Facing Cancer with Love & Laughter
A program provided by the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support & Athens
Regional Foundation in partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
“The Big Picture: Genes and Cancer Risk”
Alice Kerber, APNG
Call 706-475-4900 to make reservations
WHAT’S INSIDE
Facing Cancer With Love &
Laughter Support Group
1
IN THEIR SHOES WALK
1
Where Miracles Happen & Hope is Born
2
IN THEIR SHOES WALK
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Joel Siebentritt, LCSW
What’s Coming Up...
2
Tai Chi EASY
3
Guided Relaxation
3
Hormone Therapy Class
3
Support Programs and
Ongoing Therapies
3
Foundation Perspective
4
The 9th Annual In Their Shoes
13.1 mile walk to benefit
The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
where services are offered free of charge and would not be
possible without your support!
All funds raised in the Walk stay local!
Walk! Volunteer!! Donate!!!
Only 24 days from October 1st ‘til we walk
Lauren L. Griffeth, Ph.D.
Donations
4&7
OCTOBER Calendar
5&6
I Am Where I Am Supposed to Be
7
Caroline Sharkey, MSW Intern
Patient Profile
8
Tom Cooney, Volunteer
Healing Touch / Reiki
8
Look Good Feel Better
8
CancerCare Education Workshops
8
Around the ARMC Community
9
Why I Chose to Have the Test
9
YOU Are the Reason We Walk
For more information call 706-475-3301,
email: [email protected] or visit ww.intheirshoesathens.org
Susan Nemetz, BSN, RN, OCN
Percentage Night Benefiting LSCCS
Professional Caregiver Training
1199 Prince Ave.
9
10
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 475-4900
www.athenshealth.org/LoranSmithCenter
JOEL’S JOURNAL…
Where Miracles Happen and Hope is Born
I may be the least qualified to talk about what it means to
walk “in their shoes.” I’m not a cancer survivor. My own
family’s cancer history is a distant one and far removed
from the immediate cancer related stresses pressing on
colleagues, friends, parents, siblings, children and others you and I
know; people we keep in our minds and hold close in our hearts. But
I’m here nonetheless, as a humble witness to the realities of living
with and living beyond cancer.
I like our In Their Shoes motto: Who Will You Walk For….? It is a
question that presumes we’re not here just for ourselves but for
someone else. I’m convinced we all need to get outside of ourselves
as much as we can; open our eyes to somebody else’s reality. It’s not
easy. The few times I have truly been able to do this, I was struck
with gratitude and motivated to act on behalf of another person.
That’s what walking In Their Shoes is all about; putting yourself aside
long enough to almost feel what its like to be the other person.
To walk in someone else’s shoes is to carry their burden for awhile; to
imagine as vividly as possible what it means to be sick, to be anxious,
to be confronted with a list of questions you hoped you would never
have to ask; handed an entirely new medical vocabulary, and a long
list of physicians each with their own strengths and limitations, office
staffs, waiting rooms, and billing specialists. To walk in their shoes is
to imagine what it’s like to be cut on, to lose hair, appetite, sleep,
physical and emotional control and your sense of dignity; to endure
chemo week after week, to endure fatigue that never grows tired, and
financial hardship that can linger for years after treatment is over.
To walk in someone else’s shoes is also to sit and listen to a caregiver
long enough to hear the helplessness she feels when her loved one is
hurting. It is observing the unflagging determination of a physician
fighting alongside their patient with great compassion until every
treatment option is exhausted.
To walk in their shoes is to embrace a friend who grieves, to know
humility, to realize we are all vulnerable, to receive the gift of being
cared for by somebody else. It is to learn and grow and become a
better person by sharing someone else’s hardship. I believe without a
doubt that shared hardship is where miracles happen and where hope
is born! Walk with us on October 25 to celebrate the miracles and
spread the hope.
This month, we bring you many views on the cancer experience. Our
newest breast patient navigator, Susan Irwin, RN speaks about breast
health and the Breast Health Center at ARMC (pg 7). Susan Nemetz,
RN, reflects on her own decision to seek genetic counseling and testing (pg 9). And Tom Cooney interviewed “Laura” who has faced two
separate cancers (pg 6). Finally, take time in October to consider why
its important to support the Loran Smith Center!
w h a t ’s c o m i n g u p . . .
OCTOBER 2014
1
Intermediate Tai Chi, 3rd class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
6
Look Good...Feel Better, beauty techniques and
support for women with cancer. 6—8:00pm.
Registration is required.
7
Writing Circle, 1—3:00 pm
15 Facing Cancer With Love & Laughter, general support group, lunch and learn. 11:30 am—1:00 pm.
Reservation for lunch is required.
21 Writing Circle, 1—3:00 pm
25 In Their Shoes Walk, 8:00 am start
28 Tai Chi Easy, 1st class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
NOVEMBER 2014
3
Look Good...Feel Better, beauty techniques and
support for women with cancer. 10:00 am—12:00 pm
Registration is required.
4
Tai Chi Easy, 2nd class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
4
Writing Circle, 1—3:00 pm
7
Professional Training Program, 8:30 am—4:30 pm
11 Tai Chi Easy, 3rd class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
18 Tai Chi Easy, 4th class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
18 Writing Circle, 1—3:00 pm
19 Facing Cancer With Love & Laughter, general support group, lunch and learn. 11:30 am—1:00 pm.
Reservation for lunch is required.
DECEMBER 2014
1
Look Good...Feel Better, beauty techniques and
support for women with cancer. 6—8:00pm.
Registration is required.
2
Writing Circle, 1—3:00 pm
3
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, 9:00 am—4:00 pm
8
Writing Workshop, 2—4:00 pm
9
Tai Chi Refresher, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
10 Hormone Therapy Class, 10:00 am—12:00 pm
16 Writing Circle, 1—3:00 pm
If I Had Known
by Mary Caroline Davies
2
If I had known the trouble you were bearing;
What griefs were in the silence of your face;
I would have been more gentle and more caring;
And tried to give you space.
I would have brought more warmth to the place,
If I had known.
If I had known what thoughts despairing drew you;
Why do we never try to understand?
I would have lent a little friendship to you.
And slipped my hand within your hand,
And made your stay more pleasant in the land,
If I had known.
17 Facing Cancer With Love & Laughter, general support group, lunch and learn. 11:30 am—1:00 pm.
Reservation for lunch is required.
25 CHRISTMAS DAY, Center Closed
For Reservations or information call 706-475-4900 or
email [email protected]
Programs listed are FREE
Some programs are open to family members and
caregivers. Participants must be over 18 years of
age. Please inquire at the Center regarding the
specifics of each program.
Tai Chi EASY
4-Week Workshop
Tuesdays, October 28—November 18, 2014
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
This class is for cancer patients and survivors who are NEWER to
the Tai Chi workshops taught by Valerie Fagan
Facilitator- Valerie L. Fagan, LCSW
Certified in Women’s Health Qi Gong, Teacher for the Institute
of Integral Qi Gong and Tai Chi, Certified Level 1 Community
Practice Leader
Pre-registration is required. Please call 706-475-4900
or email [email protected]
These classes are sponsored by the In Their Shoes Walk
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Brain Tumor Support & Education Group
1st Tuesday of the month
Next meeting October 7th, 5:30—7:00 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group
2nd Thursday of the month
Next meeting October 9th , 5:30—7:00 pm
Coming to Grips with Chronic Illness
2nd Tuesday of the month
Next meeting October 14th, 11:00 am—12:30 pm
Facing Cancer With Love & Laughter
3rd Wednesday of the month
Topic: Updates in Genetic Counseling & Testing
Speaker: Alice Kerber, APNP
Next meeting October 15th, 11:30 am—1:00 pm
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
2nd Tuesday of the month,
Next meeting October 14th, 1:00—2:30 pm
Ostomy Support Group
Next meeting October 12th, 2:00—3:30 pm
Keep
Calm
and
Practice
Guided
Relaxation
Thursdays * 1 - 2 * Healing Lodge
Hormone Therapy for
Breast Cancer Patients
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
10:00 am-12:00 pm
The Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge
240 Talmadge Drive
This class includes:
• The research behind this treatment & how it works
• Ways to manage side effects
• Strategies for decision making
• Effective communication
For women on hormonal therapy for breast cancer
(Tamoxifen, Arimidex, Aromasin or Femara)
For more information or to register for classes and workshops call
706-475-4900 or email [email protected]
Prostate Cancer Support Group
2nd Thursday of each month
Next meeting October 9th, 7:00—8:30 pm
Topic: Strengthening Your Core and Pelvic Floor
Speaker: Teresa Mourneault, DPT, Physical Therapist
ONGOING THERAPY AND CLASSES
Guided Relaxation Hour
Thursdays, 1:00—2:00 pm
Healing Touch
Tuesdays, 1:00 and 2:15 pm by appointment
Reiki
Wednesdays, 6 and 7 pm, by appointment
Yoga for All Breast Cancer Patients & Survivors
Mondays, 5:00—7:00 pm
Yoga for All Cancer Patients
Thursdays, 10:00 am—12:00 pm
Yoga for Men With Cancer
Tuesdays, 5:30—7:30 pm
For a full description and information about the services and
programs offered by the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support go to the website: www.athenshealth.org/
LoranSmithCenter. You may also call 706-475-4900 or
email [email protected].
Some programs are open to family members and
caregivers. Please inquire at the Center regarding
the specifics of each program.
Participants in workshops, programs, and support
groups must be over 18 years of age.
Did you know…
The cancer care programs at
Athens Regional Medical Center are accredited by the
Commission on Cancer
3
From the Foundation...
“Perspective”
by Lauren L. Griffeth, Ph.D., Athens Regional
Foundation
Abraham Lincoln said it best, “We can complain that rose bushes have thorns or rejoice
that thorn bushes have roses.” Any way we look at life, it is
all about perspective.
At the Athens Regional Foundation, we feel that gifts from
the heart are the best kinds of gifts to receive. In my role as
a development professional, I often hear folks talk about why
they give, and more often than not, people give because
their perspective is focused on making a difference by helping others.
Constantly, I am moved by the stories that our supporters
share. Last week, a giver talked with me about how he donated in memory of his wife in order to help others who are
facing a difficult cancer diagnosis.
Givers understand that if they are donating to honor a person’s memory or leave a legacy, the best way they can do
that is to support programs and services on the front lines
such as the work of the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support. No matter if your gift is small or large, current or
planned, each gift is important. Our perspective is to remain
grateful and to recognize the heart and intention of the
giver.
Thanks for all of your support.
Our loving thanks for the following donations
August 14 – September 15, 2014
LORAN SMITH CENTER FOR
CANCER SUPPORT
Michael & Tonya Connor
George's Lowcountry Table
Sabrina Kennedy
Peggy Monroe
Edna Nix
Mary Osterbrock
Larry Petroff
In honor of Marci Ann Salyer
Misty Cato
In memory of Julia Acker Van Mol
Donnie & Judy Mitchell
In memory of Ruth Carpenter
Martha Pollack
The Healing Garden
In memory of Kenneth Rockey
Scott and Mimi Fargo
Tammy Gilland
Frank and Irene Seagraves
Medication Assistance Fund
University Cancer and
Blood Center Staff
In Their Shoes
Enyinnaya Abarikwu
Edward & Page Allen
Stephanie Arp
Wayne Austin
Bobby & Sandra Ayers
Jeff & Olga Bannister
Richard Barton
4
Shannon Bear
Roy & Debbie Bell
Sidney & Donna Bell
Suzanne Bell
Leona Benkoski
Bernstein Funeral Home
Benjie & Mindi Biscoglia
Barbara Block
Cliff & Diana Bonds
Boswell Oil Company
Cindy Bounds
Ellen Bryson
Rhett Butler
John & Marsha Carpenter
Emily Carr
Carson Advisory, Inc.
Martha Cartee
Jim & Sue Carter
Suzanne Carter
Sue Casper
Ronald Cervero
Mark Christenson
Kevin Clancey
Cindy Cofer
Mary Cofer
David & Frances Coleman
Michael & Kathy Coleman
Jack & Melba Collins
David Conner
Elaine Cook
Dean & Genevieve Cooke
Wesley Copeland
Belita Courtney
Hope Cymerman
Brooke Daniel
Cindy Daniel
Barbara Davis
Gwynelle Delay
Shefali Dhar
Sandra Dixon
Marcia Dufresne
Colleen Dunahoo
Mike & Kathryn Edmonds
Carolann Eisenhart
Mack & Valerie Elder
Debbie Elrod
Empire Fire Protection
Peggy Evatt
The Foley Family
Janet Fong
Chris & Barb Fox
Patricia Garrett
Peggy Gates
Craig Gieler
Jeremy Geyer
Tammy Gilland
Gay Gragson
Linda Griffiths
Joyce Haefele
Suzanne Hall
Marguerite Koepke &
Bart Hamburg
Matt & Cindy Hardigree
Max & Carol Harrell
Frank & Kay Harris
Steve & Jessica Harris
Dianne Harrison
Jimmie & Sarah Harrison
Patricia Hart
Peggy Bencina &
James Hembree
Shelton Hill
Hodgson's Pharmacy
Mike Holloway
Tracy Howington
Larry & Joanne Huff
Joe & Stephanie Hunt
Martie Hutchens
John Hyland
Ila Restaurant, LLC
Christina Karna
Kevin & Nan Kelly
Tammy Kemper
James & Ruth Lahiff
In Honor of the dedicated staff
at Gumucio Plastic Surgery
Constance Lavelle
Bob & Jane Legg
Gail Lindsey
Faye Lively
Helen Lohmeier
Chuck Lombardo
Bob & Judy Lonergan
Frederick Long
Scott & Ellie Long
Linda Lovejoy
Danny Mack
Patricia MacKensie
Ann & Chet Malanoski
Julie Malone
Monica Matheson
Paul Maultsby
Becky & Patrick McCaskey
Will & Casey McGough
John & Carol McKinley
Jack McKinney
Bobby & Jamie McKnight
Medical Center of Athens, Inc.
Maurice & Terri Milikin
Roy & Linda Mintz
Rose Mitchell
Barbara Muratore
Tim & Stacey Murphy
Maxine Myers
Kirt & Lacey Oliver
Bob & Marian Olyha
OmniSourceSE
Oral Surgery Associates
Penny Overcash
Laurence Pagnoni
Pat Parks
Ruth Parten
Tiffany Peebles
Richard & Jennie Pettigrew
Rachel Phillips
Terri Pilgrim
Pink Umbrella BUNCO
Martha Pollack
Cathy Poole
5
October 2014 – Life Renewing Events & Activities
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
6
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
6:00 Look Good Feel Better
12
13
14
11:00 am Chronic Illness
Support Group
1:00 pm Gynecologic Support Group
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
6:00 pm Grief Workshop
20
21
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
2:00 pm
Ostomy
Support
Group
19
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
1:00 Writing Circle
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
6:00 pm Grief Workshop
27
26
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
7
1:00 Writing Circle
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
5:30 pm Brain Tumor Support Group
28
10:30 am Tai Chi EASY
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
6:00 pm Grief Workshop
8
10:30 am Intermediate
Tai Chi
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki by appt
15
11:30 am Facing Cancer
With Love & Laughter
Support Group
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki by appt
9
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
5:30 pm Breast Cancer Support
Group
7:00 pm Prostate Cancer Support Group
22
11
17
18
24
25
9th Annual
In Their
Shoes Walk
8:30 am
Heart Walk
23
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki by appt
29
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki by appt
10
Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society
Light the Night Walk
16
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
Saturday
3 4
2
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
10:30 am Intermediate
Tai Chi
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki by appt
5
Friday
30
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
31
HALLOWEEN
Events benefiting Athens Regional Medical Center’s
Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support and Breast Health Center
Date
September 30
October 2
Event
Oconee County Chamber of Commerce
Women In Business Council
Speaker – Tamara Michaux, Breast Cancer
Survivor & Loran Smith Center volunteer
Mayor Nancy Denson’s Signing of Breast
Cancer Awareness
Month Proclamation
Pig Out in Pink sponsored by NuCraft Dental
October 9
Arts – benefiting the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Care
Laugh-A-Yoga for Cancer Support inOctober 15
October 24
October 25
cludes laughter, stress reduction & relaxation
benefiting the Loran Smith Center for Cancer
Support
In Their Shoes
October 28
2:00-2:30 pm
Athens City Hall
5:30-7:30 pm
1551 Jennings Mill Road
FREE & Family Friendly
5:30 – 6:30 pm ARMC Medical Services
Building 3rd Floor FREE - Suggested donation: $10
11:30 am-1:00 pm
Athens First United Methodist Church
9th Annual In Their Shoes Walk
8:00 am-2:00 pm
Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
Hosted by the Golden Girls of Athens
Benefiting the Loran Smith Center for Cancer
Support
6:00 pm
Suite 220, One Press Place
Athens (Located on Thomas Street, ABH
Building)
Tickets are $40 per person & available
at the Athens Regional Foundation
Benefiting the Breast Health Center
Admission: $10 per person/Kids under 10 FREE
2:00 pm
Elizabeth Springs Farm
2561 Old Farmington Road
Watkinsville
10th Anniversary Celebration of the
Breast Health Center
4:00-5:00 pm
Medical Services Building
Pink Out Rodeo & Family Fun Day
October 26
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Oconee State Bank
Operations Center
7920 Macon Highway
Walker Appreciation Luncheon
2nd Annual 50 Shades of Pink Affair
October 25
Details
6
Donations Continued
April Pugh
Eric Quirion
Andrew Rasmussen
Republic Salon
Janet Rodekohr
Merle Royston
Stacey Russell
Nicole Saxon
Jennifer Saye
Karen Schlager
Joyce Scobel
Tim & Allison Seabolt
Kathy Sego
Silver Lane Advisors
Howard & Claudine Smith
Kirk & Jayne Smith
Margie Ree Smith
Tommy & Margie Sorrells
South State Bank
Lloyd & Judy Southwick
Tom & Sharon Stephens
Harold Stephenson
Jim Ann Stewart
Kent Studdard
TherapySouth
Angela Grace Tidwell
Mike & Elaine Tomasini
Nancy Turco
Joe & June Turnell
John & Shirley Upchurch
Bruce & Barbara Vaughn
Ed & Sylvia Walker
Walmart Foundation
Donna Ware
Jeannie West
Betty Whelchel
Whitehead Trucking
James Whitestone
Marlo & Glen Wiggans
Ralph & Janet Wilkinson
Cary & Amy Williams
E. H. & Joanne Williams
Margaret Williams
Julie Willis
Dorothy Wilson
I Am Where I Am Supposed to Be!
Lyle & Susan Wilson
Robin & Martha Wilson
Carolyn Winn
Roger & Pat Winston
Evelyn Wood
Rosemary Wood
Harry & Linda Woods
Sandra Worley
Cheryl Wunsch
WWF INC
Waymon & Betty Wynn
Fred Young
Leonia Youngblood
New Walkers
Caroline Alter
Melissa Black
Catherine Bourg
Brian Buck
Barbara Davis
Craig Gieler
Brett Glenn
Anne Hansen
Helene Hendon
Laurie Hightower
Grace Jenkins
McKinley King
Vicki Long
Jacelyn McCall
Macey McDaniel
Jackie Parker
Michael Petty
Alice Pruitt
Lauren Richards
Sally Sheppard
Justine Sher
Paige Wallace
by Caroline Sharkey, MSW Intern
The state-of-the-art Breast Health Center provides
mammograms, breast ultrasounds with 3-D ultrasound, and image-guided biopsies. The Breast
Health Center is also known for its Mobile Mammography unit which helps to bring breast screenings to the community at large. What really makes the Breast
Health Center unique is its focus on one-on-one guidance and
emotional support to patients with a cancer diagnosis in tandem
with the support services offered by LSCCS. New to the BHC is
Susan Irwin, who in December 2013 joined Athens Regional as a
Breast Health Nurse Navigator. Susan has an extensive background in nursing, working as an ER nurse and more recently a
pre-op short stay nurse. In these experiences, Susan found herself
working with patients with breast cancer diagnoses whose questions and uncertainties drew her to working more closely with
them. Her interest in providing strong diagnostic, preventative,
and empathic care to patients led her to seek out a position in
breast care. According to Susan, “the unknown is the worst and if
you can be told ‘this is what’s going to happen next and I’m going
to be there for you’ then it helps you to make the right choices
about your care.”
CS: What do you feel are the most important things people
need to know about breast health?
SI: First, regular screenings are the gold standard. They
provide a comparative tool to see if there are changes in
the breast. Also, patients need to be vigilant about speaking to their primary or specialty care physicians if a lump is
discovered and follow-up with a visit for diagnostics. Take
your health seriously and make those appointments. I always tell my patients if you take care of yourself then you
can be there to enjoy and take care of others.
CS: What do you want people to know about the Breast
Health Center?
SI: We provide a full-range of integrated services. We have
a large enough volume of patients to make us truly experienced in the latest news regarding breast cancer, but we
remain manageable enough in our numbers that we can
really serve the patients in a personal way. You are not
lost in a crowd here.
CS: What unique things about you do you bring to breast
health care?
SI: I have a personal experience with my husband having a
serious health problem in 2008 and I can empathize with
patients facing a diagnosis and the kinds of questions and
feelings that might come up. Today, he is doing fine, but
that experience gives me an insight as to what my patients
need from me as a care provider. My strong faith gives me
a perspective and foundation that really makes me who I
am. I also am kind of goofy and bring humor to my patient
care when they need to laugh! I believe that I am where I
am supposed to be.
Yes, Susan, you are exactly where you need to be. Thank you
and welcome!
For more information, to register for a class or workshop, or
to receive the newsletter, please call 706-475-4900
or email [email protected]
7
Patient Profile
H E A L IN G T O U C H
by Tom Cooney
When Laura was in her mid-sixties, her mammogram indicated the possibility of breast cancer.
A second mammogram and a subsequent biopsy
confirmed the presence of cancer, Stage 3. Her
lumpectomy was followed by 38 radiation treatments (she
declined chemotherapy). Three days after completion of the
radiation, Laura had considerable pain in the affected breast.
An infection was found which perhaps had been there for
some time but muted given the radiation treatment. The infection was removed surgically but required a nurse for 111
days to open the wound, cleanse it, and repack and seal the
wound. A form of crystallized iodine was used to help prevent
any reoccurring infection but Laura then became allergic to
the iodine--a circumstance which unfortunately required her
to "grin and bear it." Eventually this cancer episode was resolved. In retrospect, Laura conjectured that removal of the
breast might have been the better option.
The goal of Healing Touch is to restore the
balance of energy within the human body.
Healing Touch manages tension,
sleeplessness,
anxiety and nerves.
Robin Johnson
Therapist
By appointment Tuesdays at 1:00 & 2:15 pm.
Approximately six years later, Laura and her daughter were
visiting family members and they decided to see an Imax
movie. This required climbing some stairs which left Laura
breathless. Something was terribly wrong. Her daughter put
her on a plane to return home so she could see a pulmonologist. The pulmonologist was consulted but referred her to a
thoracic surgeon who scheduled a biopsy with possible surgery. On the day of surgery, the thoracic surgeon asked Don
to remain near the phone in the waiting room where the entire family had gathered. The first lymph node examined was
cancerous which led the surgeon to call Don from the operating room and request permission to remove the lung. Don
consented. The good news was that the other removed lymph
nodes all tested negative following surgery. Laura was again
cancer free and required no additional treatments, although
the resulting pain was horrific.
For appointments, please call 706-475-4900
or email [email protected]
Although the physicians indicated life expectancy to be about
5 years from date of surgery, Laura is now 8 years from that
date and generally doing well. She suffers from COPD in her
remaining lung and has required an oxygen tank to support her
breathing since surgery. While Laura is thankful for being
cancer and pain free, she has had to adjust her life style as
she had always been a very active person. Nevertheless she
enjoys family and friends and is thankful for the loving support she has received from all. She considers herself more
patient and tolerate of others than she perceived was previously the case. Her cancer experiences reinforced family
unity as each family member, especially Don, stepped forward
to assist Laura in her time of need. Understandably, the experience was marked by considerable fear for all (Laura: I was
scared to death), yet it brought a closely knit family even
closer together. She is more emotional now whenever she
sees a TV program that involves people, especially children,
suffering from cancer.
Cancer is not a stranger to Laura's biological family. Her father had lung cancer and her daughter has been treated for
breast cancer. Her physicians do not believe there is any connection between her two occurrences of cancer. Laura encourages others to stay close to their Lord through prayer and
thanks the good Lord for her ability to enjoy life. Laura offered that the sharing of her story was therapeutic and enabled her to gain a better perspective about her cancer surgeries without reliving the difficult choices she had made.
R EI K I
“Ray-kee” is an ancient healing art used
for stress reduction and relaxation, helping to balance the body’s energy.
By appointment
Wednesdays at 6:00 and 7:00 pm.
Bobby Tyler
Therapist
These offerings are sponsored by the In Their Shoes Walk
LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER
An American Cancer Society program offering FREE makeup, skin care, hair/wig care
for ladies currently going through chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Cosmetics
are donated by major cosmetic companies.
Specially trained cosmetologists will present the program.
Monday, October 6th, 6—8:00 pm and
Monday, November 3rd, 10:00 am—12:00 noon
Call 706-475-4900 to register
Upcoming CancerCare®
Telephone Education Workshop
For more information call the CancerCare® toll-free line at
1-800-813-HOPE (4673) and ask to be connected to the
CancerCare® Education Department or visit them at their
website www.cancercare.org.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Telephone Education Workshops are scheduled from 1:30-2:30 pm, E.S.T.
October 2014
8
Living with Metastic Breast Cancer
10 Understanding the Role of Biomakers in the Care and
Treatment of People Living with Cancer, Part II of Informed Decisions Making by Harnessing Technology:
Personalized Care
29 Advances in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer
30 Update on Early Stage Breast Cancer
31 Triple Negative Breast Cancer and African American
Women
For more information or to register for classes and workshops call 706-475-4900 or email [email protected]
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IN and AROUND the ARMC Community
SAVE THIS DATE
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Athens Regional Health System is hosting the annual
Howard Stroud Community Health Series
Howard Stroud was a community leader, a professional educator,
and served on the Athens Regional Board of Directors. In his
memory, Athens Regional annually hosts a symposium focused on
the health concerns of African Americans.
The event will be held in the
Athens Regional Medical Services Building
Watch for more information in the near future.
The Mind Body Institute
at Athens Regional Medical Center
If you enjoy participating in the programs at the Loran
Smith Center, you might consider these programs offered through the Mind Body Institute.
♦ Evidence-Based Complementary Treatment
for Symptom Management
♦ Acupuncture
♦ Massage Therapy
♦ Counseling and Psychotherapy
♦ Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
♦ Therapeutic Yoga
♦ Tai Chi/Chi Gong
For information or to schedule an appointment,
call 706-475-7330, Monday through Thursday.
Living Well With Diabetes - Community Classes
Monday, October 6, 2014, 6:00-7:00 pm
Topic: Foot Health
Speaker: Dexter Joyner, DPT, CWS, CHT
Why I Chose to Have the Test
by Susan Nemetz, BSN, RN, OCN
Genetic Counseling helps you understand your true
risks and what you can do to lower those risks. It
helps you work through all of your questions so you
can make a decision based on your goals and values
instead of emotion or fear.
Deciding whether to get genetic information is not easy. The
availability of genetic information raises numerous questions.
How can I use what I learn? Could this information be used
against me? How will I feel if a genetic variant is discovered?
Are my children at risk? How will I tell them and other family
members? If I know a variant is in the family do I really want to
know if I inherited it?
I first considered counseling and testing because of my age when
I was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, there was little
other family history of cancer, my health insurance didn’t cover
testing, and treatment decisions had already been made.
Over time my family history changed. I reviewed my situation
periodically, but the test was expensive and insurance still did
not cover it. The turning point came many years later when I had
a recurrence of cancer. Additionally, there were now multiple
family members with various cancers, several of whom were diagnosed before the age of 50. I felt it was time for me to know if
genetic testing could help guide my medical management, possibly prevent other cancers, and help protect other family members. Insurance coverage was now available, but I also learned
that there are grants available for people who qualify to help
cover what insurance doesn’t. I felt comfortable dealing with
whatever the results might be. I was nervous about talking with
family, but they were eager to know what I found out and what
they should do for themselves.
One of the greatest benefits was getting a family health history
(in picture form) that included 3 generations made for my family.
I made copies and passed them out to all the nieces, nephews,
and my son. Seeing that family tree really struck my family
members. And, now they have a document so they won’t have to
rely solely on memory.
It’s important to remember you are not committed to testing if
you receive counseling, and you may find that you are not at risk
for a genetic variant or that testing should start with someone
else in your family. The counseling does give you knowledge and
knowledge is empowering. It focuses your questions, clears your
understanding, and allows you to make the decision that is right
for you.
Monday, November, 3, 2014, 6pm-7pm
Kroger at Epps Bridge Rd.
Grocery Store Tour
Margaret Earnest, RD, LD, CDE
In Their Shoes
Athens Regional Medical Services Building, 3rd Floor
Taqueria La Parrilla, Homewood Hills
For more information and to register call 706-475-5600
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014
5:00—10:00 pm
night at
2439 Jefferson Road, Athens, GA 30606
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
presents the annual
Light the Night Event
Friday, October 10, 2014
5:30 pm
The Classic Center
300 N. Thomas Street, Athens, GA
20% of ALL sales goes to In Their Shoes
Join us to celebrate the
9th Annual In Their Shoes Walk
Thanks to Alonso & Adrian Haro
for benefiting the Loran Smith Center
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“Hope and courage through support and information”
Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
1199 Prince Avenue
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 475-4900/475-3428
Professional Caregiver CEU Program - SignSign - up Now
Self-Care for the Professional Caregiver
Building Resiliency: A Path to Wellness
This is an experiential workshop that offers a variety of portable techniques to
add to your toolbox as a professional caregiver.
6 Core NASW-GA approved CEUs
♦ Identify areas of distress in your own life and the cost of caring
♦ Learn new research about the mind-body connection and basic techniques to rewire your brain.
♦ Increase knowledge and understanding about current evidence-based research in meditation mindfulness and tai chi.
♦ Explore and experience alternative types of breath practice, mindfulness meditation and tai chi.
♦ Create an individual plan for health and well-being.
Friday, November 7, 2014, 8:30 a.m.—4:15 p.m.
The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
240 Talmadge Drive, Athens, Georgia
Facilitated by Mona Taylor, LCSW and Valerie Fagan, LCSW
Space is limited, lunch is provided. Early registration is recommended. Registration Fee: $99.00
Please direct inquiries to the Loran Smith Center at 706-475-4900
or email [email protected]
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