Paint It all Pink

it all

NAVIGATING THE BREAST CANCER JOURNEY PAGE 2

Eyes on survival, PAGE 6 Nutritional tips to help your body fight back, PAGE 8 Stories from local cancer fighters, PAGE 12

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Carolyn Jost walks with Mystic Moon at Riding Beyond, an Ashland-based program for breast cancer survivors and their caregivers. [MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH]

Navigating the breast cancer journey

By Tammy Asnicar for the Mail Tribune

Judy Fitzsimmons participated in the Race for the Cure for 12 consecutive years when she lived in Palm Beach County, Florida, and for 12 years she watched with awe as the group of courageous survivors in pink marched together onto the stage for their awards.

The ceremony, she remembers, prompted a “tearful standing ovation” from the spectators.

She never anticipated that one day the applause would be for her.

“Who would?” she says.

Three years ago, Fitzsimmons, who now lives in Ashland, was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer in her left breast.

She endured chemotherapy, underwent a mastectomy and opted for reconstructive surgery.

Friends and family kept her sense of humor intact, and Pat, her husband

of nearly 30 years, showered her with unconditional love.

She says she was able to make the year-long trek “one step at a time and one day at a time.”

Carolyn Jost reached a monumental milestone Aug. 22 — it marked the end of a journey that began five years to the date with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Because the cancer was caught early, Jost says she was never afraid for her life.

“It was a bit of a journey,” she says of going through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

“But my outlook was always quite positive. I was never angry, or asked ‘why me?’ Breast cancer is an equal opportunity disease.”

According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer. The chance that a woman will die is about

1 in 37.

The good news is that fewer women are dying from the disease. The decline is believed to be the result of early detection through screening, increased awareness and better treatments.

Each woman’s journey is unique, and one that Fitzsimmons and Jost say they could not have made alone.

More and more women are charting their course with the assistance of an oncology nurse navigator or breast health coordinator.

Kate Newgard, oncology nurse navigator at Providence Medical Center’s Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center in Medford, calls it giving patients “a concise pathway through the storm of emotions” that often comes with a cancer diagnosis.

It’s about helping patients manage their case “in a practical way when they are not feeling particularly practical.”

SEE JOURNEY, PAGE 4

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JOURNEY From page 2

Because of the angst associated with the word “cancer,” a navigator will give patients “concrete words with which to have a personal conversation with family and friends about the diagnosis,” says Newgard.

The idea is to communicate to loved ones that when caught early, “breast cancer is very treatable, fairly predictable and more often than not has a positive outcome,” she says.

Breast Friends, a Tigard-based nonprofit, has developed a number of resources and programs to assist patients and offer friends and family specific ways to support and understand what their loved one is experiencing. Tip sheets for spouses, caregivers, teens and young children are available, as is one-on-one telephone counseling for patients.

Allison Hancock, a cancer survivor and volunteer coordinator at Breast Friends, says it’s important that a woman share her story, get her questions answered and make sure she has all “the right information.”

“Some go through (the cancer) alone, they are very private,” she says. “But they should be upfront with family, friends and employers. And they should ask questions,

questions, questions” when communicating with their medical team.

She also tells women “it’s OK” to allow others to help with meals, child care or housekeeping.

“If friends want to help, don’t rob them of the gift they want to give.”

Fitzsimmons says family, friends and co-workers — some who had been through a similar experience — embraced her. And the same group “sustained” her husband, who was by her side at every appointment, chemo session and “at the wig bank to help me choose my new hair.”

“He stayed home with me every evening when my immune system was too low to go out … which was new for us, as we had been known as the ‘event people.’ ” Jost appreciates the efforts of her medical team in Sacramento, California, where she began treatment, and grateful for the support of family and friends that continued after her move to Ashland.

Her son Andy, then 21, shaved his head bald in support of his mother losing her hair. “(Breast cancer) can be a scary proposition,” she says, “and you feel alone, even if you are not alone.”

Jost stresses the importance of “hooking up” with a support group whose members have similar fears and are experiencing similar physical issues.

Judy and Pat Fitzsimmons of Ashland.

“He stayed home with me every evening when my immune system was too low to go out … which was new for us, as we had been known as the ‘event people.’ ” Pat Fitzsimmons

While many women find solace in support groups such as Reach to Recovery, she experienced “healing encounters with horses” at Riding Beyond — an Ashland-based program for breast cancer survivors and their caregivers.

Trish Boersma, founder and

director of Riding Beyond, developed the program to help women heal after treatment. Many, she says, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder from the lingering physical, emotional and spiritual side effects.

Jost says it was important for her “to do whatever it took to nurture” her body and spirit. She wanted to thrive beyond the cancer.

The “energetic connection” between her and the horse helped revitalize her physical and emotional well-being. Riding the horse stimulated nerves and muscles and strengthened and improved her balance.

In addition to bonding with the horse, she bonded with other women, too. She now volunteers with the program.

Fitzsimmons chose a different route.

With the approval of her oncologist, she enlisted a “collaborative team” who administered acupuncture treatments and massage therapy, gave advice on nutrition, and helped her focus on mental and spiritual heath through ancient healing arts.

Fitzsimmons says she prefers natural treatments for most situations, but her diagnosis forced her to first seek traditional medical attention. She says the collaborative healing modes allowed her body to go

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through the process.

Acupuncture and massage are antidotes to the fever, nausea, fatigue and general pain often associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Acupuncture is effective in treating general neuropathy — nerve damage that may have been caused by tumors or certain cancer therapy drugs, says Teresa Bresnan, a licensed acupuncturist and director of the Acupuncture and Natural Health Center in Medford.

Post-treatment, acupuncture can help a patient regain her health “by bringing her body back into balance and harmony,” says Bresnan.

Massage can help alleviate neuropathy in toes and fingers as well soothe bone pain and assist with sleep deprivation, says Gail Bailey, an oncology massage therapist at Providence Cancer Care Center and executive director of the Oncology Massage Alliance.

Massage is also beneficial in addressing the emotional turmoil.

“When a patient is told she has cancer, all kinds of emotions come up,” says Bailey. “The human touch aspect soothes the soul. And prior to a chemo session or radiation treatment it can help reduce anxiety and stress that only cause further damage to the body.”

Reiki, yoga, meditation, tai chi,

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Breast cancer resources

Carolyn Jost, left, Trish Broersma and Rosa Lee Maple, share a moment with Mystic Moon at Riding Beyond in Ashland. [MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH]

deep breathing exercises or guided imagery are also used to combat side effects, such as nausea, fatigue and pain, and alleviate stress. Yoga can help build core muscle strength.

“Your body is going to be attacked,” says Bailey. “It’s important to be able to fight back.”

Newgard conducts wellness classes for Providence oncology patients and leads a walking group. Cardiovascular

exercise such as walking and swimming and paying attention to nutrition “will aid the recovery process and diminish the chance of reoccurrence,” she says.

Fitzsimmons, a three-year survivor, and Jost, a five-year, are grateful to be in a position to encourage others on the journey.

“That in itself is a gift,” says Fitzsimmons.

• Kate Newgard, Providence Medford Medical Center’s oncology nurse navigator, can be reached at the Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center, 541-732-6100.

• Providence Medford Medical Center sponsors a group for women who are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (up to stage III), and provides information and support around diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Your support person is welcome to attend.

• Providence Medford Medical Center also sponsors a breast cancer-support walking group. Contact Newgard at 541-732-6100 for dates and times of either group.

• Michelle Lagoria, Asante nurse navigator and breast health coordinator, can be reached at 541-955-5446.

• For more information about Riding Beyond, contact Trish Boersma at 541-482-6210.

• For more information about the Oncology Massage Alliance, contact Gail Bailey at 541-499-3014.

• Breast Friends, www.breastfriends. org, or 503-598-8048 or 888-386-8048.

• American Cancer Society, www. americancancersociety.org, or 800-227-2345

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Eyes on Survival

Medford woman created SurvivorEyes to boost the outlook of chemo patients

By Sarah Lemon for the Mail Tribune

A creative vision and focus on boosting her business are behind a Medford resident’s line of eyebrow stencils that help to restore the image of cancer patients.

SurvivorEyes BrowStyle kits arose from Lisa Brambilla-Doble’s battle with breast cancer and her desire to improve the outlook of chemotherapy patients.

Nearly two years after BrambillaDoble searched in vain for brow stencils on a friend’s behalf, SurvivorEyes is represented by three major online retailers, aimed not only at women but also male cancer patients and people experiencing other forms of hair loss.

“It’s a great answer for a lot people, and it’s affordable,” says BrambillaDoble. “And it’s for people who don’t know how to put on makeup.”

Penciling on eyebrows proved such a struggle that Laurie Nalezny feared she would look like a “freak” after losing her hair during chemotherapy.

Emotionally drained, Laurie dreaded leaving her Anaheim, California, home until Brambilla-Doble arrived with home-cooked meals and a fellow survivor’s sympathetic ear.

“It rocks your psyche,” says Brambilla-Doble of cancer’s toll, particularly its mark on a person’s physical appearance. “It leaves you feeling so vulnerable and like a raw

nerve.”

Brambilla-Doble thought that help for her friend was just an Internet search away. But hours of online browsing didn’t recommend a browstencil kit that looked natural yet wouldn’t irritate skin stressed from chemotherapy. Brambilla-Doble decided to solve the problem for Laurie and as many as 1.6 million Americans diagnosed every year with cancer.

“Everybody wants to look good,” says Brambilla-Doble.

Working with friends in the beauty industry, Brambilla-Doble sourced Sormé brow pencils for SurvivorEyes. Based in Southern California, the company manufactures professional-grade cosmetics, including the sweatproof, waterproof formula that Brambilla-Doble markets with her brow stencils as Forever Brows. Packaged with a different set of stencils, the set is offered as Brows for Bros, a brow-styling kit for men, launched in July.

Including men in the SurvivorEyes business model is an idea for which Brambilla-Doble credits a friend employed at Sephora, a major beauty-brand retailer. Another of Brambilla-Doble’s friends, a former Hollywood makeup artist, designed SurvivorEyes brow shapes and brush, manufactured overseas and imported by custom product provider Stephen Gould.

“Everybody helped me,” says

Lisa Brambilla-Doble demonstrates a brush and eyebrow stencil from her kit.

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Brambilla-Doble. “I’m a constant networker.”

More help came unexpectedly upon the death of Brambilla-Doble’s aunt, who left the entrepreneur a cash inheritance when she needed it most.

Brambilla-Doble ran out of funds while filing SurvivorEyes trademarks and patents. If it wasn’t for the boost, SurvivorEyes would still be “sitting in the idea box,” says Brambilla-Doble.

In her aunt’s name, BrambillaDoble has pledged to donate 5 percent from every SurvivorEyes purchase to such organizations as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, which supports Americans living with an autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss.

Asante’s pediatric cancer center is another of Brambilla-Doble’s intended charities since she moved to Medford this month from Yerba Linda, California. The New York native and longtime resident of Hawaii says she fell in love with Southern Oregon while visiting friends a year ago. The region’s wine country reminds her of childhood vacations in Italy, and the slower pace of life, she says, extends to more relaxed driving, compared with Southern California’s scary freeways.

“It’s not for me,” says BrambillaDoble of her home for nearly three

Brambilla-Doble applies her new eyebrow using a stencil template.

decades.

Brambilla-Doble found a new home for her family — and her business — in east Medford, where she’ll work to realize her brow-styling kit for children. Amazon and Walmart just signed on as SurvivorEyes online retailers, joining Costco, which has carried the kits since April, with a price tag about $15 lower than other outlets. Priced at $39.95, kits also can be purchased at www.survivoreyes. com.

Brambilla-Doble shows off the complete look.

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Soup’s on Nutritional tips for helping your body fight cancer

By Tammy Asnicar for the Mail Tribune

What can you do to help your body as you heal from surgery and/or endure chemotherapy and radiation?

And when food does not taste good, or you’re battling nausea, how do you maintain nutritional balance?

“Eating a whole foods, Mediterranean-style diet is essential for good health in general,” says Dr. Robin Miller of Triune Integrative Medicine in Medford. “But if a patient is going through chemotherapy, it can be difficult” to get a balanced diet.

“Chemo alters taste buds,” she adds.

Miller touts the benefits of Magic Mineral Broth, a recipe developed by nutritionist Rebecca Katz, author of “The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen.”

“The broth has been a saving grace for many of my patients.”

Mushrooms are foods that can be very helpful too, says Miller.

“Maitake mushrooms specifically help with chemo-related side effects,” she says. “Shitake and turkey tail mushrooms have cancer-fighting elements,

as well.”

Maitake, often called “Hen of the Woods” because its looks like a hen’s fluffy tail feathers, reduces toxicity of some chemotherapy drugs.

Turkey tail mushrooms, when used in combination with chemotherapy, enhance the therapeutic effect, says Miller.

“They also reduce side effects.”

The mushrooms can be used in cooking, but for medicinal purposes, Miller recommends the concentrated form in capsules, which can be found at local health food stores or naturopathic outlets.

Studies by the National Institutes of Health are ongoing about the benefits of mushrooms in the treatment of breast cancer and other cancers.

Kate Newgard, Providence Medford Medical Center’s oncology nurse navigator, also recommends a plant-based Mediterranean diet.

“More veggies, olive oil, olive oil and olive oil, and very little red meat,” she recommends.

And, of course, fresh, locally grown produce found at Rogue Valley-area

farmers’ and growers’ markets is best, she adds.

Teresa Bresnan, a licensed acupuncturist and nutrition therapist at the Acupuncture and Natural Health Center in Medford, is adamant about “eating nothing man-made.”

She believes “highly processed foods with chemicals” and toxins in the municipal water sources are partially to blame for the high incidence of cancers in general, not just breast cancer.

She recommends a water filter to ensure clean water.

Newgard cautions those going through cancer treatment to eat enough to maintain a healthy weight and get all the proper nutrients.

“The broth can be transformed to meet a myriad of nutritional needs, serving as everything from a delicious sipping tea to the base for more hearty soups and stews,” Katz says about her “magic broth.”

“So no matter what a person’s appetite, it can provide a tremendous nutritional boost,” she writes. The broth is “rejuvenating,” she adds, because “it’s chock-full of magnesium,

potassium and sodium, it allows the body to refresh and restore itself. I think of it as a tonic.”

Magic Mineral Broth

Makes 6 quarts Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours Ingredients

6 unpeeled carrots, cut into thirds 2 unpeeled yellow onions, cut into chunks 1 leek, white and green parts, cut into thirds 1 bunch celery, including the heart, cut into thirds 4 unpeeled red potatoes, quartered 2 unpeeled Japanese or regular sweet potatoes, quartered 1 unpeeled garnet yam, quartered 5 unpeeled cloves garlic, halved ½ bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 (8-inch) strip of kombu* 12 black peppercorns 4 whole allspice or juniper berries 2 bay leaves 8 quarts cold, filtered water 1 teaspoon sea salt *Kombu is a mineral-rich seaweed (in the kelp family) that adds a umami

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Magic Mineral Broth. [PHOTO REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM CLEAN SOUPS ©2016 BY REBECCA KATZ WITH MAT EDELSON, TEN SPEED PRESS, A DIVISION OF THE CROWN PUBLISHING GROUP, BERKELEY, CA.]

or savory flavor to stocks and broths.

Kombu is usually found in the Asian section of a grocery store near the nori (seaweed sheets) that are used for sushi.

Store dried Kombu in a cool, dark area in your pantry.

Preparations

Rinse all of the vegetables well, including the kombu. In a 12-quart or larger stockpot, combine the carrots, onions, leek, celery, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, garlic, parsley, kombu, peppercorns, allspice berries and bay leaves. Fill the pot with the water to 2 inches below the rim, cover, and bring to a boil.

Remove the lid, decrease the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for at least 2 hours. As the broth simmers, some of the water will evaporate; add more if the vegetables begin to peek out. Simmer until the full richness of the vegetables can be tasted.

Strain the broth through a large, coarse-mesh sieve (remember to use a heat-resistant container underneath), then add salt to taste.

Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for 4 months.

Per Serving: Calories: 45; Total Fat: 0 g (0 g saturated, 0 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 11 g; Protein: 1 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 140 mg Reprinted with permission from “The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery.” Copyright 2009

by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson, Ten Speed Press, a division of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA. For additional recipes or information, go to Katz’s “Healing Kitchen” blog at www.rebeccakatz.com.

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POTENTIAL

SIGNS

BREAST CANCER

OF

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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eeling a lump in the breast is a classic sign of breast cancer, but there are other less-well-known signals that can tip off potential trouble.

“The hope is that women know their own bodies and would find a mass before it becomes palpable, but the truth is that radiologists can find tumors so small — 3, 4 or 5 millimeters — that it’s rare to be able to feel a small tumor before it can be discovered by mammogram,” said Dr. Therese Bevers, medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at MD Anderson in Houston and an expert in breast cancer screenings.

Today, breast self exams are not widely recommended, but that doesn’t mean you should stop investigating your breasts, Bevers said. The keywords now are “breast awareness. You know how your breasts look and feel. If something feels different, have it checked out,” Bevers said.

Women themselves discover “a substantial amount of breast cancer because nobody knows a woman’s body as well as she does herself,” said Dr. Rachel Brem, director of breast imaging and intervention at The GW Medical Faculty Associates in Washington, D.C.

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“Women have to understand that mammograms are imperfect. Fifteen percent of breast cancers cannot be seen on mammograms. The death rate of breast cancer has decreased 35 percent in the past few decades, and mammograms are one part of that. They’re one tool in our toolbox, but there’s other things like MRIs, diagnostic ultrasounds and molecular breast imaging,” Brem said. “We have many kinds of technology; no one size fits all.”

Some of the signs of potential breast cancer:

◗ Red, inflamed breast A swollen and sometimes warm, red breast should be evaluated promptly, Bevers said.

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive disease. Swelling and redness affecting one-third or more of the breast is cause for concern. Smaller changes, like the size of a half-dollar, are probably not breast cancer, “but get it diagnosed,” Bevers said.

◗ Peeling, scaling Flaky, peeling or scaling skin on the breast could be a sign of Paget’s disease, a type of breast cancer, or it could be minor skin irritation, Bevers said. Watch for whether the skin changes only occur in one breast, often starting in the nipple area, and spread from there.

◗ Dimpling of the skin “A dimpling on the skin of the breast like a pimple that doesn’t heal” can also be a sign of breast cancer, Brem said. The nipple may also become retracted because there’s a tumor pulling it inward, Bevers said. The dimpling might be subtle and noticeable only at certain times, for example, when you stand in front of a mirror and raise your arms to brush your hair, Bevers said.

◗ Nipple discharge Most nipple discharge is not breast cancer, but it is of more concern if it is spontaneous, from one breast only, or clear rather than milky or greenish, Brem said. Nipple discharge may not have a high suspicion rate, but have it checked out.

◗ Mass in the armpit An ancillary mass in the region, such as a lump in the armpit, could be breast cancer in the lymph nodes, Bevers said. “Not all lumps in the armpit are breast cancer. It could be an ingrown hair, but it needs to be checked out,” she said.

◗ A thickening If your breast feels firmer than before, that change should be evaluated by a doctor. “If it’s a change to you, it doesn’t matter what you can see or feel,” Bevers said. Use your awareness of your breasts. If something doesn’t feel normal, get it checked out.

Local breast cancer events Light the Way Lantern Walk

BRA to SPA Day

Saturday, Oct. 14: This is the second year Oncology Massage Alliance will host a half-mile lantern walk down the side of RoxyAnn Peak in Prescott Park to bring awareness and raise money for its services to cancer patients.

To participate, drive to Gate 2, park, present your ticket or sign up, get your commemorative button and walk the half mile up the gravel road to the information station. The group will start the procession down the road at 8 p.m. Don’t forget to bring flashlights and lanterns!

Register at the gate on the event day or online at https://oncologymassagealliance.org/?p=910 Oncology Massage Alliance is nonprofit created in 2011 by oncology massage therapists. The group provides free hand and foot massages to anyone undergoing cancer treatment in the infusion centers and before radiation treatments.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to help support OMA’s program, see www. oncologymassagealliance.org

Wednesday, Oct. 18: Elizabeth Institute Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 638 N. Main St., Suite C, Ashland, will host its third annual BRA to SPA Day for breast cancer survivors.

The event, open to all breast cancer survivors, will include a free spa treatment performed by Glow Skin Treatment and Laser, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and a gift bag.

The event fills up quickly. Please RSVP by calling Elizabeth Institute at 541-708-5433.

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day inspires women to know that life beyond breast cancer can be very fulfilling. Informing women of their reconstruction options before or at the time of diagnosis is important to improving life after breast cancer.

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is a collaboration between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Plastic Surgery Foundation, breast centers, nurse navigators, corporate partners and breast cancer support groups.

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LIFE AFTER breast cancer Stories from local breast cancer ďŹ ghters

Dr. Valeria Breiten

Kelley Leonard

I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

As a naturopathic doctor, I chose to treat my cancer by combining chemotherapy and naturopathic treatments. When I completed therapy, I realized I had been neglecting my long-term dreams and decided to make them reality.

First, I satisfied my craving for a lengthy European experience by traveling for six months. I visited sustainable and eco communities, took classes and made several new friends along the way.

Second, I moved back to Ashland! I left Ashland in 1997 and have wanted to return for several years.

I am excited to create a new, post breast cancer life here in Ashland.

The day before my knee replacement surgery was scheduled I found out I had breast cancer. Discussion with my doctors helped me decide to have my knee surgery first.

After my lumpectomy, I had 38 radiation treatments. My life was scheduled around treatments from February until April. Once radiation treatments ended it took months for me to adjust to "normal" life again. The biggest change for me was to stop putting off the things I wanted to do until some other time.

I went to visit my sister in Mexico. I took more time to go hiking, and I started painting again. I read more books and spend more time with friends and family. The fears and tears spill over less often these days. I breathe deeper, smile more, and dare to look to the future.

Jane Lane In 1989 I was working with a medical facility that treated addicted teens. Our medical director insisted that all women employees have an annual mammogram before he would sign their employment contract (His wife was a breast cancer survivor.). When I had my mammogram, there was a suspicious spot on my breast. An immediate biopsy was done and suspicions were confirmed.

Surgery to remove the tumor was scheduled for after Christmas, followed by seven weeks of radiation.

I was the first in my family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. During treatment, I joined a cancer support group. It was a wise choice since there were cancer patients of all ages and all types of cancer.

We learned it was alright to have "pity parties," but they have to be time-limited. I learned I was not the only cancer patient in the world. There were many of us, some of whom were facing it alone. I had a family and a young son of 13. I endured because of my family. Soon the surgeon asked me to meet with newly diagnosed patients. I was honored to do it. I continued with this service for four years until I thought I was too far out from diagnosis to continue.

I learned that I was never a cancer victim but a patient. To this day, 28 years out, I feel called to share this experience with newly diagnosed patients and to welcome them to the club none of them ever wanted to join — the Cancer Survivors Club!

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Kathie J. Lowrey It comes without warning, with a fierce vengeance and no respecter of persons ... breast cancer. I was diagnosed at 65 years old, third generation. My grandmother died at 45 years old, my mother survived to 65 years old.

One of my doctors encouraged me to tell the women who had just been diagnosed with cancer my story. I began to tell my story to patients, doctors, nurses, office staff and women I worked with at my two jobs.

I thank god we can have a success story.

Pray, listen to god, walk with him, and encourage those he brings into your life. I am thankful to god and to all the wonderful people who helped me along the way in my journey.

Emily Green The breast cancer diagnosis was the ultimate alarm to urgently, deeply examine my life and step fully into my capacity to nourish my body and mind well in the ways that I live my everyday life. I dove deeply into research and know more than ever that all of life is learning, and each day is filled with opportunities to learn and grow. I’ve come to appreciate the amazing healing capacity within our bodies and the inestimable power of love and community in healing. Each day, each breath is a gift to fully live the life god has blessed me with … and I am thankful.

Cheryl

Kathy Parara

One phone call changed my life in an instant. The week following a routine mammogram last year, I was scheduled for a second image, then biopsy, and was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t understand; I was physically fit and healthy — how could I have cancer? How would I tell my family the news?

While beginning my second year at RCC, I was facing a long road to recovery after surgery. Despite this roadblock, I was determined to continue with my educational goals by registering part-time. My diagnosis made me stronger, more determined and more aware to live each day to its fullest.

I am so very blessed to celebrate my six-year "cancerversary" by opening A Place of Friends Art Studio in Shady Cove. I discovered mixed-media art two years ago after a lengthy and arduous battle and focus much of my work on the joy of life itself.

I am thrilled to return to my career of teaching by offering workshops for children and adults. Every day of good health is a gift.

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A FRIENDS

&

FAMILY PLAN

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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W

hen facing a breast cancer diagnosis, there’s strength in numbers. A new study finds that half of women relied on three or more people to help them process breast cancer treatment options.

“The big takeaway is that most women with early-stage breast cancer are involving multiple people — not just a spouse or partner — but other family, friends and colleagues to help them make informed decisions,” said Dr. Lauren P. Wallner, assistant professor of general medicine and epidemiology at the University of Michigan and lead author of the paper, published in the journal Cancer.

The size of a woman’s support network matters.

“People faced with a new cancer diagnosis are still processing the information. They are often scared and overwhelmed. They are not

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“When patients are diagnosed with cancer, there’s this rush to get through the treatment process. But for patients with early-stage breast cancer, they have some time to decide on their treatment choice.”

Dr. Lauren P. Wallner, University of Michigan

able to grasp all the details. It’s helpful to have support, someone with them who can help weigh the pros and cons of what the doctor is saying and the different treatment options,” Wallner said.

Larger support networks were associated with more deliberation about treatment, which is critical as treatment options become more complex, Wallner said. More deliberation suggests patients are thinking through pros and cons, discussing it with others and weighing the decision carefully. The more people a woman has supporting her, the better her decisions are, Wallner said.

“When patients are diagnosed with cancer, there’s this rush to get through the treatment process. But for patients with early-stage breast cancer, they have some time to decide on their treatment choice,” Wallner said. “The idea that women are discussing their options more with their family and friends and potentially thinking through that decision more carefully is reassuring. Engaging these informal support networks could be a way to prevent women from rushing into something.”

The study found that only 10 percent of women said they had no personal decision support network. Nearly three-quarters said their support network talked with them about their treatment options and frequently attended their appointments.

African-American and Latina women reported larger networks than did white women. Women who were married or partnered also reported more support.

Even among women without a partner or spouse, many had large support networks. Women reported children, friends, siblings, parents and other relatives were involved in their decision-making.

How you can help

Doctors need to involve others

Offer to go with to an appointment and take notes. “It is incredibly helpful to have another set of eyes and ears,” Wallner said.

“Physicians should be aware that women want to include others in their treatment decisions,” Wallner said.

A woman without a support network may need extra help or information during the decision process.

“It starts with something as simple as physicians asking patients who is helping them make their treatment decisions. That can then guide the conversation, such as the amount of resources the physician provides and to whom they communicate that information,” she said.

Help with research “If you’re internet-savvy, help do research and track down information,” Wallner said.

Just be there “On a basic level, just being present lets the patient know she is not alone,” Wallner said.

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