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
SURVIVOR UPDATE
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