GYNCA Newsletter August/September 2012

August/September 2012 GYN Cancers Alliance provides education, resources and support to local women and caregivers affected by gynecologic cancers.

I Don!t Like Door Number 3 Page 3 2B Organized!

Page 4 Teal to Heal Page 7 Photo Courtesy of Scott Cotton Photography

Jan Robbins Executive Director

Mark Your Calendars!

Shanda Boling Programs Manager Sylvia Terbrock Accounting GYN Cancer Alliance 3023 S. Fort, Suite B, Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 869.2220 www.gynca.com Board of Directors 2012-13 President Sue George President Elect Nancy Bolduc Secretary Mike Green Treasurer Jason Jordan Becky Bach Andy Bennett

August 9th- Board of Directors Meeting 8:00am Mercy C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center 2nd Floor

September 14th- Teal to Heal Don’t miss GYNCA’s 2nd Annual Teal to Heal, an evening of arts & entertainment at Hickory Hills Country Club! Patrons party, silent and live auctions.

August 16th- Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. Join us for our annual Evening of Pampering. Chair Massages, Make-Up Demonstrations, Door Prizes and More!

September 20th- Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. This year’s Physicians’ Panel is sure to be a good one.

Speakers include Dr. Al Bonebrake, Dr. Jay Carlson and more!

August 19th- Teal in the Park!! Cardinals will be wearing teal jerseys during final televised game of the season! Get your tickets thru GYNCA or at Macadoodles in Springfield for $9! Survivors throw out first pitch and will be interviewed throughout game. Teal jerseys will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting GYNCA.

September 26-28th- Camp Bluebird, thru Mercy C.H. “Chub” O‘Reilly Cancer Center, this camp is open to all cancer survivors, regardless of healthcare provider. Small fee charged or financial scholarships available. Camp Bluebird is where cancer survivors go to have fun and be spoiled!!!

September 13th- Board of Directors Meeting 8:00am Mercy C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center 2nd Floor

September 30th- Salutations of Celebration 7:00pm at 425 Downtown. Join us for this season’s yoga mala that coincides with national yoga month! Bring a mat and a $10 entry fee.

There will be LOTS of door prizes!

Stevia Bonebrake Mary Burmeister Donna Charles Susan Daniel Robert Devore Suzanne Dukewits Amy Fore Ann Grace Cindy Hail Judy Hancock Karen McQueary Krittenbrink Rosemary Lewis Kim Lorenzen Sandra Lowther Susan Mihalevich

CoxHealth Caregivers Support Group First Thursday of each month at 4:30 in the Patient Classroom, Ste 200 This group is for those who have a loved one with cancer.

Mercy Health Expressive Therapy August 23rd in the Support Group Room from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Expressive therapy provides a creative outlet for teaching and healing. This teaching and healing helps people to reframe, shift perspective, externalize emotions and deepen their understanding of their experiences and/or issues. All class materials are provided.

Cancer Caregiver Support Group

Janice Penney

Meets the 1st Thursday of each month 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The caregiver support group is for family members and caregivers whose loved ones are facing cancer.

Angel Shortt

Music Therapy

Judy Thompson Tom Wells Ex-Officio Board Members Dr. Al Bonebrake Dr. Jay Carlson Founder Joy Lamberson-Klock

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Meets the 2nd Tuesday in the Support Group Room from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

This class uses proven musical methods to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of cancer survivors.

Yoga for Cancer Survivors Meets every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Yoga promotes physical and mental well-being, using a combination of movements, poses and breathing techniques to enhance relaxation, tone the body and improve circulation. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy yoga as part of their regular fitness routine.

August/September 2012

I Don’t Like Door Number 3...

By Sue George & Jan Robbins

On July 1, 2012, GYNCA’s board of directors elected its slate of officers for fiscal year 2012-2013.

Assuming the helm as president of the board is Sue George.

Sue brings a special and unique perspective to GYNCA’s board --- as a 5+ year survivor of primary peritoneal (Ovarian) cancer, she has faced this disease head on. On behalf of all who have faced life-threatening illnesses, Sue graciously shares her story.

“NO, THIS CANNOT BE, I DON’T WANT TO DIE!” Treatment is the next door --- we may or may not have the same feelings as with the diagnosis phase. When I am in treatment, I live day to day, week to week. I quickly began to understand what treatment was and how chemotherapy and radiation worked. I am on a first name basis with words like taxol, carboplatin, avastin, cisplatin, and on and on. I learned what questions to ask and almost feel like I am part of the medical team treating me. I am a part of this team, and there is some power in learning what drugs can make me live longer.

When I have been in treatment, I just want to be done—my life is measured by how many more treatments I have, when is the next scan, what are my numbers? It can go by in a haze with side effects taking over my life. I am hooked to my doctor’s office with a cord that will not be cut. Actually, when I finish treatment I experience some sort of letdown. What if the cancer is still there? What am I going to do every three weeks?

Will anyone be watching out for me?

As I have reflected on the last 5 ½ years of my life many things come to mind. What is first and foremost is before January of 2007, cancer was this thing other people got. It was the tragedy I read about with some famous person and occasionally it might strike a bit closer to home. But it wasn’t me—I had too much to do, I was too healthy, I was too young. Now cancer is and will always be part of my life. Sometimes I can forget I had cancer. Sometimes I can forget I had it twice. Sometimes I can forget I will get it again. But as a survivor I can’t really forget any of those things. Cancer is as much a part of my life as anything else could possibly be. It is there and will never totally leave me.

The third door for me is still the most difficult. It is the aftertreatment phase. Before I had cancer I had this silly idea that once you were diagnosed and received treatment, you were cured and done. Yes of course I knew of people who died of it, but look how many said “I’m cured.” What happened to the “abracadabra” after diagnosis and treatment when a person is supposed to be done and cured. It was only after I was into this process for a few years I really came to understand that cancer is with me for the rest of my life. Although hidden at times, it is my forever companion. It takes a lot to get your head around that one. When I think about cancer in a scientific manner, I think of tiny little cancer cells. They may not be visible and therefore can’t be removed … they are lying around in your body ready to make another move by attaching to an organ or end up in your bloodstream and you are forced to face them again --- back to door #1. In a non-scientific way, I view cancer as an intruder who annoyingly knocks on your door when you least expect it; disrupting your otherwise peaceful life.

I believe cancer survivors go through three distinct doors. The first one is the actual diagnosis. That is where I heard the word cancer for the first time and felt like someone punched me in the stomach. I was numb, scared, lost, and went through many weeks as if in a daze. This had to be someone else’s nightmare. I kept the paper with my notes on it from the first visit with the oncologist; I stared at the handwriting and can’t believe it is mine. Part of me was so strong, so clinical, asking questions about surgery, recovery and treatment. But inside I was screaming

Continued on Page 5

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August/September 2012

2B Organized!

By Betsy Miller

Being diagnosed with an illness can leave you feeling out of control and give a sense of chaos to your life. Let’s do something about that! Being organized is helpful weather or not you’re dealing with an illness. Weather it’s a junk drawer, coat closet, or under the kitchen sink, it’s something you CAN control. So let’s get started!

The medicine cabinet from this

• Take everything out and wipe down shelves, container, bottles, etc.

• Throw out all expired meds. (Please check with your pharmacist on the proper disposal methods.)

• Divide remaining meds into categories. Either by family member or ailment. Make sure to label accordingly.

• Chose method to store. Bins, lazy susans, or ziploc bags.

• Put back into cabinet keeping most frequently used items toward the front.

• Viola! An aspect of your life that in under control!!!

Betsy Miller - 2B Organized, owner www.2b-organized.com betsy@2b-organized.com

Facebook 2B Organized Franchises available

417.880.2325

to this

Eating Well Through Cancer - Holly Clegg Easy Briskit-This is one of my old standby simple-to-prepare recipes I have made for years and continually go back to. Pop the brisket in the oven, forget about the brisket, and the end result is this succulent tender brisket, and leftovers make incredible sandwiches.

This recipe can be made in the slow cooker. Makes 12 to 14 servings

What you will need: 5 to 6 pounds very lean brisket, trimmed of excess fat Garlic Powder 1 cup light brown sugar 1 cup water 1 envelope dry onion soup mix 1 cup ketchup

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1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. 2. Season the brisket heavily with the garlic powder.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, water, onion soup mix, and ketchup.

4. Pour over the brisket in a large baking pan or roaster.

5. Cook, covered, for 4 ½ hours to 5 hours, or until meat is fork tender.

6. To serve, slice against the grain and serve with sauce.

Nutrition information per serving Calories 330, Protein (g) 40, Carbohydrates (g) 21, Fat (g) 9, Calories from Fat (%) 24, Saturated Fat (g) 3, Dietary Fiber (g) 0, Cholesterol (mg) 83, Sodium (mg) 435, Diabetic Exchanges 5 ½ lean meat, 1 ½ other carbohydrate Doc’s Notes: The lean brisket is a good source of iron, zinc and vitamins B6 and B12.

August/September 2012

I Don’t Like Door Number 3...

Continued from page 3

I want so desperately to make plans for the future—the real future—not just next week, but there is fear in that—the “what ifs” float through my mind. I sometimes feel like I’m tempting fate to look too far into the future.

All is not negative, though. Cancer has given me friends I never would have met; a clear vision of the positives of life; and a joy for each day I have. I cherish each event I complete, whether mundane or exciting. I also have been so incredibly lucky. Throughout all phases of my journey with cancer I have had such supportive and loving friends and family by my side. I have had an employer who understands my medical needs and, fortunately, medical insurance to assist with the exorbitant financial cost of cancer. I cannot imagine having to go through all the phases of cancer without these supports, and I realize that not everyone is as fortunate. And even though I have such wonderful supports, my friends and family cannot really understand all that I have gone

through. Unless you have walked in someone’s shoes, you really don’t know what it is like.

This is why an organization like GYNCA is so important. GYNCA provides a wide variety of services for all women going through gynecologic cancer. It provides some emergency financial resources to assist women to keep their homes, cars, get to treatment, and have enough food to put on the table for them and their families. Additionally GYNCA provides emotional and social support through its woman-to-woman network of phone calls, emails, cards, letters and meetings. It is one way a woman with gynecologic cancer knows she will be accepted and understood by those who have received a similar diagnosis. GYNCA can only exist with your help. Supporting women who are going through the most difficult time in their lives will help them get back on their feet and face their uncertain world with renewed strength and hope.

Thank You to all of Our Generous Donors & Sponsors Cyndi Sullivan Memorial Tee Up Fore Teal Golf Tournament VALIC Financial Advisors, Butch Purvis Liberty Bank Gary Sullivan Macadoodles Springfield Nakato Japanese Steakhouse KRBK TV Scott Cotton Photography Your Financial Solution Jessica Perkins, DDS Wilhoit Properties ORECK Factory Showroom Barnett-Davis Dental Group Colorgraphic Printing Mercy Clinic-Women’s Oncology Penn Enterprises Petromark, Inc Mark Burmeister/Jones & Company Insurers Kelly Danielson, CPA, CFP, CDFA Computer Recycling Center Anise & Dick Pendleton Jerry Refearn & Sandra Lowther Greg & Myndi Dillard 417 Magazine F.O.C. Friends of Cyndi Oxford Health Care

Bancorp South Susan Metzger Sandy Hopper-Bank of America Matching Butch and Kathy Purvis-AIG Matching Malissa and Don Shawley-AIG Matchin

Honorarium

Teal to Heal

In honor of Cathy Lindstrom Lexah Stenger

Ron & Janice Penney Dr. John & Susan Mihalevich Becky and Robert Bach Tal and Rosalie Wooten Family Foundation Dr. Steve and Ann Grace Garrison Plastic Surgery Benjamin F Edwards & Co. Old Missouri Bank 417 Magazine ADsmith Marketing & Advertising Mertopolitan Grill

Undesignated Donations Amy & Matt Tignor- J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation Matching Gifts Program Springfield Paper Mike Green Jeff & Rebeckah Rhein Tom Wells Anonymous

In honor of Patty Brooks Fred Brooks In honor of Dr. Al Bonbrake Fred & Patty Brooks

Memorials In memory of Shirley Rodgers Bernadette Beldsoe Cornerstone Freewell Baptist Church Kim Hale Carolyn Kay Stigall Ann Thompson In memory of Chloe Durham Chloe Durham Estate

Circle of Joy Judy Everett Marthe D. Close Dr. and Mrs. Richard Loeb Dr. and Mrs. John Mihalevich Jan Robbins Tom Wells Circle of Joy is under way - send your donations in today!

To make a donation to GYNCA please mail checks to 3023 S Fort, Suite B, Springfield, MO 65807 or go online to www.gynca.org All donations are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law.

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August/September 2012

Upcoming Support Group Meetings August 16th

Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. Join us for our annual Evening of Pampering.

Chair Massages, Make-Up Demonstrations, Door Prizes and More!

September 20th Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. This year’s Physicians’ Panel is sure to be a good one. Speakers include Dr. Al Bonebrake, Dr. Jay Carlson and more!

October 18th Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. Special speaker, Pamela Hernandez, ACSM CPT, with Thrive Personal Fitness will speak on Fitness Through Cancer.

September 30, 2012 7 p.m.

425 Downtown 425 Walnut St., Springfield Missouri

$10 includes Door Prizes, Chair Massages & Refreshments!!

108 Sun Salutations presented in 4 sets of 27 with breaks. Do one, do all - or just come and celebrate, chant, & enjoy the food!

Sorry, no childcare. Children 7 & up can participate

RSVP by Friday, September 28th to 417.869.2220 The Springfield Yoga Community and GYN Cancers Alliance are partnering to celebrate both National Yoga and Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancers Awareness Month. Proceeds of this event will benefit women battling gynecologic cancers throughout Southwest Missouri.

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August/September 2012

Friday, September 14, 2012

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September 14, 2012 at Hickory Hills Country Club with Patrons Party at Ron & Janice Penney’s House

Teal to Heal Sponsors

Ron & Janice Penney Dr. John & Susan Mihalevich Becky and Robert Bach Tal and Rosalie Wooten Family Foundation Dr. Steve and Ann Grace Garrison Plastic Surgery

Benjamin F Edwards & Co. Old Missouri Bank 417 Magazine ADsmith Marketing & Advertising Mertopolitan Grill

For sponsorships and ticket information please call Ann Grace at 861-2732 or GYNCA at 869-2220

August/September 2012

GYNCA and the Springfield Cardinals are Teaming up!!

Teal in the Park

Sunday, August 19th vs.

Tickets available at Macadoodles in Springfield for $9 500 tickets available and the players will wear teal jerseys on the televised game and then auction them off afterwards!

GYN Cancers Alliance 3023 S Fort, Suite B Springfield, MO 65807

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