Overview of
The Wendy Gelber
Lung Cancer Research Program
Because of our Generous Supporters, ICAN cancer patients involved in
The Wendy Gelber Lung Cancer Research Program
have access to the following information services:
- A review and analysis of the patient's pathology report relating to TNM staging ("Tumor Node Metastasis"); review of the patient's medical history, diet, lifestyle and risk factors, current condition as well as any comorbid factors; and complete review of symptoms prior to presentation.
- Referrals, at the patient contact's request, to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, and additional specialists relevant to the patient's ongoing care.
- Referrals to support groups that may be of assistance in handling the emotional impact that cancer has on the patient and the patient's family.
- Referrals to lung cancer-specific organizations that may be of assistance in addressing insurance issues or employment termination issues (because of diagnosis or disclosure of metastatic disease).
- Review of the nature/amelioration of specific side effects from chemotherapy (such as nausea and neuropathy) as well as from other treatment modalities.
- Discussion of the interaction of diet and cancer chemotherapy drugs based on recent studies.
- Delineation of the symptoms about which the patient should alert his/her oncologist.
- Discussion of relevant imaging technology.
- Discussion of pain management issues and treatment options that can be addressed with the patient's medical team.
- Explanation of the recommendations given or not given by the patient's physicians; assistance in answering the patient's questions which remain either after or between appointments with the medical team.
- Review of the relevant radiotherapy/interventional radiology options which the patient contact, in turn, may discuss with his/her medical team.
- Discussion of the relevance of the patient's specific immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic results to available clinical trials so that the patient may explore all options with his/her medical team.
- Analysis of relevant lung cancer clinical trials options as well as the nature and purpose of clinical trials using Remission Coach®.
- Review of relevant lung cancer-specific drugs in the anticancer pipeline.
- Review of all relevant and complementary and alternative medicine ("CAM") avenues.
- Review of the merits of filing a "Single Patient IND for Compassionate or Emergency Use" for a specific experimental cancer drug, if relevant to the patient's situation.
- Exploration of options that might reduce travel costs for the patient contact, such as Corporate Angels Network, as well as ICAN supporters who have volunteered to host a clinical trials patient in a particular city.
Wendy Joan Gelber, 64, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away in her home on Saturday, October 1, 2011. Wendy was born in New York, NY to Samuel and Rhoda Scharaga.
She lived in Arizona since 1980. Wendy enjoyed time with her family, cooking delicious food, Boston Terriers, traveling, reading and playing Mah-jong with friends. She is survived by husband Allan, son Hayes; daughter and son-in-law Billie and Shane; grandson Walker; mother Rhoda; Sister and brother in-law Deborah and Garry; and Russell the Boston Terrier.
Donations can be made in Wendy's name to Hospice of the Valley or the Wendy Gelber Lung Cancer Research Program at ICAN.
The Wendy Gelber Lung Cancer Research Program
is a vital part of ICAN's Cancer Patient Advocacy and Clinical Trials Program Advocacy Services.
To support this program, please click below.
Federal Tax I.D.: EIN 86-0818253