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Aurora Health Care

Our Mission

Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider and home to Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. Aurora is a nationally recognized leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care to the people its serves. Aurora offers services at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.


Cardiac Services


Thanks to Aurora’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class cardiac services—patients have access to the largest heart program in the United States.


Aurora’s world-renowned cardiac physician specialists form the core of its coordinated cardiac services program, which draws patients from almost every state and more than 20 countries.


Aurora has interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, heart transplant specialists and cardiothoracic surgeons who specialize in the most difficult cardiac challenges.


Aurora’s tradition of state-of-the-art heart care grew from a dedication to ongoing innovation and research, which drives its advanced heart service and treatment options today. Aurora physicians have established numerous firsts at international, national and state levels—at least 25 different landmark procedures and/or treatment methods.


Each of Aurora’s physicians is committed to providing excellent service to patients—striving to improve not only medical expertise and technology but also the basic services that can make a hospital stay or outpatient visit easier.


Cancer Services


Aurora’s experienced cancer specialists have definitive answers when cancer enters the life of a patient. The advanced cancer services include successful treatment programs that have received national accreditation and advanced technology that is leading the charge against this devastating disease.


Aurora’s cancer service experts put patient first in the fight against this disease with a philosophy of patient-centered care. A multidisciplinary, integrated team works with patients from day one—offering treatment at cancer centers throughout the Aurora network of caregivers.


Aurora created the first Genetic Counseling Center in Wisconsin and also was the first in the state to introduce Gamma Knife and CyberKnife radiosurgery treatment therapies in the cancer services program. Patients have access more than 70 active cancer clinical trials.


Aurora’s oncology specialists also introduced the groundbreaking da Vinci® Robot for surgical treatment of prostate and gynecological cancers. Plus, Aurora’s medical oncology group offers more than 30 fellowship-trained physicians who will customize a cancer treatment plan based on set protocols—for the best possible outcome.



Activity

  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What is a bone marrow biopsy?
    Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the cavities of the bones. Bone marrow makes all of the types of blood cells. A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure using a special needle to get a sample of the bone and the bone marrow for testing. Special doctors, such as pathologists, oncologists, or he...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What should I expect before a paracentesis to relieve cancer symptoms?
    Before a paracentesis (a procedure in which fluid is taken from the abdominal cavity to be examined) you will be asked to empty your bladder. You will be escorted into a procedure treatment room. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and then lay on a bed. A staff member will clean...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What happens during photodynamic therapy for cancer?
    During photodynamic therapy, you will be given a drug, Photofrin, through an injection in your vein. This drug travels through the blood and enters all the cells in your body. It concentrates in cancer or abnormal cells but enters normal cells, too. It is gradually released from normal or...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    If I have cancer, when should I call my doctor after a paracentesis?
    Do not drive for 24 hours after a paracentesis -- a procedure in which fluid is taken from the abdominal cavity to be examined. You may feel fatigued, so rest at home. You may eat and drink as usual unless given other instructions. If any of the following symptoms develop, notify your doctor:...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    How long must I avoid bright light after photodynamic therapy for cancer?
    You must avoid all bright direct light for at least 30 days -- from the sun, lighting fixtures, fluorescent lights, or any bright light source like red Christmas tree lights. Exposure can cause severe burns to the skin, similar to severe sunburn. Thirty days after your photodynamic therapy,...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    How will I be protected from light during photodynamic therapy for cancer?
    For the photodynamic therapy, you will be admitted to the hospital as either an outpatient or inpatient. You will be taken to the operating room by cart. The room is designed to protect you from exposure to bright light. During the treatment you will wear special laser glasses. If you have...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What is paracentesis?
    A paracentesis is a procedure in which fluid is taken from the abdominal cavity. This is done to relieve pressure on your:
    • Diaphragm -- to help you breathe easier
    • Stomach -- which may improve your appetite
    After the procedure, the fluids can be examined in the laboratory. Your doctor will...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What precautions should I take after a biopsy to detect breast cancer?
    After a stereotactic/ultrasound guided breast biopsy:
    • Wear a good supporting bra day and night.
    • Place an ice pack inside your bra, on top of the dressing: 20 minutes on/20 minutes off.
    • You may take Tylenol. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin for at least 24 hours, unless advised
    ...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    When should I call my doctor after cancer treatment or surgery?
    After cancer treatment or surgery, call your doctor if you have:
    • An oral temperature higher than 100.5 degrees F
    • Any unusual or uncontrolled bleeding (such as a nose bleed, bloody stool, bloody gums, blood in urine)
    • Increased shortness of breath or trouble breathing
    • Chest pain, excessive coughing
    ...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    Why should I have a Pap smear?
    The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a simple screening test for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow lower part of the uterus, which forms the opening between the uterus and the vagina. In this test, a few cells are taken from the cervix and sent to the lab to be studied. The Pap test...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What causes cervical cancer?
    Nine out of 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is common in men and women -- most adults are infected at some time in their lives. A protective vaccine now exists for adolescent girls and young women. The vaccine is also being given to...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What is a Pap test?
    The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a simple screening test for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow lower part of the uterus, which forms the opening between the uterus and the vagina. In this test, a few cells are taken from the cervix and sent to the lab to be studied. The Pap test...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What are the side effects of Eloxatin (oxaliplatin)?
    Oxaliplatin is a drug used to treat some forms of cancer. It is given through your intravenous (IV) line. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, rash, dry mouth, diarrhea, low white blood cell count and peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy means that there are abnormal se...  Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    What foods are good sources of magnesium?
    Foods high in magnesium include:
    • Halibut
    • Almonds, cashews
    • Spinach (cooked)
    • Shredded wheat cereal
    • Oatmeal
    • Potato with skin
    • Peanut butter
    • Yogurt
    • Bran flakes
    • Lentils (cooked)
    • Kidney, pinto beans
    • Chocolate milk
    • Banana
    • Raisins
     Full Post
  • Aurora Health Care
    Aurora Health Care answered:
    Who should take magnesium supplements?
    People who may need extra magnesium include those with chronic malabsorption problems (such as Crohn's disease, excessive diarrhea, or vomiting); individuals on certain chemotherapy, diuretic, or antibiotic therapy; and individuals with chronic low potassium.

    Talk with your health care p...  Full Post