When Trevor Bayliss, MD, was an undergraduate at Williams College and a member of the school's hockey team, he was diagnosed with cancer, a frightening diagnosis for anyone. Despite treatments, his symptoms only got worse, until he was readying himself to accept the inevitable terminal stage. But remarkably a physician steered him to a very common cancer medication that put his illness in remission. His journey made him realize that his career path was going to be in oncology, where he could help people facing similar circumstances and hopefully lead them to their own survivorship.
Dr. Bayliss is now the Medical Director of the Phelps Cancer Center at the Hillcrest Campus of BMC.
"Cancer can be one of the most physically and emotionally challenging realities anyone can face, and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones want and deserve the best care possible," said Dr. Bayliss. "The Phelps Cancer Center is the region's most advanced and comprehensive cancer program in a location that promotes healing and well-being right here in the Berkshires. Our patients will never face their cancer diagnosis alone. Every patient is supported by an entire team of highly skilled, compassionate providers who are trained specifically in cancer care, from physicians and nurses to social workers and therapists. Additionally, all patients are assigned an oncology nurse navigator who will guide them through every step of their cancer journey. Our goal is to eliminate confusion and reduce as much of the anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis as possible, so that our patients can focus on getting better."
"At the Phelps Cancer Center, we focus on the 'whole person,' meaning we rely on the latest scientific and technological innovations in cancer diagnosis and care as well as a full range of wellness therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients," said Dr. Bayliss. "Because different types of cancer behave and respond in different ways to a variety of treatments, we design treatment plans specifically customized to each unique patient."
A Berkshire native, born and raised in Williamstown, Dr. Bayliss returned to the area after fellowship training in Hematology Oncology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, where he also completed his residency training in Internal Medicine. He is board certified in Medical Oncology Hematology and Internal Medicine and has a medical degree from Albany Medical College.
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Companion Corner: Cookie at No Paws Left Behind
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's an adventurous cat at No Paws Left Behind looking for his forever home.
iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.
Cookie is a six year old grey and white domestic shorthair who has been at the shelter for a couple of months.
The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him.
"He came in, actually, with a couple other cats. It was just due to having too many cats in a house, and he came in with, we believe he might be like the father to the others. The others all were adopted over the last couple weeks, so he's the last one still here."
Cookie is a very friendly cat and he is always interested in the other cats to play or hang out. He can do well with other animals and any age but don't let his age fool you as he is still very active and very outgoing.
"He does well with other cats, he would do fine with being at home with dogs, kids. I know, like some people like seeing, a six year old cat you would think he may be not as active, but he is very active, outgoing, vocal. So, I think if you were somebody that was looking for a cat that was active and had a personality that I feel like he'd greet you at the door. He lets you know when he wants food. Really, he can go home with anything, as long as you want a cat that will let you know he's there, he'd be great."
He is quite adventurous as well. He enjoys climbing and exploring around his space. While he may be a bit shy to newcomers at first once he gets to know you he will talk to you and want to play.
"He likes to explore up high, so I think if you had a tall cat tower or windows for him to explore, he would love that, because he always is trying to get up high and get on the cabinets to see what's up there. There's not much he doesn't like, and then he can be a little like shy at first with new people, where he'll kind of go up to you and then walk away, but once he trusts you and is used to you, he's the easiest going social cat," she said.
Cookie does have a bit of a sensitive stomach and would be better if he has certain foods.
"We've tried a lamb or turkey food, and he's had a sensitivity to that, so we've been having him on just salmon and rice food, and he's been perfectly fine, no issues. So, otherwise, aside from the sensitivity, he's perfectly healthy and normal."
Cookie is waiting to be your next family member, if you want someone to talk to and lounge around with this is your boy.
"I really just think if you're looking for a social cat, he's going to be a great companion for somebody. I don't think it matters if you're… it doesn't matter your age. I think he would be happy to just have somebody keep him company and give him attention," she said.
If you think Cookie is your next companion be sure to fill out the form on their website and email or drop it off to No Paws Left Behind today.
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