Herald & Review SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014
On the road to
WHOLENESS EMILY STEELE
H&R Staff Writer
T
he cancer is gone, but Dawn Burge is still searching for her breasts. Four surgeries later and two to go, the Moweaqua resident can't think of the scarred skin and tissue on her chest as breasts. “We’re still trying to reconstruct me,” Burge said. Between 1998 and 2007, the number of double mastectomies for breast cancer patients increased from 3 percent to 18 percent. In that same span, reconstructive breast surgeries jumped almost 20 percent according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. “I’m not your by-the-book case at all,” Burge said. A series of setbacks means Burge, in the meantime, is still waiting while other women have been diagnosed, treated and finished the reconstruction process. Previously unemployed and lacking health insurance, Burge was nine months late in getting her annual mammogram
‘I’m not your by-the-book case at all.’ Dawn Burge, cancer survivor
last year when she noticed the marblesized lump in her right breast. “Your first thing to decide is a lumpectomy, mastectomy or bilateral mastectomy,” Burge said of her stage-two cancer. She opted for the surgery that would remove both breasts to prevent it from spreading to the noncancerous one. She also chose to do a full breast reconstruction, with implants, nipples and tattoos to recreate areola skin coloring. “That’s every woman’s choice, if it defines you being a woman,” Burge said. Her first surgery on Jan. 9 removed the
breast tissue and put in expanders under the muscles to stretch out the skin for future implants. “They closed me up too soon,” Burge said. After the surgery, doctors told her microscopic cancer cells were left behind in the margins, or the tissue surrounding the tumor. A month later surgeons removed the expander and the remaining cancer cells. “They went clear down to my ribs,” Burge said. She woke up to an unexpected pain on her left side. The surgeons needed to take skin from her abdomen to cover her chest. Burge started radiation treatment, and after time to heal, scheduled surgery to put the expander back in. “When you have radiation, it can turn muscle into concrete,” Burge said. For six hours, the surgeon chipped away at hardened tissue creating enough of a pocket for their smallest implant. Back muscles and an 8½-by-11 inch piece of skin were moved to her chest. Burge almost gave up on the reconstruction. WHOLENESS/PAGE 2
Discovering hope
In the trenches
Robyn Koritz finds the guidance she needed on her road to recovery. Page 4
Students at Millikin University are assisting with cancer research. Page 5
PAGE 2 BE AWARE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014
www.herald-review.com
DECATUR, ILLINOIS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These local agencies are taking up the national campaign to improve women's health with the following events: Every Friday WHAT: Real Men Wear Pink WHERE: Anywhere WHEN: Through October WHY: Men are encouraged to wear pink on Fridays in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. St. Anthony's Hospital is encouraging participants to share photos and stories about “real men” on their Facebook page.
All Month WHAT: Mammogram appointment WHERE: St. Anthony's Women's Wellness Center, 900 W. Temple Ave., Effingham. WHEN: Through October WHY: All women who schedule their mammogram during October will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket. Those who have scheduled for a different month can also call (217) 347-1601 and be entered.
Friday, Oct. 3 WHAT: Early Detection Connection. Representatives from Decatur Memorial Hospital's Women's Health and Breast Center will be handing out information and ribbon-shaped bagels while supplies last. WHERE: Cancer Care Center, 210 W. McKinley Ave.; Express Care North, 3131 N. Water St.; South Shores Kroger, 255 W. First Drive. WHEN: 7 to 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 WHAT: Facing Cancer Together support group. A monthly support group for cancer patients and their families. Register online at www.dmhcares.com or call (217) 876-4750. WHERE: Cancer Care Center, 210 W. McKinley Ave. WHEN: 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 9 WHAT: Pink Link Breast Cancer support group. To register, call (217) 8764377. WHERE: Cancer Care Center, Education classroom, 210 W. McKinley Ave. WHEN: 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10 WHAT: Real Men Wear Pink football game. Football teams will wear pink to raise money and awareness for breast cancer and honor survivors. WHERE: Warrensburg-Latham High School, Maroa-Forsyth High School, Cerro Gordo-Bement High School WHEN: Game time
WHOLENESS Continued from page 1
“But you know in your heart, you’re not done,” she said. Surgery No. 4 in August replaced the expanders. She has two more to go for the final expanders and implants. Dr. Jordan Youngerman, a surgeon with Decatur Memorial Hospital, said breast reconstruction is different than 20 years ago. Cancers are being detected earlier. Surgical techniques, standards and implants are better. And more women are choosing to remove both breasts. “A lot of women are deciding they don’t want to sit around and wait for the other shoe to drop,” Youngerman said. There are many surgical options and the process and outcome is different for everyone. With reconstruction, the overall goal is to return breasts to where there are only two large scars, as opposed to the results that prosthetics offer. “I’m just trying to return them to a sense of normalcy,” Youngerman said. Youngerman said he enjoys all parts of his job, but working with recovering cancer patients is gratifying. “I’m a reconstruction surgeon at heart,” Youngerman said. “This has a special place in my heart.” He encourages patients to take notes and ask questions, knowing how
H&R file photo
Throughout October, area prep football teams sport pink colors in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Monday, Oct. 13
nnn
WHEN: Game time
WHAT: Eat Right to Help the Fight. A free nutrition class for cancer patients and caregivers. Register online at dmhcares.com or by calling (217) 876-4750. WHERE: Cancer Care Center, family waiting room. WHEN: 11 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18 WHAT: Yoga for Life. Enjoy a free yoga class and learn about ways to stay healthy in mind and body. WHERE: Center Stage area, Hickory Point Mall, Forsyth. WHEN: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Register online at dmhcares.com/yoga. For more information, call (217) 876-2850.
Wednesday, Oct. 15 WHAT: Mobile Mammography. WHERE: Arthur Family Practice, 650 W. Columbia St., Arthur. WHEN: Call (217) 876-1111 to schedule an appointment.
Friday, Oct. 24 WHAT: Real Men Wear Pink football game. Football team will wear pink to raise money and awareness for breast cancer and honor survivors. WHERE: Eisenhower High School WHEN: Game time
Friday, Oct. 17 WHAT: Real Men Wear Pink football game. Football teams will wear pink to raise money and awareness for breast cancer and honor survivors. WHERE: Argenta-Oreana High School WHEN: Game time
Saturday, Oct. 18 WHAT: Be Aware Women's Fair. The fifth annual fair includes free health screenings for bone density, spirometry (lung test), cholesterol, blood pressure and others. WHERE: Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. COST: $4 ONLINE: beawarewomensfair.com
overwhelming all the information is on top of the recent trauma. “It’s about giving them choices guided by what’s possible,” Youngerman said. And once they have all the information, some decide it's not for them. In 1995, Melba Stockdale was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 65. Biopsies revealed she needed a double mastectomy. “If that's what it's going to take to get this gone, that's fine,” the Oakley woman said of her thoughts at the time. Her doctors encouraged her to do a reconstruction, but looking back now Stockdale said she would have gone a different route. “I would not have the expanders put in, I would go with the prosthesis,” she said. “The prosthetics today are so near to being a real breast, I probably would have done that.” Her left saline implant started leaking after the surgery, and was removed. Then, she got a staph infection. It was
“You have a malignancy.” Suddenly, my own mortality was staring me in the face. I realized I had had a good life. I was happily married and had a rewarding career. I had seen our three daughters graduate college and become independent. And I had experienced the joys of being a grandmother. But I wasn’t ready to let go. My family gathered round and supported me through months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Five years later, a second breast cancer was just a bump in the road. After surgery and a short recuperation, my life went on as before. That was 24 years ago, but I felt like a survivor almost from the beginning. To me, being a survivor doesn’t mean you have defeated cancer or any other adversity permanently. Being a survivor means you can handle whatever life hands you with courage and optimism and maintain joy in living. — Virginia Kickle
Wednesday, Oct. 29
Arthur Family Practice has mobile mammography available Oct. 15.
Saturday, Oct. 18 WHAT: Real Men Wear Pink football game. Football team will wear pink to raise money and awareness for breast cancer and honor survivors. WHERE: Millikin University
about six months before Stockdale was finished. For years after, she provided her first-hand experience as a resource for other mastectomy patients. Her implants are uneven and uncomfortable to lie on. After surgery, it was difficult to lift her arms. Still, Stockdale said the implants give her some anonymity. “Most people who didn't know me back then and know me today didn't even know I had it done,” Stockdale said. Burge said besides the
WHAT: St. Anthony's Women's Wellness Event. Gift bags, food, door prizes and health information. Dr. Ruben Boyajian will lead a panel discussion “Keeping aBreast of the Latest Information” about breast cancer topics. WHERE: Keller Convention Center, 1202 N. Keller Drive, Effingham. WHEN: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. COST: Free admission. Register by Oct. 21 to guarantee seating. To register, call (217) 347-1529 or go online at stanthonyshospital.org.
aesthetic impact of not wearing a low-cut shirt or swimsuit, she's struggled with feeling like a woman. “The doctors have told me, your anatomical parts don’t make you the person you are,” said Burge, who also had a hysterectomy. “It’s what’s inside.” Only after the last surgery, Burge said, she'll feel whole again. But right now she can't imagine the end result. “To me these don’t look like breasts,” Burge said. “They’re just there.”
Join us in the fight against Breast Cancer.
Limited Edition GIVE BACK BREAST CANCER GIFT SET With Her Gift of Strength Charm
75
$
© 2014 Chamilia, LLC. All rights reserved. Swarovski® is a registered trademark of Swarovski AG.
2525 N. Water St. • Decatur • 217•875•4380 • M-F 10-6 • SAT 10-3 www.eryanjewelers.com
It was late spring of 1979, and I had just turned 42. I felt a small lump in my left breast. My doc didn't think it was anything, so we waited. Our older daughter was marrying her long time beau, I forgot about the lump. Summer was busy, and suddenly, our life as we knew it collapsed. Our developmentally disabled 15-yearold daughter died in an epileptic seizure accident. Recovering took all of my strength. Christmastime woke me up to my body. A ... biopsy found cancer cells. (My doctor) suggested a lumpectomy followed by radiation. I asked God if I could get through this new crisis, and the answer came that I would not be given more than I could handle, because I didn't have to do it alone. My husband, daughter, family and church family all held me together. The surgery and treatment were successful and I have been cancer-free for 35 years. — Elizabeth Jane Spires
Encourage Celebrate Honor 1215 E Pershing Rd Decatur, IL | 217-875-9038 www.secretgardendecatur.com
Lana Smith 5 Yr Survivor
Bev Gharst 10 Yr Survivor
Celebrating Those Who have Fought and Won Their Battle & Supporting Those Who have Just Begun the Fight.
Imogene Fitzgerald 1 Yr Survivor
Mary Lou King Current Fighter
Bev Whipple 24 Yr Survivor
Charlene Smith 14 Yr Survivor
BRINKOETTER & ASSOCIATES Supports Breast Cancer Awareness. In Loving Memory of Connie Brinkoetter Ewing & Debbie Ford
COME TOGETHER LET’S PUTT! October 14th, 2014 at Overlook Adventure Mini Golf 2501 E. Nelson Park Road 12:00pm - 6:30pm FREE for cervical, breast and ovarian cancer survivors
Bring your family, friends and neighbors to celebrate your success!
$10/person, $5/children 12 & under
Let’s Putt!
Includes a round of golf, refreshments and chance to win door prizes
For more information call
Events Plus at 217.233.3391
www.herald-review.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014
DECATUR, ILLINOIS
BE AWARE PAGE 3
‘Come Together’ makes strides Event lets cancer fight continue year-round DONNETTE BECKETT H&R Staff Writer
DECATUR – Come Together Let's Walk has become an important component in the Decatur area's battle against cancer. With the help of strong community involvement, the organization continues to raise funds to provide local, no-cost mammograms, as well as providing support for other nonprofit cancer organizations. The roots of the local program extend back to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event that came to the Decatur area more than 20 years ago. In 2010, the national Komen foundation restructured, forcing the Decatur service area to move under the Peoria Memorial Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. After the restructure, the organization could no longer commit to having funds raised stay local. The threat of losing a large percentage of those funds spurred volunteers into action. “We are mostly volunteers,” said Cindy Deadrick-Wolfer, the executive director of Come Together Let's Walk. “We decided for our community, we could do it locally, and hopefully, raise the same amount of money, but keep it here.” Over the years, Deadrick-Wolfer said, the local Komen organization had received calls asking how funds could be raised for other cancers, such as ovarian and cervical cancer. “We were never able to do that based on the Komen rules,” Deadrick-Wolfer said. The creation of Come Together Let's Walk changed all that. Unlike Komen, which provided funding for breast cancer exclusively, Come Together Let’s Walk contributes funds to ovarian and cervical cancer programs as well as breast cancer services. The organization's logo has three ribbons to represent all of them. To make the transition as smooth
I had my first breast cancer at age 32. Before surgery, I took Holy Communion, and I prayed for God just to let me see my youngest 8-year-old son grow up, and I would be ready to die. When my son was 18 and I was 42, I had my second breast cancer and I was ready to keep my promise, but God had other plans for me. I am now 75 years old with nine grandsons and two greatgranddaughters. My mission in life is to let other survivors know cancer can be beaten. Do not give up the fight. I pray that by telling my story they will find the courage and inspiration they need to continue the battle. To God be the glory. — Lenora M. Mintun The mammogram I had in 1997 showed that further tests were needed. I was kind of scared, but the doctor said that it had a 3 percent to 5 percent chance it was cancerous and should be checked. After the biopsy, I went to the surgeon for the results and went by myself. I was shocked when he told me I had two types of cancer: one that doesn't spread, but another that does. He tried a couple of times to save the breast, but I had to have it removed and was put on tamoxifen for five years.
H&R file photos
Participants wind their way through Fairview Park walking and running for the support of breast, cervical and ovarian cancer during the 2014 Come Together Let's Walk event.
Cindy Deadrick-Wolfer, Come Together Let's Walk coordinator, talks with Mimi Walters before starting the last Let's Get Fit group. as possible, organizers slated the new race on the last Saturday in June, the same day as the former Komen races. The money raised from the walk and run goes to several different
places including screenings for those who can't afford it or a group that works with survivors on makeup and dressing tips. Much of it is for awareness and emphasizes preventative care to increase chances
of survival. Stylish Survivor is one of the nonmedical programs that benefit from Come Together Let's Walk. Breast cancer survivor Diane Shankwitz began the program to help patients look and feel better. “Survivors are kind of hiding,” she said. “We don't live life to the fullest.” So, Shankwitz brought her concept to the organizers of Come Together Let's Walk. Shortly after their first meeting, Stylish Survivor had a check to purchase mannequins and distribution materials. “I'm extremely appreciative of Come Together to support a cause with just an idea,” Shankwitz said. Although the organization's fundraising focus is mainly on the June race, it also lends a hand to other community efforts. The Pink Ribbon Ride began 12 years ago in conjunction with the Komen race, but organizers wanted to keep their funds local. “We believe it is unwaveringly important that the monies raised stay local to benefit our communities right here,” said Debbie Coziahr. The ride gave motorcycle enthusiasts an event in which to participate shortly after the Come Together Let's Walk weekend. “We were able to open up a whole additional group of caring people to the cause,” Coziahr said. The Pink Ribbon Ride organizers consider themselves as part of the Come Together Let's Walk movement. “That's a whole different audience to say 'Take care of yourself,'” Deadrick-Wolfer said. “But they do it in their own thing; they're not necessarily walkers, they're riders.” Although the race and ride are in June and July, the organization is also still part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Come Together has sponsored the October National, an artists' exhibit at the Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery. “It's not supposed to be fine art, but it could be,” said Barb Dove, Executive director of Gallery 510.
Breast Cancer awareness Merchandise available!
373 W.
Supply es, Decatur
217-422-1271
Real Men Wear Pink: Campaign contributions go toward funding St. Mary's Hospital’s breast cancer education and awareness programs in the community. Decatur Memorial Foundation: Accepts donations from individuals who specify a initiative or organization, such as the Mammography Initiative. American Cancer Society: A national institution accepting contributions from organizations, individuals, corporations and government agencies. The funds are distributed nationwide to services that support cancer research, education, support and treatment. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure: A national organization that sponsors races to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment. Individual groups and organizations, such as the Okaw Valley Middle School 5K Fun Walk/Run, raise money through events. These groups usually donate all of the proceeds to Cancer Centers in Decatur and Central Illinois.
“It's for those who don't consider themselves an artist.” She said many of the works have been contributed by cancer survivors. As Come Together Let's Walk prepares for its next event, those involved know they will be continuing to fight for the cause. And although raising funds is a prime objective. It's about much more that that. “Another part of the walk that is sometimes forgotten is the education and awareness,” Deadrick-Wolfer said. “When people are focusing on something like the walk, they hear about breast cancer and hopefully, someone will remember to schedule a mammogram.” dbeckett@herald-review.com | (217) 421-6983
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Decatur Memorial Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer, by providing outstanding resources and some of the area’s most advanced technologies devoted to prevention and treatment. DMH Women’s Health & Breast Center is a dedicated center for the awareness, diagnosis, management and support of health conditions that affect women, including breast cancer. Call 217-876-4377 for more information.
Prevention
Early Detection is Key The American Cancer Society recommends tthat women age 40 or older have a mammogram every year. Mammograms can detect abnormalities or lumps that should be further analyzed for diagnosis. Mammograms can be scheduled at your convenience at the DMH Women’s Health & Breast Center located in West Hay Medical Center, South Shores Imaging Center, Forsyth Imaging Center, and Sullivan Medical Center. Call 217-8761111 to schedule a mammogram. Mobile Mammography is offered at Arthur Family Practice, 650 W Columbia, Arthur and Moweaqua Family Practice, 620 N. Putnam, Moweaqua. The DMH Mammography Initiative offers no-cost screening mammograms to individuals who meet financial guidelines based on family income, live in the Decatur/Macon County area, are at least 35 years old, have had mammograms according to requirements and are not experiencing any breast symptoms. Call 217-876-1111 for more information.
Clinical Trials The DMH Cancer Care Institute provides cancer patients local access to state-of-the-art prevention and treatment trials. To learn more, call 876-4750. Advanced Technology & Treatment DMH Advanced technology boosts chances of spotting breast cancer Decatur Memorial Hospital combines digital mammography with computer aided detection to detect breast cancer in the earliest stages when there is a better chance for a cure. THE DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY DIFFERENCE: • Improves the contrast of the image over film screen mammography, possibly improving cancer detection • Allows physicians to transmit the images electronically • Allows physicians to manipulate the image in order to better “see” certain breast tumors
Beyond Breast Cancer Every year, many women lose their breasts to cancer. Breast reconstruction can help compensate the loss by creating new breasts. If you are considering having reconstructive surgery, it’s a good idea to talk about it with a plastic surgeon experienced in breast reconstruction before your mastectomy. This lets the surgical teams plan the best treatment for you, even if you want to wait and have reconstructive surgery later. For more information, contact: Jordan Youngerman, MD Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon Physicians Plaza East 1 Memorial Dr., Suite 110 217-424-2442
Special events
P
Through October, various organizations in Central Illinois offer events and fundraisers toward the fight against breast cancer. They include:
Your breast health begins at DMH
I am now 86, but I couldn't face any of this without my faith. — Anastazia Dean Once, during my mom’s treatment for breast cancer, I asked her how she was. Expecting her to say, “Just fine,” or, “I’m tired,” I was surprised to hear her say how lucky she felt. She said the day the cancer was found was her luckiest day ever. Today, she’s 12 years out and still going strong. Fast-forward four years and I was the one facing the diagnosis. I only had six days between diagnosis and my mastectomy. Imagine my surprise, while lying on the gurney before surgery, God decided to put his arms around me and say, “Just lean into me. We’re going to do great things once the hard part is over.” I’d been fighting him for years, and he finally was able to find the chink in my armor to slip in. Just like my mom, I count that my luckiest day ever. Now that I’ve been cancerfree for nine years, I try to spread God’s light and love. I’ve been a mentor for several young women who survived cancer and a friend to one who lost her battle. She’s with my God and that, my friends, is the ultimate lucky day. — Jennie Houk
FUNDRAISERS
Stuart Baker, MD Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon Physicians Plaza West 2 Memorial Drive, Suite 310 217-877-9000
Early Detection Connection
DMH Yoga for Life Event
Drive by and get health information, free bagels, and giveaway items.
Learn about the many health benefits of yoga during this event. Instructors will lead a yoga class near Center Stage.
Friday, Oct. 3 • 7-9 a.m. • Express Care North, 3131 N. Water St. • Cancer Care Center of Decatur, 210 W. McKinley Ave. • South Shores Kroger, 255 W. 1st Dr. Call 217-876-4377 (HERS) for information. D M H
C A R E S
A B O U T
Saturday, Oct. 18 Hickory Point Mall Registration 8 a.m., Event begins 8:30 a.m. Call 217-876-2850 for information.
Y O U R
H E A L T H
PAGE 4 BE AWARE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014
www.herald-review.com
DECATUR, ILLINOIS
Shedding light on the fears Doctors’constant flow of information guides woman to best treatment choice EMILY STEELE
mation and help available. “The biggest thing I can tell everybody is there is no quesDECATUR – By the last tion too small to ask your docday of radiation treatment, tor or nurse,” Koritz said. Robyn Koritz knew the rouKoritz was one year tine. younger than the recommendSame as every weekday ed age for starting annual afternoon for the past seven mammograms when she felt weeks, she greeted the nurses a lump in her right breast in at the right side desk of the October. “I’ve never had a Cancer Care Center on Sept. mammogram before, I never 10. After walking back thought about it,” Koritz said. through the offices, she Doctors took a sample from changed into two medical the lump with a needle to gowns, covering front and analyze the tissue. She was back. suspicious something was Nurses situated Koritz wrong before the official under the radiation machine results came in, but it didn't to match the green projected dull the diagnosis of cancer. lights to the marks on her “It was really just a shock,” chest. The machine has to be Koritz said. “You can’t prelined up perfectly, not only to target the cancerous area, but pare yourself for it, it’s a complete and utter shock.” also to avoid hitting her heart She met an oncologist at or lungs. the Cancer Care Center to The heavy metal door discuss what kind of cancer it closed during treatment. A was and how to move forsign on the front reads “Cauward. tion. Very Starting high radiout, ation Koritz area.” knew she Five didn't minutes want later, she chemo. steps out But the and hugs hard data both nursDr. es. After Dolores almost of Estradaa year of Garcia chemo, a Koritz rings a bell at the Cancer Care gave double Center after receiving her final radiation Koritz mastectreatment. about surtomy vival odds and a without series of the treatradiament contion vinced treather otherments wise. for “She breast walked cancer me Koritz through was my finally options Robyn Koritz, cancer survivor able to with my ring the being handbell stage three and being so letting everyone in range young, chemo was the best know someone had finished option for me,” Koritz said. treatment. Dr. Sebastien Kairouz is an But the first time Koritz, oncologist with Cancer Care 39, stepped through the doors Specialists of Central Illinois. at the Cancer Care Center During his first appointment everything was overwhelmwith a newly diagnosed ing. patient, he makes a point to “When I first started, I didexplain every test and every n't know what to expect,” step of the process in detail, Koritz said. from where their cancer is The one relief Koritz came coming from to what the to find is the amount of inforH&R Staff Writer
‘It was really just a shock. You can’t prepare yourself for it, it’s a complete and utter shock.’
Herald & Review photos, Danny Damiani
Melissa Repscher, a senior radiation therapist at the Cancer Care Center, hugs Robyn Koritz after she received her final radiation treatment for breast cancer. stages of a diagnosis mean. “At the end of the day, if the first encounter with a patient you make it clear to them what’s going on,” Kairouz said. “A lot of that fear is alleviated.” But he wants to spend most of that appointment answering their questions, removing misconceptions and building trust. From there, they make a treatment plan. “The big unknown is their first treatment,” Kairouz said. Often that's chemo, and a nurse practitioner will sit down with a patient before to discuss the process. Some patients want to be in control, others want the doctor to take the lead, but Kairouz said women should be upfront and ask their doctor about the nature of their disease. “It’s important to be involved from the beginning,” Kairouz said. “I think it does improve the standard of care.” Reversing her opinion on chemo taught Koritz to trust
her medical team that grew to include her primary doctor, oncologist, radiation oncologist and OB/GYN. Nurses navigators from the DMH Women's Health and Breast Center also contacted her directly. There, Breast Center coordinators Pam McMillen and Heather Ludwig work to provide material and emotional support to breast cancer patients and survivors. “It goes back to what their needs are,” McMillen said. Sometimes, those needs are about nutrition, wigs or prosthetic or financial issues and which doctor or nurse to talk to if there's a problem. The coordinators work to ensure everyone on the medical team is on the same page. Each patient is different. Some seek out support groups, while others need information and facts to help them come to terms with their disease. “It's rewarding to see the strength these women have,” Ludwig said.
Newly diagnosed patients can lean on HER THERESA CHURCHILL H&R Senior Writer
DECATUR – It took Joyce Mazzotti a while to get up the gumption to go to the American Cancer Society's Decatur office in search of a wig and a breast prosthesis. The cancer patient drove up and down West Pershing Road without success until she stopped at a store and learned that the office had moved to Peoria some years earlier and that many of the brochures in the information packet she was carrying were woefully outdated. “I felt very defeated, deflated and devastated, but I didn't want to get bitter,” Mazzotti said, “I wanted to get better.” The vehicle that helped her do that, one she helped create, has helped more than 100 breast cancer patients since it got under way in 2000. Called Helping Each other Recover, or HER, the program pairs the newly diagnosed with mentors who've undergone similar treatment to give emotional support. “We have about 15 mentors, and they do not give medical advice,” said Pam McMillen, co-breast center coordinator of the DMH Women's Health and Breast Center. “Instead they share their experience and what they did to cope.” Indeed, Mazzotti wound up getting and giving that kind of support within a chance friendship with a breast cancer patient who in 1998 was a bit further along in her treatment than Mazzotti was. At the time, Pauline Rasho worked as an administrative assistant for the Visiting Nurse Association of Macon County, and while Mazzotti's husband was there working on the association's computers, he shared that his wife had been just been diagnosed. Rasho, thinking she might be able to help and maybe get some in return, got permis-
Submitted photo
Martha Hall, Pauline Rasho and Joyce Mazzotti of the Helping Each other Recover, or HER, program participate in a recent Come Together Let's Walk in Fairview Park.
MORE INFO Helping Each other Recover, call (217) 876-4377. sion to give Joyce Mazzotti a call. “She told be where to get a prosthesis and a wig, and before we even met, we got the exact same wig in two different colors,” Mazzotti said. “You just need somebody to call when your hair falls out, and I wanted to be able to do this for other women.” Rasho liked the idea, too. “It might not be for everyone, but I liked it better than a
support group because it just felt more personal to me,” she said. Inspired by a national program of the American Cancer Society called Reach to Recovery, the two friends and about a dozen other survivors worked with the Women's Health and Breast Center to develop the HER program. Martha Hall was one of those survivors and early mentors but when she suffered recurrences of her breast cancer, first in 2007 and again in 2008, Mazzotti was there to lean on as she decided to undergo a double mastectomy. “I just didn't worry about it
as much because Joyce had already been through it,” Hall said. Mazzotti estimates she's mentored 25 to 30 women over the years, while Rasho and Hall say they've each been linked with about half that many. “If I can do something to make somebody else feel better about the process, I want to do it,” Mazzotti said. “It's not that family or friends can't be there, but they haven't gotten up in the morning and looked in the mirror at the scar where their breast used to be. “It's just so good to talk to somebody who's walked in your shoes.” tchurchill@herald-review.com| (217) 421-7978
Koritz readies for her final radiation treatment. With radiation completed, Koritz is now waiting to hear the magical phrase “no evidence of disease,” sometime in the next month that will mean she's cancer free. She will continue seeing her oncologist for scans and will take a hormone suppression medication for at least
five years. One of the biggest lessons she learned is the power of inner strength. “You are way stronger than you think,” she said. “And don’t ever let it keep you down.” esteele@herald-review.com | (217) 421-6968
www.herald-review.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014
BE AWARE PAGE 5
DECATUR, ILLINOIS
Millikin among cancer research labs Undergraduate work offers better understanding of disease EMILY STEELE H&R Staff Writer
DECATUR – It's easy to walk by the lab on third floor of the Leighty-Tabor Science Center at Millikin University at not notice the research work being done. Inside the lab, the vials of three cancer cell lines are stored at human body temperature and “fed” with a colored media every few days. A laptop is plugged into a machine, pulling in data. It’s there undergraduate students conduct breast cancer research under the direction of Jennifer Schroeder, associate professor of physiology Since joining the university’s biology department, Schroeder has conducted studies on estrogen-responsive genes in breast cancer cells and the effects of pesticides on cancer development. The molecular physiologist became interested in breast cancer cell research as an undergraduate at Eastern Illinois University. “It was through some family medical issues that I started to look into estrogen and what it did to the body,” Schroeder said. When someone is diagnosed
‘Our goal is to find something that’s really, really toxic and encapsulate it and deliver it right to the tumor.’ Jennifer Schroeder, Millikin University’s associate professor of physiology with cancer, Schroeder said it's hard to find or understand relevant cancer research, let alone understand the scientific terms. She's had students open up about family experiences to try and understand more. “If you just try to Google search that, it’s overwhelming.” And not all research, including Schroeder's, is aimed at finding a cure. “For people that are in the field, trying to encompass it all as 'a cure for cancer' is difficult, because every cancer is different and each
Travis Mansur, a senior biology major, feeds breast cancer cells to make sure they are healthy for experimentation.
I am an 11-year cancer survivor. First, I had all the tests, and when it came back, it is something no one wants to hear, that word, “cancer.” The doctor gave me surgery and they caught mine in time, they said it was like a grain of rice. I thank the doctors for everything, Dr. Birk and Dr. Vallejo. My family has also been there for me all the time. When you know you are blessed, you can tell people what God has done, you just have to have faith. — Mary Douglas nnn This is a tribute to my Dad, Jack Shull. Shortly after his death, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. To me, survivor means there are more things that God wants me to accomplish. Survivor means that I will never be the same person. It means that I’m changed, and most importantly, blessed. God provided peace, comfort and many other things I’m sure I don’t understand. My husband, Tracy, was my rock. Our children, Nick and Abbey, were stronger than I could have ever imagined. My mom, sister and the entire Causey family were supportive in so many ways. My friends at Mount Zion Intermediate School were also so generous. The amazing doctors and nurses that save people’s lives every day are a true blessing. The people in our lives are the strong ones. My prayer and wish is for
patient needs to be looked at as a different case.” She pulled up a microscope to show those three breast cancer cell lines they use. Up close, each is visibly different. One project with Millikin's chemistry department is focused on finding a more effective way to deliver chemotherapy drugs and reduce side-effects. Current chemo drugs target all rapidly dividing cells, which, besides cancer, includes normal cells such as hair follicles and blood. “Our goal is to find something that’s really, really toxic and encapsulate it and deliver it right to the tumor,” Schroeder said. Schroeder said one student compared the research to the Trojan horse of Greek mythology. They know the toxin works at killing cancer cell, so it's the soldiers. They have the horse, or a way to deliver the toxin. “Now, the trick is getting the horse into the cell,” Schroeder said. Undergraduate students can join a research project at any time. They collect and analyze data to eventually presenting the findings on and off campus. Travis Mansur, a senior biology major, started doing chemistry research as a freshman but wanted something more fulfilling. “I wanted to do something that would be beneficial,” Mansur said. Now, he's working on writing and presenting data from the chemo drug research. One of the biggest things he's taken away from the process is that it's full of roadblocks. “There's no manual,” he said. Senior Shelly Mansfield was also drawn to do research working under
Herald & Review photos, Danny Damiani
Jennifer Schroeder, assistant professor of physiology at Millikin University, goes over breast cancer research data with Shelly Mansfield, a senior biology major. Schroeder. “As a woman, I want to help people with breast cancer,” Mansfield said. Rural communities have a higher rates of reproductive cancers than urban area. This may be linked to exposure to pesticides or lack of access to health care, but no one knows for sure. Mansfield exposed cancer cells to three common herbicides and is analyzing research to present along with Mansur at a conference in October. “Our concern is if it contaminates a water supply, how would it affect cells?” she said. Most of their research is funded through Millikin and the biology department. As a small-scale operation, it is hard to compete with larger universities and research organizations with big goals. Basic tools such as flasks and food to keep the cancer
Remember, cancer is not a punishment, but an opportunity to exercise your faith and will to live. — J. Karin O’Brien Fisher everyone to be a survivor. — Angie Causey nnn In 1995, I started having some problems. I was sent to the oncologist for a further work up. I was scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy. After a lot of prayers and support from my husband, son and many family and friends, I recovered and went for about 10 years with no problems. Again, I was faced with the dreaded word “cancer” in 2008. I finished the treatments in 2009. In 2010, I got the diagnosis again of the Cword. I again asked God: “What is going on?” His answer to me was you are strong and will conquer this. I did just that. I took my last chemo in July 2010 and to this day I am, as Dr. Ben Esparaz says, cured from the cancer he was treating me for. God bless all the survivors and the millions fighting this disease, along with all the physicians, nurses and caregivers and family members helping during this trip. — Melba Stockdale nnn On July 5, 1954, I found a lump in my right breast. So, on the 6th of July, I underwent a radical mastectomy. I began radiation treatment and a series of nitro mustard
(a chemo drug). I thank God he healed me.... My church and friends prayed for me, which gave me my strength, and my life was spared. I thank my God for seeing me through this radical operation. Within 30 days, I had a hysterectomy plus my mastectomy. Outside (of) nerve problems, I was healed totally and still check myself. The word “survivor” is a miracle. The doctor said so. — Mary Alice Johnson nnn Hearing the word “cancer” took a few days to absorb, but after a few months of surgery and treatments, I was able to resume my normal activities. With devout faith in God and putting my prognosis in his hands, I found strength to cope with the whole ordeal allowing “His will be done.” My daughters supported me with their excellent care and found further encouragement from the prayer line of family, friends and even people I had never met. At present, I am on a fiveyear maintenance medication and feel great. I consider myself a cancer survivor, as I have a 99-percent chance the breast cancer will never return. For anyone facing a similar experience, “be not afraid,” take each day as it comes.
nnn I had stage 2-3 breast cancer with surgery (in) December 1995. I had 12 infected lymph nodes. During treatment, I worked half days which kept my mind busy and made me feel more “normal.” I had an enormous amount of support from my co-workers and family. My husband and daughter created a happy atmosphere at home which made bad days brighter. You must have a doctor you trust, who provides superior care/understanding. Now, 19 years later, I remain a cancer-free survivor. If you find you are faced with this problem, find a doctor you can work with and feel the love and support around you. It will make you feel stronger and more positive to fight through this. — Cindy Griffin
Olivia Waszczuk, a junior biology major, checks the progress of unhealthy breast cancer cells. cells alive can cost hundreds of dollars. Their new PCR machine, which analyzes cancer cell genes exposed to pesticides cost about $20,000. To donate, contact the Alumni and Development Office by calling (217) 424-6383.
“Cancer research is ridiculously expensive, what we do here is small scale,” Schroeder said. “But it’s really important for students to do this kind of research.” esteele@herald-review.com | (217) 421-6968
PAGE 6 BE AWARE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014
DECATUR, ILLINOIS
RICK RIDINGS
www.herald-review.com
MONTICELLO