Think Pink 2015

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The 2015 Think Pink is dedicated to breast cancer survivors, from the newly diagnosed to those who have lived decades beyond their last treatment.

Every year we ask for personal stories, and Karalee Misner's submission about her mother Julie Rotz was particularly poignant.

“By definition, a survivor is a person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks. Some might consider breast cancer to be a setback, but if you asked my mom she’d say it was just the beginning.

“Her journey really started with the diagnosis and led her to do amazing things. I thought I’d have to be strong for her, instead she showed me strength I never knew she had. She immersed herself in learning all things ‘anticancer’including studying and becoming certified in plant-based nutrition. She continued to train during her chemo treatments, qualifying and running the Boston Marathon, twice, and completing a partial triathlon. In her words, ‘less hair just makes me faster.’

“She embodies the spirit of a true survivor by refusing to let it define her. She is not a cancer survivor, she is so much more.”

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Finding the missing piece Tattoos offer a finishing touch in breast reconstruction EMILY STEELE

it’s like a blank slate and that was the only thing missing,” Cox said.

But last month, Cox found ECATUR – Tattoos the missing piece under a after breast cancer needle — tattooed areolas mean different and nipples. things, depending “This is a pretty areola on whom you ask. pink color,” cosmetologist When survivor Tess Leckrone said, holding and CNA caretaker Lori up the light bottle of ink at Cox had a client mention Cox's regret over appointnot getting ment. a tattoo, She she mixes ink thought of colors to the colormatch a ful designs client's or sayings skin tone, many always women going have tatlighter at tooed on first. Lecktheir chest rone after surshowed gery.

Cox her “The guide – a first thing small that comes metal plate to my with hole mind is in the cenbutterflies ter. But it's and just an outheart,” she line, said. “And The micropigmentation offers a because I asked recoloring process to make the she tattoos 'what client feel more natural. outside the would you lines. A have tatperfect cirtooed?' And cle areola she busted and nipple out laughwould look ing. “Nipunnatural. ples, She goes honey.' ” over the Cox had large scar both left from breasts the surremoved, — Lori Cox, breast cancer survivor gery lightthe right in ly because 2007 and the it will soak up ink more other in 2013, after she was than the surrounding skin. diagnosed with cancer and All of these are techtested positive for the BRCA niques she's applied over gene. She had reconstructwo decades of helping to tion surgery and was given restore a woman's sense of a clean bill of health, but femininity after losing her never felt complete. breasts.

“I get out of the shower “I don’t think ladies that and see my reflection and have reconstructive surgery know about it,” Leckrone said.

R E C O N S T R U CT I O N Nipple and areola tattoos TAT TO O S can be done by doctors, tattoo artists or cosmetologists Breast reconstruction follike Leckrone. Insurance lowing surgery to remove a companies may not cover cancerous tumor and surthe procedures done outside rounding tissue or the entire a doctor's office. Leckrone breast happens in several knows this and keeps her stages according to the prices low, $200 for each American Cancer Society. breast, because insurance Surgeons can recreate a won't pay for the tattoos. breast using implants or skin “If I can help every one of flaps. The darker, sensitive skin of the nipple and areola these ladies to feel better is usually removed. after everything they went Tattooing inserts color into through, I don’t charge the skin to make surgically them that much,” Leckrone reconstructed nipples and said. “I just want them to areolas look more natural. feel better for themselves.”

H&R Staff Writer

D

Herald & Review photos, Lisa Morrison

Tess Leckrone works on recreating areolas and nipples on the reconstructed breasts of a cancer patient.

‘Wow, that's pretty amazing. I feel a finality, definitely something was missing before.’

Or, tattooing can be used on a reconstructed breast with a coloring technique that makes the flat tattoo look like a three-dimensional nipple. Because reconstructed breast tissue doesn't have the same sensation, tattooing the area isn't usually painful.

If one breast was removed, the tattooing is more difficult because the goal is to match the position, size, shape, texture, color and projection of the new nipple to the natural one. If both breasts have been reconstructed, the areola and nipple are created to match the woman's breast, skin tone and preferences.

A cancer survivor prepares to undergo micropigmentation to create the illusion of nipples on her reconstructed breasts from Leckrone at Artistic Cosmetics Salon.

Leckrone has been doing cosmetic tattoos such as permanent makeup and scar camouflaging since 1993. You'll find examples of permanent makeup on her website, but not the breast tattoos. She doesn't advertise the procedure much, but clients come to her through word of mouth and references from traditional tattoo artists.

Patients have to wait six months after their final treatment for the skin to be ready for tattoos. It can take up to several sessions, six weeks of healing between each, for Leckrone and the client to find the perfect shade.

“I’m on the other side now and I want to live life to the fullest,” Cox said. “If I can do something to feel better about myself, why

not?”

Looking down halfway through her appointment, Cox peaked at her new nipple while Leckrone worked on the other breast.

“Wow, that's pretty amazing,” Cox said. “I feel a finality, definitely something was missing before.” esteele@herald-review.com| (217) 421-6968

A cancer survivor undergoes the relatively painless procedure of micropigmentation or cosmetic tattoos to create the illusion of areolas and nipples.

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Opening doors

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

THINK PINK

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month events

TO DETECTION H&R file photos

The Real Men Wear Pink tent was at the Clinton High School football field last October selling pink T-shirts and gear to raise money for breast cancer research.

Real Men Wear Pink WHAT: Area football teams help raise awareness through the St. Mary's Hospital program and encourage women to get a mammogram.

WHEN: Games are Fridays. Fans and others in the community are encouraged to wear pink on Fridays.

Oct. 9: Argenta-Oreana vs. Cerro Gordo-Bement Oct. 16: Eisenhower vs. Chatham Glenwood; Mount Zion vs. Effingham Oct. 23: Cerro Gordo-Bement vs. Maroa-Forsyth; MacArthur vs.

Springfield Southeast Oct. 24: Millikin University vs. North Park University.

Pink Link support group WHAT: A time for breast cancer patients to share emotions and personal experiences.

WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 WHERE: Cancer Care Center of Decatur, 210 W. McKinley Ave.

Breast Cancer Support Group WHAT: A support group for survivors, their spouses, family and friends.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 WHERE: Room E-118, Clarke Conference Room, Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.

CONTACT: For more information, call (217) 757-7684.

Women's Wellness Event WHAT: Learn about services for cancer patients, screening information and presentations from doctors.

WHEN: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 WHERE: Keller Convention Center, Effingham CONTACT: Register by Oct. 7 online at stanthonyshospital.org or call (217) 347-1529.

Mobile Mammography WHAT: Decatur Memorial Hospital mobile breast cancer screening.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 21 WHERE: Arthur Medical Center, 650 W. Columbia St., Arthur CONTACT: (217) 876-1111.

Herald & Review photos, Jim Bowling

Elizabeth Rawls organizes the Pin-A-Sister breast cancer awareness program.

Earlier screenings could lower high death rates for black women

A

DONNETTE BECKETT H&R Staff Writer

s a retired registered nurse, Elizabeth Rawls understands the importance of good health. As an African American woman, she has seen the statistics on how many black women are dying from breast cancer.

“About 40 percent are more likely to die from cancer than their white counterparts,” she said.

That's why in order to raise awareness about breast cancer, Rawls knows where to focus her attention. “The mother is important entity to the family,” she said.

Since 2008, various area churches begin their Mother's Day services with a Pin-a-Sister ceremony. Speakers and survivors encourage all women to get mammograms and preform monthly selfexams. And if their message doesn't reach the mother, they hope to reach a family member. “Because most will attend church on Mother's Day,” Rawls said.

During the ceremony, guest speakers will address the congregation for approximately 10 minutes. The families and the congregation pledge to visit a doctor and read the literature. Along with each packet is a small pink ribbon pin. “I ask them to pin each other,”Rawls said. “After they have the mammogram, they return their pin.”

Rawls uses this method as a source of accountability. “It encourages them to

Rawls hands out the pictured pins during the Pin-A-Sister breast cancer awareness program annually on Mother’s Day.

‘The access to care is there, if you go through the door.

But people are afraid to go through the door.’

—Dr. James L. Wade

return something they were given,” she said.

The event also helps with support. “We want to let people know there is help,” Rawls said. “It is important to take care

of your health.”

According to medical oncologist and founder of Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois, S.C., Dr. James L. Wade III, area physicians work together to make sure patients have no excuses. “In Central Illinois, there has been great effort through the physician community to see all patients.”

Black women have a slightly lower rate of breast cancer than Caucasian women. “But the chance of dying of breast cancer is higher,” Wade said. “It's not well understood.”

Wade said the most likely reason is that black women may not have access to screening where earlier diagnosis can be made. Physicians know the treatment is more effective if the cancer is found early. If the patient has a later diagnosis, the outcome is worse. He said cost should not be factor.

“The access to care is there, if you go through the door,” Wade said. “But people are afraid to go through the door.”

Fear is a major factor in the rise of cancer deaths. Whether it is fear of the illness or fear of the medical intervention, many are reluctant to visit a doctor.

Biology may also be a factor in the high death rate of black women. African American women are more prone to a particular aggressive form of breast cancer called triple negative breast cancer. This type of cancer behaves more aggressively and is less sensitive to standard treatments.

Wade reiterates the importance of early detection. “The early the diagnosis makes a difference,” he said.

Rawls understands this is an obstacle for her friends and family. “They put it off,” she said. “By the time you are diagnosed, you could be in second or third stage.”

If a patient feels a lump in between their regular mammograms, she should get it checked out.

“In Macon County, we have great resources that will help anyone,” Wade said. dbeckett@herald-review.com | (217) 421-6983

Volunteer Jodi Morganthaler waves at motorists in front of the Cancer Care Center of Decatur while passing out breast cancer awareness gift bags during the Early Detection Connection program last October.

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Letters become source of healing EMILY STEELE H&R Staff Writer

It's easy to type an email or text a message, but nothing says love more than a handwritten letter or card you can hold and put on display.

Herald & Review photos, Lisa Morrison

Kathy Berneking makes lunch for husband Skip and Stepmother Joan Smith. Kathy supported Joan while she underwent treatment for breast cancer and is part of a support group called Facing Cancer Together.

In it together Support groups offer a comforting shoulder to patients and caregivers

By THERESA CHURCHILL H&R Senior Writer

DECATUR – “Dumbfounded” is the best word Joan Smith can come up with to describe how she felt when her little sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993.

Not only was there no history of breast cancer in their family, Smith felt helpless to protect her like she had done from time to time while they growing up near Harristown.

Mary Christerson of Warrensburg was 53 at the time, and Smith, who lives in Decatur, was 57.

But at least Smith could go with ChrisChristerson terson to a support group, started the year before at Decatur Memorial Hospital, called Facing Cancer Together.

Leslie Roberts, a medical social worker for the Decatur Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Institute, said the group exists because the impact of a cancer diagnosis goes beyond the patient.

“When we're providing care, we reach out to family and caregivers because it's very normal for them to experience a wide range of emotions,” Roberts said.

“Shock, anger, disbelief, fear.

This is happening to them, too.”

Indeed, often a caregiver needs a caregiver.

When Smith herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, she directed much of the support her stepdaughter was offering to her husband.

Kathy Berneking remembers Smith telling her, “Your job is to take care of your dad, because he's going to fall apart.”

“It was a whole lot easier for me to go in and get my own treatment than it was to take my sister to get hers; at least I had some control over it,” Smith recalls. “I think it's harder when you're the support person.”

Roberts said the greatest gift you can offer a cancer patient and their caregivers is your presence, but let the people you're trying to help take the lead. “When they're with you, they may not want to talk about it,” she said.

“Just let them know you're someone they can confide in if they choose.

“If they're feeling frustrat-

I F YO U G O WHAT: Facing Cancer Together WHEN: 1:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month WHERE: Cancer Care Center of Decatur, 210 W. McKinley Ave. FOR MORE: Call the center at (217) 876-4750.

Support from her family helps Joan Smith keep a smile on her face. ed or helpless, let them know it's normal and OK to have those feelings.”

When offering to help in other ways, Roberts suggests being specific so people feel more comfortable about accepting.

“Say you're free on Tuesday afternoons and ask what you could do,” she said.

“Offer to pick their kids up from school to drive them to their doctor's appointment.”

Many patients and caregivers have taken advantage over the year of Facing Cancer Together, which is open to people dealing with any kind of cancer.

For five years, Joan Smith and Mary Christerson took turns being the patient and the caregiver, until Christerson died in 2003.

“There are lots of things you want to share and do with your sister,” Smith said.

“Getting chemo treatments is not very high on the list.”

Still, the two sisters and Christerson's good friend Betty Underwood managed to build a reputation of being anything but grim during their early days at the Cancer Care Institute.

“They'd put Mary in a room, I guess, because there were three of us,” Smith said. “We'd be in there for a while, and pretty soon one of the nurses would come and say, 'We're just going to close this door because you girls are just having too much fun in here.'

“That's how we got through it.”

Berneking also supported Smith through her cancer treatments and, after Christerson died, by going with her to support group for a while. Then the two women supported each other after Nick Smith, Berneking's dad and Smith's husband, died in 2013.

They live in adjoining homes, Berneking in a house and Smith in an apartment, on the same lot in southwestern Decatur.

Smith, 80, has been in remission since 2003 but continues to regularly attend meetings of Facing Cancer Together.

She hopes she serves as a light at the end of the tunnel for other cancer patients and caregivers. tchurchill@herald-review.com| (217)421-7978

That's the idea behind Girls Love Mail, a charity that collects handwritten letters and gives them to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Since it was founded in 2011, volunteer writers have submitted more than 45,000 letters that have been delivered to women through cancer centers across the U.S. Over the course of her treatment, breast cancer survivor Gina Mulligan received more than 200 get well cards and letters, many from people she didn't know.

“I realized how much we've forgotten how tangible and healing it is to get something that's handwritten,” Mulligan said.

She also realized that many women never receive any letters of support and went on to found Girls Love Mail.

“We're trying to get a letter to every woman diagnosed,” Mulligan said.

Illinois residents have submitted 2,106 handwritten letters. Six cancer centers, including Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, have received 1,239 letters. The letters are often included in the packet of information newly diagnosed patients receive.

“They really appreciate having this letter to say it's not all bad,” Mulligan said of health professionals who pass on the letters.

The letters can be written by anyone, anywhere. Mulligan said they've gotten let-

ThinkStock

Girls Love Mail is a charity that collects hand-written letters and gives them to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

‘I realized how much we've forgotten how tangible and healing it is to get something that's handwritten.’

— Gina Mulligan, breast cancer survivor ters from children up to people in their 90s and from around the world. It can be a one-time letter, a group activity or a regular commitment.

Mulligan said one woman has written more than 2,000 letters.

“What surprised me most was the letter writers, how

they felt empowered,” Mulligan said.

You don't have to be a cancer survivor to write a letter.

Many family members, friends, health care professionals and those who want to help will write letters of encouragement and hope.

“It doesn't take a lot of

MORE INFO Send handwritten letters to: Girls Love Mail, 193 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 120. Folsom, CA 95630.

Include your full name, email and return address.

More than one letter can be included in the envelope.

For more information, visit www.girlslovemail.com. money or time, it just takes a little bit of thought,” Mulligan said. esteele@herald-review.com| (217) 421-6968