For Deborah Pirtle, R.N., cancer is personal. Deborah lost her brother to head and neck cancer when he was only 50 years old. According to Deborah, that experience gave her a unique perspective, because it put her in the caregiver role both inside and outside of the work setting. As a patient navigator with Norton…
Bradley Wilson’s journey to medical school started in the Norton Children’s Hospital emergency department when he was 13. Unable to walk, losing consciousness and with his skin grayish, Bradley was rushed by his parents to the emergency department. He was diagnosed with leukemia and started on a path toward recovery and, ultimately, his calling. Discovering…
Rhonda Walker, R.N., patient navigator with Norton Cancer Institute, has had a passion for working with patients with cancer since she attended nursing school. “The changes and advancements I have seen in oncology care are astounding,” Rhonda said. “I continue to be excited for what the future holds for our patients.” Rhonda has worked for…
The radiation oncology team at Norton Cancer Institute recently was granted reaccreditation in radiation therapy for a three-year term by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Radiation therapy uses radiation and advanced technology delivered precisely to treat cancer. Patients can rely on the ACR accreditation gold seal as an indicator of the highest level of…
A recent study shows a possible link between vaping and cancer, extending the trend’s dangers beyond a deadly pulmonary disease. The first study linking vaping to cancer found nearly 25% of mice developed lung cancer after 54 weeks of exposure to e-cigarette vapors containing nicotine. More than half the mice developed hyperplasia. A control group…
A diagnosis of breast cancer often comes as a shock, and adjusting to the news and coming to terms with treatment decisions are very difficult. A patient may go through a range of emotions, including disbelief, anger, anxiety and fear. While these are all natural responses, for some, the fear can be so extreme that…
Chandler H. Park, M.D., is the newest medical oncologist/hematologist with Norton Cancer Institute. Dr. Park earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his residency in radiology and internal medicine at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, followed by fellowships in hematology/oncology at West Virginia University, Morgantown, and immunotherapy at University…
This is the second in our series on published research by Robert C. G. Martin II, M.D., Ph.D. Robert C. G. Martin II, M.D., Ph.D., a surgical oncologist in multidisciplinary collaboration between Norton Cancer Institute and the University of Louisville, has published research in Annals of Surgical Oncology, in a paper titled “Actual 5-Year Survivors…
Robert C. G. Martin II, M.D., Ph.D., has published research in Annals of Surgical Oncology, in a paper titled “Evaluating the Regulatory Immunomodulation Effect of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.” Dr. Martin is a surgical oncologist in multidisciplinary collaboration between Norton Cancer Institute and the University of Louisville. This study evaluated an institutional review…
Having cancer presents a variety of challenges, no matter your age. Norton Cancer Institute’s Geriatric Oncology Program is the first of its kind in the area to bring together expertise in several important areas of caring for older adults. Together, we offer customized, high-quality cancer treatment plans for patients over age 70. This unique program…
The American Society of Breast Surgeons released new guidelines recently stating that genetic testing should be made available to all patients with a personal history of breast cancer. This is an important update, because it expands on existing testing criteria set forth by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and recognizes that patients who do not meet…
Norton Cancer Institute’s Comprehensive Lung Center has opened a second location at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro in northeastern Jefferson County. Providers will see referred patients with abnormal lung findings at the new location on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. The Comprehensive Lung Center is staffed by specialists in pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation…