Sharing

Beaumont Cancer Center3577 W. Thirteen Mile

Royal Oak, MI 48073-6710248-551-8585

Speaker’s Schedule248-551-8588

♥ Our Cover Story: Phytochemicals Fighting Cancer♥ Ask the Expert: Deb Martz, RD♥ S & C Profile: Maryl Balgenorth♥ Calendar of Events

In This Issue:

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Winter 2012 A NEWSLETTER FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

with Friends

Phytochemicals are naturally occuring plant chemicals. They provide plants with color, odor and flavor. Once we eat them, however, research shows they can influence the chemical processes inside our bodies in helpful ways. Findings from laboratory studies have shown that phytochemicals have the potential to:

Thousands of phytochemicals have been identified so far, and scientists have only begun to investigate their promise. Below is a guide to some of the phytochemicals now attracting serious scientific attention, their food sources, and potential benefits.

Carotenoids: Red, orange and green fruits and vegetables including broccoli, carrots, cooked tomatoes, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe, oranges and watermelon. May inhibit cancer cell growth, work as antioxidants and improve immune response.Flavonoids: Apples, citrus fruits, onions, soybeans and soy products (tofu, soy milk, edamame, etc.), coffee and tea. May inhibit inflammation and tumor growth; may aid immunity and boost production of detoxifying enzymes in the body.Indoles and Glucosinolates: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts). May induce detoxification of carcinogens, limit production of cancer-related hormones, block carcinogens and prevent tumor growth.Inositol: Bran from corn, oats, rice, rye and wheat, nuts, soybeans and soy products (tofu, soy milk, edamame, etc.). May retard cell growth and work as antioxidant.Isoflavones: Soybeans and soy products (tofu, soy milk, edamame, etc.). May inhibit tumor growth, limit production of cancer-related hormones and generally work as an antioxidant.

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News About Breast Cancer

FIGHTING CANCER WITH PHYTOCHEMICALS!

• Stimulate the immune system• Block substances we eat, drink and breathe from becoming

carcinogens• Reduce the kind of inflammation that makes cancer growth

more likely• Prevent DNA damage and help with DNA repair• Reduce the kind of oxidative damage to cells that spark cancer• Slow the growth rate of cancer cells• Trigger damaged cells to commit suicide before they can

reproduce• Help to regulate hormones

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News from Integrative Medicine

This quarter we are once again focusing on nutrition and the ability to eat a diet that can help fight cancer. This is consisitently a topic that many of you want to learn more about. On February 2nd, Deb Martz our Oncology Dietitian will be discussing “Fighting Cancer with your Fork.” If you have never heard Deb speak,

or even if you have, consider attending, as she has a plethora of knowledge and a passion for Oncology dietetics. We will continue the discussion on nutrition during a field trip to Whole Foods on March 22nd. Deb will be guiding us through the world of fresh veggies, fruit and lean meats. Also accompanying us will be Dawn Danhausen, an admited “foodie” who works at Whole Foods.

I have discovered a few wonderful books on nutrition that I would like to share with you. The first was given to me by Jen Greene our Naturopathic Doctor. It is called “Life Over Cancer” by Keith Block M.D., this book delves into diet and cancer. The second book is “Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life” by David Servan Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D. and the last is the “China Study” by T. Collin Campbell Ph.D, which focuses on a plant

based diet to prevent and even reverse a malady of chronic diseases. He currently has a movie called “Forks Over Knives” available on DVD.

This quarter we will have several knowledge nights that were recommendations from you! On January 12th the clinical trials department will be explaining clinical trials and how to learn if they are right for you. The next is about exercise and we will be spending an evening exploring exercise and breast cancer wellness. We will be led by highly specialized PT’s in Beaumont’s new Survivorship Exercise Program. This evening will take place in the Rehabilitation & Dialysis Center behind the Wilson Cancer Resource Center in Troy on February 16th.Our second field trip of the quarter will be to “Ecology” in Birmingham. There we will be learning about skin care and alternatives to department store makeup. Ecology was started by breast cancer survivor Marla Shapiro, who wanted chemical free makeup for her skin. It is a fun evening but please be advised that there is no seating, and we will be standing all evening.

I would also like to THANK all of you who so generously donated to S&C last quarter. All of us at Sharing & Caring say “thank you”!!!!

warm regards, Lorelei

Greetings from Lorelei

Are you interested in natural ways to prevent and treat illness? You’re not alone. But, “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean safe or appropriate for everyone. Body size, age, gender, general health, and potential herb/drug interactions should all be taken into consideration when using a natural approach to healing. As a resource to help you make decisions regarding the use of natural methods, Beaumont Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Department now has three Naturopaths on staff who offer a complementary approach to health care. The Naturopaths always work in cooperation with our physicians and will tailor their treatment plans to work with prescribed medications or surgical procedures. A Naturopath is a health care practitioner trained to work with the body’s own natural tendency to heal itself. Nutrition plays a very important role and other treatment options may include supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy, mind-body medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and lifestyle counseling. In order to become a licensed naturopath, a person must complete a four-year undergraduate program in pre-med, four years of graduate school at an accredited Naturopathic medical college, and successfully pass North American-wide licensing exams. continuedonpage3...

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News from Integrative Medicine News from Integrative Medicine

Ask the ExpertOur Expert:

Deb Martz, RD Oncology Nutritionist

I would like to start eating a cancer prevention diet. What’s the easiest and most effective change I can make? The best thing that you can do is to increase the amount of vvegetables in your diet. Also, add more multi-grain products. As you increase these, try to decrease the salt and meat intake. Add spices such as garlic, turmeric and onions, and use meat to flavor your food, rather than having the meat be the main focus.

I don’t have the time or the desire to cook. Can’t I just take good quality supplements instead? Unfortunately, no. It is better to eat the fruits and vegetables to get the fiber from the foods as well as the synergistic effects from all the phytonutrients working together in the foods.

I do love fruit, but I am not a big vegetable fan. It seems that all the cancer-fighting vegetables are all “exotic”. How would you cook kale, or bok choy, anyway? Keep working to find ways to cook vegetables so that you eat more of them. Kale can be stir-fried with garlic for a nice side dish. Make sure to remove the thick stems. You can also clean the leaves (remove stems), mist with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake in a 400° oven until crispy. Bok choy can be stir-fried as well. Baby bok choy can be cleaned and eaten raw.

Everything I read says to eat “whole wheat” bread. I get confused about all the different types of wheat bread! Your best choice is whole grain or multi-grain bread products. These provide much more beneficial fiber.

I am trying to lose weight. Is it okay if I still eat my “lean cuisines” or “weight watcher” frozen meals at lunch? Isn’t it better to lose the weight than to worry about what I actually eat? Ideally, I would love for you to try to lose weight and eat well also. Lean Cuisine can be an easy way to take a lunch and avoid over-eating. They have many veggie options to choose from. Try also adding more fruit and vegetables to your meal. You can also take small portions of leftovers with you, so that you can cut down on sodium as well.

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Because Naturopaths are trained to take into consideration the whole person and attempt to find the root cause of health problems, the first visit usually takes about two hours. The Naturopath takes a complete health history with special attention paid to medications and possible herb-drug interactions. The Naturopath will also ask questions about your sleep patterns, eating habits, exercise habits, stress, and other emotional issues. You may be asked to bring any herbal or vitamin supplements you are taking so that your dosage, or the quality of the product, can be evaluated. At the end of the visit, the Naturopath makes individualized recommendations that might include diet changes, supplementation, herbal medicine, homeopathy, stress management and exercise.

To make an appointment with a Beaumont Naturopath, please call Beaumont Integrative Medicine. At Royal Oak, call 248-551-9990. At Troy, please call 248-964-9200.

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January, February & March

Royal Oak Beaumont Groups meet in the Cancer Center 1st Floor Classroom Monday, January 9th at 2:00 pm. Monday, February 13th at 2:00 pm. Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm. Monday, March 12th at 2:00 pm.

Thursday, March 29th at 7:00 pm. Troy Beaumont Groups meet in the Wilson Cancer Resource Center, across the bridge from the Hospital Monday, January 16th, at 10:30 am.

Monday, March 19th at 10:30 am.

ALL Sharing & Caring events are RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! Please call 248-551-8585 and let us know you plan to attend. If no one is available to take your call, a message with your name, phone

number and which program you want to attend will complete your registration.

Support Groups:Breast Cancer Support Groups: Come join us to meet other ladies who are recently diagnosed or long-time survivors who have had similar experiences. These groups provide an opportunity for women to discuss the unique challenges facing them as breast cancer survivors. Feel free to participate and share your story or just listen and perhaps make a new friend. The sessions are led by a psychologist, social worker, or nurse practitioner.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group: This very specific group is designed to meet the needs of ladies who have advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Often women with stage four breast cancer feel unable to talk about the unique challenges they face and this format provides a safe arena to discuss what is on your mind. Please join us if you have been diagnosed with metastasis, or a recurrence of breast cancer.

Thursday, January 5th at 7:30 pm Facilitated by Sally Smollen, RN, Ph.D. from Mercy Works.Meets in the Royal Oak Cancer Center Resource Center, 1st floor

Tuesday, March 13th at 7:00 pm facilitated by Debra Luria, Ph.D., A.P.R.N.of Psychological Institute of Michigan, along with Jennifer Martens, RN, OCN

Meets in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 2nd Floor Administrative Conference Room, in Suite 210

♥ ♥ NEW SUPPORT GROUP FORMING! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ I’M TOO YOUNG FOR BREAST CANCER! ♥ ♥ Are you a young woman dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis? This new group has been formed to help address the specific issues and topics that are unique to a younger survivor: fertility, how to tell your children about your diagnosis, managing your children’s concerns, fear of recurrence, work issues, body image and intimacy, genetics, and more! We hope you will join us whether you are newly diagnosed, or have finished active treatment. Each meeting will be facilitated by Clinical Psychologist Annette Spencer, Ph.D., along with Heather Lowry, Nurse Practicioner from the Breast Care Center. Feel free to participate as much, or as little as you are comfortable with. Meeting dates are Tuesdays, January 3, February 7 and March 6 at 9:30 am. This group will meet in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 1st floor Classroom. At this time we are unable to offer childcare, however, your young children are welcome to come along with you so that you can attend!

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Other Offerings This Quarter - January, February & March

Prevention and Management of Lymphedema: Thursday, January 5th, 7:00 pm Royal Oak BeaumontPresented by Dr. Justin Riutta, Director of the Beaumont Lymphedema Clinic. Discussion of risk factors, prevention and management of lymphedema. Bring your questions! This class will meet in the Cancer Center 1st Floor Classroom.

What are Clinical Trials and Are They for Me?: Thursday, January 12th, 7:00 pm Royal Oak Beaumont Join us to learn more about the world of clinical trials. Have you ever wondered just what they are, or what “Phase I, II, or III” means? Can you seek out a trial on your own, or do you need a physician to refer you to one? Why might you not be accepted into certain breast cancer trials? Come armed with all your questions, and leave with all your answers! We will meet in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 1st floor classroom.

EFT - Emotional Freedom Techniques: Thursday, January 19th, 7:00 pm Royal Oak BeaumontThe Emotional Freedom Technique - EFT - works like emotional acupressure to quickly, gently and easily release negative emotions which often are at the root of our problems and pain! We will be led by Brenda Strausz, clinical psychologist, who is certified in EFT. Brenda has been using EFT with her clients with great success in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, and has found it to be beneficial in reducing negative emotions. We will meet in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 1st floor classroom.

Managing the Fear of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Thursday, January 26th, 7:00 pm Royal Oak BeaumontAre there times when you almost forget about your breast cancer, only to suddenly have the worry pop back into your mind? Does the fear of it coming back never seem to dissipate? Have you ever felt it’s time to move past your breast cancer, but you just can’t seem to? Please join Debra Luria, Ph.D., APRN who will discuss techniques and strategies to get you past the fear and anxiety that a breast cancer diagnosis can cause. We will meet in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 1st floor classroom.

Fight Cancer with Your Fork!: Thursday, February 2nd, 7:00 pm Royal Oak BeaumontFood is a powerful & healing substance for our bodies! Join Oncology Dietitian Deb Martz for an information packed evening about cancer-fighting foods! Deb will share the latest data on which foods we need to include in our diets. She will also provide us with some wonderful recipes for preparing these foods. In March, we will take a field trip to learn how to apply our new knowledge. Please join us tonight, whether or not you can make it to the field trip in March. We will meet in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 1st floor classroom.

FIELD TRIP to Ecology!: Thursday, February 9th, 7:00 pmShop where “Green is Glamorous!” Ecology is a new store selling organic and natural skincare products and cosmetics. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and highly porous. Learn all about what you should avoid in your makeup, and find some healthy alternatives. We will meet at the store, located at 239 South Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham. The store phone # is 248-792-6295. Please note there is NO seating available, and we will be standing for the presentation. Make sure to call Sharing & Caring at 248-551-8585 to register, as space is limited.

Survivorship Exercise Program: Thursday, February 16th, 7:00 pm Troy Beaumont The Cancer Survivorship program is an exercise program designed by physical therapists who are experts in cancer wellness. Come tour their state-of-the-art facility and learn the connection between exercise and breast cancer wellness. We will meet at the Rehabilitation & Dialysis Center, 44300 Dequindre Rd, Second Floor. The building is across Dequindre from Troy Beaumont, by the Wilson Cancer Resource Center.

“Managing My New Normal”: Thursday, March 8th, 7:00 pm Royal Oak Beaumont Have you ever felt that you are just not the same person you were as before your cancer? So much changes with a cancer diagnosis, which brings on a host of feelings. Join us tonight as Susan Silk, Ph.D. helps us navigate through the emotional deluge and aides us in finding our “new normal”. We will meet in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 1st floor classroom.

FIELD TRIP to Whole Foods Market!: Thursday, March 22nd, 7:00 pm Join us as we tour Whole Foods Market with our Oncology Dietitian Deb Martz, and Whole Foods “foodie” Dawn Danhausen. We will focus on nutritionally dense foods that help fight cancer. This evening is a learning opportunity for anyone who is intimidated by the huge selection of foods available and is wondering how to make the best choices. We will meet in front of the store in the gift/book area. The store is located at 2880 W. Maple Road in Troy. Phone is 248-649-9600. Please call Sharing & Caring at 248-551-8585 to register, as space is limited.

FIGHTING CANCER WITH PHYTOCHEMICALS!

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...continuedfromcover

Isothiocyanates: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts). May induce detoxification of carcinogens, block tumor growth and work as antioxidants.Polyphenols: Green tea, grapes, wine, berries, citrus fruits, apples, whole grains and peanuts. May prevent cancer formation, prevent inflammation and work as antioxidants.Terpenes: Cherries, citrus fruit peel, rosemary. May protect cells from becoming cancerous, slow cancer cell growth, strengthen immune function, limit production of cancer-related hormones, fight viruses, work as anti-oxidants.

While research continues, the best bets for achieving the maximum health benefits possible include:

♥ Eating a varied diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. ♥ Choose brightly colored or strongly flavored vegetables and fruits, which are often the best sources of phytochemicals. ♥ Stick to actual food sources! Phytochemicals in supplement form may not be as easily absorbed as those from food.

Remember, portion size is as important as whatyou eat! Keep in mind that even foods that are low in calorie-density can cause you to gain weight, if you eat them in large amounts. Over the last 20 years, restaurant portions have ballooned. That’s a problem, because studies show that we tend to eat what we’re served.

When dining out:

♥ Super-sizing and value meals are two ways that fast food restaurants attempt to pit our wallets against our waistlines. These marketing ploys make weight control more difficult, so don’t buy into them. ♥ When presented with an oversized restaurant meal, ask for a doggie bad right away, and remove half the food from your plate.

When dining in:

♥ Use smaller bowls and plates ♥ Read the nutrition facts label, and be sure to check the serving size. All the figures on the label apply to that amount. ♥ Pick a food and serve yourself your usual portion. Now, take a measuring cup and measure out the standard serving size (according to the USDA). Note the difference. If you’re overweight, bring your usual portions more closely in line with the standard serving size.

There is also convincing evidence that alcoholic beverages may increase risk of breast cancer. Tissues of the body directly exposed to alcohol (such as the mouth and esophagus) may suffer cell damage that can spark the cancer process. Although an association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer keeps turning up in study after study, the precise reason for the link is not yet clear. More research is needed. In the meantime, even small amounts of alcohol may increase your risk for certain cancers, so the AICR does not recommend alcohol consumption.

reprintedwithpermissionfromwww.aicr.org-AmericanInstituteforCancerResearch

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Sharing & Caring Profile

Maryl Balgenorth

For those of you who have seen me inhale a cheeseburger, you may just want to skip to the end of this article. Since my diagnosis 16 years ago I’ve inhaled my fair share of bad stuff. More often, however, I make it a priority to incorporate stuff like cruciferous vegetables, salmon, whole grains, yogurt and fresh fruit.

I changed my general eating patterns after my diagnosis, but not to the point where it took the joy out of eating. I follow the 80/20 rule...eating healthfully about 80% of the time and indulging about 20%. After all, surviving breast cancer is cause for celebration! The last thing we need is more stress about nitpicking everything we put in our mouths.

Several things influenced my decision:

- I read an article that estimated that healthful eating could contribute as much as 30% to your chance of longevity. This was comparable to some of the medications available to patients at that time. I liked the odds.

- Even 16 years ago, it was thought that lower BMI translates to lower levels of estrogen... more veggies, less fat and less sugar seemed a good way to maintain your weight and your health.

-Lastly, I attended a lecture by a three time cancer survivor/ nutritionist. She detailed the kinds of things research showed to deter cancer and how she incorporated those things into her diet. This was an entirely new concept for me...every diet I’ve ever been on, you try to ELIMINATE foods, now the idea was to INCORPORATE them. The idea of inclusion appeals to me. I try not to stress about making big changes, but concentrate on making several small ones. I don’t incorporate foods that I hate or totally eliminate what I absolutely love, but do try to get a quota of whole foods in every day (veggies, grains, fruit), then on Saturday night, I may inhale that cheeseburger!

Sixteen years later, I feel it is well worth the effort of making minor sacrifices for your health. The balance is in the joy of living and being able to have the things that bring you pleasure while keeping an eye on the long term goal...saying good bye to breast cancer!

To learn more about the power of nutrients

and the positive effects a healthy diet can have on

your wellness, don’t miss

“Fight Cancer

with Your Fork”

on Thursday, February 2nd

and

our Field Trip to Whole Foods Market

on Thursday, March 22nd.

See page 5 for all the details!

Confronting breast cancer with knowledge, support and hope...

Look Good Feel Better: This program is presented in conjunction with the American Cancer Society to help women who are currently undergoing cancer treatment to improve their appearance and self image by teaching them hands-on beauty techniques to overcome the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatments. We will also learn how to tie head scarves, and get tips on choosing the right wig. Please call 248-964-3430 for reservations at Troy, or 248-551-8585 for reservations at Royal Oak. Program meets at 10:00 am at the Troy Beaumont Wilson Cancer Resource Center and at 6:00 pm at the Royal Oak Beaumont 1st Floor Cancer Center Classroom. Meeting dates are Mondays: January 9th, February 13th and March 12th.

Nutrition for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship: Tuesday, January 10th and Tuesday March 13th, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Presented by Betty Boscarino, RD. There is no fee for this program, but registration is required. To register, or for more information, call 248-964-3430. Meets in the 2nd Floor Staff Lounge, Rehabilitation and Dialysis Center, 44300 Dequindre, Sterling Heights, right across the bridge from Troy Beaumont.

Nutrition During Cancer Treatment: Tuesday, February 7th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Presented by Betty Boscarino, RD.There is no fee for this program, but registration is required. To register, or for more information, call 248-964-3430. Meets in the 2nd Floor Staff Lounge, Rehabilitation and Dialysis Center, 44300 Dequindre, Sterling Heights, right across the bridge from Troy Beaumont

Cancer Survivorship Exercise and Wellness Program at Beaumont Troy!The Cancer Survivorship Exercise & Wellness Program promotes fun, fitness, function and friendship for people during and after cancer treatment. It is run by physical therapists who will work with you to create an individualized wellness and exercise program. To get started, call 248-964-0700 to schedule a free “Fitness” screen.

Silver Linings: Silver Linings teaches meditation (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), gentle yoga, mindful eating and mindful communication skills to women who have completed breast cancer treatment. Research shows that the program improves quality of life and post-cancer symptoms. Facilitated by Dr. Ruth Lerman. Mandatory registration and informational meetings for winter session workshops are January 17th and January 24th. Workshop is weekly and begins on January 31, ending on March 27. (No class February 7). Retreat is March 18, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. For more information, please contact Pam at pjablonski@beaumonthospitals.com or call her at 248-551-4645.

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Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.

~ Mary Anne Radmacher