FIVE DOLLARS
Kindness & Courage
Charlie Johnson
Future Breast Cancer Treatment
Sisterhood of
Hope & Courage
OCTOBER 2007 :: LIFESTYLE, HEALTH & BEAUTY :: WWW.STYLEMAGAZINECOLORADO.COM :: EST 1984
Miho Toi Scott
MA,MD
Paolo Romero
MD
Anne Kanard
MD
Regina Brown
MD
at the POUDRE VALLEY HOSPITAL HARMONY CAMPUS 2121 E. Harmony Rd. Suite 150, Fort Collins • www.cancercenteroftherockies.com
970.493.6337
HEARTS ON FIRE CO. LLC. FEELS LIKE NO OTHER DIAMOND IS A TRADEMARK OF HEARTS ON FIRE CO. LLC
©2007
The Diamond Tower 300 East Foothills Parkway (across from Macy’s parking lot)
970.223.0256
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
3
If you're ready fqr weiMt-loss surgery, were herefor you. If you're ready to change your life with bariatric weight-loss surgery, we're here for you.
Learn more. Attend a , __, free presentation.
This permanent weight-loss solution has restored health to thousands of people with life-threatening, obesity-related medical conditions. And it's a specialty at Bariatric Center of the Rockies at Poudre Valley Hospital. We're recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by The American Society for Bariatric Surgery, Anthem Blue Cross I Blue Shield, and Cigna Healthcare of Colorado.
To attend a free presentation about Gastric Bypass and LAP-BAND速 surgery, check out our seminar schedule online at www.pvhs.org or call 1-866-495-7579.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Wear a charm, show your support! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the pink ribbon charm benefits breast cancer research. 124 E. MONROE DRIVE FORT COLLINS, CO 80525 970.226.5808 jewelryemporium@juno.com
“We knew all the factors that can lead to breast cancer.” “We didn’t know that a simple BREAST MRI could help with early detection and improving survival rates.” In March, 2007, The American Cancer Society issued new guidelines recommending MRI’s in addition to mammograms for certain women considered to be at unusually high risk for breast cancer. As many as 1.4 million women fall into the affected group, according to an American Cancer Society estimate. The MRI, in addition to a woman’s mammogram, will give your doctor additional information that will enable early detection of breast cancer when it is easier to treat and the chance of survival is greatest.
At Harmony 2127 E. Harmony Rd., Suite 130 For t Collins, CO 80528
Main: 970.282.2900 Scheduling: 970.282.2912 www.the-imaging-centers.com
At Centerra 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., Suite 150 Loveland, CO 80538
Exceptional imaging, exceptional quality, exceptionally fast. Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
0000155295
5
www.davidsongm.com
Davidson • Gebhardt MotorPlex at Centerra 3880 Test Circle· Loveland, Colorado· 970.667.3950
6
. AN AMERICAN
R:VOUJTION
ml Certified
See our complete inventory on the web www.davidsongm.com
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
With breast cancer, early detection is the key to a positive outcome. That's why the experienced staff at McKee Medical Center is highly trained in the latest in digital mammography. This new technology gives a clearer, more accurate picture with much quicker results. Should mammography or ultrasound find an abnormality in one of our patients, we have a new BreastSpecific Gamma Imaging Camera, one of only 40 across the country, that helps quickly differentiate between benign and malignant masses. If cancer is discovered, you can take comfort in knowing that our comprehensive care is recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. McKee Medical Center. Remarkable health care inspired by you.
~
~
Banner Health
McKee Medical Center 2000 N. Boise Ave. • Loveland (970) 669-4640 Job opportunities: www.BannerHealth.com or 866-377-5627 (EOE/AA) Banner Health is the leading nonprofit health care provider in northern Colorado.
styl e medi a and des ign, inc. | 970.226.6400 |
w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m PUBLISHER Lydia J. Dody
ASSISTANT EDITOR Corey Radman
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Scott Prosser SENIOR DESIGNER Austin Lamb SALES MANAGER Jeff Reichert (970) 219-0213 ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Karen Christensen (970) 679-7593 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 OFFICE MANAGER Ina Szwec ACCOUNTING MANAGER Karla Vigil DATA ENTRY Betty Frye CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alice Ashmore, Gina Brown, MD, Lynn M. Dean, Ali Dody-Hettler, Kerri Geary, Corey Radman, Ina Szwec, Jason Webb CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lydia Dody, Dana Milner, Ina Szwec AFFILIATIONS Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce Windsor Chamber of Commerce 2007 STYLE MAGAZINES January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directory February-Building & Remodeling March-Family, Community & Philanthropy March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness April-Business of Northern Colorado May-Building & Remodeling - Home & Garden June-Business to Business June-Building & Remodeling July-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directories August-Women In Business September-Building & Remodeling Home Interiors & Entertainment October-Women’s Lifestyle Health & Beauty October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness November-Holiday December-Winter/Wedding Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. Elsewhere, subscriptions for 16 issues cost $24/year free magazines are available in stands at 75 locations throughout Northern Colorado. For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 226-6400. E-Mail: editor@StyleMedia.com ©2007 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.
8
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
TEACHER, MENTOR & FRIEND
It was an honor being included in your Women in Business issue. I’ve been very fortunate in my career, which began with having Lydia Dody as one of my first bosses while I was a student at CSU. For those who don’t know, in the early 70s Lydia was one of, if not the only, female business owner in Ft. Collins. She started a gift and china store on College Avenue near Laurel called Gifts Unusual as well as a trendy women’s boutique in Campus West called The Other Half. In working for Lydia I learned “style” in dress and appearance, but more importantly, style in comportment and leadership. I saw first hand how a business woman could be personally powerful yet remain feminine too. I never saw her lose her cool and she was always clear and firm in her dealings with me but fair and fun at the same time.
I learned lessons about selling, merchandising, advertising, public relations -- all of which I use in my own business today. I’m still learning from her in how she gives back to her community through her Hope Lives initiative. As wonderful as Ft. Collins is, Lydia introduced me to a world beyond it. Her store was selected by Seventeen Magazine as a resource to garner local and regional trends through teen representatives. Lydia gave me the opportunity to be the representative, which meant I had to periodically submit essays on local teen trends, complete surveys, etc. (That played a large part in starting my writing career with seven books about leadership trends.) Today, I still wear on a charm bracelet a piece of jewelry from Tiffany in New York that the Seventeen representatives received. Every time I see it I think of those positive early lessons. A few years into my corporate career, I returned to Ft. Collins and met Lydia for lunch. By that time she had had her two beautiful daughters. I remember we were
talking about all the wonderful life and career experiences around the world that she had and then she said how none of them compared to those two girls. I remember thinking this is an example of a true superwoman who has learned how to “have it all.” I was in awe at the time, of the life she was living and continues to live. Then a few years later she reinvented herself again creating the popular Style Magazine. Lydia has always “thought outside the box” before it was the thing to do. So when I talk about my career success I know it’s because I had a good teacher, mentor, and friend who laid the groundwork for me and other women in business. ~Debra Benton Speaker, Author, Executive Coach, Coprorate Consultant
WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS By phone: 970.226.6400 By fax: 970.226.6427 By email: info@stylemedia.com www.stylemagazinecolorado.com
14
95 GELS) N DE A MO $ H & CAKES IL M O(MOST
“Where quality reflects in everything we do”
YOUR DOMESTIc & FOREIGN REPaIR cENTER!
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
full service available • 27 point inspection • oil changes • timing belts • clutches • shocks • brakes • tune up
SenSitive to your time Complimentary loaner CarS available your inSuranCe Company laiSon ColliSion & meChaniCal repair DomeStiC & Foreign
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
Kathy Dillon-Durica
Lauri Landes
970.484.3657 407 Riverside Fort Collins 9
Publisher’s Letter
I
With most women who have fought the battle of breast cancer and come out on the other side, there is a common thread weaving through their inspiring messages.
10
t is often uniquely worded and personal to each woman’s experience, but the messages are almost universal: A genuine gratitude for family, friends, and healthcare providers who support you on this journey of healing and recovery, a new appreciation for the richness each day holds, a deeper understanding of your soul and personal connection to your God, and universally, a deep gratitude for another chance at life. Cancer has changed me on every level. It created a “new normal” and I have had to evolve and adjust to living daily, knowing that cancer was part of my life. Oh it doesn’t define me, and there is much more to me than just being a cancer survivor, but it certainly has changed my life on every level. The reality can’t be more obvious for every breast cancer survivor than when having to undergo regularly scheduled routine tests such as tumor marker blood tests, CAT scans, MRI’s, PET scans, bone scans, DEXA scans, mammograms, etc. Mine are always scheduled every fall about this time, and the anxiety level goes up a few weeks before. Yes, deep in my heart I know that after seven years I am cancer free, but nonetheless, the anxiety level goes up until, one by the one the results come back and relieve all fears. Once again, I feel released for another year to fly, to soar and live my newly discovered life. I am reminded of Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech when he said, “We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” My house was filled with this light, with positive energy and with love as each of the nineteen breast cancer survivors gathered at my home recently for a photo shoot and to share, to laugh, and to support each other in their breast cancer journeys. Some of them were still in treatment sporting their shiny heads as trophies, others kicking the disease for their second time, and some blessed to have the experience well behind them. We all partied together as we shared some of our stories with others who were Thank you to these precious women who gathered to share, to support each other, and offer hope to those just beginning their journey. Their courage, their positive attitude, great sense of humor, and their willingness to share intimate moments of their lives will encourage and empower other women faced with adversity. Thank you to the store owners who provided beautiful fashions, to O’Hana Salon for their hair design, to Lori Moore at Merle Norman for makeup artistry, to Dana Milner our photographer and to the staff of Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center for their assistance. This issue is also packed with heartwarming stories of how five women turned their breast cancer journeys into a positive experience
for themselves, their families, and their communities. Read their stories and be uplifted. Learn how one of their keys to change was to let go of fear. Their experiences remind me of my own. I think that God kept knocking but I wasn’t listening until I had to. I am reminded of this thought. “ HYPERLINK “http://thinkexist. com/quotation/god_allows_us_to_experience_ the_low_points_of/219553.html” God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons we could not learn in any other way. The way we learn those lessons is not to deny the feelings but to find the meanings underlying them.” I must confess I continue to look for the lessons every day. Breast cancer survival rates, fortunately, continue to improve and new treatments are continually being researched. Be sure to read a very exciting new approach to treatment that is being researched and, that will hopefully, be available in a few years. Dr. Gina Brown worked on this research and relays how it will reduce the nasty side effects of current treatment modalities. Learn more about risk factors, recurrence, biopsies, lymph drainage, reconstruction and genetic testing. Our healthcare professionals are among the finest in the region; we are truly fortunate to have such caring and competent providers. Helping women with breast cancer, telling their stories, keeping our readers informed of the disease and the latest information continues to be my passion, my mission and is my heart’s work. Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center is the non-profit that I support. It is continuing to grow and serve women in Larimer and Weld counties. In fact, the foundation is serving a huge number of women and has requests to serve even more. The Complementary Care Program is providing free services to these women during treatment and six months following to speed their healing, improve their recovery, and improve their quality of life. If you are looking for a cause to support, to volunteer, or to contribute to, it is definitely a worthwhile one to consider. A heartfelt thank you to the many caring women, generous sponsors, foundation staff, donors and providers who make this foundation significant to so many women diagnosed with breast cancer. Your work is Blessed. Together lets join our hearts and hands to show everyone that Hope Lives! for all of us. Blessings to each of you,
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
What are you doing to support these wives,mothers, daughters and friends? Here is what your community is doing and how you can help
“Paint Northern Colorado Pink!”...
For the entire month of October 100% of the new member sign-up fee will be donated to Hope Lives! Curves will also be supporting Hope Lives! by selling custom made jewelry, Macy’s discount cards and doing additional donation collections. Join us for a “Night For Hope” Oct. 15th 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Participating locations: Fort Collins:
Join Merle Norman at The Shops at Rigden Farm, Drake and Timberline for “Ladies Night Out” on Friday, October 19, 2007 from 4pm-8pm. Bring your girlfriends and come see what’s pink! There will be giveaways, food, and a raffle!10% of proceeds from this event will be donated to Hope Lives. Wear pink and receive a special gift!
Prospect & Timberline, Horsetooth & Shields, 1829 E. Harmony Loveland: 249 E. 29th Street 1423 N. Denver
Please join Pendleton October 19th, 2007 for an evening of shopping to benefit Hope Lives! From 4pm9pm Pendleton will donate 10% of all sales to Hope Lives! Come and show your support for this worthwhile cause, bring your girlfriends!
Ensemble Home & Apparel located in Loveland at Centerra. For the entire month of October Ensemble will be donating a percentage of proceeds to Hope Lives! Make an additional donation through Ensemble and you will be entered to win a gift basket worth over $500. Visit the store to see the "save the tata's" line! Oct. 12th & 13th after 5:00 pm stop by for some pink cocktails!
For the month of October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the following businesses are donating a portion of their proceeds to Hope Lives! Breast Cancer Support Center. By supporting these businesses, you are assisting women in Northern Colorado battling breast cancer.
My
Hair Girl
October 27th, 10% of proceeds will be donated to Hope Lives!
Join Designs on October 5th for “Pink Friday”. The day will include: - Makeup artist Bobbi Brown - Brighton Trunk Show - Bonnie Anderson from Crislu Jewelry - 5% discount on all pink merchandise - The chance to win a Brighton necklace, bracelet, and earrings A portion of the proceeds from the day will be donated to Hope Lives!
Stonehouse Grille employees will donate a portion of their tips to Hope Lives! The owners of Stonehouse Grille will match these staff donations. Contact the Stonehouse Grille for dates.
OCTOBER 2007 :: LIFESTYLE, HEALTH & BEAUTY
18 20 Charlie Johnson
A Model of Kindness and Courage
Annie Brunsell
Climbing Out of the Dark
Tammy Miller Zimmerman The Gift of Life
Cathy Martin
Family Battles Cancer Together
28
Kerri Geary
Lessons From The Healing Road
Fashion
Sisterhood of Hope & Courage
Beautiful, Inside & Out! HeadTurners & ‘OHana Salon
50
New Option in Breast Cancer Treatment on the Horizon Dense Breasts & Hormones Lymph Drainage Therapy BRCA Gene, Now What? Aereola Restoration Breast Cancer Recurrence Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy From The Readers Publisher’s Letter Meet The Models About Town
12
w w w.stylemagazine c olor ado.c om
WomenGive Luncheon McKee Masters Golf Tournament Cattle Barons Ball 2007 Think Pink! Black Tie Bowling Soul of the City
Peace of mind. ~re herefor you. Is a mammogram still on your "to do" list? The Breast Diagnostic Center encourages you to make yourself a priority. We're here for you, offering high-quality breast imaging with advanced screening and diagnostic technologies to promote breast health and
THE BREAST DIAGNOSTIC CENTER Harmony Campus 2127 East Harmony Road, Suite 130 Fort Collins (970) 207-4700
early detection. Our all-female team of technologists understands that respectful, personal care is just as important as medical expertise. And our radiologists use computeraided detection to double-check images-adding another layer of confidence to your breast care. For comprehensive breast care with compassion, we're here for you.
www.
Windsor Imaging Center Windsor Medical Center 1455 Main Street Windsor (970) 674-4910 (same day appointments are often available at the Windsor Imaging Center)
Meet The
Models
Barbara Coakley
Diagnosed March 1984 Barbara is a self-employed web based retailer as well as being on-call for Edward Jones Investments. She enjoys studying and practicing spirituality. I applaud Lydia for her vision and for making the support and charity of Hope Lives so public and accessible in the Fort Collins area. Namaste, to all the ladies and to Lydia!”
14
Brett Eppich Beal
Eliza Brock
Diagnosed August 2004 Brett is mom to Sean, 16, and Lucas, 10. Brett works in the career center for Colorado State University, and as a part-time Reiki practitioner. When she has extra time Brett enjoys Reiki, motorcycle riding, reading, and all outdoor activities. “I was hesitant to participate in the photo shoot at first, but these amazing women made this experience so much fun!”
Diagnosed August 2006 Eliza is married to Jonathon Brock, and mother to Olivia, 5; Alexandra, 3; and Cody, 3. She works with Insurance Auditing Quality Control for US Reports Inc. In her free time Eliza enjoys dancing, camping, four wheeling, jet skiing, and of course spending time with family. “This experience has been wonderful. It was so fun to try on different outfits and pick out something exciting. Melany at O’Hanas did my hair and I love it. I had yet to think my short hair looked like me since I always wore my hair long before I had chemo, and she styled it beautifully. I finally feel like I look normal and am not ‘tolerating’ growing it back. It was amazing to get the royal treatment and nice to meet all the other survivors of this disease. I am always encouraged by their stories of strength.”
Mary Jo Coate
Kerri Geary
Diagnosed March 2007 Mary Jo is married to Rick, and works at David’s Bridal. She loves camping, motorcycles, and reading. “Value life more!” she says.
Diagnosed 1996 and 2004 Kerri is married to Michael, and is a proud mother to her son, Evan, who is 6. She is a selfemployed Healing Guide. She enjoys hiking, biking, sailing, photography, literature, travel, and learning about other cultures. “I’m not a survivor, I’m a thriver.”
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Theresa Clancy
Jane Clark
Beth Clarken
Diagnosed October 2006 Theresa is married to Mark Clancy and is the proud mother to her three cats, Spooky, Molly, and Gizmo. She works as a 911 Emergency Services Dispatcher for the City of Fort Collins Police Department. In her less stressful times she likes to read, exercise, travel, and ride her motorcycle. “Thank you Lydia and friends for doing this for us!!”
Diagnosed December 2006 Jane is wife to Jim, and is a development director for Legacy Land Trust. She enjoys landscape oil painting, and horseback riding. “This was as close to having a ‘princess’ experience as I’ve ever had! Lydia and her most excellent crew truly take all the pressure off and set the stage for you to enjoy the process and the camaraderie with other fabulous women. All our ‘attendants’ have been equally uplifting and genuine in their caring. Designs Boutique is a fun place to shop and every woman should have at least one princess experience to add to her repertoire of memories!”
Diagnosed September 2002 Beth is a proud mother of John, 24, and Tara, 23. She is the activities director of the Frontier 50 Club for New Frontier Bank. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and exploring! “What fun! I met so many wonderful people and we shared our stories. I walked out feeling so blessed!”
Vicky Gettman
Barb Larkin
Debbie Lloyd
Diagnosed March 2007 Vicky is wife to Marc Richardson, and mother to Jamie, 35; Karlee, 32; Nick, 24; and Patrick, 16. She is a massage therapist, and is self-employed. She enjoys reading, working out, and hiking.
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
Diagnosed July 2004 Barb is a Vice President/Sales Manager of North Market Retail Banking at First National Bank. She is also Mom to Brad, who is 28. “ I feel very lucky to have met a group of wonderful women. Their courage and love shines through and they are a joy to be around. Thank you to all of the retailers and O’Hana Hair Salon for their generosity and fun. And thank you to Style for this opportunity!”
Diagnosed October 2006 Debbie is married to Adrian, and is mother to Sarah, 21, and Camille, 17. Debbie is an antique dealer at Foothills Flea Market, and also enjoys antiquing, gardening, entering and winning contests, and spending time with family.
15
Billie J Miller
Diagnosed May 2006 Billie is happily married to Sonny Miller, is mother to Shawn, 45; Torry 41; Amy, 39; Josh, 31. She is a Realtor for The Group Inc, loves exercise, biking, walking, grandbabies, family time. “It was so fun to be pampered, seeing friends. It was a beautiful morning!”
Saundra Skrove
and and and and and
Diagnosed February 2007 Saundra has been a sales representative for Style Media and Design for nine years now. She is a proud mother of two grown daughters, Jennifer, newly located from North Carolina to Fort Collins, and Jackie, located in Tall Timbers, Maryland. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the great outdoors! “Thanks to Lydia for a beautiful day of sharing, to Dana Milner and Lori Moore (Merle Norman) for great photography and make-up, and to Designs for the clothes anyone would love to wear!”
16
Diane Nelson
Glenice Risheill
Alene Starkey
Kim Starling
Diagnosed January 2006 Diane is married to Robert, and is happily retired. She enjoys volunteering at Meals on Wheels, golfing, hiking, and camping. “The photo shoot and preparation was just a bunch of fun. Everyone is happy and laughing. Just what one needs to be around to make one feel good. Of course all the primping- hair, make-up, and clothes doesn’t hurt either. We are all made to feel like ‘queens for a day’ in a world that has been turned upside down. This whole affair rights it up! You go girls!”
Diagnosed September 1997 Alene is married to Rod, mother to three grown children, and grandmother to nine! She has been a Realtor for 30 years, and is now with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. She enjoys family time, friends, church activities, her mountain home in Grand Lake, and taking vacations.“ Being pampered and meeting the other survivors was my favorite part of the experience. It was amazing! I appreciate all Lydia does for the community! It is wonderful that she uses local people for stories and models!”
Diagnosed June 2005 Glenice is wife to Bill, and mother to two daughters: Rebecca, 37, and Angela, 30; as well as step mother to: Marc, 28, and Laura, 24. She is retired from Poudre School District after 30 years as a high school Spanish teacher. “Lydia Dody kindly invited me to be a one of the models in Style. I was so happy to share with other survivors while also wearing beautiful clothing and real diamonds! With Lydia’s encouragement, I experienced that moment of glamour despite doubts about unruly growing-out hair and insecurities about facing the camera. Thank you, Lydia!”
Diagnosed 1996 & 1998 Kim is married to David Eisele, and is a selfemployed psychotherapist. She enjoys riding her horses on trail, and studying “A Course In Miracles.” “It’s always fabulous to come to Lydia’s house. It just feels so comfortable and she always has great snacks. Adding all the fabulous women who are involved in Hope Lives is the crowning touch. I often am in a hurry to leave social events but this is never the case with Hope Lives gettogethers.”
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Phone: 970.222.6507 • Fax: 970.612.0211 PO Box 271302 • Ft. Collins, CO 80527
Barbara Schneider
Diagnosed December 2006 Barbara is married to Bill and is mother to Scott, 44; Jeff, 42; and Andy, 37. She is a successful Realtor for The Group Inc. and loves family time, traveling to anywhere, gardening, reading, and metaphysical work.
Ann Tharp
Diagnosed February 2006 Ann Tharp is employed by Poudre Valley Health System as a psychologist and also has her own psychotherapy private practice. “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting other women who have survived cancer with such grace and beauty, hearing their stories, and feeling a sense of camaraderie. What a joy to dress-up, pamper ourselves, and to celebrate recovery! Thank you to Hope Lives and to Lydia for this incredible experience.”
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
17
inspiration
Charlie Johnson By Alice Ashmore
A Model of Kindness and Courage WITH HER SPARKLING BLUE EYES, READY SMILE, AND PETITE FIGURE, CHARLOTTE “CHARLIE” JOHNSON DOESN’T LOOK LIKE A FIERCE FIGHTER, BUT SHE IS AND HAS THE BATTLE SCARS TO PROVE IT. T WENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO SHE FACEDDOWN BREAST CANCER AND WON. SINCE HER DIAGNOSIS AND RECOVERY, CHARLIE HAS INSPIRED OTHER WOMEN TO FIND THE COURAGE TO FIGHT TOO.
W
hen Charlie was 40 years old she was a competitive runner, happily married with two children, and taught elementary school. “I had just finished the Denver marathon; everything was perfect.” One day she found a small lump in her breast, and went immediately to her doctor. A biopsy revealed cancer. “I woke up and both of my family doctors were holding my hands. They never said the word.” The day was August 18, 1982. Soon after, she underwent a radical mastectomy and learned the cancer had spread beyond the breast to one lymph node. Charlie needed extensive chemotherapy.
A LONELY JOURNEY
It was a time when no one spoke of breast cancer. There were no pink ribbons, no local television stations rallied behind the cause and the Race for the Cure had yet to be imagined. “It wasn’t an open subject to
talk about; not even with your girlfriends.” “I had no pain and no warning. The initial acceptance was devastating and I wondered, ‘Why me?’” The prevailing attitude among the medical community was not entirely positive either. Charlie notes, “There wasn’t a lot of empathy from the doctors.” She felt, at the time there was no understanding of the psychological meaning of a woman’s breast among physicians. “When I asked about breast reconstruction I was met with: ‘Why would you want to do that?’” She adds, “Doctors have developed much more compassion regarding such a sensitive disease for women.” A sense of isolation set in. “I really felt alone.” Charlie did have two pillars of support. “My husband Don was great, and I had an incredible oncology nurse that inspired me to stay strong.” Her oncology nurse said two things that resonated with Charlie, She told me, “You can go home and lay on the couch and die,
or you can fight this.” The nurse added, “I believe in miracles.” Game on for Charlie Charlie. “This was a turning point. She was the one who made it clear that my survival was up to me.”
THE FIGHT OF HER LIFE
Charlie continued her work as a teacher during her treatment. “I needed the sense of purpose.” Her chemotherapy made this challenging. “Sometimes I would have to stop the car on the way to work to be sick.” She also tried to keep her routine as normal as possible for her daughters, then nine and thirteen. “I didn’t ever want them to be afraid.” She is quick to note that today’s chemotherapy treatments are more advanced and produce fewer side effects than the ones she endured. “It’s wonderful that they have made it so much easier. I underwent nine months of chemotherapy. That’s a long time to be on chemo.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 56
18
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT
HOPE LIVES!
& STRONGLY SUPPORT EARLY DETECTION!
AMIC Physicians: Dr. Deborah Gunderson, Dr. Sarah Jess, Dr. Amy Hayes, Dr. Tracy Florant
Comprehensive women's imaging capabilities Mammography Breast Ultrasound Breast MRI Breast Biopsies using Stereotactic Mammography, Ultrasound, or MRI guidance Computer Assisted Detection (CAD) for Mammography and Breast MRI Gynecological and Fetal Ultrasound Bone densitometry (DEXA scan) Uterine Fibroid Embolization Laser Varicose Vein Ablation
CORPORATE OFFICE: 2008 Caribou Dr., Fort Collins, CO TELEPHONE: ( 970) 484- 4757 www.AdvMedImaging.com EXCLUSIVE PROVIDER FOR HOSPITALS IN NORTHERN COLORADO, SOUTHERN WYOMING, & SOUTHWEST NEBRASKA
inspiration
Annie Brunsell By Annie Brunsell
Climbing Out of the Dark FOR THIS CANCER SURVIVOR, EVERY DAY IS A MIRACLE FULL OF GRATITUDE AND GRACE. ANNIE BRUNSELL, DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AT THE POUDRE VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, WANTED TO SHARE HER STORY OF DESPAIR AND DETERMINATION TO HOPEFULLY INSPIRE OTHERS, TO KEEP FAITH IN THE MOMENTS OF HEALTH AND TO ENGAGE IN LIFE TO THE FULLEST. “CARPE DIEM” WAS HER MOTTO THEN AND STILL IS. “LIVE FOR THE DAY. SEIZE THE MOMENT.”
I
n 1995, Brunsell, single mother of two children, discovered a lump the size of a quarter in her breast. “I was living in Denver at the time. I trusted my doctor who told me not to worry about it - keep an eye on it.” That mistake almost cost her life. A year later, she had a double mastectomy and that was just the beginning of a long haul to recovery. After six months of chemotherapy, the cancer erupted again in her arm. She sought out another doctor and her new oncologist told her that this time the only way to survive was to do a bone marrow transplant and enter a clinical trial program trying Taxol, then an experimental drug not approved by the FDA, intended to arrest the disease. “That was my last hope. Fortunately,
I was my own donor.” A bed was available in Denver University Hospital, but Brunsell wanted to make sure she qualified for a special insurance program and waited another month for the approval before getting a bed. “I didn’t want to leave my kids with medical bills.” Summoning all of her strength, she continued to work full time until the insurance was approved. “I was asked then to lead a cancer support group,” she said, “but I was too busy living my own life. I would go in the hospital at 4:00 in the morning for my chemo drips, go to work all day, and then put on my jeans in the evening and go country dancing. I borrowed a wig from the Red Cross and prayed that it would not fall off when some guy two-stepped with me on the dance floor.” Eleven years ago there were no resources
to help patients through treatment. Brunsell worked to develop personal relationships with each doctor of her medical team to discuss her protocol once a week. The four hour procedure extracted bone marrow from her body, put it into a machine, which washed and separated the white and red cells. They re-injected the red cells back into her system and froze the white cells to use later during the bone marrow treatment program. After five consecutive days of lethal doses of chemo, she was injected with those white cells to promote new healthy growth. She was confined in isolation for two months while they experimented with other drugs to ward off bacteria and prevent more disease. “I was not expected to live,” she says. “I did not sleep for 21 days for fear of not waking up again. My hair was gone for almost
CONTINUED ON PAGE 57
20
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Silhouette Collection
955 52nd Ave. Ct., Suite 200 Greeley, CO • 970.352.6580 www.weissjewelers.com
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
21
inspiration
Tammy Miller Zimmerman By Lynn M. Dean
The Gift of Life TAMMY MILLER ZIMMERMAN JUST CELEBRATED HER 50TH BIRTHDAY. WHILE THE REST OF US MIGHT DREAD CROSSING THAT HALF CENTURY MARK, FOR TAMMY IT WAS A DAY OF CELEBRATION. REACHING THAT MILESTONE WAS ONE OF THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENTS SHE EVER RECEIVED.
I
welcome birthdays,” says Tammy, who has survived breast cancer three times. “I was happy to turn 50. I was 30 when I was diagnosed the first time- I didn’t know if I’d even make it to 40. If God decides to give me another year and I reach another number—that’s a gift.” That first diagnosis came in 1991 when doctors found cancer in her left breast. She had a mastectomy and chose reconstruction. “My mom came out to Colorado from Oregon and stayed by my side during my recovery,” recalls Tammy. “She nursed me back to my feet.” Tammy’s mother later moved to Loveland, and died of ovarian cancer a few years later. In 1999, breast cancer raised its evil head again- this time in the right breast. Again, Tammy opted for a mastectomy and reconstruction. She would also need chemotherapy and radiation. But during the surgery to insert the port that would be used to administer the power-
ful anti-cancer drugs something went terribly wrong and Tammy nearly lost her life. She went into cardiac arrest three times—the last for a full two minutes—and was in ICU on a ventilator for days. “Two of my three sisters flew in from out of state when the surgery went bad,” recalls Tammy. “They stayed in the hospital by my side for ten days, sleeping in the room with me.” It was during that stay Tammy learned just what a sweet gift a birthday could be. “I celebrated my 42nd birthday in the hospital,” she says. “That was the first day I walked after the incident in surgery. Now that was the best birthday gift. My brother and his family were great support and were at the hospital constantly.” On her last night in the hospital, having survived what the doctors had predicted she would not survive, Tammy and her sisters decided to celebrate. “They took me for a stroll outside. We laughed as they pushed me all over the hospital grounds in a wheel chair. The fresh air in my face was heavenly. We laughed and talked about old times and
what we had just experienced. It’s amazing how strong you can be when put to the test. I knew I had a very long road ahead of me, but I vowed I would give it my all.” Unlike the first battle with breast cancer, this time Tammy had an added incentive to get better. “I had a beautiful child to raise,” she explains. Her son Keon, five, had just started kindergarten. “Thank God for my step-father who took care of my son and comforted him during this time of unexpected confusion,” she says. “My son is my inspiration,” Tammy continues. “When I got diagnosed the second time I said to myself, ‘I’m going to fight this. I’m going to live the most normal life for him. I’m going to make it for him.’ He’s been such a blessing. He’s so protective.” Luckily Keon didn’t understand just how close his mother had come to death and the battle that lay ahead. But he did know that she could die. “I’d tell him that if I died, I’d always be right there with him sitting on his shoulder,” Tammy says pointing to hers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 58
22
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Add VALUE to your HOME...The Options are Limitless
Kitchens... where food and families come together
Installations are backed by Sutherlands Design Gallery “We do it right the first time!” –Dan Hoback, Installation Manager
Complimentary Interior Design Services and Kitchen Design when materials are purchased from the Design Gallery
2701 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE FORT COLLINS • (970) 226-1000 Come by our showroom today or visit us on the web at www.sutherlandsdesigngallery.com
inspiration
A Family Battles Breast Cancer Together
Cathy Martin By Lynn M. Dean
LAST VALENTINE’S DAY CATHY MARTIN RECEIVED THE BEST PRESENT SHE HAD EVER. IT WAS PERHAPS ONE OF THE BEST PRESENTS SHE WOULD EVER GET. EVEN SO, CATHY KNEW THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE A REALLY CRUMMY VALENTINE’S DAY. FEBRUARY 14, 2007 WAS THE DAY SHE WAS SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE HER FIRST CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT.
F
orever. For Always. And no matter what. Framed simply and hanging in a place of honor above the Martin fireplace, this phrase epitomizes the Martins’ family philosophy. Cathy’s family stood by her during each of her surgeries and when she decided she would shave her head and preempt the gradual hair loss that often accompanies chemotherapy, the rest of the Martin clan vowed she would not go through it alone. Her husband and each of her four grown sons shaved their heads in support– even their oldest son Chris, 35, who was out of the country working as first mate on a private yacht off the coast of Italy. “They came to me and said ‘if you’re going to be bald, we’re going to be bald,
too,’” adds Cathy. “We all came up with the idea individually,” said son Greg. They each decided that their heads would remain hairless until Cathy’s own hair grew back. His brother Tim was the first to act on the pact. “We were all going to go to the salon together, but we couldn’t all get there all at the same time,” says husband Dave. “So when Cathy was having a really rough time the night before the first chemo treatment, I decided she could shave my head.” “I was so scared that night,” recalls Cathy. “But Dave made me laugh hysterically.” “Mom was literally crying from laughing so hard,” adds son Jeff who was the next to say goodbye to his locks– long “hippie hair.” “It took 45 minutes to shave my head. We
got a little crazy with the clippers.” Luckily daughter Marissa was away at college the night her mom went crazy with the clippers. Even so, she got into the act, too. But instead of shedding her long tresses, Marissa decided to show her support by letting her hair grow even longer so that she could donate it to Locks of Love. Cathy picked up those clippers again one week later to shave son Greg’s head when he returned from a trip to Iowa. For the Martins, cancer is a family affair. Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer last November, and in one way or another, the diagnosis has affected each of them. Husband Dave was with her when she got the news. “With her mother’s history (of cancer at a young age) we always knew that it was something that could happen. CONTINUED ON PAGE 59
24
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
f ·-"""
f"'
''Where earin
fi r
patient
"Everyone at Poudre Valley Radiation Oncology made Lucy's radiation therapy a really positive experience. They were our good friends from the start, and even asked us to bring our dog, Samson... Their explanation of what was being done and why, and all the help they gave Lucy to make sure she was comfortable during treatment was great!"
lucy Brenner, Cancer Survivor and patient, pictured with ' - - - - - - - " " - - - - - - - - - ' Husband, Bill, Tracey and Kelly, PVRO Staff, and Samson
Providing Compassionate Cancer Care in Fort Collins Since 1985 2121 E. Harmony Rd., Suite 160 • Fort Collins, CO 80528 • (970) 482-3328
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
25
Lessons from the Healing Road b y
K e r r i
G e a r y
CANCER HAS TRANSFORMED MY LIFE ON EVERY LEVEL, CONFRONTING ME WITH MY WORST INNER FEARS, REVEALING TO ME THE RICHNESS OF LIFE, AND COMPELLING ME TO FOLLOW A NEW CAREER PATH GUIDING OTHERS IN THEIR OWN HEALING.
A
t age 44, I’ve healed from breast cancer twice, tested positive for the BRCA2 gene, and watched in disbelief as various cancers afflicted my mother, my father, my grandmother, two aunts, one uncle, one special cousin, and several dear friends. Witnessing the effects of this disease has both wrenched and opened my heart, creating the necessary space for me to get in touch with my soul. My first experience with cancer came at age 12, when my dad was diagnosed with a sinus malignancy, and I began a long journey down what felt like a never-ending “cancer road.” Now, however, I realize that the events on that cancer road were simply milestones, lessons to be learned in my travels down a healing road, which led me to a profound conclusion: surviving cancer is not enough. Rather, we must seize the cancer experience as an opportunity to thrive, using all available resources to conquer our fears, regain our health, and live in joy. In other words, we must transform from survivors into thrivers! A cancer diagnosis changes your direction in life forever. The previous road you were on is now permanently blocked, and the only other choice
is to proceed down a new fork. Going back is no longer an option. Once you accept that your life path has forever shifted, you will be able to move beyond the sense of panicked urgency and anxiety that a cancer diagnosis represents. Your first priority is to calm yourself. Cancer is not a death sentence. Acting swiftly without taking adequate time to research your options may result in decisions that are not in your best long-term interest. Resist giving into your panic and jumping into treatment before obtaining all the information necessary to make a reasonable choice. Also, know that not feeling like yourself and not knowing what will happen next is normal. You’ve never been down this road before, and traveling to new places always involves stepping into the unknown. Enlist the support of everyone you know. The cancer journey requires traveling companions who will walk with you every step of the way. Be humble and ask for help. Having cancer is not something to be embarrassed about or to hide from others. Denial will only block the speed and efficacy of your healing. Allow this healing crisis to bring you closer to friends and family. They want and need to feel helpful, not helpless. Give
them jobs like discovering all the resources available to you: medical, financial, emotional, and supportive (i.e. Hope Lives!). While researching treatment options, gather as many opinions as you can. Talk to other cancer survivors, read as much as possible, and meet with all of the necessary specialists. Be willing to get genetic testing, an incredible tool that provides additional information to use in your decision making process. Also, seek out a trusted and reliable general practitioner who will be concerned with all aspects of your health, not just your cancer. Consider consulting with Chinese, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, and Naturopathic doctors, or various Energy Medicine practitioners. Western medicine is not the only method of treating cancer. Finally, check in with your body and your emotions to see if a prescribed procedure or treatment feels right to you. At the end of the day, the responsibility for your health lies with you, not your doctors or your family and certainly not your insurance company. Once your treatment plan is made, learn to live with it. Regret for your choices is natural. Most cancer treatments are harsh and it’s easy to question decisions involving pain or discomfort.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 47
26
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Digital mammography will make you feel more confident about your breast health. Our Breast Center at Summit View Medical Commons is the first health care provider in northern Colorado to offer the latest in breast health technology - full-field digital mammography. With this state-of-the-art innovation, you can now benefit from less radiation exposure, shorter exam times and enhanced image clarity resulting in up to 28% more breast cancer being detected. Early detection is the best way to protect yourself from breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram for every woman 40 and over. Feel confident about your breast health. Schedule your annual mammogram by calling 970-350-6082. Self referrals are welcome.
Banner Health
North Colorado Medical Center Breast Center
Appointment: 970-350-6082 Summit View Medical Commons 2001 70th Avenue • Greeley www.BannerHealth.com Keyword: NCMC
North Colorado Medical Center is a Spirit of Women hospital. Banner Health is the leading provider of not-for-profit health care in northern Colorado.
Sisterhood of Hope and Courage
Photography by Dana Milner Photography Art Direction by Lydia Dody Makeup by Lori Moore of Merle Norman Cosmetics Hair by ‘OHana Salon
Each year Style invites breast cancer survivors to share with us the challenges of their breast cancer journey. We admire these women for their strength to overcome their challenges, and want to support and pamper them in recognition of their triumph. May this empower you if you are faced with any kind of adversity. We applaud this sisterhood of women for their grace and courage, for reaching the other side of cancer with gratitude, new priorities, and a new appreciation for life.
29
Mary Jo Coate
Getting diagnosed with breast cancer has made me appreciate my life more and not to "sweat the small stuff." It has also reminded me how lucky I am to have such a great husband that has been so supportive as we have explored life's newest challenge. My friends have been amazing and have been there for me from day one. My words of advice are to take it one day at a time, it WILL get better!
Eliza Brock
Feminine strapless chiffon flowing evening dress with high and low hem and beaded empire waist, $150. Courtesy of David’s Bridal, Fort Collins. Radiating brilliance with her perfectly cut Hearts on Fire 1.00 carat diamond necklace, $4200; and fragrant diamond earrings, $3200. Courtesy of Sathers Leading Jewelers, Fort Collins.
30
Gorgeous & flirty silk pink and purple dress by M. Kalan, $102. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. This outfit is completed and complemented perfectly with gorgeous amethyst and peudot drop necklace; $158, and earrings; $135, in sterling sliver from The Bella Collection, Courtesy of Sathers Leading Jewelers, Fort Collins.
My strength and inspiration has come from three places: my family, my friends, and my faith. I am very lucky to have most of my family very close by. With three small children at home there were always things I needed help with and I never had to look far for help. I can only remember one time I had to go to treatment alone and for that I am so grateful to my loving mother. My sisters who live out of state both traveled here to stay with me when I needed help during treatment and after surgery. My husband was always there to tell me how much he loved me and that I would be okay. He held our family together doing all the things the kids required that mommy was too sick or tired to do for them. My daughter, Olivia, never forgot about mommy in her prayers. It is so sweet to hear my precious children pray for mommy to feel better, not be sad that she looks like a boy without her hair, and help her owies not to hurt. My girlfriends were always there to lift my spirits when the time called for it. It truly touched my heart that so many people were thinking and praying for not only me, but my family too. I always drew strength from attending church and praying. It truly put my soul at ease to turn my troubles over to my father in heaven. I want to thank the women I have met who also know exactly how I feel, the nurses and doctors who cared for me, and my awesome employer who held my job for me while I focused on getting well. I hope to be a positive influence on others going through cancer treatments by sharing my story and that this disease affects women of all ages.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Barbara Schneider
The experience of having breast cancer is an evolving adventure. The people in my life: my husband, sisters, children, friends and the complementary care providers from Hope Lives truly helped me through the various stages. I’m more mindful of good health practices including foods, relaxation techniques, and especially the necessity of caring for me. But mostly I realize I am much more than a breast cancer survivor! I plan to live my life to the fullest with plenty of love, joy, and blessings for the next thirty-something years!
Billie J Miller
My journey began May 16, 2006. During a trip with my mother and sister, we discussed my backache getting much worse. I decided as soon as I got to have a MRI. I am an A type personality, sell real estate 24/7, am always on the go. My mother and sister are cancer survivors, so when the MRI showed a lesion on my spine and sternum, I almost expected it. Later it appeared on the left armpit and on my skin. I wondered where the strength would come and what I could do. Treatment began with, radiation, cyber knife radiation, and chemotherapy. For six months, praying for healing and hoping that the doctors made the right decisions, it slowly began to turn. I have never known so many people cared and loved me. It’s overwhelming, it lifts my heart, and gives me the strength I need everyday. It also reminds me of my ‘knight in shining armor,’ my husband, Sonny Miller, and the joy of my six grandchildren, who I value daily. In the future I will know that real estate is just a job, not 24/7. I now take the time to be with my loved ones and friends as often as possible, letting them know they are the most important and how much I love Classy black pleated flair pant by Alberto Makali, $205. Paired with an awesome Joseph Ribkoff geometric silver and gold zip jacket, $185. Complemented with beautiful mixed metal hoop earrings by Sibilia, $84. Finished with a Mary Frances black jeweled embellished evening purse, $143. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
Gorgeous purple cami and sweater set with a flattering fur collar, $345. Fitted with a gorgeous Joseph Ribkoff skirt, $264. This outfit is completed with an elegant Yolanta necklace; $75, and earrings, $58. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.
31
Barb Larkin
My reaction to the news that I had breast cancer was delayed. I heard the words and drove home with my mind in a vacuum to tell my family. I had many friends and co-workers who showed true concern and much support, which I will always remember and appreciate. There were three individuals who saw me through every step of my journey. They are a very big part of my recovery story. Tom, my husband never left my side. He was at every appointment, he did the research, and he asked the questions that I couldn’t seem to formulate at the time. Tom was my strength. Brad, our son, was the guy that was always so positive. His hugs, kisses and humor were a constant reminder to me that I was loved and supported. Doris, my friend, was just always there for anything I needed and I knew I could count on her. These are the three smiling faces I saw going into surgery and these were the same smiling faces I saw when I came out. These people are my inspiration. You may know someone who has cancer or who has just gotten the news that they have cancer and wonder what you can do to help them. Or, maybe you’re worried about what you are going to say to them. My advice is to listen to them, laugh with them, be positive and let them know you care and love them everyday. It will do wonders for them and you will have made a difference.
Beth Clarken
Dramatic County Clothing cape is trimmed with angora rabbit hair, $155, and accented with lively red Barry Bricken silk/nylon/spandex turtleneck $145. Courtesy of The Regiment Shops of Colorado, Fort Collins. Smart sterling silver jewelry from Tracie Amen of Silpada Designs: small braided hammered ring, $62; French woven and mesh wire teardrop earrings, $39; long popcorn bead necklace, $79, worn with hammered pendant, $79; three row popcorn bead bracelet, $119; square link hammered sterling silver watch, $164.
32
Sophisticated Canvasback’s black and white weave reversible polyester and viscose jacket accented with a red zipper, $345, punctuated with bright red Barry Bricken silk/nylon/ spandex turtleneck, $145, and stylish black 600 West corduroy cotton and spandex pants, $110. Courtesy of The Regiment Shops of Colorado, Fort Collins. Elegant sterling silver jewelry courtesy of Tracie Amen from Silpada Designs: threaded chain bracelet, $179; woven and hammered cuff bracelet, $139; curved and hammered disk necklace, $139; hammered crescent-shaped drop earrings, $59.
When you have cancer you have no choice but to simply deal with it! You feel like your life has been picked up by a tornado not knowing where you will land. But with the wonderful love and incredible support from my son, John, and daughter, Tara, my family and my dear friends my journey was much easier. This journey is one of my best trips ever. Actually, it will probably be a life-long journey. I’ve learned how strong a woman (myself) can be when put in a situation such as facing cancer. You learn how to accept each morning as a beautiful gift. Laughter, smiles, and embracing life to the fullest is now a very easy task. You learn what is truly important in one’s life- my family was mine.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Glenice Risheill
My inspiration comes first, from my faith and second, from the generosity of so many people who in their unique way each contribute to my survivorship. At the moment of diagnosis and realizing I had become a third-generation breast cancer survivor, the role models of both my mother and grandmother, who bravely and gracefully dealt with cancer, inspired me to face the treatment ahead. My faith reminded me that I am always in God’s hands, which gave me comfort and hope. Cancer treatment slowed down my life to a pace where I could now see the blessings of each day. Priorities got realigned and superficial things that used to be so important no longer felt that way. These newly discovered everyday blessings begin with my dear husband Bill who accompanied me to every single chemo session and still enthusiastically supports me by participating in cancer fundraiser walks and galas around Colorado. A far away quartet of girlfriends from high school and college became a 24/7 listening ear via e-mail, giving me an safe outlet where I could express all my doubts and fears in writing. My daughter Rebecca immediately stepped forward to help me with the daunting tasks of shopping for a wig and prosthesis while my step-daughter Laura showed her support by donating hair to Locks of Love. The Hope Lives organization allowed me to reach out and finally admit I wanted help with my house cleaning when I had no energy left but still wanted my bathroom mirrors to sparkle. Dr. Miho Scott and Dr. Gwen Lisella with their gentle team of nurses treated my body as well as my soul with their expert and personal touches. Everyday, I am inspired by God’s grace and all the generous people who continue to enrich and bless my life.
Debbie Lloyd
Watching my mother and sister go through breast cancer treatments in their 40s and survive has been my source of inspiration. On both sides of my family, the women have shown strength, courage, and determination, as there have been seven females who have had breast cancer. We take so much for granted such as good health, friends, and family. Suffer a little adversity and you will find out just how much family and friends mean to you. I could not have survived chemotherapy without my husband, Adrian. He sat with me through all my treatments and helped me to get through the daily ordeal of living with cancer. My daughters Camille and Sarah encouraged me on a daily basis to get through my chemo and helped me to cope with the fact that bald is beautiful. A big thanks to all my friends and family for being there to lend your support. Our smiles and laughter made all the difference. Having cancer allows you to relate to the experience of other cancer patients. I am thankful to have been introduced at my onset of breast cancer, to Hope Lives! During my treatments, I became an active volunteer and a client. Hope Lives provided me a support system that allowed me to meet new and inspiring women who have “walked the walk”
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
Ravel fashions a flattering black and white rose patterned evening top, $67. Worn with stylish Tribal crop pants, $56. Courtesy of Threads Clothing, Etc., Fort Collins. Glitter 14K gold loop chain earrings, $483; and bracelet, $673. Courtesy of Sathers Leading Jewelers, Fort Collins.
Joseph Ribkoff capri gauchos with Moraccan styled trim add a special flair, $165, with basic black tanktop, $115. Exotic Alberto Makali black and white zebra zip sweater, $159. Comfortable black slides by Lexeee, $69. Elegant black and silver long pendant necklace, $249, and silver ball drop earrings, $40. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.
33
Jane Clark
When I heard the phrase, “Your test was positive,” from my health care provider, the blood seemed to leave my body and I felt very cold. Fortunately however, she followed that statement with, “But you have the good kind of cancer, and it’s very, very early.” Like someone who lifts a car off a child, I went into adrenaline mode, entered my own personal war zone and became my own general. I gathered the name and number of every doctor I would consult with and realized instantly that my husband, sitting across the table from me, would be my best ally. He is now three years recovered from esophageal cancer. I knew I would try to stay strong, keep the best attitude possible and continue my life as best I could whatever the treatment options would be. For me, the treatment options were limited to two surgeries, but no chemo or radiation. I am grateful to the wonderful medical providers in our fine community who minced no words about potential outcomes one way or the other. The future is my inspiration – I am committed to continuing the training my horse, time with my friends and family, and to quality land conservation in northern Colorado through my work with Legacy Land Trust – all the things that keep me motivated, determined, and focused.
Saundra Skrove
In the seventh year attending Hope Lives, I am now a survivor myself! “Cancer Rocks!” Chemo is a great excuse for stupidity. Bald is beautiful, (thanks to Hope Lives, I had better looking hair than my own). I am grateful for the opportunity to know tremendous doctors, nurses, and medical techs, this circle of “survivor friends,” who are wonderful and courageous and learning “the real” priorities in life.
Snappy Joseph Ribkoff black jacket with gold stripes, $165, worn with perfect fitting black capri pants by Margaret M, $105. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Snazzy Silpada Design jewelry courtesy of Tracie Amen: copper freshwater pearl ball necklace, $69; sterling curl and loop copper freshwater pearl earrings, $39.
34
Sassy red crinkle multi-colored elegant salsa inspired dress from Alberto Makali, $272. Sexy diamond wedge sandals from Down Boy, $77. One-of-a-kind Mary Frances knit and jeweled heart purse, $203. Accessorized perfectly with large ruby quartz Cornelian pendent necklace and earrings, $130. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Ann Tharp
My inspiration in surviving cancer has come from the outpouring of support I have received from family, friends, co-workers, the local dance community, and from the Hope Lives alternative health practitioners. Through the process of treatment and recovery, my family has grown closer. A highlight for me, in celebration of my recovery, was when my stepmother, Bonnie, sister, Amy, and stepsisters, Kristin and Jenny, took me shopping at Victoria’s Secret. It has been heartwarming to experience the support and generosity of the many friends who helped during my recovery with food, transportation, housecleaning, and financial contributions. Surviving cancer is like ‘going through the fire.’ If it does not kill you, you come out stronger on the other side, wiser and more grateful for what is important in life. Learning to receive has been a challenge for me, one that this incredible community has given me plenty of opportunities to become better at doing. I look forward to many years ahead of being able to ‘pay it forward.’ Despite the many challenges of cancer, when I think of the immense gift it has been in my life, I do not wish it to be any other way. “The universe is working in perfect harmony. Everything happens for my higher good. I now see a universe of beauty and perfection.” –Sanaya Roman
Diane Nelson
After a clear mammogram, I could hardly believe that four months later I found a lump in my right breast. It was confirmed to be the dreaded c-word, cancer, and on January 9, 2006 I had a lumpectomy. My husband and my normal life was not so normal any longer. It became a year-long struggle to get back my health. Removal of the right breast was next, followed by three more surgeries, numerous visits with doctors, blood tests, and CT scans. At this point in time, it appears I am cancer free; however, I am still to be monitored and tested for four more years by my oncologist. I was very blessed not to have chemo or radiation, which made for a much easier recovery Life is different now, always in the back of our minds is that threatening thought of the cancer returning, like waiting for the other shoe to drop; however, we don’t let it rule our lives. We move on, as does life. I rely on the 3 F’s for my support: friends, family, and faith. Also for me, it’s always all about thinking positive, whether it is going through this cancer process or life in general. Having a loving supportive husband and dear friends to call upon are extra special gifts and I am truly thankful for all the gifts I have. Life is all about choices. Choose the positive side of life. Everyday we have the choice to life FULLY.
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
Unique green and toupe crinkle blouse by Alberto Makali, $160. Paired with an Alberto Makali dark metallic skirt, $156. Worn with smart Matisse buckled heals, $104. Accessorized with a delicate mini Mary Frances purse, $97. Bold and beautiful Landi Design necklace with peacock coin pearls, aquamarine beads, and jasper leaf, $130. Finished off with corresponding Landi Design earrings, $30. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.
Western camel fringe skirt by Pendleton, $138. Paired with a sable v-neck merino sweater, $75. Completed with the intricate and exciting Flashback sage and tan tapestry jacket, $88. Courtesy of Pendleton, Fort Collins. Beautiful 14-carat gold classic two tone gold and diamond necklace, $10,880; bracelet, $899; and diamond cuff earrings, $1210; all from the Two Hearts Collection. Courtesy of Sathers Leading Jewelers, Fort Collins.
35
Alene Starkey
Hearing the words “breast cancer” and “malignant” is a life changing experience to say the very least! The surgeon told me as I was coming out from under anesthesia, in a fog! I thought about it a few times before it actually happened to me, pushing the thoughts out of my mind assuming the experience would never pertain to me. When it did happen, I went through all of the usual feelings...denial, disbelief, etc., and then acceptance. These feelings had to be dealt with quickly due to the serious, important decisions before me. My wonderful, loving, supportive husband was always by my side, praying for me. Regardless of what he was feeling he was always positive and reassuring, as were our children, April, Mark and Heather and my sweet mother, Ruby. Many were praying for me. I learned to thank the Lord for healing me from the beginning...”thank you therapy” is how I refer to it...I am still thanking Him for healing me and have no doubt that I am still on this earth 20 years later because of Him. Our pastor and entire church body joined us in prayer and supplication. I can’t imagine going through this experience... or any of life’s experiences, without knowing the Lord is walking beside me through them all!
Brett Eppich Beal
Karen Kane, Audrey slim black pant, $98, worn with comfortable and sleek Tribal side gathered camisole, $42, beautiful Curio rust knit sweater, $144. Courtesy of Threads Clothing, Etc., Fort Collins. Classy Silpada Design jewelry courtesy of Tracie Amen: Abalone shell sponge coral and earth-tone seed bead necklace, $84; ten strand coral overlap necklace, $63; sponge coral and sterling silver bead earrings, $59; faceted black onyx and sterling embellished ring, $64.
36
Fun & flirty patch fringe Java full length bias Tribal skirt, $69. Elegant Tribal fudge and cactus three quarters cotton shirt with intricate & glitzy neckline embellishments, $48. Courtesy of Threads Clothing, Etc., Fort Collins.
Breast cancer has been one of the most bizarre and wonderful gifts I’ve ever received. It’s been an enlightening and humbling journey, and I am forever grateful for the tremendous support of my family, friends, and co-workers. I wouldn’t have made it through without you! My primary inspiration was, and continues to be, my mom. She is a 25+ year survivor, whose positive energy, wisdom and friendship are incredible. I like having a mom who’s a best friend! Other key inspirations, then and noware my two kids. Sean and Luke, and my fabulous friends. Through my treatment, the Hope Lives Foundation was a tremendous support. Through it I discovered Reiki, a Japanese energy work that is kind of like acupuncture without needles. Because of Hope Lives, I was able to receive regular Reiki treatments, which were invaluable in taking the edge off my chemotherapy treatments. They boosted my immune system and helped my body cope with radiation. I’ve since become a Reiki master teacher and hope, in some small way, to be able to give back and help others realign their lives, health, career, and spirit.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Barbara Coakley
After watching my aunt battle breast cancer, I vowed to become vigilant about self-breast exams since physically, we were very similar. In August of 1983 I discovered a lump, and was forced to face my worst fear once and for all. Paralyzed, I did not make an appointment to see a doctor until after Christmas; however, it wasn’t until March that my breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed. After evaluating all the options, I scheduled a mastectomy three days later to eliminate worries and unnecessary therapy after surgery. The fact that I could have improved my situation and end results if I had just listened to my body that previous August haunted my thoughts. Throughout my healing process I made the decision to consciously turn my thoughts away from any fear of recurring cancer and imagine my body and limbs were like a plant pulling nourishment from the soil. I imagined my body filled with love and light through the process of osmosis. I readily shared my story, scars, and reconstruction site with any new girlfriend or acquaintance in the locker room at the gym. The gift of this experience is that it forced me, shoved me, or allowed me to move out and away from a life in which I was very unhappy and to my new home in Fort Collins. The story really doesn’t have an ending; I continue learning who I am, and learning the value of friends and community.
Kim Starling
My inspiration has truly come from other people. When I was first diagnosed with cancer in 1996 I had been dating David, my husband, for almost three years. He never considered leaving me. When I was diagnosed with cancer again in 1998 and found out that it was already stage 4, nothing changed between us. We were married in 2002. Someone in my breast cancer support group said, “After I got cancer I realized I should ride horses more.” I told him it might be fun to have a horse, which I had not had since I was a teenager. We moved to a house with a barn and corral and bought two horses. We have been riding fabulous Colorado trails weekly for over ten years now. I have a sign in my home that says, “friends are the best collectables.” Some of my best friends are women who I met in my breast cancer support group over ten years ago. I made lifelong friends there who continue to listen to me and provide inspiration to me. They give me the will to go on when I am struggling with emotional issues. I also receive an amazing amount of support from my alternative health practitioners, many of whom are Hope Lives providers. They give me the will to go on when I am struggling with health issues. It’s wonderful to be able to see these professionals on a regular basis for this support.
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
Beautiful Pendleton front zip washable teal suede jacket, with a saddle-stitched yoke, and angled side zip pockets, $188. The teal silk/ nylon sweater complements the jacket perfectly, $75. She wears this ensemble with Pendleton Country Club equestrian inspired checkered toupe slacks, $144. Adding some flair, is a matching teal silk scarf , $48. And accessorized with the perfect Brighton Temple Rings two tone necklace,$80; and earrings, $32 for the perfect finish touch. Courtesy of Pendleton, Fort Collins.
Outdoorsy plum faux suede fleece, $130. Beautiful and sporty cotton and angora blend striped cardigan, $65. Great classic cotton and spandex camel pant, $55. Courtesy of Outpost Sunsport, Fort Collins. Jewelry by Silpada Designs courtesy of Tracie Amen complements the beautiful colors: rose quartz and freshwater pearl knotted brown silk necklace. $89; rose quartz and pink shell fresh water pearl sterling earrings, $59; rose quartz and wood beaded two strand bracelet, $139; hammered sterling ring. $50.
37
Kerri Geary
The first time I experienced breast cancer, I was too overwhelmed and frightened to seek out support beyond family or to avail myself of any of the marvelous breast cancer resources that exist to support patients in treatment. Eight years later when I was diagnosed for a second time with a primary cancer, I sought out every possible resource available to me. Hope Lives was a tremendous help, providing me with valuable information and choices of free supportive services. I had a difficult time choosing between housecleaning and Reiki/massage but in the end opted for the Reiki/massage (allowing my sweet family members and friends the opportunity to help me by cleaning my house and grocery shopping). The Reiki/massage was not only relaxing but also contributed to my quick healing. We are very blessed to live in northern Colorado and have access to such a fantastic organization as Hope Lives!
Vicky Gettman
Cancer has been one of the worst experiences I have ever had and also one of the best. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, old and new has been awesome! Reconnecting and getting down to what is really important has been freeing. Treatment is ever grueling and hard but thank goodness it was available. All my caretakers have been wonderful, even though the journey was not pretty or fun, they made it doable. I feel so blessed that I have been so loved and supported throughout my journey so far. I still have surgery and radiation to go and I’m ready to get on with it. The strength this experience has given me is unbelievable. When you are loved you can do anything!
Soft and cozy purple fleece by Horny Toad; $80, versatile flowered raglan longsleeve by T.R.E.E., $55 and comfortable PrAna Divine classic pant, $64. Courtesy of Outpost Sunsport, Fort Collins. Beautiful Silpada Designs jewelry courtesy of Tracie Amen perfects her outfit: multi-strand black seed bead necklace, $99. Black quartz and hammered silver magnetic bracelet, $79. Hammered round shaped sterling ring, $59.
38
Sporting a comfortable, flattering Under Armour stretch red vest, $90, basic white v-neck, $43 and stretch black cargo capri pants by PrAna, $66. Courtesy of Outpost Sunsport, Fort Collins. To complete Vicky’s sporty attire is jewelry by Silpada Designs courtesy of Tracie Amen: three bar and black leather necklace, $69; square sterling earrings, $27; winding flower sterling ring, $54; contemporary black embossed leather watch, $110.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Theresa Clancy
On Sunday, Oct 8, 2006, in Reno, NV, my Dad, Aunt and I all stood together at the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure watching my mom in her pink survivor shirt for the ninth year. As she ascended the stairs to the stage with several hundred other breast cancer survivors by her side, the singer broke out into 2006’s theme songs, Melissa Ethridge’s, “I Run For Life.” I remember crying, singing along to the song with my aunt, my heart swelling with pride at the site of my courageous mother who NEVER wants to be in the spotlight. I looked up into the crisp blue Reno sky and prayed “thank you God, for letting me keep my mom and for letting her be a survivor. And thank you for NOT giving me opportunity to stand on that stage with her and wear that pink shirt. I simply don’t possess that courage.” Twenty-three days later, after a mammogram revealed a ‘spot,’ and a biopsy revealed cancer. I called my mom in tears to tell her I really didn’t want to wear the pink shirt with her in 2007, but it looked like that was going to be the case. She said, without missing a beat, “yeah, but at least you admit already that you are going to beat it and be there with me!” And so, my mom, Jean Tryon, heads up the team of my healing inspirations. Made up of many people, but most notably her. But too are my husband, Mark, and my Dad, Spencer Tryon. It seemed this winter was the winter from Hell in recent Fort Collins history…but still my mom and dad came to surgery, every chemo day, and every doctor appointment along with Mark and me. They made me feel like could be a little girl again; that I didn’t need to worry about work, or the bills, or the cooking and cleaning. They rallied around my doctors and said, “We believe and trust that these people will CURE you!”
My husband was my cheerleader through my painful, achy, nauseous days; days where I was pretty sure death was the better alternative, not chemo!! I know it sounds trite and silly to say, “I could not have don’t it without them,” but I am here to tell you…I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t had them. My three biggest cancer warriors rally around me almost everyday, either at home (Mark) or daily by a phone call or email from my folks. I have hundreds of cancer warriors at work and amongst my friends and family who have said prayers and thought positive things for me, and continue to do so. I can’t thank all of them enough. And so…on Oct 7, 2007, 321 days after my diagnosis and ten years after my moms diagnosis, I’ll be at another Komen race, this time, in Denver, and I will follow my mom up on that stage wearing that survivor pink shirt. I’m sure if the singer decides to sing that Ethridge song…I’m going to cry again. And I’m going to look up in the crisp blue Denver sky and I’m going to say, “thank you God for letting me keep my mom and for letting her be a survivor. And thank you for letting me stand beside her and wear the pink shirt that announces to the entire world…I POSSESS THAT COURAGE, I AM A CANCER WARRIOR AND I AM A SURVIVOR!!!
Full-Service Oil Change
Every Wednesday is Ladies Day!
“Your 100% satisfaction is our goal” - Rich Piper
Receive $5.00 off! a full-service oil change.
S. SHIELDS/HORSETOOTH 223-4096 FORT COLLINS
2297 N. GARFIELD AVE. LOVELAND 667-5823
Breathtaking fushia spaghetti strap long chiffon dress with beaded empire waist with a delicate wrap, $150. Courtesy of David’s Bridal. Theresa is frosted with gorgeous .43 carat diamond earrings, $1990; and .70 carat diamond necklace, $2990; from the Tears of Joy collection by Tacori. Courtesy of Sathers Leading Jewelers, Fort Collins. 1100 EAGLE DRIVE LOVELAND
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
663-5292
39
Beautiful, Inside & Out! Local Salons Rally Around Breast Cancer Survivors
HeadTurners 600 S. Mason Street Fort Collins, (970) 493-7073 Larry Baker has compassion in his heart. He believes in making every day the best it can be and in sharing his passion for life and laughter with others. His career in hair has spanned 30 years in Fort Collins, six of them as the owner of HeadTurners. In that time, he and his staff have come to be known for their light, congenial manner as well as for great haircuts. “We are known for providing professional services in a fun and friendly environment. We love to have a good time with the clients and each other,” says Baker. Baker is also a stylist that Hope Lives! Breast Cancer Support Center refers their clients to frequently. Mary Hallauer, Executive Director says, “Larry is great to work with. He cuts and styles wigs for our gals at no cost. So women can borrow a wig from our loan program and have it personalized so they feel comfortable wearing it. His contributions are invaluable.” Baker says, “I want women going through treatment to know that we are there for them before, during, and after their treatment process. We will help shave their head as hair falls out, help them with their wigs, and aid in choosing styles as hair grows back out. There are plenty of tears, but there is plenty of laughter as well.” A haircut and a hug -- not a bad way to spend an hour.
‘OHana Salon 2126 Milestone Drive Fort Collins, (970) 232-1564 ‘OHana, meaning family or community, was a word that resonated with co-owner Melany Beirne while on vacation in Hawaii. In discussions with her partner, Cindy Tamburri, they decided it was exactly the spirit they wanted to reflect in their new salon. ‘OHana Salon builds its business on the foundation of community. Their amazingly well trained staff develop their clientele by giving away free haircuts for lucky “models.” And who wouldn’t rave about a cut (free or not) from someone trained at Bumble and Bumble in New York? Beyond the basics of building business, the ladies at ‘OHana are driven by compassion for one another and for women in need. Colleen Emery, ‘OHana stylist, sums it up when she says, “It’s really important to get involved in community and take care of one another.” ‘OHana will give free wig services to any women affected by cancer, from the first shaving haircut to measuring for a proper wig fit. Beirne and Tamburri have their hearts in serving breast cancer survivors. Each year they close the salon and take their stylists on location to provide hair
40
styles for the women involved in the Survivor Fashion Show at the Hope Lives! Dinner Dance Benefit. Additionally, they provided complimentary hair styles for all the women you see in the fashion spread for this magazine. One model, Diane Nelson was enthusiastic in her praise of the
experience, “It’s been wonderful! I feel so happy and welcome today. They are treating me like I am somebody special.” That’s the feeling that Beirne and Tamburri want all their clients to go away with.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Like you, we live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle. Our knowledgeable sales staff has been serving Northern Colorado with expertise and precision si nee 1972. We have a wide selection of men's and women's sportswear and we carry the finest brands of ski and snowboard gear. From beginners to experts, our focus is on you.
~
CU"T'rrCST
sunS?cnaT 931 E. Harmony Rd. Fort Colli ns, Colorado (970) 225-1455 www.outpost su nsport.com
Market Centre Medical Equipment & Supplies IS PROUD TO OFFER A FULL-LINE OF MASTECTOMY SUPPLIES AND APPAREL - Hats, Scarfs, and Turbans - Forms and Bras - Swimwear - Comfortable, Personalized Fittings in a Private Setting (Fittings by Appointment)
802 West Drake Road, Suite 123 Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
970-221-1453 Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
41
New Option in
Breast Cancer Treatment on the Horizon
by Gina Brown, M.D.
For those of you who know me, you know how much I like to talk. And for those of you who don’t, just trust me when I say, I come by it naturally. But if you really, really want to get me started, just ask me about the research project I worked on at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The advances we see in cancer treatment today are the results of years of research. This article is about an exciting and novel approach to breast cancer treatment and prevention.
I
t is exciting because currently the only options for breast cancer prevention are limited to the drastic measure of bilateral mastectomy or in some cases taking a drug like Tamoxifen for five years, which has its own long list of side effects. However, the Intraductal Approach to Treating and Preventing Breast Cancer may offer another less radical and toxic option. Previous research in human anatomy has established that the breast consists of several separate but overlapping ductal systems (see Figure 1). Through research in ductal lavage, we have proven that these ducts are accessible. We also know that all breast cancers start in the milk ducts, so it makes sense to try and target the disease where it begins. Over ten years of animal research has proven that we can treat tumors caused by cancer producing agents, as well as prevent cancer in animals exposed to cancer producing agents. Most significantly however for this project, animal research has also proven that we can prevent breast cancer from developing in animals that have cancer producing genes. It is this body of work that led to the clinical trial in which doctors are locally injecting a
42
chemotherapy agent (drug) in the breast ducts in hopes of eradicating pre-invasive disease and possibly even preventing breast cancer overall. This “intraductal method” allows for direct drug delivery to the site of the cancer. In addition, it eliminates the toxicities and side effects experienced with current administration of chemotherapy like hair loss, nausea and vomiting because the entire body is not exposed to the drug, only the diseased inflicted area. The hypothesis of this work is that local infusion of a standard or novel agent will eradicate precancerous disease or may prevent breast cancer. The first step is to access the ductal system with a tiny catheter (see Figure 2). The patients are given a local anesthetic for comfort, and once the duct is identified and the catheter is placed, the drug is infused. Ductography is used to visualize successful cannulation (see Figure 3). The procedure is very well tolerated and many patients report that it is “nothing” compared to mammograms and breast biopsies. Preliminary results have demonstrated that it is indeed feasible and safe to access a ductal system and administer a chemotherapy agent. The study is currently ongoing to identify the maximum tolerated dose and to evaluate the
local and systemic exposure by measuring drug concentrations in blood, nipple fluid and breast tissue. There will be three dose levels tested, and currently the study is on dose level 2. The hope is to complete this phase I study in the next six to seven months. Through a continuing series of preclinical and clinical investigations, the ultimate goal is to optimize the intraductal route for administration of drugs that will eliminate pre-malignant disease and possibly prevent breast cancer. This clinical trial represents the first step of potentially treating all high risk ducts and preventing breast cancer in all women. Future trials will include identifying the most effective drugs, cannulating the entire ductal network for cancer prevention and cannulating a diseased ductal system for treatment. This exciting body of work proceeds with the hope that women with an extensive family history, or a known genetic component, or even women that have had breast cancer in the past and are facing recurrence of the disease, can have another prevention or treatment option that is as effective but not as drastic as bilateral mastectomy or extended drug therapy.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
FIGURE 1
Overlapping ductal systems.
FIGURE 2
“We’re Bringing Brighton Back” An Artist’s Passion
Journal of Pathology 2004.
Pink Friday, October 5th
• Bobbie Brown 10-5pm • Brighton Trunk Show 12-7pm • Crislu Crystal Jewelry • Linda Kelly of Landi Designs 3-7pm 164 N. College Old Town | Fort Collins • 5% discount on all pink Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm merchandise Sun. 12-5pm
484.3443
A portion of the proceeds from the day will be donated to Hope Lives!
Ductography was used to localize a ductal system. Localization of the tumor containing ductal system was achieved
FIGURE 3
Mammogram image after infusion of dextrose. Extended pattern of the ductal system. No additional dye was infused.
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
43
Dense Breasts and Hormones:
Both Risk Factors
by Jason Webb
This past summer, another high-profile woman announced she had breast cancer. On July 31, Robin Roberts, cohost of ABC’s Good Morning America, announced on the air that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Roberts joined the more than 200,000 women who were diagnosed with the disease in the last year.
O
ften, it may seem like it takes a high-profile woman – like Roberts and Senator John Edwards’s wife, Elizabeth – announcing they are fighting cancer for the disease to make the news, but the fact is researchers are constantly working to find new ways to detect, predict and, hopefully, stop breast cancer. One of the components behind risk factors for breast cancer is the mammographic density of the breast. Breast density, or the amount of dense glandular and connective tissue versus fat, varies between individuals. “Many factors appear to affect breast density,
Fig. 1
including: genetics, age, menopausal / hormone status and weight. Breast density tends to diminish with age, menopause, and weight gain. Estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy can increase breast density,” says Dr. Tracy Florant of Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants and Poudre Valley Hospital Breast Diagnostic Center in Fort Collins. “Keep in mind that firmness is not the same as mammographic breast density,” says Florant. Soft-feeling breast tissue may be dense by mammography. Your physician can tell from your mammogram report if you have high mammographic breast density. Every woman has some dense breast tissue,
Fig. 2
Fig. 1-2 Mammogram images showing breast tissue that is almost entirely fat.
44
Fig. 3
Dr. Tracy Florant of Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants and Poudre Valley Hospital Breast Diagnostic Center in Fort Collins.
and doctors have known that having a higher percentage of dense tissue in a woman’s breast may increase the risk of that woman developing breast cancer. In a 1995 report, the researchers stated that women whose breasts are composed of roughly 75 per cent dense material are four to six times more likely to contract breast cancer. So, while the theory isn’t new, a new study involving 773 post-menopausal women – of which 253 were diagnosed with breast cancer – continued to evaluate the importance of breast density and hormones in regards to breast cancer. The findings, published August 1 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, show some pretty
Fig. 4
Fig. 3-4 Mammogram images showing breast tissue that is extremely dense.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
startling numbers. Post-menopausal women with dense breast material actually face a 400 per cent higher relative risk of getting breast cancer. The new study, then, confirmed a lot of the past findings, but arguably the most impressive piece to come out of the study involved the comparison between breast density and hormone levels. “It was thought that increased breast density was due to the hormones and did not necessarily increase breast cancer risk on its own. This study on post-menopausal women was able to separate the two factors and suggests that both factors are independently associated with increased breast cancer risk,” says Florant. When comparing high levels of estrogen and testosterone in the bloodstream to low levels, the researchers found an increase of 200 per cent relative risk. But, the important piece of the puzzle was in the fact that breast density and hormone levels were totally independent risk factors. Meaning, a woman with dense breast material and high hormone levels may have a 600 per cent higher chance of getting breast cancer. But, what does this latest study mean? For Dr. Florant, it’s further evidence of the importance of routine visits to your doctor. “This study is a reminder that, for all women, screening according to American Cancer Society Guidelines is very important for the early detection of breast cancer. Women who know they have dense breasts should make sure they have regular mammograms and be aware of their overall risk for breast cancer,” says Florant. The American Cancer Society Guidelines recommend that women should receive yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40. Clinical breast exams should also be part of a periodic health exam, and women in their 20s and 30s should have one performed every three years while women over 40 should have one done every year. Breast self-exams should be considered by women when they enter their 20s. Finally, the American Cancer Society Guidelines now recommend that women with a lifetime risk for breast cancer higher than 20% should have an MRI and a mammogram every year. According to Florant, breast density is not ready for use in formal clinical risk prediction, but this study is an example of the excellent research that is going on in order to better understand breast cancer risk. “The report is particularly interesting in light of the American Cancer Society's new recommendations regarding breast cancer screening for high risk women. The practical implication is that with better understanding of risk, we will be better able to determine who would benefit most from new technologies such as breast MRI. As a result, our chances of early detection will improve and in time breast cancer will hopefully have less and less impact on women's lives,” says Florant. Florant recommends women go to www. cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ to view a breast cancer risk assessment tool; however, she stresses that this should not replace the advice of a woman’s own personal healthcare provider.
Amy Hulstrom, M.S., PA-C, Kevin E. Bachus, M.D., FACOG, Shari Olson, Ph.D., Bonnie Overholser, PA-C
Jason Webb is a freelance writer living down the road in Johnstown.
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
45
Wellness
Healing &
Beauty
Life Renewal Resources
Helping People make Positive Changes in Their Lives • • • • • • • •
Individual, Couples & Family Therapy Grief & Loss/Life Transitions Post Traumatic Stress/EMDR Lifestyle/Nutritional Counseling Psychological Evaluations Depression • Anxiety Relationship Issues • Addictions Career Counseling • Play Therapy
2114 N. Lincoln, Ste 106 • Loveland, CO 80538 • 970.402.4579
46
Ann Tharp, Ph.D., LP, ND
Licensed Psychologist 23+ years of experience providing psychotherapy
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
Yet no amount of regret or worry will undo the decisions. Maintain your stamina for the difficulties of the road ahead. Exhaustion slows down healing, so make rest a regular part of your routine. Give yourself as much time and space as you need to take care of yourself. There are no time limits. Your experience is unique. If your friend was able to work during chemotherapy, that doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you if you can’t. Healing is a time to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Surrender to the healing process. Engage in all possible ways to relax and take care of your body and emotions. Get bodywork, eat well, and talk to a counselor if you are struggling emotionally. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. During treatment, discover what brings you joy and avoid negativity. When dealing with cancer, humor is a necessity. Depression weakens the immune system. So, turn off the news, watch funny videos, read the comics every day, and be sure to laugh at your bald head. Keep your distance from negative energy, even if it means not talking to people who are close to you for a while. Cancer can be scary, but be straightforward and tell the truth to your loved ones, including children and elderly family members. Protecting them from reality is not your job and only deprives them of learning and loving opportunities. Welcome help from your friends and family and allow them to meet your needs such as cooking, cleaning, running errands, figuring out insurance, paying bills, researching health options, driving to and/ or accompanying you to appointments, keeping others informed about your progress, and taking care of children, pets, and plants. Learn about your inner self as you journey along this cancer road. When changes happen in your body, even cancer, your body is trying to communicate something to you on a deeper level. Your body is the barometer of your emotions, and your emotions connect you to your soul. What does your soul want? Take the time to find out by writing in a journal, reading introspective books, meditating, praying, or exploring spiritual counseling. Use this cancer journey as a stepping-off point for uncovering your own needs and desires. Healing from cancer is not the destination, but a lifetime journey. And like all epic journeys, it begins with a single step into the great unknown. Embrace that step, and embark with the knowledge that cancer, if you allow it, will shift your focus from the mundane details of everyday life to the infinite beauty of this human experience. Kerri Geary is a cancer thriver and a Healing Guide.
“Seek Health, Find Freedom” Specializing in: Sports Injuries/Orthopedics Respiratory Ailments/Infections Support During Chemotherapy
Now offering expanded “low cost” services: Diana Hermann Licensed Acupuncturist
• First of its kind in Fort Collins • Full service, individual treatments • Quiet, relaxing setting
308 South Howes Street • Fort Collins • (970) 416-9600 1931 North Boise Avenue • Loveland • (970) 663-6501
www.AcupunctureoftheRockies.com Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
47
Lymph Drainage Therapy Can Help
Prevent Lymphedema
by Lynn M. Dean
Although sentinel lymph node surgery has replaced axillary lymph node dissection for the majority of patients diagnosed with breast cancer, some must still undergo this traditional procedure and the possible side effects that come with this more invasive surgery. These side effects include not only a longer recovery period and increased levels of post-surgery pain, but also other, longerterm medical issues such as lymphedema. Acupunturist, Diana Hermann receives LDT.
L
ymphedema occurs when the ability of the lymphatic system to transport fluid has been impaired. In the case of breast cancer patients, it is due to the removal of some of the axillary lymph nodes which filter the fluid and direct it through the body. When this happens, fluid builds up in the arm and overloads the “system.” As fluid builds, so does the risk of infection. Fortunately, there are procedures that can help prevent and treat lymphedema. One such treatment is Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT), a hands-on method of moving fluid and restoring the lymphatic flow developed by French doctor Bruno Chikly. “Lymph drainage therapists are specifically trained to work with the lymphatic system to help recirculate the fluids,” says Carol McDaniel, a certified massage therapist who specializes in LDT. “I was actually drawn to it because I had a chronic problem with my back and went to a therapist who practiced lymph therapy. I took course work and had phenomenal results. It just happened that it was the best treatment you can use on cancer patients. Now 30 to 40 percent of my practice is made up of cancer patients. Most of them have breast cancer and are referred by Hope Lives and Breast Friends of Windsor.” Lymph Drainage Therapy is performed by massage therapists specially trained in the discipline. “Not all massage therapy is appropriate for working with compromised lymphatic systems,”
48
warns McDaniel, who says it requires knowledge and a light touch. “On average the pressure used is about five grams and therapists are trained to detect the quality of the lymph and the direction of the flow. We learn how to reroute the lymph flow.” “Traditional deep tissue massage on an affected limb can create more problems,” cautions McDaniel. That’s why patients need to look for a trained professional. There are two types of training offered in the US, says McDaniel, “The first is lymph drainage therapy (LDT) and the second is manual lymph drainage (MLD).” Unfortunately, breast cancer patients can develop lymphedema several months to years after surgery. But luckily, LDT can help prevent it. “Anyone who has had nodes removed, damaged or radiated is at risk for contracting lymphedema,” McDaniel says. “So keeping the lymphatic system healthy and functioning will prevent it.” There are other benefits to LDT, too. “It reduces post-operating swelling, can help soften and improve scar tissue, and can also help the body eliminate any of the anesthetic and chemotherapy drugs and help the tissue and organs regenerate,” explains McDaniel. “It also, to some degree, may help with chemo brain. In addition to stimulating the flow of fluids in the body, it also acts as a detoxification tool and stimulates the immune system.”
Although LDT can begin soon after surgery, there are some patients who should avoid it. “It is contraindicated for patients undergoing chemotherapy (without a doctor’s permission) because it will help the drugs metabolize out of a person’s body more quickly than normal,” says McDaniel. Other patients who should avoid LDT are those with heart problems, acute infection or illness, serious circulatory problems, hemorrhaging, absence of urination, or undiagnosed lumps. There may be additional contraindicators, too, so patients are advised to seek the advice of their doctor before beginning therapy. According to McDaniel, the frequency of treatments depends upon each individual’s situation, but “it is good to receive a treatment once a week for three to four weeks and then reassess.” McDaniel focuses her practice mostly on prevention and treating patients with lymphedema in its beginning stages, “I will take cases with initial swelling,” she says. “I work on stage zero and stage one cases. The first two stages are reversible. Stage two and three are not.” For more information on Lymph Drainage Therapy contact the National Lymphedema Network at www.lymphnet.org. Lynn M. Dean is a Northern Colorado writer and regular contributor to Style Magazine.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Creating your best smile that’s the overton difference
Look Younger, Gain Confidence & Boost Your Career Success.
Exams & Cleanings • Restorative Dentistry Painless • Implants Neuromuscular Dentistry Cosmetic Solutions 1220 Oak Park Drive Fort Collins CO Call or email us at tfodds@overtoncenter.com for a complimentary consultation!
970.223.6677 www.overtoncenter.com
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
49
So You Carry the BRCA Gene
Now What? by Corey Radman
Women in the general population have a 1 in 7 chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime, and most of those people will not be genetically predisposed to it. However we also know that like curly hair or detached earlobes, cancer does sometimes run in families.
Miho Toi Scott, MD at Cancer Center of the Rockies.
T
he genes that cause breast and ovarian cancer are BRCA1 or BRCA 2 (sometimes pronounced brack). Both a father and a mother can pass them on. If a woman is tested and found positive for either BRCA gene mutation, then she has between 56-87% chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime and a 27-44% increased risk of getting ovarian cancer. However we also know that like curly hair or detached earlobes, cancer does sometimes run in families. The genes that cause breast and ovarian cancer are BRCA1 or BRCA 2 (sometimes pronounced brack). Both a father and a mother can pass them on. If a woman is tested and found positive for either BRCA gene mutation, then she has between 56-87% chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime and a 27-44% increased risk of getting ovarian cancer. Men can also contract breast cancer; though even with heredity against them, the incidence is only 6%. In the general population the chances are much lower at 0.05%.
GENETICS 101
In every DNA strand there are two copies of each gene, one from each parent. The redundancy allows for error; when one gene is malfunctioning, the other takes over. Some genes tell our body to grow tissue like hair or skin cells, and later in life they tell when to divide and make more cells. Some genes give instruction on
50
repairing damage from environmental toxins, sun exposure, dietary factors, hormones, and other influences, or tell our cells when to stop growing. When genes mutate, certain cells can grow out of control and cause cancer. The explanations of this process are very laymen friendly at the website for BRCA carriers, www.FacingOurRisk.org.
WHO SHOULD BE TESTED?
Oncologist, Miho Toi Scott, MD at Cancer Center of the Rockies explains, “The risk factors for BRCA include: breast cancer diagnosed before age 50, ovarian cancer at any age, male breast cancer at any age, bilateral breast cancer, both breast and ovarian cancer, or a relative with the BRCA mutation.” Given that a genetic sequence test costs about $3,000, the decision to test for the BRCA gene is, in itself, a decision to be made carefully. Though most insurance companies are now willing to cover the costs, especially for woman with one or more of the above risk factors. “We still have little idea what causes these cancers. It’s better to know if you belong to that group than not to know. Test your child too when time is right for them, so if the test is negative that’s where it ends,” encourages Scott.
THEN WHAT?
Once the BRCA genes have been identified, the scary questions arise. Should a woman have an immediate prophylactic mastectomy or a pro-
phylactic oopherectomy to remove her ovaries? Or both? What if she hasn’t yet had children? Many women in this unenviable situation are in their twenties and thirties when the gene is found. Clinically, the “what to do” is largely undefined as yet. A report from UpToDate, a physicians online journal, notes, “There is no clear ‘best’ choice among these alternatives; it is highly dependent upon the patient’s own set of values.” The standard of care is to follow patients closely. Scott explains, “This has be decided between you and your doctor. Every 6 months follow up with your doctor will be a good start. You may want to tailor your tests for yourself. Some may benefits from breast MRI in addition.” If surgery is opted for, the chances are good that they won’t get cancer. Among women in the high-risk category, prophylactic mastectomy decreases the incidence of breast cancer by 90% or more, according to UpToDate. Similarly, the magnitude of risk for ovarian cancer is reduced by 96% with prophylactic oophorectomy. Scott understands the difficulty that patients face. “They don’t have breast cancer now, and we’re telling them to have surgery for no apparent reason. To be told that you have an almost certain, over 87% chance to have cancer by the time you reach age 70 is staggering. Prophylactic mastectomies and oophorectomies do decrease the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. They’re the best surgical options, but there is a yin and a yang with everything you do to your body.” The
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
We still have little idea what causes these cancers. It’s better to know if you belong to that group than not to know. Test your child too when time is right for them, so if the test is negative that’s where it ends.
Gene Screen Advice for hunting for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations: Do a thorough family history. BRCA mutations often occur in families with multiple premenopausal breast or ovarian cancers or breast cancer in male relatives. Families with a strong history should consider a complete sequencing of one relative diagnosed with cancer. If a mutation is confirmed, other family members can be checked for the mutation. Information from Wall Street Journal, 9.11.07
Say goodbye to varicose veins!
- Miho Toi Scott, MD Oncologist, Cancer Center of the Rockies
emotional toll has to also be considered. Emotionally speaking, the decision to proactively have surgery is gut-wrenching. Many women opt to wait a little longer after the diagnosis. Scott suggests very close follow up with their primary care provider, or with her. “I want to keep in touch with these patients.” She has seen that this group of women are sometimes a “lost group” of cancer survivors – or “pre-vivors” as Facing Our Risk calls them. Not yet diagnosed, but always waiting for the hammer to fall, they have little support from within the breast cancer community. Scott says, “As we do more testing we will develop more support for these kind of women. It’s not any easier than for breast cancer patients. I think these women also need to be supported just the same way as patients with cancer because it’s just as traumatic in different ways.” Breast cancer is a traumatic diagnosis but perhaps waiting for the certain day it will come is even harder. Until the day a cure is found, patients can rely on the guidance and reassurance of health care providers like Dr. Scott.
Corey Radman is Assistant Editor for Style Magazine.
Outpatient Laser Treatment Call for a FREE consultation! We would be happy to check with your health insurance carrier for coverage.
970.776.1600
272 East 29th St. :: Loveland, CO 80538 Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
51
Aereola Restoration
The final step in many breast cancer survivors’ journey is restoring the aesthetic appearance of a nipple and an aereola on their reconstructed breast. A specially trained professional technician who is experienced with reconstructive tattooing creates a three-dimensional nipple/areola complex.
M
icropigmentation, also known as cosmetic tattooing or permanent cosmetics, is the process of implanting pigment (color) into the dermal layer of the skin. The SofTapÂŽ method safely and gently places pigment at the surface of the dermal layer. This makes the procedure permanent. The gravity of the color particles then brings it lower into the dermis without unnecessarily traumatizing the reticular and papillary layers of the dermis. In general, manual tattooing results in less bruising, swelling and bleeding compared to machine methods.
Before pigment implantation.
After pigment implantation.
Once a reconstructed breast has settled into its final position (about three or four months after flap revision surgery or implant exchange surgery), new nipples can be recreated. Adding nipples to reconstructed breasts can bring a sense of closure to the breast cancer experience. But for many women, another surgical procedure is the last thing they want to undergo. With or without nipple reconstruction surgery, for women who have undergone mastectomies this restoration process is nothing short of a miracle! Because a reconstructed breast has little or no sensation, most women feel the tattooing more as pressure than pain.
Before pigment implantation.
After pigment implantation.
door drama contest
Grand prize winner wins wins a $200 gift certificate and runner-up wins a $100 gift certificate courtesy of Sutherlands Design Center. The front door to your home may not be as dramatic as this one... But I bet your door still has a very interesting story.
Style is looking for unique doors and their fantastic owners. Is your door fabulous, colorful, artistic, or awe-inspiring? We want to write about it in our February, Building & Remodeling magazine!
A topical anesthetic is also used. This procedure usually takes 2-4 visits to obtain the final result, but is less invasive than surgical methods of areola reconstruction. Tattoos often fade in time and must be redone. Shanon Hatch, a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Technician and a member of The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, specializes in areola restoration and scar camouflage as well as eyeliner, brows, and lip color at Reflections Medspa in Fort Collins. Hatch offers this service for free to breast cancer survivors as a way to help them find a sense of closure and celebration for battling and winning their brave fight. Contact Reflections Medspa at 970-372-0307 for a consultation. A happy client, Audrey Rose-Sausman used Hatch after her single mastectomy. She says, “Shanon has been such a delight! After having breast reconstruction, Shanon put the crowning touch by providing me with a beautiful areola restoration. Also, I had lost my eyebrows after chemotherapy and she has restored those as well! I get comments from my friends that I look younger and better with my new eyebrows! I feel great every time I look in the mirror.”
To enter simply email us the information below. Your Name Your Address Your Phone Number Year Door was installed Who sold you your door? Is there a story about the door? Don’t forget to attach a photo of your door too! Email your submission to info@stylemedia.com Or you can mail your materials to 211 W. Myrtle Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 Deadline for Entry is December 15, 2007
4496 Bents Dr. Windsor, CO 80550 (970) 203-9292 www.davincisign.com
X
DaVinci Sign S IG N HE R E
53
Breast Cancer Recurrence What Women Should Know
by Alice Ashmore
It is a question in the mind of every breast cancer survivor – will my cancer return? “It never leaves your mind. Once your body deceives you; you never quite trust it again,” says Charlie Johnson, who has been cancer free for 25 years. Dr. Anne Kanard of the Cancer Center of the Rockies.
B
reast cancer survival is based on several factors: tumor size, lymph node involvement, whether the cancer has expanded, and does it have hormone receptors,” says Dr. Anne Kanard of the Cancer Center of the Rockies. “In post-menopausal women, 80 percent of cancers are positive for hormone receptors.” There are no real answers for prevention of a recurrence, but components like exercise, diet and attitude may all play a part. “There is no scientific evidence that links recurrence to these factors, but how can you study some of these things?” says Dr. Miho Scott of the Cancer Center of the Rockies.
DIET AND ALCOHOL
Weight control is one key to staying healthy, and lean is the way to go. Scott recommends a diet rich with fruit and vegetables and whole foods. “Try to eat healthy. Keep your calories in mind and don’t stress eat!” She adds, “Fat can convert enzymes to estrogen, and estrogen is also stored in fat cells.” A recent study by the American Cancer Society revealed that women who gained 20 to 30 pounds during adulthood (after the age of 18) had a 40 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. The intake of soy products has been under scrutiny in recent years “It has been noted that in certain cultures with a where soy is a staple, the
54
rate of breast cancer is lower. It is conflicting data and the jury is still out,” says Kanard. Both Scott and Kanard have no problem with patients consuming soy-based food products in moderation. Alcohol has been shown to be another factor that may increase the chance of a cancer recurrence. The Harvard Women’s Health Watch notes that women who drink even a few drinks per week may increase the risk of developing cancer. “Cut down on your alcohol intake,” says Kanard. The Harvard Women’s Health Watch recommends the following for women who choose to consume alcohol. “If you drink, be sure to get enough folic acid – at least 400 micrograms a day – either in your multivitamin of through foods rich in folate, including dark leafy greens, peas, dried beans and whole grain products.” “Everything in moderation,” says Scott.
EXERCISE – GET MOVING!
Numerous studies have supported the idea that women who exercise have less risk of breast cancer then women who are sedentary. “You may reduce your risk of cancer by twenty to thirty percent by getting three to four hours of moderately intense exercise a week,” notes the Harvard Women’s Health Watch. This includes exercise like brisk walking and yoga. Exercise helps to support a healthy weight and also regulates the body’s production of insulin. American Cancer Society recommendations call for 45 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous
exercise five days a week. This is an increase over the previous recommendation of 30 minutes, five times a week. Scott recommends a combination of diet and exercise to her patients. “If you don’t do both, you can’t really have a healthy life.” She notes that exercise releases endorphins that promote positive feelings.
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
“There are no studies that prove that attitude effects cancer recurrence,” says Scott. “But what I know is that if you don’t take care of yourself, you are putting yourself in a bad situation. You need to do everything you can to support your immune system.” “I think the mind-body connection is very important. You have to have a good attitude.” She points out women are often reluctant to accept help. “Women are great nurturers, but they don’t always know how to nurture themselves. Women need to learn how to treat themselves well.” “Women need to find a way to make themselves feel good.” She eschews the quick fixes like shopping. “Retail therapy is not included.” She recommends Yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates exercise instead. “You need to have a time in your day when your head is clear.”
HORMONE REPLACEMENT
Both doctors recommend breast cancer patients avoid estrogen, which feeds the growth of some tumors. “Stay away from exogenous
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Don’t be hesitant to call your doctor. Seventy percent of recurrences are found by patients. Any kind of new pain, fatigue, weight change, lung symptoms, headaches or neurological changes should prompt you to call your doctor immediately. - Anne Kanard, MD Cancer Center of the Rockies
(outside sources of) estrogen,” say Kanard. Scott also warns women away from plantbased estrogens. “Soy is very controversial. Its phyto-estrogen can mimic estrogen and I don’t recommend it in large amounts. Don’t take it in pills.” She adds, “In food form, I don’t really have a problem with it.”
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENTS
Dr. Kanard urges cancer survivors to pay attention to their bodies. “Don’t be hesitant to call your doctor.” She notes, “Seventy percent of recurrences are found by patients. Any kind of new pain, fatigue, weight change, lung symptoms, headaches or neurological changes should prompt you to call your doctor immediately.” “Patients should have regular follow-up appointments, including mammograms,” says Kanard. She recommends following your oncologists recommendations. Both doctors agree the there is no real predictor of who will have a recurrence, but that taking good care and listening to one’s body is a healthy approach to life after breast cancer. Charlie Johnson sees it this way. “There are no guarantees that my cancer won’t return, but I don’t see anyone walking around with a guarantee on life.” Alice Ashmore is a freelance writer living in Loveland and regular contributor to Style Magazine.
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
Another dental visit? Turns out, you have better things to do with your time. We know your time is valuable. That’s why we’ve invested in CEREC technology that allows for a faster experience when you need crown fillings or vaneers. With CEREC, there’s usually no need for a temporary and return visit. Everything you need is done in one visit, in about an hourleaving more time for whatever is important to you.
970.493.5120 2001 South Shields Bldg. E Suite 200 Fort Collins
55
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 INSPIRATION: CHARLIE JOHNSON Charlie employed a good diet, exercise, and creative visualization techniques to ward off the disease. “I started my job: a positive attitude, believing in chemo, visualizing my battle, and staying active.” During her chemotherapy, Charlie even ran the Rawhide half-marathon with a respectable finish. She credits her physicians, Dr. Elo, Dr. Carlton, and Dr. Lininger (Correct Spelling) for providing her with outstanding medical care. Charlie also had to learn how to accept help from others. “I had to do my first chemotherapy treatment by myself.” Her husband, an attorney,
was in court. “When I came out, one of my best friends happened to be in the waiting room and wanted to drive me home and I refused. I was too independent.” Her nurse again offered advice. “Let people in. You have to let people help you.”
SPREADING SUPPORT
Charlie’s experience with cancer prompted action. Almost six years later, in June of 1988, she helped found the Loveland Breast Cancer Support Group. “I was inspired to start the group because no one really understands unless they have been
through the same experience. I wanted somebody else to talk to and share with. I realized by talking with my doctors that there was a real need for a support group.” “The group is a place where you can go and you don’t have to start at the beginning in order to talk about your experiences with breast cancer,” says Charlie. “You are instantly understood, and then the hugs, love, tears, and laughs begin to heal you and bring new strength.” The support group began with five patients and two nurses. “At first it was hard to even find a place to meet.” Now the group regularly has 20 to 25 people in attendance and has 95 people on their mailing list. Friends and family of breast cancer patients are also welcome. The support group meets regularly at All Saints Episcopal Church in Loveland and is free of charge. It is supported financially by Loveland Surgical Associates, Loveland Women’s Health Center, the McKee Cancer Center – radiation and oncology, and Loveland Hematology/Oncology.
HOPE IN BLOOM
Charlie’s message of hope also blooms in garden next to McKee Medical Center. The “Garden of Hope” was started in 1989 by Charlie and her friend Mary Gullickson, also a cancer survivor. The women learned of actress, Ann Jillian, planting a daffodil as a symbol of hope during her own breast cancer battle. “We decided it would be appropriate to have a garden at McKee Medical Center.” The garden was lovingly tended by the women of the Loveland Breast Cancer Support Group for many years before professional maintenance began. The group also funded a bench so that visitors may sit and enjoy the garden.
LIFE BEGINS ANEW
Like those daffodils she planted, Charlie has grown through the process of her recovery. “Cancer has changed my life. It was awful, but the experience of having cancer has truly made me a better person. I realize cancer hasn’t taken anything from me, and it has given me a deep sense of appreciation for life.” Twenty-five years after her diagnosis and treatment, Charlie continues to remain free of cancer. “I feel so blessed and so fortunate.” Her message to women with cancer is: “Never give up – you can fight this.” These women can also take heart in the fact they have Charlie Johnson in their corner of the fight. Alice Ashmore is a freelance writer living in Loveland and regular contributor to Style Magazine.
56
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 INSPIRATION: ANNIE BRUNSELL a year and I could not see and could not walk due to neuropathy of the legs.” Some of the side effects of Taxol are the loss of vision and the loss of feeling in hands and feet. Her weight dropped to 85 pounds. In addition to the fear, self-doubt crept in. “I was a competitive, long-distance runner, single mother of two, and a successful businesswoman. It was such a betrayal of my body; no one in my family had ever had cancer.” After six months of chemotherapy and two months of bone marrow treatment; Brunsell started four months of radiation. “I remember looking at the cover of a magazine while waiting for treatment,” Brunsell says. “On the cover was a photo of eight survivors with their arms raised in the air high on top of Mt. McKinley. That’s when I decided if I’m going to die, I am not going to die in a dark basement. I am going to die on top of a mountain. Mountains aren’t necessarily made of rock and sand. They are made of courage to face the next appointment. They are made of being healed enough that you can finally say thank you.” Brunsell was so sick that her parents moved from Wisconsin to Colorado to take care of her. They bolstered her courage and would not allow her to give up. “My mother cooked nutritional meals and my dad said, ‘Get up and walk two feet to the coffee table.’ When I told him I couldn’t, he’d say, ‘you are going to do it like when you where a little girl and you were thrown from your horse and landed in a pile of warm cow pies.’” He told her that, “It is never about the ride, it is about how you get back on that horse.” After six months of recovery, Brunsell regained her sight and strength. “I could not have done it without the love my family and their belief in my indomitable spirit. When I completed those seven steps to the coffee table, then started walking out the door, I began to have hope.” “Taking the challenge and climbing the mountains of doubt, I prayed to live long enough to see my children grow into young adults capable of making good decisions.” Now, 11 years later, Brunsell just returned from climbing Machu Picchu in Peru with her son. She has celebrated the birth of one new granddaughter, Madison, from her daughter and her son just announced that he and his wife’s new baby is on the way. Asked what her message to other cancer patients would be, Brunsell said, “I never looked back, I never asked why, and I never blamed. I just got on with living each day with gratitude.” When Brunsell met Deb Hayman Polk, a Development Officer at the Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation, she found a deeply personal friendship and a safe place to talk about her cancer. Hayman Polk says, “It’s about the hope and inspiration you can give to others.” The two friends shared the truth that illness teaches one the importance of learning to bridge the gap be-
tween how we spend our time and what is truly important to us. Brunsell says, “It is my dream to help others develop those human endowments that empower all of us with character and competence in a moment of choice. It is important for me to learn, to love, and to leave a legacy of balance and grace to those around me.” “I asked Deb if there way a way to use my business acumen to make a difference for other people like me. She gave me the professional opportunity to be part of building a new Cancer Treatment and Research Center for Ft. Collins.” Brunsell says, “I can attest to how doctors affect
lives. I did not expect to live this long and I want to give back. Now I am in a position where I can give hope and share the torch my family gave me to light the lives of others.” Annie Brunsell is a survivor and a climber of mountains, actual and metaphorical.
Start With Trust
SM
In the BBB Serving Northern Colorado and East Central Wyoming
When looking for a florist, or any other business, you want one you can trust. A business with a proven track record for keeping its commitments and doing the job right. They are easy to find. Just look for the Better Business Bureau Seal.
Better Business Bureau® 800.564.0371
Start at bbb.org • Start With Trust
SM
BBB A liated Business Brand Sponsor
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
57
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 INSPIRATION: ZIMMERMAN “Well, Mom,” he once said to her. “If God’s going to take you, I want to go with you.” “That’s when you start thinking ‘I have to get through this,’” adds Tammy. She fought the cancer and lived. But the cancer fought back. In 2005, Tammy had a recurrence in the left breast. “It came back into the muscle tissue,” she explains. “This time it went to Stage IIIC. It was in the lymph nodes in my neck, chest and under my arms.” Again she thought of her son, and prepared for battle. “I’m going to do everything I can for the sake of my child. If it’s out there, I’m going
to do it. I want to make sure that I see him grow up.” This time around, her son was older and better prepared. “He was a lot stronger,” she says. “And very helpful. He would tell me, ‘You look great Mom, with or without hair.’ When I started getting a little fuzz, he’d just sit there and rub it and rub it.” And while being older meant that Keon could help her more during the recovery phase, it also meant that he understood all too well how close his mother might come to death.
“You can do it Mom,” he would tell her. “You did it before. You can do it again. You’ll be okay.” And she is. Tammy has been cancer free for over a year now, but she still celebrates every day. “Cancer makes you realize that life can be short and you need to enjoy it. You need to enjoy the things you do. You don’t realize how much you take for granted on a daily basis,” she says. “The simple things in life are really the best- seeing a sunset, listening to the birds in the spring, watching the leaves turn in the fall, feeling those first snowflakes touch your face. It’s amazing all the things I do notice now.” Another thing that gives Tammy joy is helping others with cancer face the disease. “Maybe I’ve survived because God wants me to share inspiration and hope,” Tammy speculates. “If I see somebody who I know is going through it, I’ll say, ‘It looks like we’re in the same boat.’” And when her co-workers, who had been so supportive during each of her three bouts with cancer fell under attack, she was able to give back to them. “There have been some people at work that got cancer after I did,” Tammy shares. “They’ve come to me for advice, and I’ve tried to share with them and encourage them. It’s nice to be able to support people and let them know that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. It’s just a hurdle.” She’s helped those close to her jump that hurdle, too. In addition to her mother, two of Tammy’s three sisters have battled cancer. One had breast cancer and the other Stage IV ovarian cancer. But if cancer should rear its ugly head again, Tammy will be ready. “Then it’s time to put my boxing gloves back on and go back to fighting it,” she explains. “You have to stay positive and keep moving forward. You don’t really have a choice to go through it or not, so you might as well go through it with the best positive attitude you can. You just try to live each day. You do your treatments and stay focused on life. That positivity is what helps you heal both mentally and physically and I think it helps your immune system, too. I’ve had some rough days, believe you me. I would take those days one at a time and push myself through.” But even in those toughest of moments, there were still daily gifts from God. “In some ways the cancer has made me who I am. I really enjoy everything. Sometimes you just want to stop in the moment and enjoy the beauty around you. You just enjoy everything.” A stranger once gave Tammy advice that she’s taken to heart. “You never know what life is going to bring you. If there is something that you really want to do, do it.” So Tammy does. After all, every day, every month, every birthday is a gift from God.” Lynn M. Dean is a Northern Colorado writer and regular contributor to Style Magazine.
58
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 INSPIRATION: CATHY MARTIN We’ve raised five children over thirty six years and we’ve planned to be together forever. Forever. For always. And no matter what,” he said vehemently as he pointed toward the fireplace. “It was, and still is our motto. She’s the mother of my children. She’s my best friend. She’s my soul mate. We’ll get through this together.” “This is one of the biggest bumps in the road we’ve hit so far,” says Jeff. “But there have been others. It was a shock to have cancer hit so close to home. We’re such a tightknit family. We’re so close. To even face the possibility of losing one of our parents— it brought us even closer. To me it was like there was a clock ticking with no definite sense of when the clock would stop.” “I’ve always been a kind of a mama’s boy,” adds Greg. “Until now it never occurred to me what life would be like if I didn’t have Mom here. I’ve always looked to her for guidance.” For Tim, the realization that he might lose his mother didn’t register right away. “I guess it really didn’t set in until the first time I took Mom in for hydration,” he explains. “Sitting with her in the doctor’s office I began to wonder how well Mom was going to do, and how well the treatment was going to take.” “It made us stronger because my family realized I’m vulnerable,” adds Cathy. “Right now, I’m not the wife and mother who’s always there no matter what.” Together, Cathy’s family rallied to help her fight the disease and support her through her treatments. “I’ve wished I could take away some of the pain- some of what’s she’s been going through,” says Dave. “But all the kids and I have been able to give her is support.” And support her they did. They didn’t let her go through anything alone. “I think that has really helped lessen her symptoms,” says Dave. “Having everybody here. Having someone go with her to treatment.” Tim, the quiet one, the one who took his mother to many of her doctors appointments, agreed. “Just being there- it was much better. The people who didn’t have anyone- they’re the ones that were the sickest.” “People may not realize how much effort is needed to support (a family member) with cancer,” Jeff explains. “The thing I’d impress upon others is how widely cancer affects everyone. Our lives have all changed.” But none of the Martin clan would do anything differently. “Even in some of the darkest, deepest moments, we’ve always had a sense of hope, a sense of humor,” says Jeff. “It’s the journey that matters, not the destination,” adds Marissa. “I really think that’s important to remember. You can’t spend so much time thinking about where you’re going that you miss what’s happening in your life.” “I’m a mother and it’s the most important job in my life,” says Cathy. “But now the tables have turned. Now they have been doing the cooking and cleaning. Tim even moved in here so that he could help take care of me. It’s hard for me to accept help.” She recognizes that once her family helps her get past the treatments, and then the recovery period- then it’s on to survival and a return to her
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
normal life. But they all still recognize the value of living in the here and now. “It’s better to be here living in this moment than not to be around,” says Greg. “I’ve got a better appreciation of life than I had before.” His brother Jeff agrees. “Now was the future. That really stresses the fact that you have to keep the present in mind and not expect so much out of the future. No matter how much you struggle to look to the future, its all right here, right now.” The Martins are still on their journey, and enjoying every moment of the here and now they
have. The disease has filled Cathy and Dave’s once empty nester home with returning children and they’re all going to enjoy every minute they have together. Even if it means that they’re all bald for a while. They’re in it for the long haul. Forever. For always. And no matter what. Lynn M. Dean is a Northern Colorado writer and regular contributor to Style Magazine.
59
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Now Standard of Care
by Lynn M. Dean
Breast cancer surgical techniques have come a long way in the last ten years and these advances have not only improved diagnostics, but patient outcomes. One such advance is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy which has replaced the more invasive traditional axillary lymph node dissection for most breast cancer patients.
W
ith breast cancer and melanoma, a sentinel lymph node biopsy has become standard of care for patients with invasive breast cancer,” says Thomas G. Chiavetta, MD, FACS, a surgeon with Northern Colorado Surgical Associates. “We can avoid an axillary lymph node dissection in the majority of patients which results in less pain, a shorter recovery time and fewer complications such lymphedema of the arm. The other risk associated with axillary lymph node dissection is injury to the nerves and blood vessels under the arm and sometimes patients will develop chronic pain syndromes.” In the past when a breast cancer patient underwent a lumpectomy or mastectomy, the surgeon would perform an axillary lymph node dissection and remove some, or all of the lymph nodes under the arm to determine whether the cancer had spread to the lymphatic system and possibly other parts of the body. But today, a newer technique, sentinel lymph node biopsy, has become the first line diagnostic tool to determine if the cancer has spread. The theory behind this surgery is simple. Fluid from the breast drains into the armpit, and the axillary lymph nodes filter this fluid. So, if cancer cells are found there, the cancer is more likely to have spread to other parts of the body. The sentinel node is the lymph node closest to the breast
60
and the one researchers have identified as the first line of defense in filtering out cancer cells. Therefore, if there are no cancer cells present in the sentinel node, it is unlikely that the cancer has spread to other nodes and the rest of the body. If cancer is detected in the sentinel lymph node, then the surgeon will go ahead and do the axillary lymph node dissection. But that doesn’t necessarily mean another trip to the operating room. “About a third of the time we’ll find cancer in that lymph node,” says Dr.Chiavetta. “Usually we find it in the initial surgery.” Dr. Chiavetta explains that he will usually start the breast cancer surgery with the sentinel lymph node. “I’ll biopsy the lymph node and then send it off to the pathologist for immediate examination. Then I’ll do the breast resection- so we usually know (the results) right then during the surgery.” If the sentinel node shows signs of a tumor, Dr. Chiavetta will then perform an axillary lymph node dissection.” Because it looks and feels the same as the rest, Dr. Chiavetta and other surgeons use two different techniques to identify the sentinel lymph node. In the first technique a radioactive pharmaceutical is injected by a radiologist into the area around the tumor. “We use a special Geiger counter called a neo probe to look for hot spots,” he explains. The second technique is more of a visual iden-
Thomas G. Chiavetta, MD, FACS, a surgeon with Northern Colorado Surgical Associates.
tification. It involves injecting blue dye just under the nipple. It then flows through the lymphatic system and turns the sentinel node blue. “You can use either technique, or both,” says Dr. Chiavetta. “Using both together increases the chance of successfully identifying the node.” Generally, Dr. Chiavetta will start with the first technique and have the radiologist inject the pharmaceutical. “If it’s not clear which is the sentinel lymph node, then I’ll inject the blue dye and look for the hot blue node.” There are times when a sentinel lymph node biopsy would not be recommended. “Based on the imaging studies, sometimes we know that there is involvement of the other lymph nodes when a patient is initially diagnosed,” explains Dr. Chiavetta. “If we know that the cancer has already spread, then that person needs an axillary lymph node dissection.” Occasionally, the sentinel lymph node cannot be identified. “Especially if patients have had other biopsies in the past,” adds Dr. Chiavetta. Again, an axillary lymph node dissection would be done instead. Fortunately, most patients can forgo this painful technique and undergo the sentinel lymph node biopsy instead. Lynn M. Dean is a Northern Colorado writer and regular contributor to Style Magazine.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
W O M E N G I V E FA L L M E M B E R S H I P L U N C H E O N Deanna McCrery, Linda Hopkins Philanthropist of the Year
September 6 Fort Collins Country Club The collaborative relationship between United Way of Larimer County and The Women’s Foundation of Colorado brought together over 200 women both members and their guests to this 2nd annual luncheon. This luncheon provided an opportunity to celebrate the successes of WomenGive and their accomplishments during its first year. Over $40,000 raised, both in cash & pledges will benefit WomenGive and its mission to support organizations that encourage economic self-sufficiency for women & girls in Larimer County. To date since its inception, WomenGive has raised $140,000 and awarded 17 childcare scholarships. Photos courtesy of imagecatcherman.com.
Childcare Scholarship Recipient Tandi McBlair Becky Johnson, Janene Dellenbach
Mary Turner, Paula Edwards
Lori Schlotter, Tiffany Burns
Susan Benzel, Miranda Benzel Sue Coburn, Jan Carroll, Shauna Woods
Peggy Barnett, Ruth Brown, Linda Schaefer
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
61
MCKEE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT Orthopaedic Center of the Rockies: Bill Biggs, Ralph Fuller, Tom Wera, Dale Kaiser
September 14 Mariana Butte Golf Course Loveland Golfers and a multitude of Loveland businesses participated in the 9th annual McKee event. Two fun filled flights took place providing a 9-hole women’s flight in the morning followed by an 18-hole flight in the afternoon raising over $32,000. The morning flight raised funds to equip a pediatric procedure room and the afternoon flight raised funds to purchase a video laryngoscope to be used in trauma cases in the emergency department. Golfers had a full day of friendly competition as Alpine ENT held onto bragging rights finishing up in 1st place for the 18-hole flight team for a second year in a row.
First Place 9-hole Flight team- Maureen Klocek, Carol Vanetti, Cindy Jesser, and Marilyn Schock
Home State Bank: Mary McCambridge, Jack Wilson, Cliff Nemeth, Dan Gavato
First Place 18-hole Flight team-Alpine ENT: Jay Reed, David Zacheis, Sarj Gill, Ross Armour
Big Thompson Medical Group: Mike Wiggins, Peter McNally, Peter Smith, Tony Cabrera
C AT T L E B A R O N S B A L L 2 0 0 7 September 15 Water Valley South :: Windsor An absolutely beautiful evening and gorgeous sunset greeted over 500 guests at this premier event of northern Colorado. Celebrating its 15th year, this Boots & Ties Under Western Skies themed event provided guests an evening of western elegance under a magnificent white tent. Excellent food, libations, silent & live auctions and live music from Country Recording Artist Trent Tomlinson provided a memorable evening for all. Over $180,000 net, will benefit American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy and patients services. Current research in our area include 2 grants at CSU and 1 grant at UNC for a total of $1.445 million. Photos courtesy of Jill
Standing: Bret Hill, Mike Mantelli, Mike Kelley, Clay Drake Seated: Julie Hill, Lucille Mantelli, Margaret Kelley, Raechel Drake
Carrie & Brad Anderson
Dan & Deb Austin
Standing-Chris Rehmer, Vickii Hein, Donna Morford Seated- John Rehmer, Richard Morford
Mary & Dallas Horton
Margaret & Mike Kelley
Bailey & Flair of Art
62
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Advanced Medical Imaging: Chris Fleener, Gary Thorson, Stan Podolski, Peter Koplyay
Where Compassion Meets Integrity New Patients Welcome
H. Arthur
MISSIRLIAN D.D.S Ass& ociates
CERE C
Introducing Dr. Alissa R. Ferguson H. Arthur Missirlian, D.D.S. Alissa R. Ferguson, D.M.D.
We know your time is valuable, so we have invested in technology that has made dentistry less painful, while being more efficient. As the most experienced dentists in Northern Colorado in Cerec technology, we can do beautiful porcelain crowns in a single visit. We can also do your root canal and crown in approximately two hours...in just one visit...finished! Choose our team to design a smile especially for you. Then let our team maintain your smile for a lifetime!
3950 John F. Kennedy Parkway Fort Collins, CO 80525 • 970.267.0993 www.fortcollinsdentalarts.com
Tom Buchalski, Mark Haag, Rob Ramirez, Kevin Foley
Massoud Shirazi, Emily Kemme, Vonda Shirazi, Paul & Merrole Steinway & Doug Kemme
James & Shirley Lobato
Dee McClure, Jim Nixon
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
63
T H I N K P I N K ! PA R T Y WELCOME TO THE ENDODONTICS PRACTICE OF DR. BRADLEY LEVALLEY AND DR. SHANE BERGO. AS AN ENDODOTIC TEAM, WE SPECIALIZE IN THE
DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF THE TOOTH’S NERVE SYSTEM.
THIS INCLUDES ROOT
CANAL THERAPY AND RE-TREATMENT AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ROOT CANALS.
WE STRIVE TO OFFER YOU EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE BY USING THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY.
September 13-14 Sathers Leading Jewelers :: Fort Collins Over 200 guests were dazzled at the beautiful assortment of pink fine jewelry at this inaugural pink event. Attendees enjoyed live music, delicious catered food, and hourly fine jewelry giveaways. Proceeds to benefit Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center and their mission to provide complementary services to women going through breast cancer in Larimer County. Julie Sather-Browne, Sid Sather
B RADLEY L E V ALLEY , DDS, MS S HANE B ERGO , DDS, MSD
3744 S T IMBERLINE R OAD , S UITE 101 • F ORT C OLLINS , CO 80525 T OLL F REE 866.770.ENDO (3636) • T ELEPHONE 970.229.1404 WWW . COLORADOENDO . COM
Shawn Hudson
Clayton Hartman
Kari Romero, Georgia Romero, Jennie Groll
64
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Rosalie Sinnett, Lydia Dody, Dennis Sinnett
Jen Weinman, Laura Hallauer, Deb Anderson, Kim Cefalo
Mary Hallauer, Jeannie Gerdes
fine .925 sterling silver jewelry
Julie Sather-Browne, Scott Charpentier
New 2007-08 jewelry has been released. Call Tracie for a free catalog.
mysilpada.com/tracie.amen 970.506.1205 970.324.3371
Tracie Amen
independent representative
Lifestyle, Health & Beauty 2007
65
BLACK TIE BOWLING Jeanie & Jim Long
Pauline & Bob Brown
September 15 Chipper’s Horsetooth Lanes :: Fort Collins Over 250 elegantly dressed guests enjoyed a night of bowling in scotch doubles format at this 2nd annual fun night of strikes, spares and gutter balls. Bowlers enjoyed great food, libations, and both a silent and blind bid auction. Over $20,000 was raised to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Larimer County, Canyon Concert Ballet and Dance Center Scholarship Fund, and DEC (Drug Endangered Children) and their programs committed to improving lives of underprivileged children in Northern Colorado.
June Bouscaren, Kevin Ward
Greg Hughes, Rikke Liska
Mary Pat McCurdie, Rikke Liska, Amy Hughes
Rick & Irene Felton
SOUL OF THE CITY Marie Edwards, Rachel Perez
Mike Salza, Julie Brewen, Chris & AnnMarie Arbo Pat Hardy
September 22 Avogadro’s Number Fort Collins Nearly 150 guests got in the groove as hip urban sound of blues, funk and soul from the Mojystics, filled the beautiful night skies at this inaugural event. The outdoor patio setting was a perfect fit for a delicious buffet, libations, silent auction, door prizes and plenty of dancing. Proceeds from this fundraiser to benefit The Fort Collins Housing Authority (FCHA) Resident Services Program and their community outreach.
66
Matt & Alice Robenalt
Phyllis & Ed Stoner
Thersa Dunn
Kate Hatfield, Gary & Joni Crist
Peter Stackhouse, MaryAnn Michels, Stacy Fridal
Sue Coburn, Ashley Gruber
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Early detection
can make a difference. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
When you or someone close to you is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can have an emotional impact on your entire family. In 2005 one of our family members, Dr. Angela King, was diagnosed with breast cancer. rough early detection she was able to identify a lump and successfully complete chemotherapy. Now she is giving something back. e King Project is a special eff e response has been overwhelming. Last year we were able to give 100 free mammograms to women who would not otherwise have been able to have one. We are happy to be able to offer this service again.
Call today to schedule your mammogram appointment.
1106 East Prospect Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 4674 Snow Mesa Drive, Ste 200 Fort Collins, Colorado 80528 2695 Rocky Mountain Ave., Ste 200 Loveland, Colorado 80538 (970) 493-7442 www.fcwc.com
EXECUTIVE Whether you’re a young up and coming Professional or an experienced High Power
DECISIONS. you face a number of
Visit us today at our new showroom 125 W. Swallow
I CAN HELP –Cheryl Nickerson
Cadillac Sales Specialist
Carol Arceneaux
Jan Bashus
Kathy Batterton
Ashley Bitner
Lindsey Boisvert
Evelyn Davis
Melissa Elley
Rhonda French
Stacey Goltz
Kathy Hanson
Kendra Hughes
Kylie Kampbell
Kelsey Keener
Wendy Lampe
cadillac cadillac Cheryl cadillac cadillac cadillac cadillac Joycadillac cadillac cadillac Kelley Willcox cadillac Carol Murch Nickerson Melodie Oliver Kelly Rohs Fran McDonald Wicks
om • www.dellenbach.com • www.dellenbach.com • www.dellenbach.com • www.dellenbach.com • www.dellenbach.com
125 W. Swallow
(Just west of Dellenbach Subaru)
970.226.2438 request a quote at dellenbach.com
www.stylemagazinecolorado.com www.stylemagazinecolorado.com 211 W. Myrtle St., Ste. 200 211 W. Myrtle St. Fort Collins, CO 80521 Fort Collins, CO 80521 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED