Angel McVay was a busy wife, mother, business owner, photographer, and yoga instructor. Luckily, she took time for a breast self-exam last summer and went to a UAMS Neighborhood Clinic immediately after noticing a suspicious lump. She was referred to the Breast Center at UAMS for a mammogram the following day, and then a biopsy, which showed she had invasive ductal carcinoma.

Further testing showed she has the BRCA2 mutation and the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and her spine and pelvis. As a healthy 32-year-old, she was a good candidate for aggressive treatment that included four months of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Eight months after her diagnosis, her scans were clear. Angel’s grandmother is a 35-year breast cancer survivor. With the advancements in treatment being made now, Angel is planning to be at least a 75-year survivor.

“Dr. Makhoul was there every step of the way, and the entire medical team at UAMS was incredibly kind and helpful. Having experienced the advanced care available today, thanks in part to participants in the Race for the Cure, I believe we can have both quality of life and quantity.”

Angel McVay, Little Rock

Cameron Smith, UAMS Head and Neck Cancer patient.

When Northwest Arkansas businessman Cameron Smith was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer, he didn’t waste any time. “We had work to do,” he said. The first order of business included consulting UAMS’ renowned head and neck surgeon James Y. Suen, M.D.

Led by Dr. Suen, a team of physicians immediately began a rigorous treatment regimen that included a research clinical trial to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. Now, almost five years later, Cameron appreciates life like never before and is proud to spread the word about UAMS as a board member of its Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

“My experience at the UAMS Cancer Institute is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Everything went like clockwork. I want everyone to know we have world-class cancer treatment right here in Arkansas. These folks are the real deal.”

Cameron Smith, Rogers

When Little Rock lawyer Stephen Engstrom was diagnosed with an extremely rare bone marrow disease over ten years ago, he immediately researched all available treatment options. After visiting some of the most renowned medical institutions in the country, he found experts in his disease at UAMS – just minutes from home.

Under the care of Dr. Frits van Rhee and the staff of the UAMS Myeloma Institute, he continues to undergo treatment and close, day-to-day monitoring of his condition. With family and friends at his side, he’s beating the odds and continuing to practice law.

“I’m not sure about this because I’ve never played this game before, but I think I’ve got a bingo,” said Raymonna Jean of Haiti.

The brightly sun-lit lounge area on the seventh floor of UAMS Medical Center erupted with friendly laughter from a roomful of patients and caregivers. “Monna, Monna, Monna,” said fellow multiple myeloma patient Michael Collins of Ohio, smiling as he leaned in to look at her card and confirm her Bingo win. Everyone applauded.

The weekly Bingo games have been going on for a few years on the hospital floor where patients from the UAMS Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy stay. The games are just one of a regular slate of activities each week — movies, board games and video games — that started with the goal of getting patients together, socializing and out of their hospital rooms.

“Our myeloma patients are sometimes hospitalized for long periods, whether it’s for testing or treatment. In a lot of cases they are far from home,” said Susan Heath, R.N., a clinical services manager on the floor. “We don’t want our patients to get isolated or depressed.

“I think the idea of doing something fun and social has really taken off.”

Cynthia Churchill, a myeloma patient from Lexington, Ky., agreed. “Anything is better than having to be stuck in one room,” she said.

Churchill said she welcomed the activities and enjoyed visiting with other patients. She was crowned the floor’s Mardi Gras Queen during a party on Fat Tuesday.

Dennis Reeder, a chaplain resident in the UAMS Clinical Pastoral Education Program, said the catalyst for the activities was a conversation he had with Crutchfield. He visited with Heath and other nurses on the floor who helped pull together resources.

The regular activity schedule now includes video games with a Wii console, which has hand controllers with motion sensors that get players moving. In addition there is a movie day featuring popcorn and refreshments and a lineup of movies from animated movies to recent classics like “Secretariat.”

They’ve served root beer floats and played their own version of the popular TV game show “Family Feud.” Some local restaurants, including Boulevard Bread and Pizza D’Action, have donated food to serve during the activities.

“I’m thrilled with the reaction from our patients. I see the energy I was looking for — see the patients have some sort of normalcy and relaxation,” Reeder said. “I also think it’s been successful because it’s not a contrived situation, it’s very natural, we just get together and have some fun.”

Gail Naimo, a patient from Florida, said the events gave her something to do, staving off the boredom. “I get tired of seeing the same room,” she said.

Heath said the nurses and caregivers have noticed unexpected benefits to the regular activities. “Patients in social situations want to eat. Sometimes we have trouble getting a patient to eat as they should, but when they get together they enjoy the food and treats,” she said.

Lisa Malone, R.N., clinical services assistant manager, said on one occasion a patient retrieved his guitar from his room then led the group in songs. Many patients, caregivers and nurses had tears in their eyes over a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace,” she said.

Before the bingo game got started, one caregiver poked his head in the room and said he regretted he wasn’t going to be able to stay for the festivities this time, he had an errand to run. He did offer up a couple of jokes that left the room laughing.

“The activities have sometimes created an impromptu patient support group,” Malone said. “Older patients will talk to newer patients, answering questions and offering support.”

Reeder, Heath and Malone believe the activities fit well within the philosophy of patient- and family-centered care. Improving morale and reducing the risk of feeling isolated may well improve patient outcomes.

“There has been a joy in the relationships that have emerged among the patients,” Reeder said. “It’s something that can penetrate any loneliness they might feel and make what might be a tough experience more bearable.”

Churchill won the next bingo game. By the second game, the room had filled with more at least 10 patients playing along with several caregivers.

Winners receive a coffee mug, tube of hand lotion or a similar prize. Reeder said the bingo games have proven to be the most popular with patients, though he also gets stopped by patients from time to time asking what the movie will be that week.

Inez Stone believes that the healing power of laughter works hand in hand with the healing power of medicine.

Walking through Infusion Clinic 1 with a warm smile and a book full of inspirational and funny stories, Stone, a volunteer at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), is determined to tickle as many funny bones as possible.

“Some say laughter is the best medicine, and I couldn’t agree more,” Stone said.

Her mission began when her sister, Sandy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stone thought it would be good to read funny stories during her treatment sessions in Searcy to help keep her spirits up.
“I found the book, “Help, I Can’t Stop Laughing!” and started to read to her as she received her treatment. We began to laugh so much that I thought we were disturbing the other patients.”

Stone asked her sister’s nurse if their laughter was disruptive and to her surprise the nurse said the complete opposite. The other patients were listening and laughing at the stories being told, and she encouraged Stone to continue reading. “That first day I read for seven hours, and we all laughed and talked the entire time,” said Stone.

After that first time, Stone knew she wanted to continue but needed to find a place closer to home. “My sister received treatment outside of Little Rock, and I knew I couldn’t commute that far every day. I contacted the volunteer office at the Cancer Institute to see if they had a reading program,” said Stone. “They didn’t, but encouraged me to start one, so here we are.”

The patients are very receptive to the program, Stone said. “Some of the men will actually tell me jokes back and the women like to talk about their families. I really get a chance to bond with the patients, and I am happy to listen.”

In addition to laughing, Stone’s visits with patients give them the opportunity to speak to her about their treatment and care in the clinics. “The patients tell me about the excellent care they receive here, and I like to pass those kind words on to the nurses and staff.”

“Inez measures the success of the program by the smiles left on patients’ faces,” said Janie Lowe, director of the Cancer Institute Department of Volunteer Services. “She picks up on the needs of each patient and knows when to read a funny story or when to just sit and visit.”

Stone is looking forward to expanding the reading program into other parts of the Cancer Institute. In the near future, the program will move to include Infusion Clinic 4. “Inez has recruited members of her Sunday school class as well as others to join in making sure the program is a continued success,” Lowe said.

“I think we need a program like this in every hospital and long-term care facility,” Stone said. “We are able to bring a little joy and happiness into the lives of the patients during the time we sit and read to them, and that is a wonderful feeling.”

For information on volunteer opportunities, call (501) 686-8286.

Before she enrolled in a UAMS clinical trial, Minnie Storment, 68, of Plainview, thought she had received every possible treatment for her thyroid cancer.

Discovered at a late stage in 1996, Storment’s cancer never responded to treatments that work in most people, and over the years it spread, attacking her bones, liver and lungs.

Thyroid cancer is usually cured by removing the cancerous thyroid and ingesting radioactive iodine, which is only absorbed by thyroid tissue. After a third unsuccessful radioactive iodine treatment by an outside oncologist, Storment was sent to a cancer center in another state. She said she was sent home and later notified by the cancer center that she wasn’t eligible for treatments.

Storment, who enjoys hunting, fishing and gardening, and who raised cattle, sold cosmetics and was a Plainview-Rover School District housekeeper, said the cancer finally subdued her.

“I was in a lot of pain, and I was really down in my hips,” said Storment, who had to sell the cattle and retire from her school job about three years ago. “My doctor would prescribe me drugs that worked for awhile and then they quit working. She finally came up against a brick wall and sent me to UAMS.”

At UAMS, Storment saw Donald Bodenner, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Thyroid Center and chief of endocrine oncology. Bodenner has received numerous awards for his patient care, teaching and research, and he has contributed to numerous publications, including the American Journal of Medicine.

After trying other therapies that also failed, Bodenner was able to enroll Storment in a clinical trial, making new drugs available to her that haven’t yet been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. After only three months, Storment’s cancer had stopped spreading and was even diminishing.

The experimental drugs interrupt the processes within cells that essentially turn on cancer genes.

“The results look very promising,” Bodenner said. “It’s a very exciting time in the treatment of thyroid cancer.”

The drugs are taken orally and have had few side effects; patients don’t lose their hair, and they don’t usually get sick. Storment had an early bout with nausea, but Bodenner adjusted her dosage to reduce that side effect.

“I’m feeling much better,” said Storment. “I don’t have near as much pain and I have more energy. Dr. Bodenner is really working hard to help me, and I’m glad he’s my doctor.”

Before he came to UAMS, Paul Jones of Camden was preparing to die. The 67-year-old had a tumor on his left lung that had been discovered during a CT scan following an auto accident.

Jones was sent to a lung specialist for a biopsy to determine whether the tumor was cancerous. But due to Jones’ chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the doctor advised him that a biopsy would cause the lung to collapse and Jones to die.

“The doctor said he’d be the last person I saw if he did the biopsy,” Jones recalled. After that, Jones said he began to get his affairs in order, assuming that he would likely die of lung cancer.

But Jones’ daughter, Erica Morgan, also of Camden, said she heard from friends that her father should go to UAMS. “They said, ‘UAMS has a good reputation for treating cancer and that’s where you need to be,’” Morgan said.

Her father insisted he wouldn’t have a biopsy, but she convinced him to at least hear what the specialists at UAMS had to say. At UAMS Jones initially saw William C. Culp, M.D., an interventional radiologist who told them that, yes, Jones’ lung would likely collapse, but it wasn’t a life-threatening issue.

“At that point we had conflicting stories, so of course we were scared,” Morgan said. Morgan and her father were reassured after talking with Culp and other UAMS doctors, including Mollie Meek, M.D., also an interventional radiologist.

“They said they would have everything ready; they were prepared to put a chest tube in,” Morgan said. “They were so optimistic, and I had 100 percent confidence in them.”

As expected, the biopsy caused Jones’ lung to collapse, but the chest tube quickly remedied the problem. The biopsy revealed that the two-centimeter tumor was a squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive cancer. Due to Jones’ COPD, he wasn’t a good candidate for a traditional open surgery. If the tumor was not removed, Jones’ only option was to go through chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

But UAMS was able to offer an alternative to traditional surgery, being the only place in Arkansas that can perform a minimally invasive microwave ablation to get rid of the tumor.

Microwave ablation uses microwave energy to produce heat that destroys cancerous tumors. A probe-like antenna is inserted into the center of the tumor, and it transmits electromagnetic waves that cause water and other molecules within the tumor to vibrate. This generates friction and heat that kill cancer cells.

Performed by Meek, the entire procedure took about an hour, but the microwave takes only 10 minutes. The UAMS lung cancer team determined that Jones would not need chemotherapy, and he was able to go home four days after his surgery.

“Ablation was far superior to any other option available to Mr. Jones because we could target the specific site of the lesion,” Meek said.

Jones and Morgan said they couldn’t be happier with their experience at UAMS.

“UAMS saved my life,” Jones said. “Everybody was nice and just bent over backward – it was wonderful.”

Jones and Morgan said Meek was especially good at putting them at ease.

“Dr. Mollie is such an amazing doctor as far as her personality and attitude and knowledge; I could not ask for a better doctor to be dealing with my father on this,” Morgan said. “She even gave us her cell phone number.”

Industrial real estate broker Dan Robinson came to the Longevity Center at UAMS for what he refers to as “a 100,000-mile check-up.” That routine appointment in May 2013 revealed the need for further testing, which led to a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He then went to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, where he received successful treatment under the care of Dr. Peter Emanuel.

“We as Arkansans don’t fully appreciate the treasure we have in the Cancer Institute at UAMS.”

Robinson said, “I was overwhelmed by the skilled care I received from my medical team.” Today, he’s living life with more purpose, grateful for the opportunity to know his new granddaughter, Barrett.

Former Arkansas Senator Paul Miller, UAMS Colon Cancer patient.

Former Arkansas Senator Paul Miller of Melbourne is not your average senior citizen. At age 79, the retired auto dealer, realtor, farmer and coach was in great shape and still running four miles regularly. His diabetes was well-managed, and he had no complaints about his health. Then, about a year ago, he started having severe stomach pains. His local doctor ordered a colonoscopy, which indicated there may be cancer.

Miller was then referred to Dr. Jason Mizell, a surgeon at UAMS. Mizell performed surgery to remove the cancerous portion of Miller’s colon and reconnect it, and Miller was back home after a three-day hospital stay. Because the cancer was caught early, he didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation.

“Because I was in good health, I didn’t really think about getting a colonoscopy. I’m glad I did, and I encourage everyone else to have this procedure. If they find something, go to Dr. Mizell and UAMS.”
– Paul Miller, Melbourn