River Valley Relay For Life 2010 by Sun Journal

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Friday, May 28, 2010

Event Sponsors NewPage Corp • Franklin Savings Bank • Town of Rumford • FOE Eagles #1248 • Carrabasset Spring Water Rumford Hospital • Hutchins Woodworking • Sun Journal • Rumford Falls Times • Erik Designs, LLC Dan’s Automotive Repair & Sales • Fox 23

A Cancer Survivor’s Journey to Hope By Debbie Dorr (Written May 2009) Have you ever had a overwhelming urge to follow you instincts? I’ve always considered myself as being a healthy person with minimal health problems. Six months ago I was diagnosed with stage IV Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. My first symptom, a small lump on the side of my neck, appeared last July right before my annual physical. My doctor assured me it was very common - a small swollen lymph node. Nothing to worry about just keep an eye on it. The second symptom didn’t start until the end of September. My right eye started getting very sore, itchy, and the area around my eye was inflamed and swollen. After several weekly doctor visits to different types of doctors in October including a surgeon who didn’t believe I needed a biopsy of the lymph node because it was only on the surface, no one could find anything wrong. They tried eye drops, blood tests, allergy medication, eye pressure tests, and prednisone.

It is now the end of October and I make yet another appointment with my doctor. Seeing how concerned I was and not knowing what was wrong, she scheduled a CT scan that afternoon. The CT scan appeared to be fine so I requested a referral to see a specialist. Within the week I had an appointment with Dr. Joseph, an ENT specialist in Lewiston. He took one look at the CT scan and immediately located a large tumor on my lacrimal gland. Where the tumor was located so close to my eye, he recommended I see another specialist, Dr. Townsend, in Boston whom he believed could save my eye. That’s all I needed to hear, my husband and I were off to Boston. It is now the middle of November. The C T scan didn’t give Dr. Townsend a clear enough picture for the surgery so he wanted a MRI done immediately. He realized we traveled over three hours to Boston to see him. Dr. Townsend was wonderful.. He actually called the hospital himself and made arrangements for me to have the

Where I am now By Debbie Dorr

Debbie receiving treatment in the Oncology Suite. MRI at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary that afternoon and walked us over to the hospital. He helped us register and showed us where the MRI department was located. Before he left he gave me his card with his cell phone number and told us to call him anytime. He called me later that evening as we were traveling home and gave me the news. I had lymphoma that was located beyond the lacrimal

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RIVER VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE

gland and he scheduled me for day surgery November 21st. By now my eye was almost sealed close and I could barely see it was so swollen. A frozen biopsy completed just before surgery showed the walnut size tumor was benign. The surgery was a success and in the recovery room I couldn’t believe how well I could see. My eye healed up quite well. December 1st I went back to Boston for my post surgery checkup and to take the stitches out. We still didn’t have the results of the pathology report. Dr. Townsend wanted me to start 17 radiation treatments in Lewiston to make sure there were no other traces of the lymphoma left but before I could start treatments he wanted my radiation oncologist, Dr. Jones, to do further testing to make sure the lymphoma hadn’t spread. I immediately was set up with a CT scan and a PET scan. Finally the pathology report came back and the original tumor was malignant not benign. Now it is December 9th and I am referred to Dr. Erickson, an oncologist, in Rumford . She gives me the news, the PET scan shows the lymphoma has spread to my shoulder, between my breast, my abdomen area and my spleen. What a shock that was because I didn’t feel sick at all. If it wasn’t for my eye problem and insisting something wasn’t right, I wouldn’t have

Journey

page 11 ‰

It has been a year now since I wrote my article for the Relay For Life. I’ve referred to the last 18 months as a marathon. Handling one hurdle at a time. On June 1st my PET scan showed no signs of cancer. Remission didn’t last long by August a third tumor had appeared again behind my eye. My doctor started me on 17 radiation treatments immediately. My cancer has been in remission for six months now but I am currently in a two year maintenance chemo which I will do twice a year for two years to help prevent the cancer from recurring. I just finished my second series of infusions which were once a week for four consecutive weeks. The healing process takes time and lots of hope. NHL is treatable but not curable. I remind myself every day I am strong and healthy. In January I started back to work part time three half days a week. Never thought I’d say I’d be very anxious to return to work. Franklin Savings Bank has been extremely wonderful working with me. My goal is to be back to full time as soon as my eye and energy level allows me. All of the support everyone has shown is nothing short of overwhelming. We are very fortunate for a wonderful oncology facility at Rumford Hospital. The oncology team takes excellent care of you along the entire journey from your diagnosis through your treatments to recovery. Best of all, its local. Everyone from the doctor, nurses, secretary to the pharmacist make you feel as comfortable as possible with their compassionate, resourceful, and caring ways.

Survivor

page 11 ‰

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

Oncology Suite named in memory of Dave Larriviere The residents of the River Valley are fortunate to have the Lariviere Oncology Suite at Rumford Hospital providing outpatient s e r v i ce s t o p e o p l e i n t h e community living with cancer and blood disorders. Dr. Nicholette Erickson began seeing patients in Rumford in the fall of 1997 coming every other week and doing a few treatments in one small room. In 1998 she saw 331 patients for office visits and staff administered 239 treatments in the clinic. The clinic quickly grew, needing more space and staff. The Oncology suite is named for David Lariviere, son of Al and Freda Lariviere. David had cancer and Al could see the toll that travel and treatments took on their son. Al believed that there should be treatment available locally and took on a fundraising project as a challenge to increase services in the area. Al called on friends and members of the community, soliciting funds in memory of his son David. His fundraising enabled Dr. Erickson

The plaque outside of the Oncology Suite

Left to right: Marie Charleston, RN; Patty Perry, RN; Joanne Lapointe, Receptionist; Dr. Nicholette Erickson; Tammy Breton, RN; Emily Ecker, Social Worker; Stephany Jacques, RN and Guy Carlson, Pharmacist. Erickson had 847 patient visits and 2,269 treatments were done in the suite.

David Lariviere and her patients to move into a larger treatment room with three chairs. The doctor began coming weekly rather than every other week. In 2004 the clinic moved into a bright sunny unit equipped with 6 patient care units. In 2008 Dr.

Patient s are treated in the Lariviere Oncology Suite located on the 2nd floor of Rumford Hospital. The clinic is staffed by Patty Perry, RN; Tamara Breton, RN, OCN; Stephany Jacques, RN; Marie Charleston, RN and Joanne Lapointe, receptionist. All nurses are certified in chemotherapy and biotherapy administration. The clinic treats patients five days a week. Patients can receive

chemotherapy, injections and blood transfusions. The services of the clinic have been expanded to administer intravenous treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, crohn’s disease, dehydration, and anemia as well as intravenous antibiotics. This practice is limited to adult patients. The clinic is also staffed by a social worker, Emily Ecker, OSW. Emily is available for oncology patients. Emily was hired through The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing and has been

coming to the clinic two days a week. Emily provides services to patients and families including counseling, suppor t groups, workshops and case management ser vices. Since 2008 she has seen over 250 people. Some of her programs have been; Rx for Caregivers, a Nutritional cooking series-Food for Life, our first annual Pamper Yourself/Spa day event, Managing Cancer Related Pain and an art therapy class. Future programs will include a Spring Pamper Yourself day, Vision Journaling and Beaded Jewelry.

About Relay For Life Celebrate - The Survivors Lap Relay starts with a Survivors Lap an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track.

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Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer. No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay and you can make a difference today by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

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RIVER VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE

Courage of Allen Lariviere

Profile of Courage, Caring, and Commitment As part of the inaugural Dempsey Challenge in Oc tober, 2009, Allen Lariviere was recognized as Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer Survivor award winner. The award honors individuals who demonstrate a passion for survivorship by helping others diagnosed with cancer. Mr. Lariviere is a lung cancer survivor and, through his tireless fundraising ef for ts, brought oncology treatment directly to the Rumford community at Rumford Hospital. Almost single-handedly, he raised the funds necessary to open the Lariviere Oncology Suite at Rumford Hospital. The suite opened in 1999 and was dedicated to his son, David, who passed away from renal cancer in 1995. Motivated by his son’s experience with metastatic renal cancer as a young man in his 30’s, Lariviere was determined to give back to the cancer community in his son’s memory. Well aware that people in rural, Rumford often have to travel

successfully outgrown their space. In 2002, Lariviere mobilized support once again and within one year a newer, larger clinic was opened to serve the community. In their current clinic, thousands of patients are seen by Dr. Nicholette Erickson every year and treated with various therapies by the staff of the Lariviere Oncology Suite, including Lariviere, who continues to receive his cancer care at the very clinic that he created.

Left to right: Stuart Arbuckle, Vice President, Amgen Oncology, Mr. Allen Lariviere and Patrick Dempsey. over 40 miles to seek cancer care at Central Maine Medical Center, Lariviere began his mission to provide a local center for cancer care. After a discussion with John Welch, president of Rumford Hospital, in 1998, it became clear to Lariviere

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what needed to be done. “I knew that I would be the one to make that happen,” he said. “I have never fundraised before but felt a strong calling to do this; once I started I never let up. I asked all my family, friends, business colleagues, anyone who wanted to help.”

RIVER VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE

He will be remembered for his dedication and devotion to the Oncology Department of Rumford Hospital.

I work really hard when it comes to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

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As of going to print with this supplement for Relay For Life Allen P. Lavirierve passed away on Sunday May 16, 2010 with his loving family by his side.

Why I Relay

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Af ter much help and many generous donations, the new clinic was opened and dedicated in 1999, one year after Lariviere began his mission, As word spread and more patients utilized the clinic for their cancer care, the original space quickly became crammed and it was realized that they had

Tribute to Allen P. Larriviere

I contribute by giving money contributions and by being on a team. I’m also a member of ACSCAN. I also give by volunteering on the field of Relay For Life. I’m also part of the planning team, which makes it such a huge event. For anyone who has had cancer or lost a loved one to cancer or who is a caregiver, YOU ARE WHY I RELAY. Knowing the struggle that it takes to get you through, even one day is a fight. This is why I give of myself in bake sales, donations of my free time to meetings, and to other events. I’m hoping for a cure, maybe not today, but I’m hoping somewhere down the road, we will have a cure for cancer of all kinds, not just one. Deborah Milligan

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

Questions people have about Relay For Life Why Relay?

Canton Cruisers are the top funraising team for five years from 2005 to 2009.

Top fundraising teams throughout the years • 1998 Sisters at Heart • 1999 Androscoggin Home Health • 2000 MeadWestvaco • 2001 Oxford County Tax Preparation • 2002 Franklin Savings Bank • 2003 Michael’s Angels • 2004 Franklin Savings Bank • 2005 Canton Cruisers • 2006 Canton Cruisers • 2007 Canton Cruisers • 2008 Canton Cruisers • 2009 Canton Cruisers

Everyone’s reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories. No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives.

Who can participate? Anyone can participate in Relay For Life. Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising muchneeded funds and awareness to help the American Cancer Society save

lives. The success of Relay For Life depends on individuals who commit to raising money and the people who donate to them. Friends, families, neighbors, classmates, companies, sports teams, etc., can form their own teams. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

Is there a registration fee? The only requirement to participate in Relay For Life is the $10 registration/commitment fee (per person) that is due upon registration. After that, anything you can raise through individual, team, or online fundraising is graciously accepted.

What is a team captain or team member? Team captains and team members are the “foot-soldiers” in the fight against cancer. Teams are made up of 8-15 people who share a passion and commitment to raise money throughout the year. Fundraising e f for t s are culminate d and celebrated at community Relay For

What is a Luminaria? Luminaria are bags, each with a special meaning, that are illuminated during one of the most moving parts of any Relay For Life event, the Luminaria Ceremony. Some luminaria celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Many remember the lives of loved ones who have been lost to this disease. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

Team captains lead their team by attending monthly update meetings in their community. Team captains are the liaisons between the event committee and their team. Team captains organize and delegate needs for the team’s fundraising events throughout the year as well as for the team’s participation in activities throughout the night of the event.

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Police and firefighters honor guard for the survivors lap.

Life events.

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RIVER VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE 2010 ACTIVITY SCHEDULE & TEAM LOCATIONS 4:00 pm 4:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:15pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 9:15pm 9:30pm

Sponsors of this event NewPage Corp. Franklin Savings Bank Town of Rumford FOE Eagles # 1248 Carrabasset Spring Water

Rumford Hospital Hutchins Woodworking Sun Journal Hannaford Erik Designs, LLC

Dan’s Automotive Repair & Sales Fox 23 Rumford Falls Times

Friday, June 4, 2010

Survivor’s Reception Registration Survivor’s Reception Presentation of the Shirley Comeau & Courage Award Opening Ceremony Prayer: National Anthem Survivors Lap Area fire fighters & Knights of Columbus will escort the survivors on the first lap. Teams line the track in honor of the survivors and take to the track after first lap. A Minute To Win It Game Kid’s Corner hosted by Abbie’s Avengers Bitsy Lonta’s One Pitch Challenge Team Spirit Parade Last chance to purchase luminaries Line Dancing with music by D.T. Entertainment Luminary preparation begins Last call for Food Booth Luminary Ceremony Blessing: Bagpipes by Denise Hurd Rumford Majorettes perform

Saturday, June 5, 2010

12:00am Karaoke challenge followed by Dress you best challenge-a relay event Track Activities 1:00am Rollerblade parade 1:30am Peggy’s Brownie Sundae Party 2:00am Reverse Direction Go around the track in the opposite direction 2:30am Pajama Walk 3:00am Dance challenge…musical corners 4:00am Pick up luminary bags 6:00am Wake Up Relay! 7:00am Pancake Breakfast by Chef s Brian & Don Sponsored by Rumford Hospital 8:00am Bad Hair Day Contest 8:30am Kids games organized by Tracy Glover of Abbie’s Avengers 9:30am Smoothies by Cancer Control At Friends & Family Forever Tent site 10:00am Fight Back Ceremony . 11:00am Drawings from Team Raffles 11:30am Hole-In-One Golf Ball Drop Contest $1000 to winner- if present Close of the Relay For Life 2010 PLEASE CLEAN UP YOUR AREA ON THE FIELD Thank you for PARTICIPATING in this YEARS relay for life **Schedule subject to change

On Track:

Dan Richard-Master of Ceremonies Concession Booth Cancer Control Center-Bette Thibeault & Gloria Carrier Kid’s Corner Luminiara Tent Relay Store Med-Care Check out the tent sites for raffles and other fundraising items!

Relay For Life Location of Teams at Hosmer Field 1. Franklin Savings Bank/ Rumford Firefighters 2. Driven Women 3. Jon’s Caped Crusaders 4. N/A 5. Beacon House Brigade 6. N/A 7. Rumford Hospital 8. N/A 9. N/A 10. N/A 11. N/A 12. N/A 13. Abbie’s Avengers

RIVER VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

14. N/A 15. N/A 16. Cancer Crusaders 17. Memier’s Misfitz 18. N/A 19. N/A 20. Linwood’s Ladies 21. N/A 22. Canton Cruisers 23. N/A 24. Friends & Family Forever 25. Michael’s Angels/Interact Club 26. Danny’s Team

RIVER VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE

American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program The Road to Recovery Program sponsored by the American Cancer Society is a service offered in which volunteer drivers provide cancer patients transportation to and from their scheduled medical appointments. Drivers donate their time and the use of their personal vehicles to help ensure that cancer patients get the lifesaving treatments they need. The Road to Recovery Program is very important to the River Valley Area as it helps those cancer patients with their transportation to their treatment schedules when family or friends aren’t available to take them.

Many patients need daily or weekly treatments over a period of months and simply have no way to get there. Although family and friends may be able to help, there are many times when they’re not available and the Road to Recovery Program provides transportation options for patients in this situation.

The Mission of The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing is to provide the highest quality of education, support and wellness services to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities touched by cancer. We strive to embrace the whole person, including body, mind, and spirit, in a respectful, inclusive, and healing environment.

To find out how you can volunteer to drive or if you need this program, please give Diane Mitchell a call at 364-8358 or call 1-800-2345; your local American cancer Society office.

Ongoing cancer support groups & programs are:

• Breast Cancer Support Group • Cancer Wellness & Support Groups • Caring Cards Stamping Sessions • Caregiver Support & Education • Guidance Through Grief Series • Knitting Circles • Look Good, Feel Better • Massage Therapy Services • Mini-Spa Services • Prostate Support Group • Psychosocial Oncology Networking Group • Reiki Services • Sewing Circles • Yoga For Life

Friends and Family Team lining up for the survivor walk.

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clinics in Bridgton and Rumford, the services provided through The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope

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dempseycenter.org) allows access to reliable cancer-related information for users anywhere in the world. Most services offered by The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing are provided free-of-charge* through a generous seed donation from Patrick Dempsey as well as through other philanthropic sources. Tax-deductible

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

Cancer Survivor’s Network

Survivors and Caregivers The Cancer Survivors network is an online community created by and for survivors and caregivers.

Network is located on the American Cancer Society’s Web site. With one click of the mouse, you can:

From diagnosis, cancer becomes a part of a person’s life and a caregiver’s life experience. The Cancer Survivors Network unites all people touched by cancer. Survivorship can be an opportunity for personal growth and renewal of spirit.

• L isten to, read, or download prerecorded personal stories and discussions about survivors and caregivers.

No matter how cancer touches your life, we can help-log on right now to www.cancer.org!

• E xplore and contribute to the Expressions Gallery, a compilation of survivors’ stories, poems, and songs • Create a personal homepage to share stories and get connected to others

The link to the Cancer Survivors

• Participate in chats and discussion groups • Find and communicate with other survivors and caregivers via secure email • Search suggested books, articles, Websites, support groups, and organizations • B ecome a registered Cancer Survivors Network member at no charge • A ccess the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Resource Center for Cancer information

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THE SURVIVOR’S RECEPTION David Footer Artist, Lewiston Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, Lewiston Andover General Store, Andover Oxford Bowling Lanes, Rumford Rte. 2 Diner, Rumford Center River Valley Grill, Rumford

American Cancer Society Our Mission:

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The American Cancer Society is nationwide, Community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suf fering from cancer, through research, education, advocac y, and service. FMI: 1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.og

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

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Home Away from Home at Hope Lodge The American Cancer Society understands that quality care includes more than just excellent medicine. Cancer patients need answers direction and hope. The Society’s Hope Lodges in Burlington, Vermont, and Worcester, Massachusetts, provide free temporary lodging and other vital services for cancer patients who must travel far for outpatient treatment. The Hope Lodge team of cancer patients, families, staff, and volunteers forms a powerful network focused on a single goal: recovery. Patients who need lodging in New England will soon have more options. The Hope Lodge in Burlington, Vermont, is constructing a new facility, and plans are underway for the groundbreaking ceremony for the brand new AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston. If you or someone you know needs more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

In Honor Of Our Hero

Proud River Valley Relay Supporters Medicare Part D Medicare Supplements Life Insurance Disability/Income Protection Long Term Care IRA’s Annuities Homeowners Auto • Motorcycles Snow machines ATV’s • Boats Commercial Bonds • WC And more...

364-8293 144 Congress Street Rumford, Maine 04276

Abbie Kim Blauvelt

For over 3 years we have watched you overcome more than anyone should ever be made to. To say you are a hero would not be enough. The many hospital stays, needles, transfusions, lumbar punctures, ER visits, nurse visits, and ALL those pills!!! You are unbelievably strong. You continue to smile, laugh, love, teach, and INSPIRE ... your friends, coaches, teachers, your community and your family! Team Abbie's Avengers Loves You and We Are So Proud To Be A Part of Your Team

RIVER VALLEY RELAY FOR LIFE

Resources for Survivors & Caregivers

Help is a phone call away: 1.800.227.2345 Day-to-Day Help

Information

Life is not easy for cancer patients and their loved ones; that’s why the American Cancer Society is here to help. We can answer questions about insurance, rides to treatment, te m p o r a r y l o d g i n g n e a r treatment centers, camps for children and teens with cancer, wigs, turbans, clinical trials, and much more. We are here to help with day-to-day issues, so call an American Cancer Society cancer information specialist anytime, day or night, at 1-800227-2345.

We can provide you with the most up-to-date information possible on any t ype of cancer, treatments and clinical trials. Search our Web site, http://www.cancer.org/, for information on cancer and resources in your area, or call one of our experts at 1-800227-2345, day or night. They will give you their full attention and all the time you need. If they can’t answer all of your questions, they will find the answers and get back to you in a timely manner.

Emotional Support

Helpful Web sites:

No one need face cancer alone. We are here to provide support every step of the way, from the time you schedule a cancer test through recovery and beyond. We know what you are going through and we can put you in touch with others who can speak from experience.

American Cancer Societ y: cancer.org

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and friends.You can create a Circle Of Sharing™ for yourself, or create one on behalf of someone you’re caring for. It’s all done through Microsoft® HealthVault™, a secure Web site that will store your personal health information. American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network I’m Too Young For This Cancer.net

Left to right are Dianne Mitchell and Debbie Dorr

CancerCare

diagnosed with cancer, you may find yourself taking on new, unfamiliar responsibilities as you help them through treatment and recovery. Taking care of a person with cancer is an important, and sometimes difficult, job. The American Cancer Society has a section on cancer.org specifically for caregivers:

Cancer Survivors Gathering Place Fertile Hope Lance Armstrong Foundation

Circle of SharingCircle Of Sharing™ helps cancer patients and their caregivers get p ersonalized information about the disease, and share that information with family

The Wellness Community For Caregivers

If you are caring for a person with cancer, you must also take care of your own needs as well, so you can better help your loved one. Learn how to manage the emotions you and your family may be feeling, how to talk about the cancer experience, and how to know when you may need help

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How to Provide Care Learn more about what to expect as a cancer caregiver. Get practical advice for helping with common side effects of treatment, special nutrition needs of cancer patients, and finding professional agencies to help with caregiving tasks.

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Connect Caregivers

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Other

Just as there are millions of cancer survivors, there are millions of cancer caregivers. Connect with others facing similar issues. Find support as you swap suggestions and share stories.

Other helpful Web sites for caregivers: National Alliance for Caregiving: http://www.caregiving.org/ Cancer Caregiving: http://www.cancercaregiving.com/ Cancer Care: http://www.cancercare.org/ Caring Connections: http://www.caringinfo.org/ National Family Caregivers Association: http://www.nfcacares.org/

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Firefighters R elay Team getting reading for the Survivor Walk. Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, May 28, 2010

Journey page 2

known any thing was wrong. Dr. Erickson recommended 6 to 8 sessions of very aggressive chemotherapy called R-CHOP every three weeks. (Rituxan, Cytoxan, Adriamycin, Vincristine, and Prednisone ) I started my chemo on December 10th after my surgery to insert the Port. She gave me a 7580% chance I would be in remission in six months and I had complete faith in her and myself. It is now time to access my inner strength - push through with determination and strength. Hope means seeing that the outcome you want is possible, and then working for it. Life is precious. Whatever you want most can be yours. We all have a wish list of hopes and dreams, a vision of life the way we want it to be. And sometimes, that life can seem so far away. But it’s not! Because the only real secret to success is realizing you are worthy! Once you embrace that, there is no stopping you. When I was first diagnosed, someone said to me, “You always exercised, walked, and ate healthy, and it didn’t matter,” but that was

wrong because having a healthy lifestyle has helped me defend my body against some of the difficult aspects of my treatment. I am more aware and focused on eating the right foods and taking care of my body. I drink plenty of water to help cleanse my body especially to help flush out the toxins left over from my treatments. Staying positive and keeping a healthy mind also helped me respond to the stress of dealing with NHL and my treatments. I actually relaxed everyday with a hypnosis tape by Julie Griffin called “Cancer Be Gone.” This tape helped me engage in positive thoughts and imagine myself as cancer free. I reaffirm myself constantly with positive messages. I think of how strong my body is, how good it feels most of the time. I talk to my insides and repeat to myself, “I am strong and healthy” to help keep myself focused and determined. Believe me it hasn’t always been easy. My chemo treatments lasted about 7-8 hours each session. The different side effects I experienced were nausea, achy body, fatigue, hair loss, constipation, diarrhea, sometimes loss of taste, mouth sores, and the worst for me was

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dry mouth. I was so grateful that I still had my eyesight that I handled my hair loss quite well. I was very fortunate that my appetite remained pretty healthy and I tried to exercise often by going for short walks. After my third chemo I had a CT scan of my chest and abdomen area. The scan showed that 50% of the cancer had disappeared. We were quite excited about the great news. Just before my fifth chemo my eye started getting some of the same symptoms as before my surgery swollen, blurry vision, and fluid in my eyelids. I made an appointment with Dr. Erickson. Two days I had a MRI which showed another tumor had grown around my eye. I had my fifth chemo that next day and my doctors decided to start 17 radiation treatments three weeks later. The doctors were hoping the chemo would take care of the orbit area but it only masked the symptoms. I completed my radiation on April 14th and my last chemo on April 15th. Now it is time for my body to heal. My PET scan is scheduled for June 1st and I feel positive I am in remission right now. Recently I was honored as the 2009 River Valley Chamber of Commerce

Proud Supporter of Relay For Life Rumford Power 43 Industrial Park Rd. Rumford, ME 04276 T: (207) 364-7399 F: (207) 364-7382

Volunteer of the Year. I am deeply honored and grateful to have been chosen for this wonderful award. I have had the privilege of being a director on the board for the River Valley Chamber of Commerce for the last fifteen years. I became involved in volunteer groups because I was interested in helping people. It has enriched my life.

I encourage others to become their own health advocate. You know your own body better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to insist on tests if you think something about your health is wrong. It may save your life. I know it did mine.

Now I am on receiving end. The words “Thank You” hardly seem enough for all the amazing people that come together for you when you are going through a difficult time.

Survivor

I would like to thank my husband, Jack, my family, my FSB family, and all my special friends that supported me during my illness. All the wonderful meals, gifts, cards, e-mails, telephone calls, letters, trips to the doctors, rides to Lewiston for radiation, lunch dates, and especially the visits. The support and encouragement I’ve received has been tremendous and overwhelming. This support has given me the strength to stay determined and strong. I have a wonderful loving family and that’s what keeps me positive and hopeful. I am truly blessed with good friends that are so supportive.

C h e r i s h Ye s t e r d a y, D r e a m Tomorrow, Live Today.

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The confidence I receive from them gave me the strength I needed to get well and not be a victim of the illness. They helped boost my mental outlook and that’s half the battle of this disease. The next phase of my journey presents a different challenge – figuring out how to live a happy and productive life with constant fear that the cancer will come back. When or Where? Living with lymphoma doesn’t have to mean losing control and it’s not going to dictate how I live my life. If you believe you can get well, that is the power. And that power of belief might just heal you from cancer or other serious diseases. Live in the present, believe in tomorrow.

Attention Seniors! Has your Medicare Supplement premium recently increased?