The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 52 COVID patients today, 61 Friday. Other significant numbers:
- 24 with the active virus today, 26 Friday
- 2 in ICU, 4 Friday
- 1 on a ventilator, 2 Friday
Key points from today’s guests:
Tiffany Kessler, colorectal cancer survivor
- Diagnosed with colon cancer at 40 after having symptoms of fatigue and digestive issues.
- After a series of tests, she was sent for a colonoscopy where a tumor was found.
- The medical team moved quickly, and successful surgery was completed within two weeks.
- Tiffany was reassured to feel that the medical team was all on the same page.
- Community support was also essential – neighbors, friends and family sang Christmas carols outside of her house as she was recovering.
- She was on field during a Kansas City Chiefs game honoring cancer survivors.
Dr. Raed Al-Rajabi, hematologist & medical oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- The key for patients is persistence – if you are not feeling right, continue to get answers.
- He has been seeing a trend of younger patients for many years now.
- The team works closely together to devise a plan for Tiffany – and every patient – to provide comprehensive care and to communicate the process to the patient.
- He loves that Tiffany is doing what she is doing to help communicate her experience to help save lives of others.
Dr. John Ashcraft, colorectal surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
- He is seeing more and more patients under 50 and it is not uncommon to see people in their 30s.
- One theory is that the microbiomes in the environment and within us has changed. That may or may not be related to more processed foods.
- Family history only accounts for about 15 percent of all colon cancers, but if you have family members with colon cancer, your risk does go up.
- Complicating Tiffany’s case was that before her surgery, she tested positive for COVID. The medical team decided it was imperative to move forward with the surgery within an ideal window for an optimum outcome.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, The University of Kansas Health System
- COVID numbers at the Health System appears to be slightly lowering.
- As expected, the FDA approved new RSV vaccines for those 65 and older for next fall.
- There may be a pediatric vaccine as well.
Tuesday, March 7 is the next Morning Medical Update. As March Madness is set to begin, meet the minds of Kansas Team Health, who are helping to ensure that athletes stay healthy.
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