Take me out to GMC

May 03, 2008 06:59 am

— DANVILLE -- For five weeks, Beverly Sennett made the one-hour trip from her Schuylkill County home to Geisinger Medical Center for radiation treatment.
She was among the 40 to 80 patients visiting the radiation oncology department each day, in addition to the numerous patients coming in for regular consultations.
On top of the long and tiring drive, Sennett said the treatment made her days even longer and more grueling. Any chance to smile was relished, she said.
"My biggest frustration is the fatigue," said Sennett, of Tower City, who was diagnosed with sarcoma earlier this spring. "I'm not accustomed to doing very little. I volunteer a lot, and now I can't do as much. I hate having the feeling of uselessness."
Sennett finally had the chance to look forward to her one-hour trek to Danville when the department recently hosted a "Take Me Out to the Ball Game Day" for its patients. The department was decorated wall-to-wall in baseball themes with bunting, photos of star players and traditional images of the ballpark such as hot dogs and scorecards.
The staff even donned baseball uniforms.
"When patients come here everyday, it becomes a grinding ritual so hopefully this brings a lighter side to what we do here," said Melissa Rohm, a radiation therapist. "You can see it brightens up their day. As they come in, we see smiles we don't normally get. It's a lot of work but well worth it."
The fun day has become a monthly tradition for the department, according to Rohm, who said it all started with a Halloween celebration 15 years ago.
"The employees wore costumes to work," Rohm said. "Then it evolved into a theme for employees to wear similar costumes. Then we started decorating the department, and now we have a full-blown celebration. It seems to get bigger each time."
For the baseball day, the staff decorated the nursing station, waiting room, and hallways. The main hallway leading to the treatment rooms was decorated as baseball field stands with signs as advertisements on the wall, including Sam's Club and Geisinger, and images of fans cheering on the team. There was also a faint smell of hot dogs and popcorn in the air, just like sitting in any ballpark on a summer afternoon.
Prizes and bragging rights were available in a couple contest for the patients. A soft-toss pitching game was situated outside the treatment rooms, while a baseball trivia quiz was given for a chance to win tickets to a Williamsport Crosscutters game.
"Cancer treatment is definitely a lifestyle change," Sennett said. "This type of event is welcoming, because it keeps your spirits up. I believe it also helps the staff. I know it's not easy seeing people go through pain on a daily basis."
Although her treatment ends soon, Sennett said she won't mind missing the next celebration (Cinco de Mayo) even though it means she won't get to visit with the radiation oncology staff.
"Everyone here is so supportive and aware of the feelings you go through," Sennett said. "They really help you by sitting you down and reminding you that you're the only one going through this. They make you feel like there is nothing wrong with you.
"That makes a big difference when you have to come here. It helps keep your mind off of what is really going on."
E-mail comments to jnorth@thedanvillenews.com.

Photos

Registered Nurse Carol Bettleyon talks with patient Betty Shout in the Radiation and Oncology department at Geisinger Medical Center recently as they hosted a baseball themed day for their patients to help boost their spirits.