SharingApril, May & June 2016 A NEWSLETTER FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
with Friends
Beaumont Cancer CenterMailing Address:
3577 W. Thirteen MileRoyal Oak, MI 48073-6710
248-551-8585email: sharingandcaring@
beaumont.org
How to find the doctor that is right for you.
You can make a difference
Sharing & Caring is a non-profit
organization devoted to the education and support of
breast cancer survivors. Donations support
programs for others who follow in the same
footsteps and can be made by a check payable
to Sharing & Caring at the above address.
continued on next page...
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, choosing the best doctor can be one of the most important decisions you will make. Your doctor will be one of the key people who will partner with you as you undergo treatment and make sure you are receiving the best care possible. It’s important for you to feel comfortable with the doctor that you choose because you will be working closely with them to make on-going decisions about your cancer treatment.
Here’s a checklist of things to look for when choosing your oncologist, and some thoughts from our Sharing & Caring Breast Cancer survivors:
♥ Referrals and reputation: Start with a referral list from your primary care doctor. Ask friends, family and other healthcare professionals for recommendations. Determine which doctors are a part of your health care plan or accept your health insurance. Board certification is an important factor to consider. It tells you that your doctor has the necessary training and skills to provide you the best care.
“My oncologist was a friend of my primary care doctor and also my husband’s oncologist. There was a relationship already in place”.
“Talk with friends, do some research. My primary care doctor was a big help. I have known him for a long time and trust his recommendations”.
“When I was diagnosed, I had an intense feeling of immediacy. I felt like I had to take care of it right now, but that is not always the case. We have to take a breath and calm down. I want others to know
that they are making a really big decision and that they have some freedom to take their time”.
♥ Communication: It is important to feel like your doctor is listening to you and responding to your questions and concerns. Finding a doctor that you are comfortable with and trust will make a big difference in how your treatment will progress.
“Honesty was important to me. I wanted to know that I was being told the truth about all of my options. I also felt it was important to find a doctor that had patience with all of my questions and spent the time to explain what all those new words meant.”
“It’s important to me to find a doctor who wants to talk about more than just my illness, I like that my doctor asks about my family, my interests and the goals I would like to achieve with my treatment. I am more than just another diagnosis; I want to know that I matter.”
♥ Training and Expertise: Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor how much experience they have treating your specific type of cancer. Things to consider: How many cases have they treated over their career? How about in the past year? What about the specific procedures you need? Does this doctor participate in, or have access to clinical trials? Has he/she participated in any research?
“I needed to do my research, I asked around and I wasn’t afraid to ask the doctor about her experience treating similar cases.”
“I feel that expertise and knowledge of the latest treatments is important. How well do they keep up to date? Will they discuss clinical trials that I may be eligible for? ”
♥ When is a second opinion a good idea? Some patients are reluctant to ask for a second opinion because they are afraid of offending their doctor. By seeking a second opinion, you may become more informed of all the available treatment options or confirm a current treatment approach. A second opinion can also help make you feel more confident that you are choosing the right treatment plan.
“You hear that word cancer, you are so blown away, you are scared and afraid but you have to remember that you are in the driver’s seat. If you wanted to get a new roof, wouldn’t you get a second estimate on your roof?”
“Location to me is a big deal! How far do I have to drive to treatment? Is there a satellite location? Does the doctor honor your appointment time? How easy is it to get in and out? I am a working woman and cannot afford to be held up by an appointment”. Additional Questions to ask your doctor • Can I participate in a clinical trial? • What lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, rest) do you recommend I make to stay as healthy as possible during and after treatment?• Should I take or continue using supplements during treatment? • What cancer support services are available?
Keeping some of these important factors in mind should help you narrow down your list and make an informed decision. Finding the right doctor is a big task and it is important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Taking an active role in your healthcare decisions can help you feel more in control and give you hope.
For more information concerning what to ask your doctor, go to http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/questions
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We are pleased to present the
17th Annual Symposium Saturday, May 7, 2016
Surviving a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Learning to Thrive... When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Pink Lemonade!
Please join us at the Village Club, 190 East Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills for a day of lectures, workshops, luncheon and friendship. Topics on the agenda will include nutrition, managing long term and late effects of treatment, journaling for healing and updates in the treatment of breast cancer. Join
with other women on their journey to wellness and learn how to thrive following a breast cancer diagnosis. Bring a friend, or come on your own and make a new friend.
$40 admission includes continental breakfast buffet, sit-down luncheon and educational materials. To register with a credit card, call Physicial Referral at 1-800-633-7377 or online at classes.beaumont.edu. To register by mail, please
send your check to Sharing & Caring, Beaumont Cancer Center 3577 West Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073. Please remember to state your luncheon preference: Vegetarian quiche, chicken picatta or salmon with lemon brown
butter sauce. Limited scholarships are available. More information will be available after April 1st.
Experience Integrative Medicine
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Maria Lyzen, president of MiBCC joined the revolution of advocacy after discovering a lump in her breast in 2001. She wants you to know that you have a voice and can make a difference. “Having breast cancer changed my identity...but today I have a whole family...a sisterhood of women who are united because of our disease.”
URGENT CALL TO MICHIGAN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is a grassroots advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, with hundreds of breast cancer groups as members. The Michigan Breast Cancer Coalition (MiBCC) was founded in order to have more presence and influence here in Michigan. MiBCC and NBCC work together to affect the breast cancer agenda....and we need you to help us influence Michigan lawmakers.
MiBCC is looking for more members or volunteers to help here in Michigan. We already have approximately 80% of our US Representatives in Washington DC supporting our agenda....but we need to have 100%. We need people who would like to make phone calls, write letters, work on environmental issues, meeting coordination, website maintenance and advocacy at both the state and federal level.
Come to our “Expand the Network Meeting” on April 7th at 6:30 pm in the Royal Oak Cancer Center, 1st floor classroom to engage in the process of eradicating breast cancer and learning how you can make a difference towards this agenda. Your experiences as a patient are powerful! You can take this one step further and come with us to the Annual Breast Cancer Summit in Washington, DC. April 30 thru May 3, 2016. We have a lot of fun. Get details at the April 7 meeting. See page 5 for more information.
Becoming an Advocate for Breast Cancer
Integrative Medicine (IM) offers patients, survivors, and caregivers support for body,
mind and spirit. Experience clinical massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture, Reiki, Guided Imagery, yoga therapy and
much more, all performed by highly skilled and specially trained practitioners who
understand the unique needs of oncology patients and survivors. All services are safe
and do not interfere with medical treatment.
Breast Cancer Support - There’s something just right for you!
Never Alone - Peer to Peer Support Group Thursdays, April 14, May 26 1:00 pm - Royal Oak
After the storm of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, you may be left with a lot of unanswered questions and feelings. Sometimes it’s just nice to talk to others who may be dealing with some of the same emotions. Topics of
discussion will include dealing with fatigue, fear of recurrence, body image concerns, managing anxiety and finding a renewed sense of purpose. Meets in the Royal Oak Cancer Center 1st floor classroom.
Rack Pack: Unique Issues for Young Women with Breast CancerTuesdays, April 12, May 10 and June 14 6:30 pm
Are you looking to connect with other young women diagnosed with breast cancer? Our young survivors here at Sharing and Caring have joined forces with the Rack Pack at Gilda’s Club. This support group will focus exclusively
on the unique issues and concerns specific to young women. From parenting young children, concerns about future fertility, managing careers, sustaining relationships, dating and intimacy, young women often have different
experiences and can often feel especially alone and overwhelmed. Finding the right support group can bring strength and friendship as young women struggle to balance their personal and professional lives. Meets at the Gilda’s
Clubhouse in Royal Oak. 3517 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, MI
Breast Cancer Support Group Mondays, April 18, May 16 and June 20 10:30 am - Troy
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a complete derailment to life. The sudden and unexpected upheaval is very stressful. This group, led by Oncology Social
Worker Laurel Martinez, LMSW, LCSW, OSW-C, provides an opportunity to discuss your diagnosis and treatment with others who are going through the same
experience. Meets in the Wilson Cancer Resource Center 1st floor conference room, in the Physician Office Building at 44344 Dequindre Road, across the bridge
from Beaumont Hospital, Troy.
STAGE 4 - A Group for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Tuesdays, April 19, May 17 and June 21 6:30 pm - Royal Oak
This group provides an opportunity for women who have metastatic breast cancer to discuss the unique challenges and issues they face. Women with stage four breast cancer often feel unable to talk about their cancer. This format provides a safe arena to converse about what is on your mind and in your heart. You are welcome to attend one or all meetings. Please note, this group is intended only for women diagnosed with Stage IV disease. These meetings are facilitated by Psychologist Dr. Sally Smolen of Mercy Works in Farmington Hills. Meets in the Resource Center on
the first floor of the Rose Cancer Center, Royal Oak.
ALL Sharing & Caring events REQUIRE RESERVATIONS. 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. You can also register online at classes.beaumont.edu. Please note that online reservations close 48 hours
before the program. You may register by phone if online reservations are closed.
Don’t forget to Register!
If you do not reserve your spot, we will be unable to contact you in the event that we must cancel a program.
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Additional Programming
Angel Pillow Project - Giving Back & Enjoying Life: Mondays, April 11, May 9 & June 13 12:00 pm - Gilda’s Club Gather with us for conversation, encouragement and community as we “give back” and help those who are in treatment. We will be making heart shaped pillows to help other women recover from the physical and emotional pain after breast surgery. We will provide all tools & materials, but donations of these items are always welcome. Don’t sew? Come anyway! We have things you can do. We will meet at Gilda’s Club, located at 3517 Rochester Road in Royal Oak. Please call 248-551-8585 to let us know you’re coming.
Becoming a Breast Cancer Advocate: How you can make a difference with the Michigan Breast Cancer Coalition: Thursday, April 7 6:30 pm - Royal Oak Come see what is happening in breast cancer research and how the National Breast Cancer Coalition has set a deadline to end breast cancer by the year 2020. You have a voice and you can learn how to make a difference by influencing breast cancer educational campaigns, raising funds, and using your inspiration for better care and research for this disease. We will introduce ways in which you can gain the education needed to become effective advocates, as well as some exciting upcoming events. Meets in the Royal Oak Cancer Center, 1st floor classroom.
Complementary Therapies for Managing Peripheral Neuropathy: Thursday, April 28 6:30 pm - Royal OakPeripheral neuropathy is a side effect that many women experience after chemotherapy. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and burning in the feet and hands. Beaumont’s Integrative Medicine department has highly trained therapists who specialize in a specific massage protocol that may help. The Integrative Medicine department combines the best of Eastern and Western medicine beliefs, while complementing traditional medical practices. Join us for an informative evening as Karen Armstrong, LMT, NCTM, Supervisor of clinical massage, shows us the specific massage protocol and demonstrates the latest techniques. Meets in the Royal Oak Cancer Center, 1st floor classroom.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE! 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. You can also register online at classes.beaumont.edu. Online registration closes 48 hours before the program. If you do not
reserve your spot, we will not be able to contact you in the event that we must cancel a program.
Survivorship Workshop Series: Living Well After Cancer!
You must pre-register for these workshops, as a light supper will be served. Survivorship Workshops meet in the Neuroscience Center 2nd floor Allison Conference Room at Royal Oak. The Center is behind (just East of) the
Imaging Center and parking is available in the adjacent Cancer Center back parking lot. Enter the main doors of the Neuroscience Center and proceed up to the 2nd floor.
Understanding Lymphedema - What You Need to Know: Thursday, April 21 6:30 pmLymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system that may develop following breast cancer surgery. It remains a concerning secondary complication of many breast cancer patients. It is important to know your risk and learn about preventative measures you can take. Dr. Justin Riutta, Director of Beaumont Lymphedema Clinic and Cynthia Tan, specialized lymphedema physical therapist will lead an interactive lecture and demonstration followed by strength and resistance exercises that you can do at home. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring your questions.
Managing the Sensitive Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment: Thursday, May 12 6:30 pmMany women are reluctant to ask their doctors about how to manage sexual dysfunction and bladder problems that can result from breast cancer treatment. These side effects are often under-reported and consequently undertreated. Many find it too embarrassing to discuss these conditions or believe nothing can be done - as a result, they continue to suffer. Join us in a comfortable setting to discuss this sensitive issue with Kate Turner, NP from the Beaumont Women’s Urology center. She will explain some of the effective treatments available that can help!
Managing the New Normal: Adjusting After Cancer Thursday, June 16 6:30 pmWhat exactly is the “new normal”? This idea is mentioned quite a bit for people who are finishing their breast cancer treatments. When treatment ends, you may expect life to return to the way it was before you were diagnosed. However, that can take some time. Life after breast cancer means returning to some familiar things and also making some new choices. Join us, along with Psychologist, Dr. Debra Luria as we discuss the continuing challenges we have, even after our cancer treatment is over.
S Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday S1 2
3 4 5
6 7 6:30 pmBecome a Breast Cancer AdvocateRoyal Oak
8 9
10 11 12:00 pmAngel Pillow ProjectGilda’s Club
12 6:30 pmRack Pack-Young Survivor SupportGilda’s Club
13 14 1:00 pm Never Alone: Peer to Peer Royal Oak
15 16
17 18 10:30 am Breast Cancer SupportTroy
19 6:30 pmMetastatic Breast Cancer Support Royal Oak
20 21 6:30 pm LymphedemaRoyal Oak
22 23
24
25 26 27 28 6:30 pmManaging NeuropathyRoyal Oak
29 30
Don’t forget to call 248-551-8585 and reserve your seat. If no one is available to take your call, a message with your name, phone
number and the name of the program you plan to attend will suffice as your reservation. You can also register online at classes.beaumont.edu, up to 48 hours before the program. If you do not reserve your spot, we will not be able to contact you in the event
that we must cancel a program.
April 2016
Sharing & Caring is kicking off a new series this spring, just for you! We are excited to begin this monthly survivorship education workshop that will focus on the issues
women face after they finish treatment.
It is common to have many questions about ‘the new normal’ and wonder what it means for your physical and emotional health. Being a cancer survivor can be both exciting and stressful. You may be relieved to finish treatment, yet it may be hard not to worry about your cancer coming back. Perhaps you have a list of concerns that you are hesitant to ask your health care providers about. Join us for this interactive series where you can get your questions answered in a warm, supportive and comfortable environment.
Our first workshop topics will include Lymphedema (April), Managing the Sensitive Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment (incontinence, pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction) (May), and Managing the New Normal (June). Each workshop will begin with a light dinner to
provide women the opportunity to network on their survivorship journey and connect with other survivors. Dinner will be served at 6:30 and the program will begin at 7:00 pm. We are hopeful that you can make it to all of the workshops, but you can choose to attend just those that speak to your needs. Workshop topics for the next quarter will be Nutrition, Survivorship Wellness: Mind, Body & Spirit, and Heart Health.
Signing up for any or all of the workshops is simple. To register by phone, call us at 248-551-8585. To register online, go to classes.beaumont.edu and click on “classes, support groups & events” on the left hand side of the page. You can register online up to 48 hours prior to the program. Meets in the Neuroscience Center at Royal Oak, in the 2nd floor Allison Conference Room.
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urvivorship Workshop Series: Life After Cancer!
All Programs at a glance...
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Survivorship Clinic
June 2016
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S Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday S1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 12:00 pmAngel PillowProject at Gilda’sClub
14 6:30 pmRack Pack-Young Survivor SupportGilda’s Club
15 16 6:30 pmManaging the New Normal Royal Oak
17 18
19 20 10:30 amBreast CancerSupportTroy
21 6:30 pmMetastatic BreastCancer SupportRoyal Oak
22 23
24 25
26
27
28 29 30
More programs at a glance...
S Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday S1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 12:00 pmAngel Pillow Project atGilda’s Club
10 6:30 pmRack Pack-Young Survivor SupportGilda’s Club
11 12 6:30 pmManaging Sensitive Side Effects
13 14
15 16 10:30 am Breast Cancer SupportTroy
17 6:30 pmMetastatic Breast Cancer Support Royal Oak
18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 1:00 pm Never Alone: Peer to Peer Royal Oak
27 28
29
30
31
May 2016
Don’t forget to call 248-551-8585 and reserve your seat. If no one is available to take your call, a message with your name, phone
number and the name of the program you plan to attend will suffice as your reservation. You can also register online at classes.beaumont.edu, up to 48 hours before the program. If you do not reserve your spot, we will not be able to contact you in the event
that we must cancel a program.
Please note that these are not Sharing & Caring programs and each event has separate contact information and phone numbers.
Nutrition for Cancer Survivorship-During Treatment and Beyond: Thursdays, April 14, May 12 and June 9 7:00 - 8:30 pmPatients will learn how diet influences cancer. Sample foods and recipes will be provided. Please join Hallie Jack, RD, and Chef Bryan Cicchini for a fun, informative, delicious evening! Meets in the Rehabilitation & Dialysis Center 2nd floor, Staff lounge44300 Dequindre, Sterling Heights MI 48314 Although there is no fee to attend, registration is required by calling the Wilson Cancer center at 248-964-3430
Shades of Pink Foundation - A Walk at the Zoo: Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Detroit Zoo. The event raises money to provide temporary financial assistance to women who are experiencing financial distress during a breast cancer diagnosis. Early registration fee includes a day at the zoo, T-shirt and breakfast snacks. For more information, or to register for the walk or make a donation, visit www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org. Volunteers are needed to help with breakfast that morning. If you can help from 6:30 am – 10 am, please call Sharing and Caring at 248-551-8585, or email [email protected], and leave your name, phone number and email address. A Shades of Pink representative will get in touch with you.
Beaumont Health National Cancer Survivor Day Party: Sunday, June 5th, Noon - 3:00 pm, held at Wyndham Garden’s (Sterling Inn) 34911 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights. For more information, or to register, call 1-800-633-7377 or go to classes.beaumont.edu.
Beaumont Drive to Beat Breast Cancer, The Dr. John A. Ingold Invitational & Raffle: Raffle ticket sales support Sharing & Caring! Always lots of great prizes! You can get your raffle tickets on Tuesday, May 17, outside the Royal Oak Mackinac room from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm. Many past winners have bought their tickets from us and you need not be present to win. Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100.
Silver Linings: An eight-week, mindfulness-based stress reduction program for female cancer survivors and women at high risk for developing cancer. The spring workshop will teach stress reduction with tools that include meditation, gentle yoga, mindful eating and communication. While there is no charge for Silver Linings, space is limited and registration is required. Registration is open to all women, regardless of where they received treatment for their cancer. Attendance at either the March 23 or March 30 registration meeting is mandatory. Classes will run through April, exact time, date, and location not finalized at the time of this printing. Participants must be 18 years or older and have completed their cancer treatments. Those interested in the program should contact Pam Jablonski at 248-551-4645 or [email protected]. More information on Silver Linings can be found at http://www.beaumont.edu/cancer/classes-support-resources/support-groups/silver-linings/.
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. Bring home a beautiful kit filled with new makeup, and learn some new scarf-tying tricks as well. Reservations for LGFB for Troy (10 am meeting time), or Royal Oak (6 pm meeting time) or Grosse Pointe (6:00 pm meeting time) must be made by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. Meeting dates for Royal Oak and Troy are Mondays, April 11, May 9 and June 13. Grosse Pointe meets on Monday, June 6. This is a free workshop!
Beaumont Cancer Survivorship Clinic: Meets on Thursdays at the Wilson Cancer Resource Center (across the bridge from Troy Beaumont). Offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary visits and the flexibility to focus on any issues you may be facing. Our goal is to provide guidance to live a healthy life after treatment, including lifestyle recommendations, nutritional counseling, wellness education and more. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call 248-964-5892.
The information in this newsletter is not intended as a replacement for medical care. The advice of your physician should take precedence in your health care matters.
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