AM Healthcare Consultants, LLC

01/06/2024

Sorry for the Facebook hiatus. We have been busy working and not sharing enough information. We will do better this year- it is our New Year's resolution! In the meantime, please consider supporting our president- Amanda Pollok- as she once again takes part in a half-marathon to benefit appendiceal cancer research at MD Anderson.
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This year will be my 9th year running a half-marathon to support the Merkur Pollok Appendiceal Cancer Research Fund at MD Anderson. My family has been overwhelmed by your continuing support of this cause that is extremely close to our hearts. This year especially, we feel grateful and indebted to those doctors who spend their time and resources improving outcomes for patients like my dad. Please consider helping us help them. To read more about this fund or to donate, please click on the link above.
With love and gratitude,
Amanda Pollok

MD Anderson's Fundraise to End Cancer will support innovative patient care, research, education, and prevention programs. Host a fundraiser, challenge yourself, celebrate a milestone or "do what you want" and help eliminate cancer.

12/04/2021

Please support our president, Amanda Merkur Pollok, as she completes her 7th half-marathon in support of appendiceal cancer research at MD Anderson. This race has raised $50,000 so far to help find treatments and cures for this rare diagnosis. To read more, please click on the link below.

After a year off due to Covid, we will once again be running a half mar… Amanda Pollok needs your support for 7th Annual Race for Appendiceal Cancer Research

10/19/2021

In the wake of the passing of Colin Powell, we have received many questions from blood cancer patients about their risks and treatment/prevention options relating to Covid. This article from the LLS is a useful summary of the latest information on this topic. Blood cancer patients, along with all cancer patients who are immuno-suppressed due to their disease or their treatment, must take special care during this time.

Pointed questions should be asked of your oncologist as to the advisability of the vaccine, the booster, and additional protective measures. If you or someone you love needs assistance communicating with your doctor or finding the proper doctor to treat your blood cancer during this time, please reach out. Knowledge is power.

New Study Shows Most Blood Cancer Patients Benefit from an Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose Immune suppressing treatments - an essential component of many patient's cancer care - can blunt vaccine immune response Rye Brook, N.Y., September 13, 2021 – More than one in two patients with B-cell blood...

07/27/2021

US News and World Report published their annual cancer hospital rankings today with MD Anderson coming out on top once again. It is imperative to include the input of leading doctors when deciding on your course of cancer care. While this list is extremely helpful, we caution our clients that it is important to find out which hospital/doctor is the leader for YOUR particular diagnosis. A doctor who has the proper resources and an expertise in your cancer type is the most likely to deliver your best possible outcome. For help in your search for cancer care, call us.

Learn which hospitals were ranked best by US News & World Report for treating cancer. Scores factor in patient safety, nurse staffing and more.

05/18/2021

This recommendation is wise and will save lives. If you are 45 or older, it is time to schedule your colonoscopy! We have been experiencing a high volume of calls from people just starting to go back to the doctor after a year of locking down. Diagnoses appear to be coming in later and at a more critical stage now because of missed medical care during the pandemic. If you or someone you love needs help navigating a cancer diagnosis, call us. Early detection and access to the best treatment options will lead to the best possible outcome.

The change, experts say, could save thousands of lives in the United States.

02/18/2021

Our president, Amanda Pollok, will once again be a panelist at the TanAngels event to share information and awareness about bile duct cancer. This year, the event will be held virtually. Registration is free, and the link can be found on the flyer below. We hope you will join us.

09/08/2020

The approval of a liquid biopsy is very big news for the detection of early or recurring cancer. Patients who are at high-risk or are undergoing monitoring post-treatment should speak to their doctor about the availability of these tests. An opportunity to detect cancer earlier is a win in terms of reaching the best possible treatment outcome. There are still limitations to this test, but it appears to be an exciting advance that we are keeping our eyes on! If you need assistance communicating with your doctor about the most effective cancer testing and monitoring, please reach out.

The liquid biopsy tests that allow for early cancer detection aren't brand new, but the federal approvals make them more accessible and affordable.

04/02/2020

So many people are asking whether their cancer treatments should proceed during this scary time. This page from ASCO shared with us by a colleague) gives some insight into the factors that should be considered when doctors and patients make these tough decisions. If you need help communicating with your doctor about your cancer treatment during COVID-19, please call us.

ASCO invited its members to submit questions about issues and challenges they see emerging while caring for individuals with cancer in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, limited clinical cancer-specific data are available and information is evolving. The following information is bas...

03/15/2020

Many of our clients travel for their cancer care. As such, the new travel guidelines and warnings regarding travel create hard choices. This article provides some guidance about weighing the costs and benefits of getting on a plane right now to receive treatment. The bottom line is that each case is different and careful consultation with your doctor is essential. If you need help asking your doctor the right questions or making local treatment arrangements in lieu of traveling, please call us.

Is it safe for cancer patients to travel by airplane to get to MD Anderson for cancer treatment? If so, how can you minimize the risk of catching COVID-19 while traveling? Find out from immunology expert Patrick Hwu, M.D.

02/25/2020

This article is from last year but was brought back to our attention this week as we helped a client who wanted the best lung cancer care but was limited in her ability to travel. If you cannot get to the best treatment facility, this does not have to prevent your getting the best advice. Many premiere institutions now offer remote second opinions. These opinions can then be used to shape your local care. Regardless of your circumstances, it is imperative that you find out what options will help you get the best possible outcome- hopefully a cure. If you need help accessing the most up-to-date cancer care information, please call us.

Science & MedicineEvolving Standards of Care Accessing Lung Cancer Experts from Anywhere in the World Those in search of an expert opinion can gain access through remote second-opinion programs. Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Posted: August 14, 2019 People diagnosed with lung cancer do not have....

01/09/2020

This is good news! Research is leading to more and more innovative and effective cancer treatments. Different institutions are ahead of the curve in different areas. To ensure you receive the most effective treatment, it is imperative to do your homework. If you need help, call us.

The cancer death rate in the United States continues to decline for the 26th year in a row, with the largest ever single-year drop of 2.2% in overall cancer deaths from 2016 to 2017, according to a new report.

12/10/2019

It is time again for the Annual Half-Marathon Race for Appendiceal Cancer Research at MD Anderson. This year, our president, Amanda Pollok, and her brother, David Merkur, will be running the race in Disney World. If you have a minute, please read the link below and consider donating. It is this kind of directed research that discovers the breakthroughs that we connect clients with every day. Thanks.

It is once again time to run a half-marathon to raise money for barrier-breaking research being done to treat appendiceal cancer at MD Anderson. This year, both my brother David and I will be headed to Disney World on January 11 to earn support for this ...