News & Events

March 16, 2011 - Fort Worth Cancer Survivor Weight Management Program Offers Hope

Cancer treatment, at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth, moves forward with a new weight management program challenging survivors to exercise their options to reduce the chances of cancer returning and build self-confidence.

The 12 week exercise and nutrition program is free of charge and open to any cancer survivor or patient at The Center. The program includes an hour-long work out with a physical trainer, three times a week from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Participants learn how to develop healthy eating habits by meeting with a certified dietitian every two weeks. To address cancer-related issues, Helena Iannaccone, an oncology-certified nurse practitioner and cancer survivor, meets with each individual four times during the course of the program.

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March 16, 2011 - Fort Worth Cancer Survivor Weight Management Program Offers Hope

Cancer treatment, at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth, moves forward with a new weight management program challenging survivors to exercise their options to reduce the chances of cancer returning and build self-confidence.

The 12 week exercise and nutrition program is free of charge and open to any cancer survivor or patient at The Center. The program includes an hour-long work out with a physical trainer, three times a week from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Participants learn how to develop healthy eating habits by meeting with a certified dietitian every two weeks. To address cancer-related issues, Helena Iannaccone, an oncology-certified nurse practitioner and cancer survivor, meets with each individual four times during the course of the program.

Iannacone said, "After my cancer treatment ended, I was suddenly alone with fears about the disease coming back. During treatment, I was surrounded by the encouragement of nurses and doctors, plus I was doing something to take care of myself. This weight management program gives people an extended sense of doing something about cancer returning. Their spirits are lifted by the company of other survivors, plus it is well known that exercise reduces stress and helps you feel less tense. Turning to calorie-filled comfort food does not have to be the answer."

Shelia Cunningham is a patient at The Center. She has a rare blood disease that physicians say frequently leads to cancer. The 59-year old grandmother started the program in July. "I have lost 29 inches and 16 pounds. I can move so much better," she explained. Cunningham who is also a diabetic, has never been a part of a formal exercise program. "I never even took physical education in high school," she quipped. Cunningham knows that shrinking her waist-line is also decreasing her risk of getting cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, preventing weight gain can lower the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, and esophageal cancer. A recent report estimated that, in the United States, 14% of deaths from cancer in men and 20% of deaths in women were due to being overweight.

Although more studies are needed on the effects of different types of cancer recurrence, research has shown that women who are overweight at the time of breast cancer diagnosis and who gain weight during cancer treatment, face a higher likelihood of breast cancer recurrence and have worse survival rates.

The program is funded by the Cancer Assistance Fund of North Texas.

For more information, call 817.759.7000 or visit www.thecentertx.com.

March 10, 2011 - The Center at Burleson Offers Patient-Focused Cancer Treatment

We are very proud to announce another uniquely patient-focused cancer treatment approach, with the recent grand opening of the Careity Breast Center, inside The Center at Burleson. The new location offers a “We’re In This Together” approach to caring for breast cancer patients, and was recently featured on CBS 11. To reduce fear and confusion, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients meet with their surgeon, a physician specializing in medical oncology, physician specializing in radiation oncology, and cancer navigator at a single appointment.

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March 10, 2011 - The Center at Burleson Offers Patient-Focused Cancer Treatment

We are very proud to announce another uniquely patient-focused cancer treatment approach, with the recent grand opening of the Careity Breast Center, inside The Center at Burleson. The new location offers a “We’re In This Together” approach to caring for breast cancer patients, and was recently featured on CBS 11. To reduce fear and confusion, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients meet with their surgeon, a physician specializing in medical oncology, physician specializing in radiation oncology, and cancer navigator at a single appointment.

Traditionally, patients meet with each individual doctor over a period of weeks, often leading to extended anxiety prior to each visit. The new concept also gives patients and family members the opportunity to ask questions of their entire team of physicians, for an overall better understanding of the proposed cancer treatment plan.  

The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders is making advancements in the way breast cancer patients receive care. Our new approach, in conjunction with the Caretiy Foundation, involves changing the way breast cancer patients receive care at our Burelson location. In order to reduce fear and confusion about breast cancer, those who are newly diagnosed will meet with their surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist at a single appointment - rather than making several individual office visits.  

The Careity Breast Center offers patients a spa-like outhwest decor. Other support services available at the Careity Breast Care Center at Huguley include an education room, oncology massage therapy, nutritional support, psychotherapy, genetic testing, social services, spiritual support, guided imagery, lymphedema prevention and treatment, and a survivor wellness program.

Careity Foundation (www.careity.org) is a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing on-site support services for economically challenged cancer patients, to promoting early cancer detection, and to providing relief to children with devastating diseases and life threatening illnesses.

March 10, 2011 - The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Supports The Komen Race For The Cure

The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders is continuing its tradition of supporting the Komen Race for The Cure Greater Fort Worth which has been expanded this year to include Johnson, Parker and Hood counties. Each year The Center sponsors all employees and breast cancer patients who are interested in participating. The event takes place April 9 and will begin at Ridgmar Mall. The Center will pay the registration fee for participants who are current employees or breast cancer patients. 

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March 10, 2011 - The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Supports The Komen Race For The Cure

The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders is continuing its tradition of supporting the Komen Race for The Cure Greater Fort Worth which has been expanded this year to include Johnson, Parker and Hood counties. Each year The Center sponsors all employees and breast cancer patients who are interested in participating. The event takes place April 9 and will begin at Ridgmar Mall. The Center will pay the registration fee for participants who are current employees or breast cancer patients. 

Those interested in the non-competitive 5K or one mile walk should complete the registration form. Be sure to provide an email address and select your shirt size. Forms can be emailed to dhead@txcc.com, faxed to (817-551-1389) or dropped off at one of The Center's locations to the attention of Dorothy Head. The Center's team name is The Center of Attention. The deadline is 9 a.m. Friday, April 1. Registration forms will no longer be accepted by The Center after the deadline. Packets will be mailed to participants. 

Your family members and friends are welcome to join our team. However, they are responsible for the registration fee. Those interested can join our team by signing up online under join an existing team.

Komen has recognized The Center in the largest medical team participation category for the last two consecutive years. The Center hopes to earn the award again this year by sponsoring at least a hundred people. For more information call Dorothy Head - 817-289-4213. 

March 9, 2011 Richard Artim, M.D. Offers Cancer Treatment at The Center For Cancer & Blood Disorders

Richard Artim, M.D., a board-certified physician offering medical oncology and hematology services, has joined The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders in Fort Worth.

Dr. Artim has provided cancer treatment and treatment for blood disorders in Fort Worth and other locations for more than three decades, including many years serving men and women in the United States Air Force. He will maintain his office location at 710 West Leuda Street in Fort Worth.

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March 9, 2011 Richard Artim, M.D. Offers Cancer Treatment at The Center For Cancer & Blood Disorders

Richard Artim, M.D., a board-certified physician offering medical oncology and hematology services, has joined The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders in Fort Worth.

Dr. Artim has provided cancer treatment and treatment for blood disorders in Fort Worth and other locations for more than three decades, including many years serving men and women in the United States Air Force. He will maintain his office location at 710 West Leuda Street in Fort Worth.

Dr. Artim’s military background began with an undergraduate degree earned at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After graduating from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Artim completed an internship and residency at David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California, followed by a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. 

For more than twelve years, as a U.S. Air Force physician, Dr. Artim provided cancer treatment to families stationed at various United States Air Force medical centers across the nation, including Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, now known as the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth. Throughout his career in medicine, Dr. Artim has been involved in teaching and training young physicians. Although he left active military duty to open a private practice in 1988, he continues to hold the rank of Lt. Colonel, Medical Corps USAF, inactive reserve. 

During the span of his medical practice, Dr. Artim has achieved leadership status on a local, regional, and national basis as a cancer researcher, speaker, and faculty member. He has held medical staff leadership positions at major hospitals including Baylor All Saints, Texas Health Resources—Harris Methodist Fort Worth, and Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth. Dr. Artim volunteers his time and helps support the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Doris Kupferle Breast Center.

Dr. Artim is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including being elected to fellowship status in the American College of Physicians. In addition, he has repeatedly been named a Top Doctor by Fort Worth, Texas magazine. 

Nov. 19, 2010 - Cancer Survivor Shares Hope

By Terry Purdom, Cancer Survivor

Hope - what a powerful little word. We use it every day in our life, but to a cancer survivor it has a very special meaning. Hope is what gets us from one day to the next. As cancer survivors how would we deal with our daily lives without hope for the next drug or next treatment that may be just around the corner? It's all about hope.

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Nov. 19, 2010 - Cancer Survivor Shares Hope

By Terry Purdom, Cancer Survivor

Hope - what a powerful little word. We use it every day in our life, but to a cancer survivor it has a very special meaning. Hope is what gets us from one day to the next. As cancer survivors how would we deal with our daily lives without hope for the next drug or next treatment that may be just around the corner? It's all about hope.

My name is Terry Purdom and I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on Nov. 22, 2004. I can remember thinking at the time that I had about three years at the most to live. That was six years ago. We are getting a handle on many kinds of cancer. Multiple myeloma is one that is now progressing from a very deadly cancer to one that is more chronic in nature and becoming more manageable. I am taking drugs today that were not available just six short years ago and for me - that is what hope is all about.

As cancer survivors we're at war with a vicious enemy. With every breath that I take my body is battling this intruder called multiple myeloma.  I believe that hope is one of the greatest weapons that I have in my arsenal in this fight. One of my greatest concerns is that we lose hope, and if you lose hope you may lose the battle. We can't afford to lose hope. Never give up!

As we travel through life it's like traveling across a mountain range with its peaks and valleys. Now and then we will stumble off into a valley and I can't think of a deeper valley than being diagnosed with cancer. Hope is what continues to lift us up out of these valleys. We have to work at keeping hope elevated in our lives. We have to maintain this hope. If we keep hope elevated in our lives, it will be there for us when we stumble into a valley. This hope will continue to lift us up.

Our hope can come from many sources. It can come from the drugs we take, our doctors, nurses, clinics even our caregivers. For many, the hope comes from our faith. For me personally my hope starts and ends with my faith in God. Whatever the source of your hope, grab a hold of it and never give up. Hope Elevated!

Oct. 28, 2010 - Page Recognized as Outstanding Alumnus

Ray Page, D.O., Ph. D., president of The Center for Cancer Care and Blood Disorders,  has been honored for his research, recognized by his peers and patients, and now—thanks to a recent award—has been recognized by every school from which he graduated.

The Grand Prairie High School (GPHS) Alumni Association recently recognized Page as the 2010 Outstanding Alumnus.  Page received the honor during the school’s homecoming festivities.  This achievement was especially memorable, honoring GPHS’ centennial year. 

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Oct. 28, 2010 - Page Recognized as Outstanding Alumnus

Ray Page, D.O., Ph. D., president of The Center for Cancer Care and Blood Disorders,  has been honored for his research, recognized by his peers and patients, and now—thanks to a recent award—has been recognized by every school from which he graduated.

The Grand Prairie High School (GPHS) Alumni Association recently recognized Page as the 2010 Outstanding Alumnus.  Page received the honor during the school’s homecoming festivities.  This achievement was especially memorable, honoring GPHS’ centennial year. 

A member of the 1980 graduating class, Page attributes much of his success to his teachers. It was only fitting that his first-grade teacher, Laura Arnold, presented him with the award. “She taught me how to dot my “i’s” and cross my “t’s”; and she taught me the passion of reading,” Page said, during his acceptance speech. 

During his GPHS years, Page’s interest in medicine and science began to take shape.  He was influenced by a biology teacher, Vernelle Curtis, who encouraged him with an award-winning science project.  His entry included rigged test tubes and pipettes that smoked cigarettes, to study the effects of tobacco smoke on mice and gold fish. Page’s interest in research led to scholarships to Southwestern University in Georgetown. He earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry in 1984.

The Association of Southwestern University of Alumni recognized his contribution to his profession and the community when they honored Page in 2006 with the Citation of Merit. The award is given to former students who have performed exceptional civic and or professional services. The honor was coupled with comments from his peers who described him personally and a professionally, “Ray is respected and admired by everyone. He’s the kind of doctor we all want to know – smart, caring, giving.” 

Page earned his Master of Science in physiology from Baylor University in 1986 and completed a combined Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and a Doctorate in Pharmacology in 1991 from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas. He then completed a combined hematology/oncology fellowship at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where he was honored with the designation of Chief Fellow.
He was honored in 2004 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.  Page was acknowledged for his contributions in clinical cancer research and graduate education. There have been four recipients of this award in the 30 year history of the school.

Page has been treating oncology and hematology patients in Fort Worth since 1997. He has been recognized by several publications in the area including, Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Docs and Texas Super Doctor by Texas Monthly Magazine for seven consecutive years.

Currently, he is the President and Director of Research at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Page is the founding President of The Cancer Education and Research Foundation of Texas with a mission dedicated to the promotion, support, and advancement of high quality cancer care through the encouragement and development of numerous research and educational activities.

However, Page will most likely tell you that his greatest honors come from his patients. “I am passionate about what I do and more importantly the people I care for. It is indeed a privilege to know that my cancer patients trust me with their lives every day,” he said.

Page is equally proud of his personal accomplishments. He has been married to a practicing physician, Sheila Page, DO, for 21 years; they have five children and live in Aledo.

Oct. 1, 2010 - Pain And Other Cancer Treatment Side Effects Managed by Acupuncture

Patients at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders benefit from the most up-to-date procedures modern science has to offer.  However, what often extends life also creates challenging short-term side effects, making it difficult for patients to go about their daily activities. 

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice that began more than 5,000 years ago, is helping patients overcome the nausea, vomiting, and bone and joint pain that may come with cancer treatment. The service at The Center is provided by the Careity Foundation and the Cancer Assistance Fund of North Texas.

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Oct. 1, 2010 - Pain And Other Cancer Treatment Side Effects Managed by Acupuncture

Patients at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders benefit from the most up-to-date procedures modern science has to offer.  However, what often extends life also creates challenging short-term side effects, making it difficult for patients to go about their daily activities. 

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice that began more than 5,000 years ago, is helping patients overcome the nausea, vomiting, and bone and joint pain that may come with cancer treatment. The service at The Center is provided by the Careity Foundation and the Cancer Assistance Fund of North Texas.

Marcy Mallory, a licensed oncology-trained acupuncturist, has been providing treatment to patients at The Center for more than six years.  

“Acupuncture helps restore the flow of qi, or vital energy, and return balance to the body,” she explained.  “It helps if you think of the body as a river. If a tree blocks the water from moving, than the water upstream will become stagnant and murky, and the water downstream will dry up and nothing will grow. Once you unplug the dam, the water moves freely. It is the same with our bodies – remove a blockage and you remove the pain.”

Mallory explains to patients that the process is relatively painless and she often only uses a handful of needles, “Some patients only need five or six needles, while others request 20-40,” she said.

Penny Hodgeman has been a patient at The Center for a year and is going through chemotherapy.  “The needles just felt like a pin prick,” she explained. “I have pain in my right shoulder and feel fatigued,” she said.

Hodgeman didn’t know much about acupuncture and how it helps cancer patients until she began receiving treatment from Mallory.  “It was a very calming and relaxing experience and was similar to having a massage,” she explained.

Mallory helps patients feel more at ease by lowering the lights and keeping the exam table warm.    
Debbie Lester, a scleroderma patient, said she will often fall asleep after Mallory leaves the room. “I usually take a nap,” she said, laughing.

Lester has been receiving monthly chemotherapy treatments for the past seven months.  She receives acupuncture weekly. “I don’t need as muc h pain reliever and I don’t have any gastrointestinal issues like I used to,” she explained.

Lester also credits acupuncture with keeping her on the job full-time. “I am a nurse and I walk a lot. The acupuncture treatments for my hip pain have made the difference between working 40 hours per week and going on disability,” she stated. 

For more information about scheduling an acupuncture appointment at The Center, call 817.759.7000.

July 21, 2010 - The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Among Only 23 Cancer Practices Na

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders was recently certified as one of only 23 oncology practices in the nation meeting the rigorous quality of care standards of the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, a new program offered as an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).  ASCO is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer.

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July 21, 2010 - The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Among Only 23 Cancer Practices Na

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders was recently certified as one of only 23 oncology practices in the nation meeting the rigorous quality of care standards of the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, a new program offered as an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).  ASCO is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer.

We strive to be among the top cancer treatment centers in the nation—this recognition is one more way we can assure our patients and their families of our commitment to providing them with the finest cancer services,” said Ray Page, D.O., Ph.D., president of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

We're extremely proud to be among the first to receive this certification.  This underscores our commitment to excellence for our patients,” said Ray Page, D.O., Ph.D., president of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

“Increasingly educated patients and families demand accountability and the highest standards from cancer care providers,” said Douglas W. Blayney, MD, immediate past president of ASCO. “The QOPI certification will allow oncologists in the community to be at the forefront of cancer care, and to be recognized for their quality.”

QOPI analyzes individual practice data and compares these to more than 80 evidence-based and consensus quality measures. The information is then provided in reports to participating practices.  Individual practices are also able to compare their performance to data from other practices across the country. Based on this feedback, doctors and practices can identify areas for improvement.