Gynca Newsletter January-February

January/February 2013 GYN Cancers Alliance provides education, resources and support to local women and caregivers affected by gynecologic cancers.

2013 Support Group Meetings!

Support Resources & Meetings Page 3 Page 2 Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! The Commonalities (or It All Comes Down to Poo) Page 5 Page 4 Ovarian Cancer Survivors Needed for Clinical Trial!

Rizzo’s Recipe ‌ yummy!!!

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Jan Robbins Executive Director

Mark Your Calendars!

Sylvia Terbrock Client Services/Admin GYN Cancers Alliance 3023 S. Fort, Suite B Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 869.2220 www.gynca.org Board of Directors 2012-13 President Sue George President Elect Nancy Bolduc Secretary Mary Burmeister Treasurer Jason Jordan

January 17th - Support Group Meeting at The Library Center, Story Hour Room. Social hour 6pm; Program 6:30pm. Rizzo is in the House! Nutrition Nuggests: Ways to Sip & Savor Life, by Connie Rizzo, Med, RD, LD, Medical Nutrition Therapist, Mercy C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center! Rizzo will have soup, macaroons and other treats to share!

January 20th - Corks, Kegs & Chips Casino Night Metropolitan Grill from 4-7pm – Casual Fun! Tickets $50 per person, includes casino chips, burger, fries and drink ticket. Wine pull by Macadoodles, silent auction, Craps, blackjack, Roulette, slots... all your favorite casino games by Ozarks Entertainment! Contact 869-2220 for tickets or email jan@gynca.org !

February 21st - Support Group Meeting at The Library Center, Auditorium. Social hour 6pm; Program 6:30pm.

Chair Yoga to Lighten Your Moves & Mood, by Melissa G. Cooper, Mercy. Who says you can’t do Yoga?!

March 21st - Support Group Meeting at The Library Center, Auditorium Social hour 6pm; Program 6:30pm.

Ask the Nurses... Ask all the questions you never get around to asking your doctor! Representatives from Mercy and CoxHealth will be on hand! We love our NPs, RNs and LPNs – they rock!

February 15th - KGBX Women’s Show – Drop by GYNCA’s Booth... Survivor volunteers needed! Call Jan at 869-2220 for schedule!

Becky Bach Andy Bennett Stevia Bonebrake Donna Charles Susan Daniel Robert DeVore Suzanne Dukewits Ann Grace Cindy Hail Judy Hancock Karen McQueary Krittenbrink Rosemary Lewis

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

Cathy Lindstrom

Mercy Health

Kim Lorenzen

Cancer Caregiver Support Group Meets the 1st Thursday of each month from 11:30am-1:00pm The caregiver support group is for family members and caregivers whose loved ones are facing cancer.

Sandra Lowther Susan Mihalevich Janice Penney Angel Shortt Judy Thompson Tom Wells Ex-Officio Board Members Dr. Al Bonebrake - Cox Health Dr. Jay Carlson - Mercy

Music Therapy Meets the 2nd Tuesday in the Support Group Room from 6:30-7:30pm 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 8:30-9:30am 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.

Gynca Congratulates...

Mercy’s Dr. Jay Carlson Two Years In a Row!

Founder Joy Lamberson-Klock

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At the recent Community Clinical Oncology Program’s (CCOP) Physician and Administrators meeting at National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, MD on September 23-24th 2012, Dr. Jay Carlson and Cancer Research for the Ozarks (CRO) were recognized for achieving the highest enrollment of patients on NCI’s clinical trials for all CCOP. Dr. Carlson and staff enrolled 92 patients during the past year, more than any other physician in the United States!

Support Group Meetings – 2013 (January thru June) Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at The Library Center, 4653 S Campbell, Springfield on the 3rd Thursday monthly in Auditorium or other designated meeting room. Social hour at 6:00 pm. Program at 6:30 pm.

January 17 – Nutrition Nuggets: Ways to Sip & Savor Life, by Connie Rizzo, MEd RD LD, Medical Nutrition Therapist, Mercy C. H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center. It’s always “yummy” when Connie Rizzo is in the house!

February 21 – Chair Yoga Chair Yoga to Lighten Your Moves & Mood, by Melissa G. Cooper. Who says you can’t do Yoga!

March 21 – Ask the Nurses Be sure to bring all of your burning questions to this meeting!. We love our NPs, RNs and LPNs!

April 18 – So You Think You Can’t Sing or Play an Instrument?

Music for the Soul, by Leslie Jones, Registered Music Therapist, Drury University. Back by popular demand, Leslie pulls tunes and moves out of people who never thought they had a tune inside them!

May 16 – I Love Lucy!

(Or, as Ricky says, “Lucy, you’ve got some ‘splaining to do!) Come laugh with the rest of us … laughter is good for the soul!

June 20 - Pinic In The Park SPECIAL LOCATION – Springfield Lake Boathouse & Marina 5324 South Kissick Avenue, Springfield (417) 891-1550. Fun and games for our survivors, kids, grandkids, families and caregivers! Buffet dinner begins at 6:00 pm. Let us know how many are coming by calling 869-2220 or email jan@gynca.org for reservations and ages of kids!

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January/February 2013

The Commonalities (or It All Comes Down to Poo)

By Charlotte Hopper

As someone diagnosed with cancer, whenever I come across an article relating to that subject, I tend to give it a read. Two things I have walked away with from those articles: the differences between how cancer patients deal with their battle and the commonalities.

For instance, I just finished reading an article by Diane Mapes titled “Life in Limbo: Waiting to get booted from the cancer club.” Mapes, a year removed from finishing her cancer treatment, discusses learning to appreciate the little things --- “like buying shampoo” --- and what its like to no longer be “a chemo invalid.” She also points out her newfound appreciation for the pathological meaning of the word “unremarkable.” But she also brings into focus what it’s like, for her, to live in a world without treatment when treatment once was your entire world. Not only did she want something to mark the occasion when she completed chemotherapy and radiation, specificallyk “a certificate … with a huge ‘CANCER FREE’ stamp beside [her name],” but she wanted an assurance from her oncologist that she was cured. Instead, she received what she labels “a life in limbo.” On the outside, she has a seemingly normal life since she is no longer actively fighting cancer (Mindy Greenstein), but on the inside she is “living with a cancerous question mark hanging over [her] head.”

I can relate to Mapes when it comes to learning to appreciate the little things. While her little thing is buying shampoo, (I completely understand. My hair has just begun to grow back after losing it all to chemotherapy and I gleefully chuckle to myself as I take the lid off of a travel shampoo bottle, dab a dime-sized portion into my palm and proceed to “wash my hair.”), my little thing is stool softeners. When I was in the hospital, I was somewhat defiant when told I could not go home until I had a bowel movement, because I’m a little shy about sharing my bathroom habits. But, as they say on an episode of Scrubs, “it all comes down to poo,” and now I understand why. After having chemotherapy lock my bowels up

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tighter than a drum, I ran screaming (okay, not screaming) but quietly determined; and not running, but waddling in an almightly hurry) to the store in search of a fast acting stool softener. My bathroom bashfulness went the way of many other inhibitions in the light of treatment. I proudly purchase stool softeners in the store, throw them in a bad for an overnight trip, and tout them to my oncologist.

When he begins my office visit by asking how by bowel are moving, I heartly respond: “Fine, with stool softeners.”

In the same way that stool softeners have been given a new meaning in my life, I now look at language through the lens of a cancer dictionary. In other words, what does that term mean in the world of oncology? Unremarkable is one of those terms. As Mapes so insightfully points out, “unremarkable [may be] a backhanded pathological compliment,” but if there is one word you want to read on your pathology report, it is “unremarkable.” To illustrate, not too long ago, I pulled up the results of my original CT scan and my pathrology report to review them. I had not read my path report in its totality; but now I was interested in the specifics. I was struck by what I read. Under the section titled Cytology Diagnosis, there are four subheadings: abdominal peritoneal fluid; peritoneal fluid, cyst fluid; and right hemidiaphragm. All tested positive for malignant cells; all state papillary serous adenocarcinoma. My reaction: Wow, this sucks. In stark contract, my most recent CT scan provides three areas scanned: the chest, the abdomen, and the pelvis. All state “unremarkable.” Translate --- nothing worthy of notice or attention. My new goal is to remain unremarkable.

So, how do we keep the term unremarkable (good in the context of treatment) from becoming unremarkable (bad in the context of everyday life)? How do This story continued on page 6

January/February 2013 Thank You to Our Generous Grantors, Donors,Sponsors & Underwriters Phantom Ball Janice & Ron Penney, Underwriters Dr. Ken & Mary Ann Herfkens Barry & Beverly Aton Gene & Mary Lou Cochrane Laurie G. Rowland-Smith Jan Robbins Robert & Kathy King Mark & Sylvia Terbrock Charrie A. Dixon Stacey McQueary Tim & Jane Bennett In honor of Mary Burmeister John & Janice Catau Karen Krittenbrink Dwayne Holden & Beth Yarbrough Terry & Mary Kay Meek Dr. Fred & Terri McQueary Bill & Virginia Darr Betty Shortt Nancy Aton John & Susan Gentry Bonnie Atteberry Dan & Sally Wise Sandra Lowther Jerry Redfearn Cathy Wells Bill & Donna Montgomery In honor of Kathy King, Cathy Lindstrom and Sandra Lowther Sam & June Hamra Cissy & Ron Ellis Bob & Pat Adams Pam & D.J. Vokolek Gary & Suzanne Dukewits Rebecca Hogan Mary Erickson Dr. John & Linda Clouse

Melanie Lusk In honor of Sue George Wayne & Marcia Hlavacek Dr. John & Susan Mihalevich In honor of Book Club Friends Chris Maples, Maples Properties In memory of Cindy Thomas Dr. John & Jeris Ferguson Dr. James & Rosalie Cook Undesignated Donations Macadoodles Anonymous Susan Mihalevich Krissy C. Sinor Springfield Golf & Country Club Ladies’ League Tournament Martha Wright Charrie A. Dixon Sharon Barefield Julie A. Rohr Ann Grace Shirley Newton Ginny Redfern Karen Myers Joyce Shirkey Joyce Straton Ella R. Randall Carol J. Scott Victoria E. Franks Susan Mihalevich Donna Charles Darla Berg Bonnie S. Haney Linda M. Hayden Shirley J. Hendricks Carol M. Greve Joan F. Inman

Julia A. Boyce Geri Schlegel Ella R. Randall Strong Path Financial, LLC Debra L. Parrish, PC Marlene Feisthamel Highland Springs Ladies Tennis Assoc.

Sharman Walker Stephanie Gunderson Debbie Penn Jennifer Mahaffey Catherine Schmittling Gretchen Heinz Terrianne Woody Jennifer Passanise Mary Martha Hagale Carmen Dorman Cathy Neville Matha Eden Teresa Schwab Vickie Petersen J. Susie Brown Nicola Mullins Margaret Pinckley Nancy Gaston Mattax Jill Seagrave Mercy Clinic - Women’s Oncology Dr. and Mrs. Jay Carlson Judy Hancock Beki Rhein Rhonda Willard Two Men and a Truck Barbara Collins Dr. Barry & Susan Farber Ingram Enterprises, Inc. Patricia Kerr

Corks, Kegs & Chips Casino Night Bill & Karen Krittenbrink Janice & Ron Penney Macadoodles – Springfield Ozarks Entertainment 417 Magazine Knights of Columbus Council #9553 Old Missouri Bank – OMB Metropolitan Grill Judy & Steve Hancock In Memory of Kay Walton Barbara J. Presley Mary Burmeister Wilmetta Jeffries Sue George Highland Springs Country Club Jan M. Stewart Richard & Patricia Wollard Jan Robbins Lou Ann Stark Richard & Norma Fischer Cheryl Conway Dorothy Gardner Cynthia Hammond Susan McCall Cathy Powell Diane Zipf Marilyn Nothnagel Gary & Suzanne Dukewits Linda Ann Wallace Sharon Gott Susan & Curtis Lemmon Ed & Mary Howard Susan Mihalevich Andrea Croley Cathy Lindstrom Jeff & Nancy Maddy

Special thanks to National Avenue Christian Church for including GYN Cancers Alliance as a nonprofit vendor at its annual Alternative Gift Market!

Grantors Bee Payne-Stewart Foundation – Direct Client Support C. W. Titus Foundation Presenting Sponsor-Teal to Heal Annual Giving Friends John & Penny Coleman In Memory of Diane Marie Peterson Darla Berg Bonnie Haney Linda Hayden GHCC Ladies League In Memory of Willia Dean Cook Mary K. TerMolen Rick Dorland In Memory of Terry Walker Susan Mihalevich

In Memory of Cindy Thomas The Wedge Tiffany Jent Christine Maples Carol S. Young John A. Coyne Bonita R. Coyne Kathleen A. McCroskey Janet S. Rotramel Wallis Thompson Donna J. Freeman Cynthia B. Ramsey John L. Dixon Business Power Network Edna Ayers Grove Pharmacy Gary Grove Nick Grove Winn Jester Janet Glenn Cathy Sanchez

Anna & Courtney Meek Debbie McDade Stacy Abney In Memory of Cyndi Sullivan Logan Aguirre In Honor of Cathy Lindstrom Margaret J. Banta Cathy Powell Carol Morris Robinson Elizabeth Fiorella Mary Alice & Hal Grissum Nancy & Link Knauer Mary Kay & Terry Meek Lezah & Ron Stenger Joan & Tom Thompson In Honor of Sue George Mike & Karen Auletto Melanie Lusk

In Memory of Dick Boynton, Father of Cathy Powell Andrea Croley Glen Brandt Brandt Consolidated Rick Brandt Barbara Greening James & Donna Welch Dr. Owen & Margaret Stevens Daniel, Powell & Brewer, LLC Brent Powell Ron & Karen Ollis Mary Giudici McDaniel Joanne Allemann Melissa Hillman Family

In Honor of Betty Lane Children Paul, Kim & Cindy Grandchildren Kristy, Ashley, Alex, Abby, Matthew & Savannah Great-Grand Children Mary, Elliott & Amelia In Memory of Vonda Shortt Betty Shortt Sarah Shelburn Beverly Lolley

In Memory of Sandra Harville Shirley Bareford In Honor of Judy Wickersham Anonymous

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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January/February 2013

The Commonalities (or It All Comes Down to Poo)

By Charlotte Hopper

Continued from page 4 ...we acclimate ourselves to the life of “normalcy� most of us craved during treatment: Of family and work, of grocery shopping and ballgames, of holidays and weekends; Of empty medicine cabinets, of weeks without oncology appointments? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we acclimate ourselves to this world of ever-changing identities as we go from patient to survivor? As much as we would like to deny it, a void now exists in the place called “you� because the odl you no longer exists. There is no longer a “who you were.� There is only a “who you are.� There is no going back. There is only a going forward. And the going forward is a challenge; it’s a challenge of defining yourself anew every day. On the surface, the challenge may appear daunting when you are already weary from the fight, but ultimately, it can be empowering because you get to decide who you are and that is one more victory over this dreaded disease.

2ANDY (OPPER 0ITCHER %RIC &ORNATARO

#HARLOTTE (OPPER -ORGAN (OPPER

Creamy Quinoa Primavera - Connie Rizzo

to this

6 servings What you will need: s CUPS UNCOOKED QUINOA s CUPS LOW SODIUM VEGETABLE OR CHICKEN BROTH s CIP RICOTTA CHEESE s TBS CHOPPED FRESH OR TSP DRIED BASIL LEAVE s TBS OLIVE OIL s CLOVES GARLIC FINELY CHOPPED s CUPS THINLY SLICED OR BITE SIZED UNCOOKED VEGETABLES ASPARAGUS

CARROT OR ZUCCHINI s TBS GRATED 2AMANO CHEESE

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Rinse quinoa thoroughly, drain.

In a two-quart saucepan, heat quinoa and broth to boiling.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until broth is absorbed.

Stir in ricotta cheese and basil.

In a skillet, sautĂŠ garlic in olive oil until golden.

Stir in vegetables and cook about five minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Toss vegetables and quinoa mixture.

Top with grated Romano cheese.

Per serving: Calories 260; Fat 7 g; Carbohydrate 36 g; Protein 12.5 g; Dietary Fiber 5 g

January/February 2013

Ovarian Cancer Survivors Needed for Cancer Research for the Ozarks (CRO) Clinical Trial!

The Goal of the Study is to determine if lifestyle can influence survival and quality of life in ovarian cancer survivors.

Participants Will You Be Asked To: Provide fasting blood samples (6 over a two year period) Complete lifestyle questionnaires (4 times over two years) Wear a pedometer Be available for telephone contact and lifestyle coaching Who Is Eligible?

Ovarian, Fallopian tube and Primary Peritoneal cancer survivors with a history of stage II-IV cancer Completed treatment within the past 6 weeks to 4months No clinical evidence of persistent or recurrent disease Willing to fill out study questionnaires and be able to be contacted repeatedly by telephone over the course of the study No history of other chronic illness To learn more contact us at 417-269-4520 or 1-800-821-7532 or visit our website at Ozarkscancerresearch.org. Refer to Trial # GOG-0225 “Can Diet and Physical Activity Modulate Ovarian, Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Progression – Free Survival?”

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January/February 2013

Corks, Kegs & Chips Casino Night benefiting GYNCA and women battling gynecologic cancers THROUGHOUT THE OZARKS!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

4 to 7 pm Metropolitan Grill Tickets $50, call 869-2220 or email jan@gynca.org

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

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MO PERMIT #230