Welcome to Ask Doctor! Radiation Oncologist and President of Central Care Cancer Center, Dr. Perez-Tamayo is featured each month on KWCH TV’s Noon News program in Wichita, where she speaks on a specific cancer topic. See below for a description and link of past segments that are roughly 3 minutes in length.
Also below, you can listen to a more in-depth discussion with Dr. Perez-Tamayo on specific cancer topics from radio station KVOE in Emporia. In each 35 minute radio program, we dive a little deeper in understanding how a specific cancer is formed, and the signs, risks, symptoms, screening and even treatment options that are available. Medical oncologist Dr. Elamin is also featured in a few of these radio programs.
After watching, or listening to these segments, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Dr. Perez-Tamayo by emailing askdoctor@cccancer.com.
It’s an opportunity for you to interact directly with Dr. Perez-Tamayo and ask any questions concerning cancer symptoms, risks, stages, even treatment and screening options.
Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in both men AND women (not counting skin cancer). Screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CT scans among those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20 percent by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses the importance of lung cancer screenings and who qualifies as well as non-small cell lung cancers, RET mutations and treatment options in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center. Click here to listen.
May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo with Central Care Cancer Center, discusses the most common skin cancers, what to look for on your skin, the ABCDE's of Melanoma, moles and skin tags. Also find out what slip, slop, slap and slide means! All in the latest edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center. Click here to listen.
Head and neck cancers are more common than you think. It isn’t just smoking or alcohol now that cause most head and neck cancers…it’s HPV as well. (more…)
Head and neck cancers are more common than you think. It isn’t just smoking or alcohol now that cause most head and neck cancers…it’s HPV as well. Learn more from Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo in this edition of Cancer Explained with Central Care Cancer Center. [audio mp3="https://cccancer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Generic-head-and-neck-2021.mp3"][/audio]
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in the US. Watch our March segment to learn what symptoms to watch out for and who is more at risk. (more…)
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In the US, colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women. Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses further the importance of early detection, having a colonoscopy, and knowing what the symptoms and treatment options are for colorectal cancer, all in the March Talk of Emporia segment on KVOE. [audio mp3="https://cccancer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TOE-210308_CentralCareCancerCenter.mp3"][/audio]
Dr. Perez-Tamayo explains how the risks of esophageal cancer used to be tobacco, alcohol and reflux, but now it may be more hereditary and involve a new threat from HPV. Symptoms of esophageal cancer typically do not arise until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Watch this segment to learn more. (more…)
About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer during his lifetime. Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses further the importance of screening for prostate cancer (PSA and digital rectal exam) as well as symptoms, family history risk factors, and treatment options in the February Talk of Emporia segment on KVOE. [audio mp3="https://cccancer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TOE-210208-CentralCareCancerCenter.mp3"][/audio]
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses the importance of getting a complete pelvic exam, cervical cancer risks and treatment options, HPV, and HPV Vaccinations. All in the January edition of the Talk of Emporia on KVOE. (more…)
1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Watch this segment to learn more about this slow-growing cancer and the importance of being screened yearly. (more…)
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Watch Dr. Perez-Tamayo discuss the importance of screening and who qualifies for lung cancer screenings. 1 in 16 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime and can affect anyone, regardless of gender or ethnicity. (more…)
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for the various diagnoses of breast cancer. Also, the importance of breast self-exams and annual mammograms, and how men are at risk too for breast cancer. All in the October edition of the Talk of Emporia on KVOE. (more…)
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month! About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Learn about the risks, signs, symptoms and when men should be screened for prostate cancer in September’s Talk of Emporia segment. (more…)
On August's Talk of Emporia segment, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses the most common skin cancers, the ABCDE’s of Melanoma, moles and skin tags, and find out what slip, slop, slap and slide means! (more…)
Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses not only bladder, kidney and testicular cancers, but also describes the location and function of the kidneys, the importance of drinking water, how blood in the urine is never ok, and that men should also do regular self-checks for lumps in July’s edition of the Talk of Emporia on KVOE. (more…)
Dr. Perez-Tamayo discusses Kidney and Bladder Cancers and how you can detect them early on our most recent "Ask Doctor" segment on KWCH 12 Eyewitness News. (more…)
In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day (June 7th) Radiation Oncology Manager, Justin Branine, and Medical Oncology Manager and nurse, Shanna Clock, talk about cancer survivor resources, support groups, June Bug Cancer Foundation and financial counseling during the Talk of Emporia on KVOE. (more…)
On June 2020's KWCH "News Talk" segment, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discussed symptoms of brain cancer and the difference of tumors "in" the brain, versus "of" the brain. (more…)
Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discussed symptoms of brain cancer and the difference of tumors "in" the brain, versus "of" the brain on the May 2020 Talk of Emporia radio program on KVOE. (more…)
In May 2020's KWCH Noon News segment, Dr. Perez-Tamayo spoke about who is at risk for COVID-19 and how cancer patients, specifically, are immune compromised. Also, she discusses why it is so important to practice social distancing. (more…)
During the April 2020 Talk of Emporia radio program on KVOE, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo spoke about the causes, risks and treatment options of head and neck cancers, as well as the importance of social distancing and washing your hands during the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)
Dr. Perez-Tamayo spoke about Head and Neck cancers which affect the mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as protecting yourself from the Coronavirus during April 2020's KWCH Noon News segment. (more…)
Medical Oncologist Dr. Elamin discussed the symptoms, risks, stages and treatment options for colorectal cancer on The Talk of Emporia radio program on KVOE in March 2020. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. (more…)
In February 2020 on the Talk of Emporia radio program on KVOE, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo talked about the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for pancreatic and esophageal cancers. (more…)
During Cervical Cancer Awareness month in January 2020, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Perez-Tamayo discussed what a pelvic exam entails, how important screening is, the various stages of cervical cancer, as well as HPV and the HPV vaccination during the Talk of Emporia radio program on KVOE. (more…)
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. On KWCH's Noon News in January 2020, Dr. Perez-Tamayo highlighted the stages and prevention of cervical cancer, and discussed the importance of the HPV vaccination. (more…)
Medical Oncologist Dr. Elamin discusses blood cancers, specifically lymphoma and multiple myeloma, in December 2019's Talk of Emporia radio program on KVOE. (more…)
On KWCH's Noon News in December 2019, Dr. Perez-Tamayo spoke about blood cancers, specifically, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma. She also discussed how each of these cancers vary between adults and children, and, described the makeup of your blood. (more…)
Listen to Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Perez-Tamayo along with Radiation Oncology Manager, Justin Branine, on The Talk of Emporia radio program on KVOE in November of 2019. The topic was lung cancer; the stages, symptoms, risks and who should be screened. (more…)
In November 2019, Dr. Perez-Tamayo talked about lung cancer on KWCH's Noon News. Specifically she touched on the importance of screening for lung cancer, especially if you're a smoker, as well as lung cancer survival rates and what populations are at risk. (more…)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During KWCH's Noon News in October 2019, Dr. Perez-Tamayo discussed the importance of doing self breast exams each month, as well as the risks and treatment options for breast cancer. (more…)
Dr. Perez-Tamayo highlighted the three main types of Skin Cancer and talked about ABCDE rule when checking moles and spots on your skin during the September 2019 KWCH Noon News. (more…)
If you have been to Central Care Cancer Center in Great Bend, then you might know Richard Cramer. He has unfortunately been a fixture of the clinic since the clinic’s beginning, and has battled a variety of cancers including colon, prostate, and two rounds of lung cancer. Through it all, the 82 year old father of three and grandfather to seven, remains upbeat, full of life and a bit ornery.
It started near the year 2000, when Richard thought he had hemorrhoids, but his referring provider thought differently and ordered a colonoscopy, which showed colon cancer. Richard had a colectomy in 2001 and started seeing Dr. Mark Fesen with Central Care Cancer Center.
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women with the majority of them being preventable. Early detection is key to success, such as getting a colonoscopy. Richard’s most recent colonoscopy in 2019 came back negative.
On top of the colon cancer, it was discovered that Richard hadn’t had a recent PSA test. The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. According to Richard, “they checked mine and it was higher than a kite. I mean it was out of sight.” Richard received treatment and his PSA is now at a normal level.
Dr. Fesen encouraged Richard to go through a series of tests and scans. That’s when cancer showed up in his right lung: non-small cell lung cancer. Richard’s right upper lobe was resected in 2003. He underwent an intense schedule of radiation therapy and chemo for over a month.
However, a few months later, cancer had metastasized to Richard’s right adrenal gland and surgery was performed to resect the gland. On top of that, Richard developed a hernia on the right side of his body. “The family was in Salina at a hotel and my young granddaughter at the time was sitting on a chair playing a game. She about fell off and I went to grab her, causing the hernia. I got that repaired, but I had it sticking out there pretty good. I could rest my arm on it,” chuckled Richard.
“So, I’m getting over the hernia and recovering from the right adrenal gland resection, when it was discovered I was losing my vision.” By now its 2004 and Richard underwent cataract surgery. It would seem though Richard would not be done seeing the inside of a hospital, as shortly after this surgery, he was sitting on a stool, shaving with an electric razor in his bathroom. He got up, but went down hard and broke his left leg in two different places. “After that, I was in pretty good shape for a long while,” said Richard.
It wasn’t until January of 2020 when cancer appeared in Richard’s left lung. Again, non-small cell carcinoma. “Currently it’s in remission, but I continue to take IVIg’s,” said Richard. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is a product made up of antibodies that can be given intravenously. Antibodies are proteins that your body makes to help you fight infections. With cancer, the body’s immune system can be depleted and not make antibodies on its own.
Throughout this whole time, Richard has worked with Dr. Fesen at Central Care. Richard jokes, “I’m kind of the boss there. When I’m there to do my IVIg’s, I just go there, and pretty much know what I’m doing. I mean, everybody knows me and if they don’t me, the will in short order (laughing). Nobody really tries to boss me around. I’ve been here since the clinic opened!”
This Army veteran not only battled colon and prostate cancer, but lung cancer twice. “When I first started, I was scared to death. I didn’t know what was going on. Dr. Fesen had written a book (Surviving the Cancer System: An Empowering Guide to Taking Control of Your Care) and that book probably helped me more than anything else. But when he told me I had lung cancer, that kind of kicked me in the butt. I just felt well what the heck is going on here. It’s not just the treatments, but its everything else – preventive medicines, additional appointments and doctors. I guess after the lung cancer, I just kind of got strong and I believed a little bit more in the Lord maybe. I got to the point where you are not going to kick me. You are not going to kick me, because I’m already down. I’ve got to kick this.”
Mary, Richard’s wife of 59 years agrees. “He is such a strong person and he takes care of himself, all of his medications and doctor’s appointments. It’s amazing how he has come through all of this. He has had setback after setback with these numerous cancers, but he always comes through. It’s amazing.”
Despite it all, when asked how he’s doing now, Richard responds, “I feel all right. Hell, when you’re over 80 years old, how are you supposed to feel really? I would say that I don’t feel like I’m 40, and I can’t do things like I used to, but I feel all right.”“
- Richard Cramer
I am so grateful for the awesome care Dr. Fesen and the whole staff have given me these past 15 years. If it hadn’t been for cancer my path would not have crossed any of you. Thanks for your part in my life. Dr. Fesen and God make a Great Team!“
- Truli Diamond
The staff from front desk through the entire process from blood draws and infusions is awesome. Dr. Fesen always goes above and beyond to answer questions on the latest therapies and help on life issues.“
- Louice Kay Radford
I absolutely love coming here! They are always helpful to me and my children and everyone I’ve ever dealt with is so friendly!“
- Jolene Jacobs
We are very pleased with Dr. Nanney and Pam. Very caring and kind. Also the staff has been very helpful.“
