Celebrate Life!

October • November • December 2010
Celebrate Life!
The Newsletter of the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital
Reuner Cancer Support House, 105 Mary’s Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 • 845-339-2071
Healing Conversations With Your
Physician & Health Care Professional
Wed. Nov. 10th 7-8:30 pm
Reuner Cancer Support House
pg 21
Living Fully with Illness
Gregg Krech and Barbara Sarah
Sat. Nov. 6th 9 am - 4 pm
ASB, Auditorium (fee)
pg 26
Bereavement Support Group
Wednesdays Nov. 3, 17th, Dec. 1st, 15th
7-8:30 pm
!
Reuner Cancer Support House NEW
pg 17
Lymphoma & Leukemia Support Group
October 14th, November 11th, December 9th
2:30-4 pm
W!
pg 17
Reuner Cancer Support House NE
Annual Holiday Potluck Music
and Crafts Celebration
Friday Dec. 3rd 6-8:30 pm
ASB Auditorium
pg 18
Photography Workshop
with Barbara Leon
Friday October 15th 1- 4:00 pm
Reuner Cancer Support House
pg 23
Healing Arbor Renewal Workshops
Sat. Oct. 25th, 30th, Nov. 13th, 20th
2-4:30 pm (see details)
pg 20
Bulb Planting Workshop in the Linda
Young Healing Garden
Fri. October 22nd 1:30-3:00
(rain date Oct. 29th)
Reuner Cancer Support House
pg 22
Creative Writing
with Marianne Niefeld
10-1:30 am
Tuesdays October 12th, 19th, Nov. 2nd, 9th
Reuner Cancer Support House
pg 22
Music and Imagery Workshop
Dr. Gimeno (Assistant Professor, Music Dept. SUNY)
Monday October 11th, 1-2:30 pm
Reuner Cancer Support House
pg 22
Exactly What Are Palliative & Hospice Care—
& What Is The Difference?
The relief of suffering and the cure of disease must be
seen as twin obligations of a medical profession that is truly
dedicated to the care of the sick. Physicians’ failure to understand the nature to suffering can result in medical intervention that (though technically adequate) not only fails to
relieve suffering but becomes a source of suffering itself.
– Eric Cassell, MD
Myths and misinformation abound in the minds of many patients, family members, and even health care professionals about
palliative and hospice care. Different, though overlapping at a specific phase in the illness experience, these two relatively young
medical specialties are often mistakenly clumped together.
Hospice is not a place. Rather, similar with palliative care, it is
a philosophy of care. While conventional medical practice focuses
on the control and cure of illness, the main goal of these emerging
medical specialties is comfort care and the alleviation of suffering.
The hospice movement was founded in the 1960’s by Dame Cicely
Saunders of London. Interestingly, Saunders was a nurse, social
worker, medical doctor and researcher; she was also a deeply spiritual person—in all embodying the ‘interdisciplinary’ team model of
care. Her focus was on care of the total person and their total, not
merely physical, illness and pain experience (Reith & Payne, 2009).
Hospice migrated to the U.S. in 1974, in Connecticut. In transferring hospice from philosophy to policy as a qualified Medicare
benefit in 1982, Congress limited the terms of its delivery and accessibility. Two qualifications were instituted: 1) the discontinuation
of curative and life-prolonging medical interventions, and 2) a prognosis of six-months or less to live. These defining parameters are
its confining barriers, placing reluctant physicians as the gatekeepers of hospice referrals. Policy designed to quantify boundaries has
resulted in significant underutilization of services and lack of timely
referrals, compromising its benefits to patients and families (Hospice, Inc, n.d.; Reith & Payne, 2009). On the positive side, the Medicontinued on page 4
Celebrate
Life!
Information
Index
COMPLEMENTS FROM
BARBARA
page 3
FROM OUR DIRECTOR
page 5
LINDA YOUNG
OVARIAN CANCER PAGE
page 14
EXERCISE PROGRAMS
page 24
KIDS/TEEN CONNECTION
page 13
Editor
Ellen Marshall
Graphic Design
Peggy Hurley
Printing
Arnie Puetz
ONCOLOGY SUPPORT
PROGRAM
Founder
Barbara Sarah
Director
Ellen Marshall
Social Workers
Pat Ernenwein
Elise Lark
Amber Rose
MISO HAPPY COOKING CLUB
page 11
Exercise Instructors
Ujjala Schwartz
Angel Ortloff
SUPPORT GROUPS
pages 16-20, 23, 27
MSW Interns
Linda Erman – Art
Myra Hage – Social Work
Manuela Mage – Social Work
Rosie McLaughlin – Mental Health
Counseling
2
The Oncology Support Program at Benedictine
Hospital is located at the Herbert H. and
Sofia P. Reuner Cancer Support House,
80 Mary’s Avenue, across from the
Administrative Services Building.
Proofreader
Sharon Stonekey
Administrative Assistant
Doris Blaha
The information in this newsletter
is for educational purposes only
and is not intended to be used as
medical advice. Please consult
your physician about questions
regarding your treatment.
Benedictine Hospital Member of
Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley
does not endorse the content of the
articles published in this newsletter.
The Oncology Support Program
is a team of compassionate professionals and volunteers dedicated to
changing how people perceive and
respond to cancer through creative
programming, education, healing arts,
and comprehensive support services.
As a bridge between Benedictine
Hospital and the community, we offer a
nurturing environment that promotes wellness and celebrates the fullness of life!
A newsletter for oncology patients,
their family and friends is published
every three months by the
Oncology Support Program at
Benedictine Hospital.
105 Mary’s Ave., Kingston, NY
Copyright 1994 by
Benedictine Hospital
All rights reserved
NURTURING NEIGHBORHOOD
NETWORK
page 18
WORKSHOPS/LECTURES
pages 19-26
ONCOLOGY SUPPORT
PROGRAM VISION
& Many Fabulous Volunteers
Phone: 845-339-2071
Fax: 845-339-2082
[email protected]
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Arts & Healing Classes,
Dietary Consultations,
Pastoral Care, Counseling,
Educational Programs,
Support Programs for Women,
Men, Family Members
& Children, Complementary
Medicine Discussion Group,
Lending Library:
Books, Audio Tapes & Videos
DESIGNATED WALK-IN HOURS
Mon 10am-12pm Thu 1-3pm
Tue 2-4pm Fri 10am-12pm
Wed 4–6pm or by appointment
FERN FELDMAN ANOLICK
BREAST CENTER AT
BENEDICTINE HOSPITAL
HOURS:
MONDAY-THURSDAY 7AM-7PM
FRIDAY 8AM-4PM
1st & 3rd SAT. of the Month 8AM-2PM
SCREENING & DIAGNOSTIC
SERVICES
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL
THE BREAST CENTER
(845) 334-3099
FOR APPOINTMENTS:
(845) 334-3088
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
To be on our mailing list please call:
845-339-2071
or email: [email protected]
or send your name & address to:
Oncology Support Program
105 Mary’s Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401
READER SUBMISSIONS
ARE WELCOME!
Please submit fairly brief articles
in 12 pt Arial font to Doris Blaha at
[email protected] or fax 845339-2082 or by mail. Deadline for
Oct/Nov/Dec 2010 issue is August
15, 2010.
Dear Friends,
After all this time, it’s still exciting to begin my 17th
year here at Benedictine Hospital. We keep developing new programs and helping more people and that
makes it so interesting for me to continue to be a part of
the Oncology Support Program. A few years ago, it was
our beautiful Support House that was new. Last year it
was our new Health Alliance affiliation with the Kingston and Margaretville Hospitals. This year, our Program is expanding to offer new opportunities in music
and art therapy. We’re also beginning a support group
for people who have been diagnosed with leukemia or
lymphoma as well as a bereavement group. We’ve had
such groups in the past and are glad to be able to offer them again. Please look for announcements about
these new programs in this edition of our newsletter!
We continue to plan these new programs for our
community of patients, caregivers and friends because
we know that there are many ways to heal from a cancer diagnosis. Education and information, emotional
support and the acquisition of new skills and coping
mechanisms are what help us to have meaningful
lives. “Life is where we put our attention” and what we
do here at Oncology Support helps us to keep our at-
tention focused and purposeful.
“Attention” is an important teaching at the ToDo
Institute in Vermont. ToDo is the place where people
come from around the U.S., Canada and other countries to study the Japanese therapies, Morita and
Naikan. As many of you know and have read in this
newsletter, Morita and Naikan are the philosophies that
provide the basis for the work that we do here at the
Program. So the other great news for this season is
that Gregg Krech, the Director of the Todo Institute, is
coming to Ulster County and will be presenting workshops at Benedictine and other venues during the first
weekend in November!
Gregg was here in 1995 and again in 2001 and
his presentations received an overwhelmingly positive
response from participants. He and I will be offering
Living Fully With Illness at the Benedictine Auditorium
on Saturday, November 6th. I hope that many of you
will take advantage of Gregg being here in Ulster to
learn more about this useful material from a leading
expert in the field of Japanese Psychology. Gregg has
presented this practical and inspirational work to audiences around the world. He and I have offered Living
continued on page 4
Support the Oncology Support Program All Year Round!
At the Oncology Support Program, almost all of our services
are free or available for a very low fee. This is possible thanks
to the support of Benedictine Hospital, as well as donations
from the community. Please help us to continue our support
of people going through cancer and their families. Donations
of all sizes are welcome and will be acknowledged in the
following edition of Celebrate Life!
Please make checks payable to Benedictine Health
Foundation and write Oncology Support in the memo line.
Mail donations to Benedictine Health Foundation, OSP, 105
Mary’s Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Donations can also be
made online at Benedictine’s website, www.benedictine.org.
Click on “Health Foundation” on the bottom right of the home
page. Then click on “Donate now through Network for Good.”
On this form, be sure to designate that your donation is for
“Oncology Support.”
Name: Phone:
Address:
q Please use my donation to support the ongoing services of the Oncology Support Program.
q Please make my gift in memory of:
q Please make my gift in celebration of:
q Please send an acknowledgment to: Name:
Address:
q My company is part of a matching gift program.
3
care benefit maintains the philosophy of hospice and
palliative care by requiring multi-discipline holistic care,
including social work (Reith & Payne, 2009). In returning death to its proper context, hospice professionals
help us to experience the end-of-life as a normative
stage within the continuum of illness and of life, rather
than a medical emergency requiring hospitalization.
Fear of death is strongly associated with fear of
pain. Not unwarranted, many patients experience significant pain not only at the end of life, but throughout the illness trajectory. To palliate means to cover or
cloak (Meier, Isaacs, & Hughes, 2010). In the case of
medicine it refers to the alleviation of symptoms, especially pain. Palliative care is an umbrella term; while all
hospice care is palliative in nature, not all palliative care
is hospice care. Palliative care is based on the same
philosophy as hospice but without the federal policyinduced parameters. Theoretically, as an adaptation of
hospice care, it fills gaps and broadens parameters of
hospice accessibility; however, this is not always the
case in practice. Hospice, palliative, and end-of-life
care are interlinking concepts. Optimally utilized they
constitute a continuum of care.
According to the National Consensus Project definition (NCP, 2004):
The goal of palliative care is to prevent and relieve
suffering and to support the best possible quality of
life for patients and their families, regardless of the
stage of the disease or the need for other therapies.
Palliative care is both a philosophy of care and an
organized, highly structured system for delivering
care…concurrently with life-prolonging care or as the
main focus of care….Palliative care incorporate[s]
psychosocial and spiritual care with consideration of
patient/family needs, preferences, values, beliefs,
and culture. Evaluation and treatment should be
comprehensive and patient-centered with a focus
on the central role of the family unit in decision making. Palliative care affirms life by supporting the patient and family’s goals for the future, including their
hopes for cure or life-prolongation, as well as their
hopes for peace and dignity throughout the course
of illness, the dying process, and death (as cited in
NCP, 2009, p. 6).
Like hospice, palliative care’s key goals includes
enhancing quality of life for patient and family, optimizing function, assisting decision making, and providing
opportunities for personal growth. Hospice and palliative models of care extract the most current advances
in pharmacopeia to achieve medicine’s “most ancient
of goals…the relief of suffering” (Meier et al, 2010,
p. IX), while expanding on the traditional biomedical disease-model to fit individual needs. The simple
and direct words of the mother of the modern hospice
movement, Cicely Saunders, remind me of what hospice care encourages us to do: “We must not lose the
chance of making good on a great deal of untidiness in
our lives, or of making time to pack our bags and say,
‘Sorry, goodbye and thank you.’” This perhaps has always been the work of the living, and the dying.
Contributed by Elise Lark
References
Cassell, E. (1982). The nature of suffering and the
goals of medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 306(11), 639-645.
Hospice Inc. (n.d.) Volunteer Manual. Poughkeepsie,
NY.
Meier, D.E., Isaacs, S. L., & Hughes, R.G. (Eds.).
(2010). Palliative care: Transforming the care of
serious illness. San Francisco, CA.: Jossey-Bass.
National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care.
(2009). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care. (2nd ed.). (Online). Retrieved from
http://www.nationalconsensusproject.org/Guideline.pdf on (May, 2010).
Reith, M. & Payne, M. (2009). Social work in end-oflife and palliative care. Chicago, Illinois: Lyceum
Books, Inc.
Fully with Illness in many cities in the U.S. and Canada. For more information about this
material, please check out www.TodoInstitute.org. Meanwhile, save the dates of the first
weekend in November and please look elsewhere in this newsletter for particulars.
I send you all heartfelt greetings for the coming holidays and my deep appreciation
for your participation in our program, whether through attendance, financial support or
reading this newsletter.
4
It has been a time of great transition at the Oncology Support Program and as our members are well
aware, change can carry in its wake a range of emotions. But there is great consolation in knowing that
there are certain constants in the midst of change.
One such constant is the tradition at OSP of providing compassionate and excellent care to all the cancer
patients and their loved ones who enter our door. I
have felt so privileged to be a member of such a dedicated team.
There are so many people I would like to thank.
First, I’d like to thank our immediate family at OSP.
Thank you, Barbara Sarah for your limitless ability to
come up with creative ideas; thank you Elise Lark for
the power and wisdom of your heart, thank you Doris
Blaha for your amazing competence, hard work and
compassionate dedication, thank you Amber Rose for
your pure-hearted devotion and thank you Pat Ernenwein for always going above and beyond in the service
of our community. I also want to thank the volunteers
who were with us this past summer--thank you Ashley
Crinieri and Patty Horrigan for being ready and willing
to do whatever was needed to support our program
and its members.
And then there is our extended family…. I want
to thank all the Doctors, Nurses, Techs, Clerks and
everyone who tenderly and competently care for the
cancer patients who find their way to the Oncology
Unit. You are such an amazing group of dedicated
professionals! Thank you Sisters for your self-less devotion. Sister Dorothy, I always feel warmed by your
presence. I also want to thank Kathy Lunney, RN,
our new administrator, for her guidance. And to the
Administration and all the Health Alliance employees
who, behind the scenes, support the Oncology Support Program and in so doing support the men and
women diagnosed with cancer in our community along
with their loved ones. Together we are all committed
to providing cancer patients and their caregivers with
the best possible treatment and support.
I also wholeheartedly thank the members of the
Linda Young Advisory Committee for their tireless dedication and hard work as we make the final arrangements for the 10th annual Dinner Dance and Auction
to benefit the Linda Young Ovarian Cancer Program.
Everyone is invited to visit the Linda Young Healing
Garden behind the Cancer Support House. As we
speak there are butterflies dancing about the perennials, and we look forward to a bulb planting workshop
in the autumn with a Master Gardener from Cornell
Cooperative Extension, so that splashes of color will
brighten our spring.
There is yet more cause for
gratitude. Thank you generous donors to the Oncology Support Program for making all
of what we do a possibility. And last but not least,
thank all of you, dear members of the Oncology Support Program, who have allowed me the privilege of
being part of your journey. The courage I have witnessed is a source of boundless inspiration and I look
forward to doing whatever I can to be of service to
each and every one of you.
I would like to welcome new members to our family at OSP. The interns, Rosie McClaughlin, Linda
Erman, Manuela Mage, and Myra Hage, are getting
ready to begin their adventures. They join the OSP
staff in bringing new and exciting programs to our
community alongside the invaluable groups that are
already offered at OSP. In addition to our Women’s
Support Group, Men’s Support Group, Ovarian Cancer
Support Group, Metastatic Support Group, Family and
Caregiver’s Group, and Healing Circle Improvisational
Group we will be offering a new Lymphoma and Leukemia Support Group. A Bereavement Group, offered
in the nurturing environment of the Cancer Support
House will provide support and a sense of continuity
in care those who have lost a loved one to cancer.
During the next few months we will offer a range
of healing arts programs including Music and Imagery,
Art Therapy for adults, children and families involving
a variety of artistic mediums, Creative Writing, and a
Photography Workshop which focuses less on the pictures we take and more on awareness and how we
see the world. Committed to your health and wellness, we will be adding Pilates classes to a schedule which already includes our Miso Happy Cooking
classes, Smartbells, Yoga, Qi-Gong, and Smoking
Cessation workshops.
There are also educational programs planned for
the months ahead. In October, which is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, we will be involved an informational Breast Cancer Panel offered by the Health Alliance.
November is the month that brings awareness to Hospice and Palliative Care and we will feature a program
entitled “Healing Conversations with your Physician
and Health Care Professionals.”
In autumn, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we have arranged for Gregg Krech, Director of
the Todo Institute to return to OSP in order to offer a
program reflecting the teachings of Naikan and Morita
Therapy. Living Fully With Illness is a wonderful opportunity for patients, caregivers, health care workers and
continued on page 7
5
THE NEW PALLIATIVE CARE INFORMATION ACT:
A KEY TO INFORMED MEDICAL DECISIONS
WHAT THE NEW LAW WILL MEAN TO YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES
Contributed by Elise Lark
Summer was a hot season for the advancement of
palliative and hospice care. Central was the passage
of the Patient Right to Palliative Care Information Act
by Gov. Paterson, despite objections from the Medical
Society of New York. The law will require the person’s
attending doctor or nurse to offer to provide information, consisting of prognosis and a range of appropriate options, and counseling for terminally-ill patients or
their representative. These options will include palliative and hospice services, aggressive pain and symptom management, and further life-sustaining treatment.
Of course, the patient also has the right to decline the
offer for information.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the passage of the bill
followed what appeared to be a media surge in August
bringing palliative and hospice care further into public attention. Notable was physician Atal Gawande’s
(2010) compelling article, Letting Go: What should
medicine do when it can’t save your life, featured on the
cover of the New Yorker. As an experienced surgeon
he has observed how many patients—even those who
have been aware of their terminal condition for some
time—meet the final stage and days of life unprepared.
Loved ones left behind are equally bewildered. With
the tendency for physicians to shine the medical spotlight on life-prolongation, other practical and human
concerns are often blotted out (Awande, 2010).
In addition, there was wide coverage of research
(including the New York Times and The Wall Street
Journal) based on a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM, 2010). The NEJM
study documented significant improvements in quality
of life, mood, and longevity (nearly 3 months) for people living with lung cancer who received early palliative
care. Further, this group experienced improvements
despite opting for less aggressive end-of-life care compared to those who received standard treatment alone.
The findings challenge conventional protocol and the
culturally-entrenched myth that palliative and hospice
care hasten lives (NEJM, 2010).
In response to the passage of the bill, New York
Times columnist Jane Brody (2010) noted, Americans
and “legislators have begun to recognize the medical,
humanitarian, and economic value of helping terminally ill patients and families navigate treatment options
as they approach the end of life.” According to the
organization who requested the bill, Compassion and
Choices of New York, how terminally ill people choose
to live their final days constitute “the most important
decision of their lives” (as quoted in Brody, 2010). To
these means and ends, communication is key.
Note:
Please join us for a special event
related to this topic. See page 21.
References
Brody, Jane (2010, August 23). Frank talk about care
at life’s end. The New York Times, pp. D1, D7.
Compassion and Choices, Palliative Care Information
Act, (Online). Retrieved from http://compassionandchoices.org/documents/Palliative%20Care%20Information%20Act%20S44 98,%20A7617%20409.
pdf.) on August 29, 2010.
Gawande, A. (2010, August 2). Letting Go: What
should medicine do when it can’t save your life.
The New Yorker, pp. 36-49.
Temel, J.S., Greer, J.A., Muzikansky,A., Gallagher,
E.R., Admane, S., Jackson, V.A., Dahlin, C., M.,
Blinderman, C.D., Jacobsen, J., Pirl, W.F., Billings,
J.A., & Lynch, T.J. (2010). Early Palliative Care
for Patients with Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung
Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 363,
733-742.
Do you wish to receive future
newsletters by e-mail instead
of regular (snail) mail? Please
contact Doris at dblaha@
benedictine.org to receive the
future issues of Celebrate Life!
by e-mail in PDF format.
6
Oncology Support
Program Donations
William Duncan
In Memory of Dorothy Cylinder
Rose Feldsher
In Memory of Beverly Burr
The Blaha Family
In Honor of Sarah Urech
Lee Ferezy
Doris Blaha
In Honor of Barbara Sarah’s
Birthday
Myrna Gail Sameth
Linda Young Ovarian Cancer
Support Program Donations
George & Margaret Mc Clure
Barbara Garfinkel
Maria DeFranco
Patricia & Doug Heller
Hilary & Bill McKenna
Vito Fontana
Fran Azouz & Jeremy Wilber
Francine Schore
Zinn Family Charitable Fund
Judith Greenfield
Martha Jones
Charles and Donna Lawrence
Drs. Amy Novatt & Ronald
Whitmont
Susan & Jeffrey Plonski
Mr. & Mrs. James Mitchell
From Our New Director – cont’d
the community at large to learn about the philosophies
that underlie our Program. As the holidays approach,
we look forward to bringing joy and light to your lives
during the early winter months with Carol singing and
our annual holiday party.
It will be a busy time at OSP with all these programs,
new and old…but once again, there is a constant amidst
all the changes. As we move through the seasons from
the heat of summer to the glow
of Autumn and finally to the chill
of winter….our door remains
open as we offer warmth and
comfort to all the members of
our community.
Warmly,
In Memory of Ora Mae Harding
John Harding
Margie Griffin
In Honor of Kathy Kumiga
Debbi Belmore
A special thank you to Linda
Edelman of Fancy Letters for her
generous donation of blank cards
for the Women’s Support Group to
make handmade cards
We Lovingly Remember
Beverly Burr
Norman Fiero
Carole Fletcher
Deborah McLees
Vincent Nicolosi
Jan Olsen-Warner
Elizabeth Provost
Deborah Putre
George Reinhart
Joyce Ryan
John Yerkins
James Zahorsky
Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they
were before. They are now wherever we are.
—St. John Chrysotom (4-5th century)
7
Samira Y. Khera, M.S., M.D.
Being holistic means caring about the whole patient. An integrated approach to healthcare is patientcentered, emphasizes wellness, and pays attention to
the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. I want to look at the whole person because breast
cancer is a diagnosis that affects the patient in a way
that often raises a mixed range of emotions. A person
can experience these different emotions along any part
of her (or his – yes, men can and do get breast cancer)
journey, from diagnosis through treatment, and during
recovery.
Support for cancer survivors is critical to optimizing quality of life and survival. Studies have shown
that women with breast cancer who attend support
groups do better than those that do not. Support can
be through family, friends, significant others, as well
as through other social networks and support groups.
The National Institute of Medicine recognizes the importance of an integrated approach to health care.
The Institute held a summit on integrative medicine
and the health of the public, where one of the many
factors discussed important for healthcare reform was
lifestyle modification programs. These programs have
been proven to not only improve a patient’s overall
health but also mitigate cardiac disease and prostate
cancer, among other chronic conditions.
As a holistic breast surgeon, I want my patients to
know that I will support and encourage them to take
control of their survivorship. I will help guide them
through their treatment by making individualized treatment recommendations which are standard of care
and/or the most appropriate for their situation. The
care of the breast cancer survivor is multidisciplinary
and requires treatment that often combines surgery,
radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. After
treatment is completed, I continue to support my patients and offer them resources that empower them to
optimize their health, which I hope in turn will optimize
their quality of life and may improve their survival rate.
My breast surgery practice has created The Integrated Medicine Network (IMN) to assist breast cancer
survivors, as well as others who are highly motivated
and particularly interested in pursuing a balanced lifestyle through proper diet, physical fitness, and stress
management. The IMN practitioners are a team of compassionate professionals who provide comprehensive
and holistic modalities to support conventional patient
care. The team includes a nutritionist; naturopathic
8
doctor; acupuncturist; massage therapist; life coach;
Buddhist-inspired mental wellness counselor; professional organizer; yoga instructor; energy healer; lymph
edema specialist; macrobiotic educator; cancer guide,
educator, and author; and a breast surgeon (myself).
Services are offered at doctors’ offices or other locations and sliding scale fees are available, determined
on an individual basis with each practitioner.
Equally important to me as an integrated holistic
physician is supporting my patients through even the
most challenging parts of their journey with breast cancer. That may be while they go through the difficult decision-making regarding whether they should consider
breast reconstruction or a prophylactic mastectomy.
It may be during a second fight with breast cancer or
when it has become metastatic. In some situations,
there is no role for surgery; however, I believe there is
always a role for support.
Recently, I was reminded of this. A dear survivor
who battled courageously for 11 years, finally decided
she had had enough. She had grown tired, weakened
by treatment, and needed to end her fight. She was
a true warrior all the way to the end. I admired her for
her courage all along the way. The only thing I could
possibly offer was my love and support to her and her
loved ones. Quality of life is as important as anything
else. As a holistic physician, I try to honor that. Being
able to live and work as a holistic, integrated breast
surgeon is both a joy and privilege. I look forward to
continuing my practice and serving this great community we live in.
Please assist us in our efforts to keep our library
full-stocked, current, and organized by returning any
overdue books as soon as possible. You may consider
returning old books before borrowing new ones, and
following the sign-out and return procedures posted.
Also, we would love to adopt any new or recently published books that were relevant to you and that you
think would be meaningful to others.
If you would like to volunteer to help stock and tidy-up the library, we could sure use your assistance!
Please contact Elise Lark at (845) 339-2071 X102 or
[email protected]. Many thanks to previous volunteers for lending a helping hand.
The Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley is sponsoring a Breast Health Awareness Day for women
40-64 years of age on October 15th 9:00-3:00 pm at
its three campuses at the Fern Feldman Anolick Breast
Center at the Benedictine Hospital Campus (3343099), the Greenspan Center for Women’s Health at
the Kingston Campus (334-4255), and the Margaretville Hospital Campus (586-2631).
Mammograms will be available (walk-ins welcome).
The American Cancer Society will be available to answer questions. If you have no insurance, you may
qualify for free mammograms through Healthy Living
Partnership, a state program. Educational materials
will be available. Enjoy refreshments and door prizes.
Adapted from an article
written by Gail Muench, R.P. (R)(M)(QM)
Lead Mammographer at the
Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center
Breast cancer afflicts many women and some men
of all races, ages and backgrounds. Breast Cancer
does not discriminate on the basis of financial means
or social status but there are risk factors that will affect
our chances of acquiring breast cancer. So just what
are these risks? How can we protect ourselves?
The American Cancer Society has recognized the
following factors as being “high risk factors”:
Aging - Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. About 1 out of 8 invasive
breast cancers are found in women younger than 45,
while about 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are
found in women age 55 or older.
Genetic risk factors - About 5% to 10% of breast
cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, resulting
directly from gene defects (called mutations) inherited
from a parent.
Family history of breast cancer - Breast cancer
risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer
approximately doubles a woman’s risk. Having 2 firstdegree relatives increases her risk about 5-fold.
Personal history of breast cancer - A woman
with cancer in one breast has a 3- to 4-fold increased
risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or
in another part of the same breast.
Certain benign breast conditions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and atypical lobular
hyperplasia (ALH). Also women with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) have a 7- to 11-fold increased risk
of developing cancer in either breast.
While it has been known for a long time that breast
cancer cannot be totally prevented, women can take
steps to help reduce their risks and reduce the effects
of advanced breast cancer. Some of the risk factors
that have been identified as lower risk factors are
within a woman’s control and should be considered
by the woman concerned with her breast cancer risk.
These include not being obese, exercising, limiting alcohol intake, limiting the use of oral contraceptives,
and having children before the age of 30.
The Center for Disease Control and the American
Cancer Society recommend the following regimen for
early detection:
Age 20 – 39
• Clinical breast exam (CBE) by health care professional every 3 years.
• Be aware of what your breasts normally look and
feel like, and report any changes or new breast
symptoms to a doctor or nurse right away.
• Breast self exam is an option
Age 40 and over: Yearly mammogram.
• Yearly clinical breast exam (CBE) by a health care
professional, near the time of the mammogram.
• Report any breast changes, including changes in
how the skin looks or feels, to a doctor or nurse
right away.
• Breast self exam is an option
Women at high risk:
• Talk with your doctor about starting mammograms
at a younger age, and using breast MRI to screen
for breast cancer along with mammograms and
CBE.
If you have breast cancer risk factors, talk with your
doctor about ways you can lower your risk and about
screening for breast cancer.
References
American Cancer Society (2010). Breast Cancer –
What are the Risk Factors. New York, New York.
Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/
BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-riskfactors on August 15, 2010.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010)
Breast Cancer – Fast Facts. Retrieved from http://
www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/fast_facts.
htm on August 15, 2010.
National Cancer Institute. (2010). Breast Cancer Risk
Assessment Tool. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ on August 15, 2010.
9
OCTOBER
2 – Lee Adrias
2 – Alice Krom
3 – Phyllis Sturm
5 – Peter Letus
5 – Carol Muise
7 – Geraldine Wilson
8 – Angelina Birney
10 – Marjorie Regan
12 – Susan Minkel
12 – Joan Baldinger
13 – Helen Wyatt
16 – Marge Beck
16 – Janet Durand
19 – Craig Mawhirt
21 – Jeannie Vorndran
22 – Teresa Decker
23 – Anna Schrader
23 – Pamela Waldo
24 – Angelo Cimorelli
24 – Tom Fallon
26 – Anne DiNardi
27 – Margaret Morrison
27 – Phyllis Whitman
29 – Maureen Jayner
29 – Wilma De Salvo
29 – Vicki Passikoff
NOVEMBER
2 – Dorothy Longwell
3 – Kathleen Hogan Carney
3 – Tante Sarah
3 – John McCole
6 – Carol Paris Steffens
6 – Linda Crow
6 – Elizabeth Hillegas
6 – Carol Nigro
9 – Suzanne Sottile
10 – Christine Benditti
14 – Doris Blaha
14 – Virginia Gray
15 – Leslie Gerber
16 – Mary Joiner
16 – Jane Riley
16 – Hazel Filupeit
17 – Jane Keller
21 – Geri David Alvarez
22 – Luella Jane Winne
24 – Renee Danboise
24 – Angeline Delgaizo
27 – Tina Cucchisi
27 – Judy Schultz
29 – Karen Mulligan
30 – Janet Finch
30 – Charlotte Scholl
DECEMBER
3 – Theresa Emmick
5 – Evangeline Angelo
5 – Grace Weber
7 – Ann Fowler
7 – Emilie Hauser
12 – Deborah Ramsden
13 – Arlene Budesa
15 – Linda Puga
16 – Purnima Schachter
16 – Beth Yanick
18 – Margaret Schrage
18 – Cheryl Rice
20 – David Malin
20 – Jeanne Marks
23 – Mary Summerlin
23 – Pamela Waldo
25 – Janet Mills
26 – Nancy Chando
26 – Ruth Madera Hahne
27 – Mary Lou Edwards
31 – Charlene Johnson
Please accept our sincere apologies if we have inadvertently omitted or incorrectly listed
your birthday in this calendar; it’s definitely a work in progress! Feel free to remind us: you can
e-mail Doris at [email protected] or call and leave a message at 339-2071 ext. 100.
And let’s remember to celebrate each other every day of the year!
This summer I had the great privilege of working
with the team at the Oncology Support House. I am
a graduate student in Mental Health Counseling and
I jumped at the chance to be part of the incredible
volunteer network of the OSP.
During my time there I was on 4SMC for patient
and family visits and spent time with the Women’s
Support group. I knew going in that this would be a
positive experience for me but I never expected just
how rich and amazing it turned out to be.
My thanks to everyone for letting me share this
journey with you.
Please include the following
people in your prayers
Prayer List
ARLENE BUDESA
PHYLLIS HAGOPIAN
ROBERT HILDENBRAND
FRANK LAZZARO
WILMA LUCAS
YOLANDA MATHIS
UJJALA SCHWARTZ
10
“Keep it simple, make it beautiful, eat well” is the
theme for the fall series of classes. By keep it simple,
we mean limit processed foods, eat a primarily plant
based diet, use whole grains, seasonal, and locally
produced fresh fruit and vegetables, that provide long
term energy, that sustain, nourish, and over time, create a strong healthy body and mind. Make it beautiful,
think of your meal as a work of art. Create appealing
combinations by choosing colors, textures, and tastes
that reflect the season and the energy you want to
impart. Cook with attention and happiness and your
food will convey those feelings. You may be saying, “I
don’t have time to do this in my life.” It is easier than it
sounds. Come to a Miso Happy session this fall. Each
month’s class will add to a skill set of simple ways to
create appeal without much effort. By implementing a
plant based diet you will be eating well.
The fall series begins on October 26. In this class,
we will learn to roll vegan sushi and make rice balls. In
November (on the 23rd), we will enjoy a harvest celebration class, featuring local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) fall varieties of vegetables. We will
learn Nishime style preparation, plus festive holiday
vegetable recipes. December’s class, date and topic
is to be announced. Whatever the program, we always
have fun, take home recipes to incorporate into our
family meals, and enjoy sampling the prepared dishes.
Gather with us for good company, fun, learning, and
great food to share as we adapt a more sustainable,
plant based diet. The club continues to welcome new
participants. We look forward to meeting anyone who
might be interested in learning about food from a macrobiotic view.
Miso Happy formed in 2005 for the purpose of supporting healing and recovery through healthy eating
practice. The principles of macrobiotics, which embrace
whole foods, locally grown, preferably organic, are utilized in this program. Join us at the Oncology Support
Program’s home, the Herbert H. & Sophia P. Reuner
Cancer Support House, 80 Mary’s Avenue, across
the street from the Administrative Services Building at
Benedictine Hospital. The group meets on the fourth
Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am – 1pm. To register or for more information please call (845) 339 2071
ext. 100 or email [email protected].
Shitake mushrooms are available fresh or dried
and are a food that provides many benefits. The dried
shitake can be stored easily and rehydrated by soaking in water before use. Shitakes are easily added to
any cuisine. In a macrobiotic diet, the dried variety
is emphasized for its nutritional and medicinal value.
Dried shitakes make excellent, tasty broths, are great
in soups, sauces, and can be added to vegetable and
bean dishes or to any recipe calling for mushrooms.
They are also utilized in medicinal preparations.
The shitake has healing properties, may be helpful
for lowering cancer risk, with antitumor, antibacterial,
antifungal and antiviral properties. In addition to improving the body’s immune function, and lowering serum cholesterol, shitake mushrooms are used in some
skin creams and may help to firm and brighten the skin.
Shitakes have B vitamins and contain proteins, lipids,
and carbohydrates, and other minerals.
1-2 dried shitake mushrooms
1 cup water
Pinch of sea salt or soy sauce
Place dried shitake mushrooms in a small pot with
water. Bring to a boil. Remove the mushrooms from the
pot and return them to the pot after removing the stem
and cutting the remaining cap into pieces. (Or soak the
mushrooms, remove the stem and place the remaining mushroom and soaking water in a pot.) Simmer for
10- 20 minutes. Add a pinch of salt or soy sauce and
simmer for 1-2 minutes more. Drink tea while hot. The
mushroom bits may be eaten, if desired. Drink half the
tea when prepared and the other ½ cup later in the day.
This tea can be enjoyed occasionally for its cleansing
and medicinal properties.
Information gathered from:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/43150828/TREATMENT-OFCANCER-BY-MEDICINAL-MUSHROOMS
http://www.shiitakemushroomlog.com/facts&nutrition.html
http://righteatinghabits.com/2009/04/15/shitake-mushroomtea-internal-cleansing-tea-to-dissolve-fats/
11
Foods that are over-processed, devoid of nutrients
and full of chemicals and sugars are to blame for many
of our health problems today, including some cancers. It is believed that approximately 70,000 of breast
cancer cases each year could be prevented through
healthier lifestyle habits, and improving our diets is one
change that we can work on together. Following are
a few nutrition tips for you to “chew on” when feeding
yourself or your loved ones.
Processed sugar and refined flour may titillate your
taste buds but the abundance in our diets is a major health concern. From cookies and cakes to soda
and breakfast cereals the typical American consumes
more than 160 pounds of sugar per year, and roughly
200 pounds of white flour. The consumption of High
Fructose Corn Syrup, one of the most recent forms of
processed sugar, has reached epidemic proportions.
HFCS has been implicated as a contributor to the high
rate of obesity because it may interfere with our bodies’
sense of satiety (fullness). Since HFCS is so inexpensive for food companies to produce, it is omnipresent,
particularly in drinks. In one thirsty gulp, children and
adults are now consuming as many as 16 teaspoons
of sugar in a 20 oz. bottle of soda, soft drink or sports
drink.
As an alternative to refined carbohydrates and sugars, enjoy complex carbohydrates from whole grains
and more natural sweeteners, used in moderation. If
you’ve tried brown rice, oatmeal and whole wheat pasta, how about trying millet or quinoa. Sweeten your cereal with a little maple syrup, brown rice syrup or honey.
If you need help incorporating these healthier alternatives in your diet, join our fun and informative Miso
Happy Cooking Class for some practical guidance.
An abundance of fruits and vegetables provide
plenty of anti-oxidants which protect the cells from
cancer causing free radical damage. Dark green leafy
vegetables (kale, collards, swiss chard, spinach) and
orange vegetables (carrots, squashes) provide plenty
of beta carotene, berries are abundant in lycopene,
while citrus fruit, cabbage, and broccoli are a few of
the many fruits and vegetables abundant in protective
vitamin C. Organic is always best since the organic
label is the only way to ensure that your food has not
been contaminated with cancer causing pesticides or
dangerous additives.
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute are
discovering that cancer cells are supported and encouraged by specific proteins present in the inflammatory response. Specific anti-inflammatory foods
can come to our rescue. Anti-inflammatory fats can be
12
found in nuts, seeds and avocados. A recent study has
demonstrated that flaxseeds (when fed to chickens)
decreases the metastasis of ovarian cancer cell. Several studies have already shown that flaxseed inhibits
the formation of colon, breast, skin and lung tumors.
Flaxseeds are rich in alpha linolenic acid, a fatty acid
that is a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Cold water fish such as salmon, (wild Alaskan is best)
mackerel and sardines along with omega 3 enriched
eggs are good sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3
fatty acids.
As far as oils go, olive oil is your safest bet since
it is monounsaturated and less susceptible to oxidation
(which promotes free radicals). Butter, when used in
moderation, is certainly preferable to margarine which
is a partially hydrogenated “trans” fat and damaging to
cell membranes. Keep in mind that a food product can
advertise “no trans fats” but still contain partially hydrogenated fat as long as there is less than .5 mg. partially
hydrogenated fat per serving…. so do you homework
and read labels! If you eat animal products, do so in
moderation and make sure that the animals are raised
without growth hormones – no one in the family needs
added estrogenic compounds in his/her diet.
There are other food items that have been found to
have powerful healing properties. Ginger extracts have
both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects on cells. In a recent study, it was shown that
exposure to ginger extract caused cell death in ovarian
cancer cells. Ginger is so concentrated with active substances; you don’t have to use very much to receive
its beneficial effects. For nausea, ginger tea made by
steeping one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger in a
cup of hot water. Other items that have been found to
have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects are turmeric,
cinnamon, basil, garlic and rosemary. So spice up your
life with delicious healthy food!
There is plenty of controversy surrounding nutrition and what we eat is often an emotionally charged
topic. I am certainly available to help you sift through
the varied information about nutrition. If you have any
questions, please don’t hesitate to call me and if there
is something I don’t know I’ll look it up! Together, we
can move toward health and wellness.
Ellen is available to receive your comments and
questions about Nutrition. Call 339-2071 ext. 103.
The Kids Connection Program offers individual
and family counseling, special events, and a lending library with videos, activity books, and literature
for children and teenagers of all ages who have a
family member or friend with cancer. We are available year-round for ongoing consultations and
counseling.
The Teen Connection offers support to young
people ages 13 to 18 who have a family member
or friend with a cancer diagnosis. Services include
counseling, literature, and support groups scheduled
upon demand. We’re proud to offer the first issue
of Teen Newsletter Fountain of Youth, a newsletter
for and by teenagers affected by a family member’s
cancer diagnosis, created right here in our Teen
Connection Program under the guidance of Valerie
Linet. Please let us know if you wish to receive a
copy, or know someone who would like one.
Kids Connection new Director, Ellen Marshall,
and entertainer Rainbow the Magical Clown are
available to make Kids Connection house calls.
For the past 20 years, Rainbow has been dazzling
children with magic tricks and delighting them with
balloon animals, face painting and puppets—she’s
available in her clown outfit or dressed as a magician! Ellen provides counseling and education using art and action methods to help children express
their feelings and integrate their experiences.
For more info about the Kids and Teen Connection and to register for any event, please contact
Ellen Marshall at 845-339-2071 ext. 103 or [email protected].
For more info about the Kids and Teen Connection and to register for any event,
please contact Ellen Marshall at 339-2071 x103 or [email protected].
After an intense period of negotiations among New
York State legislators, New York State Governor Paterson signed the Bisphenol - A Free Children and
Babies Act, making New York the first state to pass
comprehensive BPA legislation.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the most pervasive
chemicals we are exposed to in modern life. Mounting
scientific evidence has demonstrated that brief exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds and agents
such as BPA during the development of the mammary
gland (around the time of birth, and in puberty) lead to
changes and abnormalities that can influence breast
cancer risk in adulthood. This legislation will ban the
use of BPA in pacifiers, unfilled baby bottles, baby bottle liners and cups, cup lids, straws and sippy cups to
be used by children under age three.
“This landmark legislation is a significant step forward in protecting the health of children and all New
Yorkers,” said Philip Landrigan, MD, Director of the
Children’s Environmental Health Center, Mount Sinai
School of Medicine.
Thank you Governor Paterson.
13
Linda Young Ovarian Cancer Page
Fulfilling Our Mission,
One Woman at a Time
The Linda Young Ovarian Cancer Support Program, part of the
Oncology Support Program at
Benedictine Hospital, was founded
in 2000 in memory of Registered
Nurse and Lamaze Instructor Linda Young, a long-time employee
of both Benedictine and Kingston
Hospitals. The Program is guided
by a dedicated group of volunteers
on the Linda Young Advisory Committee, made up of the family and
friends of Linda Young and other
support group members, as well as
ovarian cancer survivors and advocates. In May 2010, the Ovarian
Cancer Support Group celebrates
its 10th Anniversary. It offers a
deeply meaningful community for
women in the Mid-Hudson Valley
region affected by ovarian cancer.
Several long-term survivors continue to attend the group after nearly a
decade, offering hope and support
to women diagnosed with ovarian
cancer, ages 38 to 80. The Program
also provides a comprehensive
Ovarian Cancer Resource Guide,
financial assistance to gynecologic
cancer patients, and ovarian cancer
education to medical professionals
and the general public.
For more information about the
Linda Young Program’s services
and volunteer opportunities, or to
request a presentation on ovarian
cancer awareness at your organization, church, or social group,
please contact Director Ellen Marshall at 845 339-2071 ext. 103 or
[email protected].
14
Annual Dinner Dance
The 10th Annual Dinner Dance
with Silent and Live Auction to benefit the Linda Young Ovarian Cancer Support Program took place
on Sept. 25, 2010 at the Wiltwyck
Country Club. We look forward to
reporting on this wonderful event in
our next newsletter!
Free Ovarian Cancer
Resource Guide
The Linda Young Advisory
Com¬mittee is pleased to offer a
free 60-page document with comprehensive information about ovarian cancer, including information
about diagnosis, treatment options,
support, comple¬mentary modalities, local and na¬tional resources,
and more.
For more information go the
OCNA website www.ovariancancer.
org or call the Linda Young Ovarian
Cancer Support Program at 3392071 ext. 103.
Report on the
Annual Ovarian
Cancer National
Alliance Conference
Linda Young Program Coordinator, Ellen Marshall, attended
the 13th annual conference of the
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance in
Washington DC in July. She writes:
The 13th annual “Power is Teal”
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
conference featured a record number of participants and leading authorities in ovarian cancer research.
It was truly inspiring to witness the
dedication, hope and courage of
survivors, health care practitioners,
advocates and presenters, adorned
in teal, the color representing ovarian cancer awareness. OCNA did a
superb job organizing and hosting
this momentous gathering.
Conference highlights included
a keynote presentation by Barbara
Goff of the University of Washington, School of Medicine on screening and early diagnosis of Ovarian
Cancer. Dr. Goff reported that only
10% of ovarian cancer is associated with genetic mutations and that
the peak age incidence of ovarian
cancer is 60 years of age.
According to Dr. Goff, only 2030% of Ovarian Cancer is detected
at an early stage and when so detected, there is a survival rate of
70-90%. Unfortunately however,
70-80% of ovarian cancer is detected at advanced stages of the
disease resulting in a 20-30% survival rate. This speaks to the critical importance of early detection of
Ovarian Cancer.
Dr. Goff’s survey of 1,750 women with ovarian cancer concluded
that 95% of the women surveyed
had symptom prior to diagnosis,
with abdominal/GI symptoms being the most common. As many as
89% of women with early stage I/
II disease reported symptoms prior
to diagnosis. In conclusion, symptoms of the disease are too often
overlooked and Ovarian Cancer is
too often diagnosed in later stages.
In his presentation, Robert
Coleman, MD of the MD Anderson
Cancer Center reported that the origin of the ovarian cancer tumor may
actually be the fallopian tubes and
not the ovary. Dr. Coleman reports
that 70-75% of women are diagnosed in Stage III and IV, most recur
10-26 months after the first diagnocontinued on page 15
sis and treatment, and the 5-year
survival rate is 44%. Although we
are not curing more ovarian cancer,
according to Dr. Coleman, women
are living longer with the disease.
Dr. Coleman reported on research regarding tracking Ca125
levels using the “risk of ovarian cancer algorhythm” or “ROCA.”
When the Ovarian Cancer Screening algorhythm (ROCA) was used,
there were fewer women who were
referred for surgery unnecessarily, and a higher percentage of the
women referred for surgery were diagnosed at an earlier stage of their
disease.
Robert Coleman spoke about
future strategies for population
screening but reminded us that at
this point, strategies are still limited.
As a result women, must be their
own advocates and “fight for their
diagnosis” by knowing their bodies,
recognizing symptoms and insisting
that their health care providers pay
attention to their concerns.
Michael Seiden, MD, PhD,
President and CEO of Fox Chase
Cancer, summarized the historical
events related to ovarian cancer
research. In 1994, the BRCA gene
was identified, in 1995; the BRCA
2 gene was identified. In 2005 Bevacizumab was shown to slow the
growth of tumors in ovarian cancer
by blocking blood vessels which
feed the tumors and in 2006, Parp
Inhibitors were identified.
George Coukas, MD, PhD.
of the University of Pennsylvania
Health System was given the Rosalind Franklin Excellence in Ovarian
Cancer Research Award. He spoke
of his promising research in immunotherapy and of the critical importance of clinical trials for the future
of ovarian cancer research. He emphasized of the safety standards
and varied nature of clinical trials.
For more information: http://
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials
Sheila Thorn, President and
CEO of the “Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Groups” gave a talk
on disparities in health care as they
relate to ovarian cancer. African
American women, who have much
lower ovarian cancer incidence
rates than Caucasian women, are
less likely than their Caucasian
counterparts to survive five or more
years with the disease, regardless
of the stage at diagnosis.
African American women are
more commonly diagnosed with
wide-spread disease and therefore
advanced stage ovarian masses
than Caucasian women.
These differences speak to the
importance of education of minority
populations regarding the symptoms of ovarian treatment and the
importance of equalizing health
care access.
Sandra Park, Staff Attorney of
the ACLU Women’s rights Project
gave a talk on Genetics and the
patenting of the BRCA1/2 human
genes. Since the early 1990’s, the
U.S. Patent Office has granted
patents on human genes, the result of which is a severe limitation
on research and clinical practice.
There had been a Lawsuit challenging BRCA1/2 patents and in a
remarkable victory for patients and
researchers, on March 30, 2010,
Judge Robert Sweet ruled that
these patents are invalid because
they “cover products of nature and
abstract ideas.”
Efforts are being made to overturn this decision by the plaintiffs
(Myriad Genetics and U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office) and advocacy is needed to ensure that Judge
Sweet’s decision is upheld.
Visit www.aclu.org/brca for
more information
There were many more exciting
workshops including that of Annette
Leal Mattern, survivor of Ovarian
Cancer and author of “Outside the
Lines of Love, Life and Cancer”
She led a workshop on Long term
Survivorship focusing on the importance of diet, its role chronic inflammation and links to cancer. http://
www.womentowomen.com/inflammation/whatischronicinflammation.
aspx
Ann Fonfa, president of The
Annie Appleseed Project reported
on nutritional research and natural
therapies often overlooked by traditional cancer treatment. www.annieappleseedproject.org
There were moving and inspiring moments throughout the conference. The Leadership award was
presented to Patiricia Modrow PhD,
Program Manager for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer
Research Program, for her untiring and much appreciated commitment to Ovarian Cancer Research.
Susan Lowell Butler received the
Cindy Melancon Spirit of Survivorship Award and was applauded as
a fifteen year survivor of breast and
ovarian cancer. As she received the
award, she told the audience that
she had just been diagnosed with
a recurrence and that this time, instead of being frightened, she is angry that there is still no cure for this
disease.
The touching remembrance
ceremony, which took place in the
beautiful garden of the Omni Shoreham Hotel, brought tears to many
eyes as women read their inspiring
poetry. Two renowned physicians,
internist Danielle Ofri MD and neuroscientist Michael Saleman MD
explored the tie between art and
medicine in their presentation, “The
Power of Words.” In the words of
Dr. Saleman, “beauty may be the
antidote to this bear.” Jenny Allen in
her performance “I Got Sick Then
I Got Better” was somehow able to
bring humor to her own challenging
experience with Ovarian Cancer.
I was so grateful to have had
the opportunity to attend the conference, network, and meet the
dedicated members of the Ovarian
continued on page 16
15
Linda Young Ovarian Cancer Page – cont’d.
Cancer community. I left Washington, inspired, aware of the work yet
to be done with regard to research,
advocacy, and education, and committed to the community of women
served by the Linda Young Ovarian
Cancer Program.
Gynecologic Cancer
Support Group
No groups are currently scheduled; however, meetings will be offered upon request. If you have any
type of gynecologic cancer, including endometrial/ uterine, cervical,
vaginal and vulvar cancers, please
contact Ellen Marshall at 339-2071
ext. 103 for support and information.
Ovarian Cancer
Support Group
This group offers monthly
meetings, generally scheduled on
the last Wednesday of the month.
Upcom¬ing groups will take place
on October 27, November 24, and
December 22 from 7-8:30pm in the
Reuner Cancer Support House,
80 Mary’s Avenue, across from
Benedictine Hospital. The group
provides an opportunity to meet
with other women diagnosed with
ovarian cancer and express concerns, exchange information, and
share feelings. A range of topics
addressed include surgery and recovery, how to deal with chemo
treatments, nutrition, and emotional
issues that arise due to the diagno-
There are 5 elements in Classical Chinese Medicine. Each element has corresponding seasons, emotions, smells, tastes, sounds, colors, times of day,
organs, strengths and weaknesses. The column for
this newsletter will focus upon the metal/air element.
The Importance Of Metal
In Classical 5 Element Acupuncture
Welcome to fall 2010! Fall is the season that goes
with the metal element.
One of the wonderful manifestations to look forward to in autumn is the glorious fall foliage. If you have
some time, take a drive, bike or walk in an area where
the autumn leaves literally take your breath away.
Those gorgeous leaves are the best medicine for this
season. Savor those rich colors as they paint a picture
against the blue sky. Pay attention to the dryness of the
air. What a relief – the lack of humidity! Breathe in the
nice crisp fall air. Take some deep breaths. Focus on
the preciousness of life.
If the element of Metal or Air is out of balance,
then the fall can sometimes be challenging. The two
pathways and organs that go with this element are the
lungs and the large intestine (colon).Some issues that
16
sis. Members have called this support group “an oasis for women with
ovarian cancer,” and “a lifeboat in
a sometimes turbulent and stormy
sea.” Please call Ellen Marshall at
339-2071 ext. 103 or email [email protected] for more
information.
Linda’s Healing Garden
The beautiful healing garden
behind the Cancer Support House
is alive with the flutter of butterflies. You are all welcome to enjoy
this peaceful sanctuary. Our autumn bulb planting workshop will
add splashes of color and bring
hope and rejuvenation to our spring
season.
might come up to the surface could be: allergies, asthma, colon and/or skin problems, loneliness, emptiness,
loss, grief, feeling negative and complaining a lot, living in the past, and feeling unappreciated/disrespected. Remember you can be your worst enemy, so watch
your own negative “self-talk.” Fall may intensify these
issues or improve them. Some ways to deal with these
manifestations of the metal element are: spicy foods,
meditation, prayer, and deep breathing exercises. You
also need to find more meaning in life, learn to respect
yourself and let go of the past.
Enjoy the fabulous fall colors. You may have to
rake a few leaves…but it’s worth it!
Amber Rose, PhD., MSW, LMSW, LAc.
Dr. Amber Rose is a Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist, as well as a well-seasoned Social
Worker. She has a private practice in Woodstock and
Kingston, NY. Dr. Rose also works and volunteers her
time at the Oncology Support Program. She can be
reached at 845-679-7802 or at: forever_amber_rose@
yahoo.com.
When the heart grieves
over what it has lost,
the spirit rejoices
over what it has found
– Sufi proverb
When someone you love dies, your life may feel out
of control and you don’t know how to regain your balance. You can’t sleep, are irritable, feel sad, lonely and
tired all the time. You may also be confused, preoccupied, overreact to everyday stresses and begin to ask
yourself questions like: Am I going crazy? What is the
matter with me? Sometimes talking with someone just
once about what is happening to you can be helpful in
normalizing the situation.
The Oncology Support Program, in partnership with
Jewish Family Services, is offering a counselor on call
during normal working hours, for anyone overwhelmed
by a recent loss of a loved one. Just call the OSP office at 339-2071 to set up an appointment with Toby
Krawitz. Toby is a licensed clinical social worker trained
to work with bereavement.
Please join us for a four-week program to share
grief-related stories, poems, reflective exercises, and
ideas for coping with the holiday season on Wednesdays November 3 and 17, and December 1 and 15
from 7:00 to 8:30pm. The program will take place
in the comforting environment of the Cancer Support
House at 80 Mary’s Avenue. Elise Lark, Oncology Support Program (OSP) social worker, will be co-facilitating
the group along with one of our new interns.
The group is designed to serve as a continuum
of services especially for members of the OSP Caregiver’s/Family Group, as well as other members of the
community new to OSP that are dealing with a relatively
recent loss related to cancer. Together, we will create a
safe haven and healing community from which to draw
from the well of our own hearts and understanding.
Please note: There is a suggested donation of 5
to10 dollars per session; however, no one will be turned
away due to financial hardship. Your donation will be
used for the OSP Chesed Fund (‘Chesed’ means
loving-kindness in Hebrew), which provides small
amounts of financial assistance to cancer patients, especially those who may not qualify for other funds or
are in need of extra assistance.
Further, in addition to registration, a pre-group informal interview is required (preferably in-person if you
are new to OSP). The group will be limited to 8 participants; please register early! Participation at all four
sessions is strongly recommended.
Please contact Elise Lark for further information,
registration, and to arrange your interview at (845) 3392071 ext. 102 or at [email protected].
For a number of years in the past, we had offered
a Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group for our patients. Based on current need we would like to reintroduce this opportunity. This group will provide a place
to connect with others who are experiencing Leukemia
or Lymphoma. Participants will have the opportunity
to express and share their feelings and concerns and
to exchange ideas and information. Some of the topics
that will be addressed include dealing with chemo and
radiation treatments, surgery and recover, nutrition and
other complementary therapies, as well as any emotional issues that may arise with the diagnosis.
The group will meet monthly at the Cancer Support
House on the second Thursday of each month, October 14, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9 from 2:30-4 pm.
For more information or questions call please call
Manuela Mage at 339-2071.
This monthly support group for men who have been
diagnosed with cancer meets at the Cancer Support
House, 80 Mary’s Avenue, across from Benedictine
Hospital. Upcoming meetings are on the second Monday of the month and will be: October 11, November
8, and December 13 from 5:30–7pm. Our long-time
volunteer, Al Konigsberg, facilitates this group. It is a
small, friendly group and newcomers are very welcome. Please call the Oncology Support Program to
register or for more information at 339-2071, ext. 100.
17
NNN News
If you are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and
could use some one-on-one support from someone who’s been through it, you may like to have a
Nurturing Neighbor. Nurturing Neighbors are cancer survivors specially trained through the Oncology Support Program to be volunteers. The nurturer
will discuss with you how they might be helpful:
they may make a weekly phone call to find out how
you’re doing and just listen; they might be avail-
able to take you to the doctor, or accompany you
to a support group or other program. Nurturers can
also help you find out how to access cancer-related information and other resources. Both neighbor
and nurturer benefit from the Network. Neighbors
report their appreciation for the extra support and
personable care provided by our volunteer nurturers; in return our nurturers tell us of the riches and
rewards they experience through “giving back” to
others.
If you are interested in having a supportive Neighbor or in further information and registration for the
Volunteer training, please contact Elise Lark at 339-2071 ext. 102 or by email at [email protected].
Please join us on Friday, December 3, 6-8:30pm,
for our Annual Holiday Potluck Celebration in the Benedictine Auditorium. Be sure to bring your family and
friends. We will start with a festive potluck dinner—
please bring a healthy potluck dish to share. Come and
chat with good friends, meet new folks, make your own
balloon hat with help from Rainbow the Magical Clown,
be delighted by Benedictine’s adorable therapy dogs,
Tiffany and Toby, and shop for special holiday gifts.
Afterward, listen and join voices with our two local
musician/vocal-artists, David Levy and Jeanne Nametz.
Combining voice, music, and poetry they will weave a
tapestry of healing sound conducive to the spirit of the
season, inviting audience participation.
David, a potter and teacher, describes himself as
an intuitive musician who plays improvisational flutes,
kazoo, and voice. He is interested in the quality of
sound/music that can arise each moment in our lives,
and in using music as a means to connect to our listening ears and hearts. Jeanne is a singer/songwriter and
founder of Angel Care, a local service that enables the
elderly to remain in their homes. Her music has been
18
described as a ‘landscape of the soul’, infusing Celtic
melodies and poetry.
We look forward to celebrating the holiday season
together. Please register by Nov. 29 at 339-2071 ext.
100 or email [email protected].
The Oncology Support Staff sends you warm greetings for the Holiday Season.
Please join us at Benedictine Hospital for our annual caroling on Wednesday, December 15, at 5:30pm,
to sing Christmas Carols and other holiday songs to
patients and family members. It is always a heartfelt
experience as we make the rounds on different units
and become an instant angel choir singing “Angels We
Have Heard on High” in the stairwell! All ages welcome,
no experience required. Sheet music provided. Please
meet in the day room/lounge on 4SMC, the Benedictine Oncology Unit. To register, please call 339-2071
ext. 100. or email [email protected]
One of the many wise women in our support group,
Jeanne, recently said, “The group is a way to bring my
altered self back to the world”. Other women in the
group have similarly expressed the importance of the
group as a re-entry point into a deeper relationship to
oneself, others, and to life.
The Women’s Cancer Support Group meets every
Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Cancer
Support House. As always, women of any age, at any
stage, and with any kind of cancer are welcome to join
us. Some women come intermittently between medical appointments, work schedules, and other commitments, while others are weekly regulars.
For further information, please contact Elise Lark at
(845) 339-2071 x 102 or [email protected].
Many of the women in the Women’s Group stay
in touch, provide emotional support, and plan social
events by way of the new MIDHUDSONWOMEN YAHOO SUPPORT NETWORK. Started and co-hosted
by one of our group members, the email group is open
to all women with a history of cancer, whether or not
they attend the Women’s Support Group, are a member of the Oncology Support Program, or reside in the
Mid-Hudson Valley region.
The Midhudson Women email network is a FREE,
easy-to-use service. We will post local events of interest and provide a forum for women dealing with cancer
to get support and feedback from their peers. Through
the network, you can send and receive group messages, coordinate events, share photos and files, and
more. We hope you will consider joining us. To join or
send a message to the members of this group, send an
email to: [email protected].
For further information, please contact Lauren at
[email protected]
The Metastatic Support Group at the Cancer Support House welcomes people who have been diagnosed with any type of metastatic disease (stage IV)
to come together and share. The group is open to men
and women, and provides a wonderful opportunity to
meet new people, exchange information and support
each other with issues that are unique to living with this
disease.
The group meets on the first and third Wednesday
of the month. Fall meeting dates are: October 6 &
20, November 3 & 17, and December 1 & 15 from
2:00 – 3:30 pm. For further information or to join the
group, please call 339-2071 ext. 100.
e Caregiver & Family Member Support Group
will meet once a month on the third Monday: October
18, November 15, and December 20 from 7-8:30pm
at the Reuner Cancer Support House. The group is for
caregivers, adult family members and friends of those
currently living with cancer. Regular members include
men and women whose spouses, parents, children
and friends are living with cancer. For more information
or to register please call 339-2071 ext. 100.
A panel of breast health care experts will provide
information about breast health and the services offered through the Health Alliance. Presentors include:
• Dr. Zoe Weinstein – Breast Surgeon
• Dr. Samira Khera – Breast Surgeon
• Judy Lukaszki and Mary Martin – Breast Patient
Navigators
• Ellen Marshall – Director of the Oncology Support
Program
• American Cancer Society – Healthy Living Partnership.
Join us for an informative evening on October 21
from 5:30-7:00 pm at the ASB, Auditorium.
The 7th annual Bike for Cancer Care to benefit
The Rosemary D. Gruner memorial Cancer Fund took
place on Sept. 26th, 2010. We look forward to reporting on this important event which raises money to help
so many men, women and their families who are affected by cancer.
19
In 1997 the Healing Arbor was born, created
through the Healing Circle Visual Arts Program of
Benedictine Hospital for the Kingston Sculpture Biennial of that year. The art program began as a community service project to join middle school students
with those touched by cancer and their loved ones. Six
months later, facilitator/educator Susan Togut, experienced in the field of public art, led the oncology group
in proposing an outdoor healing environment for the
Sculpture Exhibition. Though the participants were not
familiar with this kind of work all became enthusiastic
when we collaboratively chose a site on the Kingston
waterfront, developed the Healing Arbor concept, and
congealed as a group creating two sided healing mandalas out of car hubcaps. All the steps in construction
and installation were worked out in short order with
generous community members donating materials and
services as requested. We had virtually no budget for
this project, but worked on a wing and a prayer knowing the funds would come. The Healing Arbor evolved
through its beautiful spirit both in its process of creation
and its existence on the waterfront for the past thirteen
years. Originally it was meant to stay for six months
as a temporary installation. Since it became a highly
trafficked, much loved contemplative place in the City
of Kingston, Mayor Gallo decided it could be permanent. In 1998 it was moved by the city a short distance
within the park (now called Gallo Park). In 2001 it was
renewed with new simulated stained glass windows replacing the hubcap mandalas, a new steel dome (donated), benches and plantings. Other improvements
have been planned over time including better lighting,
plantings, a paved floor and pathways. In the past few
months the Arbor went through another major transition as it was moved by the city to a site on the Benedictine Hospital campus near the former emergency
room. Now we are planning art workshops to create
another set of simulated stained glass windows and
perhaps, other components for the Arbor. Clearly this
is a living, breathing place that grows and changes as
the years pass.
Currently the Oncology Support Program is joining
forces with the Fine Arts Program of Northeast Center
for Special Care which serves people challenged by
traumatic brain injuries and related conditions. Northeast Center has a large, beautiful, naturally lit art studio, directed by the same facilitator (Susan Togut) who
started the Benedictine art program and the Arbor. This
studio currently offers stained glass painting and many
other forms of visual art making. It is a place filled with
dynamic, diverse art that inspires all who enter. Start20
ing in late October 2010, four workshops will be offered
on Saturday afternoons for the creation of new Arbor,
stained lexan (non-breakable) windows. Workshops
will run from 2-4:30 pm on October 23 and 30, November 13 and 20.
Stained glass painting is a delicate and beautiful
process in which the most important factor is to let the
light through. These components for the Arbor will be
illuminated windows, activated by changing sunlight
daily and seasonally. Steps involved during the workshops will be developing a concept and design for a
window, transferring the design with leading to the
transparent lexan, and painting the image (and text, if
desired) with transparent paints, etc. All materials are
non toxic and lovely to experience. Lessons will include
developing strong concepts, composition, shading,
etc. to truly make your window come alive. These contributions will offer diverse expressions of wellness and
healing. They may honor specific individuals, including
yourselves. During the first workshop series, we will
mostly focus on designing the windows, but there are
possibilities for subsequent series in the future. The
Northeast Center, Art Studio is located in Lake Katrine,
minutes from Adams off 9W.
To sign up for the workshop, please contact 3392071 ext. 100 or email [email protected].
Space is limited. There are possibilities for a subsequent series in the future. As the year moves towards
its culmination, we will prepare for a spring awakening and a renewed, ever more beautiful and poignant,
Healing Arbor to be enjoyed by all for contemplation
and inspiration.
Come join us for a monthly post-treatment cancer
support group on the third Tuesday of each month,
2–3pm, for all individuals who have completed any
type of treatment for any kind of cancer. The group is
facilitated by a volunteer cancer survivor.
Upcoming dates are October 19, November 16,
and December 21. Family members and caregivers
are welcome to attend. The group meets at Ulster Radiation Oncology Center next to Benedictine Hospital at 111 Mary’s Avenue, Kingston, NY (the building
marked “Cancer Center”).
For our current schedule or if you have questions,
please contact Pat Ernenwein in Case Management at
Ulster Radiation Oncology Center at (845) 339-7700.
Do you ever feel like your physician’s appointment
is rushed? Do you realize, after you have left her/his
office, that you still do not fully understand, or are unsatisfied with, what you were just told and have more
questions? We often rely on our physicians to know
everything about our medical condition and believe
that they will share everything with us. The fact of the
matter is there may be some information that is not
shared or discussed, especially surrounding palliative
care, end-of-life care, and hospice care options. It is
up to us as patients, family members or significant others to empower ourselves and take control of the conversation in order to get the answers we need to make
important decisions.
Please join us for this free community educational
event in tribute to National Hospice & Palliative Care
Month and the new Patient Right to Palliative Care
Information Act. In this discussion, Kristin Swanson,
Hospice, Inc. nurse and community educator, will provide you with suggestions on what questions to ask
your doctor, how to become more informed about your
health care, and how to make the most out of your
medical appointment.
For registration, please please contact Doris Blaha
at (845) 339-2071 ext. 100 or at dblaha@benedictine.
org by November 5.
We’ve all been through experiences that are hard
to talk about, even with a loved one or a therapist.
Making a painting, collage, or 3-D art piece can help
us organize confusing or uncomfortable thoughts and
feelings without having to speak about them directly.
The established mental health profession of Creative
Arts Therapy employs the creative process to help
people express seemingly inexpressible inner experiences, resolve conflicts, develop interpersonal skills,
reduce stress, manage behavior and addictions, increase self-esteem, and achieve insight. You don’t
need to be an artist to enjoy art therapy. Your work will
not be judged or “psychoanalyzed” in any way, and all
art therapy sessions are strictly confidential.
From September until early next May, Linda Erman, a second-year graduate intern working towards
her Master’s in Art Therapy and Creativity Development at Pratt Institute, will offer free (and fun!) “Kitchen Table Art Therapy sessions at the Reuner Cancer
Support House. (For more details, see the art therapy
“menu” in this newsletter.) Space is limited, so hurry!
To schedule a Monday or Thursday session for
you, your family, or a family member, or to reserve
your space in an art therapy group, please email Linda
at [email protected] or call (845) 339-2071 ext.
104.
 Creative Fiber Tuesdays Relax by creating with cozy natural fibers! Create simple but meaningful two and three dimensional art pieces, including
healing amulets, needle-felted dream pillows, “comfort dolls,” and more. No previous sewing experience
needed!
October 5 & 12, 19 & 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23
& 30, and December 7, 14 & 21
3:30-5 pm
 Visual Memoir Wednesdays Words can
only go so far. Tell your story, or just part of it, in a
whole new way, using handmade papers, photo images, fiber collage, and more!
October 13 & 27, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8 & 22
2-3:30 pm
 Individual Art Therapy Sessions Tuesdays & Wednesdays, by appt. Treat your “creative
self” to some deeply restorative, one-on-one attention.
 Family Art Therapy Sessions Tuesdays
& Wednesdays, by appointment. Bring the whole
family—or just part of it—to the “art table,” and work
things out, creatively, as a group.
To register, please contact lerman@benedictine.
org or call 339-2071, ext. 104. All sessions are free,
but hurry; space is limited!
21
Linda will be offering individual and group art therapy sessions for adults, children, teens and families on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Reuner Cancer
Support House.
Art therapy is a powerful, whole body/mind journey
to self-empowerment and healing. Recent neuro-scientific evidence suggests that therapeutic art making
restores balance to stressed out autonomic nerves,
thereby powering up our immune systems. Best of all,
it’s really fun—even if you haven’t picked up a pencil
since third grade. We will revel in the art making process, not the product. So please don’t think you need to
“be artistic” to explore the colors, textures, and dreamlike landscapes on the “visual” side of your “inner garden” gate. As your tour guide, I’ll bet you a butterfly that
you will be amazed by the view. For more information
or to register for a session please call 845-339-2071
ext. 104
Dr. Montserrat Gimeno, an assistant professor from
the Music Department at SUNY New Paltz, will continue to offer free Music and Imagery Sessions to members and friends of the Oncology Support Program. MI
is a process of music therapy in which music experiences are used to bring about therapeutic change. With
a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, her research
has focused on patients dealing with cancer. A MI Session is approximately an hour to an hour-and-a-half in
length and takes place in a private, comfortable setting.
During this therapeutic process you may experience visual imagery, feeling states, and/or body responses as
evoked by the music. This process will help you better
cope with major life issues. MI is suitable for gaining a
deeper understanding of yourself while exploring and
deepening your spiritual journey.
Dr. Gimeno will be available, by appointment only, at
the Cancer Support House. Please call 845-339-2071
ext. 100 or email [email protected] to make an
appointment for a private or group session. Private Sessions are Mondays at 9:00am and 10:30am. Group
Sessions take place at 1:00pm.
Dr. Gimeno will be offering an introductory workshop on October 11 from 1:00-2:30pm. Dr. Gimeno
is bilingual and will be offering the service to English as
well as Spanish speaking-only individuals.
To register, please call 339-2071 ext, 100
22
Creative writing is a wonderful outlet for expressing
oneself.
The purpose of this writing group is to stimulate the
imagination, create stories of joy and sorrow, regret
and pride, love and pain, and embrace life, new ideas,
and humor.
We will journey together to use writing as a process
that will bring us to new places, reaching both within
and outside of ourselves. Exercises to move our imagination will be used, such as spark words, prompts, and
photographs. Using the spark word “diet,” for example,
can mean different things to different people, and create a plethora of stories. Or what about using your
imagination to rewrite the story from a front page photo
in a tabloid?
Come release your inner self. There is no judgment
or criticism here. The idea is to get moving and keep
writing, even when you feel stuck. We will share in the
joy of group dynamics to see what emerges.
Writing techniques, advice and experiences from
notable writers will be discussed.
This workshop is open to anyone, regardless of
writing skill or background. Writing format is open to
personal preference: short story, essay, poetry, or a
springboard for a longer piece.
Marianne Neifeld is a freelance writer living in
Rhinebeck, and has written for the Poughkeepsie Journal, Kingston Daily Freeman, Living and Being Magazine, and Chronogram.
There is a limit of 10 people. Workshop will take
place Tuesdays, October 12, October 19, November
2, and November 9 from 10-11:30 am. To register
please call 339-2071 ext. 100 or email [email protected]
When we plant bulbs in the Autumn they are nurtured by the Earth and transformed into beautiful flowers in the Spring, bringing joy and hope to all. Plant
bulbs with Barbara Vermeulen, Master Gardener of the
Cornell Cooperative Extension, and partake in the rejuvenating power of Nature. Join Barbara on Friday,
October 22 from 1:30-3PM in the Linda Young Healing Garden at the Cancer Support House. Raindate:
October 29.
To register, please call 339-2071 ext. 100 or email
[email protected].
Please join in this exciting new workshop with Barbara Leon, DPM and photographer on Friday, October
15 from 1:00-4:00pm at the Cancer Support House.
In this workshop I hope to share with people a way
of seeing the world anew through the lens of a camera.
As a cancer patient who has known the confidence of
long term remission, and the shock of relapse, I have
had to be present to a wide range of emotions over
many years.
Taking a photograph may seem very removed from
the trials and tribulations of going through a cancer experience. But, for me, the awareness that I experience
when I take a photograph has helped me to unravel
some of the complex feelings I have in dealing with
disease in my life. Much of my photography concentrates on the very minute, almost unseen details in the
natural world. The heart of a flower, the crystals of ice
on frozen grass, the reflections and shadows on still
waters... these images have been the stepping stones
across difficult waters for me.
The big picture of cancer is daunting for anyone.
The complex tests for diagnosis, the multitude of treatments, and endless onslaught of information, can easily overwhelm a person facing this difficult diagnosis.
Of course, we rely on doctors to decode the tests and
treatment options, but inwardly, the cancer patient can
feel removed and disconnected. It is tempting to close
the door of awareness and check out psychically and
physically to what is happening to our bodies.
The simple power of photography is that it keeps
our eyes open and our mind present to what is happening in our immediate surroundings. To be aware of
what we see is to remain present. And that presence
has the power to lift us up from our fear, and discover a
place of peace within ourselves.
In this workshop it is my hope that together we can
discover a new way of connecting to the world. The
moment we see a beautiful thing in nature, focus on
it, and click a camera, we are connecting to more than
our surroundings. We’re connecting to ourselves again
and again.
Hope to see you there, with camera in hand.
Space is limited, so please register early by calling
845 339-2071 ext. 100 or email dblaha@benedictine.
org. (We will shoot pictures in the beautiful Linda Young
Healing Garden, behind the Cancer Support House.)
The Healing Circle Improv Group came into being
in 1995 as a part of the Oncology Support Program’s
Healing Arts Program. We will meet at 5:30pm in the
4SMC lounge on the following Wednesdays: October
6 & 20, November 3 & 17, and December 1 (December 15 is our Annual Carol Singing).
We visit patients in the hospital and, upon request,
at their homes. We also have demonstrated our work
at conferences, workshops, and programs through¬out
New York State and Canada. The Improv Group is
composed of cancer survivors who have developed
a method of visiting patients that helps to lift patients’
spirits and offers them support in a creative and loving
way. Members of the Group also support each other,
enjoying the spontaneity and the welcoming and appreciative response from the people we visit. If you’d like
to join the Group or know someone who would like to
have a healing visit from the Improv Group, please call
Barbara Sarah at the OSP office at 339-2071 ext.101.
No experience in improvisation is required, just a willingness to help others, have fun, and participate in a
very meaningful spiritual activity!
Learning to meditate is no easy task. It takes guidance, patience and a willingness to explore a quiet
place inside your self. We will learn to “still the mind”
through various breathing techniques and guided meditations as we incorporate supported restorative yoga
postures that are deeply relaxing and softening to the
entire parasympathetic nervous system.
As we deliberately slow ourselves down and allow
our hearts and minds to open, we release and move
energy and cultivate equanimity in our bodies and
minds.
Maggie Heinzel-Neel is a certified yoga instructor
and teacher of “mind-body meditation.”
Friday mornings at 11:00 to 12:30 am at the
Cancer Support House Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, & 19,
and Dec. 3, 10, & 17.
To register, please call 3392071 ext. 100 or email dblaha@
benedictine.org
23
Exercise for health and fun with Angel Ortloff in the
SmartBells® Exercise class held on Thursday Mornings, 9:30-10:45am in the Auditorium of the Administration Building, corner of Mary’s Avenue and Webster
Street.
Our bodies were made to move. SmartBells® motivates you while exercising in a group or in pairs which
connects you to others.
From more information or to register for classes
please call 845-339-2071 ext. 100 or email dblaha@
benedictine.org. $6 donation per class.
Angel Ortloff L.M.T., vice president of Ulster County
women’s network, has been involved with “Celebrating
Life” as a teacher, a nurturing neighbor and a member.
A licensed massage therapist and Shiatsu specialist,
she is also a certified SmartBells trainer. Angel works
with Woodstock integrative health and in her private
practice. She is a volunteer for Health Care as a human right, free holistic clinic.
“SmartBells practice is good for most people” Angel says, “not just for oncology patients, it strengthens
and invigorates the whole body. Each hour long class
participants feel the benefits of strength, balance and
vigor.”
The Advanced QiGong class taught by Jeff Bartfield will continue to meet each Tuesday evening, 7-8
pm, generally held in ASB Auditorium. Please note
that this class is now open to new members. Keeping
in mind that many of his students have or have had
cancer, Jeff concentrates on exercises that are most
beneficial in dealing with this illness, although qigong
practice will benefit people who deal with any mental/
physical ailment.
“Qi Gong is a method by which a person uses exercises to train the breath, body and mind—holistic training for self-reliance, self-adjustment and strengthening
the constitution,” Jeff states.
Qi Gong exercises are done with gentle movement
and are suitable for people of all ages. Classes are $6
donation per session. Please call the Oncology Support Program at 339-2071, ext. 100 for more information or email [email protected].
Classes take place every Wednesday, 9:3010:45am, generally in the ASB Auditorium or when it
is not available, in the Reuner Cancer Support House
living room. Return to your natural state of ease and
24
vitality with gentle, yet powerful yoga-inspired movement, breathing techniques and guided meditation.
Yoga includes stretching and strengthening the body,
and calming and focusing the mind. It is a great way to
reduce stress, which may help with pain management.
Deb Albright is a Kripalu-certified yoga and meditation
instructor and W.I.T.S. certified personal fitness trainer.
Beginners and all levels welcome. Come to any or all
classes. Mats are provided. Caregivers are welcome.
Classes are $6 donation per session. To register for
this class, please call 339-2071 ext. 100 or e-mail
[email protected].
Pilates is a system of exercise that is designed to
build strength, flexibility and core stability. Through the
use of well-defined movements, a typical workout consists of a series of exercises that focuses on different
muscle groups creating a total body workout without
fatigue. The level of difficulty can range from gentle to
extreme.
Join Elizabeth Panzer, Pilates Instructor, on Monday, October 18 at 10:00 am and Wednesday,
October 20 at 6:00 pm at the ASB Auditorium, for fundamentals and basic choreography used in a standard
Pilates mat class. All levels are welcome. There will
be time for discussion after the class. Classes are $6
donation per session.
To register, please call 339-2071 ext. 100 or e-mail
[email protected]
The Pink Ribbon Program originated when Doreen
Puglisi, a Pilates instructor and Exercise Physiologist,
began working with breast cancer survivors. She was
stunned to discover that survivors were discharged following mastectomy, lymph node dissections and even
reconstructive surgeries without a plan for either physical therapy or rehabilitation of the affected side. With
her energy, drive and knowledge of exercise physiology, she set out to develop a program to help her clients
achieve their best possible recovery.
The Pink Ribbon Program was well underway
when Doreen faced her own cancer diagnosis. Even
with her level of fitness and understanding of breast
cancer, she was overwhelmed by the both the diagnosis and recovery. She applied the Pink Ribbon protocol to her own recovery, and continued to tweak the
exercises and stages based on her experience. Today
the Pink Ribbon Program is a gentle, staged process
that begins when the survivor is either six weeks past
her surgery or has received her doctor’s approval to
begin gentle exercise.
Local Pilates instructor, Elizabeth Panzer, will lead
a workshop/discussion about the Pink Ribbon Program, and how it may benefit you or your patients on
Tuesday, October 26 from 4:00-5:30pm at the Cancer Support House. Active in Pilates for over 15 years,
Elizabeth is one of 350 certified Pink Ribbon instructors nationwide. She offers private and semi-private
sessions in the Pink Ribbon Program, and currently
teaches at Pilates at the Bungalow in Accord, NY.
To register, please call 339-2071 ext. 100 or e-mail
[email protected]
Please join us on Monday, October 11 from
1-2:30 pm for a wonderful workshop with Dr. Montserrat Gimeno. Come and explore the use of Music and
Imagery in you personal journey.
The music and imagery session has four phases:
(1) the first phase is called Prelude, during this time
you will be involved in a brief conversation with the
mu¬sic therapist to verbalize issues that concern you;
(2) the second phase is called Induction, during this
time the music therapist will verbalize some suggestions to relax your body and prepare your mind to be
receptive for the music listening inviting to visualization; (3) during the third phase you will be engaged in
listening for 15 minutes while doing free drawing; (4)
this last phase will involve the processing of the experience you just had.
María Montserrat Gimeno, Ed.D., MT-BC, FAMI,
is the Assistant Professor, Music Therapy Program at
SUNY, New Paltz.
To register, please call 339-2071 ext. 100 or e-mail
[email protected]
Please join our Smoking Cessation Group led by
Frayda Kafka, CHT on Wednesdays, October 13, November 10, and December 8 from 4:00-5:30 pm, to
learn self-hypnosis. Whether you have been trying to
stop for years or have just decided that now is the time
to end the habit, hypnosis is a tried and true method of
smoke cessation. Hypnosis is a form of highly focused
attention, an induced state of mind that enables people
to alter the way they perceive and process reality. After
the deeply relaxing group experience, you will learn a
simple, 10 second method of self hypnosis which you
can use wherever you are, any time you get the urge.
The fee is $25 per session (required at registration). According to Frayda, one or two sessions are often sufficient to cease smoking; however, some people
prefer to attend more sessions for reinforcement. Reinforcement sessions are $10 per session (required at
registration). Several OSP members who have worked
with her have successfully stopped smoking.
Frayda Kafka, a therapeutic hypnotist, has been
working with smokers for over 30 years. During the last
15 years, she has specialized in short term work and
has taught self-hypnosis at Benedictine Hospital’s freestanding health center in Jewett, The Mental Health
Associations of Ulster and Dutchess counties, Hospice
and other public and private institutions. For further
information about Frayda, please visit her website at
callthehypnotist.com.
For registration, please contact Doris at 339-2071
ext. 100 or [email protected].
‘Chesed’ means kindness in Hebrew. It’s the name
of a special fund of the Oncology Support Program,
started by a generous anonymous donor. It’s available to provide small amounts of financial assistance
to cancer patients. Donations are always welcome.
Checks can be made out to Benedictine Health Foundation. Please note ‘Oncology Support-Chesed Fund’
in the memo line. Mail to Benedictine Health Foundation, Oncology Support Program, Benedictine Hospital,
105 Mary’s Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401
The Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Fund is a financial assistance program for income-eligible cancer
patients residing in Ulster County, or those residing in
neighboring counties but receiving treatment in Ulster
County. Administered through the Oncology Support
Program and the Benedictine Health Foundation, this
fund provides an invaluable resource for local families.
Please note: due to increasing demand, applications
are being processed on a month to month basis; we
ask for your patience with longer processing times. The
Oncology Support staff can also help you locate other
financial resources. For more information or an application, please contact us at 339-2071 ext. 100.
25
9 am–4 pm
living fully with illness
Benedictine
hospital
auditorium
gregg Krech & Barbara sarah
present a program to inspire you, help you cope
and encourage you to use your time wisely
105 Mary’s Avenue,
Kingston, NY
Drawing from the principles of Japanese Psychology, this program can help us to create a framework for
“living fully with illness.” Meaningful Life Therapy (MLT) originated in Japan as a program to provide
guidance, support and skills for those who are dealing with or living with serious illness, primarily cancer.
It complements the patient’s medical treatment and is based on the premise that the mind and body are
not separate. The patient’s attitude and life activity can also impact on his or her health and well-being.
Director of the ToDo Institute in Middlebury, Vermont, Gregg is a leading authority on Japanese Psychology and author of
several books including Naikan: Gratitude,
Grace and the Japanese Art of Self-reflection
(Stone Bridge Press). He is also the Editor
of Thirty Thousand Days: A Journal for Purposeful Living. Articles about his work have
appeared in many publications including
Counseling Today and Yoga Journal.
Barbara Sarah
Cost: $75. Advance registration
$85. At the door
$60. Seniors 65+, full-time students,
patients currently in treatment
Limited financial assistance available
Box Lunch available (Vegetarian or Vegan): $8.50
for more information or to register:
1-800-950-6034
845-339-2071
ext. 101
7. the value of humor
Gregg Krech
8. the role of spirituality in coping with illness
by Moira Joyce
I recently went to the funeral of Shirley Ann Younger. I had met her in the hospital, through the Improv
Cancer Support Group at Benedictine Hospital. We are
cancer survivors who give support to people who are
dealing with cancer. We can say we know what you
are going through, because we have all been there.
I am dealing with my dis-ease holistically, food being
my medicine. Shirley was interested in learning more
about healthy foods. After she got out of the hospital,
I went to her house on several occasions and we discussed healthy foods and how to prepare them. I enjoyed her very much and we became friends. I was
so sad to hear about her death. I went on May 28th
to her church in Ellenville. I was not thrilled to go to a
funeral, and even less thrilled to go to a church, as I
have not been an observer for years. From the minute
I got there, I was so enthralled by what I witnessed.
I have never been to a church like that. Women and
men were singing, clapping their hands, dancing with
so much joy and happiness. I sat there with tears of
pure joy running down my face. Every voice was so
rich and resonated with something I have never felt. I
wanted them never to stop. If I had gone to a church
like that when I was growing up I might still be going!
The minister was so charismatic; I was moved by his
26
5. the culti-
A professional social worker, Barbara is
the founder and former Director of the
Oncology Support Program at Benedictine
Hospital. Barbara is currently the Director
of Third Opinion, a private practice that
supports cancer patients through decision
making, treatment and survivorship. Both
Gregg and Barbara have presented Living
Fully with Illness workshops in agencies and
hospitals throughout the continent.
and actively managing your health
2. living with a sense of purpose
saturday,
november 6
4. worKing sKillfully with your attention
6. educating yourself
1. coping with anxiety and fear
3. helping yourself By helping others
vation of gratitude through self-reflection
Beyond recovery
sermon. Shirley was loved by many people. Shirley’s
friends and family stood up and talked about her and
what she meant to them and how they loved her. It was
a beautiful ceremony and service. I left there feeling
that her life and death were celebrated in a way she
would have been happy about.
Four times a year, over 2,500 copies of this newsletter are mailed to our members, as well as doctor’s
offices and libraries, and you can be part of this wonderful outreach! We’re looking for more volunteers to
assist with folding, taping, and labeling our newsletters
for shipping. We’ll call you a few days ahead of time,
and you are welcome to join us for a few hours, or even
just an hour. Please contact Doris if you’d like to help
us in this way at 845-339-2017 ext. 100 or dblaha@
benedictine.org and we’ll be forever grateful to you!
BREAST CANCER OPTIONS
845/339-HOPE (4673)
www.breastcanceroptions.org
Hope Nemiroff, Executive Director
Breast Cancer Options 7th ANNUAL FUNDRAISER & SILENT AUCTION
Sunday, October 3, 2010 - Noon to 4pm
Wiltwyck Golf Club, Kingston
Guest Speaker: Devra Davis, PhD, MPH
Epidemiologist, Author, Cancer Prevention Researcher
Breast Cancer & the Environment:
From the Workplace to Cellphones
Presentations of appreciation of outstanding and continuing commitment to the promotion of cancer risk
reduction in the Hudson Valley:
▪ Margery Gaffin/Ameribag
▪The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
QIGONG WORKSHOP FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
October 7th - 6pm
Columbia Greene Healthcare Consortium- Hudson NY
Mind-body practices like Qigong sustains and improves the health of the immune system, provides relaxation
and stress management, improves range of motion, improves core muscles, improves flexibility and increases
energy. Must pre-register for this workshop as space is limited. 845-339-4673
ONGOING PROGRAMS
Breast Cancer Options is a community based organization serving the Hudson Valley, providing support,
advocacy and education. Our services are free.
Please see our website for information. www.breastcanceroptions.org
PEER LED SUPPORT GROUPS: Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Sullivan & Orange Counties.
COMPANION/ADVOCATES: Trained survivors accompany newly diagnosed patients on initial medical visits.
CAMP LIGHTHEART: A free sleep-away camp for the children of breast cancer patients and survivors. Held in
August.
TELEPHONE AND E-MAIL CONSULTATIONS: A reliable resource for confidential answers to questions and
for referrals for additional information or services.
ANNUAL COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE CONFERENCE: Evidence-based CAM information featuring experts
in the field of Integrative Medicine. SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, April 3, 2011- SUNY New Paltz.
BREAST CANCER RESOURCE GUIDE: Online and/or pocket sized guide (mailed by request) with National
and Local resources for medical, financial, legal and other help, including decision aids.
ACUPUNCTURE CLINICS: 5 free visits for women in treatment or suffering from treatment side effects. Call us
for locations and paperwork. Sponsored by a grant from Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.
PEER-TO-PEER MENTORING: Call 845-339-HOPE if you are interested in speaking with a breast cancer
survivor. We provide resources and support for caregivers, families and spouses of women with breast cancer
REFERRALS FOR FINANCIAL AND LEGAL PROBLEMS: Callfor our pocket resource guide and resource list
if you are having insurance problems or cannot work because of cancer treatments.
2011 HEATHY LIFESTYLES CALENDER: An informational digest with tips for risk reduction is now available.
Please call for a copy.
*Breast Cancer Options needs volunteers for a number of things. If you can help please call: 845-339-4673 or
email us at: [email protected].
Serving Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Orange & Sullivan Counties
27
ASB = Administrative Services Building
Cancer Support House @ 80 Mary’s Avenue
Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY
Oncology Support Program 845-339-2071
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
3
4
5
10
11
12
Music & Imagery
Workshop
1-2:30pm
Cancer Support
House
--Men’s Support Group
5:30-7pm
Cancer Support
House
COLUMBUS DAY
Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support
House
--Qigong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
Creative Writing
Workshop
10-11:30am
Cancer Support
House
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support
House
--Qigong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
2
6
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Metastatic Support
Group
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Healing Circle Improv
5:30pm
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Visual Memoir
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support
House
--Smoking Cessation
4-5:30pm
Cancer Support
House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support
Group
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support
Group
11am-1pm
Cancer Support
House
--Leukemia/Lymphoma
Support Group
2:30-4pm
Cancer Support House
HA Breast Health
Awareness Day
9am-3pm
Benedictine, Kingston
& Margaretville
Hospitals
--Photography
Workshop
1-4pm
Cancer Support
House
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
27
28
29
Introduction to Pilates
10am
ABS, Auditorium
--Caregiver/Family
Support Group
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support
House
31
HALLOWEEN
28
Creative Writing
Workshop
10-11:30am
Cancer Support
House
--Post Treatment
Support Group
2pm
UROC, 111 Mary’s Ave
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support
House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
Miso Happy
Cooking Club
10:30am-1pm
Cancer Support
House Kitchen
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support
House
--Pink Ribbon Program
4-5:30pm
Cancer Support
House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
SATURDAY
1
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Metastatic Support
Group
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support
House
--Healing Circle Improv
5:30pm
--Introduction to Pilates
6pm
ABS Auditorium
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Visual Memoir
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support
House
--Ovarian Support
Group
7-8:30pm
Support House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support Grp
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
--Your Breast Health:
Here and Now”
5:30-7pm
ASB, Auditorium
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support
Group
11am-1pm
Cancer Support
House
Bulb Planting
Workshop
1:30-3pm
Linda’s Healing
Garden
Mind-Body Meditation
11am-12:30pm
Cancer Support
House
--Bulb Planting
Workshop (raindate)
1:30-3pm
Linda’s Healing
Garden
23
Healing Arbor
Workshops
2-4:30pm
Northeast Center
30
Healing Arbor
Workshops
2-4:30pm
Northeast Center
ASB = Administrative Services Building
Cancer Support House @ 80 Mary’s Avenue
Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY
Oncology Support Program 845-339-2071
SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
TUESDAY
2
Creative Writing
Workshop
10-11:30am
Cancer Support House
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
ELECTION DAY
7
8
Men’s Support Group
5:30-7pm
Cancer Support
House
9
Creative Writing
Workshop
10-11:30am
Cancer Support House
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Metastatic Support Grp
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Healing Circle Improv
5:30pm
--Bereavement Support
Grp
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support House
Gentle Yoga
930-10:45am
TBA
--Visual Memoir
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Smoking Cessation
4-5:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Healing Conversations
7-8:30pm
ASB Auditorium
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support
Group
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support Grp
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
--Leukemia/Lymphoma
Support Group
2:30-4pm
Cancer Support House
Mind-Body Meditation
11am-12:30pm
Cancer Support House
Mind-Body Meditation
11am-12:30pm
Cancer Support House
Living Fully
With Ilness
9am-4pm
ASB,
Auditorium
Healing
Arbor
Workshops
2-4:30pm
Northeast
Center
VETERAN’S DAY
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Caregiver/Family
Support Group
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support
House
29
Post Treatment Support
Group
2pm
UROC, 111 Mary’s Ave.
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
Miso Happy Cooking Club
10:30am-1pm
Cancer Support House
Kitchen
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Metastatic Support Grp
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Healing Circle Improv
5:30pm
--Bereavement Support
Grp
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support House
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Ovarian Support Group
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support Grp
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
Mind-Body Meditation
11am-12:30pm
Cancer Support House
Healing
Arbor
Workshops
2-4:30pm
Northeast
Center
THANKSGIVING
30
Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
29
ASB = Administrative Services Building
Cancer Support House @ 80 Mary’s Avenue
Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY
Oncology Support Program 845-339-2071
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Metastatic Spt Group
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Healing Circle Improv
5:30pm
--Bereavement Support Grp
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support House
5
6
7
8
12
13
14
19
20
21
Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
Men’s Support Group
5:30-7pm
Cancer Support
House
Caregiver/Family
Support Group
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support
House
Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
Post Treatment Spt Grp
2pm – UROC, 111
Mary’s Ave.
--Creative Fiber
3:30-5pm
Cancer Support House
--Qi Gong
7-8pm
ASB, Auditorium
THURSDAY
2
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support Grp
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
CLOSED
30
27
28
CLOSED
Mind-Body
Meditation
11am-12:30pm
Cancer Support
House
--Holiday Potluck
Party
6-8:30pm
ASB, Auditorium
4
9
10
11
15
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Visual Memoir
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Smoking Cessation
4-5:30pm
Cancer Support House
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Metastatic Spt Group
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Carol Singing
5:30pm
4SMC, Benedictine Hospital
--Bereavement Support Grp
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support House
Gentle Yoga
9:30-10:45am
TBA
--Visual Memoir
2-3:30pm
Cancer Support House
--Ovarian Support Group
7-8:30pm
Cancer Support House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support Group
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
--Leukemia/Lymphoma
Support Group
2:30-4pm
Cancer Support House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support Group
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
Smart Bells w/Angel
9:30-10:45am
ASB, Auditorium
--Women’s Support Group
11am-1pm
Cancer Support House
Mind-Body
Meditation
11am-12:30pm
Cancer Support
House
Mind-Body
Meditation
11am-12:30pm
Cancer Support
House
CHRISTMAS EVE
29
CLOSED
3
SATURDAY
HANUKKAH
DECEMBER
SOLSTICE
26
FRIDAY
30
CLOSED
31
CLOSED
NEW YEAR’S EVE
CHRISTMAS
Doris Barnes, Holistic Life Coach
Supporting the Benedictine Hospital
Oncology Support Program
Commitment to the Community
Body-centered Emotional Healing
Reiki and Polarity Energy Balancing
(845) 254-5164
Cell (845) 625-9644
__________________________
2 free introductory sessions for people
dealing with cancer and cancer survivors.
Elizabeth Tapen, MD
Rates negotiable depending on need after that.
Ulster Radiation Oncology Center
Joint venture Benedictine Hospital & Vassar Brothers Medical Center
BREAST CANCER OPTIONS
(845) 339-HOPE
www.BreastCancerOptions.org
serving
Ulster, Dutchess, Greene, Columbia & Sullivan counties
What We Do
◄Find the information you need to make an informed
decision
◄Help you find the support services you need
◄Give you referrals for help with insurance problems
and financial aid
◄Ease the decision-making process
◄Share our experience as survivors
We’ve Been In Your Shoes…
Now It’s Our Turn to Help!
If you need support services, an advocate, information
about breast cancer, or if you just want to talk, contact us.
SUPPORTIVE
HEART-BASED
COUNSELLING
PRISCILLA A. BRIGHT, MA
Kingston, NY office.
Call for free phone consultation.
(845) 688-7175
32SP1194
Breast Care
Specialist, PLLC
Compassionate Care You Can Count On!
ALL PATIENTS ARE WELCOME!
Samira Y. Khera
M.S., M.D.
FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED
BREAST SURGEON
Benedictine Medical Arts Building
117 Mary’s Ave., Suite 105, Kingston
845.338.8680 www.breastcarespecialist.net
INTRODUCING... The Integrative Medicine Network!
This network includes a team of licensed/accredited professionals working together
to provide you with acupuncture, nutritional counseling, naturopathy, emotional
& spiritual counseling, energy healing and medical massage therapy to
promote healing and healthy living.
31
Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest:
ACTUALLY, this GAME is REALITY!
Each morning, your bank would deposit $86,400 in a
private account for your use. However, this prize has certain
rules, just as any game has certain rules.
Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank. We
just can’t seem to see it.
The MAGICAL BANK is TIME!
The rules would be:
 Everything that you didn’t spend during each day would
be taken away from you.
 You may not simply transfer money into some other account. You may only spend it.
 Each morning upon awakening, the bank would deposit
another $86,400 into the account for that day.
Each morning, we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as
a gift of life, and when we go to sleep at night, any remaining
time is NOT credited to us.
What we haven’t lived up that day is forever lost.
Yesterday is forever gone.
And one final rule would be:
 The bank can end the game without warning. At any
time, it can say, “The game is over!” It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.
What would you personally do?
You would buy anything and everything you wanted,
right?
Not only for yourself, but for all people you love, right?
Even for people you don’t know, because you couldn’t
possibly spend it all on yourself, right?
You would try to spend every cent, and use it all, right?
BENEDICTINE HOSPITAL
105 MARY’S AVENUE
KINGSTON, NY 12401
Each morning, the account is refilled, but the bank can
dissolve your account at any time....WITHOUT WARNING.
SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?
Aren’t these 86,400 seconds worth so much more than
the same amount in dollars?
Think about that, and always think of this:
Use every second of your life, because time races by so
much more quickly than you think.
—Author unknown