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, November 19, 2014
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
“Your Holiday Table - Laden with Healthy Holiday Fare”
Margaret Earnest, Registered Dietician
Call 706-475-4900 to make reservations
Facing Cancer With Love &
Laughter Support Group
1
As of October 23rd, when we sent this newsletter to the printer there
were 132 registered I N T H E I R SH O E S walkers, plus sponsors and
other fund raisers who have raised in excess of $161,000.00.
IN THEIR SHOES WALK
1
The final totals plus lots of 2014 walk pictures will be featured in the
December Loran Smith Center newsletter
Holiday Open House
1
Mom, Mentor and Caregiver
2
WHAT’S INSIDE
Joel Siebentritt, LCSW
Join Us for a Holiday Open House
and Tree Trimming
High Risk Lung Screening
2
What’s Coming Up...
2
When:
When
Wed., December 3, 2014
Meet Casey Bryant
3
Time:
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Guided Relaxation
3
Place:
The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support and
Hormone Therapy Class
3
Support Programs and
Ongoing Therapies
3
From the Foundation
4
The GriffinGriffin-DuBose Healing Lodge
Come and join us for spiced cider and
holiday treats and tie a yuletide ribbon
Steven Dasher
Donations
4&7
November & December Calendars
5&6
Patient Profile
8
Tom Cooney, Volunteer
on the branches of the tree in honor or
memory of someone affected by cancer.
We will have colored ribbons - each corresponding to a different cancer or honoring caregivers.
Healing Touch / Reiki
8
The first ribbon will be tied by Greg
Look Good Feel Better
8
Smith, formerly of ARMC, who do-
CancerCare Education Workshops
8
nated the tree in memory of his sister,
Around the ARMC Community
9
Gail Kay Smith. Greg’s family owns 7
Cultivating A Resilient Soul Retreat
9
G’s Farms in Nicholson, where they spe-
Celebrate Our Caregivers
9
cialize in Leyland Cypress.
Casey Bryant, BSW, Intern
Tai Chi and Writing Workshops
1199 Prince Ave.
10
Athens, GA 30606
We hope you can join us for this very
special event.
(706) 475-4900
www.athenshealth.org/LoranSmithCenter
JOEL’S JOURNAL…
w h a t ’s c o m i n g u p . . .
Mom, Mentor and Caregiver
Overwhelmed by the demands of five young children, mom
admitted feeling guilty when my first grade teacher informed her that I could read. She had missed that milestone and regretted not taking the time to encourage me.
I don’t blame my mother. She did the best she could.
A caregiver from the start, Mom’s career began as a nurse. She received her RN from Mount St. Joseph’s in Cincinnati, Ohio. Marriage
and child-rearing curtailed her work outside the home, but caregiving
remained the core of her existence as you might imagine. Her sixth
child arrived in mom’s forty-third year, locking her in for another
long stretch, though we all pitched in where we could. It was during
those years that she taught me, more than ever, the important elements of caregiving.
Inspired by a pastoral counseling team who took note of her abilities
to connect and empathize, Mom went back to school to study counseling. She earned her masters degree in her mid-forties and hung a
shingle in her home-office: Elise Siebentritt, Marriage and Family
Therapist. Her practice thrived and her colleagues were many. She
saw clients regardless of their ability to pay. In fact, she bartered
her services on many occasions.
Mom saw something in me too. As a teen and young adult she encouraged me to discover my own gifts and use them in service to others. She was my first mentor. She listened with interest and intention. She held her piece at times, knowing there were things I had to
learn in my own way and my own time. After leaving home we corresponded; letters to mom were stream of consciousness, nothing held
back. Trust was our bond.
Alzheimer’s disease crept up on mom. Took her words. Scrambled
her thoughts. Stole the present moment from her being. Dad was
always at her side but my siblings and I each did our part over the
next 10 years. The caregiving path was beyond difficult. It brought
us to breaking points. Family communication was frequent but
strained. We suffered under competing caregiver demands common
to the so-called “sandwich” generation. But, we did it. We followed
mom to her life’s edge, and she was gone. Her life and love continue
to guide and inspire my life.
Please take time to honor and remember the caregivers in your life.
In this edition, social work intern, Casey Bryant offers additional perspectives on the caregiver experience (pg 9.) Our Thanksgiving Love
and Laughter program features dietician, Margaret Earnest, who will
share creative ideas for a healthier banquet. Thanks to Sharon B. for
sharing her story (pg 8.) Finally, a heartfelt thanks to the walkers,
volunteers and hundreds of donors who made In Their Shoes 2014 a
great success. Be well, Joel
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
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
JANUARY 2015
1
NEW YEAR’S DAY, Center Closed
6
Writing Circle, 1—3:00 pm
13 Tai Chi Easy, 1st class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
14 Intermediate Tai Chi, 1st class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
20 Tai Chi Easy, 2nd class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
NEW! Lung Screening
for people who are at HIGH risk
Should you consider a Low Dose CT (LDCT) lung screening?
1. Are you between 55 and 74 years of age?
2. Are you a current smoker with a 30 pack per
year history of smoking?
3. Are you a former smoker with a 30 pack per
year history who quit smoking less than 15
years ago?
24 Resiliency Retreat, 8:30 am—2:00 pm
27 Tai Chi Easy, 3rd class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
Rhonda
Bogdanow
Chest Ctr
Coordinator
If you answered yes to the above questions you should speak with
your primary care physician about a referral for LDCT lung screening.
Your physician must call and fax a referral order to the ARMC Chest
Center. Fax: 706-475-5905
2
28 Intermediate Tai Chi, 2nd class, 10:30 am—12:00 pm
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.
Greetings,
My name is Casey Bryant and I am happy to say that I
am a School of Social Work Intern at the Loran Smith
Center for Cancer Support for the 2014-2015 school
term. I am currently in my fourth and final year at the
University of Georgia as a Bachelor of Social Work student with a minor in Child and Family Development. Though I have
lived in Athens since 2009 and consider it to be home, I am originally from the small town of Homerville, GA in the southeastern
region of the state. After two years of being at UGA and a resident
of Athens-Clarke County, I made the decision to dedicate my life to
the service of others. It was at that point I changed my major from
biology and became a student of the school of social work. Soon
after this decision, I took the ultimate leap and enlisted in the
Army National Guard and I have been proudly serving my country
since November 2011. I hope to keep up my pattern of service by
working with the amazing staff here at the Center to provide support and resources to all that seek it. I look forward to meeting you
all and hope to have great experiences and create memories with
everyone at the Center.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Brain Tumor Support & Education Group
1st Tuesday of the month
Next meeting November 4th, 5:30—7:00 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group
2nd Thursday of the month
Next meeting November 13th , 5:30—7:00 pm
Coming to Grips with Chronic Illness
2nd Tuesday of the month
Next meeting November 11th, 11:00 am—12:30 pm
Facing Cancer With Love & Laughter
3rd Wednesday of the month
Topic: “Your Holiday Table-Laden It With Health Fare”
Speaker: Margaret Earnest, Registered Dietician
Next meeting November 19th, 11:30 am—1:00 pm
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group
2nd Tuesday of the month,
Next meeting November 11th, 1:00—2:30 pm
Ostomy Support Group
Next meeting November 9th, 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 November 13th, 7:00—8:30 pm
Topic: Nutrition and Prostate Cancer
Speaker: Neal Priest, MD
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...
“Being Grateful”
by Steven Dasher, Athens Regional Foundation
In this whirlwind time of year, it is often easy to
lose sight of the big picture. As the seasons
change, we move into a time of reflection on the
past year. Spring turned to summer, which has now turned to
autumn. Cooler temperatures and golden leaves only mean
that the holidays are just around the corner. This year as you
think of your to-do list and everything that goes along with the
hustle and bustle, take a moment to be thankful for what you
have: family, friends, and loved ones.
Quite often, I wonder, “What can I buy for that person?” Everyone knows of whom I am speaking. She doesn’t need one
more trinket. Paying it forward can be better than any present. This year, consider making a gift in his or her honor to
the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support. Your gift has the
ability to truly change the lives of those touched by the Center
every day. Each gift that is received, no matter how small or
how large, can make a difference.
John F. Kennedy said it best: “We must find time to stop and
thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” Say
thank you. Be grateful. Change a life today!
Thank you for all of your support!
Our loving thanks for the following donations
September 16—October 14, 2014
LORAN SMITH CENTER FOR
CANCER SUPPORT
It's The Journey, Inc.
Bill Baggs
Michael & Tonya Connor
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Linston
Onofre & Ligaya Paguio
Larry & Kay Petroff
In Memory of Pamela Bradley
Kleiber
Andrew & Lyn Hill
Bill & Donna Hopper
Ken & Teresa Morneault
Jason & Jenny Nesbit
Frank & Lacy Sinkwich
Colin & Jackie Stokes
Todd & Sara Story
Marie & Walter Waidelich
In Memory of Rick Finucan
Mike & Dominique Bennett
In Memory of Barbara Gearhart
Dorothy Balgemann
In Memory of Johnny Meyers
Jim & Andrea Murdock
In Memory of Ken Rockey
Mike & Brenda Goins
4
In Honor of Molly Talley
Community & Southern
Bank, Winder, Staff
In Their Shoes
In Memory of Linda Rodriguez
Bryan & Kathy Davis
In Memory of Mary Norton
Dr. and Mrs. Merrill Norton
In Honor of Brooke Thomas
Jason & Jenny Nesbit
In Honor of Carol Drake
Jimmy Drake
A and A Property
ACC Fire Department
Auxiliary
Ruth Acrey
Blake & Jessy Adams
Penny Adams
Ryan & Jennifer Adams
Terry & Tricia Adams
William & Elaine Addison
Advanced Technology
Services, Inc
Roland & Jean Ahearn
Elizabeth Alter
Meg Amstutz
Neal Anderson
Gay, Heath, & Cole Annin
Kathy Archer
JoAnne Ard
Leon Ash
Clinton & Rebecca Ashford
Athens Downtown
Development Authority
Athens Gastroenterology Center, PC
Athens Marine
Jud & Sarah Doherty
Bar H Barbeque
Juanita Dooley
Barbeque Shack, Mary Hart
Tom & Pam Doonan
John & Susan Barrett
Chuck & Terri Dorsey
Evelyn Barron
Douglas Machines, Inc.
Begnaud & Marshall, LLP
Downtown Athens
Gene & Gloria Bennett
Parking System
Carl Berkland
Jimmy Drake
Moose & Sue Bernt
Ginger Duensing
David & Janice Bjurstrom
Lamar Duncan
Kim Bledsoe
Stan & Pam Durden
Grady Bond
Maura Ahearn &
Dale & Georgina Bowen
Mr. Allan Dushan
Mark Bowen
Eaton Corporation
Jerry & Pat Boyd
Joy Elder
Lee Ann Boyette
Paula Elliott
Brandon L. Esco, DMD, PC
Deborah Elrod
Louise Brice
Betsy Erickson
Holly Brown
Mary Erlanger
Eli & Trudy Budd
Todd & Brittany Farrior
Billy & Angel Buffington
Lynn & Tim Faust
Steve & Jane Bumgarner
Tim Fennell
Linda Burden
Lynn Fey-Duncan
Missy Burgess
Five Points Eye Care
Madeline Burke
Carol Fletcher
Terry Byrd
Lindsey Fodor
Laura Caldwell
Terry & Ann Fohey
Cotton Canfield
Janet Fong
Care To Continue
Mary Ellen Fowler
Charles Carlson
Pat Fowler
Casey's Pro Tire Service
Franklin County Sheriff's
Certus Bank
Department
George & Patsy Chandler
Mike Fulford
Chapelwood United
Molly Gaines
Methodist Women
Steve & Sandra Gamble
Christina Clifton
Mack & Sally Gandy
Julia Collins
Gregory & Kay Garcia
Scott Collins
Rich & Sherry Gardner
Collins/Moody Financial Services
William Gieler
Kathy Colvin
Tammy Gilland
Megan Conley
Drory and Wendy Gold
Chris Conway
Scott & Krista Goldenberg
Mary Conway
Mary Grider
Robert & Kimberly Conway
Ginger Griffith
Marjorie Coons
Betty Griggs
Sam Corry
Brendan & Linda Groarke
Edith Craft
Gumucio Plastic Surgery
Joe & Les Lee Crim
Addison & Janice Hagan
Mark Cross
Susan Haggard
Jamie Dabbs
Fester & Samantha Hagood
Sara Dickinson
Ellen Hanna
Hans-Peter Dietrich
John & Julie Hansen
5
November 2014 – Life Renewing Events & Activities
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
National Caregiver Month
2
3
10:00 am Look Good Feel
Better
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
5
4
10:30 am Tai Chi Easy
1:00 pm 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
6:00 pm Grief Workshop
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki
- by appt
6
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
7
8:30 am Professional Resiliency
Training
8
Howard Stroud
Community Health
Event
9
10
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
11
10:30 am Tai Chi Easy
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
12
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki
- by appt
13
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
14
15
16
17
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
18
10:30 am Tai Chi Easy
1:00 Writing Circle
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
19
11:30 am Facing Cancer With Love &
Laughter Support
Group
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki
- by appt
20
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
21
22
23
24
25
26
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki
- by appt
28
29
2:00 pm Ostomy
Support Group
10:00 am ARMC Staff
Support Group
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
30
10:30 am Tai Chi Easy
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
27
Thanksgiving Day
Center Closed
CENTER CLOSED
December 2014 – Life Renewing Events & Activities
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
2
1
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
4
5
6
8
9
10:30 am General Tai Chi
Refresher
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
10
10:00 am Hormone Therapy Class
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki - by
appt
11
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
12
13
15
16
17
11:30 am Facing Cancer
With Love & Laughter
Support Group
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki - by
appt
18
19
20
23
24
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki - by
appt
26
27
1:00 Writing Circle
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
22
21
Saturday
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
6:00 & 7:00 pm Reiki - by
appt
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
2:00 pm
Ostomy
Support
Group
3
Friday
1:00 Writing Circle
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Brain Tumor Support Group
2:00 pm Writing Workshop
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
14
Thursday
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
5:00 pm Yoga for Breast
Cancer Survivors
6:00 pm Look Good Feel
Better
7
Wednesday
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
30
28
1:00 & 2:15 pm Healing
Touch by appt
5:30 pm Yoga for Men
With Cancer
31
NEW YEAR’S EVE
10:00 am Yoga for Cancer
Patients
1:00 pm Guided Relaxation
25
CHRISTMAS
Center Closed
January 1
Center closed
Center Closed
6
Donations Cont’d from pg 4
Jim & Gail Hanula
Andrea Hausman & Family
Jeffrey & Scottie Henderson
Keeva Henderson
Cecilia Herles
Jonnie Herr
Cassidy Hoehn
Myrtle Hogbin
Joy Holloway
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Joseph & Faye Housley
Preston & Stephanie Howard
Ed & Kim Hoy
Mike & Janie Hoyt
Jim & Joann Hubert
Jane Hutchens
Rita Hutchins
Industrial Mechanical, Inc.
Institutional Trading Services, LLC
Mannfried & Lola Isbell
Ivan Allen Workspace
Jim Belt Inc
Rick Johnson
Steve & Lillian Jones
Karen Kassinger
Mike & Vivi Kempf
Jennifer Kennedy
Barbara Kent
George & Tiara Kent
Gary & Maria Kohl
Bruce & Maria Kolofske
Carole Kolofske
Mary Kramer
Ruth Lahiff
Ken & Nina Lamson
Mark & Cheryl Langston
Johnny Lay
Roy & Cheryl Legette
Craig & Mindy Lehtman
Leona Lehtman
Mary Ellen Leingang
Evelyn LePere
Gail Lester
Susan Levy
Nancy Lindbloom
Jason, Jen, & Lucy Long Family
Mark & Teri Losaw
Lucinda's Breast Friends
Nichole Lunceford
Tony & Sheila Lunsford
Arnett & Barbara Jean Mace
Holly MacMillan
Ann & Chet Malanoski
Neal & Ann Marrano
Masada Leather and Outdoor
Traci Mason
Connie McClain
Shirley McCorkle
Carolyn McCoy
Harry & Paula McDonald
Melissa McDonald
Thomas R. McDonald, DMD
Rob & Catherine McGee
Tom & Marge McKee
Pearl McLean
Glenda McLeod
Julie Mcleod
Sharon McSwain
Sue Miaer
Kay Millar
Helen Mills
Janice Minish
Mobley Family Dentistry, P.A.
Karen & James Moncrief
Anita Moore
Warren & Susan Moore
Evelyn Morgan
Louise Morgan
William Morgan
Ken & Teresa Morneault
Donnie Moss
MVP Oconee/North Oconee
Football League
Michael Neely
Jason & Jenny Nesbit
Joe & Lisa Neuhaus
New Bethlehem
Baptist Church
Jack & Debra Newman
James & Catherine Nix
Melinda Norboge
Gloria Norton
Nucraft Dental Arts
Oconee County Chamber
of Commerce
Mary Osterbrock
Mark Palmer
Joan Paolini
Leslie Parham
Al & Kathy Parker
Jo Parker
Dawn Parks
Patton Brothers Body & Frame, Inc.
Tommy & Carolyn Perkins
Larry & Kay Petroff
Donald & Martha Phillips
Sandra Phillips
Pink Umbrella of ARMC
Pinnacle Home Improvements
Chandler & Emily Pittman
Betsy Pless
Clara Jane Poole
Alice & Hal Pruitt
Patrick & Brendan Rabon
Blaine Renz
Republic Salon
Bill & Darla Ricketts
Lisa Riley
Edwin & Susan Risler
Charlie & Beth Rival
Blair Robillard
Anna Rodriguez
Bebelynn Rodriguez
Micky & Vicki Rosenbaum
Dillard Rowe
Brandon & Emily Rowland
Jim Rundorff
Larry Ryals
Steve Ryals
Betsy Ryan
Allen Sales
Leonard & Eileen Sapera
Max & Betty Sartain
Karen Schlager
Judy Scott
Frank and Irene Seagraves
Stephanie Sears
Rick Selleck
Al Shackelford
Randy & Cheryl Shirley
Harry & Hilary Shuford
Carl Siebentritt
Simple Green Solutions LLC
Joanne & Joseph Sinkey
Dale Skeppstrom
Arthur & Janet Smith
Owens & Shirley Smith
Ron Smith
Smith Communications
Robin & Diane Southwood
J. Martin & Kathy Sparks
Patricia Speake
Audrey Spearman
Sara Spearman
Trey & Tracy Stanford
Sharon & Tom Stephens
Claire Swann
David & Anne Sweaney
Ross & Meredith Switkes
Tanger Outlets
Mona Taylor
Ronald & Dale Terry
Liz Theurer
Thinkso Creative
Thrivent Financial
Tina's Designs
Janet Tomlinson
Kerry Tracey
Candy Trammell
Teresa Treadwell
TSD Capitol Group
Teresa Turco
Wes & Lori Tuttle
Jim & Nancy Uggle
Debbie Underwood
US Foods
Nancy Van Tone
George & Roberta Vest
Tina Vickery
Janet & Kristopher Wall
Joyce Waller
Wayne Waller
Crystal & Danny Ward
Water & Wall Group
David & Janet Weisenborn
Verna West
Kitty White
Tina White
John Wiens
Susan Wilkin
Wilson Industrial Electric, Inc
Matthew Winston
Alice & Walt Woodard
Mary Ben Woolbright
Amy Wright
Polly Wright
Patricia Yager
Zack Hammonds
A/C*Heating*Refrigeration
Anne Marie Zimeri
New Walkers
Casey Black
Terry Black
Rebekah Brown
Kimberly Bunting
Gretchen Evans
Katherine Fulbright
Amy Hernandez
Gail Johnson
Madison Johnson
Robby Johnson
Kimberly Lane
Sara Lehtman
Susan Nemetz
Trish Pruitt
Carol Royer
Patricia Ryals
Jennifer Towe
Gaylene Ward
Debra Wooten
Elisa Zarate
Medication Assistance Fund
University Cancer and
Blood Center Staff
Dr. Glen & Marlo Wiggans
In Memory of Allen Carter
Joy Elder
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
One of the common themes across the stories
about cancer survivors is the importance of the
patient taking responsibility for his/her own
health. Sharon is a poster patient for such a
premise. Throughout her life she has had to make decisions
about what treatments to take or even whether to treat,
when confronted with diagnosis of cancer. In 1981 at the age
of 39, her stomach was "growing" and she continually felt discomfort. Her physician suggested it was probably the anxiety
she was feeling given that her husband was flying missions for
the Air Force and she was home with two teenagers and one
child in elementary school. A physician who was a personal
friend was concerned and asked her to see him on a Monday in
his office. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Stage 4.
On Tuesday she had a 12 hour surgery with multiple blood
transfusions. Sharon was informed that she should get her
affairs in order as she was unlikely to live to the age of 40.
The surgery was to be followed by 18 months of chemo, but
after three months her white blood count was off and chemo
was suspended. Sharon made the decision not to continue
chemotherapy. Regular CAT scans showed no evidence of cancer over the coming years. Were it only the end of the story.
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.
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
For appointments, please call 706-475-4900
or email [email protected]
These offerings are sponsored by the In Their Shoes Walk
Exactly four years after her surgery, her husband died of a
massive heart attack. It is difficult to assess the effect on children when a parent is lost and the family had previously undergone a significant move to accommodate the health of the
other parent. Sharon surmises that it was a particularly difficult time for her son, the youngest child. But life goes on and
for more than a decade Sharon lived a healthy life and enjoyed the presence of family. At one point in the mid 1990s
she was concerned about the possibility of contracting AIDS
given her multiple blood transfusions, but fortunately all tests
were negative.
In 1996, there was a suspicious growth in her abdomen that
required medical attention. It turned out that the tumor was
benign, but further analysis revealed the presence of kidney
cancer. Treatment consisted of dissecting the kidney and removing the cancerous part of the kidney. Sharon described
her recovery as "horrible" which perhaps influenced a later
decision in her life. She moved to Athens in 2003, was remarried, and generally enjoyed a rewarding life. In 2013, one of
her regular CAT scans revealed the presence of cancer in her
other kidney. She feels she is on a "teeter board" in trying to
decide which course of action to take including no action
which is presently her position.
The hardest part of all of this for Sharon was to see the effects of the uncertainty of her health on the children. Her
oldest daughter has decided to stop working and move closer
to her mother. Sharon is thankful for this but also recognizes
the economic implication for a woman in her early fifties. Her
son remains somewhat distant perhaps because of the trauma
experienced earlier in his life. Sharon feels that she is a
changed person as a result of her cancer experiences in that
she is more attuned and sensitive to what others are saying.
Sharon's advice to others is simple: Get in touch with the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support and find doctors who will
listen to what you are saying. She sees the Center as a wonderful support mechanism with its many programs but perhaps
more importantly the comfort she feels when coming to the
Center. Regarding the presence of her cancerous kidney, her
reply is "Stay Tuned."
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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, November 3rd, 10:00 am—12:00 noon
and Monday, December 1st, 6—8:00 pm
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.
November 2014
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Advances in the Treatment of Lung Cancer: Part 1 of Living With Lung Cancer
Progress in the Treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) Part I of Living with Myeloproliferative
Neoplasms (MPN)
Update on Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Highlights of the Affordable Care Act
Finding the Resources You Need to Manage the Costs of
Living with Myeloprliferative Neoplasms (MPN) Living
with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
For Caregivers: Practical Tips to Cope
For Caregivers: Practical Tips to Cope with Your Loved
One’s Lung Cancer, Part II of Living with Lung Cancer
The Role of Exercise, Meditation and Nutrition, Part III of
Living with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
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, November, 3, 2014, 6pm-7pm
Grocery Store Tour
Kroger at Epps Bridge Rd.
Margaret Earnest, RD, LD, CDE
Athens Regional Medical Services Building, 3rd Floor
For more information and to register call 706-475-5600
Celebrate Our Caregivers
by Casey Bryant, BSW Intern
Whether giving care around the clock or only during
those rough patches, a caregiver plays an important
role in the patient’s life. Caregivers are the persons
who are there daily to ensure the care of the patient.
They sometimes have the hardest job of working with an ill loved
one—keeping up morale. This can be difficult when receiving
mind-blowing news or on a day when a patient has all but reached
their peak; the caregiver keeps them moving, looking forward to
the future and better days to come.
I spoke with a caregiver in preparation for this article and she
gave me much insight to what it is like caring for her husband. She
thought of herself as a part-time caregiver as her husband is not
sick and in need of care everyday. Ironically, this only adds to the
already high stress level of care giving. “I never know when he’s
going to get sick. He can get sick in the other room while I’m in
here on the phone with you,” she stated.
The constant juggling of life roles or the sudden halt of some roles
are things that most caregivers are very familiar with. “When he
is sick, my life stops,” is how one caregiver describes it. Others
describe it as a balancing act. In this sense, a caregiver is doing
his/her best to fulfill their many roles.
Sometimes being a caregiver means being the voice of reason.
One caregiver felt that she annoys the person she cares for, but
she has to always ask, “Are you sure?” or “Is that okay?” She and
her husband are sometimes at odds when deciding on activities
because while his health and wellness are what is most important
to her, he is determined to not be limited by his illness.
I have found that daily life is filled with a multitude of emotions.
There is the stress of fulfilling multiple roles, the constant worry
about the health of the family member/friend, and the happiness
of knowing that he/she has helped the patient in everyway possible today. So now, let’s all celebrate caregivers’ month by giving
thanks and showing appreciation to those that have assisted
throughout times of illness and continue to support during healing.
R E G I S T E R N OW
C U LT I VAT I N G A
RESILIENT S OUL
A Half-Day Retreat Where You Will
Learn Power Tools for Living
This retreat is open to cancer patients,
their families & caregivers
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Free To Breathe—November 8, 2014
Sandy Creek Park, 400 Bob Holman Road, Athens
Event Schedule
9:00 am - Registration & check-in
10:30 am - Opening rally and fundraising awards
Admission: $25 - $30
Contact: Tiffany Hudak and Julie
Miller 608-828-8852
Website: http://www.rungeorgia.com/
freetobreathe_athens.html
Registration 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Program from 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
The Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge
Facilitated by Mona Taylor, LCSW and Valerie Fagan, LCSW
Reservations are required - please call 706-475-4900
email [email protected]
Continental breakfast and lunch are provided
Made possible by a grant from
The Lois & Lucy Lampkin Foundation
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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
SignSign - up Now for these December offerings
Wr i t i n g t h e C r e a t e d L i f e
Tai Chi Refresher
A 2-Hour Writing Workshop
for all levels
Monday, December 8, 2014, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
The Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
This class is for patients and survivors who are in either
the Level 1 or Intermediate 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
Facilitated by Sandra Scott, RN
A review of basic creative skills accompanied by guided writings
designed to give participants greater range and depth for journaling and journeying life’s transitions.
Journaling is a health, happiness and resilience booster
Discover the creative skill-set common to many great artists
Leave with an idea of your own creative strengths
Uncover your “artist” personality
No rules, expectations, homework, but Laughter is mandatory
These classes are sponsored by the In Their Shoes Walk
Facilitated by Sandra Scott, RN
Pre-registration is required. Please call 706-475-4900 or email [email protected]
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