highly trained and licensed specialists in both case management and counseling available to help patients facing a life-threatening illness.