Milford Regional Medical Center Community Newsmagazine Fall 2017

Take care of yourself!Sign up for lectures, exercise and healthy living programsPage 12

Total Shoulder ReplacementLearn how this surgery brought back full mobility to a patient in painPage 6

Physical TherapyDiscover how rehab brought welcomed relief to a patient suffering constant pain Page 10

Brigham and Women’s Neurosurgery is Here!Get to know Dr. Timothy Smith and the expertise he is bringing to Milford RegionalPage 11

Acclaim & AssistanceRead about our recent recognitions and a new means of finding your way inside the hospitalPage 3

Surgical ExpertiseAt Milford RegionalRead how robotic-assisted surgery brought tremendous relief and a much quicker recovery for two patientsPages 4 and 8

2 Good Feelings

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Broadening Our ServicesMilford Regional

has always prided itself as being on the leading edge of services and technologies. Over the years, we’ve been one of the first (if not the first) in the region to offer medical advancements such as labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) rooms; the implanted small, long-term, insertable cardiac monitoring device; totally integrated operating rooms; 3D mammography; and, more recently, the installation of a 3T MRI.

Our medical and Hospital staff always challenge themselves to critique and pursue the latest treatments and technologies that best meet the healthcare needs of our patients. Milford Regional has also established significant collaborations with leading healthcare facilities such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, UMass Memorial Healthcare and Boston Children’s Hospital. On both fronts, we have broadened the scope of our services to include advances in surgery and clinical expertise.

Looking at the future of surgery, our medical staff drove the decision to introduce robotic-assisted surgery to Milford Regional in 2013. This issue of Good Feelings puts the spotlight on our growing robotic-assisted surgery capabilities with two cases (colorectal and gynecology) performed recently at Milford Regional. In previous issues, we highlighted robotic-assisted surgeries in other areas including urology and weight loss. Also, you won’t want to miss the amazing story that showcases our physical therapy program. Patients’ experiences always tell the real story, which is why we go to them to share their experiences at Milford Regional. It means everything to me and our healthcare organization when patients are pleased with the care they received here.

In addition, I am very excited to introduce Timothy Smith, MD, PhD, MPH, a highly regarded Brigham and Women’s neurosurgeon who is now bringing his surgical expertise to Milford Regional. He will be joined by others here this fall in a new collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

As you can see, Milford Regional is always seeking ways to serve you better. I look forward to keeping you updated as we continue to grow and enhance our services in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Kelly, President & CEOMilford Regional Medical Center

This issue’s cover: Following her robotic-assisted hysterectomy, Kathleen Morrissey is relieved to now focus on fun activities like nurturing her special brood of chickens.

Edward J. Kelly, President & CEO

Good RemindersPatient Portal

Milford Regional’s Patient Portal is a secure, private web portal which provides patients and their families access to their most up-to-date health information including laboratory results, radiology reports, discharge instructions and much more! You can also keep your health information current by updating the My Health Information section of the patient portal. This important information, which is not included in your medical record at Milford Regional, will be easily available for you to share with your healthcare providers. You can register or log in (if you are already registered) by simply going to Milford Regional’s Web site at milfordregional.org. Just click on Patient Portal in the upper right hand corner of the homepage.

Blood Donor CenterMilford Regional, in partnership with the American Red

Cross, has opened a Blood Donor Center at the hospital. The dedicated space for blood donations is situated off the new Imaging Center’s waiting room where the old emergency department used to be located. All eligible donors are urged to make an appointment. For dates and times, go to the American Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Milford Regional Take Care BlogDid you know Milford Regional has a blog? That’s right!

The blog is called Take Care and it’s all about arming you with valuable health information to keep you healthy! You’ll find a wide variety of health topics on Take Care from contributors who include Milford Regional physicians and staff, as well as medical writers and correspondents from other trusted health-related sources. Just go to our website at milfordregional.org and click on “Social Media +” located on the navigation bar; then, look for Take Care. We suggest you bookmark it for future reference. If you’re a Facebook fan and/or Twitter follower of the hospital, new and former blogs will be posted there periodically.

Community Education and WellnessTake note… registration opens on Wednesday, September 13!

Fall 2017 3

“A” Grade for Patient Safety Milford Regional received an “A” for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group,

a nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. healthcare system. The Medical Center was one of 823 hospitals nationwide to receive an “A” for its commitment to reducing errors, infections and accidents that can harm patients, ranking it among the safest hospitals in the United States. “Hospitals that earn top marks nationally in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade have achieved the highest safety standards in the country,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “That takes commitment from every member of the hospital staff, who all deserve thanks and congratulations when their hospitals achieve an ‘A’ Safety Grade.”

Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

“Patient safety is a top priority for everyone who works at Milford Regional,” says Edward J. Kelly, president & CEO of Milford Regional. “Receiving an ‘A’ grade for hospital safety by The Leapfrog Group is a real testament to the diligence and hard work of our physicians, nurses and staff in their daily efforts to provide patients with care that is both high quality and safety focused. They are to be commended for their commitment to safety that brought us this national recognition.”

Milford Regional Voted #1 Hospital in the RegionThe Community Newspaper Company recently announced winners of their annual Readers’ Choice

Awards, which is based upon voting results from their readers for their “#1 Choice” in a variety of categories. This year, Milford Regional won the “#1 Hospital” award locally and won the “#1 Regional Favorite Hospital” award, which includes 23 surrounding towns!

We are both honored and humbled by this recognition knowing that it comes from the residents we serve. Having our roots so firmly established in this area for over 100 years, with the oversight of a board of trustees that represent our region’s specific healthcare needs and concerns, we at Milford Regional never lose sight as to why we are here. To us, it’s always about finding ways to serve you better… to improve the care we provide… to ensure a healthier tomorrow for the communities that surround us. However, rather than sit on our laurels, this award inspires us to raise the bar even higher. We thank you for your support and belief in us as your hospital of choice. There is no letting up as we continue to aspire towards excellence in healthcare.

Good ThingsYou Should Know…Learn more about Milford Regional’s recognition for excellence in patient safety and our recent selection as the regional choice in healthcare! Plus, check out one of our efforts to make patient experience better…

Find Your Way Inside the Hospital Hospitals can feel like a maze to patients. With new services, technologies and building additions/renovations taking place

off and on, it’s hard even for employees to keep track of all the moving parts at times. So, we understand how confusing and frustrating it can be for you to find the location of a medical appointment, test or procedure

scheduled inside the hospital. Wayfinding signs inside the hospital certainly help resolve much of the confusion, but we thought it would be terrific if we could ease patient concerns by providing step-by-step directions to your specific point of care starting from home. That’s right… directions that tell you where to park, which door to enter and where to go once you step inside the hospital.

After some careful thought and deliberation, we came up with an easy, go-to page on our website that provides directions to every patient care area within the hospital. Simply go to milfordregional.org and click on the bright orange strip at the top of the home page that says, Find Your Way Inside the Hospital. You’ll find a list of patient care areas as well as the cafeteria. Just click on the service that pertains to your current need to get step-by-step directions to that specific location. To make things even better, Find Your Way Inside the Hospital is available in an easy-to-read format on your smart phone by going to milfordregional.org. This way, you can read the directions on your smart phone as you walk through the hospital to your point of care.

At Milford Regional, we are always working to make our patients’ experiences better. Hopefully, this new website directional will help ease some of the stress involved in getting where you need to go inside the hospital.

Good Feelings4

An avid cyclist, Kathleen is grateful to

have her health and wheels back!

Living Life AgainRobotic-assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

“It was really painful,” recalls Kathleen, 52, of Douglas. “I was bringing a change of clothes everywhere I went. In January of 2016, I got my period and it basically didn’t stop. I had a large polyp that had grown on the inside wall of my uterus. I’d have my period three weeks, with a day or two off, and then it would start again. It limits your options when you always have to be near a bathroom.”

Depending upon an individual’s circumstances, possible treatments that, at times, help alleviate the heavy and/or continuous menstrual bleeding some women experience include prescribing birth control pills, removing polyps or attempting to shave out a fibroid in the cavity of the uterus, relates Mary Kay Myers, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Caring for Women in Milford and Kathleen’s doctor. “Better than 75 percent of the time, a less aggressive procedure will work,” Dr. Myers notes. “Most

patients prefer to try something else first before having a hysterectomy (surgery that removes the uterus), as they are

usually concerned about surgical risk and recovery.”Before coming to Dr. Myers, Kathleen had undergone

endometrial ablation, which burns the lining of the uterus and causes scarring that prevents the tissue from re-generating every month. Unfortunately, her improvement was short-lived. Dr. Myers then

attempted to insert a Mirena IUD, a progesterone-containing device that thins the uterus lining hormonally.

In this instance, the device wouldn’t fit correctly into the lining of the uterus because of the ablation, says Dr. Myers.

Before deciding on a hysterectomy, Kathleen underwent a D&C, a diagnostic procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus and check for cancers and precancerous changes. The test didn’t show cancer, but her bleeding still persisted.

Having exhausted all her options, Kathleen decided it was time to undergo a hysterectomy. Fortunately, Kathleen was in the hands of Dr. Myers, a highly skilled robotic surgeon who is on the medical staff at Milford Regional where patients have benefitted from the leading-edge advancements of the da Vinci® Surgical System since 2013. This sophisticated robotic platform expands the surgeon’s capabilities and provides a minimally invasive approach to otherwise open surgery.

“I can’t say enough about how the robot has made minimally invasive surgery accessible to patients who previously would have required an open procedure,” notes Dr. Myers. “It’s great that a community hospital like Milford has that technology and experienced surgeons who can use it. Recovery for an open procedure is four to six weeks, while with robotic-assisted surgery, more than 90 percent of patients will recover in one to two weeks.”

Because Kathleen had abdominal surgery three times in the past—two cesarean sections and an appendectomy—there

K athleen Morrissey loves cycling on the Blackstone River Bikeway, but her heavy menstrual bleeding caused her to give up the hobby. Even trips to the

grocery store and driving around her 13-year-old daughter became stressful events.

Fall 2017 5

Obstetrician/Gynecologist Mary Kay Myers, MD, FACOG, received her Doctor of Medicine from Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill., in 1992. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Weill Cornell Medical Center, The New York Hospital in New York, N.Y. An accomplished robotic surgeon, Dr. Myers utilizes Milford Regional’s da Vinci® Surgical System as a highly effective option for minimally invasive surgeries. Dr. Myers is part of Caring For Women, located at 100 Medway Road, Suite 401, in Milford. To make an appointment, call (508) 634-7338.

Why did you decide to become an obstetrician/gynecologist?

I chose obstetrics and gynecology because it provides the opportunity to have long-term relationships with patients as well as the opportunity to perform surgery. I love seeing patients over many years, watching their families grow and providing both gynecologic as well as reproductive care.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a physician?

I try very hard to always take time to listen to my patients and carefully consider their individual lifestyles, needs, etc. when counseling them in the office.

What part of your job do you look forward to the most every day?

It’s very hard to pinpoint one part of my job I enjoy most. I love being in the office. We have an excellent staff and a terrific patient population. I also love surgery days, when I am able to focus on one patient and procedure without interruption. Lastly, what could be nicer than a healthy baby? That’s also a nice part of many of my days.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?

A good patient outcome is definitely the most gratifying part of my job! m

Mary Kay Myers, MDOB/GYN

In Her Own Wordswas the possibility of excessive scar tissue, which increases the risk of surgical complications. Dr. Myers wouldn’t know if scar tissue existed until Kathleen was on the operating table; excessive scar tissue increases the likelihood of converting from robotic-assisted surgery to open surgery.

“Having a hysterectomy can be a difficult decision,” Dr. Myers says. “I’ll take a piece of paper and draw a picture, walking patients through the entire procedure. You can never completely allay someone’s fears until they wake up and they’re fine, but a thorough description and explanation does remove the mystery and goes a long way to helping them feel more confident. ”

After thoroughly discussing surgical options with Dr. Myers, Kathleen was eager to move forward and had her hysterectomy scheduled in December 2016. “I just really didn’t want another abdominal surgery recovery… I knew what it entailed,” she admits. “Dr. Myers prepared me for the worst, while I hoped for the best. If she had to open me up, I would’ve been out of work for a month to six weeks with no driving for a month. I was psyched when I found out that I was able to have the robotic surgery.”

Dr. Myers starts the surgery by making a small incision above the patient’s belly button. She positions a small probe to fill the abdomen with gas and then places four ports about the width of an index finger. “The ports are basically like a passage to put the instrument in,” she relates. “The central one above the belly button has the camera in it.”

Once the instruments are connected to the ports, Dr. Myers sits at the surgical console and looks through a viewfinder, where she controls two instruments and the camera with the robotic arm. A foot pedal allows her to move the camera.

“It puts a lot of the control solely into my hands,” she says. “I need my surgical assistant a lot less for a robotic procedure. If someone else is controlling the camera, you’re always trying to get them to hold it where you want to look, so it’s nice to be able to have control of that yourself.”

In preparation for the possibility that Kathleen’s robotic-assisted surgery could be unusually complex, an oncologic surgeon from Brigham and Women’s Hospital served as Dr. Myers’ assistant so that, if necessary, they could perform the more complicated procedure together. However, Dr. Myers was relieved to find minimal scar tissue, which meant she could proceed with the surgery robotically.

Kathleen had her uterus and cervix removed, but kept her ovaries intact. Dr. Myers explains that there are pros and cons to keeping the ovaries and that it depends on the patient’s preference and medical condition. “If the procedure is for cancer, the ovaries are always removed,” she states. “Removing them reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, so if you have a family history, have had trouble with ovarian cysts, or are older, we would discuss removing them.”

Patients who retain their ovaries, like Kathleen, go through a natural menopause as well as receive bone density benefits, says Dr. Myers.

Following robotic-assisted surgery, most patients leave the hospital the same day and are advised to eat light and rest. They return for a follow-up appointment in about a week. Kathleen was home by 5 p.m. the day of surgery and recalls that she was back on her feet and not taking anything stronger than Tylenol within two days. She went back to work in a week and a half. She has resumed long bike rides, crediting Dr. Myers and the hospital staff for giving her a much better quality of life.

“I couldn’t recommend Dr. Myers highly enough,” concludes Kathleen. “I love Milford Regional; also, the nurses on the day of the surgery were fantastic. The only thing I regret about this surgery is that I didn’t do it sooner. If you’re considering it, just do it. You’ll be glad you did.” m

“I couldn’t recommend Dr. Myers highly enough. I love Milford Regional; also the nurses on the day of the surgery were fantastic. The only thing I regret about this surgery is that I didn’t do it sooner. If you’re considering it, just do it. You’ll be glad you did.”

— Kathleen MorrisseyRobotic-assisted Hysterectomy Patient

F or months, Carol Beccia, 74, of Milford would jolt awake at night from a sharp pain in her left shoulder. During the

day, it would force her to stop whatever she was doing.

The pain stemmed from her work in a nursing home back in 2006 when Carol tripped over a call light cord near a patient’s bedside and broke her humerus, a bone in the upper arm. Shoulder surgery followed with the addition of a metal plate and screws. Over the next decade, Carol would still experience occasional discomfort, until a fall in 2015 intensified the pain.

“My daughter is a nursing professor and said that maybe I should have the plate taken out since I was having so much trouble with my shoulder,” recalls Carol. “I went to see Dr. John Mulroy [of Mulroy Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, PC, in Milford]. He X-rayed my shoulder and told me it was full of arthritis.”

Although Carol tried cortisone shots first to lessen the pain, it didn’t bring her relief. Dr. Mulroy explains that in Carol’s case, her previous fracture caused avascular necrosis, the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. This, in turn, caused secondary arthritis.

At this point, it appeared that Carol was a candidate for total shoulder replacement surgery. Dr. Mulroy notes that almost all patients who need a shoulder replacement have arthritis. “It can either be primary arthritis–which develops over time–and a normal rotator cuff, or secondary arthritis to a torn rotator cuff,” he says.

Although Carol needed total shoulder replacement surgery due to her complicated case, Dr. Mulroy points out that some patients do find luck with less aggressive methods. “Unlike the hip or knee, you don’t walk on your shoulder, so [less aggressive] treatments will often work better for the shoulder since you’re not putting stress on it,” he says. “An exception is people who use walkers, because they will put stress on the shoulder when they walk.”

Carol arranged to have a total shoulder replacement, along with the removal of the plates and screws, at Milford Regional on May 8, 2016. While an athlete with a rotator cuff tear may have arthroscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure with small incisions, total shoulder

Cleaning is now pain free for Carol Beccia since she got her full range of motion back following total shoulder replacement surgery.

Total Shoulder ReplacementThe Best Thing I Ever Did

6 Good Feelings

John Mulroy, MD, graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He performed a residency in general surgery at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston and a residency in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tufts University

School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship at the University of Miami in the Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Sports. His subspecialties include sports medicine, total hip replacements and total knee replacements. He is part of Mulroy Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, PC, located at 321 Fortune Blvd. in Milford. To make an appointment, call (508) 478-7135.

Why did you decide to become a surgeon?

My father was an orthopedic surgeon. It’s what I knew, and when I went through medical school, that was what interested me the most. I played a lot of sports as a kid–at one time or another, hockey, baseball, football and track–and was very interested in sports medicine. I do a lot of shoulder scopes, cuff repairs, repairs of unstable shoulders, ACLs and knee arthroscopies.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a physician?

I think my surgical skills are an asset, along with explaining to people what’s going to happen. Nobody wants surgery and they are all uneasy about the decision, but I think helping them to understand exactly how things will go allays a lot of their fears.

What part of your job do you look forward to the most every day?

I like to operate, but I didn’t just go into this to operate. I went into it with the purpose of helping people and making their lives better.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?

It’s just the satisfaction of helping somebody–either getting them back to an activity they like to do, or getting them pain free and improving their quality of life. m

7Fall 2017

replacement surgery is an open procedure. “It’s basically replacing the surfaces with metal and plastic,” relates Dr. Mulroy. “The surgery requires one good-sized incision.”

Dr. Mulroy performs two kinds of total shoulder replacement surgery: traditional and reverse. He performs traditional surgery for a normal rotator cuff, while reverse is used for a rotator cuff tear. With a traditional shoulder replacement, a plastic “cup” is fitted into the shoulder socket and a metal “ball” is attached to the top of the humerus. Carol, however, underwent the reverse procedure. “You put the ball where the cup is and the cup where the ball is,” explains Dr. Mulroy. “By switching them, you change the mechanics of the shoulder so that you don’t need a rotator cuff.”

Dr. Mulroy notes that the surgery takes about 60-90 minutes and typically requires a one-night stay at the hospital. “The patient wears a sling and rests for a week, and then we start passive range of motion with a physical therapist,” he says. “It’s a lot of physical therapy, at least three months. You can do active motion much more quickly with the reverse surgery. With traditional shoulder replacement, you have to wait for the muscles and ligaments to heal before you put stress on it. You still work on motion, but it’s passive, with the therapist moving the shoulder as opposed to the patient moving it.”

After several weeks of rest, Carol began more active physical therapy sessions, which involved doing exercise routines with pulleys, a big ball and a towel. At home, she slowly eased back into her activities as her range of motion improved. She returned to driving after two months. Throughout her therapy, she continued to see Dr. Mulroy for follow-ups. He checks in with patients at one week, six weeks, three months, six months and a year.

“Dr. Mulroy is incredible,” Carol states. “I feel so confident with him. My shoulder is wonderful, just like the other one. I can reach the ceiling and dust, and I can do work out in my yard. He worked so hard with me, and I followed his instructions to the letter. Anything Dr. Mulroy instructed me to do, I did, as I have a lot of confidence in his experience. He lays it right out for you, and it worked out exactly as he said.”

“I could have gone to Boston for surgery, but I didn’t need to,” Carol remarks. “I knew where I was going to have my surgery and who was going to perform it. Dr. Mulroy is the best you can get, and everyone at Milford Regional was wonderful also.”

Today, Carol has full use of her arm and shoulder. She no longer suffers from shoulder pain and has resumed all normal activities. She enjoys taking walks and playing scales on the piano, and no longer has to rely on her children to carry heavy laundry baskets or to take out the trash. She is especially happy about babysitting her infant great-grandson.

“I feel so good about being able to hold him and change him,” Carol says. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that before. If you do the surgery and go through the rehab, you’re going to come out on the other end without the pain you’re having right now. It was the best thing I ever did.” m

“I could have gone to Boston for surgery, but I didn’t need to. I knew where I was going to have my surgery and who was going to perform it. Dr. Mulroy is the best you can get, and everyone at Milford Regional was wonderful also.”

—Carol BecciaTotal Shoulder Surgery Patient

The Best Thing I Ever Did John Mulroy, MDOrthopedic Surgeon

In His Own Words

8 Good Feelings

Kathleen Donato is enjoying life once again; all thanks, she says, to Dr. Patrick McEnaney and Milford Regional Medical Center.

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Colectomy

A Winning TeamKathleen Donato, 65, of Bellingham will never forget

what it was like in the early days of her colon cancer diagnosis. Although she tried to act upbeat, it was as if

a fog had descended over her world. “It’s like how I felt when my parents died,” she murmurs. “I was thinking of my husband, my sons, my grandchildren. My life was flashing before me. I thought I was too young to go and worried about everyone I would leave behind.”

She credits Patrick McEnaney, MD, Chair of Surgery at Milford Regional, with saving her life. Dr. McEnaney performed a robotic-assisted laparoscopic colectomy—minimally invasive surgery to remove a portion of the colon through small incisions made in the abdomen wall—this past March just a couple of weeks after her diagnosis. Dr. McEnaney used the da Vinci® Surgical System, a sophisticated robotic platform that expands the surgeon’s capabilities, to perform the procedure.

“I owe my life to Dr. McEnaney and truly believe that,” Kathleen states.

Her ordeal started over the holidays with constant stomachaches and unusual bowel changes. When her symptoms didn’t improve, Kathleen checked in with her longtime gastroenterologist Ali A. Amini, MD, of Milford Gastroenterology Associates. Because her mother died of colon cancer at age 68, Kathleen was considered higher risk for the disease. Initially, Dr. Amini recommended that she undergo a colonoscopy every five years until 2011, when he found two polyps and advised her to retest in two years.

Kathleen put off the test because she hated the colonoscopy preparations, was busy with her family and her travel agent job, and honestly didn’t believe she was at risk. “My mother smoked all her life,” Kathleen says. “When she died, I said that’s why she had colon cancer, because she smoked.”

According to Dr. McEnaney, colon cancer has a strong genetic component. While the general population should receive a screening colonoscopy at age 50, there are stricter guidelines for those with a first-degree relative who had colon cancer. “They should have a colonoscopy at least ten years before the age of the relative who was diagnosed,” he advises. “For example, if your father had it at 50, you should get a colonoscopy at 40. The earlier we detect the cancer, the more likely it is we’re going to be able to cure it.”

While not everyone has symptoms in the earlier stages, Dr. McEnaney says that some patients feel fatigued, may have anemia (low blood cell counts) and feel washed out. “Sometimes the stools are loose or blackish in color,” he relates. “There can be abdominal pain as the cancer starts to grow, or if it starts to block off the opening of the intestine.”

When Kathleen reported her symptoms, Dr. Amini told her she

9Fall 2017

couldn’t postpone a colonoscopy any longer. To her shock, Dr. Amini found four polyps and a cancerous mass. “That, of course, scared the heck out of me,” she recalls.

Reeling, Kathleen made an appointment with medical oncologist Mona Kaddis, MD, of Dana-Faber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional. From there, she was referred to Dr. McEnaney for the surgery. “I went through the whole ‘should I stay in Milford or go to Boston’ thing,” she recounts. “Dr. Kaddis is a great doctor and part of Dana-Farber. Everybody I talked to said Dr. McEnaney was wonderful, and I had known Dr. Amini for so long. That all eased my mind. I was nervous, but knew I was lucky to have such a wonderful team.”

With all three doctors working together on her care, the pieces quickly fell into place and her surgery was scheduled for a mere 13 days after the colonoscopy. Dr. McEnaney acknowledges that when people receive a cancer diagnosis, it’s a shock to their system. He will repeat himself numerous times to make certain that patients understand his words. “I explain in as simple terms as I can what’s going on and what we need to do to fix the problem,” he says. “I try to answer as many questions as they have and take as much time as I need to answer them.

I know they’re going to be upset and worried. I don’t just treat it as an operation. There is a person behind it that I need to take care of.”

As part of the visit, Dr. McEnaney describes how he will perform the surgery and the situations that could arise. He does most colectomy surgeries robotically, which gives him more control and added wrist action during the procedure. Exceptions would be if a patient had scar tissue from previous abdominal operations, or if the location of the mass would require him to operate in too many different areas. In those cases, he finds “straight stick” laparoscopy to be more efficient. An especially large mass could require open surgery.

Kathleen had a tumor which Dr. McEnaney equates to the size of a grapefruit. Since the appendix was attached to the area where her mass was, he removed that also. Anyone undergoing a right colectomy automatically gets the appendix taken out, he says.

“We remove the portion of the colon that harbors the cancer and like to remove at least 12 lymph nodes,” he says. “We took out Kathleen’s right colon and over 20 lymph nodes. In general, the colon is about 5 feet in length, but can vary from person to person. We took out about a foot and a half, just over a third of her colon. She still has plenty of colon to live a normal life.”

If the lymph nodes are negative, meaning that they don’t have cancer in them, then chemotherapy is oftentimes not necessary. Those who need chemotherapy would typically start five weeks after the surgery. Dr. McEnaney follows up with Stage 0 or 1 patients for a year and Stage 2 or higher for five years. Kathleen, who had Stage 2 cancer, was released from the hospital after two days and did not require chemotherapy. According to Dr. McEnaney, patients who have minimally invasive surgery can generally expect a recovery of 3-4 weeks. After three weeks, Kathleen resumed working from home as a travel agent.

“Everybody was so wonderful from the minute I checked in,” she praises. “I had the feeling that I wasn’t just another patient, that I was their main concern. The whole team acted that way for me. I wouldn’t even think about going anywhere else now because of the wonderful care that I got. Why go to Boston? We are Boston here.” m

“…I had the feeling that I wasn’t just another patient, that I was their main concern. The whole team acted that way for me. I wouldn’t even think about going anywhere else now because of the wonderful care that I got. Why go to Boston? We are Boston here.”

— Kathleen Donato Robotic-assisted Colectomy Patient

Patrick McEnaney, MD, Chair of Surgery at Milford Regional, graduated from University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester in 1998. He performed a residency in general surgery and a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at UMass Medical Center. He is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at UMass Medical School. His special areas of interest are hernias, including inguinal, ventral and paraesophageal, as well as minimally invasive colon surgery for both benign and malignant disease. He is part of UMass Memorial General Surgery at Milford located at 91 Water Street. To make an appointment, call (508) 458-4250.

Why did you decide to become a general surgeon?

I knew I wanted to do surgery pretty early on as one of my father’s friends was a surgeon. I shadowed him a few times growing up. He was a phenomenal person, and I had a great deal of respect for him. When I went through my surgical rotation, general surgery was what I got the most enjoyment from. I’ve always liked mechanical things, and taking things apart and putting them back together. For many areas of surgery, we are taking things apart or putting them back together, which is likely why I fell in love with surgery.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a physician?

I try to treat every one of my patients like family, which allows me to have a bond with them. It’s especially important for my colon cancer patients, as many of them I’m going to see for five years.

What part of your job do you look forward to the most every day?

It depends on whether I am operating or seeing patients in the office. On my OR days, the joy is making a difference in my patients’ lives through the operations that I need to perform. On the days that I am seeing patients in the office, I really enjoy getting to know my patients and where they come from, not just geographically, but what sort of things are going on in their lives that may play a role in how I will treat them.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your job?

The smile on my patients’ faces after knowing they had a good outcome. I can see how excited they are and that makes me happy. m

Patrick McEnaney, MDGeneral Surgeon

In His Own Words

10 Good Feelings

S ince 2013, Blackstone resident Todd Whiteley had consulted with four cardiologists, two gastroenterologists, two pain specialists, a physical therapist and a spinal surgeon. Todd, 47, notes that he underwent at least four cardiac catheterizations, two endoscopy tests, two MRIs, five injections near his spine and three injections near his chest

wall. He went to a chiropractor for a year, saw an acupuncturist, and tried oral medications, ointments and massage.

Physical Therapy Freedom From Pain

would come telling her that we had to go to the ER.”Eventually, an MRI revealed a bulging disc near a nerve

bundle. Still, no one could tell him whether that was causing his chest pain. Frustrated with all the dead ends, Todd made an appointment with Dr. Stuart Dunbar, a Milford Regional pain management specialist. Dr. Dunbar brought the case to a pain clinic group of local doctors, rehab professionals and other specialists that meets monthly to discuss challenging cases. The the result was a referral to Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine in Milford. He was paired up with physical therapist Jenny Clancy and soon noticed rapid improvement.

Within three weeks, Todd drastically reduced his pain medication, nerve-blocking pills that he had been taking three times per day. The early success shocked him as a past stint at another rehab facility added to his pain. Jenny took a different approach, beginning with stretching.

“I watched him move and saw where he was lacking mobility and strength and decided to work from the furthest point away from his greatest pain,” Jenny relates. “He was definitely swollen on his left side and the chest was tender. He’d been holding his pectoral muscle in tension for so long. His ribs and his left side were not moving very well. If you get all those things to move the way they’re supposed to, it takes stress off that area where the disc could be irritated.”

Jenny also used laser and ultrasound treatments, which encourage tissue healing. Once Todd showed improvement, she added strength exercises. In addition, she did the Graston Technique, a method that involves soft tissue massage instruments. “He’s so motivated and it was really nice to see he had such a positive outcome,” Jenny notes. “People don’t always like to hear there isn’t a pill to make it better and that they have to do it themselves. With the proper exercises and education, we can really make a difference in people’s lives.”

Todd credits Jenny with giving him his life back and says he feels lucky that after all the dead ends, he finally wound up at Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. He knew his life was changing for the better when less than two months after starting rehab, he worked in the yard for 7.5 hours and didn’t

suffer for it. He set up the swimming pool, vacuumed it, did weed-whacking, and cut his lawn.

“It’s not that I couldn’t do it before, but if I did, I’d be in pain for a week straight,” he declares. “But the next day, I didn’t wake up thinking it had been a mistake. The amount of things I’m doing now, the amount of freedom I got back into my life, I owe it to Jenny and rehab.”

To make an appointment with Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine at Milford, call (508) 422-2388; at Franklin, call (508) 528-2748; or at Northbridge, call (508) 234-8792. m

“I got bounced to a lot of different folks, and they did what they could in their specialty and then bounced me off to the next one,” recalls Todd, who was suffering from persistent unexplained chest pain. “There would be times when I was at work and sitting there with my head in my hands. You don’t get used to pain.”

His struggle started after a heart attack in March 2013. Todd was in the backyard with his son, then age three, when the symptoms gripped him. He managed to call 911 and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he had a stent put in. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning.

“I could always feel a tightness in my chest which presented like I was starting to have a heart attack,” Todd states. “If I did too much, I’d pay for it. Whenever we’d go on vacation, I’d be in pain for days from moving luggage. I would hurt for an hour after wearing a seatbelt and couldn’t drive with my left hand. There

were times when my wife had to

do everything, and she would never know when the next 3 a.m. tap on the shoulder

Thanks to physical therapy, Todd Whiteley is no longer limited by the constant pain he endured for years.

D avid Eckbold, 55, had gotten used to taking pills for diabetes and high blood pressure. At six-foot-three and 288 pounds, he didn’t feel burdened by his weight, yet David knew that shedding pounds would make him healthier.

Getting To Know YouPhysician Spotlight

11Fall 2017

Dr. Timothy R. Smith, an acclaimed Brigham and Women’s neurosurgeon, says that the most rewarding part of his job is talking with the patient and family after a procedure that either saved or extended the patient’s life. He completed a fellowship in pituitary and endoscopic skull base neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he is also an assistant professor in neurological surgery. Dr. Smith has participated in numerous research projects and is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Section on Tumors, a project of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Smith is seeing patients at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional. We recently caught up with Dr. Smith to learn more about him and his expertise in neurosurgery, which now benefits patients at Milford Regional. Following are his responses.

Q. Why did you choose neurosurgery as your specialty?A. It was a combination of the intellectual rigor and the technical expertise

coming together that drew me to it. But once I started working with patients, it was satisfying to watch them and their families moving through difficult situations with such strength, and to not only help them with words but through an actual procedure.

Q. What afflictions do you treat? What are the most common?A. I deal mainly with brain tumors and spine disease. Spine disease is related to

the effect of gravity over time – the arthritis that can develop in the joints and the degeneration of the discs of the spinal columns. The discs are like shock absorbers so you don’t have bone-on-bone friction and can do things like bend or twist. The wear and tear can result in mechanical compression of a nerve root of the spinal cord.

Q. Do you see any new or promising advances coming in neurosurgery for the spine?

A. For spine disease, what’s changing is how much of the spinal procedure we can do through smaller and smaller incisions. That is very exciting as patients can still get the same operation, but not have to be in the hospital for very long. Now, with some of the more common things that we do, people can go home within 24 hours.

Q. What do you consider your greatest strength as a surgeon?A. I think it’s having compassion for people. It’s very important for a surgeon

to be technically skilled, gifted and good at determining who needs surgery, but underlying that has to be a basic care and concern for the patient’s overall welfare.

Q. What is the one thing you learned in your medical training that turned out to be much more valuable in practice than you anticipated?

A. From my perspective, I think one of the most undervalued things in medical school was the human element of medicine. Ultimately, what the patient wants to know is that you are available to help them, you are able to help them and that you have an affable bedside manner. We spend a lot of time in medical school memorizing facts, but if we don’t take the time to have that basic compassion and empathy, it’s hard for patients to put their lives in your hands.

Q. You are on the medical staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Why did you decide to bring your surgical expertise to Milford Regional?

A. Milford Regional is a center of excellence in the region, and the level of care they’re providing to patients is amazing. There was a bit of a vacuum with regard to neurosurgery, and between that and the established relationship with Dana-Farber, it made sense for us to come to Milford. We are very focused on Milford and already hired two more neurosurgeons to join me. I started in May, one will start in October, and a third in January of 2018.

Q. You have a wonderful family with a wife and three children. What life lessons have you learned from them?

A. I think no matter what you think of yourself or your accomplishments, when you go home to your family, they have the effect of re-centering you on what’s important.

Dr. Smith is currently accepting new patients. Call (617) 732-6600 to schedule an appointment. m

Timothy R. Smith, MD, PHD, MPH NeurosurgeonA surgeon who specializes in surgery on the nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord.

Wishing You WellWELLNESS

Please note: All programs are led by certified instructors. Also, in order that we may make our Wellness Programs comfortable for all participants, we ask that you refrain from wearing perfume to class.

All Wellness Programs are offered at one of the following locations:

• Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center 60 North Bow Street, Milford

• Milford Regional in the Blackstone Valley 100 Commerce Drive, Northbridge (use the Community Education entrance in the back right corner of the building)

• Milford Regional Medical Center 14 Prospect Street, Milford

Visit milfordregional.org for registration details. Check back in December for the winter schedule.

Cardio, Core & Conditioning – The Triple Crown of Fitness

Core, cardio & strength training combine to create the trifecta of health and fitness! This class is for any fitness level, and will challenge your stamina, build muscle and bone and strengthen your core. It’s an all-in-one workout for everyone! Please bring hand-held weights, a mat and water.Thursdays, 6 - 7 p.m. $85, Sept. 28 - Dec. 7 (no class Nov. 23)Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

CSI: Cardio-Strength Integration Never take another boring fitness class again with this unique mix of cardio and strength exercises! Designed for beginners as well as experienced exercisers, CSI consists of circuit training, weight training and movement with fun, upbeat music to get you motivated! The class progresses each week and includes individualized instruction if needed. Bring hand-held weights (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 lbs.) and a mat.Tuesdays, 7 - 8 p.m.$85, Sept. 26 - Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 21)Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

Fabulously FitOur popular joint-friendly, low-impact aerobics workout is now offered in Milford! A slower-paced workout to energizing music, you will get cardiac and respiratory benefits, help control your weight and strengthen your bones and muscles.Mondays, 6 - 7 p.m.$85, Sept. 25 - Dec. 11 (no class Oct. 9 & Nov. 20)Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

NEW

Yo-ChiYo-chi is a fusion of yoga and t’ai chi. This combination promotes circulation, strength, balance and flexibility. Enhanced circulation reduces inflammation and promotes healing. This is primarily a restorative class that will add to the quality of your life. It is user friendly and no previous experience in yoga or t’ai chi is needed.Tuesdays, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. $85, Sept. 26 - Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 21)Milford Regional in the Blackstone Valley

YogalatesYogalates is a fusion of yoga and Pilates. It is designed to promote core stability, strength, flexibility and balance. Participants will learn both the yoga and Pilates types of breathing, which will maximize your results. You will leave feeling peaceful and strong. No previous yoga or Pilates experience is needed.Thursdays, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. $85, Sept. 28 - Dec. 7 (no class Nov. 23)Milford Regional in the Blackstone Valley

12 Wishing You Well

Community EducationEase Into Fitness – MilfordGet back into fitness or start fresh with low

impact, lite cardio, muscle sculpt and core. This workout is designed for those starting new, coming off an injury or just getting back to exercise! Get heart healthy, gain strength and core stability and feel confident during this fun and motivating beginners course! Bring light, hand-held weights, (1, 2 or 3 lbs.) and a mat or towel. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes.Tuesdays, 6 - 7 p.m. $85, Sept. 26 - Dec. 5 (no class Nov. 21)Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

Ease Into Fitness – Northbridge

Get back into fitness or start fresh with low impact, lite cardio, muscle sculpt and core. This workout is designed for those starting new, coming off an injury or just getting back to exercise! Get heart healthy, gain strength and core stability and feel confident during this fun and motivating beginners course! Bring light, hand-held weights, (1, 2 or 3 lbs.) and a mat or towel. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes.Wednesdays, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.$85, Sept. 27 - Dec. 6 (no class Nov. 22) Milford Regional in the Blackstone Valley

Low Impact Fitness Exercise Class Be your best self with our L.I.F.E. Class! Burn calories, strengthen your muscles, boost your energy and stretch with this low-intensity fitness class. The workout includes cardio routines, targeted muscle training and relaxing stretching exercises. Designed for all fitness levels. Please bring water and a yoga mat or towel.Mondays, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. $85, Sept. 25 - Dec. 11 (no class Oct. 9 & Nov. 20)Milford Regional in the Blackstone Valley

Qi Gong and T’ai Chi Combo ClassQi gong and t’ai chi are systems for fostering health and peace of mind by releasing and taking in fresh energy (called qi) through a sequence of slow moving, dance-like, martial arts postures. This connection provides a basis for a stress management program and a method for releasing daily tension. Please wear comfortable clothes and sturdy, comfortable shoes or sneakers. Mondays, 7 - 8 p.m. $85, Sept. 25 - Dec. 11 (no class Oct. 9 & Nov. 20)Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

Kundalini YogaKundalini yoga is a powerful combination of stretching, chanting, breathwork, meditation and relaxation which works the entire mind-body system. The exercises are designed to tune up the physical body, balance emotions and break negative thought patterns. Please bring a towel and a mat, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wednesdays, 7 - 8 p.m. $85, Sept. 27 - Dec. 6 (no class Nov. 22)Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

NEW

NEW

Register online at milfordregional.org

NEW Yoga for Beginners This is a fundamental yoga class, with

special focus on breathing for well-being, yoga postures for strengthening and flexibility, and

meditation to help improve focus. Come and experience the benefits of yoga for

both your mind and body.Thursdays, 7 - 8 p.m.

Sept. 28 - Dec. 7(no class Nov. 23)

Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

Pilates Flex & Tone

This basic Pilates class adds the use of flex

bands, stability balls and light hand-held

weights. The focus is on strengthening your core, as

well as improving balance and conditioning your upper

and lower body. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and

bring a mat and a towel.Wednesdays, 6 - 7 p.m.

$85, Sept. 27 - Dec. 6 (no class Nov. 22)

Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center

NOTE: All classes are subject to cancellation if minimum

registration requirements are not met 48 hours prior to the first class.

13Fall 2017

Community EducationDIABETES

EATING LIGHT – EATING RIGHT

LIVING WITH CANCER

The following programs are free, but registration is required as seating is limited. Please go to milfordregional.org or call (508) 422-2206.

To register, go to milfordregional.org or call (508) 422-2206. All programs meet in Milford Regional’s Physicians Conference Room C, Ground Floor, Main Building.

All cancer programs meet at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional, 20 Prospect Street.

Shop Right, Eat RightDo you know the average supermarket contains over 45,000 different food items? It’s no wonder we’re confused about what to buy. Let Milford Regional Registered Dietitian Shelley Deering empower you to purchase, prepare and consume more healthful foods. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. The program is limited to 10 participants. Free.Thursday, Oct. 19, 10 - 11:30 a.m.Big Y Supermarket, 7 Medway Road, Milford

Winter Woes of DiabetesIs your diabetes ready for winter? Cold, shorter days can make us less active. Winter holidays can bring more food temptations and less time to focus on health. Get some tips on staying healthy and on track during the winter season. Free.Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m.Conference Room B, Ground Floor, Main Building

Fun Fiber FactsLearn the health benefits of fiber, the foods that contain the fiber you need and how to incorporate those foods into your diet. Free.Tuesday, Oct. 10, 6 p.m.

Recipes for Prevention – Heart HealthNutrition plays an important role in keeping our hearts healthy. Learn from our dietitian how to prepare healthy, heart-friendly foods. Free.Thursday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m.

Tasty Tailgating TipsFootball season is here! Score big points with your team with these recipes and tips that pack a whole lot of flavor, but not the fat! Free.Thursday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m.

Look Good…Feel BetterAre you currently having treatments for cancer? Have you recently completed treatment? Look Good…Feel Better offers cancer patients the opportunity to learn about treatment and post-treatment care for hair, skin and inner beauty. The program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Free.Second Wednesday of each month, 2 - 4 p.m.For more information and to register, call Christine Mort at (508) 488-3704.

Cancer Support GroupsFor a complete list of current support groups, go to our support group listing on page 15.

14 Wishing You Well

CERTIFICATION All certification programs meet in Milford Regional’s Physicians Conference Center A, Ground Floor, Main Building

Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR for Those Previously TrainedThis class is for the person who holds a current BLS Provider card. You will need to bring the current manual (with the numbers 15-1010 printed on the back cover in the bottom right corner) and a one-way valve mask to class. If you need to purchase a mask when you register, it will be given to you at the class. The manual, if purchased, will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course. A course completion card is awarded. Cost $60; Manual: $15; Mask: $10.Thursday, Oct. 12 OR 6 - 10 p.m. ORMonday, Jan. 8, 6 - 10 p.m.

CPR for Family and FriendsThis class is designed primarily for those who want to learn CPR and foreign-body airway obstruction relief skills for the rescue of family and friends. It is not designed for participants who need a CPR card or credential. The course includes instruction for adult and infant and child CPR. Cost $50.Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6 - 9 p.m.

BLAST! Babysitting CourseThis one-day session (developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics) prepares boys and girls 11 to 14 years old to interview for a babysitting job and learn the babysitter basics, as well as basic first aid and CPR. Register early as this class fills very quickly! Cost $60.Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 - 2:30 p.m. ORSaturday, Nov. 11, 10 - 2:30 p.m. ORSaturday, Jan. 6, 2018 10 - 2:30 p.m.

The following are American Heart Association courses taught by AHA instructors. A current course manual is required for each class. Course manuals can be purchased separately.

Heartsaver First AidThis course covers first aid basics as well as medical, injury and environmental emergencies, including the first aid skills recommended by OSHA. You will need to bring the current manual (with the numbers 15-1021 printed on the back cover in the bottom right corner) to class. If purchased, the manual will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a first aid course completion card. Class Cost: $55; Manual: $15.Monday, Oct. 2 OR Thursday, Jan. 4, 6 - 9 p.m.

Heartsaver CPR AEDThis course teaches adult, infant and child CPR and AED use, as well as how to relieve choking on adults, infants and children. It is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory or other requirements. You will need to bring the current manual (with the numbers 15-1020 printed on the back cover in the bottom right corner) and a one-way valve mask to class. If you need to purchase a mask when you register, it will be given to you at the class. The manual, if purchased, will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course. Class Cost: $60; Manual: $15; Mask: $10Thursday, Nov. 9 ORThursday, Feb. 1, 6 - 10 p.m.

Basic Life Support (BLS) CPRThis course is intended for participants who provide healthcare, or anyone who is required to take a healthcare provider-level course for employment. A course completion card is awarded to participants who successfully complete the course, including the written examination and skills demonstration. The course cost includes a manual and one-way valve mask. The manual will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the course, and the mask will be provided at the class. Cost: $100.Monday, Sept. 11, 5:30 - 10 p.m. OR Monday, Dec. 4, 5:30 - 10 p.m.

INCLEMENT WEATHER Listen to radio station WMRC 1490 AM or call the Medical Center at (508) 473-1190 to check the status of your course or program.

Register online at milfordregional.org

15Fall 2017

Good Feelings is published twice yearly by Milford Regional, 14 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757. Nonprofit postage paid. Issue date: Fall 2017. Material contained here is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, consult a physician or other healthcare professional.

Terri McDonald VP of PR, Marketing & Communications; Editor

Donna Boynton PR/Community Education Coordinator

Stacy JubaTerri McDonald Writers

Glenn Perry Photographer

is published as a community serviceNon Discrimination and Accessibility Practices Notice Milford Regional Medical Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities.ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-508-422-2148.ATENÇÃO: Se fala português, encontram-se disponíveis serviços linguísticos, grátis. Ligue para 1-508-422-2148.

SUPPORT GROUPSCancer Support GroupsBreast CancerThis group is for women who would like to meet other women to explore ways to cope with their diagnosis and its effect on their lives. It also offers women an opportunity to support each other. For more information, call (508) 488-3783. Free. First Wednesday of each month, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.Second Floor Conference Room, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional

Caring for the Caregiver This group is for those who are helping a loved one or friend get through cancer treatment. The program provides practical information to support the caregiver and offers an opportunity to meet and gain support from others coping with similar issues. For more information, call (508) 488-3783. Free.First Wednesday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.Second Floor Conference Room, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional

Coping with CancerThese sessions offer an opportunity for individuals with cancer to offer support to one another and explore ways of coping with the stresses created by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (508) 488-3783. Free. Second Tuesday of each month, 2 to 3:30 p.m.Second Floor Conference Room, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional

GIM DiscussionPatients with esophageal cancer are invited to join in a discussion of common challenges during treatment and survivorship. Family members are welcome. For more information, call (508) 488-3783 Free. Third Tuesday of each month, 2 to 3 p.m.Second Floor Conference Room, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional

Grief SupportThis is a support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer. Come for comfort, compassion and mutual understanding from others. Open to those at any stage of their grief journey. Registration is required. To register, call (508) 488-3743. Free. Third Wednesday of each month, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

General Support GroupsParkinson’s Disease For more information, call Teresa at (508) 254-3913. Free.Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m.Women’s Pavilion Conference RoomFourth Floor, Hill Health Center

Mother Talk For new mothers with infants 0-8 months. Registration is not required. For more information, call the childbirth education department at (508) 473-1190, extension 5076. Free.Second Thursday of each month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.Milford Regional Maternity Education RoomSecond Floor, Main Building

Breastfeeding is Beautiful (BIB) This group provides lactation support and encouragement, professional breastfeeding resources, mother-to-mother peer support and a relaxed, informal environment for breastfeeding women and their babies. Pregnant women are welcome to attend. For more information, call (508) 422-2960. Free.First and third Thursday of each month, 10 to 11 a.m.Milford Regional Maternity Education RoomSecond Floor, Main Building

Emotional Wellbeing After BabyA group for mothers dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-doubt and other uncertainties. Moms can meet in this nurturing environment to share their experiences and build a network of support. Contact Timoria McQueen, Boston MetroWest Coordinator for Postpartum Support International, at (508) 419-3103 or ewabmilford@gmail.com. Free.Second and Fourth Monday of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m.Milford Regional Conference Room CGround Floor, Main Building

Traumatic Brain Injury SupportFor more information, call (508) 422-2559. Free.Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.Women’s Pavilion Conference RoomFourth Floor, Hill Health Center

Multiple Sclerosis For more information, call Jo-Lynn Sullivan at (508) 928-2100. Free.Second Wednesday of each month, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Milford Regional CafeteriaGround Floor, Main Building

Road to RecoveryA weekly support group for family and friends of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. The support group follows a 12-step program to help understand the issues around addiction. For more information call Katie Truitt at (774) 248-4526 or e-mail ktruitt3@gmail.com. Free.Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.Conference Room C, Ground Floor, Main Building

PREVENTIONQuit Smoking with HypnosisHypnosis is a powerful tool to help you successfully quit smoking. If you are motivated and ready to quit, hypnosis is safe, reliable and fast. This is a small-group session and class size is limited. Registration is required. To register, visit milfordregional.org. For more information, call (508) 422-2206. $35Monday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m.Milford Regional Physicians Conference Room C, Main Building

For information about cancer and tips for prevention, contact the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

REFLExOLOGYHand Reflexology WorkshopReflexology is a natural, non-invasive integrative therapy that supports the body’s ability to heal itself. In this self-help workshop, you will learn the basic finger techniques of reflexology and target specific reflex points that represent different areas of the body. With these basic skills you can work on yourself and others to help alleviate stress, reduce pain and restore balance to the body and mind. To register, go to milfordregional.org. Cost $40.Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Milford Regional Conference Room CGround Floor, Main Building

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATIONMilford Regional offers a variety of childbirth education programs for the entire family, including childbirth preparation programs for first-time parents, teens and a refresher for those who have delivered before.

We also offer breastfeeding, sibling, Baby & Me, cesarean section, twin preparation and infant CPR classes, as well as breastfeeding and new mom support groups.

For more information, visit our website milfordregional.org or call childbirth education at (508) 422-2756.

SENIOR FOCUSMilford Regional sponsors lunchtime presentations in partnership with the Milford senior center featuring physicians and other hospital staff speaking on health issues important to seniors. All luncheons are held at the Ruth Anne Bleakney Senior Center, 60 North Bow Street, Milford, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The cost is $5, due upon registration, but is fully refundable at the program. For a schedule of speakers and to register, call (508) 473-8334.

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDORLANDO FLPERMIT 1556

14 Prospect St.Milford, MA 01757

Wishing You Well

CONNECT WITH US…Web Sitemilfordregional.org

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Facebook and TwitterBecome a Milford Regional Facebook fan and follow us on Twitter at @milfordregional

YouTubeWatch patient testimonials, physician lectures and Milford Regional videos

LECTURE SERIESJoin us for our fall lecture on colon surgery and for a special two-night event focused on hip replacement surgery.

Surgical Treatments for Colon ConditionsDo you suffer from a chronic colon condition, such as diverticulitis, colitis or Crohn’s disease, and are you tired of uncomfortable flare ups? Have you been diagnosed with colon cancer and are preparing for surgery? Join us for a discussion with General Surgeon Patrick McEnaney, MD, who will talk about surgical treatments for colon conditions, such as polypectomy, colectomy and minimally invasive options, as well as what to expect during and after surgery. Free.Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.Presenters: Patrick McEnaney, MD

UMass Memorial General Surgery at Milford

A Complete Look at Hip Replacement Join us for a two-night event to learn about hip replacement surgery and the keys to a successful recovery to get you back on your feet. It is suggested that you register for both programs in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of hip replacement surgery and recovery.

Part I: Hip Replacement Surgery Do you struggle with hip pain, whether it be from arthritis or an injury and are considering hip replacement surgery? Hip replacement surgery can relieve pain and improve your mobility. Learn from Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist Susan Barrett, MD, about what to expect during and after the surgery. Free. Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Presenters: Susan Barrett, MD, MPH

Mulroy Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.

Part II: Physical Therapy – A Must After Joint Replacement Surgery For a truly successful recovery after hip replacement surgery, physical and occupational therapy is key. Learn from our team of physical and occupational therapists about what to expect during your recovery and the importance of physical therapy following surgery. Free. Monday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. Presenters: Milford Regional Medical Center Rehabilitation

and Sports Medicine

16

Lectures are held in the Milford Regional Physicians Conference Center, Ground Floor, Main Building.

Registration is requested, as seating is limited. Go to our website milfordregional.org

or call (508) 422-2206.