Breast Cancer Wellness

Transcription

Breast Cancer
Wellness
M A G A Z I N E
Empowering MIND • BODY • SPIRIT
“We are
all bonded
by the
experience of
breast cancer
and the best
thing we can
do is to support
each other.”
–Olivia Newton-John
Alchemy
of Hope
A Miracle Seed
Keep Your
Heart Open
Yes, I Can Make
a Difference!
My Healing Breakthroughs
Your entary
mplim ue
$4.95 C o
Iss
Volume 4, Issue 3
Fall 2009
NON-PROFIT PRST
STANDARDUS
POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 205
BOLINGBROOK, IL
contents
Fall 2009
ON OUR COVER
Olivia Newton-John
BCW FEATURE
5-9
“I was afraid that the cancer
had spread. That was my
initial fear, and I was afraid
I was going to die from
chemotherapy. After the first
treatment and looking at my
fears squarely, I realized I was
going to be okay. Yet there
were times when I thought I
can’t do this, I will never find
love again, I’ll never be happy
again. Yes, you do have those
thoughts. However, I think
at the core of my being I
have always been a positive
person and I believe in
possibilities.”
1717 St. Char les Avenue | New Or leans | 504.899.2800 | www.breastcenter.com
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is affiliated with St. Charles Surgical Hospital, the
only hospital in the world dedicated to reconstructive surgery for women facing breast cancer.
Scott K. Sullivan, MD, FACS and Frank J. DellaCroce, MD, FACS
2
Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine
30
F E AT U R E S
D E PA RT M E N TS
KEEP YOUR HEART OPEN 5-9
PUBLISHER’S LETTER 4
Olivia is more than an internationally
recognized superstar. She is a mom, a global
humanitarian and philanthropist and she is
an advocate for positive changes for Mother
Earth. She is on a mission of helping to
change the way cancer is treated and for
its’ cure. She reminds us to always keep our
hearts open to love and to possibilities.
Feelings of distress, despair, loneliness, and
hopelessness deserve attention and need
to be addressed in order to restore your
natural state of hope and well-being.
St Louis Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen for the Cure Cares 30
Over 66,00 people participated in
the 11th annual Race for the Cure in
St Louis, making it one of the largest
breast cancer events in the world.
Yes, I Can Make a Difference! 32
Men and women share how they are
making a difference for others facing
the challenges of breast cancer.
The 4th Annual Breast Cancer
Survivors Cruise 2010 36
PROFILES IN WELLNESS
38 Nancy Gratz Believes in Hope
41 My Healing Breakthroughs
by Rochelle Togo-Figa
ALCHEMY OF HOPE 10
AMOENA for me 14
A MIRACLE SEED 16
The edible plant that gives breast cancer
patients and survivors the power of nutritional
lignans, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT NOW? 18
Enjoy these healthy products because
they contain ingredients to boost
your immunity, protect healthy cells,
and potentially reduce the risk of breast
cancer metastasis or recurrence.
Girl Talk for Survivors 20
SURVIVOR GUILT 22
THE TIME IS NOW 28
With clear minds and hearts full of hope,
Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control
to the World Health Organization and
Founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
organization, Nancy G. Brinker, asks us to
meet the challenges to end cancer now.
PINK PAGES DIRECTORY 45-46
www.breastcancerwellness.org
3
BCWFEATURE
publisher’s letter
Dear Friends,
People are so amazing. They rise
every day to make a difference for the
world, to help others and to see the
best in the human race and in their
own lives. Our feature, “Yes, I Can
Make a Difference!” is filled with
wonderful reminders how you each
make a difference in your unique ways
for ending the world of breast cancer
and helping others. All of these caring
choices to improve the quality of life
IS what makes our planet to be even
better.
Years ago, October was proclaimed
“national breast cancer awareness
month”. Both October and pink ribbons
continue to be symbolic messages
for better breast care for all and to end breast cancer forever. Many of us believe
we are alive today because of what the pink ribbon stands for. It is my prayer
that soon the pink ribbon will stand for something new ~ a representation of
how women, men, prayer warriors, spiritual leaders, scientists, researchers,
philanthropists, nutritionists, medical teams, politicians, pharmaceutical drug
companies, healing experts and visionaries from around the world came
together with Truth, Grace, and Wisdom and ended breast cancer.
I am so excited about the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Cruise and to have fun!
The type of fun where we laugh together, make new friends and enjoy every
thing a cruise has to offer. Are you ready for some guilt-free fun? The kind of fun
where we know we are among sisters and where we are heard, understood and
loved, if so, call Shelly Williams at 1-800-810-8619 or e-mail her at swilliams@
greatsoutherntravel.com. We are already into our second block of reserved cabins.
I look forward to meeting each of you and for us to have fun together!
I received this prayer from several friends via e-mail and I wanted to pass it along
as others have passed it to me: “Today may there be peace within. May you trust
that you are loved for you being you. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that
are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you. May contentment rest within your
heart. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom
to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us.” -author
unknown.
My prayer and invitation is for each of us to experience healing and wellness to the
fullest.
FALL 2009
Volume 4, Issue 3
PUBLISHER
Bevery Vote
[email protected]
To order your individual free subscription,
go to www.breastcancerwellnesss.org
or see page 42 to subscribe.
Please contact Beverly Vote at
[email protected]
to request magazines for your
events, support groups, or patients.
______________
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Bonnie Phelps
[email protected]
417.581.3438
Fax 417.581.3498
______________
ART DIRECTOR
Stacie L. Marshall
www.hilldesignco.com
[email protected]
Wellness Blessings,
Beverly Vote
Publisher / Editor
17 year breast cancer survivor
P.S. We are in need of an intern editor, someone who is interested in wholistic
healing principles, respectful of others’ healing and religious beliefs, and would
love to be part of the BCW team. If you have a gift for writing, enjoy connecting
with breast cancer survivors, and this opportunity speaks to you, please e-mail
me at [email protected].
4
The Breast Cancer Wellness
Magazine
P.O. Box 2040
Lebanon, MO 65536
breastcancerwellness.org
Published quarterly for Breast Cancer Wellness. Reader discretion
is advised. Publisher of The Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine does
not endorse or promote any product or service of advertisers of
this publication nor does it verify the accuracy of any claims made
in the advertisements or articles. This magazine is not intended
to replace the care and advice of expert medical professionals. All
rights reserved. Reproductions of any information appearing in
this publication in whole or in part cannot be made without the
express written permission of the publisher.
Keep
Your
Heart
Open
The International Life and
Mission of Olivia Newton-John
by Beverly Vote
Since age 15, Olivia Newton-John has
connected with the world with her music and her
passion. Her life’s accolades include four Grammy
Awards, an Emmy Award, People Choice Awards,
American Music Awards, and numerous Country
Music Awards. Her songs include Physical, I
Honestly Love You, Have You Ever Been Mellow,
Let Me Be There, You’re the One That I Want,
Hopelessly Devoted to You and Summer Nights. Her
movies include Grease, Zanadu, Two of a Kind, It’s
My Party and Sordid Lives. She has been inducted
into the Australian Music Hall of Fame and has
received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
But Olivia is more than an internationally
recognized superstar. She is a mom, a global
humanitarian and philanthropist and she is an
advocate for positive changes for Mother Earth.
But a diagnosis of breast cancer drove her life
deeper into her passion of serving the healing and
wellness needs globally. It also activated Olivia to
connect more deeply within herself which led her
to become the happiest ever in her life. u
5
BCWFEATURE
Tell her there is
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can ease the
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permanent and that I could open up
to greater possibilities. Yes there were
times when I thought I can’t do this, I
will never find love again, I’ll never be
happy again. Yes, you do have those
thoughts. However, I think at the core of
my being I have always been a positive
person and I believe in possibilities.”
“I feel very blessed and grateful
through all those things. We all go
through many challenges. Through the
years, I have continued to learn lessons
about keeping my life balanced, and I
think this is what got me through my
breast cancer experience and much
more,” said Olivia. Without those
lessons, Olivia says she wouldn’t be
doing what she is doing today. In 2005,
this gratitude led Olivia to co-write
Grace and Gratitude, a healing and
therapeutic CD. Olivia says she wrote it
as much for her healing needs as well
as for others.
One of Olivia’s missions is to
educate women on the importance of
early detection and breast self-exams.
The Liv Aid was created to help women
with their monthly breast self-exams.
The Liv Aid is a heart-shaped saline
filled device that helps enhance the
feelings in the fingers to more effectively
feel breast tissue. It is very inexpensive,
easy to use and is recommended by Dr.
Bodai for better breast care. Visit the
Liv Aid website at www.liv.com.
Olivia is also on a mission to help
change the way cancer is treated
around the world and to find a cure.
This is why she is involved in helping
to raise funds for the Olivia NewtonJohn Cancer and Wellness Centre
in partnership with Austin Health, a
research hospital in her hometown
Melbourne, Australia. This cancer
and wellness center will include
both Eastern and Western wellness
principles which she believes helped
her heal from breast cancer. To help
raise funds, in the spring of 2008,
Olivia helped lead a group of friends
and supporters on the Great Walk to
Beijing, a 23 day, 142 mile journey
through both barren terrain as well as
jagged, rugged and steep mountains.
They were threatened by desert dust
storms, felt ongoing fatigue and blisters,
and didn’t have the pleasures and
comforts of hot showers or running
water. But in addition to the reward of
raising much needed funds for Olivia’s
cancer and wellness center, the walkers
realized how much they had endured
when they euphorically looked upon
their experience from the perspective
of reaching their destination with the
spectacular mountain views beneath
them and realizing how far they had
come. The Great Walk to Beijing was
symbolic of what cancer patients
experience, meeting challenges
on unchartered rough terrain, yet
continuing to move forward. To make
a donation to the Olivia Newton-John
Cancer and Wellness Centre, go to
www.greatwalktobeijing.com
The Liv Aid is a convenient, inexpensive devise to help women with their
monthly breast self-exams.
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or www.OliviaAppeal.com.
Olivia and her business partner
Gregg Cave own Gaia Retreat. Gaia
Retreat is a spa and healing sanctuary
that is located near Olivia’s farm in
Australia’s Bryon Bay area. “Gaia”
means spirit of Mother Earth. (In
2008, Gaia Retreat won the Conde’
Nast award for best spa in Australia.)
“If I hadn’t believed in maintaining
balance in my life, I probably wouldn’t
have gotten involved in the spa which
fortunately led me to marry a wonderful
man,” said Olivia. In the summer of
2008, Olivia and John Easterling, the
founder of the Amazon Herb Company
were united in a private ceremony in
the Amazon.
In addition to being in love, Olivia
and John have kindred viewpoints
and missions about the world’s
environmental, health and wellness
issues. John has been involved in
the study of the Amazon for over
30 years. His belief is that that the
Rainforest must be protected as it is
the living pharmacy for the planet
because it supplies 30% of earth’s
oxygen supply. John and Olivia
donate to an organization called the
Amazon Center of Education and
Environmental Research. John helps
to educate the people of the Amazon
on the importance of the Rainforest
to help protect against oil companies
and logging companies that harm the
Rainforest.
Recently Amazon Herb Company,
John, and Olivia launched a healthy
drink called Zamu. The main ingredient
in Zamu is the Camu Camu berry,
that grows in the Amazon. It has been
well known in Peru and Japan for its
benefits to feel better and contains the
highest concentration of vitamin C of
any fruit. It hasn’t been as well known
in America until recently. “Zamu is all
organic; the ingredients are from the
Rainforest. It makes you feel good; it’s
slogan is, “Clear your mind, brighten
your day,” said Olivia.
“When I had breast cancer,
I was very concerned about the
environmental toxins. I wrote a CD
about this, called Gaia. I believe women
are directly connected to Mother Earth.
I believe that my breast cancer was
linked to the toxins that have polluted
Earth. And as we are polluting the
Earth, that pollution is penetrating
our bodies. John and I are excited
that our work is having a positive
impact for Earth and for others. I am
powerfully committed to what is best
for the environment and to the mission
of helping to change the way cancer is
treated and for its cure.”
Olivia is both an international
superstar and an international superadvocate with a loving heart for human
and environmental wellness. She
continues to live her life with passion
and with purpose to make a difference
and she continues to connect with us
through her music. Olivia’s message to
all women is that “We are all bonded
by the experience of breast cancer and
the best thing we can do is to support
each other. Always keep your heart
open to love and to possibilities.” n
For more information, visit these websites:
www.OliviaNewton-John.com
www.liv.com
www.GaiaRetreat.com
http://healthyvisions.amazonherb.net
www.OliviaAppeal.com
An Honest, Intimate Story of Healing
From the Inside Out
This book is your road map to inner healing. You are NOT alone.
Free guided meditation audio
Free affirmations bookmark
“Vital information and companionship for those
on a journey with breast cancer as well as
those who support and accompany them.”
Free shipping
Read excerpts from this healing book here:
www.AnneMarieBennett.com/book
—Jane B., NH
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ISBN: 9781442173880
617-974-7466
9
Alchemy of Hope
Dear Readers,
If you are like a great many breast cancer survivors, you’ve experienced some
degree of hopelessness – ranging from a transitory bout of the blues up to fullblown despair. Medical doctors are often unaware of the despair, whether lowgrade or acute, that lurks beneath the surface; many of you present a beautiful,
smiling countenance in your clinic visits. We applaud your strength as survivors,
but we also understand that there may be currents of emotion running deep
within you. These feelings deserve attention, and need to be addressed in order
to restore your natural state of hope and well-being. In this issue, we discuss one
program that has proven effective in decreasing distress and despair among breast
cancer patients, and provide you with its roadmap to personal recovery.
With blessings and best wishes,
Amy
Jane
As I entered the examining room, Rhonda leaned
forward in her chair to greet me. A broad smile
crossed her face. After all, we had journeyed through
her chemotherapy together, and with the frequent
contact over that six-month period, our relationship
had been close. From deep in my heart, I smiled back.
“How are you??” Rhonda had returned to the clinic
for a routine visit, after completing her chemotherapy
for breast cancer one year ago. She looked fine, was
in good health, and reported no concerns. “Just fine,
Doctor.” But my intuition was telling me otherwise. In
the waiting room, Rhonda had completed a thorough
questionnaire of symptoms and issues (among doctors, this is called a “review of systems”); the survey
covers everything from side effects like pain and
constipation to functionality, psychosocial disturbance
including anxiety and distress, and sexual concerns. I
scanned her answers for clues as to how she was doing; a host of high scores jumped off the page at me,
signaling her actual experiences at this time: worry,
anxiety, sadness, loneliness, insomnia. “Tell me about
how you’ve been feeling, Rhonda,” I began.
Though emotional disturbance –
particularly distress and despair – are
common among breast cancer survivors,
this aspect of cancer’s impact is often
neglected by providers, who may be
simply unaware. The sufferer endures
her feelings in isolation and silence. It’s
not surprising that the psychological
impact of cancer has been neglected.
Until recently, medical care has placed
the vast majority of time and attention on the physical aspects of cancer,
striving to treat the disease itself and
to mitigate physical symptoms and side
effects. Psychosocial issues related to
cancer were considered the business of
the individual, possibly aided by friends,
family, caregivers, or professional therapists and psychologists.
Today, however, we are witnessing
a growing consciousness that psychosocial needs among cancer patients
are real, important, and largely unmet.
The Seven Pillars of Personal Recovery
In a sentinel report that drew widespread attention and catalyzed action at
many medical centers, the Institute of
Medicine (IOM) explored the prevalence,
severity, and repercussions of psychosocial issues among cancer patients.
Cancer Care for the Whole Patient:
Meeting Psychosocial Needs (IOM, 2007)
provides a host of data showing that
psychological distress and despair are
common and weigh heavily on many
cancer patients, taking a toll in multiple
areas of their lives.
New processes of medical care
are allowing us to better understand
the emotional, as well as the physical, landscape inhabited by our cancer
patients. For example, at Duke we have
instituted an electronic system in which
breast cancer patients and survivors,
while sitting in the waiting area, answer
an assessment questionnaire. They
respond to 86 questions regarding their
experiences, both physical and psychosocial, using an “e/Tablet,” a wireless
personal computer that resembles a
spiral-bound notebook with a pen-like
stylus for touch-screen responses. The
report generated from these responses
is a full review of systems; results are
made immediately available to the nurse
and doctor. In this way, we can learn –
efficiently and privately – what is, and
what is not, troubling the individual
before she comes into the clinic room for
her visit.
This new system has already provided some important information. In
a pilot study, we enrolled 50 women
with metastatic breast cancer who each
completed the electronic assessment at
four clinic visits. At the outset, these
women reported multiple symptoms; approximately half of them indicated worry
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“I am
rediscovering
hope in
my life.”
“I am taking
my life back
from cancer.”
and nervous, tense, or anxious feelings,
and a quarter of them reported feelings
of sadness or depression, hopelessness,
guilt, and crying Clearly, breast cancer
can cause a lot of distress and despair.
What can we do for these women?
For Rhonda?
“I thought I’d just get better, you know, get my feet
back down on the ground, after chemo ended,” Rhonda said, “but that just never happened. In a bizarre
way, I even missed coming into clinic. It was like I lost
my support network.” Like many women, Rhonda had
a strong sense of purpose and determination when
she was in the midst of treatment, but felt stranded,
alone, and out of sorts when she no longer needed
to make regular trips to Duke for infusions. She no
longer talked to fellow survivors in the waiting room
before her treatments, didn’t chat with the nurses
about her kids, lost her connection to the hustle and
bustle of oncology. Her questionnaire reflected this.
Belying her smile, her responses showed that she was
experiencing trouble thinking and concentrating, insomnia, worry, feelings of hopelessness, and feelings
of worthlessness. Rhonda was an optimal candidate
for a focused psychosocial care program.
At Duke, we are studying different
approaches to psychosocial care. One
program, Pathfinders, has drawn considerable attention. Pathfinders is an
integrative psychosocial care program
designed to benefit people affected by
cancer at all stages, from first diagnosis
throughout survivorship. By addressing
the emotional, social, and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey,
the program fosters healing and personal growth for patients, families, and
caregivers.
A Pathfinder is a trained professional, usually a clinically experienced social
worker, who works one-on-one with the
patient (and caregiver, where possible)
to identify and activate the patient’s innate strengths, and to teach the patient
specific coping skills that will assist
“I understand
the power
within me.”
“I am doing
all I can to
help myself
be well.”
“I am giving
and receiving
the support
I need.”
her in navigating the cancer journey.
Through both therapist-led and selfguided inquiry, the individual progresses toward “personal recovery” – that is,
an ability to live fully, meaningfully, and
with a sense of deep personal well-being
despite the presence of cancer.
In a pilot clinical trial at Duke, we
studied the impact of Pathfinders on
metastatic breast cancer patients and
found that, even in this group of women
with advanced disease, the program
decreased distress and despair. Why?
We hypothesize that this is because
Pathfinders focuses on strengths, possibilities, and what is working well in
the patient’s life, rather than on needs
and what is not working. The program
is designed to identify and amplify
the individual’s own inner resources,
though they may be dormant, and to
harness those assets and capacities in
service of personal recovery. Pathfinders takes a pragmatic approach to this
process, following a program manual
but tailoring care to each individual and
her unique strengths, concerns, and
circumstances.
Central to the Pathfinders model is
the Seven Pillars of Personal Recovery,
a framework for assessment and inner
growth that guides the patient in seven
dimensions of healing: hope, balance,
inner strengths, self care, support,
spirit, and life review.
There is nothing mysterious or magical about the Seven Pillars. In a certain
sense, we all recognize them and understand their significance. They are familiar concepts from our religious traditions,
family upbringing, self-help activities, poetry and literature, even therapy. What
programs like Pathfinders do is to create
a framework that helps cancer patients
put these perennial values to work for
them at a time of challenge, transforming that challenge into an opportunity for
personal growth. u
“I am exploring
my beliefs about
life, death
and Spirit.”
“I am fully
present in
the journey
of my life.”
“ We wrote this book
with the purpose of
providing the kind of
encouragement and advice
we give our patients
every day.
”
–Jude McKay & Tamera Schacher
US $18.95
•
ISBN: 978-572246218
A reassuring, must-have
guide for anyone undergoing
treatment for cancer.
Packed with practical suggestions,
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11
I referred Rhonda to our Pathfinders psychosocial care
study, for which we were enrolling patients at Duke.
She met with a Pathfinder weekly for several months.
In the first session, she and the Pathfinder clarified
Rhonda’s biggest stressors; she articulated, in her own
words, her worries, the emotions that kept her up at
night, and the thoughts that incessantly spun in her
head. This open talk about Rhonda’s daily thoughts
and fears was the first step in creating a new coping
plan for her. The Pathfinder listened to Rhonda’s constellation of worries and expectations, identified her
coping mechanisms, and then tailored the intervention to Rhonda’s unique situation.
Not wanting to appear pessimistic or to jinx her
chances, Rhonda was reluctant to talk about her
biggest fear - what if the chemotherapy didn’t work?
This fear was seeping into her daily life, dampening
her optimism and her enjoyment of favorite activities.
The Pathfinder led Rhonda through a life review exercise, and encouraged her to acknowledge her fears
about dying while reconnecting to the things that
give her life meaning and joy. Rhonda also learned
some simple breathing techniques to help her relax
when she became anxious.
Rhonda decided to share her concerns and wishes
with her husband, Jim. Not knowing how to help
Rhonda, Jim had been feeling powerless and distant.
The couple began a beautiful dialogue about what
their individual needs and mutual appreciation.
They started going out on a date night each week to
rekindle their intimacy.
Following some simple steps within the Seven Pillars
of Personal Recovery model, Rhonda regained a sense
of control over her life and her emotions. She felt
more empowered to handle the daily challenges of
cancer and more present to enjoy her life. Her despair
waned, replaced instead by a sense of calm gratitude
for her life and the ones she loved.
In our pilot study of Pathfinders at
Duke, we found that even women with
very advanced metastatic breast cancer
found relief from despair through working with Pathfinders and the Seven
Pillars of Personal Recovery. In fact,
for those women who completed the
six-month assessment, we found a
55% relative reduction in the subscale
score for despair, and a 39% relative
reduction in the subscale score for
distress. This dramatic improvement
came through the women’s commitment to owning their inner strengths
and working with the psychosocial care
principles in their daily lives. Through
this process, they learned to love themselves, and their lives, in a deep and
abiding way, a way that even cancer
cannot touch.
I am reminded of a famous quote
from Victor Frankl, who endured
challenging times beyond our darkest
nightmares. Frankl observed that “…
everything can be taken from a man
but one thing: the last of the human
freedoms – to choose one’s attitude
in any given set of circumstances, to
choose one’s own way.” We all have the
power to choose love, peace, and recovery. Our research in psychosocial care
has shown us that, in the face of these
truths, despair will recede. n
Name Brand Wigs
Amy Abernethy, MD
Dr. Amy Abernethy obtained her medical degree and post graduate training
in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology at Duke
University and trained in Palliative Medicine and Cancer Pain Clinical
Trails at Flinders University in Australia. She is Director of the Duke
Cancer Care Research Program, faculty member of Duke Clinical Research
Institue and Duke Comprehensive Cancer Care Control Program and Senior
Fellow of the Duke Center for Clinical Health Policy Research. Her
research focuses on evidence-based solutions for improving the cancer
patients’ experiences. http://www.cancer.duke.edu/dccrp/
Jane Wheeler, MSPH
Jane Wheeler received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University
and her master of science in public health from Harvard University. She
has studied complementary and alternative medicine in various venues,
including the Acupressure Institute (Berkeley, CA) and McKinnon
Institute for Professional Bodywork (Oakland, CA). She formerly served
as a certified massage therapist, and has maintained an active yoga
practice for 20 years in the Iyengar, Astanga, and Anusara traditions.
She currently serves as Research Associate in the Duke Cancer Care
Research Program and Medical Instructor at Duke University School of
Medicine. She can be reached by email at [email protected].
12
13
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swimform is perfect. Since it’s lightweight, it won’t pull the suit down when
you bend over and looks like a natural breast would in a swimsuit. I have
about 6 Amoena suits now!”
14
“I have worn the Balance symmetry shapers from the beginning of my
reconstruction to present day. I wear
them with the Amoena bras, sports
bras and in my bathing suits, too.
Sometimes I forget that I was wearing
the shaper and end up digging around
the laundry basket for the thing! You
have to laugh about it!
This product has truly helped my
self-image, which was lagging after difficult surgeries. I have been in fashion
since I was a teenager, so clothes and
presentation were just a natural part of
me. Amoena was essential to rebuilding my confidence and it really makes
a difference to feel like I can wear tightfitting or any trendy clothes.
I am slowly returning to modeling,
where all the women at the casting calls
are just perfect…. As a survivor, I have
to remind myself not to compare, but
just be the best I can be. The symmetry
shapers make me look my best!”
Bonnie Marshall
Wears Amoena Contact, Amoena bras
“The Mona bras are so comfortable,
I even sleep in them from time to time.
I have come to love the Contact attachable breast forms and wear them nearly
every day. They are so natural looking
and feeling. It did take me a week or
so to get used to the sensation of the
Contact on my chest, but now I wear
them in the lake, the hot tub, to work…
everywhere. No one knows that I’m a
bilateral mastectomy patient unless I
tell them.
Finding this product changed my
life… both personally and professionally. I am able to wear clothes and
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or been in a drawer for more than two
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Amoena’s promise is to continue
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women during their healing journeys. n
Lee Thrash
E-business & PR Coordinator, Amoena USA
Lee Thrash manages Amoena’s online community, theBreastCareSite.com, Amoena
Life magazine, and other online and print publications which help breast cancer
survivors and their families. A graduate of Emory University, her writing experience
includes reporting for and editing health care journals such as Hospital Case
Management, Case Management Advisor, and Hospital Home Health (AHC Media), as
well as 10+ years editing educational websites, brochures and publications.
Amoena ® Balance Symmetry Shapers
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Renèe is a 10 year breast cancer survivor and Amoena Balance wearer.
Rebecca Single
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Amoena bras
Visit our store locator at www.amoena.us
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Amoena is the world-wide leader in post-breast surgery products.
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©2009 All rights reserved. Amoena USA Corporation, GA 30144-4582, Kennesaw, USA
Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin-Orthopädie-Technik GmbH.
A Miracle Seed
by Christine Horner, MD
If you were given only one choice of
a food to take as medicine, your best
choice would be the tiny seeds from flax.
Flaxseeds have more potent medicinal
qualities—especially those that fight
breast cancer—than any other known
edible plant. This small seed provides
a fortress of protection against breast
cancer as well as many other health
ailments.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
The intelligence contained in flax
is so spectacular that it coordinates
a sensational offense against breast
cancer. Flax has three notable distinctions. First, it’s the richest plant source
of omega-3 fatty acids. Research has
found that women who eat the highest
amounts of omega-3s have the lowest
risk of breast cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids help to lower
the risk of breast cancer by quieting
inflammation and by decreasing the rate
at which breast cells divide in response
to estrogen. Inflammation is a key factor
in the initiation and progression of a variety of diseases including heart disease,
rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, and
cancers such as breast cancer. If you
have breast cancer, omega-3s have been
found to help shrink breast tumors and
prevent them from spreading to other
parts of the body.
I recommend taking one to two
tablespoon’s a day of organic flax oil. My
favorite brand is Barlean’s Organic Oils
because their products are produced
with the highest quality standards: they
are organically grown and produced,
freshly made, contained in a dark
bottles to protect them from sunlight,
and stamped with an expiration date.
Barlean’s Organic Oils come in many
different flavors including a delicious
“Omega Swirl” which includes flavored
yogurt and tastes like a fruit smoothie.
LIGNANS
The second exceptional quality of
flax has to do with something called
“lignans.” Lignans are natural plant
compounds that help to give stiffness to
the structure of plants. They also possess extraordinary anticancer properties with an astonishing ability to help
protect against and fight breast cancer.
Lignans are found abundantly in certain
fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, and
legumes—for example, garlic, carrots,
broccoli, asparagus, dried apricots, and
16
termine the exact role this supplement
may play in cancer treatment.
Brevail is standardized to one type of
lignan found in flax, “secoisolariciresinol
diglycoside” (SDG). Of all the lignans
found in flax, SDG is the one found in
the highest amounts and is possibly
the most potent. If you decide to take
Brevail, I think it’s a good idea to eat
flaxseed, too. In addition to the advantages of lignans, flax has many other
anticancer properties that you wouldn’t
want to miss out on.
prunes. But, the amount of lignans in
these plants is miniscule compared to
that in flaxseeds. Flaxseeds contain at
least 100 times more lignans than any
other known edible plant!
Lignans deter and arrest the growth
of breast cancer in a multitude of ways.
First, they act as a weak estrogen and
block strong cancer-promoting estrogens from attaching to the estrogen
receptors in the breast. Second, lignans
change the structure of the breast
making it more resistant to toxins that
induce cancer. Third, if you have breast
cancer, lignans can stop the tumor cells
from growing and help to prevent the
metastasis of your tumor. They do this
by decreasing two growth factors that
fuel the fires of breast cancer: insulinlike growth factor (IGF-1) and something
called “epidermal growth factor.” IGF-1
is thought to be one of the most dangerous and potent risk factors for breast
and prostate cancer.
There is another cancer-enhancing
growth factor that lignans thwart, called
“vascular endothelial growth factor”
(VEGF). VEGF stimulates new blood
vessels to grow. In order for a tumor to
grow larger, it needs more nutrients-nutrients that can only be delivered by
new blood vessels. So the more blood
vessels that grow into a tumor, the more
food that is delivered to it, and the faster
it will grow. On the contrary, without
new blood vessels, tumors can’t grow
larger. Cancer specialists recently discovered that this anticancer tactic used
by lignans--blocking VEGF--is so powerful at stopping tumor growth that they
have created a new anticancer drug that
works this same way. It is called Avastin
(bevacizumab) and was released on the
market in 2004. Avistan is currently
only approved for the treatment of metastatic colon cancer and must be given in
combination with another chemotherapy
drug called 5-FU.
Lignans have several additional
ways that they reduce the risk of breast
cancer. They create more of the “good”
protective kind of estrogen and less of
the “bad” cancer-promoting type. They
also reduce the production of estrogen
in fat cells by blocking the aromatase
enzyme. Aromatase converts androgens
to estrogens (The new anti-breast cancer
drug Arimidex works in the same way).
According to a 1993 study from the
University of Rochester, lignan-rich flaxseeds also lengthen the menstrual cycle.
For example, if a woman has a menstrual period every 28 days and then starts
consuming flaxseeds, her cycles may
lengthen to every 32 days. The longer
your menstrual cycles are, the fewer the
number of cycles you will have over your
lifetime, and the less estradiol you will
produce. Simply put, the longer your
menstrual cycles are, the lower your
risk of breast cancer is.
All of the very effective schemes that
lignans use to combat breast cancer add
up to lots of protection. Research shows
that women with the highest amounts
of lignans in their urine—a reflection of
how much they consume in their diet—
have the lowest risk of breast cancer.
Brevail is made of isolated, purified,
and concentrated lignans from flaxseed. The dose in one daily capsule was
strategically designed to create levels of
lignans in the body that are in the same
range as that found in women with the
lowest risk of breast cancer. There are
two major benefits to taking supplemental lignans. First, the amount of lignans
in flax can vary from crop to crop by as
much as 300 percent, whereas those
in the supplement are standardized so
you always get the optimal amount.
Secondly, studies show that the lignans
in Brevail are absorbed eighteen times
more effectively than they are from
ground flaxseed. So, taking lignans in
this supplemental form guarantees that
you get the healthiest dose of lignans
every day. Brevail is not recommended
for women who are pregnant or currently breast feeding, not because it isn’t
safe, but because no studies have been
conducted yet on this special group of
FIBER
women to analyze the effects and proper
dose.
Taking Brevail with other cancer
drugs is also not recommended because
this product hasn’t been studied in
women currently undergoing cancer
treatment. However, that may change
in the near future. A study published
in the journal Breast Cancer Research
and Treatment in July 2003 found that
lignans enhance the effectiveness of the
common cancer medication Tamoxifen.
Researchers J. Chen and Lillian Thompson found that lignans and Tamoxifen,
alone and—better yet—in combination,
reduce the ability of estrogen-receptornegative tumor cells to stick together,
invade, and migrate—all important
properties in cancer’s ability to grow and
spread. More research is needed to de-
The third property of flax that lowers
your risk of breast cancer is its abundant fiber. High-fiber diets are associated with a 54 percent lower risk of breast
cancer. Fiber helps to lower the amount
of estrogen in your body by binding to it
in your intestines and then expelling it
from your body.
EATING FLAXSEEDS
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It is recommended to eat at least 3
tablespoons of ground flaxseeds a day.
To eat them, you must first grind them
in a coffee grinder until they become
a fine nutty powder because the hard
seeds can’t be digested. Add the ground
seeds to just about anything you like:
vegetable dishes, salads, smoothies,
baked goods such as muffins, and
cereal. n
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Christine Horner, MD
Christine Horner, MD is a board certified and nationally recognized surgeon, author,
expert in natural medicine, professional speaker and a relentless champion for
women’s health. She is the author of Waking the Warrior Goddess: Dr. Christine Horner’s
Program to Protect Against and Fight Breast Cancer, winner of the Independent Book
Publishers Award 2006 for “Best Book in Health, Medicine, and Nutrition.” For more
information go to www.drchristinehorner.com.
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17
What’s Good to Eat Now?
It’s no secret that a poor nutritional
status may diminish the quality and
quantity of life for cancer patients,
robbing them of the building blocks
needed to regenerate healthy cells and
physically recover from the sometimes
debilitating effects of cancer treatment.
That’s why, early on in the treatment
plan, physicians, physical therapists,
and nutritionists should work together
with patients and caregivers to manage eating challenges brought about
by conventional treatment side effects
and physical or metabolic changes.
Timely nutritional intervention makes it
possible for many patients to maintain
their nutritional status through treatment. But then what?
While cancer patients must always
keep in mind the end goal of obtaining adequate calories and protein, they
should also consider using nutrition as
a way to challenge cancer and optimize
their health. Scientists have discovered
that many common foods like green tea,
citrus fruits and soy beans, contain
plant chemicals—called phytochemicals—that may boost immunity, protect
Green Tea
by Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
healthy cells, and potentially reduce the
risk of cancer metastasis or recurrence.
Foods that may specifically benefit
breast cancer patients include:
Apples and Onions
Apples, white grapefruit and onions
contain quercetin, a plant compound
classified as a citrus bioflavonoid. Human and animal studies suggest that
bioflavonoids may have anti-allergy,
anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor
activity. A study in Rome revealed that
quercetin, along with the anti-estrogen
tamoxifen, was able to inhibit growth
and division of a variety of cancer cell
lines. Scientists also suggest that quercetin may reduce skin damage from
radiation in patients. You may opt to eat
raw apples or onions, or chose easy-toswallow whole plant alternatives like
applesauce and grapefruit sections. Additionally, onion powder can be sprinkled liberally to season meats, soups
and casseroles.
Cranberries
Cranberries are an excellent dietary
source of proanthocyanidins, powerful
water-soluble antioxidants that have
been found to support heart health and
protect against macular degeneration
and cataracts. A recent University of
California study found that cranberry
extract blocked the growth and reproduction of two cancer cell lines in test
tubes. Grape seed extract has also
demonstrated cytotoxic activity toward
the breast, lung, and stomach cancer
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cells. Other foods rich in proanthocyanidins include blueberries, blackberries, cherries, plums, raspberries, red
grapes, and strawberries. You may want
to substitute regular morning orange
juice with 100% cranberry juice blends
(no additional sugar added) or toss a
mixture of thawed out frozen berries
into a bowl with low fat, plain yogurt for
an eye-appealing, between-meal-snack.
Curry
The name “curry” is used to describe any food dish—from chicken to
rice—that is made with a pureed mixture of onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric
and coriander. One of those ingredients—tumeric—contains the plant
chemical curcumin, which may protect
cells from chromosomal damage. There
are a large number of studies demonstrating the anti-cancer benefits of
curcumin. For example, researchers in
California found that curcumin could
stop the growth and promoted apoptosis (cellular death) in cancer cells. Curried foods are served at Indian restaurants and curry recipes can be found
in a variety of cookbooks. Curcumin
is also available as a natural dietary
supplement. The suggested dose is 200
to 400 mg daily under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare professional.
Soy
Diadzein and genistein are two
weak plant estrogens (isoflavones)
found in soybeans. They have the most
active blocking potential against estrogen receptors in the breast and ovaries,
but also have demonstrated anti-cancer
activity in several other cancer cell
lines. Researchers have found that
these isoflavones may enhance immunity by activating human natural killer
cells. Genistein may also be effective
in controlling the growth rate and
metastatic properties of cancer cells
in laboratory animals. Soybeans are
extremely versatile and have been made
into a variety of foods. You may wish to
may top cereal with soy milk (chose the
lite version if fat intake is a concern) or
blenderize silken tofu with low-fat yogurt and fresh fruit to make a delicious
smoothie. Soy dietary supplements are
also available, but there may be risk associated with higher intakes of purified
isoflavones, so it makes sense to choose
soy foods, like tofu, soy beans, soy
milk, etc., as a primary source of this
cancer-fighting chemical.
Every day, research from around
the world demonstrates the powerful
healing potential of plants. I would encourage you to view food as more than
calories or protein. Rather, educate and
empower yourself with the knowledge
that plant chemicals found in common
foods may provide a substantial link to
better health and cancer recovery.
Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD, is an
oncology nutrition expert and awardwinning author who motivates us to
“chews” wisely for optimal health. To
book her for a speaking engagement
or order one of her books, please visit
www.naturesanswertocancer.com. n
Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
Dr. Kim Dalzell is a doctor of holistic nutrition and registered dietitian who has helped
thousands of cancer patients with her “inside-out” nature-based healing approach
to cancer control. She is a sought after speaker, author of Challenge Cancer and Win!,
industry spokesperson and founder of cancerbusters.org. To learn more about how
you can control cancer with nutrition, please visit: www.naturesanswertocancer.com.
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18
Catechins are polyphenolic compounds derived from tea. These compounds have a wide range of biological
activities, including the potential to
prevent breast cancer. Human, animal and test tube studies suggest that
catechins may inhibit the activation of
cancer-causing agents and have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, probiotic,
and anti-microbial properties. Green
tea contains more health-promoting
compounds than black tea. But even
if cancer patients aren’t tea drinkers,
there is good news! Researchers noted
during a clinical trial at The State
University of New Jersey that subjects
experienced high concentrations of
catechins in their saliva without drinking the tea. They simply held the tea
leaves or brewed tea in their mouths for
2-5 minutes and then rinsed thoroughly. For those of you who prefer to
chew catechins, reach for more berries,
grapes, peaches, persimmons, plums
and strawberries—all good sources of
polyphenols.
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19
Girl Talk for Survivors
It seems as though my to-do list
keeps getting longer and the time to do
it gets to be less and less. I have two
kids that need to be in two different
places at the same time virtually all
fall and a husband who has a high
school football team of his own to tend
to. Oh, boy. Something just keeps telling me this: Breathe!
I can choose my attitude this fall. I
can stress and make poor choices or I
can do the best with what I have. I am
choosing the latter. It is this very stage
of life that I looked forward to, that I
longed to be a part of someday when I
was going through treatment. Now that
it’s here I want to enjoy it.
In order for me to really feel good
about what is happening each day I
need to know I am taking care of myself as well as my family. This is not a
time for elaborate meals or really long
daily workouts. In fact in might just be
a time for a few minutes worth of wellness some days. I put together a few
ideas for fitting in goodness on a time
crunch. Add a few to your crazy day
and maybe you will feel as though you
can keep pace and still be healthy.
In five minutes
time you could…
• Brew a pot of green tea
• Call and schedule a doctor’s
appointment
• Breathe deeply
• Do pushups and situps
• Make a fruit and veggie
packed smoothie
• Get a mini massage
• Enjoy the fresh air
• Take vitamins
• Pray
by Heather Jose
In ten minutes
time you could…
• Plan healthy meals for the day
• Workout a schedule that includes
time to exercise
• Go outside and play in the garden
• Visualize
• Cut up fresh veggies to grab and go
• Snuggle with someone you love
• Pack a great lunch for work
• Play tag with your kids or fetch
with the dog
In fifteen minutes
time you might…
• Put together a meatless meal
• Call a friend
• Read something inspirational
Looking for Inspiration
on your Cancer Journey?
Buy the book today!
• Yoga
• Go for a walk or jog
• Get a jump on bedtime
• Decompress with music
As a survivor being healthy is and
needs to remain a priority for me. It is
about knowing myself, and what I can
handle. There is no way I could have
been this busy when I was diagnosed
and still devoted the time I found necessary to heal from cancer. Finding the
time is different for everyone. Listen to
yourself and enjoy the ride. n
Heather Jose
Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at 26, Heather Jose chose to fight the cancer
head on putting together a plan to battle cancer on a daily basis. Ten years later,
Heather is healthy and using her experiences to speak to healthcare providers and
patients about how much their actions and words can impact success. Heather is the
author of “Letters to Sydney: Every Day I am Killing Cancer”. www.heatherjose.com.
Are you ready to go Beyond Treatment?
Heather Jose is a ten year survivor of
stage IV breast cancer. Diagnosed at 26,
Heather chose to go beyond treatment to kill cancer.
Heather is a dynamic speaker and writer,
inspiring action in survivors and the heathcare
providers that they encounter. She will empower your
group to make positive actions and words count.
It’s time to go beyond treatment!
Contact Heather today.
[email protected]
(517) 262-8397
www.GoBeyondTreatment.com
20
“Letters to Sydney is a compelling and
riveting approach to give hope to those
experiencing cancer. it is a must read for
every woman diagnosed with cancer.”
–Greg Anderson, Author of The Cancer Conqueror
Founding Chairman & CEO
Cancer Recovery Foundation of America
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21
What To Do With Someone Living With
Survivor Guilt
Be on the lookout for it. Keep your
eyes and ears open to it. Chances are
your loved one could be experiencing it.
Survivor guilt.
A little talked about condition,
survivor guilt occurs when those who
are, well, surviving an illness or negative
event, and start to feel guilty about
doing so.
That may sound incredulous to you;
shouldn’t we just be darned grateful to
be alive? Well, yes, but it doesn’t always
happen that way. It is not uncommon
amongst those living with a terminal
illness or those having lived through
traumatic times. Survivor guilt first
came to light during periods of war
when returning soldiers, mourning
the loss of their peers, started having
trouble with the fact that they came
home and their buddies didn’t.
It has been repeated with people
living with HIV (“I admit that I’ve taken
just as many risks with my health as he
did, so why don’t I have it?” a survivor
may be thinking) and even those living
with breast cancer.
So how can you support someone
you suspect is coping with survivor
guilt? Consider the following tips:
1. Gently broach the subject.
Saying “Mom, I have been noticing some
things that you say in conversation and
I want to ask you about them. When
you say ‘I don’t know why I’m here and
your Aunt Betty isn’t’, it makes me feel
like you’re worried and feeling bad about
living with your disease. Can we talk
about this?”
2. Reassure and
reflect. A comment to
your loved one that you
are grateful they are
taking treatment, eating
right, focused on healing
or whatever action they’re
taking to get well again,
will help to gently remind
them that there is a
purpose to their lives.
Reflecting on the positive
events they’ve been part of
can also help (for example,
“I am so glad you felt
up to attending Susan’s
birthday lunch with me! She really
appreciated our being there.”)
3. Find professional resources.
Depending on the severity of your loved
one’s feelings, it may be necessary
to seek professional assistance. Do
your homework: develop a contact list
of professionals in your area who are
skilled in the area of survivor guilt.
They will usually be the ones who
have been trained to work with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Being given a diagnosis of a serious
illness can wreck havoc not just on
the body, but the mind as well. Doing
what you can to assist your loved one’s
emotional state of mind, as well as their
physical well being is just one more gift
you can give to your relationship and to
strengthen the bond of communication.
And don’t forget your own peace
of mind. Caring for someone who is
coping with guilt issues can take its toll
on you, too. Be sure to have a strong
network of caring friends and helpful
people who you can call on for coping. n
Ann Leach
Ann Leach is the founder and president of Life Preservers: a global grief support
community. She served as the primary caregiver for her mother, who died of cancer
twenty-one years ago. Ann produces an award-winning free online newsletter called
In the Flow for caregivers coping with loss.
Visit www.life-preservers.org for more information.
Helping caregivers chart their course
through the waves of change
Visit
www.life-preservers.org to purchase your copy of
101 Tips for Caregiver Coping & 101 Tips for Caregiver Grieving
By Ann Leach, The Caregiver Coach
Need coaching support or a conference speaker?
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22
W
hen a woman hears the frightening words,
“You have breast cancer,” she instantly wonders if
she will ever feel whole again. Fortunately, women
can return to a sense of “normalcy” with an external
prosthesis.
by Ann Leach
Breast Cancer Wellness Readers –
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As a 25 year breast cancer survivor, I have
faced that moment of truth where a whirlwind of
emotions almost brought me to my knees. I remember
the crushing burden of trying to decide among the
several options available to me to rid my body of this
disease. After much thought, I finally decided to have
a modified radical mastectomy in the 1980s. One of
the few faint rays of hope that provided me with
encouragement was the thought that at least I would
look “normal” thanks to an external prosthesis.
Today women can find a breast form for
their specific needs. Innovations such as light weight
forms, ultra light forms, swim forms and partials
have improved the wear, comfort and appearance for
women all over the world. I am awed to be named
a co-inventor of the newest innovation in the long
line of breast prosthesis improvements, The Massage
Form.
Leslie Amick, the breast form designer at
American Breast Care, and I spent a great deal of
time conceiving and wear-testing this innovative
design. The result was a significant improvement in
wear-ability, comfort and enhanced dissipation of
warmth in the chest wall area. The Massage Form
connects with the chest wall, has a cooling effect,
while providing a secure fit in the bra. It provides the
wearer with a “natural breast” sensation.
The entire process has been extremely
gratifying for me. It has taught to me to encourage the
women I meet to bring their insights gathered from
wearing a breast form to the attention of women like
Leslie. For each idea, there is the possibility of the
next innovation in breast form design.
- Ellen Tassone, CMF, 25 year survivor
Amazing New Breast Prosthesis
*Don’t miss your chance to meet with the co-inventors of The Massage Form, Ellen
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Alabama
The Massage Form
“My name is Ellen Tassone and I am a 25 year
breast cancer survivor. After having worn forms of
all sizes, weights and shapes, The Massage Form
has proven to be the most comfortable for me.
The form connects with my
body and gently massages my
chest wall with each breath I
take. It has a cooling effect and
there’s no shifting in my bra.
It’s as if I have my own breast back!”
-Ellen Tassone, CMF, 25 year survivor and
Co-Inventor of The Massage Form
Designer &Inventor Day
Touching You
Minnesota
Arizona
North Carolina
Johnston Medical and Surgical Supply
Tina’s Treasures
NC 27577
Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare 514 N. Brightleaf Blvd., Ste. 1202,Smithfield,
th
Phone: (919) 934-4997; Oct. 14 , 10am - 2pm
10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: (480) 323-1990; Oct. 9th (9am - 5pm) & Oct. 10th (10am - 2pm)
California
Miss Stevens for Lingerie
Phone: (310) 278-7987; Dec. 3rd, 4th & 5th (Call for event times)
Florida
Lingerie Boutique by Norma
16770 S. US Hwy 441, Ste. 601,Summerfield, FL 34491
Phone: (352)347-7855; Nov. 3rd (Call for event times)
American Breast Care invites you to join the thousands of
women worldwide who are enjoying the special comforts of
The Massage Form.
www.americanbreastcare.com
2302 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro, NC 27534
Phone: (800) 443-9261; Oct. 13th,10am - 2pm
North Dakota
MeritCare HealthCare AccessoriesJust For Women Boutique
3223 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 293-8211; Oct. 6th (Call for event times)
1180 Jacaranda Blvd., Venice, FL 34292
Ohio
Phone: (941) 497-2273; Nov. 9th & 10th (Call for event times) Franklin Health Care, Inc. / Unique Boutique
1154 E. Market St., Warren, OH 44483
Phone: (330)393-8080; Oct. 26th, 27th & 28th (Call for event
Georgia
times)
The Women’s Shoppe at Kennestone
677 Church St. NW, Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: (770)956-STAR(7827); Oct.8th & 9th,9am - 4pm
Tennessee
Illinois
1850 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, TN 37620
Phone: (423)573-8500; Nov. 10th (Call for event times)
Breast Prostheses and Orthotics, Inc.
1448 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 60025
Phone: (847) 998-8400
Virginia
Louisiana
1085 Piney Forest Rd., Danville, VA 24540
Phone: (434) 793-5239; Oct. 22nd, 11am - 4pm
9244 Florida Blvd., Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Phone: (225) 924-4531; Sept. 24th & 25th (Call for event times)
West Virginia
Maryland
62 Perrywinkle Lane, Huntington, WV 25702
Website: www.resolutions2.com; Sept. 23rd, 10am-4pm
108 Chelsea Grove Ct., Pasadena, MD 21122
Phone: (410) 255-0800; Nov. 18th (Call for event times)
Wisconsin
Michigan
1444 S. 113th St., West Allis, WI 53214
Phone: (414) 258-2800
24052 Woodward Ave.,Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069
Phone: (248) 544-4287;Oct. 23rd & 24th , 10am - 5pm
Dates and times may be subject to change, please call
your local retailer for any questions you may have.
The Total Woman Boutique
Fittings by Michele, Inc.
Susan’s Special Needs
The Massage Form is protected by patent pending.
Wayne Pharmacy & Respiratory Home Care
Medical Department Store
LaBelle Swimwear and Lingerie
The Massage Form massages, cools and hugs your body.
Silhouette Shoppe
1564 F. Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35216
Kahler Hotel, 20 2nd Ave. SW #117, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: (205)823-6407; Sept. 29th & 30th, 9:30am - 5:30pm Phone: (507) 289-1572; Oct. 15th (Call for event times)
The Bra Lady Boutique
Resolutions 2
Knueppel HealthCare Services, Inc.
Visit the retailers below on special promotion days to experience The Massage Form.
Find your local store below and call for details.
Promotions Days
A rkAnsAs
Barbara Graves Intimate Fashions, Little Rock, AR
(501) 227-5537; Sept. 24th & 25th
C AliforniA
Marzel’s, Walnut Creek, CA; (925) 939-2450; Oct. 20th
Marzel’s, Pleasanton, CA; (925) 227-1402; Oct. 21st
Binson’s Home Health Care Centers/Lady Binson’s Boutique,
Center Line, MI; (586) 497-4810; Oct. 7th, 10am-4pm
Late Bloomers, San Mateo, CA
(650) 343-7000; The month of October
Royal Oak, MI; (248) 288-0441; Oct. 8th, 10am-4pm
Willie’s Specialty Shop, Orange, CA; (714)771-4310; Oct. 23rd
Southgate, MI; (734) 281-3031; Oct. 9th, 1pm-4pm
M iChiGAn
Eastpointe, MI; (586) 779-7771; Oct. 6th, 1pm-4pm
C onneCtiCut
The Boutique at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale, New Haven, CT M ississippi
(203) 200-CARE(2273); Opening Oct. 2009
Fitting Concepts, Tupelo, MS; (662) 841-2476; Oct. 6th & 7th
f loridA
nd
rd
Baptist Women’s Boutique at the Towers of Baptist Hospital, Sal Liz, Flowood, MS; (601) 932-0179; Sept. 22 & 23
Pensacola, FL; (850)469-7252; Oct. 20th & 21st
M issouri
Hulston Cancer Center, Springfield, MO
Colonial Medical Supply, Altamonte Springs, FL
(417)269-5257; Oct. 23rd, 10am - 3pm
(407)849-6455; Oct. 13th - 16th
n ew h AMpshire
Medical Department Store, Punta Gorda, FL
Lady
Grace Stores, Salem, NH; (603) 898-0522; Nov. 7th
(941) 637-7330; Nov. 11th
Medical Department Store, Fort Myers, FL
n ew J ersey
(239) 482-6111; Nov. 12th & 13th
Ridgewood Corset Shop, Ridgewood, NJ
(201) 444-5763; Oct. 5th & 6th
th
Perkins Medical Supply, Port St. Lucie, FL; (772) 337-4631; Oct 5
n ew y ork
st
nd
Silvia’s Corset Shoppe, Coral Gables, FL;(305) 446-8484; Oct. 30th Blum’s, Patchogue, NY; (631)475-0136; Oct. 1 & 2
G eorGiA
Cat’s Pajamas, Ltd., McDonough, GA
(770)954-1005; Oct. 1st
M Aine
Sullivan Center, Saco, ME
(207)571-9329; Oct. 15th
M ArylAnd
Sylene, Chevy Chase, MD; (301) 654-4200
Check website for promotion dates: www.sylenedc.com
M AssAChusetts
Lady Grace Stores, Brookline, MA; (617)566-8194; Nov. 2nd
Lady Grace Stores, Braintree, MA; (781) 848-6188; Nov. 3rd
Lady Grace Stores, Danvers, MA; (978) 774-7141; Nov. 4th
Lady Grace Stores, Woburn, MA; (781) 569-0727; Nov. 5th
Lady Grace Stores, Tyngsboro, MA; (978) 649-3942; Nov. 6th
n orth C ArolinA
Unique Boutique, Charlotte, NC; (704)377-4356
o hio
Ida-Joy Shoppes, Parma, OH; (440) 884-8220; Oct. 19th & 20th
Ida-Joy Shoppes, Warrensville Heights, OH
(216) 831-2048; Oct. 21st & 22nd
p ennsylvAniA
That Special Woman, Edwardsville, PA; (570)288-6688
s outh C ArolinA
Designed by Nature, Greenwood, SC; (877) 242-2462; Oct. 14th
(Also serving Aiken & Greenville)
t ennessee
A Fitting Place, Memphis, TN; (901) 682-0210; Oct. 1st-30th
v irGiniA
M iChiGAn
Stepping Stones Women’s Center, Mechanicsville, VA
(804) 746-9880; Oct. 12th
Sterling Heights, MI; (586) 737-2324; Oct. 5th, 9am-12pm
Lourine’s Breast Prosthesis & Wigs, Salem, VA
(540) 387-0158; Oct. 20th
th
Troy, MI; (248) 828-3143; Oct. 5 , 1pm-4pm
All of the retailers below proudly carry The Massage Form. Visit your local mastectomy retailer today.
Participating Retailers
Arizona
A Private Affair, Chandler, AZ; (480)345-6141
California
Beeman’s Boutique, San Bernardino, CA; (909)882-0193
The Hers Breast Cancer Foundation, Fremont, CA; (510) 790-1911
Nordstrom at The Galleria at Tyler in Riverside, Riverside, CA;
(951) 351-3107
Women’s Health Boutique, Escondido, CA; (760) 746-5146
The Power of Pink, Fresno, CA; (559) 434-5400
Siloette, Los Altos, CA; (650) 917-1771
Colorado
Nordstrom at Park Meadows Mall, Lone Tree, CO; (303) 799-3400
Connecticut
West End Medical, Norwich, CT; (860) 889-8785
Florida
Beauty Plus, Bradenton, FL; (941)755-7500
Binson’s Home Health Care Centers, Winter Park, FL; (407) 679-2135
Binson’s Home Health Care Centers, Altamonte Springs, FL; (407) 691-3009
Family Healthcare Supply, Sarasota, FL; (941)923-7556
New Beginnings, Fort Walton Beach, FL; (850)581-7700
Illinois
Iroquois Home Care Inc., Watseka, IL; (815) 432-6155
Freeport Home Medical Equipment, Freeport, IL; (815) 297-0504
Freeport Home Medical Equipment Belvidere, Belvidere, IL;
(815) 566-4288
Vono Medical Supplies, Springfield, IL; (217) 522-2403
Indiana
Beautiful Creations, Bloomington, IN; (812) 332-1556
The Cancer Center Boutique at Ball Memorial Hospital,
Muncie, IN; (765) 751-5302
Fig Leaf Boutique at Community Hospital North,
Indianapolis, IN; (317) 621-5323
Pill Box Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment, Warsaw, IN;
(574)267-4900 ext. 663
Iowa
Clark &Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics, Mason City, IA; (641) 422-1423
Fittings Unlimited, Urbandale, IA; (515) 727-1406
Fittings Unlimited, Cedar Rapids, IA; (319) 383-8062
Kentucky
Not Alone Too Fitting Boutique, Paducah, KY; (270)898-1819
VDK at Grogan’s Healthcare Supply, Lexington, KY;(859) 276-2950
OLBH Women’s Center Boutique, Ashland, KY; (606) 833-2130
King’s Daughters Home Medical, Ashland, KY; (606) 408-6399
Maryland
Fran’s Nu Image, Waldorf, MD; (301) 843-9282
Massachusetts
Friends Place at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, MA; (617) 632-2211
Massachusetts
Towne Medical Supply, Inc., Shrewsbury, MA; (800) 750-8121
Women’s Health Solutions, LLC, Hyannis, MA; (508) 775-5570
Michigan
Comfortably Yours, St. Clair Shores, MI; (586) 776-7429
Minnesota
Actra, Bloomington, MN; (952) 831-1500
Heide’s Mastectomy Shop, Edina, MN; 952-925-7837
Nordstrom at Mall of America, Bloomington, MN; (952) 883-2121
Missouri
Missys’ Mirror, Division of Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute,
Kansas City, MO; (816) 932-2565
Montana
TLC Lingerie, Billings, MT; (406) 655-9400
New Jersey
Bra and Girdle Factory, Lakewood, NJ; (732) 477-2227
New York
Underneath It All , Inc., New York, NY; (212)717-1976
Underneath It All, Inc., New York, NY; (212)779-2517
Women’s Center at A & O Surgical Supplies, Bronx, NY;
(718) 654-1882
MSKCC-Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center, New York, NY; 646-888-5200
North Carolina
Albemarle O & P, Elizabeth City, NC; (800)849-0460
Guilford Medical Supply, Greensboro, NC; (800) 458-3164
Second Nature, New Bern, NC; (800) 950-2302
Second to Nature, Greensboro, NC; (336) 274-2003
Triangle Mobility & Medical Supply, Princeton; NC; (919) 936-0404
Williams Medical Equipment, Gibsonville, NC; (336) 449-7357
Layne’s Family Pharmacy, Eden, NC; (336) 627-4600
Oklahoma
The Fitting Room, Tulsa, OK; (918) 582-1975
Women’s Health Boutique, Oklahoma City, OK;(405) 936-0030
Pennsylvania
Wigs and More Mastectomy Boutique; Latrobe, PA; (724) 532-1901
Rhode Island
Ruth’s Lingerie, Inc., Cranston, RI; (401)941-5155
South Carolina
Sarah Ann’s Undercover World, Greer, SC; (864)968-1699
Impressions Appearance Shoppe, Anderson, SC; (864) 512-4761
Becky’s Place, West Columbia, SC; (803) 791-2440
South Dakota
Sanford Home Medical at Bloom Boutique, Sioux Falls, SD; (605) 328-6055
Texas
New Impressions Boutique, Abilene, TX; (325) 437-3315
Virginia
Lincare, Lynchburg, VA; (434) 528-0761
The Time is Now
by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker
Dear Friends,
As a nine-year-old girl, in 1955, I remember waking in
my hometown of Peoria, Illinois, to hear bells ringing. Mom
and Dad told me that factories stopped and teachers wept
as a vaccine for polio was announced. I remember how we
all celebrated. We knew life would be better – free of a cruel
and calamitous disease that was only discussed in whispers. The sight of school friends in iron lungs and leg braces,
the memory of a president with polio who couldn’t even talk
about it was — we hoped — over.
In the years that followed, we all lined up in the school
cafeteria and gladly thrust our arms forward for the injections we knew would let us go to whatever swimming pool we
wanted, to any of our friends’ homes, or to the park unafraid
of a deadly virus.
Controlling polio gave us as Americans the knowledge
that we could control the most feared disease of our generation when we marshaled the national will and put in the
effort to create the programs and education to go with it.
This was the inspiration for two little girls a few years
earlier, me, aged 5, and my sister, Susan G. Komen, aged 8,
to hold the kind of fundraiser that only little girls could hold
for polio – a little talent show in our back yard. Years later,
when Susan died of another feared and cruel disease – breast
cancer – and I was diagnosed with the disease, I would marshal that same spirit to challenge this cancer with a foundation named in my sister’s memory – Susan G. Komen for the
Cure®.
In the years since, fueled by passionate and determined
women and men all over this country and around the world,
Calling her a catalyst to ease suffering in the world,
President Barack Obama honors Susan G. Komen for the
Cure ® founding chair and cancer advocate Ambassador
Nancy G. Brinker with the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
the nation’s highest civilian honor, August 12, 2009 in
Washington, D.C. Photo by Carrie Devorah.
28
Above: The Komen sisters, Suzy and Nancy kissing their mom Ellie Goodman.
Right: 1st Global Race for the Cure, June 6, 2009
we have created a global movement against breast cancer,
raising the funds and putting in the long hours and hard
work that would lead to cures and educate women and men.
In just one generation, we have made tremendous progress: with five-year survival rates of 98 percent for cancers
that haven’t spread from the breast (compared with 74
percent in Susan’s time). Today, we have new treatments,
better detection, more information about a disease that was
discussed only in whispers in my time. More women are living longer, with a better quality of life, and more hope than at
any time in our history.
Most satisfying to me, as Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control to the World Health Organization, is that what
we have learned in breast cancer is bringing new hope for all
forms of cancer.
And yet, we remain on the crest of a global cancer tsu-
Nancy G. Brinker (left) poses with her sister, Susan G.
Komen.
nami, and it is time for America to lead a global effort to
end a disease that will soon be the leading killer worldwide,
particularly in countries with few resources, and for people
in our own country who don’t have access to a system that
could save them.
The time is now. As the world population ages, the need
to control cancer is paramount. And while our goal continues to be to find the cures for all cancers, we are at a place
today where many cancers can be at the very least, chronic
diseases, allowing women and men to escape a certain death
sentence and maintain a quality of productive life.
What we need most is for America to lead. We need
the agreement and good will of lawmakers, who have been
touched by cancer like the rest of us. We must make our
voices heard in Washington to achieve a national cancer
strategy. To broker ideas, to meet each other halfway, to allow physicians to determine how best to help cancer patients,
to speed up discovery of the cures, and make treatments
available for all.
One of two men and one of three women in our country
will grapple with cancer in their lifetimes. Everyone, including the leaders of this nation, is affected by this disease.
Everywhere I go, I hear the stories of husbands, wives, mothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, cut down by cancer, just as my
sister was cut down at the age of 36. I marvel at the strength
of the survivors, and their resolve to end it. The national will
is there.
We must put that national will to work. We in America
must meet -- with clear minds and hearts full of hope – this
challenge, to create a world where cancer is conquered. The
world waits for America to lead, and for the church bells to
ring once again.
With warm regards and appreciation,
Nancy G. Brinker
Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker
Founding Chair,
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
29
St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G.
®
Komen for the Cure Cares
by Beverly Vote
“We recently held our 11th Annual Susan G. Komen
St. Louis Race for the Cure and I have to stop and
reflect on what an incredible event it was. Over 66,000
people ran or walked in the fight against breast cancer.
Each year, one of the greatest outcomes from our Race
is seeing the St. Louis community come together for
this cause and this event. If you stopped and looked
amongst the crowd you would have seen people of all
ages, ethnic and economic background. With so much
going wrong in the world today it was amazing to see so
much go so right.”
–Renee Ribble Hall, President, Board of Directors,
St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
In 1999, a group of dedicated community volunteers
brought the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® to St. Louis.
The first Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure made an immediate impact, with the distinction of being the largest
road race ever held in the city. That same year, through the
success of the Race, came the creation of the St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The Affiliate has been
working for more than a decade to better the lives of those
facing breast cancer in the St Louis service area.
The Komen St. Louis Affiliate serves a large and diverse geographic area that straddles the Mississippi River
to include the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, St.
Charles, Jefferson, Montgomery, Lincoln, Warren, Franklin,
Washington, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, Perry and Madison
Counties in Missouri and the Illinois counties of Clinton, St.
Clair, Madison and Monroe. These counties cover over 8,000
square miles and range from urban areas to suburban and
more rural, agricultural areas.
Since its inception, the St Louis Affiliate has raised over
$16 million for breast health and invested over $11 million in
Survivors fighting forward at the 2009 Race for the Cure,
St. Louis, MO.
30
Left: Hoda Kotb, co-host of the fourth
hour of NBC’s “Today” Show and breast
cancer survivor, served at the national
honorary chair for the Komen St. Louis
Race for the Cure. Kotb led over 4,000
breast cancer survivors in the annual
survivor procession.
Downtown St. Louis was a sea of pink when 66,470 people
participated in the 11th Annual Susan G. Komen St. Louis
Race for the Cure last June. Photos by Kyle Kabance
Photography.
breast health care specific programs in the greater St. Louis
area. Seventy-five percent of the dollars raised in St. Louis
stays there, while twenty-five percent of the dollars raised in
the area goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Grants Program to fund research.
In 2009, the St Louis Affiliate awarded a record amount
of $2.5 million in local grants that funded 28 programs,
while an additional $800,000 was given to the national
grants program.
The breast health care specific programs that they fund
support non-profit organizations and governmental agencies in their service area for innovative, non-duplicative,
evidenced-based projects in the areas of breast health and
breast cancer education, outreach, screening, treatment and
support programs targeting services not otherwise available
to the medically under served populations. These programs
are made possible through outstanding community-wide
support for their signature fundraiser, the Komen St. Louis
Race for the Cure, other local events, individual donations
and the generous support of their corporate partners.
“Our partnership with Komen St. Louis has been of great
benefit to increase breast cancer awareness and screening
to low income, uninsured women in St. Clair County, Illinois
in the Wellness for Women Project. With Komen funding,
St. Clair County Health Department has been able to make
available 200 screening mammograms to women 40-49 years
old at no cost to them. St. Clair County Health Department
and the partnership with Komen St. Louis has unquestionably been a win-win situation, especially for women in need,”
Survivors, friends and families making a difference. Far right: Renee Ribble Hall, President, Board of Directors, St. Louis SGK
said Karen Pratt, B.S. Outreach & Prevention Manager, Breast and Cervical
Cancer Program Manager of St. Clair
County Health Department.
“Komen St. Louis is successful
because the community we serve has
embraced our organization; we have
had the fortunate pleasure of having
volunteer leadership that have seen
the big picture and an endless amount
of great, talented and dedicated people
that want to be a part of finding the
cures. This had led to our community
Helen Chesnut,
feeling like it can connect with the
Executive Director,
work we are doing, and that connecSt. Louis SGK
tion keeps people involved. Also, our
Board of Directors, Operational Committees, Volunteers and Staff work tirelessly for the cause,”
said Helen Chesnut, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen
for the Cure St Louis Affiliate.
“Our biggest challenge as an organization is reaching
the populations in our service area that may not understand
what we do and that may not know that we can help direct
them to life-saving services available through our local grantees. These are Komen-funded programs available for uninsured and under served women in our service area. Komen
St. Louis has a large Race that raises a lot of money, but we
are more than just a Race. The money raised by the Affiliate
stays in the St. Louis area to help our sisters, aunts, mothers, daughters, neighbors and friends. Every day, with everything that we do, we are working towards finding the cures
for breast cancer. Our goal as an organization is to distribute
funds to as many organizations as possible, providing means
for each to fulfill the Komen for the Cure promise – to end
breast cancer forever.” said Helen Chesnut.
When Nancy Brinker promised her dying sister Suzie Komen that she would do every thing in her power to end breast
cancer, she left Illinois with that promise in her heart. It was
that promise, filled with love and caring compassion that
continues around the world. The St. Louis Affiliate of Susan
G. Komen for the Cure® Cares.
31
,
s
e
“Y
I Can
a
e
k
a
M
”
!
e
c
n
e
r
e
f
f
i
D
Hello friends,
I ask you, would we want to live our life any other way, but to touch someone’s life?
Any time we lose connection with sharing our lives with our friends, family, and community, we give up
one of the best parts of living. I hope you enjoy this special section where wonderful individuals have
stepped up to the plate, and claimed, “Yes, I Can Make a Difference!”
~Love and blessings,
Bev
Tim Livingston
Donna Bruck
At some point in a long journey you have to have
help. At first you think you can do it alone, but soon
your surroundings lose their comforting familiarity. It
is easy to lose your way. Relationship/fellowship is
the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon another.
We become like God, and we share a magnificent
love. It gives us strength when we have none, and hope when all seems
lost. Shared tears help wash away fear and sorrow. It was soon into my
wife’s journey that a relationship was forged with a local organization known
as The Pink Ribbon Riders. They provided my family fellowship. They are a
testament of the greater good in all mankind. They provided us with financial
assistance, but more importantly they offered a helping hand, a fellowship.
They showed that they cared when we live in a world where it is much
easier not to. Pink Ribbon Riders made a living difference for my family.
[email protected]
I can make a difference by sharing my story and experiences with others. I have made a cancer scrapbook and a photo journal. I began sharing my story
and informed people that young women get breast
cancer and that everyone needs to do self-exams.
The local newspaper did an article on my experience.
Although I had doubts about letting the entire county know I had one of my
breasts removed, I was able to educate thousands about the importance of
self-exams. Later as I was working at my Medical Records job, I was summoned to Surgery Pre-Op. As I entered the room, there was a young woman
holding a newspaper; the one that contained my story. She had done a selfexam after reading the article. She hugged me and thanked me for saving
her life. Her mastectomy was the following day. I CAN make a difference
because I’m vocal. Survivor of Invasive Ductal breast cancer, at age 24;
[email protected]
Chris Hubbard
The Team Survivor Tampa Bay, Florida makes a difference by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle
and by providing organized opportunities for physical fitness, wellness education, and psycho-social
empowerment among female cancer survivors. The
“Pink Dragon Ladies” use dragon boat racing as a
means to demonstrate the indomitable spirit of cancer survivors. The sport of
dragon boat racing dates back about 2,000 years in China. Dragon boats are
42’ long canoes powered by up to 22 members – 20 paddlers, a drummer,
and a steers-person – who must operate the vessel in unison in the hope
of crossing the finish line first. The “Pink Dragon Ladies” paddle together,
support each other, learn from one another, laugh together, enjoy competition, overcome fear, encourage others, take pride in their accomplishments
and break the silence of cancer. http://teamsurvivortampabay.blogspot.com
32
Brenda Tucker
I am a Senior Customer Service Representative with
Amoena, and a 9-year breast cancer survivor. I have
been with Amoena for 15 years. I continue to be impressed with the many great improvements in our
products. Amoena listened to our customers when
they asked for lighter weight forms and more stylish
bras, intimates and swimsuits. I am now able to offer more choices that
suit their different needs. Working in customer service has given me the
opportunity to help retailers across the U.S., advising them with difficult fits
and inventory questions. I also have the privilege to talk one-on-one with our
consumers. I am able to put myself in each woman’s shoes, trying to provide
her some peace of mind during a difficult time. It is these interactions that
remind me what I do really does make a difference. www.amoena.com
Liz Church
Seattle Sutton
Childcare was a major concern for my husband and
me during the time I was receiving treatment for
stage II breast cancer in 2001. We needed someone
to care for our three young children on the days I received chemotherapy and for the two to three “sick
days” following. My friend, Marianne Jones, handled
the entire management of our childcare needs for six months, utilizing those
from our church family who had volunteered to help. As each treatment date
approached, we simply received a telephone call letting us know which family would be arriving to pick up our kids. This freed me from what could have
been a huge emotional burden and enabled me to concentrate on healing.
I will always be grateful to her for being there for me in such an important
way and for contributing so significantly to my recovery from breast cancer.
I am thankful for Marianne and my church family for making a difference for
me and my family. [email protected]
I was 67 years old when I found out I had breast cancer during my routine annual mammogram. I had a
modified radical mastectomy, a few doses of chemotherapy and took Tamoxifen for 5 years. I’m happy
to say, I will be a 10-year cancer survivor this November! I feel I make a difference every time I share
my story with others to encourage them. I feel my experience has made
me more appreciative of the important things in life. It has given me hope.
Breast cancer runs in my family. Although I am a healthy eating advocate,
I still developed breast cancer. My only sister died of breast cancer in her
50’s. My aunt had breast cancer and survived. Two of my first cousins, on my
mother’s side of the family had it and one died from it. I want other women to
know they can beat breast cancer, like I did. www.seattlesutton.com
Vanessa Echols
As Marketing Manager for Amoena, I am responsible for all of our outreach, advertising, and public relations activities, which allows me to interact
with all of our audiences --including medical professionals, retailers, and breast cancer survivors.
My main job is to communicate, and to make sure
that Amoena effectively communicates our mission to all members of the
breast care community. I truly enjoy learning from the different people we
meet and serve. Doctors and nurses push us to continually develop newer,
better products and our consumer base inspires and compels us to always
do so with compassion and unbeatable quality. I’m grateful to be able to
support our retailers and through them, to support women in their journey
to health, lifelong wellness, and positive self-image. www.amoena.com
Ok, now what? That’s what I was thinking after
completing treatment for Stage II breast cancer: Six
months of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, reconstruction and 30 radiation treatments. I was thrilled to be
finished with treatment and cancer free. And I realized how blessed I was to have family and friends to
help me through the journey. But I kept thinking about those patients who
don’t have family or friends to help with the daily chores we don’t feel like
doing when we’re going through treatment ~ housework, grocery shopping,
all the stuff that isn’t a challenge when we’re feeling healthy and strong.
In response to that need, a group of friends and I formed COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH. We’re that extra
pair of hands patients need when they’re going through treatment. We provide housecleaning, grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, anything that will help ease the stress for patients and their families.
www.compassionatehandsandhearts.org
Wendy McCoole
Cookie Aftergut
I never realized that sharing my story on a website
called “Bald Wendy” would change my life, but after
documenting my treatments and emotions online, the
tremendous response I received from other breast
cancer patients thanking me for helping them to not
feel alone made me decide to quit my corporate job
and found the non-profit organization BreastCancerStories.org – a website
where patients and caregivers can write, read and share their experiences
with loved ones and with one another. What makes BreastCancerStories.
org different from a traditional blog site is the stories are all searchable by a
number of demographics. Imagine a single mother under the age of 30 who
just had a mastectomy being able to find someone who is going through the
same situation and even connect with them directly through the website. We
make a difference for people all over the world by providing support and hope.
[email protected], www.breastcancerstories.org/wendy
In 2003, while finishing my chemotherapy and radiation treatments for breast cancer, I came up with
the idea of a stand-alone support program to help
women evolve from being “victims” of breast cancer. Chemoflage was born! This half-day program
includes nutrition tips; relaxation techniques given
by a Yoga instructor; and discussions about “chemo brain” from an oncology
social worker. To complete the program, patients learn makeup techniques
-- how to apply eyebrows and line their eyes where lashes used to be – and
the “art” of scarf tying. I present these parts of the program, and do some
motivational speaking from my own experience. Instructors and patients often bond over shared emotions and stories. I have seen over 500 patients
now, and am expanding to other states. I believe that I was given this opportunity so I can help others do what I did: become not just a survivor, but a
CANCER THRIVER. www.chemoflage.com
Malissa Magyar
33
n
,
a
s
C
e
I
“Y
Make
”
!
e
c
n
e
r
e
f
f
i
D
a
Debbie Wolf
Claire Greenwood
Kay Troutman
Janet Chambers
In 2006, a dragon boat team of breast cancer
survivors was formed in Racine WI. The team is a
support group that competes against other dragon
boat teams. Since I have joined, I have had two lung
surgeries and cyber knife to my brain. I am bald for
the third time in seven years as I do more chemotherapy and keep fighting the cancer that has metastasized. When I am too
weak to row, I am the drummer that beats with every stroke. I am told “you
are our inspiration. You have such a great attitude.” At a recent race, we
did not qualify for the final heat. Some were heading home already. Race
officials requested us to race again. I gathered up the others and said “we
CAN do one more!” We raced again with pride and determination. We are
all winners in our own battle. [email protected]
Breast Cancer is a devastating disease that is life
altering once diagnosed. Being from a family of
breast cancer victims and survivors it is an every day reminder to me just how precious life really is. I am an avid snowmobiler and was visiting
Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the Hill Climb finals in
March of 2008 when I was introduced to the Pink Ribbon Riders. They have
changed my life. This is a volunteer non-profit organization of some of the
most compassionate people on this earth. Giving direct assistance with a
money gift card to help the patients with any thing they need. That is unheard of and truly a great gift that really makes a difference. The Pink Ribbon Riders hold various events across the United States raising money and
awareness for breast cancer. It was the first time that I was surrounded
by other people who have experienced the same trials as I and I could actually relate with them. They do amazing things for anyone who needs it!
[email protected] / www.pinkribbonriders.com
I am a breast cancer survivor diagnosed in June of
1988. Just by being alive and well is a testamony
to anyone who is just diagnosed. I love to visit with
women who are just being told they have breast cancer. Just talking with someone who has survived
gives them some peace. When one is first diagnosed,
they have so many questions and fears and to hear it from someone who has
been there is very comforting. We don’t know the answers, but we do have
the compassion to understand what they are feeling. I was diagnosed at age
52 and am now 73 and still going strong. So yes, my dear sisters, there is life
after breast cancer. God bless you all. [email protected]
The power of one generates goodwill and pays the
blessings forward. Before you know it, others want
to make a difference and join in the kindness. I Have
Wings Breast Cancer Foundation (IHW) took flight in
2002, on a wing and a prayer! Our goal was simply
to assist women when faced with the crisis of breast
cancer; emotionally and financially. Now, our roots are the generous women
and men volunteering their time and talent with a focus to lift others up during a critical time. We consistently ease stress in over 100 families a year
with emergency assistance, educate our youth and endorse research to help
eradicate breast cancer. The more families we assist, the more blessings we
receive! I am the founder, proving ONE can make a difference in our community, but the strength of the foundation lies in the hands of others. One
person at a time! www.ihavewings.org / [email protected]
Kathy Dibben
I am a two time breast cancer survivor who discovered after a bilateral mastectomy, the tremendous
need for post surgery products. I work with women
daily who have heard the words “you have cancer”.
I own a retail shop, Absolute Dignity, where women
come to be fit for after surgery garments. These ladies know that they are welcome to drop in when they are having a down
day or when they want to celebrate a new milestone. This time last year my
picture and story was on General Mills cereal boxes, Fiber One Bars, and
Chex Mix Select as part of their PinkTogether.com campaign, an online community of support for women with breast cancer. That campaign allowed
me to reach out and help many more women. As a nearly 20 year survivor, I
make a difference, I offer the next best thing to a cure, I offer HOPE!
www.absolutedignity.com / www.myspace.com/absolutedignity
Morag Currin
Touch For Cancer Online trains and certifies licensed estheticians to provide safe and nurturing spa treatments to all people living with cancer.
Our advanced education in this new modality of
oncology esthetics is imperative for breast cancer survivors since the décolleté, neck and face
have many lymph nodes, of which one or many may be removed or radiated. Therefore, adjustments to any facial are necessary in order
to make the treatment a safe one. The products used, the power of the
touch applied help ensure a positive outcome which can touch a survivor
on many levels - psychological, mental, spiritual, emotional and physical. So yes, I can, and I am making a big difference in the lives of many
cancer survivors by ensuring that estheticians get certified - each esthetician we certify touches many more lives, and this creates a ripple effect.
[email protected] / www.touchforcanceronline.com
34
Ann Erickson
I have been a breast cancer survivor over half of my
life. This fall 2009 I will celebrate 35 years after
having a mastectomy at the age of 30. Things were
very different in 1974, the surgery, the recovery, not
much education available about life after a mastectomy. Women I met after my surgery were not open
to discuss or share there feelings with others. No support groups were
available and women were very secretive. I felt the need to do something
and share my feelings and concerns with other women, and got active in
the Reach to Recovery Program through The American Cancer Society, a
group of survivors like myself. With a Dr’s request I could visit women in the
hospital, give them some information and show them exercises that would
help them in their recovery. The hospital stay was about 10 to 12 days, now
it is 24 to 48 hrs. I was active in Reach to Recovery for 10 years. In 1985, I
had the opportunity to start a career as a Certified Mastectomy Fitter. I traveled 7 states, driving to see each client. My career has taken me to places
I would have never had the opportunity to visit. I have had the pleasure of
meeting thousands of women throughout my territory. I feel very blessed
to have this opportunity to work with ladies and help them feel better about
themselves after breast surgery. Today, at 65 years old and 24 years later I
am traveling 4 states, enjoying every day that I am able to make a difference
in someone’s life. [email protected]
To submit your article on how
you make a difference, go to
www.breastcancerwellness.org.
Mary Ann Wasil
I am a 5+ year breast cancer kickin’ survivor, health
activist and Executive Director & Founder of the Get
In Touch Foundation®, a grassroots non-profit organization based in Connecticut. Our cornerstone
mission is the Get In Touch Girls’ Program & Daisy
Wheel™, a global initiative committed to educating
girls in grades 5-12 on the importance of, and how to do a breast self exam for life! Education is power. The power to make a difference in your own life
is in your own hands. Our program teaches “best breast health practice.”
The sooner girls learn this practice, the better. Taking control of your body
at an early age encourages girls to demand that others respect - and not
objectify - their bodies. Join us as we “change the world one girl at a time”.
Hope Lives! www.GetInTouchFoundation.org
Tracey Stills
My name is Tracey M. Stills (pictured
centered – sitting down) and I am a
breast cancer survivor of almost 7
years. The other ladies pictured in
this photo I call my “Angels.” They
continue to inspire me to advocate for
women to have yearly mammograms.
Their undying support through my treatment and afterwards keeps me
humbled and hopeful that “together” we can beat and help eradicate this
disease. Yearly at the time of my “cancer free” birthday – they salute me
and honor me by making their mammogram appointments and encouraging
other women in their lives to do the same. They have walked and helped
raise money and awareness for breast cancer and are indeed the “Angels –
helping to keep watch over me.” They encourage me to be a voice of hope
for other women who may be afraid. Yes, I Can Make a Difference! Pictured
(l-r) (back row) Latrisha Price, Shyrl Jones, Charlotte Curtis, Yolanda Jefferson, Tijuana Joiner. (below) Carnise Harris, Tracey Stills (breast cancer survivor), Moniqye Gill, Latrisha Rencher & Tonia Reed. [email protected]
Lisa Suraci Blakey
I don’t care for the term “survivor” when it comes
to my battles with cancer. For me it has the literal
meaning of “existing after” or to “remain alive”. I
prefer the title of Warrior. It not only has a very stoic
ring to it but it also implies a certain state of engagement; not solely existence. For so many women, the
breast cancer diagnosis is particularly devastating. As women we tend to
be very judgmental of ourselves. The body image issues that are often an
unwanted “souvenir” of the manifestations of the disease can be halting.
There exists the need for more emphasis on the after surgery/treatment
stages. We need to make our own difference. So Ladies, along with the
pink ribbons, reconstruction or not, wear your bikini or your sexy dress as
a badge of honor and declare: “My body is beautiful; it is that of a Warrior!”
[email protected]
Alexandra Boos
Utilizing my full-figured New York City modeling career as a platform, I have always espoused a link
between external self-perception and wellness. So,
watching my mother’s emotional and financial journey with chemotherapy, radiation and breast surgery
as she recovered from 4th stage cancer invited me
to bring together “glamour industries”, such as fashion, beauty, and television with the best of breast health care. As President of Luminous Breast
Cancer Foundation, I am honored to provide products and programming to
the un-insured and under-insured breast cancer patient so that she can recapture her inner glow and look and feel like her fabulous pre-cancer self
from head to toe. www.alexandrahome.com
35
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Sherry Lebed Davis, author of “Surviving after Breast Cancer”
Augusta Williams, dance instructor for Dancing with the Divas
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For more informtion on group activities including the
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37
Profiles of Wellness
Nancy Gratz Believes in Hope
In August of 2001, Nancy Gratz was
vice president of residential lending at
a local bank. She almost canceled the
appointment for her annual mammogram because she was very busy with
new home loans and home refinancing
at the time. Even though Nancy thought
she felt a small lump just prior to her
scheduled mammography, she briefly
thought that it would be best to put
off the exams until she first caught up
with serving her clients at work. But her
inner voice told her she needed to keep
the appointment. Not only did she get
her mammogram, but her intuition also
nudged her to have additional diagnostic testing. A biopsy revealed Nancy had
breast cancer.
“The doctor recommended a double
mastectomy. I was scared the day of
the surgery because I didn’t know
how advanced the cancer was. I am
very fortunate because it was detected
early. I think what helped me to handle
the diagnosis was being open to other
survivors helping me and hearing what
worked for them during their healing
process. Plus I knew I wanted to be able
to help other women in any way that I
could after my survival,” said Nancy.
“The most difficult part for me
was staying strong around my family
members and trying to be upbeat and
positive all the time. Often I thought it
was harder on them than it was on me.
It was challenging for me to always keep
a smile, but I prayed a lot for my health
and for them. I reminded myself that
cancer doesn’t have me, and I believed
I could get beyond breast cancer. I read
a lot of inspirational books including Chicken Soup for the Soul books,
90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper,
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and Prescription for Life because I
thought these books would help me to
stay strong and focused.” said Nancy. “I
admit that in my private moments, I did
cry. And I did pray. My belief was that
I was not going to let this get me, and
that I was going to keep moving forward
with my life and that is how I faced most
days during my healing process. Things
turned out positively, and I think this is
because there were a lot of prayers.”
At the time of diagnosis, Nancy
was chairperson of the Chamber of
Commerce in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Because she couldn’t raise her arms
for a period of time after surgery, her
38
by Beverly Vote
husband Bill drove her to the executive
committee meeting. She joked with everyone at the table about her new hairdo because Bill had to do her hair that
morning. Nancy was determined that
she was going to fulfill her duties and
obligations as chairperson even though
she was going through breast cancer.
This helped her to keep a sense of normalcy in her life and was something she
could have control of. She believes this
determination and mindset, along with
not isolating herself, helped her heal
faster and to be able to return to work
earlier than was medically expected.
“Since breast cancer, I do not spend
as much time working but am spending
more time with the people that I love. I
live each day to the fullest, even though
this sounds like a cliche’, the little
things have become so much more important to me. Things like cleaning my
house isn’t as important as it once was,
but being with my grandchildren is. I
have devoted more time to having fun. I
knew I had to change my work situation, so that I would have less stress
in my life because it was affecting my
attitude. That is when I made the move
to Premier Bank. I knew I had to slow
down and my way of slowing down was
to work in a place that I loved.”
“I know that I am a stronger person
as a result of living through breast
cancer. My pledge is that if I can help
some one in any way through their surgery and to help make their decisions
easier, I will be there. The one thing
that I can do is to share my experiences
and try to help educate others. It is so
very important. I have people thank me
for helping them, even though it was
some simple thing, but at the time you
don’t know how much it means to that
person. I want to help women that are
facing breast cancer as other people
helped me. I encourage all breast cancer
patients to connect with someone that
has gone through the same experience.
It makes the healing process so much
easier. Always have hope and always
share hope when you can. I believe that
prayer also helped my emotional wellbeing along with my physical healing.
Crying and laughter helped too. I want
to thank my family, friends and other
cancer survivors for the support they
gave me to be able to say I am a 8 year
cancer survivor. I also want women to
know that their inner voice that speaks
to take care of your health is a very important voice. Taking care of our health
is so very very important,” said Nancy.
Nancy Gratz is an amazing woman
and her profile of wellness is exemplified
in that she:
Makes time for her health and
healing needs in spite of busy work
schedules
The Gratz Family – Summer 2009
Expresses even more gratitude for
her life, her family, and what is really important in life
Believes in reaching out, receiving
help, and helping others
Believes in herself and others
Believes in intuition and the power
of prayer
Believes in healing possibilities
Believes in fun, humor, and laughter
in spite of being diagnosed with a life
threatening disease
Doesn’t avoid her feelings and gives
herself permission to cry
Reflects upon her life and takes
measures in her career so that she
can enjoy her life more
Believes in hope. n
Nancy enjoys community work and meeting
new people. She is past president of the
Breakfast Rotary Club, has also been
Sergeant of Arms, Secretary, and Treasurer.
She is on the American Cancer Board of
Directors, the Community Breast Care
Project board, involved in the ETC breast
cancer support group, and works hard for
the Relay For Life. She has been involved
with ACS for many years, even prior to her
diagnosis of breast cancer. After her u
39
Profiles of Wellness
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See the difference quality makes!
Visit us on the web to learn more:
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Prevent Lyphedema By Stopping
’Wrong Arm Access’
“Breast Cancer patients should never have a
needle inserted or blood pressure taken from
their affected limb” says Christine Laronga,
who heads the breast cancer program at
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.
This is how breast cancer survivor June Bucy
got lymphedema. “I would go to the doctors’
offices for follow-ups, and they would take
my blood pressure on my arms, I just figured
they knew what they were doing” says Bucy.
Laronga says such cases are more common than she’d like to admit.
“I think it happens frequently. Patients can develop lymphedema
2 days after surgery or 20 yrs later” she says.
Bucy says this wristband might have prevented her case.
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40
diagnosis of breas t cancer, she became
involved in the Community Breast Cancer
Project. She is an active member of the
Chamber of Commerce in Jefferson City,
MO, served on the board of directors for
three different terms and chaired numerous
committees, member of the Leadership
Missouri Alumni Board represent 2005 class
as President, Past President of the United
Way Board, and Past President of the Boys
and Girls Club, and served on the RACS
Board. She has helped with numerous
fund raisers and almost always attends
when her husband Bill donates his services
as Auctioneer. Nancy was honored to be
receive the Zonta Women of Achievement
award in 2004 and the Jaycees’
Outstanding Young Missouri Award. She
is Senior Vice President of Community
Development and Commercial Lending
Officer for Premier Bank in Jefferson City,
Missouri. Nancy is married to Bill Gratz and
they have 3 children, 4 grand children, and
2 step grandchildren. She loves to spend
time with her family, swim, and to play golf,
something she is determined one of these
days to be good at. Nancy can be reached at
[email protected].
Her phone numbers are (H) 573-636-8285
(C) 573-659-0550 (W) 573-761-4633.
EVERY BODY
DANCES
©
“Oh, I don’t dance.” said she.
“Oh, everybody dances.” said he.
As he showed me the breath
between the pages of a moment,
The peace beyond the limits I have set.
This comforter who dips his hand in the ink
of my heart and goes beyond “I know.”
His pulse runs through every space in my
body, making way to still my soul.
“Oh, this is what you mean.
I’ve never been here before.”
“This is where you come from, this is
who you are.” As he showed me the
spaces, the places I’d come from.
And then it happened...
www.wrongarmaccess.com
I stepped into the breath between the
pages and remembered how to dance.
* Read The Tampa Tribune’s Article about ‘Wrong Arm Access’ on our website.
–Peggy Matheson, Salt Lake City, UT
My Healing Breakthroughs
by Rochelle Togo-Figa
I have faced many crossroads in my
life and each of these turning points
required that I make a decision on how
to move forward. I made most of these
decisions easily and just got on with
my life. My true life-changing choices
always required contemplation and
soul searching. However my greatest
breakthroughs for living and healing
came as the result of my choices to say
yes to love and yes to my life. Please, let
me explain:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer
in January 1993. I had just been in
for a physical exam and mammogram,
but shortly afterward I found a lump
when taking a shower. I was surprised
that the doctor and the mammography
didn’t catch it. I immediately went back
in for further medical testing which
resulted in the diagnosis of breast
cancer. The doctors advised a mastectomy on the left breast and to have a
plastic surgeon perform a tram flap
procedure, which is taking a muscle
from my stomach and moving it into
my left breast. The duo procedure was
a lengthy 9 ½ hour operation.
The diagnosis of breast cancer
caused me to take an honest look at my
life and to realize I had to make some
serious changes in my life. I decided on
how much authority I wanted to have
in my healing process and who to trust.
I looked at what was working in my
life and what was making me happy. It
was easy to review how I felt about my
job ~ I knew it was negative and a toxic
environment for me and I knew I had
to leave it. The job wasn’t fulfilling nor
was my work appreciated. I had been
so busy worrying about making the
next sale that I quit caring about people and had become disconnected u
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41
from my feelings and out of touch with
my soul. I look back now and can see
today how my body had been giving me
signals about that toxic part of my life.
I hadn’t been feeling well and even had
migraine headaches.
What turned my life around, while
I didn’t realize it at the time, was that I
changed the way I was thinking. Even
though I placed faith in the doctors to
surgically remove the cancer, I became
involved with my thoughts to help me
to be better. Someone mentioned to
me that I should get Dr Bernie Siegel’s
books and his healing CD’s, and this
felt right for me. Even in the operating room I was listening to his healing
tapes. I also listened to them every
morning and night for several weeks.
Then I had the opportunity to attend
one of Dr Siegel’s healing workshops.
All through this, I had this inner knowing that I can do this, I can make the
changes in my life that I need, and as
Bernie Siegel recommends, healing our
life helps heal cancer. I made the decision to do what it takes to be one of the
many hundreds of thousands of people
that survives breast cancer.
I have been on my own since I
was 17, so I have always taken care of
myself. I had this belief that I must do
everything myself. I gave that belief up
and learned to relax and allowed myself
to say yes to becoming interested in
people again. And amazingly, people
started reaching out and became interested in me. Even people I didn’t know
called to see how I was doing. Speaking
with other breast cancer survivors was
both inspirational and comforting. I love
it that I am connected back with people.
I attended a personal growth
workshop which helped me realize that
I had many fears – fears that no one
would hire me, or that they might think
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I am not very good at what I do or that
I am a fraud. I was also afraid any new
employer wouldn’t pay me fairly. So I
had a lot of fears about changing jobs.
The workshop gave me the tools to
overcome my fears and the confidence
to leave my job. I knew I was one step
closer to starting the business I really
wanted, a business where I could help
people both personally and professionally to help them through their challenges to the life they desired. That is
what I really wanted to do with my life.
And today, that is what I am doing.
I realized the healing breakthroughs
were happening because I started to
think and to speak differently and to
visualize myself being well. I said yes
to more harmony and joy in my life.
I joined a support group in New York
City and then Rob, the man I was living with at the time, joined a support
group for men. Even though I was the
one diagnosed with breast cancer, we
were both going through the experience
in different ways and he wanted to be
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42
stronger for me. He cared for me, and I
cared for him.
Previous to meeting Rob, I had gone
through some relationships that were
not so great. I assumed the diagnosis of breast cancer would end this
special relationship that was forming
between Rob and me. I even presented
it to him that I completely understood
if he didn’t want to stay around. I was
surprised when he said he didn’t want
to go anywhere. What happened after
that was that we got very close. He said
it changed his life because up until
we met, he spent most of his life just
thinking about himself. When I entered
his life and got sick, he had to put me
first. He said the experience made him
a better person. We ended up falling
in love, and a year and half later we
got married. We have been married for
fifteen years.
Breast cancer turned out to be a
gift of life because it transformed my
life. I opened up to a new way of thinking that helped me to be one with my
soul, to connect with people, with Rob,
and with the work that I love - helping people breakthrough to their most
fulfilling lives. n
Editors note: This is one of the empowering
stories we received from women who want to
make a difference with their life’s work. Rochelle
is an extraordinary woman. She got in touch with
her subconscious thoughts, fears, and beliefs
that were preventing her from having the love,
health, and career she wanted, transformed those
thoughts, and today her life and career mirrors her
heart’s desire to help others.
Rochelle Togo-Figa is a Sales Business
Coach, Trainer, and Motivational Speaker
with 24 years in the corporate world
as a top sales producer, and 14 years
as a coach, trainer, and speaker. She
successfully coaches and trains business
owners, entrepreneurs, and sales
professionals to achieve breakthrough
results by having them to look at their
responsibility in the situation and to see
what’s missing so that the necessary
pieces can be put into action so that their
desired results can follow. Her clients
include many Fortune 500 companies
including Estee Lauder, American
Express, Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch,
Met Life, Philip Morris, Crain’s Business
Publications, and American Media
Magazine. Rochelle can be reached at
[email protected].
www.salesbreakthroughs.com
Support Surrounds You
The only National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive
Care Center in Arizona, we uphold the ideal of that distinction
combining nationally renowned physicians, community education
and ground-breaking research.
Yet to us, “comprehensive care” is something more - it’s a
complete vision of you, your family and your future. Our new
state-of-the-art facility is designed to offer you a peaceful setting
and special resources to strengthen you in mind and spirit.
Support encompasses:
Social Services
Nutritional Counseling
Wellness Counseling,
Salon Services
Specialty Boutique
Therapeutic Massage
Computer Lab & Patient Resources Libraries
Reflection Gardens and More.
Comprehensive Care - at the Arizona Cancer Center Clinic, it’s
defined as every patient’s journey from the diagnosis of cancer to
becoming a cancer survivor.
(520) 694-CURE (2873) www.umcarizona.org
43
Pages
Pink Pages
Breast Cancer Wellness Pink Pages and Website
provides you the easiest and most convenient
wellness resource directory at your fingertips.
www.BreastCancerWellness.org
DIRECTORY
Hats & Headwear
ANOKHI
The softest cotton scarves you will find!
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Lymphedema Armsleeve
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AmesWalker.com is the premier supplier
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Lymphedema Specialists
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™
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Providing headwear for women experiencing hair loss from cancer chemotherapy. Products include synthetic
and human hair wigs, hair pieces, hats,
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www.chemosavvy.com
Doma Designs
Beautifully designed
hats and headwear
exclusively for hair
loss.
Affordable,
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Quality fabrics that
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Contact Bonnie Phelps at
[email protected]
417-581-3438
Ask for the Pink Pages Special!
44
Gentle Touch
Medical Products, Inc.
FRONT CLOSURE Recovery Garments.
Choose from pretty camisoles, pajama
sets and bras. Made in the USA. 100%
cotton, holds up to 8 drains. Send a
friend a RECOVERY GIFT BASKET.
1-800-989-5726 www.gentlet.com
“The Flexitouch® System” By
Tactile Systems Technology Inc
The Flexitouch system is an easy-to-use
device for treating lymphedema in the
comfort of your own home. It is designed
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1-866-435-3948. (toll free)
Mastectomy Products
Chemo Savvy
Mastectomy Products
Bach Medical Supply
East Georgia Home Health Center
Visit our Pink Room, A Cancer Survivor’s
Boutique, specializing in post-surgical,
mastectomy and chemotherapy/radiation needs. Also offering wigs, hats
and accessories. Certified mastectomy
fitters on staff. Call 912-489-4663 or
800-842-3123, Statesboro, Georgia;
www.eastgeorgiahomehealth.com
Certified mastectomy
fitters on site featuring
prosthetics, bras, sports
bras and swimsuits.
1711 E. Sunshine
Springfield, MO
1-800-288-2224
417-883-1400
Appointments Requested, Though Not Required
Truekare Breast Forms
www.truekare.com
HEART STRINGS
Breast Care Boutique
“The right fit for every woman” ™
Certified caring fitter for all postsurgery needs, including Mastectomy,
Lumpectomy,
Reconstruction,
and
difficult to fit sizes. Bras, Breast Forms,
Swimsuits,
Skincare,
Compression
Garments. www.HeartStringsShop.com
386-427-6344
Wear Ease, Inc
Wholesale/Retail
Surgical
and
prosthetic
products
including:
post surgical camisoles and bras,
compression bras, loungewear and
lingerie. All products have built-in
bras and pockets. Call 866.251.0076
www.wearease.com
BreastCancerWellness.org
Mastectomy Products
NEARLYOU.COM
Nearly You
Breast Forms - Bras - Swimsuits
FREE SHIPPING
Order Online at
NEARLYOU.COM
or Call
1-866-722-6168
Natural Cosmetics
Cosmetics Without
Synthetics, Inc.
www.allnaturalcosmetics.com
1-888-586-9719 (toll free)
Organic Products
Organoderm Skin Care
www.organoderm.com
Radiation Therapy
RADX
2%
Lidocaine,
Organic
Aloe,
antireddening,
anti-inflammatory.
Unfragranced, OTC. Ask oncolgoy
nurses. Order online at CVS.com,
neighborhood and mass market
pharmacies. Pain Relief, Helps Heal,
Skin Regeneration 866-411-RADX
(7239)
FEEL COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT
with Janac Mastectomy Wear for Fighters & Survivors
Designed by a breast cancer survivor
Lightweight, Comfortable,
Natural looking, Swimsuit friendly
Fits any regular or mastectomy bra
For information or to nd your nearest retailer
Call 905-332-7576
Toll Free 1-866-290-0821
or go to www.janacsportswear.ca
E-mail [email protected]
46
Advertiser Directory
American Breast Care.......................................................... 23-27
Ames Walker Hosiery.................................................................45
Amoena..........................................................................................15
Anita International........................................................................ 7
Anne Bennett.................................................................................. 9
ANOKHI...........................................................................................45
Bach medical Supply..................................................................45
Beaubeau Scarves.......................................................................45
Beautytrends.com......................................................................... 8
Biotechne Complex Inc.............................................................40
Brightlife Direct............................................................................17
CancerBusters.com.....................................................................18
Center for Restorative Breast Surgery.................................... 2
Chemo Savvy................................................................................45
CNCA................................................................................................13
Confident Clothing Company.................................................10
Cosmetics Without Synthetics................................................46
Doma Designs .............................................................................45
East Georgia Home Health Center........................................45
Emotional Freedom Technique..............................................39
Gebauer – Oasis...........................................................................47
Gentle Touch Medical Products.............................................45
Go Beyond Treatment................................................................20
Heart Strings.................................................................................45
Hulston Cancer Center..............................................................42
Janac Sportswear........................................................................46
LSF....................................................................................................48
Life Preservers...............................................................................22
MediUsa..........................................................................................37
My Tresses......................................................................................21
Name Brands Wigs......................................................................13
Nearly You......................................................................................46
New Harbinger Publications Inc............................................11
North American Nutrition........................................................12
Organoderm Skin Care..............................................................46
Park Mastectomy Supply..........................................................45
Pros Choice Lotion......................................................................19
Radx, Solrx.....................................................................................46
Real Purity......................................................................................41
Sicel Technologies.......................................................................37
SkinAgain......................................................................................... 8
Softee USA.....................................................................................21
The Flexitouch System...............................................................45
The Pink Bra, Metro Medical Supply.....................................39
Three Lollies..................................................................................17
Truekare..........................................................................................45
University Medical Center........................................................43
Waking the Warrior Goddess..................................................44
Wear Ease.......................................................................................45
Wrongarmaccess.com...............................................................40
To advertise in BCW Magazine, contact Bonnie Phelps
at [email protected] / 417-581-3438
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Breast Cancer Wellness

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