The Douglas & Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center

Happy #RadTechWeek to our outstanding group of radiation therapists who care for our patients at the Barnhart Cancer Center. They continue to enhance the quality of our patients’ lives through cutting-edge technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve gone above and beyond their normal duties to connect with patients who are unable to have family present at their appointments. We are doing our job as we are treating and talking to our patients, but they are a person beyond just their disease, says Barbara Hayes, radiation therapist at the Barnhart Cancer Center.

We’re so grateful for the ways our community supports us and most importantly our patients. Today, the Sewing Angels from the North America Taiwanese Women’s Association and Taiwanese American Community Center of San Diego donated hand-made blankets, caps and scarves. These items will bring much-needed comfort and cozy to our patients receiving cancer treatment.

It’s been a difficult year for many, but change emerged earlier in the year for Gloria Estrada after one mammography screening changed her life. Read more about how the Barnhart Cancer Center's care team stepped in as Gloria’s support during these challenging times.

About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Early breast cancer detection through mammogram screenings have greatly improved the likelihood of beating breast cancer. #SharpGoesPink in honor of National Mammography Day. Make your appointment today!

Clinical nurse at Sharp Chula Vista, Josefina Jo Sales, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Throughout her journey to recovery, she says her medical background has been a double-edged sword as she found herself on the other side of patient care. Explore different options of your care and trust your intuition, says Jo. Speak to your heart and never be afraid to ask questions about your treatment. It’s important to keep the faith. You can either let a bad situation define you, destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you. Choose strength. #SharpGoesPink

For many patients, cancer is frightening enough, but going through it during a global pandemic brings an extra set of worries. That was Gloria Estrada’s experience when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although her family couldn’t accompany her at appointments, our Barnhart Cancer Center team stepped in to support and care for her every step of the way keeping her safe and celebrating with her as she rang the graduation bell. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gloria shared her story with NBC 7 San Diego's Joe Little.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Deanna White, director of acute care at Sharp Chula Vista, shares her personal experience. I was 37 and a single mom when I felt a lump. Luckily, I was with a good friend when I got the results of my mammogram: It was cancer. I got the full treatment of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and reconstruction. The road was not easy; my kids were young and worried, but always supportive when I told them we needed to leave a party early be...cause I was tired. I was given a 50% chance of surviving. It’s been nine years. I’ve been lucky to have wise physicians in Dr. Marilyn Norton, Dr. Andrew Hampshire, Dr. Omid Bakhtar, Dr. Gilbert Lee and Dr. Phillip Zentner. Dr. Bakhtar gave me great advice that once I was cured, I needed to put it behind me. That gave me hope, but also warned me this would not only be a physical battle, but a mental one. Sometimes aches and pains remind me and trigger the thought of recurrence. What I would tell other women is it’s so easy to go into denial and procrastinate. If something doesn’t seem right, keep following up on it. Be active in your care and advocate for yourself. Find a good friend or partner to help you through it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; people want to help and you don’t even realize how many. #SharpGoesPink

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, attend a free webinar this Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. Our own Dr. Marilyn S. Norton will discuss survivorship from the physician’s perspective and answer questions. There will also be sessions on cancer and stress; nutrition; lymphedema; and exercise before, during, and after treatment. Visit sharp.com/survivor to register.

If you’re concerned about keeping the older adults in your life safe from COVID-19, attend our free webinar this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dr. Daniel Cardenal Castro, medical director of Birch Patrick Skilled Nursing Facility at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, will explain how COVID uniquely affects individuals age 60 and older; what to do to reduce the risk of serious illness; and available resources to support nutrition, mental health and more. Registration is free; visit http://spr.ly/6185GalvS to sign up.

September is Women in Medicine Month, and we recognize Dr. Lori Coleman, radiation oncologist, for her many contributions to the practice of medicine and care she provides her patients at the Barnhart Cancer Center. For as long as I can remember as a child, I told my parents I wanted to become a doctor. As I became older, I realized what a privilege it is to be a physician and have the opportunity to help people. I enjoy helping people navigate their way through their cancer... diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. I try to help them understand their treatment options and make them feel more comfortable during what is often a very scary time in their life. With the current treatment options available, many people are cured of their cancer and that is wonderful and rewarding to experience. Regardless of gender, my message to anyone interested in medicine is to work hard and follow your dreams with integrity. Then, anything is possible and a career doing what you love and helping people is incredibly rewarding.

Where flowers bloom, so does hope. We're enjoying the beautiful, pink flowers in front of our cancer center. What brings you hope? Share in the comments!

Sharp Chula Vista co-hosted a blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank yesterday. They are growing to meet the changing needs of our health care community, especially during these challenging times. Save lives by donating blood at a donor center or mobile drive by making an appointment at http://spr.ly/6185GWFLX.

If you have questions about COVID-19, get answers from Sharp HealthCare experts. Understanding COVID-19 is a free series of virtual webinars in English and Spanish coverings topics like mental health, caring for older adults, and managing your health if you’re at increased risk due to underlying conditions like cancer. The first webinar, Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, is this Thursday, Aug. 27, in Spanish and next Wednesday, Sept. 2, in English. Visit http://spr.ly/6185GWYxZ or http://spr.ly/6186GWYxw, or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), to sign up.

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." -Michelle Obama The future of women in medicine is bright. We are truly inspired by our remarkably hardworking and dedicated female physicians at Sharp Chula Vista who continue to provide exceptional and compassionate care. We are pleased to recognize Drs. Marilyn Norton, Karen Kobayashi, and Latisa Carson for all that they have contributed to our patients and community.

Sharp Chula Vista embraces diversity and celebrates equality. We actively foster a diverse and inclusive environment through the care we offer and the people we employ. Our Ocean View Tower entrance is lit to the colors of the Pride flag as a visible symbol of support for our LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Pride Month San Diego!