Greetings from the West Coast!
The Pink Crusader is kicking into high gear as October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, looms around the corner. As always, it is the commitment of this blogger (and 3-time survivor) to alert you to special events which promote research, education and awareness. Please take note of the following events in Houston, Texas, and join me in spreading the word to others.
Until next time, take care and stay well.
Love & BIG HUG
EVENT #1
The M. D. Anderson Network's 21st Annual Patient and Care Giver Conference, "Living with, Through, and Beyond Cancer."
Featuring Guest Speaker, Hoda Kotb, NBC Co-Anchor "Today Show."
September 10 - 12, 2009
Houston Marriott Westchase
2900 Briarpark Drive
Houston, Texas
Call 713-792-2553
or 800-345-6324
Online Registration still available: www.mdanderson.org/patientconference
EVENT #2
Special Fund Raising event for Dr. Anthony Lucci, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S., Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
on Thursday, August 27th, 2009
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Dr. Lucci will be discussing a recent discovery which identifies cancer cells before they travel through the bloodstream to attack other organs. He and his research team are preparing to test several promising drugs that would kill the identified cancer cells before they advance to other parts of the body. The results of this research could potentially forever change the way patients are treated, as well as save many lives. Please save the date and lend your financial support to help Dr. Lucci move forward with his research.
This event, including the reception, will be hosted by Emma Jacobs, in her home. (You may remember Emma as the spunky gal who brought the musical "Unbeatable" to the Houston stage last year.) There will be an open bar, with food, generously provided by John Sheely with Mockingbird Bistro. Valet parking will be available. Seating is limited, so please RSVP with Emma at emmajacobs@comcast.net
For those of you who cannot attend and would like to make a donation, please make check payable to: Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation, and mail to: 206 Terrace Drive, Houston, Texas 77007
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, September 22, 2008
POST IKE UPDATE
HURRICANE IKE UPDATE
Due to continued lack of power at Stages and to damage sustained during the storm, performances of UNBEATABLE and ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE have been moved temporarily to Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. We are grateful to all at the Hobby Center for helping ensure that the shows do indeed go on! Performance schedules and instructions for current ticket-holders are below.
If you do not currently have tickets and would like to purchase them for the dates listed below, please contact the Hobby Center Box Office at 713.315.2525 or http://www.thehobbycenter.org/ beginning Monday, September 22.
UNBEATABLE at the Hobby Center
Wednesday, September 24 - 7:30 PM
Friday, September 26 - 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 27 - 3:00 PM
Sunday, September 28 - 7:30 PM
Wednesday, October 1 - 7:30 PM
Friday, October 3 - 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 4 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 5 - 3:00 PM
ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE at the Hobby Center
Thursday, September 25 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, September 27 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, September 28 - 3:00 PM
Monday, September 29 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 4 - 3:00 PM
Sunday, October 5 - 7:30 PM
CURRENT TICKET-HOLDERS:If you are holding tickets for a Stages performance September 11 - October 5, a Stages representative will be contacting you to assist with rescheduling your tickets or whatever else you need. You may also contact the Stages Box Office at 713.527.0123. The box office will be available via phone 12:00 - 5:00 PM daily until power is restored, at which point regular box office hours will resume.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Pink Crusader Interrupted - Weeks #6,7,8, & 9
Dear Blogger Family & Friends,The Pink Crusader continues her wayward journey through the "Promised Land," and sends warm hugs and best regards to each and every one of you. Although it will be some time before we resume our weekly schedule, we'll make every attempt to keep you updated as frequently as possible. In the meantime, thanks so much for your patience and understanding during this transition....and please read on for the latest news...Enjoy!
“Life is the greatest journey you will ever be on." - Unknown
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SURVIVOR UPDATE Cheryl P. Donlin (Excerpt from recent correspondence)
Today is Day 17 of my chemo and my hair is just now beginning to let go. I beat the 14-day prediction for hair loss by three days! It is a truly weird sensation to experience -- this losing hair thing....
Big sigh. I know that life is intrinsically meaningless and that we must create meaning for ourselves, but what can losing my hair possible mean in the larger context? Where's Einstein, or Carl Sagan when you need 'em?!? Guess it's a good thing I got that sassy little wig. I'll have options. Wish me luck!
Love, Cheryl
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FYIFrom Marsha Yeager:
Hi Ladies,
Some of you may know or remember Tammy Sweed of H.O.P.E Lymphedema Treatment Center. She has spoken to our group in the past about lymphedema treatments. She has for sale T-shirts that have the pink ribbon with wings and with "Hope" printed below. The colors are brown, black, white and raspberry. The cost is $27.50. If you are interested in purchasing one, I would call first to see if she has your size
(281 242 5807). Her business is located at 9914 Hwy 90, Suite A in Sugar Land.
Blessings, Marsha
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From Josie Sethi:
The Faces behind Breast Cancer
Great online review by Karen M. Lynch
Visit: http://www.pinkribbonreview.com/
April 28, 2008
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From Serenitea Tea Room
Mother's Day Tea
Saturday, May 10th
Celebrate Mother's Day with a very special tea service. Enjoy a three-tiered tray with an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, dessert and tea! All Moms receive a gift compliments of Serenitea!
Limited Seating Available. By Reservation Only.
Serenitea Tea Room and Gift Shop
13889 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Tel: 281-491-4588
http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/
Hours
Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Private Events by Appointment
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From Victoria Silva:
Feminine Living
Ladies, This month our meditation will be KINDNESS.
As always the seed for the month focuses on YOU first. Many of the qualities we have been focusing on in our meditation group is new to some of you. We live in a culture where we are conditioned to giving certain qualities to others and not to
ourselves... and the truth is your needs and wants should be first. When we
nurture and love ourselves as the most important person in the world... all
your other relationships will be healthy and right. Learning to say NO to
the demands of others, and giving yourself the space and time for
yourself... Is an act of kindness and self respect. We allow others to treat
us the way we want them to treat us. It is so common as women that we let
others treat us so badly, and yet we often bend over backwards to be kind to
others. This is crazy. Be kind to you, your life depends upon YOU. When we
practice kindness towards ourselves and feel complete and joyful, it is only
natural to treat others with kindness.
If we as women do not heal first, and GIVE to ourselves first... we will
never reach our full potential as women... nor learn to care for ourselves
in a healthy, empowered way.
KINDNESS MEDITATION
Lay or sit down comfortably and begin to breath deeply from your belly area.
Just allow your breathing to relax your body, mind and Spirit.Begin to
breathe into your heart area, slowly and deeply, going deeper into your
meditation space.
Now focus on the word kindness, repeating it as a chant... over and over
again. Allow any images, events, words or feelings to come up for you. You
might recall an unkind act you did to yourself... or allowed another person
to act againest you. These are clues to what you might need to heal... in
order to embrace the act of kindness towards self. Just practice this
meditation daily... and watch how kind you become.... towards YOU... and
then begin to send kindness towards others out into the world.
OUR NEXT MEDITATION IS MAY 31ST AT 7:00.
Love and kindness,
Victoria
http://www.feminineliving.com/
RSVP at http://www.feminineliving.com/ or 713.849.3535
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From Jane Weiner
Hope Stone, Inc.
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/
Hope Center is closed Thursday
May 1 thru Sunday May 4th due to renovations!!!!!!
Please note due to the move of sister organization Pink Ribbons Project this weekend, we are taking the opportunity to shut our doors for a few days and do some necessary renovations....to make Hope Center better and more efficient!
So please note ALL classes are closed from Thursday May 1st 8 a.m. and we will re-open for Maria's Pilates class on Monday May 5th @ 8:15 a.m. (a perfect way to start your week!)
Classes cancelled:
Thursday 9:30 a.m. Ballet
Thursday 3:45 p.m. CM II (make up is May 22)
Thursday 6:30 p.m. West African
Thursday 8 p.m. Yoga
Thursday Ballet @ DWDT is OPEN!!!
Friday 9:30 a.m. adv. modern
Friday 6:15 p.m. Iaido Sword
Saturday 9 a.m. CM I (make up May 24)
Saturday 10 a.m. Ballet
Sunday 4 p.m. Yoga
Sincerely, Jane Weiner
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/
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From Donna Fong:
http://www.breastcancer.net/
Download a free copy of Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. This brochure talks about the physical, emotional and practical aspects of the first few months after diagnosis and provides an overview of breast cancer and a general understanding of the medical options, available support and resources, as well as practical tips to help talk to your healthcare team. Order bulk copies at a low rate for your office, or get a free single copy for yourself.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is also unveiling two new website communities, one for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer at
http://www.lbbc.org/newly-diagnosed.asp
and one for women living with advanced (metastatic) disease at
http://www.lbbc.org/advanced-breast-cancer.asp
for easy access to a wealth of cutting-edge information.
Each section features the latest breast cancer news, updates on clinical trials, and comprehensive information on medical and quality-of-life issues. Use our search to easily find and access topics of interest, ranging from chemotherapy treatments to anxiety and depression to side effects and pain management. Other features include survivor profiles, frequently asked questions, a message board, information for caregivers and direct links to additional resources.
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Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Advocacy Alliance - Action Alert
Legislation has been introduced in Congress for a Mother's Day commemorative coin. A portion of the proceeds from this coin will benefit breast cancer research.
In the United States, one woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes.
Just stop and think about how many families will be affected by this diagnosis, how many children will have to see their mothers go through treatment, and how many will ultimately lose their mothers.
We must put an end to this heart-breaking disease - and the Mother's Day commemorative coin will help us do just that. Please click here to honor your mother by urging your members of Congress to support the Mother's Day coin. http://komenpolicy.org/campaign/us_mothersday_coin/8kgxk8n4h7w8bej8
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From the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Advocacy Alert
Cancer Survivors' Bill Reaches the Senate!
The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act, S.2790 was introduced in the Senate this month! S. 2790, is the companion to H.R. 1078, which now has more than 100 co-sponsors in the House. Having a bill in the Senate as well moves important cancer care planning that much closer to becoming a reality. This bill will improve cancer care by ensuring that cancer survivors have access to care plans and survivorship plans that will enhance their decision-making about treatment and assist them in managing all elements of their care.
Please contact your senators and urge them to become co-sponsors of S. 2790, the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act.
Read the full text of, S. 2790, The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act.
Thank you for working with us to improve the quality of cancer care for all Americans.
Sincerely,
Ellen L. Stovall
36-Year Cancer Survivor
President & CEO, NCCS
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From Cure Today, online:
Spring, 2008
Attention Caregivers! Coming this summer, CURE will publish a special issue for Caregivers, and we want to hear from YOU! Send your tips and essays on caregiving to editor@curetoday.com by May 19th.
http://www.curetoday.com/currentissue/departments/findinghope/index.html
Just launched! You can still find us online at http://www.curetoday.com/ / , but take a look at all we have to offer at http://www.curemediagroup.com/ /
Disclaimer:
Information presented on the CURE website is not intended as a substitute for the personalized advice given by your health care provider. The information is provided solely as a resource for you to become an informed participant in understanding treatment options for management of cancer and blood disorders. Although CURE strives to present only current and accurate information on the website‚ you should not consider it as professional advice‚ which can only be given to you by your health care provider. The views expressed and opinions expressed on the pages of the CURE website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor or publisher. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy‚ the authors‚ CURE Media Group‚ LP, and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors‚ omissions or inaccuracies on this site‚ whether arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever or for any consequences arising therefrom.
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From Emma Jacobs:
Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation
The Unbeatable movement has begun! Next Fall, Unbeatable – A New Musical, which chronicles one woman’s struggle with breast cancer, will have its world premiere production at Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre and the anticipation is remarkable. More importantly, the comprehensive network of support that this new musical has already generated is awe-inspiring: M.D Anderson, The Pink Ribbons Project and The Susan G. Komen Foundation have joined dozens of individual donors to pledge significant support to develop this amazing project. Now is your moment to join our Unbeatable movement and bring this inspirational musical to Houston.
In a time when there are so many worthy causes drawing our attention, I encourage you to consider Unbeatable as a unique way to support the arts and provide a message of great hope to those taken ill with an insidious cancer. Thanks to your support we are well on our way to our goal of bringing Unbeatable to Houston!
Sincerely,
Emma Jacobs
Fundraising chair, Unbeatable
Stages Repertory Theatre
Checks made payable to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation, 206 Terrace Drive, Houston, Texas 77007.
Portions of your donation to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation (a 501c3 organization) may qualify for tax deductions under the laws of the State of Texas.
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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271
DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/ / /
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UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!HOPE STONE
Teen Yoga Classes
Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
May 3
713.526.1907
ROSEBUDS SUPPORT MEETING
May 6, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet Future Meetings: May 20
ROSEBUDS II SUPPORT GROUP
May 8th, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting for those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
UNBEATABLE FUND RAISER - PAMPERED CHEF
As you know Emma has been feverishly working with Stages to bring Unbeatable to Houston. For those of you who have still not had a chance to sample the music, this is it! The ladies will be show casing the songs from the musical at the home of another of Stages board members. Please try to drop by and enjoy the music and if you happen to purchase something from Pampered Chef even better as a portion of the proceeds will go to Stages Theatre and the American Cancer Society.
RSVP: 281-261-4878 or 713-449-2792
Saturday, May 10th at 2:00pm
Home of Thomas Spiriti and John Marcellus
6431 Ivy Falls
Missouri City, TX 77459
tspiriti@comcast.net
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas
During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, May 12th, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675
SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County. Survivors Offering Support (SOS), a peer Breast Cancer support group will meet on Tuesday, May 13, from 7-9p at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in New Territory.
Do not forget our "Honoring of Survivors" (5 year, 10 year, 15 year) meeting next month. As for refreshments, please bring something that you can share with the others. However, bringing a refreshment is not a requirement for attendance. This will be the last formal meeting of the year. Please let me know if you are planning to join us.
During the summer we meet informally at no-host luncheons held at various restaurants in the Sugar Land area. Notice is by email. Directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/ /
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on May 20, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.
VICTORIA'S PLACE
Our next meditation is May 31st at 7:00 pm.
For information visit: http://www.feminineliving.com/ /
Or call 713.849.3535 to register.
SUSAN G. KOMEN for the Cure - Houston Affiliate
Survivorship Houston ‘08
Teaming Up to Fight Cancer: Hope, Inspiration & Fun
Celebrate cancer survivorship on Cancer Survivor’s Day, Sunday, June 1 at a free city-wide event for all cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families. The event takes place at the Methodist Training Center – Home of the Houston Texans at Reliant Park from 1 – 4 p.m.
The program, to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m., will be hosted by former news anchor, Linda Lorelle. Registration is required.
Activities
· Hear inspirational words from cancer survivors and others
· Learn more about community resources
· Talk with cancer survivorship experts
· Meet Houston Texan Cheerleaders
· Enjoy live entertainment and more!
Activities for kids include: face painting, football toss and cookie decorating.
This event is sponsored by the Survivorship Houston Coalition. For more information, including event registration, visit www.survivorshiphouston.org or call 713-745-0549.
(A Komen Houston Affiliate funded event.)
M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
Save the Date!!!!!
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
Keynote Speaker, Actor Gerald McRaney
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
2900 Briarpark Drive
Houston, Texas
Online Registration starts Monday, June 16, 2008
Details TBA or visit www.mdanderson.org/andersonnetwork
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA
"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ / / Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/ /
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
2nd annual Pink Pairs luncheon
This year the pairs being honored will be Girlfriends - the survivor and her best supporting friend.
October 29th
River Oaks Country Club.
Details TBA
CURE MAGAZINE
Coming later this fall, the 5th Annual CURE Patient & Survivor Forum will take place November 1 & 2 in Dallas. CURE is proud to offer a Young Adult Track at this meeting in addition to CNE credit for nurses. For More information visit:
http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
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"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your contributions, comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost
Until we meet again...stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing no matter how many interruptions!
Love, JosieThe Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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Sunday, April 6, 2008
Pink Crusader Interrupted - Week #5
Dear Blogger Family & Friends,
The Pink Crusader is performing double duty from far away places, but continues to send big hugs, warm greetings, and best regards...along with all the latest updates. We will temporarily be off schedule during upcoming weeks and will return to our post ASAP! Until then, have a most excellent life, check back often and please read on...
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SURVIVOR UPDATE
Angie Elliott (per Colin Elliott)
March 31, 2008
All,
I wanted to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for our friend Cathy. Unfortunately, we found out yesterday that Cathy had lost her three year battle on Saturday around 6:45pm with her husband Dan at her side.
Angie is having quite a hard time with Cathy's passing, as they seemed to compliment each other so well. She will certainly be missed. Our prayers go out to her and her family and friends.
On our front, Angie was able to drive on Saturday to an acupuncture appointment. The medicines are still causing her to make some adjustments, but she does seem to be causing less problems than before. We see the doctor on Wednesday, so hopefully we'll have enough information to make a post later this week.
Our love,
Colin
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Molly Bobrow
Get-well wishes to Molly following recent foot surgery to remove a small melanoma. Hope Molly is "back on her feet" and singing up a storm in no time!
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FYI
From Rosemary Barr:
Item #1
Got this from ACS and thought some of you might be interested and fit the criteria. If any of you, do it be sure to let us know so that we will get the magazine when it comes out. It might be for the October issue!
A writer from Ladies' Home Journal is seeking survivors and their closestfriends, and second, she is asking that these people not have appeared in other national media previously. The request is below:
I'm looking for cancer survivors and their best friends who provided extraordinary support throughout their diagnosis and treatment. We'll be featuring pairs of women, so each survivor would need to identify one friend (ideally not a relative) who helped her.
I'll be working on this throughout the next week and would need to set up 15-minute pre-interviews with them. They cannot have been previously featured in other national media outlets, namely magazines or TV. A range of ages, ethnicity, etc is welcome.
Please send me any leads you might have as well as their contact information. Also, I am going to be out of the office on Monday, so if you send any names before Tuesday, please send it to jennifer.walker@cancer.org .
Thanks so much for your help We really appreciate it.
Melinda Henderson
Communications Manager
American Cancer Society
High Plains Division, Gulf Coast Region
6301 Richmond Avenue, Houston, Texas 77057
Office) 713.706.5675
Cell) 832.434.7997
Item #2
THE TRUTH ABOUT CANCER PREMIERES ON PBS APRIL 16, 2008
Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Linda Garmon Takes on the Question "How Far Have We Come in the War on Cancer?" News Journalist and Cancer Survivor Linda Ellerbee
Hosts Post-Broadcast Panel Discussion
What is the truth about cancer? Is it the same deadly killer it was 30 years ago - or are we making progress? Find out through the poignant stories of patients battling the disease. Written, produced, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Linda Garmon, The Truth About Cancer premieres nationally on PBS Wednesday, April 16, at 9:00pm ET (check local listings). Comprised of a 90-minute documentary followed by a 30-minute panel discussion, the two-hour broadcast event takes a deep look inside the cancer field gauging how far we have come in this decades-old war and asking, "Why does anyone still die of cancer?"
Part science, part personal catharsis, part character-driven storytelling, The Truth About Cancer is narrated by Garmon, who tells the moving story of her husband's battle with cancer. Over the course of the film, Garmon returns to the same Boston-area hospitals at which her husband was treated, and exposes startling truths about survival rates of metastisized cancers, and the limited success of drugs and clinical trials. Interwoven throughout are the stories of three additional cancer patients, and their families and doctors, as they navigate the deeply personal decisions surrounding the disease. The documentary also follows several medical professionals working to promote screening, research the latest developments in cancer treatment, and help patients and their families live with a cancer diagnosis.
"This film makes it clear that it's very much a part of American culture to believe that if you fight hard enough, you can beat cancer. But when it comes to having metastatic cancer, your survival depends on the biology of your cancer cells, and whether they are susceptible to state-of-the-art treatment," says Garmon. "In sharing my husband's story and the stories of other patients, I hope to shed light on this important truth."
The Truth About Cancer is the third installment of PBS's Take One Step—a campaign offering primetime programming and outreach tools to help people take the first step towards better health. Following the 90-minute documentary is a 30-minute panel discussion entitled Take One Step: A Conversation About Cancer with Linda Ellerbee. News journalist and breast cancer survivor Linda Ellerbee moderates the dialogue featuring a panel of doctors, all of whom are cancer survivors themselves. Having sat on both sides of a cancer diagnosis, the panel shares their unique perspectives, offering both personal and professional observations on how to handle a cancer diagnosis, what to say to loved ones, how to advocate for yourself, and how to best live your life, with cancer. Panelists include U.S. News and World Report health editor Dr. Bernadine Healy; breast cancer surgeon and Breast Cancer Research stamp mastermind Dr. Ernie Bodai; neurologist and leading palliative care expert Dr. Richard Payne; and counseling psychologist Dr. Paul Brenner.
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From Rosemary Herron:
This is just a friendly reminder of our April 8th SOS Gail Larson Event. If any of our SOS sisters can help provide bottled water, can beverages and/or cookies please let me know. I also need help with set-up since our dear Marsha is still recovering from knee surgery . Please feel free to invite any other cancer survivors you think would enjoy our speaker. It has been some time since we have had a speaker, so am hoping for a good turnout.
Gail will have some complimentary copies of one of her books to give away and there will be DOOR PRIZES! It should be a very enjoyable and worthwhile evening. I look forward to seeing you!
Blessings, Rosemary
281-242-0351
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From Denise Hazen:
Hi Girls!
As some of you know, I have written a book called The Girlfriends' Guide to Breast Cancer. It is a short book written for friends who have a girlfriend with breast cancer. In the book I include suggestions for helping the girlfriend as she travels this journey.
If you have any ideas that you think would be helpful to include in the book, please let me know. I am meeting with a publisher and am hoping to have this in print soon!
Some ideas are:
1. ways your girlfriends supported you
2. gifts that were thoughtful
3. helpful hints for patients (was there a favorite lotion that helped with chapped skin, how did you handle the mouth sores etc.)
.....anything that made your journey more tolerable!
Thanks for your help! God bless! Stay strong and healthy!
xoxo - denise hazendenise@yahoo.com
PS feel free to forward to anyone else!
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From Cheryl Donlin:
Fewer Breast Patients May Need Chemo
Many Breast Cancer Patients Can Skip Chemo or Take Gentler Versions, Studies Suggest
By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Medical Writer
SAN ANTONIO Dec 14, 2007 (AP)
The Associated Press
Thousands of breast cancer patients each year could be spared chemotherapy or get gentler versions of it without harming their odds of beating the disease, new research suggests.
One study found that certain women did better were less likely to die or have a relapse if given a less harsh drug than Adriamycin, a mainstay of treatment for decades.
Another study found that a gene test can help predict whether some women need chemo at all even among those whose cancer has spread to their lymph nodes, which typically brings full treatment now.
The findings are sure to speed the growing trend away from chemo for many breast cancer patients and targeting it to a smaller group of women who truly need it, doctors said Thursday at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, where the studies were reported.
"We are backing off on chemotherapy and using chemotherapy more selectively" in certain women, said Dr. Eric Winer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
The gene test in particular "will start changing practice nearly immediately," said Dr. Peter Ravdin of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "The results are compelling that this test ... helps select patients who will most benefit from chemotherapy."
Breast cancer is the most common major cancer in American women. More than 178,000 new cases are expected this year. Most are helped to grow by estrogen, and hormone-blocking medicines like tamoxifen are used to treat those.
Chemo usually is added if the disease has spread to lymph nodes a situation faced by about 45,000 U.S. women each year. Doctors know that chemo won't help most of these women, but they have had no good way to tell who can safely skip its cost and misery.
Here's where Oncotype DX, a test that measures the activity of 21 genes and gives a score to predict a woman's risk of recurrence, comes in. Doctors have used it for several years to guide treatment for certain women with early breast cancers, especially those that not spread.
The new study, led by Dr. Kathy Albain of Loyola University in Chicago, looked at whether it accurately predicted chemo's benefit in 367 women whose hormone-driven cancer had spread to lymph nodes.
A decade after these women were treated, those who had low scores on the gene test were found to have had no benefit from chemo. Conversely, chemo did a lot of good for those with high scores.
Because 40 percent of the women scored low, it means that as many as 18,000 women each year might safely skip chemo.
The National Cancer Institute and the test's maker, Genomic Health of Redwood City, Calif., sponsored the study. Albain, Winer and Ravdin have consulted or been paid speakers for the company in the past.
Dr. Kelly Marcom, a Duke University cancer expert with no ties to the company, said the test would give valuable information to guide treatment for more patients in the future. He has used it on about 50 women in the last year.
"I've had it cut both ways" ruling chemo in and out, Marcom said.
The test is expensive $3,400 though many insurers are paying for it because it can avoid even more costly chemo.
Albain plans to discuss using it with Andrea DeRosier, a 49-year-old health care administrator from suburban Chicago whose cancer has spread to a single lymph node.
When a surgeon said she likely would need chemo, "I remember thinking, 'Oh, that's terrible,'" DeRosier said. "I want whatever protocol is going to keep me alive," but not futile treatment, she said.
Chemo's side effects are getting greater attention. One drug commonly used for early breast cancer doxorubicin, sold as Adriamycin and generic brands is known to cut the risk of having a recurrence or dying, but raises the risk of heart problems and even leukemia.
Dr. Stephen Jones of Baylor-Sammons Cancer Center tested using Taxotere, a drug not linked to heart problems, in its place in more than 1,000 women with early breast cancer. After seven years, 87 percent of those given Taxotere survived, compared with 82 percent of those given Adriamycin. In addition, those given Taxotere were less likely to have had a recurrence.
The study was sponsored by Taxotere's maker, Sanofi-Aventis SA, a French company with U.S. offices in Bridgewater, N.J. Jones consults for the company.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine in October showed that another drug, Taxol, does not work for the most common form of breast cancer.
These new studies should lead to less use of chemo, but there has been "intense" pushback from doctors, who fear giving up on a treatment that might help some patients, said Barbara Brenner, head of the advocacy group Breast Cancer Action.
"It's very hard to turn a ship like this," she said. "Adding things never takes much, but removing things takes a mountain of data from the medical community."
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3997482
http://www.abcnews.com/
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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From Victoria Silva:
Feminine Living
OUR NEXT MEDITATION IS APRIL 19TH AT 7:00
RSVP at http://www.feminineliving.com/ / or 713.849.3535
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From Jane Weiner
Hope Stone, Inc.
For Adults
Come, dance, point your toes, roll on the floor (or a ball) or get those abs in order! All adult classes are still going on. Please check out the website for continuing classes and our new updated summer schedule. http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ .
For Children
Summer classes are going to happen. There will be a 6 week session starting June 2nd. Cost is $110.00 for all 6 weeks or $18.00 for a drop in session.
Monday: 1:30 - 2:30pm Modern Dance (7-12 yrs)
Tuesday: 11:15 - 12:00noon Creative Movement I (2-3 yrs)
12:15 - 1:00pm Creative Movement II (3-5 yrs)
1:15 - 2:00pm Creative Movement III (6-7yrs)
3:30 - 4:25 Yoga (6 - 8 yrs)
Wed: 3:30 - 4:25 Yoga (7 - 12 yrs)
4:30 - 5:30pm Yoga (Teens)
Thurs: 11:30 - 12:30pm Capoeira (6 - 8 yrs)
12:30 - 1:30 Capoeira ( 8 - 13 yrs)
Keep checking the website as other classes might be added. www.hopestoneinc.org
Hope Center will actually be closing! But only for one weekend! We will close on Thursday April 24th from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm to get some stuff moved! Then...We will close the doors all day Saturday and Sunday, the 26th & 27th to do some much needed upgrading and remodeling!
Sincerely, Jane Weiner
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ /
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From Donna Fong:
Taken from M. D. Anderson CancerWise Newsletter, April 2008
Guidelines Created to Help Prevent Cancer
http://www.cancerwise.org/April_2008 /
By Dawn Dorsey
Health experts are recommending new ways to help prevent cancer based on scientific evidence that choices about diet, physical activity and weight play a major part in a person's chances of developing the disease.
The report contains new health guidelines based on the analysis of more than 7,000 scientific studies by 21 international experts over more than five years. The document was released by the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) at its annual meeting in November and has been used since then as a guide in M. D. Anderson's Cancer Prevention Center.
“This is the most comprehensive research to date about cancer prevention and nutrition,” says registered dietitian Sally Scroggs, manager of health education in the Cancer Prevention Center.
The recommendations focus on three main guidelines:
Choose healthy foods:
Eat mostly plant foods
Limit red meat and avoid processed meats
Be physically active every day for at least 30 minutes
Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
Re-examine your plate
A way to translate the dietary recommendations to daily life is to make sure at least two-thirds of your plate consists of plant foods, Scroggs says.
Plant foods include:
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
Legumes (beans)
Whole grains
Fruits and non-starchy vegetables (carrots, broccoli) help protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, ovary, endometrium and lung.
Red meat should be treated like more of a small side dish, Scroggs says. According to the AICR report, people should closely limit red meat (beef, pork and lamb) to 18 ounces or less each week. Alternatives include fish and poultry.
“We talk to our patients about their red meat consumption,” Scroggs says. “And we tell them there is new, more-substantiated evidence that limiting red meat helps prevent several types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.”
Scroggs is quick to point out to patients, however, that the guidelines do not prohibit meat. Meat can be a valuable source of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
“It all boils down to portion size, which is something Americans need to be more conscious of in their diets,” Scroggs says. “A piece of meat, say 3 ounces or so (the size of a deck of cards), is OK several times a week.”
However, the report cautions people to avoid all processed meats, including hot dogs, lunch meats and ham.
What’s so bad about meat?
Scroggs says researchers used to think the saturated fat in meat increased the chance of cancer, but current research points to a number of other reasons. Studies have shown, for instance, that red meat consumption increases the production of carcinogens in the colon. Cooking at high temperatures also produces additional carcinogens.
Processed meats, which are preserved by salting, smoking, curing or treating with chemicals, have been found to increase cancer risk. Researchers are studying exactly what causes this to happen.
The same cancer-causing factors in red meat may be responsible, or it may have to do with the chemicals that are used for processing. Researchers do know that carcinogens, specifically N-nitroso compounds, are produced when meat is processed.
Be active daily
Physical activity is particularly valuable in preventing breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers.
The researchers recommend people try activities they enjoy.
They also suggest:
Exercising moderately every day for 30 minutes
Limiting sedentary activities (watching television)
As fitness improves, aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day.
Watch your weight
The single most important way to avoid cancer is to maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
The most common method of measuring body fat is calculating your body mass index. (BMI can be calculated through the National Institutes of Health Web site.)
The report also looks at body fat distribution (measured by waist circumference and waist to hip ratio) and patterns of weight gain. There is evidence that abdominal fat, in particular, is linked to colorectal, pancreatic, postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancers.
“Of course, these components all work together,” Scroggs says. “Eating a healthy diet and getting the recommended amount of physical activity will help you maintain a good weight. Also, following this regimen will help fight against other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.”
M. D. Anderson resources: Cancer Prevention Center
Other resources: American Institute of Cancer Research
The material and content contained in CancerWise is for general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Users of CancerWise should not rely exclusively on information provided in CancerWise for their own health needs. All specific medical questions should be presented to your own health care provider.
©2008 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
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From the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society has launched a new Web community to help
connect cancer survivors, their friends and family members.
www.SharingHope.tv , which allows users to upload video, audio, photos and
artwork to tell their stories of cancer, is innovative for a non-profit
organization: it relies almost completely on people outside of the
organization to create its content. Built on the Ruby on Rails framework,
it enables OpenID technology.
The American Cancer Society has launched a new Web community to help
connect cancer survivors, their friends and family members. SharingHope.tv
allows users to upload video, audio, photos and artwork to tell their
stories of cancer. Innovative for a non-profit organization, the new site
relies almost completely on people outside of the organization to create
its content and it enables OpenID technology. SharingHope.tv is built on
the Ruby on Rails web application framework.
AT A GLANCE
SharingHope.tv allows users to
* upload videos, photos, music or artwork
* add free background music from independent artists
* view content, make comments, and share it with others
* embed videos on their own blogs or MySpace and Facebook pages
* store twice as much video content as YouTube
* log in with an existing OpenID
* create an OpenID using ACS Passport
Click on the link below to watch Sharinghope.tv - Who we are:
http://www.sharinghope.tv/video/1684623
Jennifer S. Walker
Regional Director of Communications
American Cancer Society
High Plains Division, Gulf Coast Region
6301 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 706-5692 - office
(281) 782-4646 - cell
www.cancer.org
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From National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC)
Call to Action Newsletter, April 2008
http://www.breastcancercaucus.org/ is YOUR Resource in this Election Year
While the Republican nominee for President is settled, the Democratic competition is not. The remaining primary contests are crucial and the general election is fast approaching. This gives breast cancer advocates the opportunity to continue pressing candidates on the issues of importance to our mission, like access to quality health care for all, federal funding for breast cancer research, and what each candidate would do as president to eradicate breast cancer once and for all.
This year alone more than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 40,000 women will die from this disease. Women have a one in eight lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. We still do not know what causes breast cancer, how to prevent it, or how to treat it effectively. Let the candidates know we need to change this – and they need to help.
To learn where the candidates stand, visit www.BreastCancerCaucus.org – and take the pledge to vote to eradicate breast cancer.
© 2007 National Breast Cancer Coalition
http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/
NBCC neither sponsors nor endorses any candidate or his or her positions.
National Breast Cancer Coalition/Fund
1101 17th Street, NW, Suite 1300
Washington, DC 20036
USA
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From Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization:
Y-Me Peer-to-Peer Newsletter, April 2008
Free information: Y-ME tear-off pads
Looking for a way to tell others about the support offered by the Y-ME Hotline? Tear-off pads provide the chance to pass out the toll-free number to anyone who may need it. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Visit http://main.y-me.org/site/PageServer?pagename=OrderYMEPublications to complete the order form.
Y-ME Peer to Peer is a monthly e-mail newsletter from Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization where, in order to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone, we emphasize information, empowerment and peer-to-peer support.
© 2008 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. All rights reserved.
http://www.y-me.org/publications/generalpubs.php
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From Cure Today, online:
Spring, 2008
Rising number of staph infections leads hospitals and patients to put their guard up.
By Katy Human
Constance Roche lay in a double room after her mastectomy, a drain in her left breast to clear fluid buildup. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Roche went through surgery in December 2006 and expected to begin chemotherapy as soon as she healed. Nurses offered her a private room, but Roche didn’t think she needed it. It was just one night, after all.
That evening, they wheeled another woman into the room—a patient who was fighting a serious infection following breast reconstruction surgery. Roche, herself a nurse, says she was well aware of the risk of infection.
“I tried to be extremely careful, but I was still groggy from the anesthetic,” she says. Two weeks later, Roche, now 59, was in isolation at the hospital for five days, fighting the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that invaded her surgical site. Genetic testing linked the infection to her roommate.
MRSA (“mersa”) refers to a type of staph bacteria that has grown resistant to several first-line antibiotics—methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin.
Cancer patients have a higher-than-average risk of MRSA infection for several reasons. The invasive catheters and other devices used to deliver drugs or drain surgical sites offer a point of entry for bacteria. Hospitals and other health care settings foster drug-resistant strains of staph, and cancer treatment—or the cancer itself—often leaves patients with weak immune systems that can’t mount strong defenses.
“We’re all seeing this in our cancer patients, and we all have started treating it pretty aggressively,” says Roy Chemaly, MD, director of infection control at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. “We see it especially in our patients with no immune systems. They get pneumonia, bacteremia (bloodstream infections). They’re just very vulnerable.”
Growing Concern
Usually, MRSA infections are fairly minor skin infections that do not require antibiotic treatment. A skin MRSA infection may look like a pimple or boil; it can be red, swollen, and painful, and may drain or seep fluid. “Invasive” MRSA occurs when drug-resistant staph bacteria find a point of entry into the body and infect the lungs, heart, or bloodstream. Some of these infections are deadly.
MRSA is probably spread most often by skin contact—from the hands of a health care worker, for example. But it can also be picked up from shared items, such as a razor, or from contaminated surfaces and medical devices.
The proportion of staph infections that are resistant to methicillin and other antibiotics has been rising steadily in health care settings for several decades. Researchers estimate about 10 percent of staph bacteria in hospitals were methicillin-resistant in the 1980s. By the 1990s, resistant strains accounted for up to 40 percent of infections, and by 2003, 64 percent of staph infections in intensive care units were resistant to methicillin.
“These days, more people in hospitals are very sick, and because of all the antibiotics used, there is intense selective pressure, which is the perfect breeding ground for resistant strains of bacteria,” says Ken Gershman, MD, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The medical and public health world particularly began to take note when MRSA infections began popping up more often in the general community. “There appears to be more MRSA everywhere,” Dr. Gershman says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started to track MRSA more carefully, and worked with a group of state health departments and academic physicians involved in the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) network to identify all diagnosed cases of invasive disease in a sample population. The ABC network encompasses 10 sites around the country (nine were involved in the MRSA work), and is part of the CDC’s Emerging Infections Program. Dr. Gershman is responsible for the network’s work in the Denver area.
In October 2007, the researchers published stunning figures in the Journal of the American Medical Association: Extrapolating their findings from nine regions, the authors estimated MRSA causes more than 94,000 life-threatening infections every year, and nearly 19,000 deaths in the United States. For the first time, researchers had an actual number of how many people in the United States were getting MRSA. The rate of infection found was 31.8 instances per 100,000 people.
“If their projection is accurate, these deaths would exceed the total number of deaths attributable to human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS in the United States in 2005,” wrote Elizabeth Bancroft, with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in an accompanying editorial.
A flurry of news articles ensued, with many calling for a national MRSA surveillance system. Advocates urged patients and families to put pressure on health care providers to wash hands and wear gloves appropriately, and to go public with cases that might have been acquired because of lack of good
hygiene.
In January, MRSA was still the second top word search on the CDC website when the Archives of Surgery reported more infection news, this time about the risk of surgical site infection following mastectomy. The researchers found that despite the use of preventive antibiotics before surgery, breast cancer patients receiving reconstruction with implants were twice as likely to get an infection as patients whose reconstruction used their own abdominal tissue (12.4 percent compared with 6.2 percent, respectively). The additional hospital costs per patient totaled a minimum $4,091.
While factors such as introducing a foreign object into the body likely contribute to the increased risk, authors of the study say the next task is to determine other causes and how to prevent them.
New Drugs, New Policies
Roche, who is also a public health nurse with the Winona County Health Department in Minnesota, was aware of MRSA’s rise in hospital and community settings. She had public health colleagues who dealt with MRSA patients. “I knew how serious MRSA could be,” Roche says.
The pain from Roche’s infection lasted about two days—a vancomycin drip started clearing the infection quickly, which isn’t always the case, says Dr. Chemaly. Some MRSA infections, he says, are no longer responding to vancomycin, the preferred drug for methicillin-resistant staph.
“Fortunately, we do have some other choices,” Dr. Chemaly says. M.D. Anderson and other hospitals are using the synthetic antibiotic Zyvox (linezolid) for MRSA pneumonia in cancer patients, and Cubicin (daptomycin) for blood infections, he says. For persistent deep tissue infections that don’t respond to vancomycin, Tygacil (tigecycline) is very effective, Dr. Chemaly says.
Many patients find MRSA infections terribly stressful, not only because of the risk of death, but also because infection treatment may delay planned treatment for cancer. “The main thing is to get rid of the infection as soon as possible,” Dr. Chemaly says. “An infection can kill a patient faster than most cancers.”
In January, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first rapid blood test, called the BD GeneOhm StaphSR Assay, to identify blood-borne MRSA infections—the test delivers results in two hours instead of two days—critical for quick treatment decisions. The FDA approved another test last April called Xpert MRSA, a molecular test that uses polymerase chain reaction technology to generate results from a swab in a little over an hour.
Even before the JAMA study came out last year, Dr. Gershman says epidemiologists and infection control practitioners knew MRSA had become an increasing problem in health care settings and more attention was needed for infection control.
At the end of 2006, for example, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement launched its two-year 5 Million Lives Campaign to prevent five million cases of medical harm in U.S. hospitals. The campaign puts a major emphasis on preventing MRSA with basic infection control practices. At the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Pittsburgh, a MRSA prevention program was so successful that the VA expanded it in 2007 to all VA medical centers.
“In the past year or two, there’s been a lot of emphasis at the national level,” Dr. Gershman says. “If hospitals implement effectively some of these measures, it should be evident fairly soon in lower numbers [of MRSA].”
In February, California’s Department of Public Health announced mandatory reporting of MRSA by health care providers to identify high-risk groups and develop prevention programs. At M.D. Anderson in Texas, Dr. Chemaly says, meticulous surveillance has highlighted high-risk areas and patients, and infection specialists are responding with new policies and procedures. “Surgical services [at M.D. Anderson] was seeing higher rates than other areas, so now they’re taking a nose swipe before surgery,” Dr. Chemaly says. If a patient is colonized with MRSA bacteria, he says, they’re treated before surgery with an appropriate antibiotic.
For both inpatient and outpatient services, patients who are known to be colonized or infected with MRSA are isolated, he says, treated by providers wearing gloves and masks, and placed in rooms that are cleaned carefully before another patient enters. In intensive care, antimicrobial tubing has also helped cut down infection rates in patients who require invasive devices. “We are seeing lower rates now than the CDC reports as an average,” Dr. Chemaly says.
Hospitals in England banned long sleeves, ties, and jewelry for doctors last fall, concerned about the rise in hospital-borne infections. Dr. Chemaly says that’s not yet on the table at M.D. Anderson, and the British medical journal Lancet criticized the new policies there, saying they were not based on solid science. Hospitals would do better to practice the basics, such as disinfecting often-used surfaces, Lancet’s editors argued.
As for Roche, she’s doing very well now. Her surgery and subsequent battle with MRSA ended in December 2006, she tolerated several months of chemotherapy well, and has thrived with the support of friends and family. She does wash her hands a little more aggressively now, she admits. “I thought I was pretty conscientious about washing my hands before,” Roche says. “Now, I scrub them even longer.”
http://www.curetoday.com/currentissue/departments/findinghope/index.html
Just launched! You can still find us online at http://www.curetoday.com/ , but take a look at all we have to offer at http://www.curemediagroup.com/
Disclaimer:
Information presented on the CURE website is not intended as a substitute for the personalized advice given by your health care provider. The information is provided solely as a resource for you to become an informed participant in understanding treatment options for management of cancer and blood disorders. Although CURE strives to present only current and accurate information on the website‚ you should not consider it as professional advice‚ which can only be given to you by your health care provider. The views expressed and opinions expressed on the pages of the CURE website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor or publisher. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy‚ the authors‚ CURE Media Group‚ LP, and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors‚ omissions or inaccuracies on this site‚ whether arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever or for any consequences arising therefrom.
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From Emma Jacobs:
Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation
The Unbeatable movement has begun! Next Fall, Unbeatable – A New Musical, which chronicles one woman’s struggle with breast cancer, will have its world premiere production at Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre and the anticipation is remarkable. More importantly, the comprehensive network of support that this new musical has already generated is awe-inspiring: M.D Anderson, The Pink Ribbons Project and The Susan G. Komen Foundation have joined dozens of individual donors to pledge significant support to develop this amazing project. Now is your moment to join our Unbeatable movement and bring this inspirational musical to Houston.
In a time when there are so many worthy causes drawing our attention, I encourage you to consider Unbeatable as a unique way to support the arts and provide a message of great hope to those taken ill with an insidious cancer. Thanks to your support we are well on our way to our goal of bringing Unbeatable to Houston!
Sincerely,
Emma Jacobs
Fundraising chair, Unbeatable
Stages Repertory Theatre
Checks made payable to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation, 206 Terrace Drive, Houston, Texas 77007.
Portions of your donation to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation (a 501c3 organization) may qualify for tax deductions under the laws of the State of Texas.
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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271
DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/ /
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UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
RELAY FOR LIFE - FORT BEND COUNTY
April 4 & 5th at George Park in Richmond
For additional info contact Sharon Jamison, RN
M. D. Anderson Radiation Oncology
1603 Main Street
Richmond, TX
713-563-9103
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Fatigue Awareness Week - April 7 -10, 2008
Monday April 7th, 10am - 1pm - Clinic Open House
Mays Clinic, Sixth Floor
Tuesday, April 8th, - Cancer-related Fatigue Video Viewing
6:30 - 7:30pm
Cancer Prevention Building, Eight Floor, Rooms 1 & 2
RSVP: 713-792-2808 or e-mail bsmp@mdanderson.org
For more information, call the Patient Education Office at 713-794-5379
or e-mail www.mdanderson.org/departments/patedu
SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County. Survivors Offering Support (SOS), a peer Breast Cancer support group will meet on Tuesday, April 8, from 7-9p at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in New Territory. Guest speaker is Gail Larson, 7yr. BRCA survivor, RN, and author. Gail's soon to be released book ,"Finding God in Your Story", is her 7th book on surviving cancer. You can visit her website http://www.gaillarson.com/ / / to learn more about her. Invitation is open to all cancer survivors. Call 281-242-0351 for more info. Directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/ / /
ROSEBUDS II SUPPORT GROUP
April 10, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting for those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet. Future Meetings: April 24
RELAY FOR LIFE of SUGAR LAND
April 11-12th at Oyster Creek Park.
Call 713 706 5644 for further information.
HOPE STONE
Teen Yoga Classes
Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
April 12, 19, 26, May 3
713.526.1907
AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER
Houston - April 12 - 13, 2008
Congratulations on deciding to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! By registering online now, you will have immediate access to all of the tools of your 'My Avon Walk Center' and can begin fundraising towards your goal today. https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/TRR/Walk2008/Houston/1021196898? pg=ptype&fr_id=1420&JServSessionIdr004=x9jrwe2701.app26b or For more information, please call us at (713) 968-9250. Email: volunteer.houston@avonwalk.org
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, April 14, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675
ROSEBUDS SUPPORT MEETING
April 15, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet Future Meetings: May 6 & 20
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
The Anderson Network and Place...of wellness invite adult patients, caregivers and survivors to take a day trip to the Downtown Aquarium.
Saturday, April 19, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - Bus departs from Rotary House
3:30 p.m. - Bus departs from Downtown Aquarium
4:00 p.m. - Bus arrives at Rotary House
Space is limited to 30 participants.
Please call 800-345-6324
or 713-745-9204 to
make a reservation.
-Wristband will be provided so that you may enjoy the aquarium property and exhibits.
- Food and drinks will not be provided. Please bring money for any items you wish to purchase.
- The trip is open to any M. D. Anderson patient, caregiver or survivor age 18 or older.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- If you are unable to attend after a reservation has been made, please contact Anderson Network office as soon as possible.
- Parking at M. D. Anderson is available in Garage 10 for $10 or the Sourth Extension (Brown) Lot for $6.
For more info, please click on the following link:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/andersonnet/display.cfm?id=3a4268cb-eb1e-4f99-bd1d681196222ef2&method=displayfull&pn=b0238868-2a67-438d-bfdb1349b8957cab
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
VICTORIA'S PLACE
Our next meditation is April 19th at 7:00 pm.
For information visit: http://www.feminineliving.com/
Or call 713.849.3535 to register.
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION (NBCC):
2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
April 26th - 29th 2008
Register now to attend NBCCF's 16th Annual Advocacy Training Conference. Join hundreds of national and international breast cancer activists in our fight to eradicate breast cancer.
NBCCF's yearly gathering helps participants hone their advocacy skills and learn about the latest in breast cancer science, research and policy. Hear directly about the controversies and issues from important leaders, scientists, and advocates. To learn more about this event and registration, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=598&Itemid=1
SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Save the Dates: Rally - April 27, 2008
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/ / /
HOPE STONE, INC.
Save The Date for our Premiere Piece
PEACE PIECE ...May 1st, 2008
a dance, theater and music performed by
the Kid's Play Ensemble and YouthSound
7:00 pm
Kaplan Theater, JCC
tickets on sale now
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ / /
713.526.1907 ext. 3
CURE MAGAZINE
Registration is open for the 2008 CURE Day of Caring Breast Cancer Forum on May 3 & 4in Denver. The Day of Caring weekend features breast cancer experts from around the country, as well as educational exhibits, and a Survivor’s Fashion Show.
Full agendas, hotel accommodations, and online registration are available now! We look forward to seeing you there! http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas
During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on May 20, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.
M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
Save the Date!!!!!
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
Keynote Speaker, Actor Gerald McRaney
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
2900 Briarpark Drive
Houston, Texas
Online Registration starts Monday, June 16, 2008
Details TBA or visit www.mdanderson.org/ andersonnetwork
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA
"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ / Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
2nd annual Pink Pairs luncheon
This year the pairs being honored will be Girlfriends - the survivor and her best supporting friend.
October 29th
River Oaks Country Club.
Details TBA
CURE MAGAZINE
Coming later this fall, the 5th Annual CURE Patient & Survivor Forum will take place November 1 & 2 in Dallas. CURE is proud to offer a Young Adult Track at this meeting in addition to CNE credit for nurses. For More information visit:
http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
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"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your contributions, comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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Until we meet again...stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing no matter how many interruptions!
Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
The Pink Crusader is performing double duty from far away places, but continues to send big hugs, warm greetings, and best regards...along with all the latest updates. We will temporarily be off schedule during upcoming weeks and will return to our post ASAP! Until then, have a most excellent life, check back often and please read on...
“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."
-Robert Louis Stevenson
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SURVIVOR UPDATE
Angie Elliott (per Colin Elliott)
March 31, 2008
All,
I wanted to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for our friend Cathy. Unfortunately, we found out yesterday that Cathy had lost her three year battle on Saturday around 6:45pm with her husband Dan at her side.
Angie is having quite a hard time with Cathy's passing, as they seemed to compliment each other so well. She will certainly be missed. Our prayers go out to her and her family and friends.
On our front, Angie was able to drive on Saturday to an acupuncture appointment. The medicines are still causing her to make some adjustments, but she does seem to be causing less problems than before. We see the doctor on Wednesday, so hopefully we'll have enough information to make a post later this week.
Our love,
Colin
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Molly Bobrow
Get-well wishes to Molly following recent foot surgery to remove a small melanoma. Hope Molly is "back on her feet" and singing up a storm in no time!
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FYI
From Rosemary Barr:
Item #1
Got this from ACS and thought some of you might be interested and fit the criteria. If any of you, do it be sure to let us know so that we will get the magazine when it comes out. It might be for the October issue!
A writer from Ladies' Home Journal is seeking survivors and their closestfriends, and second, she is asking that these people not have appeared in other national media previously. The request is below:
I'm looking for cancer survivors and their best friends who provided extraordinary support throughout their diagnosis and treatment. We'll be featuring pairs of women, so each survivor would need to identify one friend (ideally not a relative) who helped her.
I'll be working on this throughout the next week and would need to set up 15-minute pre-interviews with them. They cannot have been previously featured in other national media outlets, namely magazines or TV. A range of ages, ethnicity, etc is welcome.
Please send me any leads you might have as well as their contact information. Also, I am going to be out of the office on Monday, so if you send any names before Tuesday, please send it to jennifer.walker@cancer.org .
Thanks so much for your help We really appreciate it.
Melinda Henderson
Communications Manager
American Cancer Society
High Plains Division, Gulf Coast Region
6301 Richmond Avenue, Houston, Texas 77057
Office) 713.706.5675
Cell) 832.434.7997
Item #2
THE TRUTH ABOUT CANCER PREMIERES ON PBS APRIL 16, 2008
Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Linda Garmon Takes on the Question "How Far Have We Come in the War on Cancer?" News Journalist and Cancer Survivor Linda Ellerbee
Hosts Post-Broadcast Panel Discussion
What is the truth about cancer? Is it the same deadly killer it was 30 years ago - or are we making progress? Find out through the poignant stories of patients battling the disease. Written, produced, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Linda Garmon, The Truth About Cancer premieres nationally on PBS Wednesday, April 16, at 9:00pm ET (check local listings). Comprised of a 90-minute documentary followed by a 30-minute panel discussion, the two-hour broadcast event takes a deep look inside the cancer field gauging how far we have come in this decades-old war and asking, "Why does anyone still die of cancer?"
Part science, part personal catharsis, part character-driven storytelling, The Truth About Cancer is narrated by Garmon, who tells the moving story of her husband's battle with cancer. Over the course of the film, Garmon returns to the same Boston-area hospitals at which her husband was treated, and exposes startling truths about survival rates of metastisized cancers, and the limited success of drugs and clinical trials. Interwoven throughout are the stories of three additional cancer patients, and their families and doctors, as they navigate the deeply personal decisions surrounding the disease. The documentary also follows several medical professionals working to promote screening, research the latest developments in cancer treatment, and help patients and their families live with a cancer diagnosis.
"This film makes it clear that it's very much a part of American culture to believe that if you fight hard enough, you can beat cancer. But when it comes to having metastatic cancer, your survival depends on the biology of your cancer cells, and whether they are susceptible to state-of-the-art treatment," says Garmon. "In sharing my husband's story and the stories of other patients, I hope to shed light on this important truth."
The Truth About Cancer is the third installment of PBS's Take One Step—a campaign offering primetime programming and outreach tools to help people take the first step towards better health. Following the 90-minute documentary is a 30-minute panel discussion entitled Take One Step: A Conversation About Cancer with Linda Ellerbee. News journalist and breast cancer survivor Linda Ellerbee moderates the dialogue featuring a panel of doctors, all of whom are cancer survivors themselves. Having sat on both sides of a cancer diagnosis, the panel shares their unique perspectives, offering both personal and professional observations on how to handle a cancer diagnosis, what to say to loved ones, how to advocate for yourself, and how to best live your life, with cancer. Panelists include U.S. News and World Report health editor Dr. Bernadine Healy; breast cancer surgeon and Breast Cancer Research stamp mastermind Dr. Ernie Bodai; neurologist and leading palliative care expert Dr. Richard Payne; and counseling psychologist Dr. Paul Brenner.
**************************************
From Rosemary Herron:
This is just a friendly reminder of our April 8th SOS Gail Larson Event. If any of our SOS sisters can help provide bottled water, can beverages and/or cookies please let me know. I also need help with set-up since our dear Marsha is still recovering from knee surgery . Please feel free to invite any other cancer survivors you think would enjoy our speaker. It has been some time since we have had a speaker, so am hoping for a good turnout.
Gail will have some complimentary copies of one of her books to give away and there will be DOOR PRIZES! It should be a very enjoyable and worthwhile evening. I look forward to seeing you!
Blessings, Rosemary
281-242-0351
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From Denise Hazen:
Hi Girls!
As some of you know, I have written a book called The Girlfriends' Guide to Breast Cancer. It is a short book written for friends who have a girlfriend with breast cancer. In the book I include suggestions for helping the girlfriend as she travels this journey.
If you have any ideas that you think would be helpful to include in the book, please let me know. I am meeting with a publisher and am hoping to have this in print soon!
Some ideas are:
1. ways your girlfriends supported you
2. gifts that were thoughtful
3. helpful hints for patients (was there a favorite lotion that helped with chapped skin, how did you handle the mouth sores etc.)
.....anything that made your journey more tolerable!
Thanks for your help! God bless! Stay strong and healthy!
xoxo - denise hazendenise@yahoo.com
PS feel free to forward to anyone else!
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From Cheryl Donlin:
Fewer Breast Patients May Need Chemo
Many Breast Cancer Patients Can Skip Chemo or Take Gentler Versions, Studies Suggest
By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Medical Writer
SAN ANTONIO Dec 14, 2007 (AP)
The Associated Press
Thousands of breast cancer patients each year could be spared chemotherapy or get gentler versions of it without harming their odds of beating the disease, new research suggests.
One study found that certain women did better were less likely to die or have a relapse if given a less harsh drug than Adriamycin, a mainstay of treatment for decades.
Another study found that a gene test can help predict whether some women need chemo at all even among those whose cancer has spread to their lymph nodes, which typically brings full treatment now.
The findings are sure to speed the growing trend away from chemo for many breast cancer patients and targeting it to a smaller group of women who truly need it, doctors said Thursday at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, where the studies were reported.
"We are backing off on chemotherapy and using chemotherapy more selectively" in certain women, said Dr. Eric Winer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
The gene test in particular "will start changing practice nearly immediately," said Dr. Peter Ravdin of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "The results are compelling that this test ... helps select patients who will most benefit from chemotherapy."
Breast cancer is the most common major cancer in American women. More than 178,000 new cases are expected this year. Most are helped to grow by estrogen, and hormone-blocking medicines like tamoxifen are used to treat those.
Chemo usually is added if the disease has spread to lymph nodes a situation faced by about 45,000 U.S. women each year. Doctors know that chemo won't help most of these women, but they have had no good way to tell who can safely skip its cost and misery.
Here's where Oncotype DX, a test that measures the activity of 21 genes and gives a score to predict a woman's risk of recurrence, comes in. Doctors have used it for several years to guide treatment for certain women with early breast cancers, especially those that not spread.
The new study, led by Dr. Kathy Albain of Loyola University in Chicago, looked at whether it accurately predicted chemo's benefit in 367 women whose hormone-driven cancer had spread to lymph nodes.
A decade after these women were treated, those who had low scores on the gene test were found to have had no benefit from chemo. Conversely, chemo did a lot of good for those with high scores.
Because 40 percent of the women scored low, it means that as many as 18,000 women each year might safely skip chemo.
The National Cancer Institute and the test's maker, Genomic Health of Redwood City, Calif., sponsored the study. Albain, Winer and Ravdin have consulted or been paid speakers for the company in the past.
Dr. Kelly Marcom, a Duke University cancer expert with no ties to the company, said the test would give valuable information to guide treatment for more patients in the future. He has used it on about 50 women in the last year.
"I've had it cut both ways" ruling chemo in and out, Marcom said.
The test is expensive $3,400 though many insurers are paying for it because it can avoid even more costly chemo.
Albain plans to discuss using it with Andrea DeRosier, a 49-year-old health care administrator from suburban Chicago whose cancer has spread to a single lymph node.
When a surgeon said she likely would need chemo, "I remember thinking, 'Oh, that's terrible,'" DeRosier said. "I want whatever protocol is going to keep me alive," but not futile treatment, she said.
Chemo's side effects are getting greater attention. One drug commonly used for early breast cancer doxorubicin, sold as Adriamycin and generic brands is known to cut the risk of having a recurrence or dying, but raises the risk of heart problems and even leukemia.
Dr. Stephen Jones of Baylor-Sammons Cancer Center tested using Taxotere, a drug not linked to heart problems, in its place in more than 1,000 women with early breast cancer. After seven years, 87 percent of those given Taxotere survived, compared with 82 percent of those given Adriamycin. In addition, those given Taxotere were less likely to have had a recurrence.
The study was sponsored by Taxotere's maker, Sanofi-Aventis SA, a French company with U.S. offices in Bridgewater, N.J. Jones consults for the company.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine in October showed that another drug, Taxol, does not work for the most common form of breast cancer.
These new studies should lead to less use of chemo, but there has been "intense" pushback from doctors, who fear giving up on a treatment that might help some patients, said Barbara Brenner, head of the advocacy group Breast Cancer Action.
"It's very hard to turn a ship like this," she said. "Adding things never takes much, but removing things takes a mountain of data from the medical community."
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3997482
http://www.abcnews.com/
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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From Victoria Silva:
Feminine Living
OUR NEXT MEDITATION IS APRIL 19TH AT 7:00
RSVP at http://www.feminineliving.com/ / or 713.849.3535
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From Jane Weiner
Hope Stone, Inc.
For Adults
Come, dance, point your toes, roll on the floor (or a ball) or get those abs in order! All adult classes are still going on. Please check out the website for continuing classes and our new updated summer schedule. http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ .
For Children
Summer classes are going to happen. There will be a 6 week session starting June 2nd. Cost is $110.00 for all 6 weeks or $18.00 for a drop in session.
Monday: 1:30 - 2:30pm Modern Dance (7-12 yrs)
Tuesday: 11:15 - 12:00noon Creative Movement I (2-3 yrs)
12:15 - 1:00pm Creative Movement II (3-5 yrs)
1:15 - 2:00pm Creative Movement III (6-7yrs)
3:30 - 4:25 Yoga (6 - 8 yrs)
Wed: 3:30 - 4:25 Yoga (7 - 12 yrs)
4:30 - 5:30pm Yoga (Teens)
Thurs: 11:30 - 12:30pm Capoeira (6 - 8 yrs)
12:30 - 1:30 Capoeira ( 8 - 13 yrs)
Keep checking the website as other classes might be added. www.hopestoneinc.org
Hope Center will actually be closing! But only for one weekend! We will close on Thursday April 24th from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm to get some stuff moved! Then...We will close the doors all day Saturday and Sunday, the 26th & 27th to do some much needed upgrading and remodeling!
Sincerely, Jane Weiner
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ /
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From Donna Fong:
Taken from M. D. Anderson CancerWise Newsletter, April 2008
Guidelines Created to Help Prevent Cancer
http://www.cancerwise.org/April_2008 /
By Dawn Dorsey
Health experts are recommending new ways to help prevent cancer based on scientific evidence that choices about diet, physical activity and weight play a major part in a person's chances of developing the disease.
The report contains new health guidelines based on the analysis of more than 7,000 scientific studies by 21 international experts over more than five years. The document was released by the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) at its annual meeting in November and has been used since then as a guide in M. D. Anderson's Cancer Prevention Center.
“This is the most comprehensive research to date about cancer prevention and nutrition,” says registered dietitian Sally Scroggs, manager of health education in the Cancer Prevention Center.
The recommendations focus on three main guidelines:
Choose healthy foods:
Eat mostly plant foods
Limit red meat and avoid processed meats
Be physically active every day for at least 30 minutes
Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
Re-examine your plate
A way to translate the dietary recommendations to daily life is to make sure at least two-thirds of your plate consists of plant foods, Scroggs says.
Plant foods include:
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
Legumes (beans)
Whole grains
Fruits and non-starchy vegetables (carrots, broccoli) help protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, ovary, endometrium and lung.
Red meat should be treated like more of a small side dish, Scroggs says. According to the AICR report, people should closely limit red meat (beef, pork and lamb) to 18 ounces or less each week. Alternatives include fish and poultry.
“We talk to our patients about their red meat consumption,” Scroggs says. “And we tell them there is new, more-substantiated evidence that limiting red meat helps prevent several types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.”
Scroggs is quick to point out to patients, however, that the guidelines do not prohibit meat. Meat can be a valuable source of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
“It all boils down to portion size, which is something Americans need to be more conscious of in their diets,” Scroggs says. “A piece of meat, say 3 ounces or so (the size of a deck of cards), is OK several times a week.”
However, the report cautions people to avoid all processed meats, including hot dogs, lunch meats and ham.
What’s so bad about meat?
Scroggs says researchers used to think the saturated fat in meat increased the chance of cancer, but current research points to a number of other reasons. Studies have shown, for instance, that red meat consumption increases the production of carcinogens in the colon. Cooking at high temperatures also produces additional carcinogens.
Processed meats, which are preserved by salting, smoking, curing or treating with chemicals, have been found to increase cancer risk. Researchers are studying exactly what causes this to happen.
The same cancer-causing factors in red meat may be responsible, or it may have to do with the chemicals that are used for processing. Researchers do know that carcinogens, specifically N-nitroso compounds, are produced when meat is processed.
Be active daily
Physical activity is particularly valuable in preventing breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers.
The researchers recommend people try activities they enjoy.
They also suggest:
Exercising moderately every day for 30 minutes
Limiting sedentary activities (watching television)
As fitness improves, aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate activity or 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day.
Watch your weight
The single most important way to avoid cancer is to maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
The most common method of measuring body fat is calculating your body mass index. (BMI can be calculated through the National Institutes of Health Web site.)
The report also looks at body fat distribution (measured by waist circumference and waist to hip ratio) and patterns of weight gain. There is evidence that abdominal fat, in particular, is linked to colorectal, pancreatic, postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancers.
“Of course, these components all work together,” Scroggs says. “Eating a healthy diet and getting the recommended amount of physical activity will help you maintain a good weight. Also, following this regimen will help fight against other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.”
M. D. Anderson resources: Cancer Prevention Center
Other resources: American Institute of Cancer Research
The material and content contained in CancerWise is for general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Users of CancerWise should not rely exclusively on information provided in CancerWise for their own health needs. All specific medical questions should be presented to your own health care provider.
©2008 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
*************************************
From the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society has launched a new Web community to help
connect cancer survivors, their friends and family members.
www.SharingHope.tv , which allows users to upload video, audio, photos and
artwork to tell their stories of cancer, is innovative for a non-profit
organization: it relies almost completely on people outside of the
organization to create its content. Built on the Ruby on Rails framework,
it enables OpenID technology.
The American Cancer Society has launched a new Web community to help
connect cancer survivors, their friends and family members. SharingHope.tv
allows users to upload video, audio, photos and artwork to tell their
stories of cancer. Innovative for a non-profit organization, the new site
relies almost completely on people outside of the organization to create
its content and it enables OpenID technology. SharingHope.tv is built on
the Ruby on Rails web application framework.
AT A GLANCE
SharingHope.tv allows users to
* upload videos, photos, music or artwork
* add free background music from independent artists
* view content, make comments, and share it with others
* embed videos on their own blogs or MySpace and Facebook pages
* store twice as much video content as YouTube
* log in with an existing OpenID
* create an OpenID using ACS Passport
Click on the link below to watch Sharinghope.tv - Who we are:
http://www.sharinghope.tv/video/1684623
Jennifer S. Walker
Regional Director of Communications
American Cancer Society
High Plains Division, Gulf Coast Region
6301 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 706-5692 - office
(281) 782-4646 - cell
www.cancer.org
*************************************
From National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC)
Call to Action Newsletter, April 2008
http://www.breastcancercaucus.org/ is YOUR Resource in this Election Year
While the Republican nominee for President is settled, the Democratic competition is not. The remaining primary contests are crucial and the general election is fast approaching. This gives breast cancer advocates the opportunity to continue pressing candidates on the issues of importance to our mission, like access to quality health care for all, federal funding for breast cancer research, and what each candidate would do as president to eradicate breast cancer once and for all.
This year alone more than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 40,000 women will die from this disease. Women have a one in eight lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. We still do not know what causes breast cancer, how to prevent it, or how to treat it effectively. Let the candidates know we need to change this – and they need to help.
To learn where the candidates stand, visit www.BreastCancerCaucus.org – and take the pledge to vote to eradicate breast cancer.
© 2007 National Breast Cancer Coalition
http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/
NBCC neither sponsors nor endorses any candidate or his or her positions.
National Breast Cancer Coalition/Fund
1101 17th Street, NW, Suite 1300
Washington, DC 20036
USA
*************************************
From Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization:
Y-Me Peer-to-Peer Newsletter, April 2008
Free information: Y-ME tear-off pads
Looking for a way to tell others about the support offered by the Y-ME Hotline? Tear-off pads provide the chance to pass out the toll-free number to anyone who may need it. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Visit http://main.y-me.org/site/PageServer?pagename=OrderYMEPublications to complete the order form.
Y-ME Peer to Peer is a monthly e-mail newsletter from Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization where, in order to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone, we emphasize information, empowerment and peer-to-peer support.
© 2008 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. All rights reserved.
http://www.y-me.org/publications/generalpubs.php
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From Cure Today, online:
Spring, 2008
Rising number of staph infections leads hospitals and patients to put their guard up.
By Katy Human
Constance Roche lay in a double room after her mastectomy, a drain in her left breast to clear fluid buildup. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Roche went through surgery in December 2006 and expected to begin chemotherapy as soon as she healed. Nurses offered her a private room, but Roche didn’t think she needed it. It was just one night, after all.
That evening, they wheeled another woman into the room—a patient who was fighting a serious infection following breast reconstruction surgery. Roche, herself a nurse, says she was well aware of the risk of infection.
“I tried to be extremely careful, but I was still groggy from the anesthetic,” she says. Two weeks later, Roche, now 59, was in isolation at the hospital for five days, fighting the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that invaded her surgical site. Genetic testing linked the infection to her roommate.
MRSA (“mersa”) refers to a type of staph bacteria that has grown resistant to several first-line antibiotics—methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin.
Cancer patients have a higher-than-average risk of MRSA infection for several reasons. The invasive catheters and other devices used to deliver drugs or drain surgical sites offer a point of entry for bacteria. Hospitals and other health care settings foster drug-resistant strains of staph, and cancer treatment—or the cancer itself—often leaves patients with weak immune systems that can’t mount strong defenses.
“We’re all seeing this in our cancer patients, and we all have started treating it pretty aggressively,” says Roy Chemaly, MD, director of infection control at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. “We see it especially in our patients with no immune systems. They get pneumonia, bacteremia (bloodstream infections). They’re just very vulnerable.”
Growing Concern
Usually, MRSA infections are fairly minor skin infections that do not require antibiotic treatment. A skin MRSA infection may look like a pimple or boil; it can be red, swollen, and painful, and may drain or seep fluid. “Invasive” MRSA occurs when drug-resistant staph bacteria find a point of entry into the body and infect the lungs, heart, or bloodstream. Some of these infections are deadly.
MRSA is probably spread most often by skin contact—from the hands of a health care worker, for example. But it can also be picked up from shared items, such as a razor, or from contaminated surfaces and medical devices.
The proportion of staph infections that are resistant to methicillin and other antibiotics has been rising steadily in health care settings for several decades. Researchers estimate about 10 percent of staph bacteria in hospitals were methicillin-resistant in the 1980s. By the 1990s, resistant strains accounted for up to 40 percent of infections, and by 2003, 64 percent of staph infections in intensive care units were resistant to methicillin.
“These days, more people in hospitals are very sick, and because of all the antibiotics used, there is intense selective pressure, which is the perfect breeding ground for resistant strains of bacteria,” says Ken Gershman, MD, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The medical and public health world particularly began to take note when MRSA infections began popping up more often in the general community. “There appears to be more MRSA everywhere,” Dr. Gershman says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started to track MRSA more carefully, and worked with a group of state health departments and academic physicians involved in the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) network to identify all diagnosed cases of invasive disease in a sample population. The ABC network encompasses 10 sites around the country (nine were involved in the MRSA work), and is part of the CDC’s Emerging Infections Program. Dr. Gershman is responsible for the network’s work in the Denver area.
In October 2007, the researchers published stunning figures in the Journal of the American Medical Association: Extrapolating their findings from nine regions, the authors estimated MRSA causes more than 94,000 life-threatening infections every year, and nearly 19,000 deaths in the United States. For the first time, researchers had an actual number of how many people in the United States were getting MRSA. The rate of infection found was 31.8 instances per 100,000 people.
“If their projection is accurate, these deaths would exceed the total number of deaths attributable to human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS in the United States in 2005,” wrote Elizabeth Bancroft, with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in an accompanying editorial.
A flurry of news articles ensued, with many calling for a national MRSA surveillance system. Advocates urged patients and families to put pressure on health care providers to wash hands and wear gloves appropriately, and to go public with cases that might have been acquired because of lack of good
hygiene.
In January, MRSA was still the second top word search on the CDC website when the Archives of Surgery reported more infection news, this time about the risk of surgical site infection following mastectomy. The researchers found that despite the use of preventive antibiotics before surgery, breast cancer patients receiving reconstruction with implants were twice as likely to get an infection as patients whose reconstruction used their own abdominal tissue (12.4 percent compared with 6.2 percent, respectively). The additional hospital costs per patient totaled a minimum $4,091.
While factors such as introducing a foreign object into the body likely contribute to the increased risk, authors of the study say the next task is to determine other causes and how to prevent them.
New Drugs, New Policies
Roche, who is also a public health nurse with the Winona County Health Department in Minnesota, was aware of MRSA’s rise in hospital and community settings. She had public health colleagues who dealt with MRSA patients. “I knew how serious MRSA could be,” Roche says.
The pain from Roche’s infection lasted about two days—a vancomycin drip started clearing the infection quickly, which isn’t always the case, says Dr. Chemaly. Some MRSA infections, he says, are no longer responding to vancomycin, the preferred drug for methicillin-resistant staph.
“Fortunately, we do have some other choices,” Dr. Chemaly says. M.D. Anderson and other hospitals are using the synthetic antibiotic Zyvox (linezolid) for MRSA pneumonia in cancer patients, and Cubicin (daptomycin) for blood infections, he says. For persistent deep tissue infections that don’t respond to vancomycin, Tygacil (tigecycline) is very effective, Dr. Chemaly says.
Many patients find MRSA infections terribly stressful, not only because of the risk of death, but also because infection treatment may delay planned treatment for cancer. “The main thing is to get rid of the infection as soon as possible,” Dr. Chemaly says. “An infection can kill a patient faster than most cancers.”
In January, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first rapid blood test, called the BD GeneOhm StaphSR Assay, to identify blood-borne MRSA infections—the test delivers results in two hours instead of two days—critical for quick treatment decisions. The FDA approved another test last April called Xpert MRSA, a molecular test that uses polymerase chain reaction technology to generate results from a swab in a little over an hour.
Even before the JAMA study came out last year, Dr. Gershman says epidemiologists and infection control practitioners knew MRSA had become an increasing problem in health care settings and more attention was needed for infection control.
At the end of 2006, for example, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement launched its two-year 5 Million Lives Campaign to prevent five million cases of medical harm in U.S. hospitals. The campaign puts a major emphasis on preventing MRSA with basic infection control practices. At the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Pittsburgh, a MRSA prevention program was so successful that the VA expanded it in 2007 to all VA medical centers.
“In the past year or two, there’s been a lot of emphasis at the national level,” Dr. Gershman says. “If hospitals implement effectively some of these measures, it should be evident fairly soon in lower numbers [of MRSA].”
In February, California’s Department of Public Health announced mandatory reporting of MRSA by health care providers to identify high-risk groups and develop prevention programs. At M.D. Anderson in Texas, Dr. Chemaly says, meticulous surveillance has highlighted high-risk areas and patients, and infection specialists are responding with new policies and procedures. “Surgical services [at M.D. Anderson] was seeing higher rates than other areas, so now they’re taking a nose swipe before surgery,” Dr. Chemaly says. If a patient is colonized with MRSA bacteria, he says, they’re treated before surgery with an appropriate antibiotic.
For both inpatient and outpatient services, patients who are known to be colonized or infected with MRSA are isolated, he says, treated by providers wearing gloves and masks, and placed in rooms that are cleaned carefully before another patient enters. In intensive care, antimicrobial tubing has also helped cut down infection rates in patients who require invasive devices. “We are seeing lower rates now than the CDC reports as an average,” Dr. Chemaly says.
Hospitals in England banned long sleeves, ties, and jewelry for doctors last fall, concerned about the rise in hospital-borne infections. Dr. Chemaly says that’s not yet on the table at M.D. Anderson, and the British medical journal Lancet criticized the new policies there, saying they were not based on solid science. Hospitals would do better to practice the basics, such as disinfecting often-used surfaces, Lancet’s editors argued.
As for Roche, she’s doing very well now. Her surgery and subsequent battle with MRSA ended in December 2006, she tolerated several months of chemotherapy well, and has thrived with the support of friends and family. She does wash her hands a little more aggressively now, she admits. “I thought I was pretty conscientious about washing my hands before,” Roche says. “Now, I scrub them even longer.”
http://www.curetoday.com/currentissue/departments/findinghope/index.html
Just launched! You can still find us online at http://www.curetoday.com/ , but take a look at all we have to offer at http://www.curemediagroup.com/
Disclaimer:
Information presented on the CURE website is not intended as a substitute for the personalized advice given by your health care provider. The information is provided solely as a resource for you to become an informed participant in understanding treatment options for management of cancer and blood disorders. Although CURE strives to present only current and accurate information on the website‚ you should not consider it as professional advice‚ which can only be given to you by your health care provider. The views expressed and opinions expressed on the pages of the CURE website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor or publisher. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy‚ the authors‚ CURE Media Group‚ LP, and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors‚ omissions or inaccuracies on this site‚ whether arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever or for any consequences arising therefrom.
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From Emma Jacobs:
Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation
The Unbeatable movement has begun! Next Fall, Unbeatable – A New Musical, which chronicles one woman’s struggle with breast cancer, will have its world premiere production at Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre and the anticipation is remarkable. More importantly, the comprehensive network of support that this new musical has already generated is awe-inspiring: M.D Anderson, The Pink Ribbons Project and The Susan G. Komen Foundation have joined dozens of individual donors to pledge significant support to develop this amazing project. Now is your moment to join our Unbeatable movement and bring this inspirational musical to Houston.
In a time when there are so many worthy causes drawing our attention, I encourage you to consider Unbeatable as a unique way to support the arts and provide a message of great hope to those taken ill with an insidious cancer. Thanks to your support we are well on our way to our goal of bringing Unbeatable to Houston!
Sincerely,
Emma Jacobs
Fundraising chair, Unbeatable
Stages Repertory Theatre
Checks made payable to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation, 206 Terrace Drive, Houston, Texas 77007.
Portions of your donation to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation (a 501c3 organization) may qualify for tax deductions under the laws of the State of Texas.
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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271
DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/ /
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UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
RELAY FOR LIFE - FORT BEND COUNTY
April 4 & 5th at George Park in Richmond
For additional info contact Sharon Jamison, RN
M. D. Anderson Radiation Oncology
1603 Main Street
Richmond, TX
713-563-9103
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Fatigue Awareness Week - April 7 -10, 2008
Monday April 7th, 10am - 1pm - Clinic Open House
Mays Clinic, Sixth Floor
Tuesday, April 8th, - Cancer-related Fatigue Video Viewing
6:30 - 7:30pm
Cancer Prevention Building, Eight Floor, Rooms 1 & 2
RSVP: 713-792-2808 or e-mail bsmp@mdanderson.org
For more information, call the Patient Education Office at 713-794-5379
or e-mail www.mdanderson.org/departments/patedu
SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County. Survivors Offering Support (SOS), a peer Breast Cancer support group will meet on Tuesday, April 8, from 7-9p at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in New Territory. Guest speaker is Gail Larson, 7yr. BRCA survivor, RN, and author. Gail's soon to be released book ,"Finding God in Your Story", is her 7th book on surviving cancer. You can visit her website http://www.gaillarson.com/ / / to learn more about her. Invitation is open to all cancer survivors. Call 281-242-0351 for more info. Directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/ / /
ROSEBUDS II SUPPORT GROUP
April 10, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting for those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet. Future Meetings: April 24
RELAY FOR LIFE of SUGAR LAND
April 11-12th at Oyster Creek Park.
Call 713 706 5644 for further information.
HOPE STONE
Teen Yoga Classes
Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
April 12, 19, 26, May 3
713.526.1907
AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER
Houston - April 12 - 13, 2008
Congratulations on deciding to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! By registering online now, you will have immediate access to all of the tools of your 'My Avon Walk Center' and can begin fundraising towards your goal today. https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/TRR/Walk2008/Houston/1021196898? pg=ptype&fr_id=1420&JServSessionIdr004=x9jrwe2701.app26b or For more information, please call us at (713) 968-9250. Email: volunteer.houston@avonwalk.org
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, April 14, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675
ROSEBUDS SUPPORT MEETING
April 15, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet Future Meetings: May 6 & 20
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
The Anderson Network and Place...of wellness invite adult patients, caregivers and survivors to take a day trip to the Downtown Aquarium.
Saturday, April 19, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - Bus departs from Rotary House
3:30 p.m. - Bus departs from Downtown Aquarium
4:00 p.m. - Bus arrives at Rotary House
Space is limited to 30 participants.
Please call 800-345-6324
or 713-745-9204 to
make a reservation.
-Wristband will be provided so that you may enjoy the aquarium property and exhibits.
- Food and drinks will not be provided. Please bring money for any items you wish to purchase.
- The trip is open to any M. D. Anderson patient, caregiver or survivor age 18 or older.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- If you are unable to attend after a reservation has been made, please contact Anderson Network office as soon as possible.
- Parking at M. D. Anderson is available in Garage 10 for $10 or the Sourth Extension (Brown) Lot for $6.
For more info, please click on the following link:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/andersonnet/display.cfm?id=3a4268cb-eb1e-4f99-bd1d681196222ef2&method=displayfull&pn=b0238868-2a67-438d-bfdb1349b8957cab
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
VICTORIA'S PLACE
Our next meditation is April 19th at 7:00 pm.
For information visit: http://www.feminineliving.com/
Or call 713.849.3535 to register.
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION (NBCC):
2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
April 26th - 29th 2008
Register now to attend NBCCF's 16th Annual Advocacy Training Conference. Join hundreds of national and international breast cancer activists in our fight to eradicate breast cancer.
NBCCF's yearly gathering helps participants hone their advocacy skills and learn about the latest in breast cancer science, research and policy. Hear directly about the controversies and issues from important leaders, scientists, and advocates. To learn more about this event and registration, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=598&Itemid=1
SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Save the Dates: Rally - April 27, 2008
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/ / /
HOPE STONE, INC.
Save The Date for our Premiere Piece
PEACE PIECE ...May 1st, 2008
a dance, theater and music performed by
the Kid's Play Ensemble and YouthSound
7:00 pm
Kaplan Theater, JCC
tickets on sale now
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ / /
713.526.1907 ext. 3
CURE MAGAZINE
Registration is open for the 2008 CURE Day of Caring Breast Cancer Forum on May 3 & 4in Denver. The Day of Caring weekend features breast cancer experts from around the country, as well as educational exhibits, and a Survivor’s Fashion Show.
Full agendas, hotel accommodations, and online registration are available now! We look forward to seeing you there! http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas
During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on May 20, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.
M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
Save the Date!!!!!
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
Keynote Speaker, Actor Gerald McRaney
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
2900 Briarpark Drive
Houston, Texas
Online Registration starts Monday, June 16, 2008
Details TBA or visit www.mdanderson.org/ andersonnetwork
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA
"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ / Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
2nd annual Pink Pairs luncheon
This year the pairs being honored will be Girlfriends - the survivor and her best supporting friend.
October 29th
River Oaks Country Club.
Details TBA
CURE MAGAZINE
Coming later this fall, the 5th Annual CURE Patient & Survivor Forum will take place November 1 & 2 in Dallas. CURE is proud to offer a Young Adult Track at this meeting in addition to CNE credit for nurses. For More information visit:
http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
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"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your contributions, comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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“It is not down in any map; true places never are."
-Herman Melville
Until we meet again...stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing no matter how many interruptions!
Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Pink Crusader Interrupted - Week #4
Dear Blogger Family & Friends,
The Pink Crusader continues to fly under the radar, but sends big hugs and warm regards, along with all the latest updates. Have a pleasant week and watch out for those April Fool's pranksters! Please read on...
SURVIVOR UPDATE
Angie Elliott (per Colin Elliott)
March 25, 2008 - Part I
Hey everybody. I'm sitting here in the ER with Angie sleeping next to me and thought I'd pass along an update.
First, I wanted to ask you to all send thoughts and/or prayers to our friend Cathy O'Brian (and her husband Dan, 4yr old son Danny and the rest of their collective families and friends). She's a friend of Angie's who was recently moved to hospice care due to complications with her cancer. We're asking for miracles in whatever form they want to come in...
Having been at the hospital so much recently, is it bad when you get to know the ER nurses to the point where you have favorites and even ask to be placed with them when you arrive?
Well, this tonight happens to be our third time here in the past couple weeks. After the trip across the street via ambulance that Angie talked about in the past post, we've had the opportunity to come back to this wonderful institution to visit. Too bad it's because strange things keep happening.
The first trip was officially for a "cough". At least, that's what they wrote on the discharge papers. Weird fiasco during that visit as they technically admitted her, but when they sent her to a room, they realized that the necessary equipment to monitor her heart wasn't on that floor. So, the sent her back to the ER. I wonder how they'll bill that one? That night I went home at 4am for a couple hours of rest before I picked her up.
Last week it was a bit more substantial (not that I can recall at this point what the discharge note was - heart troubles of some sort), but they decided to keep her overnight in the ER. I went home around 2am that night, which is much better than trying to cuddle up with someone who is having breathing troubles or trying to sleep on the uncomfortable chairs in the ER. They did a CT with contrast that night to make sure there weren't any blood clots in her lungs. Nope. Just a bit of fluid in her lungs and some scar tissue from the radiation. Maybe something else, but the other tests don't show anything. Remember to look at the big picture.
We did get some good news recently when Angie called up the doc to give him a piece of her mind about what was showing up on her schedule. She called to find out why he had changed her chemotherapy, but when they talked, he said we would still be doing Abraxane. And by the way, her CTC count was 0 as in ZERO. No circulating tumor cells were found in the last test. That's a pretty big deal.
So, with that news, we did joyous flips. It's a decent indicator that things are under control or at least that the chemotherapy and her immune system are killing any cancer tumor cells floating around in her blood stream. It's hard to spread when the exits are being watched...
Now Dr. C failed to remember that he did add something new to the mix, a bone strengthener called Zolmeda (I think). It's got some interesting side effects (flu-like symptoms, fever up to 101.5, interactions with heart drugs, confusion, etc.) They say they should only last for a couple days, but here we are 5 days later and they're still happening. And that's why we've graced the ER with our presence once again. Things got moving very quickly when we got here with the portable x-ray, EKG/ECG technician, and the nurse all showing up within the first five minutes after the ER attending left the room. Apparently he recognized Angie's name from the ICU back in December.
So, it's now midnight and I'm up waiting for results. Angie's fighting harder than she should be to breathe while resting. It's been an ongoing problem for the past few days, and the addition of confusion and some delusional behavior brought us here.
Not sure what's causing all the problem, but you can take your pick between congenital heart failure, Zolmeda, chemotherapy, some fluid in and around the lungs, chest pain, fatigue and what ever else seems to be added to the particular day's list.
Feel free to give us a ring whenever.
Colin
March 27, 2008 - Part II
Since I left you hanging on Monday night, I wanted to pass along the news that Angie wasn't admitted to the hospital. We were sent home from the ER at about 2:30 or 3:00am Tuesday morning (with a diagnosis of it being a panic attack). The attending physician said that he had tried really hard to find a reason to keep us, but there wasn't enough evidence to justify it. No problem with that reasoning here. If you're not sick, you don't need to be in the hospital.
Her hemoglobin counts were a bit low, but that's normal with chemotherapy. What is interesting is that the low count kept us at the hospital today for a couple extra hours while they rechecked the levels to make sure they had gone up. If they hadn't, then a blood transfusion was going to be in her future. Thank goodness that didn't happen!
She's been very fatigued and was in the wheelchair today. Mentally it's been really hard for both of us since she's lost quite a bit of her independence. With the drug side effects causing fatigue and some confusion, driving is out the window for the time being. Let me know if you think you might be able to help out.
I'm going to touch base with a home health outfit here to find out about people to drive her to appointments, go grocery shopping for or with her, and the like. If you have any suggestions or info on local groups to check and/or avoid drop me an email.
Colin
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Argelia Lopez
Please keep Argelia in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her chemotherapy treatments. Well-wishes may be sent to argelial@yahoo.com
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FYI
From Rosemary Herron:
Hi All,
This is just a friendly reminder of our April 8th SOS Gail Larson Event. If any of our SOS sisters can help provide bottled water, can beverages and/or cookies please let me know. I also need help with set-up since our dear Marsha is still recovering from knee surgery . Please feel free to invite any other cancer survivors you think would enjoy our speaker. It has been some time since we have had a speaker, so am hoping for a good turnout.
Gail will have some complimentary copies of one of her books to give away and there will be DOOR PRIZES! It should be a very enjoyable and worthwhile evening. I look forward to seeing you!
Blessings, Rosemary
281-242-0351
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From Rosemary Barr:
I believe this will be well worth watching!
Rosemary
THE TRUTH ABOUT CANCER PREMIERES ON PBS APRIL 16, 2008
Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Linda Garmon Takes on the Question "How Far Have We Come in the War on Cancer?"
News Journalist and Cancer Survivor Linda Ellerbee
Hosts Post-Broadcast Panel Discussion
What is the truth about cancer? Is it the same deadly killer it was 30 years ago - or are we making progress? Find out through the poignant stories of patients battling the disease. Written, produced, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Linda Garmon, The Truth About Cancer premieres nationally on PBS Wednesday, April 16, at 9:00pm ET (check local listings). Comprised of a 90-minute documentary followed by a 30-minute panel discussion, the two-hour broadcast event takes a deep look inside the cancer field gauging how far we have come in this decades-old war and asking, "Why does anyone still die of cancer?"
Part science, part personal catharsis, part character-driven storytelling, The Truth About Cancer is narrated by Garmon, who tells the moving story of her husband's battle with cancer. Over the course of the film, Garmon returns to the same Boston-area hospitals at which her husband was treated, and exposes startling truths about survival rates of metastisized cancers, and the limited success of drugs and clinical trials. Interwoven throughout are the stories of three additional cancer patients, and their families and doctors, as they navigate the deeply personal decisions surrounding the disease. The documentary also follows several medical professionals working to promote screening, research the latest developments in cancer treatment, and help patients and their families live with a cancer diagnosis.
"This film makes it clear that it's very much a part of American culture to believe that if you fight hard enough, you can beat cancer. But when it comes to having metastatic cancer, your survival depends on the biology of your cancer cells, and whether they are susceptible to state-of-the-art treatment," says Garmon. "In sharing my husband's story and the stories of other patients, I hope to shed light on this important truth."
The Truth About Cancer is the third installment of PBS's Take One Step—a campaign offering primetime programming and outreach tools to help people take the first step towards better health. Following the 90-minute documentary is a 30-minute panel discussion entitled Take One Step: A Conversation About Cancer with Linda Ellerbee. News journalist and breast cancer survivor Linda Ellerbee moderates the dialogue featuring a panel of doctors, all of whom are cancer survivors themselves. Having sat on both sides of a cancer diagnosis, the panel shares their unique perspectives, offering both personal and professional observations on how to handle a cancer diagnosis, what to say to loved ones, how to advocate for yourself, and how to best live your life, with cancer. Panelists include U.S. News and World Report health editor Dr. Bernadine Healy; breast cancer surgeon and Breast Cancer Research stamp mastermind Dr. Ernie Bodai; neurologist and leading palliative care expert Dr. Richard Payne; and counseling psychologist Dr. Paul Brenner.
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From Cheryl Donlin:
Josie,
Thought this might be helpful for some of your readers. We've all been there.
Cheryl
Talking Points: Making the Most Of Doctor Visits
October 31, 2007
When her sister Kelly Rooney was battling breast cancer, Erin Dugery went along to doctors' appointments to help make sense of the treatment options. But the medical jargon was often hard to understand, and she often felt she had forgotten important questions her sister needed answered. "On the drive to the appointment, you think of a million things you want to ask, but when you finally have the attention of the doctor it's almost like getting stage fright," says the Philadelphia mother of four.
Ms. Rooney died 15 months ago at age 43, but Ms. Dugery says she learned valuable lessons during her sister's illness -- such as writing down important questions beforehand and not being afraid to ask the doctor to explain things. Much of this advice came from an unusual source: "Doctor, Doctor, Lend Me Your Ear," a one-woman skit the sisters saw performed in Florida by Ms. Rooney's radiation oncologist, Marisa Weiss. Dr. Weiss, who strips off her white coat and clothes on stage to reveal a hospital gown, uses humorous examples from her own experience to convey lessons on how to talk to -- and listen to -- your doctor.
Dr. Weiss, who has turned the lessons from the skit into a new book, is one of a growing number of medical professionals and health-care groups offering advice through books, Web sites, DVDs and even personal consultations to help patients navigate the modern doctor's appointment.
Though medical information has never been more accessible to consumers, many patients still don't have the skills to talk to their doctors and cram all the questions they have about their health into a brief visit. They often ignore what they don't understand, or leave delicate but important issues to the end and then run out of time. So to help patients get answers, health-care officials are offering new discussion aids, providing sample questions patients can ask, and offering advice ranging from making a list of your drugs, to starting with the biggest questions first, to checking that a doctor has your lab results before going to an appointment.
Given the growing concern about patient safety and malpractice liability, doctors, too, are under pressure to help patients ask the right questions in the limited time they have. The Joint Commission, a nonprofit group that accredits health-care organizations, recently began requiring hospitals to show that they are encouraging patients to participate in care. For example, health-care providers should be encouraging patients to ask questions, and using educational materials to help them make decisions. A growing number of health-literacy programs urge physicians to speak more slowly, use plain language, and, when possible, show models or actual devices or even draw pictures.
A survey by the Boston-based nonprofit Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making found that the majority of adults have big concerns about doctors not spending enough time to explain all treatment options. The foundation, whose work stems from research originally conducted at Dartmouth Medical School about unwarranted variations in health-care practice, is working with physician-practice groups around the country to test videos, books and pamphlets called Shared Decision-Making programs. Used at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., and provided through health plans with about 20 million members, the aim is to see how they work when provided directly to patients by primary-care offices.
"The doctors don't have time to explain everything you ought to know, and they may not even be the best people to provide basic information and frame it for the patients," says Floyd J. Fowler Jr., the foundation's president.
The Shared Decision-Making materials, which are organized by illness, procedure and condition, present background information to help patients make medical decisions, including pros and cons of various treatment options, risks and long-term survival statistics. Patients can review the information in the doctor's office before an appointment and take materials home to review with family members. Unlike a broad Internet search, Dr. Fowler notes, the decision aids synthesize the most important information for the specific decision a patient has to make, such as whether to get a colorectal cancer screening or go forward with back surgery, and how different treatment choices might affect their lifestyle or personal preferences.
Yvonne West, a 41-year-old nurse and mother of two teenage girls who was diagnosed with breast cancer, learned of the Shared Decision-Making aids because Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Health Systems, the hospital where she worked, is participating in a test of the programs. Shortly before her own diagnosis, her husband died of cancer after being treated with radiation, and she was concerned about undergoing such treatment herself. Using the decision aids, she reviewed the evidence for different options and the risks of recurrence before consulting with her doctor, ultimately choosing a unilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. The videos include real patients talking about their choices and why they made them.
"The videos got me thinking about the different options, and really helped me with the decision process," says Ms. West.
Consumers without access to such decision aids can still find help in preparing for doctor visits on Web sites sponsored by disease advocacy groups, hospitals and the federal government. The American Heart Association (americanheart.org), for example, offers a list of questions that patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol should ask, while the Boston-based Joslin Diabetes Center Web site (http://www.joslin.org/) offers a list of questions that diabetics should ask doctors who are managing their disease, and explanations of why each question is important.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, say that as many as 40% of patients bring more than one concern to a doctor's visit -- and possibly as many as three or more. In a study published this month in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, they suggest that a slight change in bedside manner can make a difference in whether all of these issues get addressed: Patients who were asked at the end of a doctor's visit whether there was "something else" that needed attention were much less likely to leave with unmet concerns than those who were asked whether there was "anything else" that needed attention.
According to the study, "any" tends to be used in a negative context, predisposing patients to respond negatively. With many doctor visits averaging 11 minutes, doctors clearly have to make every question count, lead study author John Heritage notes.
Delia Chiaramonte, a Baltimore-area physician, started a business called Insight Medical Consultants that helps patients find medical experts, make treatment decisions and communicate effectively with doctors. She notes that patients often save their most important or embarrassing question for last, then find the appointment is over with no time to address their most important concern. "There is often a tremendous miscommunication between doctors and patients on what the visit is really about," says Dr. Chiaramonte. "If your No. 1 priority is talking about your erectile dysfunction, it's best to start with that."
It's also critical when making doctor's appointments to be clear on whether it is simply a check-up or you have a specific urgent complaint or problems with a chronic health issue. Doctors schedule their time differently for all three and should be prepared ahead of time. Dr. Chiaramonte suggests asking office staff what the best time is to schedule an appointment if you need more time to talk, such as whether later in the day or the first appointment is best.
Dr. Weiss -- whose book is titled "Seven Minutes: How to Get the Most from Your Doctor Visit," available for $10 through her nonprofit Web site, http://www.breastcancer.org/ -- advises that patients prepare a full report of any symptoms or concerns prior to the doctor's visit, as well as a complete list of current medications. If you are awaiting interpretation of test results from a lab, make sure before you arrive that the results have been sent and that the office staff have given them to the doctor.
She also advises bringing family members or a trusted friend, not only for moral support, but to act as another set of eyes and ears to listen to what the doctor is saying and to help organize questions. Since grasping the doctor's words can be the hardest part of the visit, she also advises using a tape recorder, but first asking the doctor's permission to do so.
Ms. Dugery, who started a Web site, Save2ndbase.com, to help raise money for a foundation in her sister's name, says she now uses Dr. Weiss's advice to advocate for herself and others in her extended family. "Even though your doctor may be the captain of the ship, you are the first mate," says Ms. Dugery. "It's really empowering to be able to find your own voice in your own care and in the care of your loved ones."
Email informedpatient@wsj.com .
Source: Wall Street Journal online http://www.wsj.com/ http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB119378733197676876-lMyQjAxMDE4OTIzODcyODg3Wj.html
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From Victoria Silva:
Feminine Living
This month we are focusing on the seed quality COMPASSION. Compassion
for self first and then with this awareness, true compassion for others.
Compassion is understanding human behavior, and its ups and downs, mistakes and wrong doing without judgement and without guilt.
Life has its challenges and as a human being we often do not know what to do or what is the right or wrong way to do something or in fact do life! When you open your heart...And see yourself as a woman learning how to live life, and the many curves and turns that means... you can learn to nurture yourself with kindness and deep compassion,and stay aware in each moment that you are only human... mistakes and negative qualities are part of who we are.
Compassion is about you relating with kindness and understanding your faults, mistakes and sorrows... from your space of caring and unconditional love. No matter where you are at on your path of life... be kind and compassionate with all you do. You are worth it.
One of the biggest mistakes women make is not honoring how they "feel". Have you ever NOT wanted to do something, but did it anyway just so you didn't hurt another or felt you had to? We have all done this... but if we are truly to be powerful women we need to honor how we feel in each moment... and feel compassion for our feelings, and take care of ourselves and nurture
our feelings. It means honoring where you are at in your life and listening and acknowledging your own feelings,regardless of what others think or feel... with a tolerent and kind attitude....not judgement or being critical or guilt laden.
Compassion means if you are feeling sad or angry, own those feelings and process what issues or situations have made you feel this way. Feel those emotions until you feel complete... and then let them go. You have to feel your feelings in order to heal, not stuff them. When you show
yourself compassion, you can let go of all things that you are not happy about, and see truly that at that moment in time you did the best you could... and now you can with awareness correct whatever you desire to change and move ahead in your life.
Giving compassion to others means you extend understanding of ther problems or issues... without judging ot giving advice... and NOT try to fix them, rescue them or drain your own energy listening to their endless dramas. Compassion to others means listening with an open mind and heart... but this doesn't mean you have to agree with them. Compassion means also at times... you must walk away from people who are not in your best interests. Just
because you care or love someone... does not mean that your relationship
with them is good or healthy. You can feel compasion for others... without
accepting their behavior in your life. Offering help and compassion is a
good thing... but not when it becomes a pattern to rescue or you spend all
your time involving yourself in other people's dramas and problems. This is
not compassion... it is co-dependency.
Compassion Seed:
Gently close your eyes and begin to breathe deeply from your belly area.Just
spend a few minutes breathing and allowing your breath to relax your body,
mind and spirit.
Now begin to focus your attention in your heart area and continue your deep
breathing. Silently begin to chant the word COMPASSION over and over
again... much like a mantra. Allow the feeling of COMPASSION to fill up your whole being. Allow any images, words or feelings to come up for you. Maybe you will recall a mistake you have made... and can now heal this event with compassion. Just continue your meditation until you feel complete and then gently open your eyes. Do this meditation each day.... And feel COMPASSION being developed within you.
Love, Victoria
OUR NEXT MEDITATION IS APRIL 19TH AT 7:00
Celebrate your life with the grace and beauty of timeless tradition!
http://www.feminineliving.com/
713.849.3535
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From Jane Weiner
Hope Stone, Inc.
Please join our master teacher Katy Collins for a 6-week yoga class designed especially for teens. Using the poses from yoga, with a strong emphasis on breath, concentration and relaxation, Katy brings the elements of yoga to teens to help them with strength, flexibility and stress reduction. Her 1 and 15 minute class is created just for today's teens (ages 12-18 years). We think it will be a gift for the young person in your life. NEEDS: one cool teen, one towel, one bottle of water, a little bit of "ommmm!"
Our Price: $110 for 6 weeks
Vitals: Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3
join us!!!!!
Sincerely, Jane Weiner
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From Beverly Slaughter:
Hello everyone!
I walk to thank you all for your support during my training for the Avon Walk! I did reach my goal!
I also received an exciting call yesterday from Avon, I am going to be participating in the opening and closing ceremonies with 3 other survivors. I am very honored!
Next...attached is the walker buddy newsletter I receive. They are still in need of some volunteers/crew in certain areas...please read and if you or anyone you know might be interested please pass it on. This is a very rewarding event and will be lots of fun!
Thanks! - Beverly
3/12/2008
Note from the Houston Avon Walk Office: As a registered walker, you’ll receive this email from your Walker Buddy to keep you well informed of upcoming events, updates on the Walk, donation details and much, much more!
Hi Beverly!
In this issue:
On-Event Volunteers Needed
Specialty Crew
Medical Form Update
Cheering Stations
Fundraising Rewards!
Fundraising Tip
Donations
Training Walks
Avon Walk Bonus Card
WE STILL NEED ON-EVENT VOLUNTEERS!
We are still in need of volunteers for the Friday, April 11th! If you have friends or family that would like to participate in Event Eve we would love to have them join the cause. Assignments range from welcome team to checking the walkers in. Those interested in volunteering should click here to access our printable volunteer form online. For more information, email our Volunteer Coordinator, Melissa McGreevy, at melissa.houston@avonwalk.org . Every Volunteer also gets a FREE blue t-shirt and dinner on Friday! Tell anyone interested in the walk that volunteers are a vital part of this wonderful event!
We are Looking for Specialty Crew!
Crew is officially closed for this year’s walk, but we are still looking for specialty crew members. If you have family, friends, or colleagues who are MDs, RNs, LPs, EMTs, Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Massage Therapists, Athletic Trainers, or Physical Therapists we really need their help! We are also looking Motorcycle Safety Crew too. Contact Amanda Kozicki here or at 704-377-3144 ext 15 or 713-968-9250 ext 5 for more information.
MEDICAL FORM UPDATE
Thank you to all of you who have already filled out your Medical Form Online, so far we have received 58% of participants forms, Woo Hoo!! If you have not done so already, please make sure to fill out your medical forms online!!! It is important to keep the check in process quick on Event Eve to have your medical form filled out as soon as possible. Click Here if you need help finding your form online. You will need your username and password, if you do not know your username and password click here. DEADLINE FOR MEDICAL FORMS (online or paper forms) IS MARCH 30TH, any forms filled out after March 30th will need to stop by the Medical Table before checking in at Event Eve.
Cheering Stations
PRINT OUT a list of the best locations for your friends and family to safely cheer you on along the route!
FUNDRAISING REWARDS
If you haven’t yet checked out our great rewards for being a fearless fundraiser, now’s the perfect time. If you’re already aiming high and are closing in on $2200 or $3600 (or have already reached those goals!), here’s how it works:
For those who have reached Fundraising Reward levels prior to the event, we’ll ship out your rewards in plenty of time to have them before the Houston Walk. If you reached a fundraising reward level prior the Houston Walk, but haven’t received your reward in the mail by Event Eve (the day before the Walk), you can pick your reward up there with either your Event Eve Passport showing that you’ve met the goal (these are sent one-week prior to Event Eve) or a receipt showing that your fundraising total meets the reward level (you’ll get this once you check in at Event Eve). If you continue fundraising after the event and then reach a reward level, we’ll do a final shipment six weeks after the Walk. Remember – if you reach $2200, you’ll receive the “Strength” cap, but we certainly encourage you to keep going to $3600 and earn the “Believe” wicking shirt, too!
FUNDRAISING TIP
In order to get those last minute donations, be sure to resend your donation email! Following up with people is the most crucial way to get donations. Update you email with your current fundraising status, training progress, and time line. Most people who have yet to donate will take this as their cue to get to your webpage soon!
DONATIONS
From here on out any donations that you receive, please make sure to hold onto and bring with you to Event Eve on April 11th.
TRAINING WALKS
Join a Training Walk! Not only is it a great way to meet other walkers but you will also get a punch in your bonus card AND exercise! Be sure to click HERE to find one in your area! Or feel free to start one!
AVON WALK BONUS CARD
Do you really want to be involved in the Avon Walk? Then become a proud, card-carrying member of the Avon Walk Bonus Card. Each time you attend an Avon Walk event you can collect marks that allow you to become a Bonus Card Superstar!! It is easy; all you have to do is attend SIX different Avon Walk activities and ‘voila!’ you have completed your card. These activities can be: Introduction Meetings, Training Walks (every training walk can count as one mark), and volunteering. If you would like a fabulous pink Avon Walk Bonus Card mailed to you, please request one by clicking HERE and including your name and mailing address.
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From Donna Fong:
I saw this story on Yahoo! Food and thought that you might be interested.
-Donna
18 Foods That Make Your Skin Glow - Beauty Eats on Yahoo! Food
http://food.yahoo.com/blog/beautyeats/29703/18-foods-that-make-your-skin-glow
Top skin creams average about $400 an ounce (and you thought gas was expensive!), yet most offer little proof that they do half of what they promise. Want to save a bundle and improve your skin? Load your shopping cart with nutrients that research has shown to have skin-hydrating, sun-protecting, and even wrinkle-preventing powers, says Manhattan dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. Here’s her grocery list of best foods for your skin.
Firm and Bright
You’re probably up to your eyebrows (Botoxed or not) with hearing “eat more fruits and vegetables.” But if you have yet to take that advice to heart, maybe knowing that they prevent wrinkles will do the trick. The colorful pigments that produce bright orange and red also refill antioxidant levels in your skin.
The skin doc’s 3 top picks: SWEET POTATOES, TOMATOES, CANTALOUPE
What they do: Replenish your skin’s supply of antioxidants, so they're ready to scarf up free radicals whenever they make an appearance. Free rads are highly reactive oxygen molecules that damage cells and contribute to just about everything that can go wrong with skin, from dryness to crinkles.
Fresh and Juicy
Your body can’t store much wrinkle-fighting vitamin C, so you need to keep your supplies stocked. The easiest, simplest way: Have some citrus every day.
The skin doc’s 4 top picks: ORANGES, LEMONS, LIMES, GRAPEFRUIT
Actually, ounce for ounce, oranges are the top citrus C source but you can only eat so many, right? For variety, make lemonade, squeeze limes on melon, add grapefruit to salad, and instead of drinking soda, fizz up OJ with sparkling water. It all adds up.
What they do: Keep skin’s vitamin C levels high. While C’s a nifty antioxidant, that’s not the key reason it’s here. It helps keeps collagen -- the supportive protein fibers that stop skin from sagging -- strong and resilient. (Flimsy collagen means lines and wrinkles.) Since collagen breakdown really picks up in your mid-30s, eat citrus early and often to head off aging.
Smoothing and Soothing
There’s a particularly potent antioxidant known as EGCG that does all kinds of good things for skin. The best place to find it? True teas: black, green, or white (not herbal). Brew a teapot full every morning, so that sipping four to six cups throughout the day is a no-brainer.
The skin doc’s #1 pick: GREEN TEA
While all true teas contain EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), the various types of green tea have the most. Wechsler’s personal favorite is hojicha green tea (available at http://www.adagio.com/ /). “The roasting process that turns this green tea a brownish color also lowers its caffeine content,” she says -- handy if you’re caffeine sensitive or it’s one of those days when you do not need another stimulant.
What it does: Gives your skin a healthy dose of EGCG, which is a great multi-tasker. EGCG puts a damper on inflammatory chemicals involved in acne and sun-related skin aging; it also helps prevent skin cancer; and it has a lion-tamer effect on tumor cells. What’s more, green tea contains L-theanine, a de-tensing amino acid -- and anything you can do to staunch the flow of the stress hormone cortisol helps keep collagen fibers intact.
Green and Leafy
Certain dark leafy greens, whether they’re fresh, frozen, raw, or steamed, really deliver on vitamin A, one of the most skin-essential vitamins going.
The skin doc’s 3 top picks: SPINACH, TURNIP GREENS, BROCCOLI
What they do: Deliver a hefty supply of vitamin A, which supports skin cell turnover, the process that keeps cell growth and development humming along flawlessly. Without enough A, skin becomes dry, tough, and scaly.
Fisherman’s Faves
Several cold-water catches give your skin a double benefit: age-fighting omega-3 fatty acids plus the restorative powers of protein.
The skin doc’s 7 top picks: SALMON, TROUT, TUNA, ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SARDINES, PACIFIC HERRING, MOST SHELLFISH
Just don’t, uh, go overboard. As good as omega-3s are for skin (and the rest of you, too), worries about the amount of mercury in many fish mean it’s smart to limit seafood to two meals a week. That’s a must for women who are or might become pregnant or are nursing, and for young children, too. (Go here for the government’s fish guidelines.)
What they do: Omega-3s fight inflammation, now considered one of the top skin-agers, and they also help protect against sunburn, enhancing the effects of your SPF sunscreen. Protein is required to build and repair skin cells and to make enzymes and hormones that help keep it glowing.
Fill your weekly grocery cart with all of the above foods and you won’t just look younger, you’ll be younger. Eating at least 1 serving of fish a week and getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements lower your biological age. In fact, the antioxidants alone can make your RealAge up to 6 years younger.
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From Emma Jacobs:
Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation
The Unbeatable movement has begun! Next Fall, Unbeatable – A New Musical, which chronicles one woman’s struggle with breast cancer, will have its world premiere production at Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre and the anticipation is remarkable. More importantly, the comprehensive network of support that this new musical has already generated is awe-inspiring: M.D Anderson, The Pink Ribbons Project and The Susan G. Komen Foundation have joined dozens of individual donors to pledge significant support to develop this amazing project. Now is your moment to join our Unbeatable movement and bring this inspirational musical to Houston.
In a time when there are so many worthy causes drawing our attention, I encourage you to consider Unbeatable as a unique way to support the arts and provide a message of great hope to those taken ill with an insidious cancer. Thanks to your support we are well on our way to our goal of bringing Unbeatable to Houston!
Sincerely,
Emma Jacobs
Fundraising chair, Unbeatable
Stages Repertory Theatre
Checks made payable to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation, 206 Terrace Drive, Houston, Texas 77007.
Portions of your donation to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation (a 501c3 organization) may qualify for tax deductions under the laws of the State of Texas.
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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271
DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
ROSEBUDS SUPPORT MEETING
April 1, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet Future Meetings: April 15, May 6 & 20
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK EVENT
Appearances Breast Care Boutique
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Mays Clinic, Floor #2
Houston, TX
Wednesday, April 2nd
11:00am - 4:00pm
Meet the author and participants from the book!
http://www.pinkcrusader.org/ /
HOPE STONE
Teen Yoga Classes
Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3
713.526.1907
RELAY FOR LIFE - FORT BEND COUNTY
April 4 & 5th at George Park in Richmond
For additional info contact Sharon Jamison, RN
M. D. Anderson Radiation Oncology
1603 Main Street
Richmond, TX
713-563-9103
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Fatigue Awareness Week - April 7 -10, 2008
Monday April 7th, 10am - 1pm - Clinic Open House
Mays Clinic, Sixth Floor
Tuesday, April 8th, - Cancer-related Fatigue Video Viewing
6:30 - 7:30pm
Cancer Prevention Building, Eight Floor, Rooms 1 & 2
RSVP: 713-792-2808 or e-mail bsmp@mdanderson.org
For more information, call the Patient Education Office at 713-794-5379
or e-mail www.mdanderson.org/departments/patedu
SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County. Survivors Offering Support (SOS), a peer Breast Cancer support group will meet on Tuesday, April 8, from 7-9p at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in New Territory. Guest speaker is Gail Larson, 7yr. BRCA survivor, RN, and author. Gail's soon to be released book ,"Finding God in Your Story", is her 7th book on surviving cancer. You can visit her website http://www.gaillarson.com/ / to learn more about her. Invitation is open to all cancer survivors. Call 281-242-0351 for more info. Directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/ /
ROSEBUDS II SUPPORT GROUP
April 10, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting for those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet. Future Meetings: April 24
RELAY FOR LIFE of SUGAR LAND
April 11-12th at Oyster Creek Park.
Call 713 706 5644 for further information.
AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER
Houston - April 12 - 13, 2008
Congratulations on deciding to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! By registering online now, you will have immediate access to all of the tools of your 'My Avon Walk Center' and can begin fundraising towards your goal today. https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/TRR/Walk2008/Houston/1021196898? pg=ptype&fr_id=1420&JServSessionIdr004=x9jrwe2701.app26b or For more information, please call us at (713) 968-9250. Email: volunteer.houston@avonwalk.org
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, April 14, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
The Anderson Network and Place...of wellness invite adult patients, caregivers and survivors to take a day trip to the Downtown Aquarium.
Saturday, April 19, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - Bus departs from Rotary House
3:30 p.m. - Bus departs from Downtown Aquarium
4:00 p.m. - Bus arrives at Rotary House
Space is limited to 30 participants.
Please call 800-345-6324
or 713-745-9204 to
make a reservation.
-Wristband will be provided so that you may enjoy the aquarium property and exhibits.
- Food and drinks will not be provided. Please bring money for any items you wish to purchase.
- The trip is open to any M. D. Anderson patient, caregiver or survivor age 18 or older.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- If you are unable to attend after a reservation has been made, please contact Anderson Network office as soon as possible.
- Parking at M. D. Anderson is available in Garage 10 for $10 or the Sourth Extension (Brown) Lot for $6.
For more info, please click on the following link:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/andersonnet/display.cfm?id=3a4268cb-eb1e-4f99-bd1d681196222ef2&method=displayfull&pn=b0238868-2a67-438d-bfdb1349b8957cab
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
VICTORIA'S PLACE
Our next meditation is April 19th at 7:00 pm.
For information visit: http://www.feminineliving.com/
Or call 713.849.3535 to register.
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION (NBCC):
2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
April 26th - 29th 2008
Register now to attend NBCCF's 16th Annual Advocacy Training Conference. Join hundreds of national and international breast cancer activists in our fight to eradicate breast cancer.
NBCCF's yearly gathering helps participants hone their advocacy skills and learn about the latest in breast cancer science, research and policy. Hear directly about the controversies and issues from important leaders, scientists, and advocates. To learn more about this event and registration, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=598&Itemid=1
SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Save the Dates: Rally - April 27, 2008
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/ /
HOPE STONE, INC.
Save The Date for our Premiere Piece
PEACE PIECE ...May 1st, 2008
a dance, theater and music performed by
the Kid's Play Ensemble and YouthSound
7:00 pm
Kaplan Theater, JCC
tickets on sale now
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ /
713.526.1907 ext. 3
CURE MAGAZINE
Registration is open for the 2008 CURE Day of Caring Breast Cancer Forum on May 3 & 4in Denver. The Day of Caring weekend features breast cancer experts from around the country, as well as educational exhibits, and a Survivor’s Fashion Show.
Full agendas, hotel accommodations, and online registration are available now! We look forward to seeing you there! http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas
During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on May 20, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.
M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
Keynote Speaker, Actor Gerald McRaney
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
Online Registration starts Monday, June 16, 2008
Details TBA or visit www.mdanderson.org/andersonnetwork
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA
"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ / Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
CURE MAGAZINE
Coming later this fall, the 5th Annual CURE Patient & Survivor Forum will take place November 1 & 2 in Dallas. CURE is proud to offer a Young Adult Track at this meeting in addition to CNE credit for nurses. For More information visit:
http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
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"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your contributions, comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
The Pink Crusader continues to fly under the radar, but sends big hugs and warm regards, along with all the latest updates. Have a pleasant week and watch out for those April Fool's pranksters! Please read on...
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“I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it." -Jack Handey
SURVIVOR UPDATE
Angie Elliott (per Colin Elliott)
March 25, 2008 - Part I
Hey everybody. I'm sitting here in the ER with Angie sleeping next to me and thought I'd pass along an update.
First, I wanted to ask you to all send thoughts and/or prayers to our friend Cathy O'Brian (and her husband Dan, 4yr old son Danny and the rest of their collective families and friends). She's a friend of Angie's who was recently moved to hospice care due to complications with her cancer. We're asking for miracles in whatever form they want to come in...
Having been at the hospital so much recently, is it bad when you get to know the ER nurses to the point where you have favorites and even ask to be placed with them when you arrive?
Well, this tonight happens to be our third time here in the past couple weeks. After the trip across the street via ambulance that Angie talked about in the past post, we've had the opportunity to come back to this wonderful institution to visit. Too bad it's because strange things keep happening.
The first trip was officially for a "cough". At least, that's what they wrote on the discharge papers. Weird fiasco during that visit as they technically admitted her, but when they sent her to a room, they realized that the necessary equipment to monitor her heart wasn't on that floor. So, the sent her back to the ER. I wonder how they'll bill that one? That night I went home at 4am for a couple hours of rest before I picked her up.
Last week it was a bit more substantial (not that I can recall at this point what the discharge note was - heart troubles of some sort), but they decided to keep her overnight in the ER. I went home around 2am that night, which is much better than trying to cuddle up with someone who is having breathing troubles or trying to sleep on the uncomfortable chairs in the ER. They did a CT with contrast that night to make sure there weren't any blood clots in her lungs. Nope. Just a bit of fluid in her lungs and some scar tissue from the radiation. Maybe something else, but the other tests don't show anything. Remember to look at the big picture.
We did get some good news recently when Angie called up the doc to give him a piece of her mind about what was showing up on her schedule. She called to find out why he had changed her chemotherapy, but when they talked, he said we would still be doing Abraxane. And by the way, her CTC count was 0 as in ZERO. No circulating tumor cells were found in the last test. That's a pretty big deal.
So, with that news, we did joyous flips. It's a decent indicator that things are under control or at least that the chemotherapy and her immune system are killing any cancer tumor cells floating around in her blood stream. It's hard to spread when the exits are being watched...
Now Dr. C failed to remember that he did add something new to the mix, a bone strengthener called Zolmeda (I think). It's got some interesting side effects (flu-like symptoms, fever up to 101.5, interactions with heart drugs, confusion, etc.) They say they should only last for a couple days, but here we are 5 days later and they're still happening. And that's why we've graced the ER with our presence once again. Things got moving very quickly when we got here with the portable x-ray, EKG/ECG technician, and the nurse all showing up within the first five minutes after the ER attending left the room. Apparently he recognized Angie's name from the ICU back in December.
So, it's now midnight and I'm up waiting for results. Angie's fighting harder than she should be to breathe while resting. It's been an ongoing problem for the past few days, and the addition of confusion and some delusional behavior brought us here.
Not sure what's causing all the problem, but you can take your pick between congenital heart failure, Zolmeda, chemotherapy, some fluid in and around the lungs, chest pain, fatigue and what ever else seems to be added to the particular day's list.
Feel free to give us a ring whenever.
Colin
March 27, 2008 - Part II
Since I left you hanging on Monday night, I wanted to pass along the news that Angie wasn't admitted to the hospital. We were sent home from the ER at about 2:30 or 3:00am Tuesday morning (with a diagnosis of it being a panic attack). The attending physician said that he had tried really hard to find a reason to keep us, but there wasn't enough evidence to justify it. No problem with that reasoning here. If you're not sick, you don't need to be in the hospital.
Her hemoglobin counts were a bit low, but that's normal with chemotherapy. What is interesting is that the low count kept us at the hospital today for a couple extra hours while they rechecked the levels to make sure they had gone up. If they hadn't, then a blood transfusion was going to be in her future. Thank goodness that didn't happen!
She's been very fatigued and was in the wheelchair today. Mentally it's been really hard for both of us since she's lost quite a bit of her independence. With the drug side effects causing fatigue and some confusion, driving is out the window for the time being. Let me know if you think you might be able to help out.
I'm going to touch base with a home health outfit here to find out about people to drive her to appointments, go grocery shopping for or with her, and the like. If you have any suggestions or info on local groups to check and/or avoid drop me an email.
Colin
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Argelia Lopez
Please keep Argelia in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her chemotherapy treatments. Well-wishes may be sent to argelial@yahoo.com
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FYI
From Rosemary Herron:
Hi All,
This is just a friendly reminder of our April 8th SOS Gail Larson Event. If any of our SOS sisters can help provide bottled water, can beverages and/or cookies please let me know. I also need help with set-up since our dear Marsha is still recovering from knee surgery . Please feel free to invite any other cancer survivors you think would enjoy our speaker. It has been some time since we have had a speaker, so am hoping for a good turnout.
Gail will have some complimentary copies of one of her books to give away and there will be DOOR PRIZES! It should be a very enjoyable and worthwhile evening. I look forward to seeing you!
Blessings, Rosemary
281-242-0351
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From Rosemary Barr:
I believe this will be well worth watching!
Rosemary
THE TRUTH ABOUT CANCER PREMIERES ON PBS APRIL 16, 2008
Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker Linda Garmon Takes on the Question "How Far Have We Come in the War on Cancer?"
News Journalist and Cancer Survivor Linda Ellerbee
Hosts Post-Broadcast Panel Discussion
What is the truth about cancer? Is it the same deadly killer it was 30 years ago - or are we making progress? Find out through the poignant stories of patients battling the disease. Written, produced, and directed by award-winning filmmaker Linda Garmon, The Truth About Cancer premieres nationally on PBS Wednesday, April 16, at 9:00pm ET (check local listings). Comprised of a 90-minute documentary followed by a 30-minute panel discussion, the two-hour broadcast event takes a deep look inside the cancer field gauging how far we have come in this decades-old war and asking, "Why does anyone still die of cancer?"
Part science, part personal catharsis, part character-driven storytelling, The Truth About Cancer is narrated by Garmon, who tells the moving story of her husband's battle with cancer. Over the course of the film, Garmon returns to the same Boston-area hospitals at which her husband was treated, and exposes startling truths about survival rates of metastisized cancers, and the limited success of drugs and clinical trials. Interwoven throughout are the stories of three additional cancer patients, and their families and doctors, as they navigate the deeply personal decisions surrounding the disease. The documentary also follows several medical professionals working to promote screening, research the latest developments in cancer treatment, and help patients and their families live with a cancer diagnosis.
"This film makes it clear that it's very much a part of American culture to believe that if you fight hard enough, you can beat cancer. But when it comes to having metastatic cancer, your survival depends on the biology of your cancer cells, and whether they are susceptible to state-of-the-art treatment," says Garmon. "In sharing my husband's story and the stories of other patients, I hope to shed light on this important truth."
The Truth About Cancer is the third installment of PBS's Take One Step—a campaign offering primetime programming and outreach tools to help people take the first step towards better health. Following the 90-minute documentary is a 30-minute panel discussion entitled Take One Step: A Conversation About Cancer with Linda Ellerbee. News journalist and breast cancer survivor Linda Ellerbee moderates the dialogue featuring a panel of doctors, all of whom are cancer survivors themselves. Having sat on both sides of a cancer diagnosis, the panel shares their unique perspectives, offering both personal and professional observations on how to handle a cancer diagnosis, what to say to loved ones, how to advocate for yourself, and how to best live your life, with cancer. Panelists include U.S. News and World Report health editor Dr. Bernadine Healy; breast cancer surgeon and Breast Cancer Research stamp mastermind Dr. Ernie Bodai; neurologist and leading palliative care expert Dr. Richard Payne; and counseling psychologist Dr. Paul Brenner.
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From Cheryl Donlin:
Josie,
Thought this might be helpful for some of your readers. We've all been there.
Cheryl
Talking Points: Making the Most Of Doctor Visits
October 31, 2007
When her sister Kelly Rooney was battling breast cancer, Erin Dugery went along to doctors' appointments to help make sense of the treatment options. But the medical jargon was often hard to understand, and she often felt she had forgotten important questions her sister needed answered. "On the drive to the appointment, you think of a million things you want to ask, but when you finally have the attention of the doctor it's almost like getting stage fright," says the Philadelphia mother of four.
Ms. Rooney died 15 months ago at age 43, but Ms. Dugery says she learned valuable lessons during her sister's illness -- such as writing down important questions beforehand and not being afraid to ask the doctor to explain things. Much of this advice came from an unusual source: "Doctor, Doctor, Lend Me Your Ear," a one-woman skit the sisters saw performed in Florida by Ms. Rooney's radiation oncologist, Marisa Weiss. Dr. Weiss, who strips off her white coat and clothes on stage to reveal a hospital gown, uses humorous examples from her own experience to convey lessons on how to talk to -- and listen to -- your doctor.
Dr. Weiss, who has turned the lessons from the skit into a new book, is one of a growing number of medical professionals and health-care groups offering advice through books, Web sites, DVDs and even personal consultations to help patients navigate the modern doctor's appointment.
Though medical information has never been more accessible to consumers, many patients still don't have the skills to talk to their doctors and cram all the questions they have about their health into a brief visit. They often ignore what they don't understand, or leave delicate but important issues to the end and then run out of time. So to help patients get answers, health-care officials are offering new discussion aids, providing sample questions patients can ask, and offering advice ranging from making a list of your drugs, to starting with the biggest questions first, to checking that a doctor has your lab results before going to an appointment.
Given the growing concern about patient safety and malpractice liability, doctors, too, are under pressure to help patients ask the right questions in the limited time they have. The Joint Commission, a nonprofit group that accredits health-care organizations, recently began requiring hospitals to show that they are encouraging patients to participate in care. For example, health-care providers should be encouraging patients to ask questions, and using educational materials to help them make decisions. A growing number of health-literacy programs urge physicians to speak more slowly, use plain language, and, when possible, show models or actual devices or even draw pictures.
A survey by the Boston-based nonprofit Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making found that the majority of adults have big concerns about doctors not spending enough time to explain all treatment options. The foundation, whose work stems from research originally conducted at Dartmouth Medical School about unwarranted variations in health-care practice, is working with physician-practice groups around the country to test videos, books and pamphlets called Shared Decision-Making programs. Used at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., and provided through health plans with about 20 million members, the aim is to see how they work when provided directly to patients by primary-care offices.
"The doctors don't have time to explain everything you ought to know, and they may not even be the best people to provide basic information and frame it for the patients," says Floyd J. Fowler Jr., the foundation's president.
The Shared Decision-Making materials, which are organized by illness, procedure and condition, present background information to help patients make medical decisions, including pros and cons of various treatment options, risks and long-term survival statistics. Patients can review the information in the doctor's office before an appointment and take materials home to review with family members. Unlike a broad Internet search, Dr. Fowler notes, the decision aids synthesize the most important information for the specific decision a patient has to make, such as whether to get a colorectal cancer screening or go forward with back surgery, and how different treatment choices might affect their lifestyle or personal preferences.
Yvonne West, a 41-year-old nurse and mother of two teenage girls who was diagnosed with breast cancer, learned of the Shared Decision-Making aids because Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Health Systems, the hospital where she worked, is participating in a test of the programs. Shortly before her own diagnosis, her husband died of cancer after being treated with radiation, and she was concerned about undergoing such treatment herself. Using the decision aids, she reviewed the evidence for different options and the risks of recurrence before consulting with her doctor, ultimately choosing a unilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. The videos include real patients talking about their choices and why they made them.
"The videos got me thinking about the different options, and really helped me with the decision process," says Ms. West.
Consumers without access to such decision aids can still find help in preparing for doctor visits on Web sites sponsored by disease advocacy groups, hospitals and the federal government. The American Heart Association (americanheart.org), for example, offers a list of questions that patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol should ask, while the Boston-based Joslin Diabetes Center Web site (http://www.joslin.org/) offers a list of questions that diabetics should ask doctors who are managing their disease, and explanations of why each question is important.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, say that as many as 40% of patients bring more than one concern to a doctor's visit -- and possibly as many as three or more. In a study published this month in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, they suggest that a slight change in bedside manner can make a difference in whether all of these issues get addressed: Patients who were asked at the end of a doctor's visit whether there was "something else" that needed attention were much less likely to leave with unmet concerns than those who were asked whether there was "anything else" that needed attention.
According to the study, "any" tends to be used in a negative context, predisposing patients to respond negatively. With many doctor visits averaging 11 minutes, doctors clearly have to make every question count, lead study author John Heritage notes.
Delia Chiaramonte, a Baltimore-area physician, started a business called Insight Medical Consultants that helps patients find medical experts, make treatment decisions and communicate effectively with doctors. She notes that patients often save their most important or embarrassing question for last, then find the appointment is over with no time to address their most important concern. "There is often a tremendous miscommunication between doctors and patients on what the visit is really about," says Dr. Chiaramonte. "If your No. 1 priority is talking about your erectile dysfunction, it's best to start with that."
It's also critical when making doctor's appointments to be clear on whether it is simply a check-up or you have a specific urgent complaint or problems with a chronic health issue. Doctors schedule their time differently for all three and should be prepared ahead of time. Dr. Chiaramonte suggests asking office staff what the best time is to schedule an appointment if you need more time to talk, such as whether later in the day or the first appointment is best.
Dr. Weiss -- whose book is titled "Seven Minutes: How to Get the Most from Your Doctor Visit," available for $10 through her nonprofit Web site, http://www.breastcancer.org/ -- advises that patients prepare a full report of any symptoms or concerns prior to the doctor's visit, as well as a complete list of current medications. If you are awaiting interpretation of test results from a lab, make sure before you arrive that the results have been sent and that the office staff have given them to the doctor.
She also advises bringing family members or a trusted friend, not only for moral support, but to act as another set of eyes and ears to listen to what the doctor is saying and to help organize questions. Since grasping the doctor's words can be the hardest part of the visit, she also advises using a tape recorder, but first asking the doctor's permission to do so.
Ms. Dugery, who started a Web site, Save2ndbase.com, to help raise money for a foundation in her sister's name, says she now uses Dr. Weiss's advice to advocate for herself and others in her extended family. "Even though your doctor may be the captain of the ship, you are the first mate," says Ms. Dugery. "It's really empowering to be able to find your own voice in your own care and in the care of your loved ones."
Email informedpatient@wsj.com .
Source: Wall Street Journal online http://www.wsj.com/ http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB119378733197676876-lMyQjAxMDE4OTIzODcyODg3Wj.html
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From Victoria Silva:
Feminine Living
This month we are focusing on the seed quality COMPASSION. Compassion
for self first and then with this awareness, true compassion for others.
Compassion is understanding human behavior, and its ups and downs, mistakes and wrong doing without judgement and without guilt.
Life has its challenges and as a human being we often do not know what to do or what is the right or wrong way to do something or in fact do life! When you open your heart...And see yourself as a woman learning how to live life, and the many curves and turns that means... you can learn to nurture yourself with kindness and deep compassion,and stay aware in each moment that you are only human... mistakes and negative qualities are part of who we are.
Compassion is about you relating with kindness and understanding your faults, mistakes and sorrows... from your space of caring and unconditional love. No matter where you are at on your path of life... be kind and compassionate with all you do. You are worth it.
One of the biggest mistakes women make is not honoring how they "feel". Have you ever NOT wanted to do something, but did it anyway just so you didn't hurt another or felt you had to? We have all done this... but if we are truly to be powerful women we need to honor how we feel in each moment... and feel compassion for our feelings, and take care of ourselves and nurture
our feelings. It means honoring where you are at in your life and listening and acknowledging your own feelings,regardless of what others think or feel... with a tolerent and kind attitude....not judgement or being critical or guilt laden.
Compassion means if you are feeling sad or angry, own those feelings and process what issues or situations have made you feel this way. Feel those emotions until you feel complete... and then let them go. You have to feel your feelings in order to heal, not stuff them. When you show
yourself compassion, you can let go of all things that you are not happy about, and see truly that at that moment in time you did the best you could... and now you can with awareness correct whatever you desire to change and move ahead in your life.
Giving compassion to others means you extend understanding of ther problems or issues... without judging ot giving advice... and NOT try to fix them, rescue them or drain your own energy listening to their endless dramas. Compassion to others means listening with an open mind and heart... but this doesn't mean you have to agree with them. Compassion means also at times... you must walk away from people who are not in your best interests. Just
because you care or love someone... does not mean that your relationship
with them is good or healthy. You can feel compasion for others... without
accepting their behavior in your life. Offering help and compassion is a
good thing... but not when it becomes a pattern to rescue or you spend all
your time involving yourself in other people's dramas and problems. This is
not compassion... it is co-dependency.
Compassion Seed:
Gently close your eyes and begin to breathe deeply from your belly area.Just
spend a few minutes breathing and allowing your breath to relax your body,
mind and spirit.
Now begin to focus your attention in your heart area and continue your deep
breathing. Silently begin to chant the word COMPASSION over and over
again... much like a mantra. Allow the feeling of COMPASSION to fill up your whole being. Allow any images, words or feelings to come up for you. Maybe you will recall a mistake you have made... and can now heal this event with compassion. Just continue your meditation until you feel complete and then gently open your eyes. Do this meditation each day.... And feel COMPASSION being developed within you.
Love, Victoria
OUR NEXT MEDITATION IS APRIL 19TH AT 7:00
Celebrate your life with the grace and beauty of timeless tradition!
http://www.feminineliving.com/
713.849.3535
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From Jane Weiner
Hope Stone, Inc.
Please join our master teacher Katy Collins for a 6-week yoga class designed especially for teens. Using the poses from yoga, with a strong emphasis on breath, concentration and relaxation, Katy brings the elements of yoga to teens to help them with strength, flexibility and stress reduction. Her 1 and 15 minute class is created just for today's teens (ages 12-18 years). We think it will be a gift for the young person in your life. NEEDS: one cool teen, one towel, one bottle of water, a little bit of "ommmm!"
Our Price: $110 for 6 weeks
Vitals: Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3
join us!!!!!
Sincerely, Jane Weiner
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From Beverly Slaughter:
Hello everyone!
I walk to thank you all for your support during my training for the Avon Walk! I did reach my goal!
I also received an exciting call yesterday from Avon, I am going to be participating in the opening and closing ceremonies with 3 other survivors. I am very honored!
Next...attached is the walker buddy newsletter I receive. They are still in need of some volunteers/crew in certain areas...please read and if you or anyone you know might be interested please pass it on. This is a very rewarding event and will be lots of fun!
Thanks! - Beverly
3/12/2008
Note from the Houston Avon Walk Office: As a registered walker, you’ll receive this email from your Walker Buddy to keep you well informed of upcoming events, updates on the Walk, donation details and much, much more!
Hi Beverly!
In this issue:
On-Event Volunteers Needed
Specialty Crew
Medical Form Update
Cheering Stations
Fundraising Rewards!
Fundraising Tip
Donations
Training Walks
Avon Walk Bonus Card
WE STILL NEED ON-EVENT VOLUNTEERS!
We are still in need of volunteers for the Friday, April 11th! If you have friends or family that would like to participate in Event Eve we would love to have them join the cause. Assignments range from welcome team to checking the walkers in. Those interested in volunteering should click here to access our printable volunteer form online. For more information, email our Volunteer Coordinator, Melissa McGreevy, at melissa.houston@avonwalk.org . Every Volunteer also gets a FREE blue t-shirt and dinner on Friday! Tell anyone interested in the walk that volunteers are a vital part of this wonderful event!
We are Looking for Specialty Crew!
Crew is officially closed for this year’s walk, but we are still looking for specialty crew members. If you have family, friends, or colleagues who are MDs, RNs, LPs, EMTs, Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Massage Therapists, Athletic Trainers, or Physical Therapists we really need their help! We are also looking Motorcycle Safety Crew too. Contact Amanda Kozicki here or at 704-377-3144 ext 15 or 713-968-9250 ext 5 for more information.
MEDICAL FORM UPDATE
Thank you to all of you who have already filled out your Medical Form Online, so far we have received 58% of participants forms, Woo Hoo!! If you have not done so already, please make sure to fill out your medical forms online!!! It is important to keep the check in process quick on Event Eve to have your medical form filled out as soon as possible. Click Here if you need help finding your form online. You will need your username and password, if you do not know your username and password click here. DEADLINE FOR MEDICAL FORMS (online or paper forms) IS MARCH 30TH, any forms filled out after March 30th will need to stop by the Medical Table before checking in at Event Eve.
Cheering Stations
PRINT OUT a list of the best locations for your friends and family to safely cheer you on along the route!
FUNDRAISING REWARDS
If you haven’t yet checked out our great rewards for being a fearless fundraiser, now’s the perfect time. If you’re already aiming high and are closing in on $2200 or $3600 (or have already reached those goals!), here’s how it works:
For those who have reached Fundraising Reward levels prior to the event, we’ll ship out your rewards in plenty of time to have them before the Houston Walk. If you reached a fundraising reward level prior the Houston Walk, but haven’t received your reward in the mail by Event Eve (the day before the Walk), you can pick your reward up there with either your Event Eve Passport showing that you’ve met the goal (these are sent one-week prior to Event Eve) or a receipt showing that your fundraising total meets the reward level (you’ll get this once you check in at Event Eve). If you continue fundraising after the event and then reach a reward level, we’ll do a final shipment six weeks after the Walk. Remember – if you reach $2200, you’ll receive the “Strength” cap, but we certainly encourage you to keep going to $3600 and earn the “Believe” wicking shirt, too!
FUNDRAISING TIP
In order to get those last minute donations, be sure to resend your donation email! Following up with people is the most crucial way to get donations. Update you email with your current fundraising status, training progress, and time line. Most people who have yet to donate will take this as their cue to get to your webpage soon!
DONATIONS
From here on out any donations that you receive, please make sure to hold onto and bring with you to Event Eve on April 11th.
TRAINING WALKS
Join a Training Walk! Not only is it a great way to meet other walkers but you will also get a punch in your bonus card AND exercise! Be sure to click HERE to find one in your area! Or feel free to start one!
AVON WALK BONUS CARD
Do you really want to be involved in the Avon Walk? Then become a proud, card-carrying member of the Avon Walk Bonus Card. Each time you attend an Avon Walk event you can collect marks that allow you to become a Bonus Card Superstar!! It is easy; all you have to do is attend SIX different Avon Walk activities and ‘voila!’ you have completed your card. These activities can be: Introduction Meetings, Training Walks (every training walk can count as one mark), and volunteering. If you would like a fabulous pink Avon Walk Bonus Card mailed to you, please request one by clicking HERE and including your name and mailing address.
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From Donna Fong:
I saw this story on Yahoo! Food and thought that you might be interested.
-Donna
18 Foods That Make Your Skin Glow - Beauty Eats on Yahoo! Food
http://food.yahoo.com/blog/beautyeats/29703/18-foods-that-make-your-skin-glow
Top skin creams average about $400 an ounce (and you thought gas was expensive!), yet most offer little proof that they do half of what they promise. Want to save a bundle and improve your skin? Load your shopping cart with nutrients that research has shown to have skin-hydrating, sun-protecting, and even wrinkle-preventing powers, says Manhattan dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. Here’s her grocery list of best foods for your skin.
Firm and Bright
You’re probably up to your eyebrows (Botoxed or not) with hearing “eat more fruits and vegetables.” But if you have yet to take that advice to heart, maybe knowing that they prevent wrinkles will do the trick. The colorful pigments that produce bright orange and red also refill antioxidant levels in your skin.
The skin doc’s 3 top picks: SWEET POTATOES, TOMATOES, CANTALOUPE
What they do: Replenish your skin’s supply of antioxidants, so they're ready to scarf up free radicals whenever they make an appearance. Free rads are highly reactive oxygen molecules that damage cells and contribute to just about everything that can go wrong with skin, from dryness to crinkles.
Fresh and Juicy
Your body can’t store much wrinkle-fighting vitamin C, so you need to keep your supplies stocked. The easiest, simplest way: Have some citrus every day.
The skin doc’s 4 top picks: ORANGES, LEMONS, LIMES, GRAPEFRUIT
Actually, ounce for ounce, oranges are the top citrus C source but you can only eat so many, right? For variety, make lemonade, squeeze limes on melon, add grapefruit to salad, and instead of drinking soda, fizz up OJ with sparkling water. It all adds up.
What they do: Keep skin’s vitamin C levels high. While C’s a nifty antioxidant, that’s not the key reason it’s here. It helps keeps collagen -- the supportive protein fibers that stop skin from sagging -- strong and resilient. (Flimsy collagen means lines and wrinkles.) Since collagen breakdown really picks up in your mid-30s, eat citrus early and often to head off aging.
Smoothing and Soothing
There’s a particularly potent antioxidant known as EGCG that does all kinds of good things for skin. The best place to find it? True teas: black, green, or white (not herbal). Brew a teapot full every morning, so that sipping four to six cups throughout the day is a no-brainer.
The skin doc’s #1 pick: GREEN TEA
While all true teas contain EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), the various types of green tea have the most. Wechsler’s personal favorite is hojicha green tea (available at http://www.adagio.com/ /). “The roasting process that turns this green tea a brownish color also lowers its caffeine content,” she says -- handy if you’re caffeine sensitive or it’s one of those days when you do not need another stimulant.
What it does: Gives your skin a healthy dose of EGCG, which is a great multi-tasker. EGCG puts a damper on inflammatory chemicals involved in acne and sun-related skin aging; it also helps prevent skin cancer; and it has a lion-tamer effect on tumor cells. What’s more, green tea contains L-theanine, a de-tensing amino acid -- and anything you can do to staunch the flow of the stress hormone cortisol helps keep collagen fibers intact.
Green and Leafy
Certain dark leafy greens, whether they’re fresh, frozen, raw, or steamed, really deliver on vitamin A, one of the most skin-essential vitamins going.
The skin doc’s 3 top picks: SPINACH, TURNIP GREENS, BROCCOLI
What they do: Deliver a hefty supply of vitamin A, which supports skin cell turnover, the process that keeps cell growth and development humming along flawlessly. Without enough A, skin becomes dry, tough, and scaly.
Fisherman’s Faves
Several cold-water catches give your skin a double benefit: age-fighting omega-3 fatty acids plus the restorative powers of protein.
The skin doc’s 7 top picks: SALMON, TROUT, TUNA, ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SARDINES, PACIFIC HERRING, MOST SHELLFISH
Just don’t, uh, go overboard. As good as omega-3s are for skin (and the rest of you, too), worries about the amount of mercury in many fish mean it’s smart to limit seafood to two meals a week. That’s a must for women who are or might become pregnant or are nursing, and for young children, too. (Go here for the government’s fish guidelines.)
What they do: Omega-3s fight inflammation, now considered one of the top skin-agers, and they also help protect against sunburn, enhancing the effects of your SPF sunscreen. Protein is required to build and repair skin cells and to make enzymes and hormones that help keep it glowing.
Fill your weekly grocery cart with all of the above foods and you won’t just look younger, you’ll be younger. Eating at least 1 serving of fish a week and getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements lower your biological age. In fact, the antioxidants alone can make your RealAge up to 6 years younger.
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From Emma Jacobs:
Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation
The Unbeatable movement has begun! Next Fall, Unbeatable – A New Musical, which chronicles one woman’s struggle with breast cancer, will have its world premiere production at Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre and the anticipation is remarkable. More importantly, the comprehensive network of support that this new musical has already generated is awe-inspiring: M.D Anderson, The Pink Ribbons Project and The Susan G. Komen Foundation have joined dozens of individual donors to pledge significant support to develop this amazing project. Now is your moment to join our Unbeatable movement and bring this inspirational musical to Houston.
In a time when there are so many worthy causes drawing our attention, I encourage you to consider Unbeatable as a unique way to support the arts and provide a message of great hope to those taken ill with an insidious cancer. Thanks to your support we are well on our way to our goal of bringing Unbeatable to Houston!
Sincerely,
Emma Jacobs
Fundraising chair, Unbeatable
Stages Repertory Theatre
Checks made payable to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation, 206 Terrace Drive, Houston, Texas 77007.
Portions of your donation to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation (a 501c3 organization) may qualify for tax deductions under the laws of the State of Texas.
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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271
DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
ROSEBUDS SUPPORT MEETING
April 1, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet Future Meetings: April 15, May 6 & 20
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK EVENT
Appearances Breast Care Boutique
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Mays Clinic, Floor #2
Houston, TX
Wednesday, April 2nd
11:00am - 4:00pm
Meet the author and participants from the book!
http://www.pinkcrusader.org/ /
HOPE STONE
Teen Yoga Classes
Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3
713.526.1907
RELAY FOR LIFE - FORT BEND COUNTY
April 4 & 5th at George Park in Richmond
For additional info contact Sharon Jamison, RN
M. D. Anderson Radiation Oncology
1603 Main Street
Richmond, TX
713-563-9103
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Fatigue Awareness Week - April 7 -10, 2008
Monday April 7th, 10am - 1pm - Clinic Open House
Mays Clinic, Sixth Floor
Tuesday, April 8th, - Cancer-related Fatigue Video Viewing
6:30 - 7:30pm
Cancer Prevention Building, Eight Floor, Rooms 1 & 2
RSVP: 713-792-2808 or e-mail bsmp@mdanderson.org
For more information, call the Patient Education Office at 713-794-5379
or e-mail www.mdanderson.org/departments/patedu
SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County. Survivors Offering Support (SOS), a peer Breast Cancer support group will meet on Tuesday, April 8, from 7-9p at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in New Territory. Guest speaker is Gail Larson, 7yr. BRCA survivor, RN, and author. Gail's soon to be released book ,"Finding God in Your Story", is her 7th book on surviving cancer. You can visit her website http://www.gaillarson.com/ / to learn more about her. Invitation is open to all cancer survivors. Call 281-242-0351 for more info. Directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/ /
ROSEBUDS II SUPPORT GROUP
April 10, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting for those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet. Future Meetings: April 24
RELAY FOR LIFE of SUGAR LAND
April 11-12th at Oyster Creek Park.
Call 713 706 5644 for further information.
AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER
Houston - April 12 - 13, 2008
Congratulations on deciding to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! By registering online now, you will have immediate access to all of the tools of your 'My Avon Walk Center' and can begin fundraising towards your goal today. https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/TRR/Walk2008/Houston/1021196898? pg=ptype&fr_id=1420&JServSessionIdr004=x9jrwe2701.app26b or For more information, please call us at (713) 968-9250. Email: volunteer.houston@avonwalk.org
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, April 14, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
The Anderson Network and Place...of wellness invite adult patients, caregivers and survivors to take a day trip to the Downtown Aquarium.
Saturday, April 19, 2008, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - Bus departs from Rotary House
3:30 p.m. - Bus departs from Downtown Aquarium
4:00 p.m. - Bus arrives at Rotary House
Space is limited to 30 participants.
Please call 800-345-6324
or 713-745-9204 to
make a reservation.
-Wristband will be provided so that you may enjoy the aquarium property and exhibits.
- Food and drinks will not be provided. Please bring money for any items you wish to purchase.
- The trip is open to any M. D. Anderson patient, caregiver or survivor age 18 or older.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- If you are unable to attend after a reservation has been made, please contact Anderson Network office as soon as possible.
- Parking at M. D. Anderson is available in Garage 10 for $10 or the Sourth Extension (Brown) Lot for $6.
For more info, please click on the following link:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/andersonnet/display.cfm?id=3a4268cb-eb1e-4f99-bd1d681196222ef2&method=displayfull&pn=b0238868-2a67-438d-bfdb1349b8957cab
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080
VICTORIA'S PLACE
Our next meditation is April 19th at 7:00 pm.
For information visit: http://www.feminineliving.com/
Or call 713.849.3535 to register.
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION (NBCC):
2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
April 26th - 29th 2008
Register now to attend NBCCF's 16th Annual Advocacy Training Conference. Join hundreds of national and international breast cancer activists in our fight to eradicate breast cancer.
NBCCF's yearly gathering helps participants hone their advocacy skills and learn about the latest in breast cancer science, research and policy. Hear directly about the controversies and issues from important leaders, scientists, and advocates. To learn more about this event and registration, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=598&Itemid=1
SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Save the Dates: Rally - April 27, 2008
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/ /
HOPE STONE, INC.
Save The Date for our Premiere Piece
PEACE PIECE ...May 1st, 2008
a dance, theater and music performed by
the Kid's Play Ensemble and YouthSound
7:00 pm
Kaplan Theater, JCC
tickets on sale now
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/ /
713.526.1907 ext. 3
CURE MAGAZINE
Registration is open for the 2008 CURE Day of Caring Breast Cancer Forum on May 3 & 4in Denver. The Day of Caring weekend features breast cancer experts from around the country, as well as educational exhibits, and a Survivor’s Fashion Show.
Full agendas, hotel accommodations, and online registration are available now! We look forward to seeing you there! http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas
During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on May 20, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.
M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
Keynote Speaker, Actor Gerald McRaney
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
Online Registration starts Monday, June 16, 2008
Details TBA or visit www.mdanderson.org/andersonnetwork
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA
"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ / Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
CURE MAGAZINE
Coming later this fall, the 5th Annual CURE Patient & Survivor Forum will take place November 1 & 2 in Dallas. CURE is proud to offer a Young Adult Track at this meeting in addition to CNE credit for nurses. For More information visit:
http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
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"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your contributions, comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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“We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as wellUntil we meet again...stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing no matter how many interruptions!
dance." -Japanese Proverb
Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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