2008-10 Lydia's Style Magazine by Style Media & Design, Inc.

Five dollars

October 2008

Triumph of the

Sisterhood Champions of Hope Advancements in Breast Reconstruction

Hope Lives! Gala October 25, 2008

Northern Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magazine of fine living

Paolo Romero, MD:: Matthew Sorensen, MD Regina Brown, MD Anne Kanard, MD :: Miho Toi Scott MA, MD

at the POUDRE VALLEY HOSPITAL HARMONY CAMPUS 2121 E. Harmony Rd. Suite 150, Fort Collins â&#x20AC;˘ www.cancercenteroftherockies.com

970.493.6337

er EM d n G U NA A M

Our Mission Through products & services that bring balance & harmony to both the individual & the world in which we live, we strive to provide an unparalleled spa & salon experience. Our goal is to leave our clients transformed & thoroughly satisfied. 1119 West Drake Road | Fort Collins, Colorado | 970 472.1111 w w w. re l a x a t c a b a n a . c o m

Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

We keep going back to Pedersen ... Pedersen sells exceptional vehicles at great prices. Our family and business have bought six vehicles for business, recreational and personal needs since 1999. Pedersen has met our needs every time and their customer service exceeds our expectations. Pedersen is the best!

"Continuing our 35 year commitment to exceptional and caring customer service." -Mark Pedersen

-Tamera Nelson Broker Associate, ReMax Alliance

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

Appointment: 970-350-6082 Summit View Medical Commons 2001 70th Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Greeley www. BannerHealth .com Keyword: NCMC

Breast Center

North Colorado Medical Center is a Spirit of Women hospital. Banner Health is the leading provider of nonprofit health care in northern Colorado.

The smile of your life that’s the overton difference

styl e medi a and design, 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 Dody

Executive Editor John Monahan

creative director Scott Prosser Senior Designer Austin Lamb

Contributing Editor Erica Pauly Advertising Sales EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Abby Bloedorn (970) 222-8406 Karen Christensen (970) 679-7593 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 Office Manager Ina Szwec

Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Office Assistant Ronda Huser Contributing Writers Allie Comeau, Lynn M. Dean, Angeline Grenz, Connie Hein, Heather Janssen, Corey Radman, Kay Rios, Ina Szwec, Maureen McVicker Trump Contributing photographers Lydia Dody, Steve Glass, Dana Milner, Todd Newcomer, Ina Szwec Affiliations Downtown Business Association Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce Windsor Chamber of Commerce

Look Younger, Gain Conﬁdence & Boost Your Career Success.

Exams & Cleanings Restorative Dentistry Painless • Implants Neuromuscular Dentistry Cosmetic Solutions

Thomas F. Overton, DDS

2008 Style Magazines January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directory February-Building & Remodeling March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness March-Family, Community & Philanthropy April-Business of Northern Colorado May-Building & Remodeling - Home & Garden May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June-Business & Building July-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directories August-Women In Business September-Building & Remodeling Home Interiors & Entertainment October-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer 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 100 locations throughout Northern Colorado. For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 226-6400. E-Mail: rhonda@StyleMedia.com ©2008 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.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

It's not just wood. It's life. Every detail matters in a fine home. That's why so many

Stop by our Riverside store today. Or visit our new website

homebuilders, homeowners and craftsmen across the

for design ideas, resources, classes and much more.

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custom millwork. With our 5000-piece moulding library, Lean Manufacturing process and obsession with quality,

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Great ideas brought to life.

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Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

We welcome your comments By phone: 970.226.6400 By fax: 970.226.6427 By email: info@stylemedia.com www.stylemagazinecolorado.com A CHANCE TO SHINE

A SPECIAL HONOR

GREAT EXPOSURE

Dear Style Magazine, As a reader of Lydia’s Style magazine, and an employee of Cabana Medical & Day Spa, I wanted to let other readers know how much fun we had working with the Style models and what an honor it was to have Lydia tour our salon. Style gave Cabana an opportunity to perform our services and shine. We hope to have many more shining moments under our new manager David Miller. We are striving to make Cabana one of the top salons in northern Colorado, and know David will lead us there. Sincerely, Hope Marie Lane, Office Manager Cabana Medical & Day Spa

Dear Lydia, Thank you very much for personally coming by to deliver those beautiful flowers and the certificate for the Champions of Hope Award. This is a very special honor and I wanted you to know how greatly appreciative I am. Sincerely, Gwen Lisella, MD Centennial Radiation Oncology, P.C.

I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a stir being on the cover creates! I have received many calls from friends and customers telling me that they had seen me and extended their congratulations. It was great exposure in addition to being tons of fun. Thanks for the opportunity.

WELL WRITTEN AND INFORMATIVE

IN AWE

How can I get additional issues of Medical & Wellness Volume X? I have my issue but I want to give some to people that I know who have been affected by macular degeneration. The article “Miraculous Treatment for Macular Degeneration” is well written, informative, and needs to be shared. Sincerely, Betty Roehr

I don’t know quite how to say this, but the article in Style was very good!! [Tom Weimer’s Tomorrow from the September issue of Style] I believe you captured the essence of the moment and when I read what you wrote, I was in awe. You described our situation with total accuracy. I find it hard to bring to words how much I appreciate how you handled a very difficult topic and yet gave dignity to everyone involved, most of all Dawn. You did a wonderful job!!! Thank you ever so much. Sincerely, Tom Weimer

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR On behalf of the Greeley Stampede, we would like to thank you for your support during the 2008 Stampede. Your assistance of $1,000 helped make 2008 another successful year. Through support such as yours, we continue to grow and enhance a true family tradition. Sincerely, Lynn Settje, CEO

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

[Copies of Style magazine can be picked up at 211 West Myrtle Street, Suite 200, Fort Collins.]

Terry McNeal, Broker Associate/Partner The Group, Inc.

Contents Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

On the cover: Jenni Sells shows off a vibrant twist strap lime green dress with hip band and flip skirt by Donna. Contrasted by Barbie pink jacket by Bently A. Pendant choker and earrings add the final fashion touch. Photography by Dana Milner Art Direction by Lydia Dody Makeup & Hair by Mane Door Salon, Fort Collins

FEATURES

« Bill Gans Men are susceptible to breast cancer too. Follow Bill Gans’ journey

20 22

« Donna Gallup She knew it was just inevitable and just a matter of time

24 26

« One Day It Was Me What to do when the doctor says, “You have cancer.”

« Heather Janssen A personal essay of body, soul and a ‘potty mouth’ confronting cancer

« Triumph of the Sisterhood Breast cancer survivors share their stories of hope and inspiration and celebrate life in beautiful fashions from local stores. « Champions of Hope The Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center honors five local physicians and four citizens for their unselfish contributions of time, resources and commitment to breast cancer.

« Breast Cancer Websites Matt Sorensen, MD, Cancer Center of the Rockies, recommends trustworthy websites for breast cancer information

44 46

« Mammograms save lives Mere proof that women need one yearly

« Advancements in Breast Cancer Reconstruction Amy Brewster, MD, discovers new techniques for better results

« Acting Pink Two women fight to make wigs affordable for cancer survivors

« Restoring Womanhood Old Town Hair Company specializes in helping women who’ve lost their hair

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

Publisher’s Letter: Hope Lives Because of You

Of all the forces that contribute to living life to the fullest, none is so powerful as hope. With hope we can work, we can think, we can dream of a future. If you have hope, you have everything.

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this 8th annual issue of Style is dedicated to women’s wellness, and breast cancer information. Our goal is to empower and inspire men and women to overcome life’s obstacles no matter what they are. We want to demonstrate that it is possible to take control of one’s life despite trauma and adversity. We want to communicate the importance of optimism, and hope. I don’t know of a more inspiring group of women that demonstrate courage, determination and hope than the survivors who came together in my home to meet, to share and to celebrate. We all had such a great girly time together. It is my favorite photo shoot of the year; it is a day I truly cherish. I meet new women in all stages of treatment and recovery. Some women are in the midst of a challenging treatment plan, others on the other side, and some are long time survivors. Each woman touches me deeply with her strength, her courage, her positive outlook, her ability to be present and living in the now, and not taking life for granted. Thank you to these precious women for sharing their own personal story, their inspiration, and that day with us. I know that their strength, positive attitude and great sense of humor will empower other women who might be facing this devastating diagnosis right now. One such woman fighting the fight of her life is Heather Janssen. Read this young mother’s personal essay as she sorts out the profound impact this diagnosis is having on her life as the mother of four daughters. We are all on her team – supporting and praying. She amazes us with her quick wit, sassy sense of humor and kick ass attitude. Heather, you Go Girl! Breast cancer is never fair. How is it that within two years both mother and daughter are diagnosed? Read how Karla Sorenson found herself so profoundly impacted when her daughter, Kristy, received the same diagnosis. I can relate to this sisterhood of women as I am eight years beyond my diagnosis. Each year at this time I undergo my own personal anxiety ridden routine screening exams and shed tears of joy when the results come back and they are ok. The first thing I do is call my daughters and share my good news. They have been so loving and supportive all these years. Meredith is now 24 and in medical school and Ali is 19 and enjoying semester abroad in Europe. I am now an empty nester and I miss them so much. They have been my pals, my joy, my purpose for living. And, of course, they still are, but now at a distance. As many of you know, my heart’s work is supporting the, not for profit, Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center’s mission of helping women in our communities who are

diagnosed with breast cancer. Their important Complementary Care Program provides free services to these women to speed up their healing, improve their recovery and their quality of life. They offer free wigs, free services, and emotional, physical and mental support. Just ask any woman who has received services and she will share how important this help was in her journey to recovery. It takes funds to help the huge number of women who need these services. Every year the Hope Lives! Gala brings together people from our communities to Celebrate Life and raise money for this important cause. This year will be the 8th annual event held at the Hilton Fort Collins on October 25th, 6pm to 1am. It is the best party of the year and the inspirational jewel of the evening is the Survivor Fashion Show. The dinner is gourmet, the auction is lively and the entertainment and dancing top the evening. This year will be especially noteworthy as Hope Lives! will be honoring Champions of Hope who individually are committed to fighting breast cancer through their professional services or through their financial support. You will enjoy meeting these passionate and caring people in this issue and at the event. I invite you to dress up and come celebrate life with us. You will have such fun and be so inspired. Tickets are still available: www.hopelives.org or call (970) 225-6200. Along with many more inspiring stories, this issue is dedicated to sharing information. Read about Dr. Amy Brewster’s caring commitment to helping women with breast reconstruction and the options available today. Dr. Matt Sorensen gives us his recommendations on trustworthy internet websites for breast cancer information. Learn about how important mammograms are for early detection since statistically one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Read these articles and more within these heart warming pages. Thank you for reading this issue and please pass it along to a woman who might benefit from it. If you need more issues, please stop by our office at 211 W. Myrtle, Suite 200. A heartfelt thank you to all of you who are committed to helping this cause through volunteering, donating, caretaking, or supporting Hope Lives!. Together we can make a difference in the lives of women and their families until a cure is found. Hope does live because of you. Blessings and gratitude to each of you,

lydia@stylemedia.com

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

the entire month of October, participating Curves locations will donate up to 100% of new member sign-up fees to Hope Lives! Curves will also be hosting special Girls Night In events throughout the month to benefit Hope Lives! Events will include silent auctions, jewelry sales, t-shirt sales and more. Details vary by location. Contact the individual club for more information.

October 13 from 5:30am-7:30pm 249 E. 29th St, LVLD 669.9400 October 13 & 17 from 8:00am-3:00pm 423 N. Denver Ave, LVLD 669 .3062 October 16 from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm 1829 E. Harmony, FC 225.1900 October 20: 1015 W. Horsetooth Rd, FC 416.0845 o~tntu~r 22 from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm 2114 Midpoint Dr, FC 225.0019

Thursdays in October: Jamba Juice in Fort Collins will donate 20% of your entire purchase to Hope Lives! Please mention this ad at the time of purchase. 1335 West Elizabeth # 105, FC 970.224.9070

During the month of October, Juice It Up will donate a portion of the orc)CE,ecJs from its pink Melon Madness smoothie to Hope Lives! Council Tree Ave,# 167, FC 215.1430

The ~

Melt~ Dot. a fondue restaurant

Stonehouse Grille will be donating a portion of its proceeds from the month of October to Hope Lives! 125 S. College Ave, FC 498.0873

The Melting Pot will be hosting a Ladies Night All donations from the evening will benefit Hope Lives! East Mountain, Fort Collins. 970.207.01 00

coo~ coopcz:r

OLD TOWIT

Hnirt conr nnT

fine Je w e lry deslgne ..

October 18 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm: Old Tow n Hair Company is offering Pink Hair Extensions for $10. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hope Lives! 325 Cherry St. Suite 114, FC 407.9730

Cooper & Cooper is selling a sapphire ribbon pendant. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hope Lives! 23 Old Town Sq. FC 221.0303

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ("""FORT COLLINS

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IFOXNEWSRADIOI www.coloradoon.com

STYLE MAGAZINE

Meet the Models Wendy Daly

Jill O. Hultin

Donna Gallup

Heather Janssen

Mary Golbuff

Cathy Martin

Kandise Helling

Tammy L. Medley

Wendy is married to Mike and is mother to Megan, 23 and Jackie, 29. She has retired from being a bank manager at Wells Fargo and likes to golf, bowl, camp and travel. “Thank you so much! The experience was easier than expected—I was nervous— but everyone put me at ease. Thanks again! (I liked watching everyone and the group shot the best)!”

Donna is married to Blaine and is mother to Michealle, 30, Melissa, 26, and Melanie, 24. She is a project manager at Colorado State University and a candidate for House District 53. She also loves to write. “I loved it! From meeting Lydia and picking out clothes (the ladies at Designs were wonderful) to the photo shots at Lydia’s beautiful home. I’m looking forward to getting the magazine and being in the fashion show. Thank you so much!”

Mary is married to David and is mother to Chuck, 39, and Tami, 38. She is proud grandmother to Skylar, Kyle, Jaiden, Paige and Luc, and co-owner of Shippers Supply, Inc. She enjoys photography, traveling, spending time with her husband and spoiling her grandchildren. “Lydia and Lynn, as well as the great ladies at Chico’s made me feel like a princess. Kim at the Mane Door Salon gave me a fun new style. The photo shoot was inspiring. It was wonderful to meet so many ladies--all sisters now. Thank you, Lydia.”

Kandise’s significant other is Rocky Crowder. She is mother to Jeremy, age 30. She is a student, but when she has ‘me’ time she enjoys reading, golfing, biking and sewing. “This is a first for me. It has been fun and exciting. Everybody has been wonderful, the best thing is trying something new and different.”

Jill is married to Steve and mother to Lander, 20, and Bodie, 16. She is the judicial assistant to the Juvenile Court Magistrate. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, cooking, walking on any beach, drinking wine with friends and listening to the Rolling Stones. “Dressing outside my normal box was fun. The heels were torture. The pampering was wonderful. It reminded me of playing ‘dress up,’ as a child. Lydia was great at making the experience fun, very low key and relaxing.”

Heather is married to Clark and is mother to Kathryn, 8, Emily, 7, Megan, 5, and Eliza, 2. She is the editor, publisher and writer of her magazine, get born; the uncensored voice of motherhood. Her hobbies are camping, hiking, cooking, writing and reading. “I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many other courageous women who are navigating their own “dark spaces” through breast cancer with such dignity, hope and light. I applaud Lydia for continuing to make this cause a priority.”

Cathy is married to Dave and is mother to Chris, 37, Jeff, 32, Tim, 30, Greg, 22 and Marissa, 20. She is a proud grandmother to Sophia. “As a professional women, I’m used to being around a lot of people, but this experience made me feel so special. Chico’s did a fabulous job making me glamorous, jewelry and all! I can’t say thank you enough for all the pampering.”

Tammy is mother to Heather, 30, and Michael, 29, and the proud grandmother to Dalton, Joey, Autumn and Mitchell. She is a residential real estate appraiser, but in her free time enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with her grandchildren. “What a great experience this has been. Everyone was a lot of fun. My thanks go to Chico’s for the clothes, Le Salon for the wonderful job with my hair, the photographer Dana Milner, Lori Moore from Merle Norman for my wonderful makeup, and, of course, Lydia and all the other models.”

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Meet the Models Joanie Pettigrew

Kristy Sorenson

Jan Rittenhouse

Karin Lawrence

Jenni Sells

Claude Vallance

Karla Sorenson

Pam Wilson

Joanie is married to Bruce and is mother to Rochelle, 26, and Mallorie, 23. She is a media aid at Loveland High School, and in her free time enjoys running, reading, knitting, watching movies, weekend getaways with her girlfriends and spending time with her family. “I was a little nervous, but the experience was enjoyable due to the people involved. From hair to makeup to pictures, everything was great!”

Jan is a mother to Tami, 39, and Matt, 36, and a proud grandmother to Dakota, 13, Daulton, 11, and Dawson, 7. In her free time she enjoys golfing. “The day was so fun. I had a great time getting my hair done and getting all gussied up. It was fun meeting other women who have been in the same situation. Once you’ve been there, it means a lot to hear the stories from other women.”

Jenni works as a research associate at the Cancer Prevention Lab. She enjoys biking, SCUBA diving, camping and doing yoga. She sends a special thanks to her significant other, Jorden Ridnour and his family, for walking alongside her through this journey. “It was so much fun getting all dressed up and having my makeup done! It made me feel so beautiful and feminine. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be pampered and have fun with all of these exceptional women.”

Karla is married to Bob and is the proud mother to Jeff, 40, Kristy, 37, and Katie, 26. She enjoys golfing, biking, sailing and relaxing on the beach. “What a great experience! The best part was having fun with my daughter Kristy who was also a model. All the models were beautiful--their spirit and beauty was obvious. Special thanks to all the volunteers; they were awesome!”

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

Kristy’s boyfriend is Leo Cruz and they are the proud parents of a cute dog, Sage. She enjoys hiking, snowboarding, hanging out with family and friends, but her most recent passion has been working on a breast cancer organizer. “It was wonderful and inspiring to be asked to be a model for the magazine. My mother and I are in this issue together, and although it’s been awful to have breast cancer in common, it has bonded us in a way I never thought possible. It was a delight seeing all the women at the photo shoot.”

Karin is married to Gene Lawrence and is mother to Courtney, age 13. She is an account manager at ADP. She enjoys reading, traveling and time with her family. “It started with my fitting at Karinza’s. Karin’s shop was adorable. It didn’t take long to pick out something beautiful. Staci at Le Salon did a beautiful job with my hair. She gave me quite the Hollywood hump! The entire experience was wonderful. The best part was meeting women who have gone through the experiences I have.”

Claude is married to Glen and is the proud mother to Cloe, 4 ½ years old. She works at Hewlett-Packard. She likes to run, cook and spend time with her family. “Everything was great and I loved how everybody made me feel so special; Nancee, Abby and Kim were absolutely wonderful with me. The sales person at Tula was also very friendly. The organization was perfect and it felt that everything went smoothly. I enjoyed myself very much and it was a great experience to be a part of this. I loved everything!”

Pam is mother to Ben, 21, and Sarah, 18. She enjoys tennis, spending time with her family and friends, and reading. “This has been an awesome experience. I have never done this before and felt honored to be asked. I met so many wonderful women who shared their stories; everyone was such an inspiration.”

Survivor Profile

Bill

Gans Men are susceptible to breast cancer, too By Kay Rios Photo by Dana Milner

hen he was diagnosed with breast cancer, Berthoud resident Bill Gans was shocked. “It caught me completely off guard. My first thought was, ‘It’s all over. I’m going to die.’” The retired electronics engineer found a lump in his breast around Halloween, 2001. He wasn’t too concerned, and at his exam in January of 2002, he says, “I almost forgot to tell the doctor.” But when a lumpectomy came back malignant, his attitude changed, Gans says. “It was very scary.” With that diagnosis, Gans became a minority statistic. In fact, breast cancer in men is rare, with less than a one-percent incidence rate. The American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2007, just over 2,000 men were diagnosed with breast cancer, compared with almost 180,000 new cases in women. Gans’ treatment was at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The mastectomy he had there was far from the end of the story. Additional pathology exposed a micro-colony of cancer cells in a lymph node. “It blew them into turmoil; they hadn’t seen that before. So I was not completely cancer free,” he says. The oncologist recommended “heavy duty chemo” for several months. “It kills the cancer and almost kills you,” Gans says. “But my sur-

geon said, ‘Just do tamoxifen.’” Gans began researching. “I pretended to be a doctor to get access to some of these sites. I compared myself to a post-menopausal woman. I concluded that chemo only improved my odds between two percent and six percent. Tamoxifen increased my odds by 30 percent.” He took the tamoxifen for several years. “Then they discovered that Aromicin actually outperformed Tamoxifen.” But another chapter was just beginning. “As luck would have it, I was on Aromicin® for a couple of months when my prostate cancer was diagnosed. When I told my oncologist about the new diagnosis, she immediately took me off Aromicin because it can actually feed prostate cancer. At that point, I went back on the Tamoxifen and completed my five years on that drug.” Although his experience wasn’t pleasant, Gans believes breast cancer may be tougher for women because of the change in physical appearance. But Dr. Matthew Sorensen, oncologist at the Cancer Center of the Rockies, says, “Breast cancer can be just as devastating for men as it is for women. The surgery that is recommended is a mastectomy as opposed to there being a decision between mastectomy and lumpectomy. And while the result is usually removal of less breast tissue, there is still a change in body appearance and subsequent recommendations for treatment

are similar.” Dr. Sorensen says it’s difficult to determine if the survival rate is better or worse for men or women. “We don’t know for sure. I don’t think there will ever be a study that does a head to head comparison. Some things we do know, however. While the staging of breast cancer in men and women is the same, breast cancer in men is historically considered to be more aggressive and to carry a worse prognosis stage for stage in men. The diagnosis is usually made later in life for men than women so that also comes into consideration.” Although breast cancer in men may be rare, data suggest several risk factors, Dr. Sorensen says. “For example, men with prior benign breast disease, any kind of liver disease, and there is an association with men who have never been married. Having female family members with a history of breast cancer is also considered to be a risk factor for a man to develop breast cancer.” Gans exhibited typical risk factors. “I’ve had basal cell carcinomas removed occasionally since the middle ‘80s both before and after my breast cancer and prostate cancer episodes. And my mother’s mother died of breast cancer.” Gans finished his final course in December of 2007 and, at this point, is considered cancer free. Kay Rios is a writer living in Fort Collins.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

were digital and were here or The Breast Diagnostic Center now offers new, all digital imaging technology. Come see our newly remodeled center and experience the excellent care that a breast specialty center can provide .

THE BREAST DIAGNOSTIC CENTER Harmony Campus 2127 East Harmony Road, Suite 100 Fort Collins (970) 207-4700

Designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

Survivor Profile

Donna

Gallup She knew breast cancer was inevitable— and faced it down By Lynn M. Dean Photo by Dana Milner

n 2007, Donna Gallup lay on the exam table in the darkened ultrasound room. The radiology technician finished the exam, handed her a tissue, and did her best to make Gallup comfortable, then left the room to consult with the radiologist. But Gallup knew there was no amount of pillow fluffing or blanket tucking that could ease the uncomfortable feeling building in the pit of her stomach. She wiped the goo from her left breast and watched the door expectantly. She knew that if the radiology technician came back into room, it meant that everything was OK and she would be sent on her way. That’s what had happened a year ago. But if the radiologist came through the door.... After what seemed an eternity, the door opened, the radiologist appeared and said, “You have breast cancer.” “She put the 2006 and 2007 pictures up sideby-side,” explains Gallup. “She couldn’t believe how much my left breast had changed in the last year.” Gallup didn’t cry. Nor was she surprised. It was news she’d expected. “I don’t want to sound flippant,” she says, “but I knew it was a matter of when, not if. I knew the train was coming down the track, I just didn’t know when. My attitude was ‘Let’s just do what we have to do and get on with it.’” “It” was a process Gallup knew well. When Gallup was in junior high, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. “She had a radical mastectomy on her left breast,” recalls Gallup. “Mastectomies were your only option in the 70s. I can

remember months of torturous exercise to try to get her arm and chest muscles back to normal.” Years later, at age 77, her mother battled cancer again, this time in her right breast, and it was removed. “My mother is a true survivor.” Because her mother had breast cancer, and her grandfather had died of colon cancer, Gallup started getting regular mammograms at age 25, and colonoscopies starting at age 40. She vigilantly waited for her turn to do battle with the family demon.

The Demon Strikes

But she wasn’t next. No, instead it would be her daughter Michealle. “She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 20,” explains Gallup. “Her tumor was already stage III. The surgeon said that it would only take an hour to cut the tumor out, so if the surgery went over an hour, it meant the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. One minute after the hour mark, I knew it had spread.” The three rounds of chemotherapy that followed nearly got the best of Michealle. “But two weeks after that last treatment, she bounced back,” says Gallup. “She’s been our sassy Michealle ever since.” Her mother was a survivor. Her daughter was a survivor. Gallup knew that she, too, would be a survivor. And she would use the lessons she had learned from their battles to win her own. “Michealle taught me to set goals,” says Gallup. “Not long-term ones, but short-term ones. Once you’ve accomplished one, set another and

continue to set those goals and reach beyond what you think you can reach for. As a chronic fatigue sufferer, I had to apply that to my life even before I was diagnosed with cancer–some days you have to make yourself live life to the fullest. When I got cancer fatigue on top of the chronic fatigue, I was able to look beyond the little bit of strength I had and continue to live–not exist, but live.” Gallup faced each day unafraid. “I was at perfect peace with everything,” she recalls. “I can’t look back and recall one time when I broke down. Instead, I just remembered the women who had cancer before me. I had these great examples of faith and determination. I couldn’t do any less.” Today, Gallup is a survivor, too. “I look at my situation with cancer as a monkey wrench thrown into my life. I’m going to move on and live every day to the fullest. And for those who come behind me and hear those dreaded words, ‘You have breast cancer,’ if they can just look at one life, maybe mine, and know that they can reach for the dream–they can look beyond their own strength–they can live. Yes it’s painful and emotionally draining. But you have only one turn. I have only one turn have to decide what I’m going to do with it. It’s not over till I stop breathing!”

Lynn M. Dean is an award-winning writer living in Timnath.

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Personal Essay

Showing Up for my Soul Body, soul and a ‘potty mouth’ are one By Heather Janssen Photo by Don Ellis

am sometimes asked, “How has cancer changed you?” Given the reality that I’m not quite “through” with cancer yet, and the possibility that it may be something I deal with for the rest of my life, the question is a difficult one. There’s no “finish line” yet, no end of the road from which I can look back and reflect on my experiences. But there are few things I am in the process of knowing more fully as I travel along this very strange highway. Cancer has mellowed me inexplicably. Whether it’s living in a low-level state of fear exacerbated by nausea or just the fatigue, I’m less of a firecracker than I had been. That is to say, when people annoy me with inane platitudes and I want to flip them the bird, or I feel like picking a fight with my husband because I’m bored with NASCAR, I generally refrain. Some regard this as a fairly positive change. But I’m conflicted about this change, because

it symbolizes a departure from my nascent adult self. I grew up as the quintessential “good girl,” forgoing even the expected teen angst for obedient, quiescent behavior. However, my bad girl self wasn’t to be so easily quashed, for, in my thirties, she came out with talons bared and potty mouth firmly intact. I fell in love with her. She was ribald and bold, ambitious and passionate, funny as hell, steeped in kindness and compassion. So this nasty cancer business has dovetailed with my rather late coming-of-age, making me wonder if it is functioning as a sort of brutal whet stone. While I hope to sharpen my wit and perspective through this dark time, I also hope that my new, shining self won’t be dulled into a bored, tired niceness accompanied by a limp, blasé personality never intended to shake things up, speak her mind or be a fully formed woman with infinite facets, angles and definition. I hope cancer doesn’t merely simplify. I hope

it serves to distill into crystal clarity the most important thing—to “arrive at my own door” as Derek Walcott says, to show up for this life of mine without regret, compromise or guilt. Kabir, a fifteenth century Indian poet, says, “If you can’t find where soul is hidden, for you the world will never be real.” This idea of the soul being linked to the physical world intrigues me. I was raised in a religious tradition that believed that the body was merely a house for the soul. Perhaps due to its functionality, the body was prone to sin, so therefore of a baser substance, and often to be scorned. But Frederick Buechner, speaking from a more generous religious tradition, says the notion of the body and soul not being inextricably linked is absurd. He defies the idea that somehow death is a divorcing of the body from soul, asserting instead that God, in God’s creation of humanity using dust, water and breath, intended the parts to

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

die as one and then come to life in the hereafter together again. He states, “What God, in spite of everything, prizes enough to bring back to life is not some disembodied echo of a human being but a new and revised version of all the things which made her the particular human being she was and which needs a body to express: her personality, the way she looked, the sound of her voice, her peculiar capacity for creating and loving, in some way her face.” My jury is still out on the hereafter, but I don’t think it matters. What I’m gathering is that my body—cancer-wracked or not—is the very blessed vessel of my gorgeous soul, that they are wrapped up in each other, part and parcel of what makes me me. And so they both deserve the best I have every day—the gift of showing up for myself through being present, being centered, being kind and gentle to my true, brassy self, rather than strident, judgmental and angry. Mostly I have to sit still and tune in, but I also have to exercise, to look at my face even when I feel it’s hideous without eyelashes or framed by hair, and speak kindly to her. Only when I master acknowledging the gift of this miracle self can I legitimately offer these same fruits to those around me—particularly my four daughters. So cancer is forcing me to sit at my own table, feast on my beauty, acknowledge that I’m at times marred by disease, prejudice or a plethora of strange neuroses, including endless watering eyes and browning fingernails and what often appears to be temporary onset of Tourette’s syndrome, but that I can still care kindly for the package, and in so doing, celebrate me more wholly in each day. Tracy Chapman sings, “Save my soul, save myself.” Cancer’s threat to my physical existence isn’t the gravest threat to my life. Distraction, guilt, fear, anxiety: these pose a greater threat. For, in bondage to these, I carry around a hollow cell of a soul in a perfectly beautiful body, wasting the miracle of flesh and bone by a perpetual emptiness. Of everything cancer’s taken from me, the best is my overactive “spin cycle”—my endless mental whirling. It involves looking for validation through my accomplishments or obsessing about my fear of failure in parenting and other relationships. I get mired in the slog of fear of what others think of me or how I perceive some arbitrary “others” want me to live my life. Cancer’s dulled my senses enough to slow me down and show up for my own soul. I don’t want, as I heard in a song the other day, to, “Wake up every day a fool.” Rather, I want to wake up every day to the brilliance of life, starting deep within in the glimmer of my brassy, sassy, thoughtful self, housed in this amazing body, regardless of its current carcinogenic status.

Heather Janssen is alternately trying to kick cancer’s ass, make cancer her bitch and figure out if wearing shirts with various forms of profanity are allowed when one is the mother of four daughters aged eight and under. Her favorite option for a t-shirt is “Stage four, I’m not your whore,” which is even more rapidly becoming her favorite because of a great response to chemotherapy. She lives and mothers in Loveland, and publishes a mouthy magazine for mothers called get born.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

Amy Hulstrom, M.S., PA-C, Kevin E. Bachus, M.D., FACOG, Shari Olson, Ph.D., Bonnie Overholser, PA-C

(970) 493-6353 • (800) 624-9035 w w w. d r b a c h u s . c o m 23

One Day It Was Me What to do when the doctor says: “You have breast cancer.” By Maureen McVicker Trump, PsyD, LPC

ne day it was me. The diagnosis was cancer. I had no frame of reference for cancer. Cancer came to other people and affected their lives, but had no place in mine. Cancer was far too big and scary to ever consider. Others got cancer and had to deal with it, but not me. Then one day it was me. Yesterday or last month it may have been you or someone you love diagnosed with breast cancer. The torrent of emotions that comes when you first receive a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. The shock of hearing the diagnosis can bring numbness and a sense of unreality. So many feelings come to the surface; feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, depression and certainly anger. There is anger at this intrusion, anger that cancer dared to strike you, anger at having to deal with something so threatening. “Why me?” you want to know. “Why now?” Fear and anxiety plague you. You ask, “Am I going to die?” or, “Will I be disfigured?” You worry if you can keep your job. You wonder how you can manage as you feel the ground spinning around beneath your feet. Suddenly, the world does not feel like a safe place.. Even amid such chaotic feelings you can take steps to regaining a sense of control. As a first step, it is crucial to allow yourself your feelings. They are normal. Find someone you can confide in and talk about what you are experiencing. Support groups offer a place to talk about feelings with those who know what you are going through. Then take steps to learn about your illness. Read about emerging treatments. Ask questions about the course of treatment. Write down questions for your doctor before your appointment so you don’t overlook anything. It is advisable to take someone with you to make sure you get all the information you need. These measures will empower you to take an active role in your treatment. Ask for help. Many women have not been in the habit of taking care of them-

selves first. Now is the time to change that practice! Let friends and family assist with duties, and let them pamper you! Give over some responsibilities; learn to let some things go. You may find it helpful to keep a journal. Writing down your experience can help you deal with the stresses and also the triumphs of dealing with cancer. Journaling allows you to sort out feelings and determine priorities. Do the things you still like to do, as much as possible. Do one thing, however small, that you look forward to each day. Whether it’s keeping that lunch date with a friend, getting a manicure, or wearing something pretty, stay involved and in touch in with your life. Spirituality can provide a firm foothold when dealing with cancer.. Nurture those practices that have meaning for you. Surround yourself with things such as beautiful music that uplift you and give you hope. So one day it was me. If one day it is you, remember who you are. You are not just fear, or despair or hopelessness. Above all, you are not cancer. You know your own inner strength. For you I leave this blessing, and as a survivor, my wish for you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you Which fans your face on a sultry day, The air which you breathe deeply, rhythmically Which imparts to you energy, consciousness, life Deep Peace of the flowing air to you. Deep Peace. (From a Gaelic poem, author not cited, on the Wings Cancer Foundation website.)

Maureen McVicker Trump, PsyD, LPC, is a Jungian therapist and a five-year survivor of Hodgkins lymphoma who counsels with cancer patients and survivors in Fort Collins.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Caring for a Patient is Caring for a Person

Marie D. Klish, MD

William B. Casey, MD

Gwen H. Lisella, MD

C. Kelley Simpson, MD

providing compassionate cancer care to our community since 1982 The Mission of Centennial Radiation Oncology, P.C., is to provide safe, effective, and accurate radiation therapy to cancer patients in Northern Colorado, in order to cure, palliate, and/or provide extended quality of life.

The Triumph of the

Sisterhood

Heather Janssen lights up the room in her great blue and brown print asymmetrical tunic , $63, over figure flattering blue gradient denim Exis jeans, $96. Square pendant from the 2008 Italian collection, $27, leather belt with nail-head pattern, $42, and cork platform shoes with floral sides, $39 add the sizzle. Courtesy of Dress Code II, Fort Collins. Henna by Beverly Abraham-Shahid at Henna Body Art Gallery.

Photography by Dana Milner Art Direction by Lydia Dody Makeup by Lori Moore, Merle Norman & Kim Shore, Mane Door Hair by Mane Door Salon & LeSalon, Fort Collins

Heather Janssen I was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 13 of this year, and given a stage IV diagnosis one week afterward. I felt as though I had just been plunged headfirst into a tank of Jell-O, and everything became really surreal. I felt as though I was moving in slow motion. The terror and fear of death, particularly when we found out that the cancer had already metastasized to the bones, was, and continues to be, the hardest part to manage. Finally, once the trauma of the diagnosis passed, and I had decided on a treatment plan, I emerged from the black hole. It still lurks on the edges, though, and while the hole isn’t black, there’s plenty of gray going on. Physically, I’m tired, but actually seem to have more energy than before my diagnosis. Since my tumor was so large, I attribute every moment of laziness in the year before my diagnosis to unknown cancer growth. Ha! Emotionally, I’m a basket case. I manage to do well when I go out of town and take the exit out of what I’m starting to call “cancer culture.” The overwhelming responsibility of having to schedule appointments and childcare has taken a huge toll on me. Being a chronic victim of mother guilt doesn’t help at all. The fear of leaving my children before I’m meant to stalks me panther-like at times, and so I live, quite willingly, in various stages of denial. I think this is necessary to curb constant hysteria. Also, crying hysterically frightens the children and makes my eyes puffy— and I need vanity now more than ever. Initially, I faced the cancer with some ribald humor and bravado, but as the chemotherapy treatments have progressed, I’ve had less margin to be flippant about it. One upside, I’m having to face the reality that I’m an approval junkie, and since I can’t maintain all the relationships I did before cancer, due to sheer burnout, I’m learning to go within and cultivate a healthier self. I’m not very good at it yet, but I’ll get better. Spiritually, I’ve struggled. My spiritual journey has been messy and involved anyway. I lost my dad when he was 45 and I was 20, and I often struggle, especially now, with a paralyzing fear of dying like he did, given the tragic and speedy nature of his death. I struggle to know how to relate to the Divine when it comes to much of anything, and cancer is no exception. I do write extensively about my faith, and this seems to provide moments of crystalline clarity, but they are moments. Thanks go to: My husband Clark and my children, Katie, Emily, Megan and Eliza and my best friend, Kyndra. My dear friend and co-laborer, Makeesha Fisher; every member of my mom’s group; the Hoochie Mamas; my pastor Wayne and the people of First United Presbyterian Church in Loveland; my get born community--a vast body of women who aren’t afraid to speak or hear the truth; and my generous neighbors who’ve been over-the-top in terms of support and helpfulness.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Donna Gallup In February 2006, I received a letter from my general practitioner to have an ultrasound of my right breast. The radiologist wanted a second glance. As I lay on the table, the thought of having cancer never really entered my mind. I knew in my heart these tests were just a precaution. And I was right. After the radiologist reviewed the pictures there was no cause for concern. But the year to follow was different; my left breast was hurting something awful. However, no one seemed too concerned. I was often told that pain doesn’t accompany breast cancer. When I had my annual mammogram in January 2007, I wasn’t too alarmed. BUT, in February, I was asked to have another ultrasound, but this time, on my left breast. The scene was so familiar, but somehow, I knew the outcome would be different this time. Sure enough, it wasn’t the tech that entered the room, but the radiologist. She showed me the picture that was taken of my left breast in 2006, and the one that had just finished. Even she was amazed at how quickly the tissue had changed in one year’s time. As she explained the tumor, which was the size of a peanut, I think she expected me to start bawling, or at least sniffle a few times because she kept glancing over at me with a look of “now?” on her face. My oldest daughter was with me and she almost started to cry. I think the tech did too, but I couldn’t. After seeing my mother, my aunt, my daughter, my father, and others in my family fight the cancer monster, I had the attitude of, “Well, it’s about time! Now I can take care of it and move on.” I didn’t take the situation lightly and apologize if I came across so nonchalant about it, but it truly was more a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ with me. After my chat with the radiologist, I walked over to the appointment office and made an appointment for a biopsy. We were going to get down to business, and I was ready, or so I thought. A diagnosis of cancer can definitely play havoc with one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Because of my family history, I opted for a double-masectomy followed immediately with trans-flap reconstructive surgery. (The plastic surgeons were literally waiting at the elbow of the general surgeon, ready to start the reconstruction as soon as he was done with the masectomies.) Although my surgeons were very thorough with me prior to the surgery, I still had not comprehended the trauma or the magnitude of the surgery, even for several months after it was over. I was under the knife for ten hours. Once the areola was removed from my breast, and most of my natural breast tissue removed, the plastic surgeons followed by cutting me from hip to hip to remove belly fat to fill in the now empty breast cavities. Skin from the excess belly fat was used to create artificial areolas. My abdominal muscles were moved from in front of my ribs, crossed, and connected under my breasts to supply blood supply to the new tissue. A large piece of plastic, similar to Gor-Tex®, was used to replace my abdominal muscles to hold my organs in place. My ribs were opened, and one was removed to allow the doctors to move things around, replace this with that, and disconnect the old and reconnect the new. But believe it or not, I didn’t have much pain at first, but then the scar tissue started forming. That experience is another story, but in time, and with therapeutic massaging to help lymph drainage, the pain did decrease. My doctors warned me that it would take 8 to 12 months to recover from the massive invasion. In all honesty, it took me well over a year and a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., to get to the point where I could walk upright and not look like the missing link in the evolution chain. A breast cancer survivor is just that, a survivor, but one can’t help but wonder, for how long? Yet despite the unknown and because of my faith, I don’t believe that’s my call; it’s His. I’ll trust Him in all aspects of this journey I call life. There is one cancer survivor who has touched my heart more deeply than any other. The courage, wit, faith and downright determination of my oldest daughter, Michelle, and the encouraging love of her and her then fiancé, Reid. Our lives have not been perfect, by any means. Our physical troubles have not been the only trials we’ve had to face. But through everything we look to the Lord for guidance and strength, and what we’ve always found is that He is always there. Even now, as I struggle with various medical issues, and the costs surrounding them, He is there, and will provide. Kandise Helling I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2007. I had found the lump myself, and after five years of always having a second check-up, I guess I was pretty much prepared for it. I have had several family members with it, but it still does affect you to find out that you are going to lose your breasts, go through chemotherapy and everything else. I have always been a very physical person. Most of the fields I have worked in have involved hard physical labor. I did everything from dry wall finishing to bartending (kegs are really quite heavy) to being a mail carrier. I had to be able to lift 70 pounds, which I could no longer do. So I no longer have a job. I have always been in good shape and it’s been really hard to get back there. The good thing is that I will be going back to school to start the second half of my life at a new career. It is time to use my mind instead of my brawn. I’m learning new ways of dealing with stress and the other things in life. I take life a little slower and enjoy the good things. My inspiration and strength come from my family and friends who were there for me, to take me to chemo and get me out of the house when I was feeling down. Or even just to call and make me laugh. Plus strangers, there are still a lot of good people out there. People who don’t even know me give to help with bills and donate their time to raise money to help many people with this illness.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

Donna Gallup looks vibrant in a Double D short leather jacket with fringe, pocket and tie details, $600, accented by a lively turquoise tank from Necessities, $30, and worn with Margaret M gaucho pants with inverted pleat styling, $115. Judy Barber one-of-a-kind genuine turquoise pendant necklace and earrings set, $500. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Hair by Mane Door Salon.

Kandise Helling sports a snazzy antiqued leather jacket from Double D with fringe, embroidery, and patriotic patches, $715, worn over a tank from Necessities, $30, and straight leg denim jeans from Margaret M, $145. Hand-made turquoise earrings from Judy Barber, $40. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Hair by Stacey at LeSalon.

Tammy L. Medley I was diagnosed with Stage IIIA, metastatic breast cancer on September 7, 2007. It was very surreal, as the doctor disclosed the results of my biopsy. I sat in disbelief, this really isn’t happening to ME. My reaction was silent and my body was numb to the consciousness of the reality. While the loss of hair and my left breast created a hot head and ill-fitted shirts, I knew they could be “fixed.” The residual pain from the chemotherapy, however, has been relentless, in large part due to the subsequent nerve damage. The challenge of this invasion empowered me to believe in myself and gave me tools to identify what’s really important. Prior to my diagnosis, I debated the worth of life. God decided to call my name and gave me a choice for treatment (life). My mother’s endurance through illnesses, while raising four children by herself, inspired my strength to continue chemotherapy. My grandchildren and close friends demonstrated the value of life, love and the necessity of laughter. It’s difficult to concede when you are reminded of the joy that envelopes you. English Proverb: “If not for hope, the heart would break.”

Tammy Medley shows her stylish side in a flattering teal and gold metallic paisley scarf lapel-styled jacket, $88, and coordinating tank, $54, topping easy wear flat front panel chocolate pants, $62. Hammered gold pendant, $38, earrings, $20, and cuff bracelet, $54, finish the ensemble. Courtesy of Chico’s, Fort Collins. Hair by LeSalon.

Joanie Pettigrew shows off her sophisticated side in an Alberto Makali ensemble. The metallic leopard print blouse, $156, accents a flirty fit-and-flare faux leather skirt with cute outside pocket, $214. Hand-carved jade and mother of pearl pendant by Landi adds the final touch, $120. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Hair by Shawna at LeSalon.

Joanie Pettigrew I was diagnosed on April 1, 2008 (April Fools Day). Waiting for the diagnosis was probably the worst part of the whole experience. After my diagnosis I searched the Internet for reputable information concerning breast cancer. Much of the information concerning treatment in my case eased many of my concerns regarding recovery and survival. Although I have undergone physical changes due to surgery and radiation, these effects have been minimal compared to the mental changes that have occurred in the past few months. I have always considered myself to be friendly, but a bit of a marshmallow in relation to standing up for myself. I am in the process of nipping this personality trait in the bud, with tact of course! In addition, I also try to judge others less and not let the little things bother me, because in the real scheme of things, they remain little things. My family has been the cornerstone of strength for me. In life I usually view the cup as half full, but there are times I do get freaked out about the c-word. There have been many instances when I have geared down my thoughts so my family doesn’t get caught up in the emotional state. With that being said, the next class of people are those I could not do without, and that would be my very close girlfriends who have joined my family in supporting me throughout the entire process of diagnosis, surgery and radiation. I should also mention that everyone involved in my medical treatment, from radiology techs to nurses to doctors, were very caring and compassionate. Throughout the process I have never said, “Why me?” This is a waste of emotion and it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I look at this experience as giving me an awareness to perhaps alter my lifestyle to prevent recurrence and live life to the fullest in the most positive manner. I hold a new appreciation in how lucky a person I am.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Mary Golbuff I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2004. My gynecologist found a lump during my annual exam. She scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound to take place two days later. They scheduled me for a biopsy on the lump the doctor found, as well as two other lumps that showed up on the ultrasound. I was not worried. I’d had several other lumps aspirated, biopsied or surgically removed over the past few years--all benign. I just figured “here we go again.” Two days after the biopsy, I received the call that it was “invasive ductal carcinoma” and I needed surgery. The shock and fear were immense--I wasn’t expecting such news. The word ‘invasive’ terrified me even more. I thank God my husband and my son were with me at work that day. They gave me the strength I needed at the time. My gynecologist asked if I knew a surgeon--I didn’t, so she called a friend who agreed to see me the following day. He spent over an hour with David and me, explaining everything, reassuring us and helping us reach the decision to have a mastectomy. I found out later that he met us in his office on a day that he isn’t usually there--he came in after doing surgery to meet with us. I was so fortunate to have such dedicated, compassionate doctors looking out for my welfare. I was no longer afraid. I knew I would be fine. I had a wonderful husband, great kids and four grandkids (at the time) who meant the world to me. My parents, sisters and brother and many other relatives and friends were there to give me the strength and humor I needed. Six days after I was told I had breast cancer, my breast was gone and I became a breast cancer survivor. I am a firm believer in laughter and a positive attitude. I KNEW I would be fine. I saw humor in more of the ordeal. I laughed with my “gyn” when she said I didn’t need that breast anyway— it’s been nothing but a pin cushion for the last few years. I laughed when my sister told me I walked like Tim Conway after my surgery. I laughed when the doctor changed my dressing for the first time and my husband said, “Isn’t this when yer supposed to say, ‘It’s a boy?’” I laughed when my son shaved his head so I wouldn’t have to be bald by myself. I laughed as I told my daughter she would NOT shave her head--I plan to wear a wig, so why should she go around bald? I even laughed when my grandson said I looked beautiful without hair during chemo, knowing that even though he meant it, it couldn’t possibly be true. Chemo is another story. That’s when the hard part began. It’s difficult when you are sick and weak, when your hair, eyebrows and eyelashes are gone, when your family feels bad because you feel bad. It’s difficult to be so weak that you need help just to get up the stairs to go to bed. It’s very difficult to need help doing things you’ve always done. My family rallied and took over the holiday preparations while I rested or watched. I continued to get weaker, but I never thought I was going to die. I was on a clinical trial during chemo to determine which of the two treatments may be better for node negative breast cancer. Normal treatment for my type of cancer would be four sessions of the drugs. The clinical trial involved two extra sessions. Some people asked why I would agree to do this if it meant I would have to have two more sessions of chemotherapy. My answer was, Why wouldn’t I do it if it could help them learn what treatment may be better for future generations? I have a daughter, two grand-

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

daughters, and two sisters whom I worry about now because their chances of getting cancer have increased just because I had it. I have a cousin who had breast cancer a few years before me. She was definitely my cheerleader. She told me to think of chemo as my cure, not as chemotherapy. I kept telling myself, “This couldn’t last forever”. Soon it will be over and I would be myself again. I made a list of the pros and cons of chemo--the pros definitely outweighed the cons. It is doable and it cures, although I also remember saying I wasn’t sick until they started to cure me. My daughter had an end-of-chemo party for me three weeks after my final treatment. At the party, my son and daughter-in-law broke the news that I’d be having grandchild number five. Although it’s not something I would choose, I am not sorry that I had breast cancer. I am a stronger woman; I don’t let the small stuff bother me. I have been involved in heart-warming circumstances and I have met many wonderful survivors and their families. I have tremendous faith in God. I know He won’t give me more than I can bear. My family is my foundation. Without them, I would have had a greater struggle. The cards and words of encouragement from friends and relatives strengthened me. MY favorite words of encouragement came from my former sister-in-law, my dear friend. She wrote: “Delicate threads of hope, patiently woven, become the strong fabric of faith. Faith makes all things possible. Hope makes all things bright. Love makes all things easy.” Pam Wilson I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 1990. I was seven months pregnant with my daughter Sarah when I discovered thickening on the side of my left breast and into my armpit. I was due for my routine monthly obstetrician appointment and brought it to his attention. After my exam, he reassured me that it was excess breast tissue due to the pregnancy. I finished the last few months of my pregnancy, during what time I had an overwhelming feeling that something was wrong; not ever thinking it could be breast cancer. There is no family history of the disease in our family. In June of 1990, I gave birth to my daughter and in September I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer which had metastasized through my whole body. I was in disbelief and overwhelmed with fear that this could ever happen to me. At that time, I had a three yearold son and a three-month-old daughter to raise. My biggest fear was that I would not live to watch them grow up. My biggest physical hurdle was going through a bone marrow transplant, which left me physically and mentally exhausted, and still full of fear that I couldn’t possibly live through this. The fear was so overwhelming that it finally gave me the strength to realize that I could consume the cancer or let it consume me. I chose to fight back. I was on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I found strength through my faith, love, help and support of my family, friends, physicians, nurses and staff who all worked hard to see me through. Having breast cancer has given me the opportunity to meet so many inspirational and courageous cancer survivors along the way and has given me the strength and courage that in life I can live through any adversity that comes my way.

Mary Golbuff sports a shapely embroidered and crystal studded zip front jacket, $88, topping a lively shell in a splash of purple and orange, $88, and worn over a pair of relaxed blue denim jeans, $68. Bronze disk pendant choker, $38 and matching earrings, $20. Courtesy of Chico’s, Fort Collins. Hair by at Mane Door Salon.

Pam Wilson features professional day into evening dressing from Joseph Ribkoff. Snake patterned sleek jacket accented with sequin shine, $185, tops an easy wear shell, $108, and swing skirt, $106. Designer Mary Frances-styled grey clutch, $196, Drama dark brown heels, $86 and Landi stone earrings, $30, complete the look. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Hair by Shawna at LeSalon.

Wendy Daly shows off the feminine side of casual wear in a ruffled detailed stretch denim jacket, $88, worn over a pretty pink paisley spandex tee, $58, and paired with British khaki classic cotton twill crop pants, $74. Courtesy of Chico’s, Fort Collins. Hair by Shawna at LeSalon.

Wendy Daly My journey living life “in the pink” began on April 1, 2005, and it was no joke! I received a phone call at work telling me that my biopsy from a lump I had found in the shower came back positive. I remember asking the nurse if “positive” meant malignant, and she replying, “Yes, you have breast cancer.” I felt like I had been hit by a ton of bricks. As I collapsed to the floor sobbing, I thought, “Oh, my Lord, what am I supposed to do now?” I immediately called my husband, Mike, and daughter, Megan, with the news and had them come to my office to take me home, too shaken up to drive myself. From that moment on, I had my husband and daughter stuck to each side of me, holding me up at every turn. I called them my “bookends” as they began the journey with me. It wasn’t until we met with my surgeon that I realized how serious my diagnosis was– Stage IIIC. The cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, and further tests were done to be certain it had not spread any further. After poring over the statistical odds of survival and recurrence, we decided on a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. Two surgeries were needed to completely remove the lump as well as many lymph nodes. After the surgeries, I tried to educate myself on this disease. I chose an oncologist (who saved my life) and began asking lots of questions…yes, I would lose my hair; yes, I would hurt and be very sick; yes, radiation would burn badly. I tried to prepare myself for four months of chemotherapy, ten weeks of radiation, followed by a year of Herceptin® infusions every three weeks. I also made a decision to work between chemotherapy treatments as well as get “zapped” every day after work. One of my regrets is feeling like I had to be “super woman” and show everyone that I could lick the cancer--full steam ahead! I should have backed off of work and let myself heal fully without the stresses of my career. My employer was extremely supportive at every turn and would have continued that support even if I did not work between treatments. I look back and think that my family, friends, and employer probably wondered what the heck I was doing! Physically, I was a wreck for well over a year. Mentally, I called upon my spiritual strength and the “prayer warriors” that filled my life upon hearing about my diagnosis. Early on, I took an attitude that I would “never give up” and that I would always have hope. My “bookends” held me up when I was so sick, and continued to encourage me when I felt like giving up. My emotions ran the gamut from total despair to being filled with optimism. I knew that my team of doctors was doing everything they could to save my physical life, and I knew that my team of supporters was lifting me up in prayer and strengthening me spiritually. I found the energy to continue my journey through many people. My husband and daughter have been by me for every treatment, appointment, surgery and hospitalization. My employer was considerate and supportive enough to allow me to work odd hours and days through everything. I felt compassion and love from so many coworkers who could have very well written me off because I was sick. I was inspired by their faith in me and by the constant stream of encouragement and prayer. I am three and a half years into this journey. I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and have seen a miracle happen in my life. Doors have closed, including my retirement from banking in 2007. Doors have opened, including an opportunity to give care back to my family. Breast cancer has made me physically sicker than I could have imagined, has taken me to emotional lows, and has tried to destroy my spirit. However, I continue to live day to day, knowing that I can find strength in my God and in those who surround me with their love and support. “…But for me, I will always have hope…” – Psalm 71:14

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Karla Sorenson I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2005, and at first I was pretty angry, as I didn’t have time for breast cancer. I had just turned 60, had a very rewarding but demanding job and was recently remarried. I walked three miles every day, had run a couple of 5Ks and hiked almost every weekend. As I went through all the MRIs, ultrasounds and biopsies, I started to feel like I was in a dream and would wake up relieved that it was a dream. Breast cancer has definitely impacted my life in many ways—but not my breast cancer. My daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive stage III breast cancer two years after me, and that is what has changed my life. Kristy was 36 when diagnosed, and I was heartbroken. The God that I had thanked for helping me get through my crisis had now forsaken me and I wasn’t sure how I would ever get through the pain of watching her go through all that she did. Today, Kristy is healthy and happy. I did finally get back on track with my spirituality and I pray and thank God every day for my family. I have pledged to have a good belly laugh every day and not take life as seriously as I once did. I treasure the smallest things in life now, as there is so much beauty in my life, and I try to never take any of it for granted. I have a heightened sense of awareness and I listen to my intuition, and although I don’t always succeed in being the good person I wish to be, it doesn’t take me a long now to humble myself and get on track. Kristy Sorenson I was diagnosed May 3rd 2007. I remember thinking that it was strange that nothing outside had changed in that one moment of confirmation that I had breast cancer. The birds still sang cheerfully, the scent of freshly cut grass was still in the air, but my world had just changed forever. It’s difficult to describe the flood of thoughts and feelings that hit you at that moment, but I’ve learned that it’s something that cancer survivors share. No one wants to join this club, but once you’re there you discover that it’s filled with some of the bravest and most beautiful people in the world. One of the things that I have learned is that I will never feel the way I did before I was diagnosed, mentally or physically. My body has changed in ways that I can’t even explain. I no longer have breasts and have a constant numbness on my right side. I wake up everyday and for the first few seconds of grogginess I can forget about having had cancer, but soon enough it hits me, it’s something that, ultimately, you can never forget. However, I am sitting here, not even a year after treatment, and I just climbed a thirteener last weekend and am looking forward to the upcoming snowboarding season. When I was diagnosed, I had been dating my boyfriend for only seven months. I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want him to stay with me out of pity or obligation and I needed to come up with a plan to get him to go away.’ My family sent us up to Vail the weekend before the surgery and we were sitting at the Tap House and I turned to him and said, “Listen, I have no idea what is about to happen to me and where it will lead, and I don’t expect you to hang around, it’s going to be a long hard road for me.” He in turn looked at me and said, “It’s going to be a long hard road for both of us.” In that moment, I decided to let him in. Trusting that he would tell me if he couldn’t handle it. What I have come to believe is that my two beloved grandmothers sent me an angel from heaven in the form of Leo. There were so many people who inspired me, but the number one person would have to be my mother, who is also a survivor. I was with her during her recovery and I knew that one of these days it was going to be me who was going to need her support. When I was diagnosed just about two years after my mother, my parents uprooted their lives in Las Vegas and moved to Fort Collins to see me through it all. My strength comes from my belief that everything happens for a reason and it’s up to us to figure out what that reason is. For myself, I believe that breast cancer helped me have a greater capacity to love and open myself up to be loved and to appreciate all the good things that happen to me. My friends were also a huge factor in my road to recovery; they walked in the Race for the Cure with me and even threw me a surprise party after my last chemo treatment. Every time I look into their eyes I can see the love pouring out of them. In the right moment, anguish can spark invention. With the help of a wonderful publishing company in Austin, Texas, I am creating a breast cancer organizer. My goal in creating this organizer is that every woman diagnosed has the tools she needs to be an advocate of her own care and to never feel like she is not in control. Every woman should never forget it’s her cancer, it’s her body, and it’s her life.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

Karla Sorenson enhances her vibrant personality with flattering shapes and shades. The pretty striped Kersh scoop neck sweater drapes and frames her pretty smile, $83, the coordinating tank, $50, is colorful and beautifully contrasts the neutral Margaret M pants, $123. Cornelian stone rose earrings, and a fun novelty bracelet, $93, add a touch of pizzazz. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Hair by Clayton LeSalon.

Kristy Sorenson looks vibrant in her fun and flirty whimsical floral tent dress in shades of orange and pink from Paradyz, $196. Contemporary Brighton Lava Lounge necklace, $52, earrings, $38, bracelet, $62, and silver bangle bracelet, $45, add playful accents. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Hair by Clayton at LeSalon.

Claude Vallance sports a stylish contemporary Michael Star rich merlot knit dress in royal spun supima cotton, $78, and Old Gringo vintage inspired hand made cowboy boots, $396. Courtesy of Tula Contemporary Women’s Clothing, Fort Collins. Hair by Mane Door Salon.

Cathy Martin features a cheerful all season jacket in lively shades of purple, turquoise and gold, $98, over a smart silky cotton sapphire blouse, $68, and easy wide leg signature pants, $68. Snazzy disk pendant, $44 and earrings, $20 accent the rich gold. Courtesy of Chico’s, Fort Collins. Hair by LeSalon.

Claude Vallance I was diagnosed with stage IIB invasive ductal carcinoma a couple of weeks before Christmas of 2006. I remember my day vividly. It was on a Friday morning. I had a biopsy that same week, and refused to believe the possible prognosis. I kept telling myself I was too young (29 at the time), and thought that the test results would come back negative. I had just arrived to work on Friday morning when I got the news. I cried for hours and was in complete shock. I was so scared of the word cancer and knew at this moment that a battle between death and life had begun. I was overwhelmed, but I soon had to regain control and figure out where to find medical care on a Friday afternoon. I remember putting my two-year-old daughter’s shoes on one morning before taking her to daycare, and being exhausted from it, or no longer remembering how to spell her daycare provider’s name after she had gone to her for years. I remember the numerous sleepless nights, the nausea and constant watery eyes and, of course, the most traumatic experiences like the double mastectomy and the hair loss. I was in survival mode, living one day at a time until my energy level would slowly come back. I embraced the days I was feeling good and I enjoyed every second of them. I now appreciate life more than ever, and want every woman diagnosed with breast cancer to know that there is hope. My dear friends and family were my main inspiration. They helped me in every way they could: cooking, cleaning and accompanying me to chemotherapy sessions. My other inspiration came from spending quality time with my daughter. I felt very fortunate to have had such great help, which allowed me to focus on my well-being and myself. I know how important it is to have support during difficult times, and this experience has taught me the necessity of helping others facing a similar situation.

Cathy Martin I was diagnosed in November 2006. I absolutely knew it was cancer! I found the lump, and had had them before but they were always benign. This time felt different--emotionally. My family members were shocked and overwhelmed. At first, things seemed to be in slow motion--doctor appointments, tests, paperwork, etc., seemed to drag on. Everything seemed unfamiliar and the reality didn’t sink in. At the oncologist appointment, when I was informed of all the things that can go wrong, I went home feeling so scared and unwilling to move forward. I took a leave of absence from my job because I didn’t know what to expect. But knowing I wanted to live, I entered the world of the unknown. After my first chemo treatment, I knew everything would be OK. All the awful side-effects never happened. I lost my hair, of course, but that was not so bad. I returned to work after my second treatment and only took off two days during treatment weeks. My family picked up all the daily chores so I could rest after work. I found strength in my family. Tragedy can make or break relationships, but my husband and children supported me both physically and emotionally. My mentor, Lynn, answered all my questions and just listened when there was no answer. My mother was my inspiration as well. She died in 1975 of breast cancer and never had the opportunity to take advantage of all the wonderful advances in medicine. I thought of her often and knew she was watching over me.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Jill O. Hultin I was diagnosed on October 25, 2007. My first reaction of disbelief was soon replaced with fear and anxiety. It took me several weeks before I could say the word “cancer.” I would say things like, “I have some bad cells.” I had to wait six weeks for surgery as I had two doctors’ schedules to coordinate. The waiting was the hardest part, as was telling my son, who was in college in Michigan, over the phone. I certainly don’t sweat the small stuff like I used to; instead, I work on finding solace in it. I have overcome my fear of surgery. I am more patient with myself and, hopefully, others. I am trying to learn to live in the moment, which is a challenge for me. I have definitely learned, when I have a choice to make, that trusting my intuition is the way to go. My thanks go to my husband, Steve, who’s also the best nurse and so-so hairdresser on the planet. My sons, Lander and Bodie, who inspired me to wear a brave face. My dad, sisters and brother, with their numerous calls, visits, gifts and encouragement. My wonderful girlfriends, especially the ones who have walked this walk, and my boss and co-workers who made me laugh every day. I found strength in only focusing on the positives of my situation; the medical team I found, my family and my prior good health. What I want to share to others: Value the power of words.

Jill Hultin looks sassy and sexy in her blue print and gold metallic short cocktail dress with full sleeves and banded ribbed bottom, from Esstisi $52. Black corded pendant with sparkles, $32 adds a touch of glamour. Courtesy of Dress Code II, Fort Collins. Hair by Mane Door Salon.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

Jan Rittenhouse is sleek and sophisticated in Joseph Ribkoff’s bright block print jacket, $181, black tank, $79 and Simm Chang’s gaucho pants with asymmetrical hem, $157. Landi jade pendant necklace, $130, earrings, $30, and novelty bracelet, $96 add just the right touch of color. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins. Hair by Mane Door Salon. Karin Lawrence I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in June 2006. My initial reaction was fear. I also asked the question, Why me? During my entire experience I found an inner strength I never knew I had. I have a lot more confidence in myself and have a greater passion for people and life. This journey came with its struggles…relationships I wasn’t sure would work…looking at myself in the mirror wanting to do my hair that I didn’t have. Phillipians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It was God’s grace and strength that carried me through, my family’s unconditional love and inspiration from my wonderful breast cancer buddies going through the same thing I was. A positive attitude goes a long way. I focused on the poem written by Charles Swindoll called “Attitude.” Jan Rittenhouse I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2004. My initial reaction…scared to death; however, I promised myself I would never give my power away to cancer. As I set out on this incredible journey, I vowed to face it, fight it and focus on my healing. I had six months of chemo (ACT) and 34 radiation treatments. I believe I was set aside to focus on what’s important; I believe this was a wakeup call which revealed to me just how fragile we are and how important it is to take care of ourselves. It was a difficult journey, but also a journey of hope where I learned how important the love of family and friends really is. A journey where I learned about my own strength and a journey where my faith in the Lord was so enriched. Psalms 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from my fears.” In November, I will be entering my fourth year of being cancer-free. I am blessed to be winning.

Karin Lawrence looks feminine and flirty in her playful polka dot figure flattering maxi dress, $140, with fun white jewelry accents, $24 for the set. Courtesy of Karinza Boutique, Windsor. Hair by Mane Door Salon.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Jenni Sells October 2007. My initial reaction was shock. I got the call from my surgeon in the middle of poetry class--he told me I have breast cancer and he wanted to meet with me ASAP. I told him I had to go back to class but would call to meet up with him afterwards. (I don’t know WHAT I was thinking!) I called my mom and then my boyfriend and we all met with the surgeon. After the shock wave, my boss was able to point me in the right direction. Oddly enough, getting cancer has been an enormous blessing in my life. Early on I understood in a very deep and undeniable way that this was an opportunity for me. I had to choose how to handle it, do I fall apart or do I gather up all my strength and work through this with grace? I wanted to be as open as possible to any gifts that cancer could offer me in order to facilitate changes my life that might otherwise be difficult to make. The first thing that changed was that I became acutely aware of how fortunate I am to have family, friends, co-workers and a community that loved me and wanted to help me. I stopped taking the people in my life for granted and felt profound love and respect for all of them. Before cancer, I was becoming a bit cynical about people and life, but getting cancer reminded me of all the goodness in this world. It opened me up to the kindness and compassion that is the true nature of human beings. So many people loved me, helped me, supported me, both softened my heart so completely--I am forever changed. Spiritually, I feel I have evolved from this. Having cancer forced me to be at peace with the present moment, and accepting of what the universe put on my plate. I have felt the influence of a higher power at work in my life because of a million different things that added up to me being in the best possible place I could be to have something like this happen. I have been able to explore alternative therapies such as acupuncture, energy healing and yoga. I found much comfort from all of them. Through all the things that have happened, I know without a doubt that it has all been for a reason, and I am ready to help make a difference in this world. The only negative thing I can think of is that I don’t trust my body in the way that I used to. For a while it seemed my body was trying to “do me in.” Not only did I have breast cancer, but a mass on my thyroid that required a biopsy. (It was benign.) Then there was a question of whether my heart had suffered (but it turned out to be a technical error). Then I had to have my gallbladder removed. I also found out I have both gene mutations for hereditary breast cancer, which is forcing me to come to a decision about my ovaries. I would truly love to be a mother, so this decision seems impossible to make. So I’m trying to learn to trust my body again…but it’s very difficult. I found strength in my family and friends first and foremost. My partner Jorden and his family gave me so much emotional support--they allowed me the freedom to fall apart when I needed to, then they picked me right back up and walked beside me. My friends and family made sure I was never alone--they laughed and cried with me, and I would not have made it without their love and support. When things got to be too much for me to bear, the people in my life held me, loved me, calmed my fears and almost always knew the right thing to say. I realize that going through cancer is hard not just for the patient, but it’s enormously difficult for their loved ones who worry, pray, cry and search for ways to help. I am externally grateful to the people in my life for what they have given me. I have to mention that this community has been a great blessing to me. There are so many people that don’t even know me personally that have made this journey easier for me. Turfmaster Sod Farms and High Plains Scuba raised over $5,000 to help with my medical expenses by donating the proceeds from their annual scuba Olympics. That touched my heart in a way I cannot explain. Also, Hope Lives has helped me tremendously. Each month, I get a massage or acupuncture or something like that, and it lifts my spirits because it is such a special kind of pampering, it nourishes my body and spirit. Additionally, all of the people at the Cancer Prevention Lab and Department of Horticulture/Landscape Architecture who made meals for me every week during treatments, I am so grateful. I never missed a meal because of their kindness. And all of my doctors and nurses who have treated me with such a gentle touch and who have shown me what I believe to be the best medical care in the world. I have been treated so well by everyone—and I want to start paying this kindness forward. I want to be able to help other women who are in my shoes because of all of the love and support I’ve received. I remain open to any and all opportunities that God has in store for me to start giving back.

Jenni Sells shows off her vibrant twist strap lime green dress with hip band and flip skirt by Donna, $129. Contrast Barbie pink short 3/4 sleeve jacket by Bentley A., $145, adds just the right contrast. Pendant choker and earrings, $36. Courtesy of Karinza Boutique, Windsor. Hair by Mane Door Salon.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

Champions

Hope of

2008

Honorees

Style Magazine salutes the winners of Hope Lives! Breast Cancer Support Center’s First Annual Champions of Hope 2008 Awards. We also honor and thank them for their unrelenting commitment and outstanding professional service to women in northern Colorado diagnosed with breast cancer, and their generous support of the Hope Lives! since 2001. Through their efforts, women have been diagnosed earlier, have been provided exceptional medical care, and their physical, mental and emotional recovery has been enhanced through complementary care.

Medical Honoree

Miho Toi Scott, M.A., MD, Cancer Center of the Rockies

Education: B.S. at Lyndon State College; M.A. at University of Kansas; M.D. at University of Colorado Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Board-Certified in Medical Oncology

Medical Honoree

Gwen H. Lisella, MD,

Centennial Radiation Oncology, P.C. Education: B.A. at Colorado College; M.S. in at Rutgers University; M.D. at New Jersey Medical School Certification: National Board of Medical Examiners, Board Certified in Radiation Oncology

I am very passionate about my career in oncology. I can make a difference in my patients’ lives. My philosophy in the development of a care plan is providing the most progressive treatment available. This treatment plan must also include compassion, hope and respect for a patient’s dignity. Providing the best chance of cure is the main focus of a treatment plan in general, but whatever I do must include protecting the patient’s “feeling of wellness” the best I can. Everyone must have peace within

themselves. I nurture my inner peace with my life outside of work. My activities include having a family, reading, and participating in Tae Kwon Do. I attained second-degree black belt recently. Martial art is my form of meditation and I enjoy it despite the pain it sometimes causes. “I am fortunate in my ability to do what I truly believe in. The responsibility of being trusted with people’s lives is a responsibility that I take very seriously.”

The diagnosis of cancer in and of itself is a life-altering event. To compound that significant event, the specific diagnosis of breast cancer not only alters the route of a woman’s life journey but also that of her surrounding family and friends. It is my thought, that by being able to provide compassion, using state of the art technology, integrative medicine and complementary care, we can guide and provide a road to recovery and healing,

which is much more defined than ever before. That is not to say it is an easy path, but then, life-defining moments are rarely ever easy. “It is an honor being able to participate not only in the physical care of these women, but also their emotional wellbeing that has become such a vital part of their healing process.”

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Medical Honoree

Beverly Donnelley, MD, The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado

Education: B.A. at the University of Kansas; M.D. at the University of Kansas School of Medicine Certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Medical Honoree

Tracy H. Florant, MD, Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants, P.C.

Education: B.S. at Cornell University; M.S. at Cornell University; M.D. at the Medical College of Pennsylvania Certification: The American Board of Radiology; Member of the Radiological Society of North America and Society of Breast Imaging

I think everyone is touched by breast cancer sometime in his or her lifetime-whether it’s you or someone in your family, a friend, your child’s teacher, a neighbor or colleague, to name a few. There is no other cancer that seems so prevalent in our daily lives, and even in the media. When I was growing up, two of the five women in my parent’s circle of friends died from breast cancer. Four of my closest friends have been diagnosed in the last five years, so my experience with breast cancer is not just a professional one but also a very intimate personal concern for those about whom I care deeply. What I’ve learned about breast cancer is that it’s not just the final result that

concerns women, but it’s really the whole journey they embrace. Helping women with the trials of day to day life and being an advocate for patients when they’re not sure about what treatment to choose, gives people comfort, hope and understanding during this uncertain time of their lives. This is why I believe so strongly in the HOPE LIVES FOUNDATION and the incredible help it gives to women going through this trying time of their lives. I am honored and grateful to be a part of this amazing organization since day one. “I truly believe that helping a woman restore her self esteem after she feels her body has betrayed her sense of self, is a vital role for me.”

For many years, even though I was in medical school, I was unsuccessful in persuading my mother to have a mammogram. One day, when she was 70, she had some pain in her left breast and I was finally able to convince her to have one. The mammogram discovered a small cancer in the right breast. My mother was sold on the benefits of mammography, and 16 years later she has never missed her yearly mammogram. From the moment of her diagnosis, I knew that I needed to be a part of bringing the possibility of early detection to as many women as I could.

I have discovered that breast imaging can be challenging, frustrating, humbling and heart wrenching, yet is very rewarding. Every day I am in awe of the strength and determination of women: my patients and the dedicated technologists, nurses and staff that I have the privilege of working with at our breast centers. I am honored to receive this award, although it is on the behalf of these amazing women, my mother and all those who have fought breast cancer. “Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants and I are proud to support Hope Lives’ mission.”

Medical Honoree

Northern Colorado Surgical Associates, P.C. Having been in northern Colorado since the 1950s, Surgical Associates has found that it takes the whole office to take care of its patients. They are on the front line as far as talking about how to treat breast cancer because it is usually a woman’s first real discussion with what it means to have breast cancer. They chart a course for these women starting with the diagnosis, then to treatments, surgery and patient options. All of them take care of the patients with cancer. Getting the women in immediately when they are diagnosed in order to ease anxiety right away is a team effort. A lot of referrals need to be made for additional studies, such as MRIs

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

and biopsies. There is lots of work that needs to be done, and Northern Colorado Surgical Associates, P.C. work together to get it done right. It’s a commitment they’ve made as a group to these women. They provide a sounding board for the women because sometimes they are the ones telling the patients the news. Breast cancer is not as straight forward as other cancers, so this team attempts to cover it all. “Taking care of breast cancer patients includes a lot of complexity, challenges, emotionally, physically, even cosmetically. Walking women through that process, and taking the initial diagnosis to definitive care to having a surgical procedure, is very gratifying, and that is what we value: helping these women through these difficult times.

Community Honoree

Spiro and Angela Palmer

Palmer Flower & Decorating Gallery More than 30 years ago, Spiro and Angela Palmer started Palmer Flowers at a small downtown Ft. Collins location. They are a family-owned business and care deeply for their employees and neighbors. Their loyalty is expressed through their community involvement. Spiro and Angela have always been committed to giving back to the community of Fort Collins, and are happy to be involved with so many others who are generous with their time

Community Honoree

Harry Devereaux

President of Home State Bank We have supported many families through their journey with breast cancer in many ways. Beginning, of course, when Lydia formed Hope Lives. The bank jumped in and supported this cause from its inception by supporting Relay for Life, which has had a record number of bank staff participate every year in Loveland since it started. We also supported the Friends for Life campaign in an

Community Honoree

Jill Rickards

CPA of Rickards, Long & Rulon, LLC I became a CPA in 1977 and discovered my life passion for serving people through providing financial services to businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations. Then, in 1980, I began an accounting practice in Fort Collins. Today the firm, Rickards Long & Rulon, LLP, has grown to five partners, three offices and 35 employees. My passion is to provide insight that leads organizations, as well as individuals, to financial wellness. I specialize in tax preparation and planning, small to medium size business consulting, nonprofit services and trust and estate compliance. I have served on many non-profit boards over my 30-year career in Fort Collins.

Care Provider Honoree

Lauri Pointer

of Healing Touch B.S., HTCP, HTCI A Certified Practitioner and Instructor and a Certified Instructor of Journal to the Self, I also have a degree in exercise science from CSU, specializing in wellness. I am on the faculty at Front Range Community College as a part time instructor in the Holistic Health Practitioner Certificate program. I teach Healing Touch and Journaling classes around the country, and have a full-time Healing Touch practice. I have been a provider for Hope Lives since it first began seven years ago, and feel enormously blessed by the amazing women I have met. The goal of Healing

and resources. They have been involved with the Hope Lives organization from its beginning and are dedicated to help make it a success. One reason Spiro and Angela were drawn to Hope Lives is that it is unique in the way it provides support and assistance on such a personal level to those in need. Spiro and Angela are confident that through the strong leadership behind Hope Lives and the generous spirit of Ft. Collins, Hope Lives will continue to grow and help more people every year while setting an example of generosity and strength for others to follow. Spiro says, “It’s amazing what Hope Lives provides to so many people and the difference it makes in their lives.”

effort to raise money to provide new digital and gamma mammography equipment for the McKee Medical Center Breast Center. Our own bank has had many stories of spirit and stamina of our women facing breast and other types of cancer. Our efforts have made a difference in many families that have been affected by cancer. I want to do all I can to support those stricken with this terrible illness. “ I am happy to do whatever I need to do to support these women. If I had to wear pink to work for a cause, I would do it without batting an eye.”

One such board was the Hope Lives Breast Cancer Center. Lydia Dody, a close friend, was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago, and when I learned of it, I stood by, not knowing what I could do to help. It was shortly after Lydia emerged that I understood how many women under going breast cancer treatment are isolated, alone and embarrassed. Potentially their self-image, self esteem, sexuality, femininity, reproductive and nurturing capacities are all negatively impacted. Lydia’s recovery from breast cancer came with a transformation and passion in her to “pay it forward,” and the passion was infectious for many people around her, including myself. She invited me to be on the board, I said yes, and we have been at work nurturing women during their cancer treatments ever since. “I believe strongly the services provided by Hope Lives make a huge difference for the women we serve. It has been a pleasure to be part of that.” Touch is to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal and come back into balance. I am committed to the empowerment of women. By tapping into their own mental, emotional, and spiritual strength, women’s bodies return to their most natural state of wholeness and perfect health. I am inspired by the perseverance and open-mindedness of the Hope Lives clients. I enjoyed assisting Lydia on her journey of healing, and have been touched to watch how many others have been helped because of Lydia’s vision and desire for all women going through breast cancer to have access to the complementary support that she had. “I am honored to be a Hope Lives provider and I look forward to many more years of continuing to support this wonderful foundation.”

Champions

Hope of

2008

Honorees

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Best Breast Cancer

Websites A local oncologist tells you which ones are trustworthy and current By Connie Hein Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the world. It’s not surprising, then, that if you Google “breast cancer” you will get over 49,800,000 results. In this age of advertorial and advertised medications and medical treatments, it’s hard to discern the truth from some form of the truth used to sell something. Style asked Dr. Matt Sorensen of the Cancer Center of the Rockies for some insight on internet breast cancer information, and which sites he recommends. Said Dr. Sorensen: “The internet is an incredible resource for patients and loved ones to find information about breast cancer. Unfortunately, it can also be a great source of anxiety, confusion, and misinformation. A general rule of thumb that I use: The more advertisements for products, 800 numbers, and non-cancer related items on the site, the less reliable the site is likely to be. Blogs and chat rooms can be a good place

to exchange information with others battling with cancer. These sites can be an efficient way to communicate. Many times, however, I find that patients are more anxious and frustrated after visiting these sites. Remember that all breast cancers are different. A treatment regimen that is recommended for one person with breast cancer is not necessarily the best for you.” Below are some of the websites that Dr. Sorensen found to be quite reliable, user-friendly, and most importantly, medically sound. Dr. Sorensen says to be wary of websites touting the latest and greatest in cancer treatments, especially if a “guarantee” or “promise” about a product is offered. He adds, “If it sounds too good to be true, it is usually false, or not supported by medical literature. Trust your instincts, and if you have any questions about what you read, be sure to ask your oncologist.”

National Breast Cancer Foundation

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

www.nationalbreastcancer.org

http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm

Also a great site for funding and support for breast cancer patients.

A wonderful website with general information about breast cancer and support available to patients. This site is a great one to visit if you want to become more involved in the fight against breast cancer.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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This website offers a very large amount of information pertaining to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and genetics. It also contains information about research and clinical trials.

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Medline Plus www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ breastcancer.html This website is available through the National Institutes of Health. It also offers information on prevention and treatment, but in a bit different format.

continued on p. 42

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health & Breast Cancer

continued from p. 41

Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/CANCER/breast/ Greeley Medical Clinic’s newest location

Medical Clinic at Centerra, P.C.

A comprehensive website with news, recent publications and general information.

Open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Located in the South Medical Office Building at Medical Center of the Rockies.

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American Cancer Society www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp This site is a wonderful resource. It has lots of information for all cancer patients, families and caregivers.

As the largest multi-specialty care medical group in Northern Colorado, we can help coordinate total care for you at these locations:

Greeley Medical Clinic, PC (Main Campus): 1900 16th St., Greeley, CO 80631

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Arthritis Center of the Rockies: 239 W. 67th Ct., Loveland, CO 80538

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Loveland Hematology/Oncology Associates: 2050 N. Boise Ave., Loveland, CO 80538

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Medical Clinic at Centerra, PC: 2500 Rocky Mtn. Ave., Stes. 340 & 350, Loveland, CO 80538

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Avon Foundation www.avoncompany.com/women There are links on this site to find information on the Avon Walk, as well as the Breast Cancer Crusade. Avon is very involved with Breast Cancer awareness, support and fund-raising.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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BREASTCANCER.ORG www.breastcancer.org This is an all-around good website for everything from diagnosis to discussion, with links to specific topics relating to many aspects of breast cancer care. It’s hosted by a non-profit organization.

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Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com/health/breastcancer/DS00328 This is Mayo Clinic’s breast cancer website. It provides an incredible amount of information regarding breast cancer. The Mayo Clinic is a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. Many other NCI cancer centers have websites similar to this one. But some of these sites may be tailored to people who live in the geographical area of the cancer center itself. (The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the only NCI cancer center in the state.)

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Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

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Mammograms Save Lives

More evidence women over 40 need one yearly By Corey Radman

You know the facts.

One in eight American women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. That accounts for 26 percent of all new cancers diagnosed in women. Only lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 178,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, but only 40,460 of those women died from it. In other words, 77 percent survived.

Why?

The American Cancer Society notes that the decrease in mortality (2.2 percent between 1990-2004) is attributed to both improvements in breast cancer treatment and to early detection, with tools like mammograms. ACS recommends that every woman beginning at age 40 should have a yearly mammogram. Sure, it’s easy to let it slide a while. Many women figure that without a family history of breast cancer, the importance of screening mammograms is low.

Think again

“Between 85 to 90 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history, and the risk increases with age,” says Amanda Wood R.T. (R)(M), Supervisor of the Poudre Valley Hospital Breast Diagnostic Center in Fort Collins. Tracy H. Florant, M.D., is a board-certified radiologist with Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants, P.C., who specializes in breast procedures and imaging. She, too, urges annual mammograms. Through annual mammograms, she says, “a breast cancer may be identified as a subtle or small change compared with the prior mammogram. However, since breasts normally change gradually over time, if a woman waits too long between mammograms there may be so much overall change that a subtle, small focus of change associated with a breast cancer is much harder to discern. Also, if the time between mammograms

is too long, a cancer can become large before it is detected.”

The Technology

There are multiple tools used by physicians and radiologists to best evaluate breasts. Mammograms can be done with screen-film or digitally. As demonstrated in the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (DMIST), digital and film mammography had very similar overall screening accuracy. According to Dr. Florant, “The main advantage of digital mammograms is that the image can be manipulated to improve contrast. That can make cancers more apparent, especially in dense tissue.” The DMIST study showed that digital mammography works especially well in premenopausal women, in those with dense breast tissue, and for those under age 40. As well, digital imaging is more easily stored, transported, and shared among treating physicians. One common misconception about digital mammography is that women often think they don’t need to undergo compression of the breast tissue. Not so, says Wood. “We still need to achieve the same goals as with film-screen mammography. We need to spread out the breast tissue to obtain a more uniform thickness, which increases the accuracy of interpretation.”

Further Testing?

Occasionally, an additional imaging evaluation is recommended. A yearly MRI is recommended by ACS for women with a “lifetime risk” of breast cancer greater than 20 to 25 percent. Dr. Florant suggests learning more about cancer risk on the National Cancer Institute website, which provides a breast cancer risk assessment tool at http:// understandingrisk.cancer.gov. She recommends discussing this information with your healthcare provider, as some people may benefit from more in-depth cancer risk analysis and counseling. According to Dr. Florant, breast MRIs are also used to evaluate inconclusive results from other modalities, as well as to determine the extent of known breast cancer for surgical planning, response to chemotherapy, potential residual or re-

current disease in post-lumpectomy patients and integrity of breast augmentation implants. “The MRI is done in conjunction with the mammogram because they complement each other. Even though MRIs are very sensitive, they may not show small mineral deposits called calcifications that can be a sign of early breast cancer and are usually detected by mammography,” says Dr. Florant. Ultrasound, one more diagnostic tool, is most commonly used along with a mammogram to evaluate a breast concern such as a palpable lump, nipple discharge or focal pain. “It is,” says Dr. Florant, “the initial mode of evaluation for women under 30 and in lactating and pregnant women. It is also used to evaluate suspected abnormalities on mammography or MR and problems associated with breast implants.”

Anxiety?

One of the best ways to help reduce apprehension is through education. “Verbal communication ensures that all questions patients may have are answered before proceeding. It’s is a great way to decrease the amount of anxiety a woman might have during her mammogram,” says Wood. “No, it’s not fun to be compressed,” she continues, “but we know that mammograms are very important. For most patients, understanding that her mammographer is on her side really helps to minimize the discomfort that she may experience.” The Cancer Society says, “There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, which is why regular mammograms are so important.” Wood reiterates their mission. “We want to help women overcome their fear of a breast cancer diagnosis, and to help them make a commitment to themselves, to their families and to their friends to follow the recommended screening guidelines. As we all must know, early detection is the best protection.”

Corey Radman is a writer living in Fort Collins and the former editor of this magazine.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Restoring

Womanhood Salon specializes in helping women who’ve lost their hair By Erica Pauly Photo by Bob Willis

ur hair. It’s our comfort, our security blanket and our womanhood. What happens when it is stripped from us by conditions like alopecia without our consent, or because we had to choose between losing our hair or losing our lives? Thankfully, there are women like Sally Weiss, the owner of Old Town Hair Company in downtown Fort Collins, and Cheri Meda, a stylist there, who saw a need and took action to help local women reclaim their womanhood. After extensive training at a hair academy in Florida, the two women opened a new section of their salon dedicated to hair grafting and wig fitting for women with partial to full alopecia, female pattern baldness and clients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. More than 20 million women suffer from hair loss in the United States, according to Hair Builders of Portland, Maine, an organization that specializes in hair restoration. Likewise, two percent of the U.S. population suffers from alopecia, an immune disease that causes men and women to lose anything from only patches of their hair to losing all the hair on the scalp or body. For both Meda and Weiss, the issue of hair loss hits close to home. Meda’s mother died of breast cancer, which made her sister’s battle even more difficult to face. “When my sister had cancer, I didn’t know what to do or where to take her to get help when she lost her hair. I relate with people who have cancer now,” says Meda. While Meda fought against cancer beside her sister, Weiss was recalling a similar battle that her mother had also fought and won. “We have both walked down that road and know how hard it can be,” Weiss says. Their familial experiences with breast cancer opened Weiss’s and Meda’s eyes to a world of

Sally Weiss, owner of Old Town Hair Company, and Cheri Meda, stylist, offer hair grafting and custom wig services for women with alopecia and women undergoing chemotherapy treatment. women with nowhere to go for specialized wigs or hair grafting. They met women who were traveling from northern Colorado to Denver to find help with female pattern baldness or hair loss from chemotherapy and radiation. They also discovered to their dismay that some women were being given wigs that were not worth wearing. “[There were] places getting wigs in a box and just handing them out to women who have no idea how to fix or manage wigs. You need to be a seasoned cosmetologist to deal with a wig,” says Weiss. Today, Old Town Hair Salon offers a full range of services to local women cancer survivors who want wigs and other services by way of restoring that unique sense of womanhood.

Company Services • Hair Grafting For alopecia and female patterned baldness clients only, hair grafting is a beautiful solution. If the client still has hair, Old Town Hair Company (OTHC) takes a sample and/or photograph to match the client’s style, texture and color perfectly. OTHC takes a mold of the area they will be attaching the graft to, and then finds a human hair unit (grafting unit) that matches the client’s natural hair color and texture. Once they have matched it, OTHC can attach the grafting unit in different ways: With medical grade adhesive, by a track or with clips. Then the client can enjoy life’s adventures without feeling insecure about hair loss. After four to six weeks, due to daily wear on the hair unit, OTCH will have a new unit ready for the client, and will repeat the process.

and radiation, a ‘softer cap’ is usually used because of scalp sensitivity. The price of wigs ranges from $300 to $2,500, depending on the type and length of the hair. After fitting the client with a comfortable cap, the perfect wig is found. OTHC shapes and styles the wig to the client’s wishes. • Private consultation, cutting and styling areas Old Town Hair Company also offers a private consultation room for clients to ask questions and see sample wigs. Additionally, for added confidentiality and comfort, Old Town Hair has an individual cutting and styling station for a private salon experience. Happiness & Hope Not only does Old Town Hair Company offer cuts, coloring and a good time, but also hope to women who may not have much left. “It’s pretty fun when somebody hugs you with tears in their eyes and says, ‘I look just like I used to!’” says a teary-eyed Meda. “I asked an (alopecia) client once why she had chosen us and she said, ‘Well, I wanted the salon experience just like any other woman,’” says Weiss. And that is precisely what Old Town Hair Company is about. For more information on the Old Town Hair Company call (970) 407-9730, or visit them at: www.oldtownhaircompany.com

Erica Pauly is a Style contributing editor.

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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health & Breast Cancer

Breast Reconstruction Advancements in

New techniques offer women more choices and better results By Allie Comeau Photo by Dana Milner

Amy Brewster, M.D., Mountain Vista Plastic Surgery, is a board certified plastic surgeon with a speciality in breast reconstruction and body contouring.

my Brewster, M.D., of Mountain Vista Plastic Surgery, has seen many patients with breast cancer, yet she remembers each and every one. She recalls their struggles and their pain, but also their choice to live. Dr. Brewster, a board certified plastic surgeon, is devoted to helping women gain control of their lives again after a breast cancer diagnosis. “I tell my patients, first and foremost, to choose life,” says Dr. Brewster. “And then I work with them to determine the best plan for reconstruction and recovery.” With recent advancements in breast reconstruction surgery, Dr. Brewster is better equipped than ever to assure a natural-looking outcome after a full or partial mastectomy. Each method that Dr. Brewster employs--implants, the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap—reflects the latest in medical science.

Gel Implants

Several exciting advancements in implant breast reconstruction have made it a top choice for patients. “Some changes have happened recently that let me get a better result with implants,” says Dr. Brewster. “For one, the FDA just approved silicone gel implants for general use.” Gel looks and feels more supple than saline, according to Dr. Brewster, and is less likely to need

revision. “I’ve been doing a lot of reconstructions with gel now,” she says, “and have been getting excellent results.” The use of a skin product called acellular dermal allograft is also improving implant reconstruction. “It’s a donor skin product that’s used to prevent infection and cover the breast after reconstructive surgery,” says Dr. Brewster. “Using this skin product in combination with the gel implants makes for a very natural-looking outcome.” The skin, which is taken from a donor but contains no living cells, blends with the patient’s skin and becomes viable tissue again. Depending on the invasiveness of the cancer and location of the tumor, patients may also be able to choose an areola-sparing mastectomy to achieve an even more natural-looking implant reconstruction. (Until recently, mastectomy patients would most certainly lose both the areola and the nipple.) “Unlike the nipple, areola skin is just modified skin with no terminal ducts and can sometimes be saved during mastectomy,” says Dr. Brewster. “Areola skin is irreplaceable, so if we’re able to save it, we have a better chance at a natural looking breast.” Dr. Brewster goes on to say, “The downfall of reconstructive surgery for many years was successful nipple-areola reconstruction. This new technique really helps with that.”

TRAM

TRAM flap surgery is another option for breast reconstruction. If a patient has a little extra padding, Dr. Brewster can use tummy skin, fat and muscle to reconstruct the breast. This type of surgery is advantageous to those women who’d also like a tummy tuck, although recovery time is longer for TRAM than for implant surgery. “TRAM is also good for women who either have an aversion to implants for one reason or another, or if they have radiation,” says Dr. Brewster. “Radiation and implants don’t mix very well as radiation can cause scarring.” TRAM flap surgery has benefited from two significant advancements. One of the potential issues with TRAM flap surgery is the survivability of the transferred fat and tissue. “Doing some preliminary small surgeries to prepare that tissue for transfer can be really helpful,” says Dr. Brewster. “It cuts off blood supply early, gets the tissue used to its new environment, which then makes the big transfer less of a shock. It promotes the survival of the transferred tissue, prevents hardness, and prevents further surgeries.” In addition to preparatory surgeries, repairing the donor site with acellular dermal allograft also benefits TRAM patients. “The skin product is perfect for repairing the abdominal wall so the patient has less trouble with potential side-effects, like bulging and infection,” says Dr. Brewster.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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The third type of breast reconstruction surgery is latissimus dorsi flap. In this particular surgery, extra back muscle, fat, and skin are used to reconstruct the breast. As with the TRAM flap, the advantage of latissimus dorsi flap surgery is that it gives the breast a soft, supple, and natural look that’s completely the patient’s own tissue. “The biggest problem with this surgery is that the donor site can sometimes have prolonged drainage,” says Dr. Brewster. “But there’s a new technique called ‘quilting’ which quilts the remaining tissue down to the underlying tissue, thus producing less drainage.” Implants and TRAM flap are by far the most popular of the reconstructive surgeries Dr. Brewster performs. Patients like the simplicity of the implant surgery, and some don’t mind losing a little belly fat during reconstruction. “At this point, I’m doing many more implant surgeries simply because it’s the simplest surgery with the shortest recovery time,” she says. Breast reconstruction is not an issue of vanity, but rather an aid to restore balance to the patient’s life and speed emotional recovery. “Reconstruction of the breast is every woman’s right and insurance coverage for this is now a national law,” says Dr. Brewster. “A breast cancer diagnosis is frightening and confusing, but I do this out of love and work hard to keep my patients in control of their treatment.”

Tracie Amen

independent representative

Allie Comeau is a Fort Collins-based freelance writer.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

The Survivor’s Tough Decision Hormone therapy helps fight breast cancer—but side-effects take their toll By Angie Grenz Photos by Dana Milner

Lara Franklin, patient of Dr. Anne Kanard, takes Fermara for hormone therapy.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

fter the anguish of diagnosis, mastectomy and harsh chemotherapy or radiation treatment, breast cancer survivors with hormone-sensitive breast cancer have a final decision to make: the five-year commitment to hormone therapy. Admittedly less invasive than surgery and adjuvant treatments, hormone therapy is not without risks and side-effects. Hormone therapy is recommended for women with hormone receptor positive-type breast cancer. Any estrogen or progesterone present in the body can encourage the growth of cancerous cells. Women with this type of breast cancer generally opt for removal of one or both breasts. Some even undergo full hysterectomy to reduce estrogen production. Hormone therapy is the logical next step. “Anti-estrogen therapy provides an extra boost on top of other therapies,” says Anne Kanard, M.D., oncologist with the Cancer Center of the Rockies. “There are two ways hormone therapies work: by blocking estrogen production or by blocking estrogen from promoting growth of breast cancer cells.”

Two Therapies

The hormone therapy that blocks estrogen from affecting cancer cell growth is tamoxifen. Aromatase inhibitors prevent the production of estrogen. Both regimens are typically five years in duration and taken in pill form daily. Although tamoxifen may be followed by aromatase inhibitor treatment, research shows little benefit of extending a single therapy beyond five years. Hormone therapy “often has side-effects that are pretty well tolerated” by the patient, Dr. Kanard says. However, Dr. Kanard adds that each woman must carefully consider this therapy with her physician. “I strongly feel this decision needs to be a collective effort between patient and doctor.” The benefit of hormone therapy is reduction in the risk of breast cancer recurrence and of new tumors developing in the healthy breast. Hormone therapy will not benefit women who have hormone receptive negative tumors.

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Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen decreases the chance of cancer recurrence in women with early and advanced forms of hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Dr. Kanard most often prescribes the drug to premenopausal women. Tamoxifen’s side-effects include menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, irregular periods, moodiness and vaginal dryness. Women susceptible to blood clots should not take tamoxifen, which can increase chances of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs. A small risk of developing endometrial or uterine cancer also exists. Three years ago, Linda (last name withheld at her request) was blindsided by her diagnosis. She was 46, a healthy mother of two. “Like most people, you don’t think it could happen to you,” she says. Linda had a bilateral mastectomy. “Because I was stage I and had both breasts removed, Dr. Kanard told me I didn’t have to do chemo. I was so relieved. I was ready to do anything she recommended.” That turned out to be tamoxifen. “My side-effects have been pretty constant

continued on p. 52

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

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continued from p. 51

Anne Kanard, MD, oncologist, Cancer Center of the Rockies, works with post-breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy.

from the start,” recalls Linda, who has taken tamoxifen for three years. Hot flashes top the list. “I have hot flashes all day and night. I have to take sleep medication or I wouldn’t be able to get any rest.” Another side-effect is constant vaginal dryness, making sex painful. “I feel uncomfortable and tired all the time.” Beyond physical discomfort, Linda’s emotional and sexual health has been altered. Sex has become a challenge for Linda and her husband. “We are still trying to work through this, but I think I get more frustrated than he does. You want to feel like a woman, sexy. When you are on tamoxifen, you don’t feel that at all.” Couple those symptoms with the numbness at the mastectomy site and, Linda says, “you don’t feel like you used to. But my husband has been wonderful helping me through this.” Despite the challenges, Linda says, “I am really counting my blessings. All I have to do is take tamoxifen for two more years. In the whole scheme of things, it is not that bad.”

Aromatase Inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors reduce estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Side-effects are generally mild, according to Dr. Kanard. They include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, joint pain, muscle aches and fatigue. With lowered estrogen levels comes a greater risk of osteoporosis. In some cases, an increased risk of heart problems may occur. Dr. Kanard carefully monitors patients for shortness of breath, chest or calf pain and leg swelling. A small risk of uterine cancer is present with aromatase inhibitors. Lara Franklin was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2007. The lump started the size of

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

her fingernail. Two months later, it had grown to the size of her fist. Because of the aggressive nature of her cancer, Franklin opted for a mastectomy of the affected breast, a prophylactic mastectomy of the second breast, underwent both chemotherapy and radiation, and had a total hysterectomy. An aromatase inhibitor called Femara® was then prescribed. “Dr. Kanard recommended it because of the nature of my cancer and my age. I wanted to do all I can to prevent the cancer from returning,” Franklin, age 33, says. Franklin has been on Femara since September 2007. While hot flashes have been an annoyance, the joint pain has been debilitating. “I still suffer with joint pain all day, every day,” says Franklin. The pain makes it hard for Franklin to sleep and because of fatigue and weakness, Franklin has had to stop working. With the support of her husband and her two young daughters, Franklin says she has been able to cope with the side-effects. “Right now it is livable. And the risks [without hormone therapy] far outweigh the discomfort.” “Hormone therapy is never an absolute,” says Dr. Kanard. But despite the side-effects, they may buy breast cancer survivors many cancer-free years. Each woman will be confronted with an individual set of side-effects, predictable only in generalities. Becoming versed in the positives and negatives of treatment and being able to understand the potential side-effects enable survivors to make informed decisions about their personal treatment. Angeline Grenz is a freelance writer who lives, works and plays in downtown Fort Collins.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

Acting

Pink Two women fight to make wigs affordable for cancer survivors By Erica Pauly Photos by Bob Willis

o save her life a woman with cancer must often sacrifice her hair. The effects of chemotherapy and radiation leave her with hardly any other options. Some wear fancy bandanas to hide their heads while others proudly wear their new look as a badge of courage. Most women, however, prefer to limit the disruption in their look and their lives by purchasing a wig that looks like their own hair. But with comfortable wigs for chemotherapy patients ranging between $300 and $2,500 many women simply can’t afford them. Enter Kim Shore at Mane Door Salon in Fort Collins. Shore and Becky Rainey, a close friend, fellow stylist and fellow cancer survivor, were so moved by this dilemma that they received specialized training in wig fitting for chemo and radiation patients; wrote the curriculum for a class on working with clients with cancer and special hair needs; and even ventured to Washington, D.C., to fight for financial aid for women cancer victims who can’t afford wigs.

The Journey Begins

In 2003, Shore realized that although she was emotionally close to many of her salon clients who had gone through breast cancer treatments,

Kim Shore, Mane Door Salon, shows her client how beautiful a wig can be.

she lacked the training to help them with wigs. Shore says, “As stylists, we walk through life with women. We are there at the most important and memorable times of their lives. The first hair cut, proms, their wedding days, pregnancies, anniversaries, career changes or just when they emotionally need a ‘pick me up.’ It is amazing how close stylists are to their clients. They become so much more than a client; they become friends. But at the most devastating and aesthetically challenging time of their life, I should’ve been able to hold their hand through chemotherapy and tell them it was all going to be all right. But I couldn’t say that, because I wasn’t trained to deal with the needs of my cancer clients while receiving their treatment in a way that would not interfere or cause them discomfort. I needed to learn how to properly fit wigs for these special needs clients.” That frustration caused Shore and Rainey to complete a program at Xenon, an international school of hair design in Omaha, Neb., that taught them the skills they needed to understand the special wig-fitting needs of women after chemo or radiation treatments. They then wrote the curriculum for a class they began to teach at hair shows in several states. The class, called Metamorphosis, so impressed Revlon, the international hair color and cosmetics

company, that it provided the dynamic duo financial support to continue teaching. The program was also recognized by Modern Salon magazine and received its 2005 ‘Spirit of Noel’ Award.

What is Metamorphosis?

Metamorphosis is an all-day class that begins with the explanation of what cancer is and the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on fastproducing cells such as hair, skin and nails. After the technical introduction, Shore and Rainey teach about the special needs of a cancer patient emotionally and physically to make their transition to wearing a wig comfortable and natural. They introduce wig caps and comfort ‘grips’ that make a wig look and feel secure. They explain the different designs of the caps and grips made especially for sensitive skin and temperature control. Mostly, the class covers how to choose and properly fit an appropriate wig for each individual client and their individual needs. Although the program trained stylists to work specifically with cancer clients and wig fitting, the cost of wigs was more than both Shore and the women could afford. An authentic European human hair wig ranges from $300 to $2,500. The rising interest of women needing help from Shore and Rainey went hand in hand with a continued on p. 56

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

WORLD CLASS CARE IN YOUR HOMETOWN! UCR has been providing urologic care to patients in Northern Colorado since 1970. We currently have offices that are staffed full-time in Loveland and Fort Collins. We serve McKee Medical Center, Medical Center of the Rockies, Poudre Valley Hospital, Skyline Surgery Center and Harmony Surgery Center. Our physicians treat all urologic disorders and perform scalpel-less vasectomies. UCR has the most experienced Robotic and Laparoscopic Team in Northern Colorado. Newest Technology to include UROPLASTY for urgency and urge incontinence. w w w. u ro l o g y c e n t e ro n l i n e . c o m

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continued from p. 54

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rise in the financial need to pay for the wigs. The financial help from Revlon only went so far. The dilemma further motivated Shore and Rainey to look for a solution, which they presently found when The Breast Cancer Coalition, a grassroots advocacy organization, convened in Washington, D.C., in June, 2004. Their idea was to gain the support of congressional representatives to push insurance companies to begin paying for wigs for cancer patients. The Breast Cancer Coalition Training lasted five days. The first four days were lectures and speeches put on by doctors and scientists. Shore and Rainey sat in the audience listening to the disputes over cell properties and new scientific methods of treatment. But on the fourth day, it was their turn to speak. “Our thoughts were, ‘Wow this is huge!’ Here we were, just two hairdressers amid doctors, scientists and politicians. We just kept looking at each other, like, ‘I can’t believe we’re doing this.’ But from the stories of our clients, cancer was the most aesthetically challenging time in their lives, so we knew there was a need for us and our program there,” Shore says. They took the stage and spoke to more than a thousand audience members about Metamorphosis and the great response from women fighting cancer. Shore and Rainey then explained that many of these women could not be helped because insurance companies were not willing to pay for wigs. The following day Shore and Rainey were chosen from among hundreds of groups to speak in a smaller setting with then-Nebraska representatives Tom Osborne and Ben Nelson, plus Sen. Chuck Hagel. Their voices were heard loud and clear. Shore believes that the influence of Osborne, Nelson and Hagel caused some Nebraska insurance companies to begin paying for wigs.

Call To Action

The ball began rolling in Nebraska in 2004, but it must have stopped at the border because no other state has made similar progress. “Unfortunately, it was two girls against the world. I don’t know where this will go, or how it will go, but I do know that getting people involved and working together on this will help make coping with hair loss from cancer easier,” says Shore. Rainey has remained in Nebraska. She works with Allegiance Image Recovery, a program dedicated to helping women in chemotherapy and radiation treatments feel good about themselves.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

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Kim Shore, Mane Door Salon, writer and instructor of Metamorphosis, a class that teaches women how to custom fit and style wigs for clients undergoing chemotherapy.

“Working together as a community could really help everyone who needs a wig. With the high cost of overhead, a networking system between interested stylists could produce easier access to wigs. Hairstylists are dynamic people, and it would be great to work as a team to see women in this area find wigs and solutions. We need to take awareness to the next level. Awareness is over, cures are in,” says Shore. Which is what she means by “acting pink.” For more information about Metamorphosis and acting pink, call Shore at (970) 556-9510.

Gary Calderone's life is a powerful testament to the healing gift of Pilates. Pilates changes lives. It did his, as it has for so many others. Pilates literally brought Gary back from the brink of a debilitating illness. Healing, he discovered, is clearly an inside job. In the challenges of today's global community, when so many are desperately seeking balance in all aspects of their lives, this book offers a timely, inspiring message of the profound healing potential of Pilates as that balance in a 21st century world.

(ISBN): 978-0-9795315-8-3 Word Keepers, Inc. (www.wordkeepersinc.com) Publication forthcoming - March 2009 Wholesale Distributor - www.MusicBooksBusiness.com www.pilateswithcalderone.com

Gary teaches at: Mountain View Pilates 140 E. Boardwalk Dr. - Ste. O Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 207-1797 www.mountainviewpilates.org

Erica Pauly is contributing editor for Style Magazine.

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

STYLE POINTS Style Points is a monthly department that recognizes people, businesses, organizations and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble creatures who show fine style by contributing to the betterment of life in northern Colorado. Nominate deserving candidates by emailing their names, their accomplishments and their location to erica@stylemedia.com.

Moore Elementary School teacher Amy Fristoe of Fort Collins and her therapy Labradors, Phoebee Dawn and Claudeen Jean. The trio won the Health Care Hero Award for their work as volunteers with Poudre Valley Health Care Systems, the Medical Center of the Rockies and Mountain Crest Psychiatric Hospital. Fristoe and her dogs are certified as a Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response Team after receiving advanced training in Bozeman, Mont. They are able to provide emotional support to victims as well as to personnel who would be the first on the scene of a crisis. Steve Rundquist, owner of Brewster Timber Frame Company in Bellvue. Rundquist took energy matters in his own hands and purchased a solar panel and small wind turbine to power his equipment on the job site, leaving the diesel generator behind. The $4,200 investment shows an unusual dedication on an individual level to reduce climatechanging emissions. Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, for being named one of the top 1,300 public high schools in the country by Newsweek magazine. The ranking, which featured only a small number of Colorado high schools, was based on a formula that includes the number of students who take Advanced Placement tests. Dohn Construction, a northern Colorado builder, gave back to the community in a big way when it presented the staff and mentors of Partners Mentoring Youth with a check for $20,840. To Poudre School District teacher Cree Bol, of Polaris Expeditionary Learning School. Bol launched the Hispanic Institute of Leadership and Learning in July, giving 20 students raft and backpack training led by four PSD teachers. Style Points would be remiss not to recognize the Bohemian Foundation for its $15,000 grant to fund the program. Colorado State University police department for dumping the squad car in favor of a fleet of four T3 personal electric vehicles. Campus patrolling takes an environmentally friendly turn with these zero-gas-emission law enforcement vehicles. Poudre Valley Health Services for being named one of the top 100 places to work in health care by Modern Healthcare magazine. The honor from this top industry publication recognizes PVHS for their employee retention, patient satisfaction and quality of workplace.

Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

Larimer Humane Society for taking in 30 adult cats and kittens when hurricane Gustav closed in on Louisiana. And to those generous individuals who are the proud new owners of these displaced kitties. Fort Collins’ UniverCity’s FortZED project and the five restaurants currently participating: CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewery, Austin’s American Grill, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant and The Egg & I. These restaurants have committed to lowering energy, water and natural gas consumption and improve efficiency. The Weld County School District students whose hard work earned semifinalist status for the 2009 National Merit Scholarship. The students are as follows: Andrew Zucker from Greeley Central High School, and Cameron Jeffers and David Nelloms from Greeley West High School. They scored in the top one percent among more than 1.5 million juniors from 21,000 high schools who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The newly formed non-profit, Rocky Mountain Youth Sports. RMYS organizes youth basketball teams, welcoming students from any school or community, to play in northern Colorado. Tryout details can be found at www.RMYouthSports.com. CSU’s CTV and the Society of Professional Journalists. Both were recognized with awards at the national Society of Professional Journalists annual convention. Students at CTV were named national finalists for the staff’s feature photography report on CSU hockey tryouts, and SPJ@CSU was named the Region IX Chapter of the Year. Julie Hanks and Tina Stoody from the University of Northern Colorado, who recently received a $100,000 grant from the Daniels Fund to establish an on-campus clinic to provide care and support for children who are deaf. The College of Natural and Health Sciences will oversee the clinic for children with cochlear implants, offering accessible followup care. University of Northern Colorado for its Convocation event featuring guest speaker Maria Reyes. Reyes’ writings are chronicled in the national best-seller The Freedom Writers Diary, which is the common reading book for all incoming freshmen this year.

continued on p. 60

Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

continued from p. 59

ST YLE POINTS Judy Dorsey, founding president of The Brendle Group in Fort Collins. Dorsey has been recognized as Outstanding Woman for 2008 by the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Denver Business Journal in the consultants category. Dorsey’s company helps clients make environmental programs part of their successful business practices. Colorado Rockies Foundation for granting the Character in Athletics-Make it a Priority (CHAMP) program $10,000 for promoting character in youth athletics and recognizing outstanding character traits in coaches, teams and individual athletes. CHAMP is part of Character Fort Collins. Gary Wockner and Laura Pritchett of Fort Collins, finalists for the 2008 Colorado Book Awards for their book Pulse of the River: Colorado Writers Speak for the Endangered Cache la Poudre.

Chef’s Basket, Chimney Park Restaurant and Okole Maluna Hawaiian Grill in Windsor, which helped raise $6,000 during last month’s Ruby Slipper Progressive Dinner for victims of the tornado there. To the 86 percent of enlightened Greeley residents who said in a recent poll that no book should be banned from a public library for any reason.

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Zane Schaefer, University of Northern Colorado student, received a scholarship from The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois and UNC. The scholarship is a dream come true for Schaefer, 18, who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor three years ago. His cancer is now considered to be in remission after doctors operated and removed the racquetball-sized tumor. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studying biology and computer science.

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Holding Events: SAVA t Kids at Heart t Spirit Crossing Odell Brewing Company of Fort Collins Bowlale. forThe Life for Woodcut No. 1 oak-aged lim-Suicide Prevention PTOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and fromhandmultiple Poudre & Thompson ited edition brew is barrel-aged corked, with each bottled Valley signed and num-Districts t Foothills Gateway School bered. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priced like a wine at $24.99 Church for Timberline t Vineyard Church 750 ml bottle. Both the recipe and label will Katrina Hurricane Victims t Childsafe be retired after bottling. and numerous others...

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With a 2 year old son and another child on the way, Dr. Jason McManigal D.O. is an excellent choice for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthcare needs. Jasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm personality and caring approach with children are immediately noticable in his approach to delivering quality healthcare to your children.

Colorado State University for being named one of the greenest universities in the nation by Newsweek magazine. CSU received the recognition in Newsweekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kaplanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s How to Get into College Guide.

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AUTUMN NIGHTS: SAVOR THE FLAVORS

September 12 Edwards House Bed & Breakfast :: Fort Collins An exquisite intimate evening, saw friends and family gather around the kitchen, watching Chef Massimo Ruffinazzi from Denver create an authentic Italian dinner. The seated gourmet dinner, with wine pairings was the first of six dinners, showcasing guest Chefs from around the region. Proceeds from the delicious evening, benefit Shared Journeys Brain Injury Foundation, and their mission to empower persons with acquired brain injuries the hope and support to regain independent, satisfying and productive lives.

Monica & Peter Schneider, Chef Massimo Ruffinazzi, Abby & Eric Bloedorn, Lydia Dody

Debbie & Nate Jorgensen

Ina Szwec, Larry & Pat Tripp

Alan & Carol Woods

Jim & Susie Sell

Kerry & Scott Manning

Kirk & Sue Larsen

24th ANNUAL HISTORIC HOME TOUR

September 13 Nine Historic Properties :: Fort Collins Presented by the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, this popular tour allows history buffs, seasoned renovators and the community to visit historic properties of the late 19th & 20th century. Hundreds came to view six homes, having undergone ‘recent rejuvenations’ and ‘adaptive reuse’. Proceeds from the tour and the annual Masterpiece Birdhouse silent auction, also held, benefit the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, and their mission to preserve, restore, protect and interpret the architectural and cultural heritage of the Fort Collins area. Meredith Hutmacher, Margot Gerber, Jane Clevenger, Lisa Winters

Arla Squires

Connie Fahnestock, Pamela Piesman, Marsha Kaplan

Rogene Borden, Barbara Baggs

Dale & Lou Grit, Marianne Strobel

Jackie Bohn, Laurel Everhart

Peggy & Rich Shannon

Betty Anne Husted, Jane Hail

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

10th ANNUAL SHARED ABUNDANCE

September 13 Food Bank for Larimer County :: Fort Collins CO Nearly 300 guests attended the casual evening event enjoying delicious food and drink, a silent auction, and watched two well-known chefs in the region compete in the 2nd annual Commodities Cook-Off. The two chefs had 45 minutes to prepare 2-4 different dishes using five secret pantry staple ingredients found at the Food Bank. Four judges voted on the winner based on taste, creativity and presentation. The event raised nearly $50,000 for the Food Bank of Larimer County whose work includes collecting, storing and distributing food to individuals in need. In 2007 over 5.5 million lbs. of food was distributed through Food Link, Food Share and Kids CafĂŠ programs.

Thomas Wilberton, Amy Pezzani

Jay & Melissa Brannen

Heather Buoniconti, Heather Hallett Thurston, Charlene Olms

Patrick Laguens (Winner of Commodities Cook-Off, owner of Plank Restaurant), Amy Pezzani

Linda Hopkins, Doran & Donna Beaman, Bob & Bev Bacon

Adam Wiemold Amanda Miller, Andrea Hammons, Jackie Meyer, John Buoniconti, Patsy Oliver

Larry Dolgin, Lynn Presley

Annie & John Sollenberger, Jeff & Allison Rittner

Britta Batman, Nancy Reynolds Peter Springberg

Patrick Wilson, Caitlin Antle, Ron Kuehl

Mike McTearnen, Dan Marshall

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REFLECTIONS OF THE WEST

September 13 Island Grove Events Center :: Greeley The 16th annual Cattle Barons Ball, originally to be held outdoors at Poudre River Ranch, had to be quickly rerouted indoors to the Events Center, due to a microburst and heavy rains. Scores of volunteers helped to make this signature event successful and most memorable for the 650 guests. The full evening included Roller Roper, Cowboy Golf, a live auction with villa trips & a 2 yr lease on a convertible, a silent auction and more. Also, the first annual Legend of the West award was given to Kaye Ward for her dedication to the American Cancer Society (ACS). A record $230,000 was netted for ACS and their programs of research, education, advocacy and service. ACS is currently funding 23 research grants worth $11,348,717 in Colorado alone. Photos courtesy of Flare of Art Photography and The MainEvent Photography.

Becky Dichfield, Gregg Moss

Sharon Farr, Bonnie Dean, Jean Morrell, Nancy Teksten

Paige Sauer, Linda & Steve Freeman

Deb Austin, John Finegan, Kaye Ward, Dan Austin, Terry Stanfill

Deb & Dan Austin

Steve & Maury Dobbie, Molly & Craig Secher

Black tie Bowling September 13 Chippers Lanes on Horsetooth :: Fort Collins The ‘child’ came out for over 200 elegantly dressed bowlers as they bowled strikes, spares and had a ball in the scotch doubles format for this 3rd annual Black Tie Bowling event. A best-dressed contest kicked off the event with the “Pink Boa” winners taking home Black Tie Bowling shirts. Between bowling, guests partook of drinks, hors d’oeuvres and shopping the silent auction. Proceeds raised benefit both CASA of Larimer County and Canyon Concert Dance Center’s scholarship fund and their programs to help children.

Grey Zollner, Jill Liken, Kate Nicholas, Kelly Crist, Lynn Oesterle-Zollner, Maureen Carrigan

Sean & Melissa Conlon

Matt & Dani Hoeven

Janis Sanders, Doug Cathelyn, Pauline Brown, Bob Brown, Kellie Ehlen

Gail Pickett, Anna Zier

Janis Sanders, Doug Cathelyn, Pauline Brown, Bob Brown, Kellie Ehlen

Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

Ed & Susie Orr

Christine & Richard Mellin

Kristen & Jim Humphrey

Laurie & Harmon Anderson

Karen & Chris Jeavons

Carla & John Bowness

Jane Sullivan, Linda Fisher, Shirley Basket, Tonya Dunn

Gina Zachman, Bob Zachman, Rick Ney, Pam Muncaster

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health & Breast Cancer

2008 BIG KAHUNA GOLF TOURNEY September 15 Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club :: Windsor Colorado blue skies and perfect golfing weather greeted nearly 100 golfers for a fun day at this inaugural 4-person scramble golf tournament sponsored by Fort Collins Rotary After Work. Teams vied for 5 hole-in-one opportunities in a friendly round of competition at one of the most beautiful golf courses in the area. Following play winners were presented awards at the Tiki party and all enjoyed a buffet, live music and raffles for great prizes. Proceeds benefit Hope Lives! Breast Cancer Support Center and their mission to provide free complementary care, guidance and education to women touched by breast cancer in northern Colorado and Fort Collins Rotary After Work Club and their children support services programs.

Barb Carpenter, Amy Battles

1st Place Finishers: Todd Heenan, Steve Rodriguez, Ken Fozley, Scott Manning

Donna Burrill, Tom Reimann

Ron Sampson, Ken Sargent, James Mayberry, Jason Grasseschi

Bill Krupke, Joni Van Sickle

Dennis Hogerty, Matt Hughes, Steve Ewing, Francis Gonzales

Wally Van Sickle, Mike Charbo

Doug Schwartz, Rob & Kelly Parrish, Scott Busteed

Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE Magazine

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