Sharing

Beaumont Cancer CenterMailing Address:

3577 W. Thirteen MileRoyal Oak, MI 48073-6710

248-551-8585email: sharingandcaring@

beaumont.edu

♥ Our Cover Stories: Potential Dangers of Moisturizers AND Beaumont Grosse Pointe Breast Care Center Opens! ♥ Our Expert explains: Hormone Therapy following Active Treatment

♥ Calendar of Events

In This Issue:

Spring 2014 A NEWSLETTER FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

with Friends

When I flip through magazines, I often find myself getting sucked into the swirl of skin care ads. The promises are hard to ignore: with just a few pats of a cream or serum, I can look younger, with firmer, softer skin protected against the signs of aging. Any and all perceived flaws seem to magically disappear, sometimes instantly. It’s no wonder that moisturizers and other anti-aging products are things we can’t seem to live without. Yet despite these claims - which aren’t closely regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - some moisturizing products may actually do more harm than good.

What goes on you can go in you. Your skin absorbs many of the things that you put on it. Just think of today’s new medicines that can deliver a full dose of a medicine through a small patch you place on your skin. So it is important to use healthy products on your skin.

Moisturizers are made up of many chemicals, some of which may be cause for concern. The chemicals may be the active ingredient, a fragrance to make

it smell good, or a preservative added to help extend the shelf life of the product. There’s also the potential risk of contaminants - chemicals that come along with added ingredients and other chemicals that are formed when the additives react with each other.

Unless you’re a chemist, it’s hard to keep up with all the potentially harmful ingredients. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve come to rely on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. The database provides hazard ratings for more than 3,000 common moisturizers, as well as other types of products. Hazard ratings range from the lowest, 0, to the highest, 10. The ratings are based on each product’s ingredients; the higher the rating, the higher the risk of potentially harmful ingredients. Moisturizing products with higher hazard ratings often contain ingredients such as:

• Fragrance • Sunscreen • Estrogen.

So how to moisturize with minimal risk?Use just a small amount of the product. continued on page 6...

Moisturizers: Hope or Harm? compiled from Marisa Weiss, MD, President and Founder, Breastcancer.org

with Friends

New Beaumont Grosse Pointe Breast Care Center OpensMost women experience anxiety when it is time for their routine, annual mammogram. When a woman learns of an abnormality through self-discovery or after a physical examination by a physician, that anxiety immediately escalates. “The unknown is always frightening,” says Michele Ramsdell, M.D., diagnostic radiologist, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe. “When a woman comes to our new Breast Care Center for a routine or diagnostic mammogram, we want to provide her with a diagnosis and treatment plan right then and there.”

Beaumont, Grosse Pointe’s new Breast Care Center will help ease a woman’s anxiety by providing expedited breast care in a comfortable, home-like setting. The breast care center will have specialists in risk assessment, with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging.

The Breast Care Center team of breast imagers, surgeons and nurses will provide expedited care for their patients. Screening mammograms (for patients with no symptoms) are reviewed and if additional views and ultrasounds continued on next page...

Greetings!Now that Spring is upon us, how about coming out for an S&C program! It is a bit warmer and the roads are clear, so join us for a packed quarter of programs.

April brings us to Beaumont Grosse Pointe, where we will tour the new breast care center and listen to Dr.

Adil Yakan discuss bone health for the breast cancer survivor. We are very privileged to have Dr. Yakan speak to S&C. He is the Chief of Hematology and Oncology at Grosse Pointe and is a wealth of knowledge!

May kicks off with S&C’s 15th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium “Body, Heart & Soul - Living Your Best Life after Breast Cancer.” It will be an information packed day: Dr. Anna Marandici, Cardiologist, and Dr. Debra Luria, Psychologist and Breast Cancer Survivor are just two of our speakers. Held at The Village Club in Bloomfield Hills, it is always an wonderful, elegant day.

May will also be the month of two other very popular programs: Brassiere Bazaar at Nordstrom’s Somerset and Deb Martz, RD, helping us with our food choices in “Navigating Nutrition.”

In perfect time for summer, Integrative Medicine’s Oncology Esthetician Nicole Akemann-Hogan will teach us about good skin care. Nicole understands the special needs of a woman who has undergone breast cancer treatments and the affects treatment has on our skin. Lastly, I would like to mention Cancer Survivor Day is June 1st and Beaumont will be celebrating all of you at the Sterling Inn again this year! Linda and I are in the bingo room, so please stop by and say hello.Hope to see you all soon!

Regards, Lorelei

Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook where you’ll always find the latest goings-on at Sharing & Caring!

Greetings from Lorelei

New Breast Care Center, continued from previous page

are needed, they are usually scheduled within three days. If a biopsy is necessary, it too will be done at this appointment by a breast-certified radiologist. For patients with a “lump,” a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy will be done the same day.

Dr. Ramsdell explains most abnormalities and biopsies are not cancerous. However, for those that are cancerous, the patient will be seen by Dharti Sheth, M.D., surgeon, Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, normally the next clinic day. Dr. Sheth will explain to the patient the recommendations and treatment plan, determined by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. “The comprehensive, expedited care at the Breast Care Center will help decrease

the time from diagnosis to treatment to help lessen the patient’s anxiety,” says Dr. Sheth.

The new Breast Care Center at Beaumont, Grosse Pointe is located in a newly constructed area within the hospital. It is equipped with two full-view digital imaging mammography units that can image women of all breast sizes, and two ultrasound rooms to perform same-day biopsies. To further lessen patient anxiety, Breast Care Center nurses will help patients make follow up surgical and nonsurgical appointments.

“This new comprehensive center will provide patients with the latest therapy options and a variety of support, education and community outreach programs,” says Donna Hoban, M.D., senior vice president and physician-in-chief, Beaumont, Grosse Pointe. “Beaumont is committed to providing compassionate care and to restoring hope, confidence and self-esteem, all of which are so important to women battling breast cancer.”For more information or to make an appointment, call 800-633-7377.

Dr. Sheth explains breast care treatment options to a patient.

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Adil Yakan, MDChief of Hematology/Oncology, Beaumont Health System, Grosse Pointe

Ask the Expert

1. I am a 65 year old woman who just finished chemo for breast cancer. I heard that chemo can really make your bones weak. In addition I have been prescribed an anti-hormonal therapy that may cause bones loss. I am very concerned about my risk for fractures. What type of monitoring do I need and how often should I have it done?Chemotherapy increases the risk of osteoporosis mostly in premenopausal women due to ovarian ablation. Aromatase inhibitors are used in post menopausal women to help reduce the risk of recurrence and improve survival. Aromatase inhibitors increase the risk of osteoporosis as it lowers estrogen levels significantly. Prior to starting treatment all patients should undergo a baseline bone density test, and an evaluation using the WHO fracture risk assessment tool. Typically, bone density tests are repeated every two years. However; in women who are considered high risk or if a significant change was noted on follow up tests, the BMD test may be repeated yearly.

2. Is there anything I can take to protect my bones?Women who are on an aromatase inhibitor should be on an exercise program, and have their vitamin D levels checked. Vitamin D supplementation is strongly recommended in patients with low vitamin D. In patients with a bone density in the osteopenic range bisphosphonate therapy may be considered. In patients with a bone mineral density in the osteoporotic range bisphosphonates are strongly recommended.

3. What type of side effects does this medication have? Who can prescribe it for me?Bisphosphonats can be prescribed by your oncologist or PCP. These medications are contraindicated in patients with low calcium and vitamin D. Some patients may experience some bone pain. The oral forms can be associated with esophageal irritation. Case reports of esophageal cancer have been described in the post-marketing data. Jaw osteonecrois is an uncommon side effect that is more prevalent in the intravenous forms of bisphosphonate. The FDA recommends that patients on bisphosphonate therapy should be reevaluated after 3-5 years of therapy to determine appropriateness of continued therapy based on an individual’s risks and benefits.

4. Is there anything else I can do, eat etc. to strengthen my bones? I have heard exercise can help but can’t help much.There are 3 types of exercise that are used to build and maintain bone density. 1. Weight bearing exercises such as jumping rope, tennis, fast walking and dancing for 2-3 times per week 2. Muscle strengthening exercises such as weight lifting and elastic bands also 2-3 times per week. 3. Balance and posture exercise every day if possible.

5. I recently moved from Farmington Hills to Grosse Pointe, and was previously in the care of Beaumont Physicians. I love my physicians but I don’t want to drive back to the West side for my follow up breast care and medical oncology appointments. Is there a Beaumont Breast Care Center and Oncologist on this side of town? Do I need a referral to see one of the physicians there? Yes, Beaumont Grosse Pointe just opened a state of the art breast care center. The center is located on campus. You don’t need a referral. You can reach our nurse navigator by calling directly at 313-473-6900. The center offers mammograms, ultrasounds with same day biopsies, bone density testing and a breast multidisciplinary clinic (starting in April).

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April, May & June

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.

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Breast Cancer Support - There’s something just right for you!

Breast Cancer Support Group: Mondays, April 7th, May 19th and June 16th - 10:30am - Troy BeaumontReceiving a cancer diagnosis can be a complete derailment to life. The sudden and unexpected upheaval is very stressful. This group provides an opportunity to discuss your diagnosis and treatment with others who are going through the same experience. Feel free to attend one or all meetings. You are welcome to share your story, or simply sit back and listen. Facilitated by Oncology Social Worker Laurel Martinez, LMSW, LCSW, OSW-C. We will meet in the Wilson Cancer Resource Center, located in the Professional Building, 44344 Dequindre Road, first floor conference room. The building is located across the pedestrian bridge from Troy Beaumont.

Coffee, Chocolate, Chat & Cancer: Thursday, June 5th 7:00 pm Royal Oak BeaumontIf you have received a breast cancer diagnosis in the past year and want to meet other women who are facing similar experiences as you, this is the night for you. There is no “How-to” guide when dealing with breast cancer. There are always so many questions to ask, and at times we all feel we don’t even know what to ask! This is a low key evening to discuss the emotional roller coaster ride receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can bring. Psychologist Dr. Patricia Ploppa will be helping us navigate this roller coaster. Meets in the Royal Oak Cancer Center first floor classroom.

STAGE 4 - A Group for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Tuesdays, April 15th, May 20th and June 17th - 7pm - Royal Oak Beaumont This group provides an opportunity for survivors 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. We will be meeting in the Resource Center on the first floor of the Rose Cancer Center, Royal Oak. This meeting will be facilitated by Psychologist Dr. Sally Smolen of Mercy Works in Farmington Hills and Jennifer Martens, Oncology Nurse Clinician.

Other Programs of Interest

Whole Foods Grocery Store-West Bloomfield: Tuesday, April 1st, 3pm FIELD TRIP!! Join us as Community Relations Director Renee Mahon takes us on a tour of Whole Foods. We will discuss topics such as the benefits of locally grown foods and explain just what organic is and is it truly beneficial? Come have your questions answered and feel more comfortable in the store that can be a tad bit intimidating to many. We will meet at the Whole Foods store 7350 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield 48322. Please call 248-551-8585 to register for the program-space is limited!

Lymphedema: Symptoms & Management & Avoidance: Thursday, April 3rd, 7pm Royal Oak BeaumontDid you know that you should avoid hot tubs after an axillary lymph node dissection? If you didn’t, this is a great class for you! Join us as Dr. Justin Riutta will be teaching us all about lymphedema. He will be bringing Lymphedema PT, Cynthia Tan with him too. Cynthia is specially trained in lymphedema wrapping techniques and will be showing us how to properly wrap. The class will meet in Beaumont Royal Oak Rose Cancer Center in the first floor classroom. Please call to register 248-551-8585.

Introducing the NEW Breast Care Center with Bone Health for the Breast Cancer Survivor: Thursday, April 17th, 7pm FIELD TRIP!! S & C is very excited to tour the new Grosse Pointe Breast Care Center. While there, we will have the privilege to hear Dr. Adil Yakan, Chief of Hematology/Oncology at Grosse Pointe, Beaumont, discuss bone health for the breast cancer survivor. We will meet at GP Beaumont’s Connelly Auditorium. 468 Cadieux Rd., Grosse Pointe. The auditorium is located through the hospital main entrance, take the main hallway to the left and the auditorium is on your left. Please call to register: 248-551-8585.

Look Good, Gain Confidence!: Thursday, April 24th, 7pm Royal Oak BeaumontThis evening we will have talented Beaumont volunteer and Fashionista, Pam Pokley, helping us to put together up-to-date outfits with the everyday items in our closets. Pam has the talent to make simple things sparkle like new again! Learn how to shop your closet, update your style and make sure your clothes reflect who you are! Refresh, Renew, Reclaim! Bring your daughter, mother and have a fun girly evening out! This program will fill quickly, so please call 248-551-8585 to reserve your seat. Meets in the Rose Cancer Center 1st floor classroom in Royal Oak.

Brassiere Bazaar at Somerset Nordstrom: Thursday, May 8th, 6pm FIELD TRIP!!All Women want to feel pretty! So why not have a mastectomy bra fitting in pleasant, non-clinical surroundings! Please join us, along with Nordstrom’s professional prosthetic bra fitters. Nordstrom can bill your insurance, so please BRING YOUR SCRIPT with you. Will will meet in the lingerie department at Nordstrom Somerset. 2850 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy. Please call to register, space is limited! 248-551-8585.

Navigating the Nutritional Maze: Thursday, May 15th, 7pm Royal Oak Beaumont There is so much conflicting information in the media, books and tv, about what we should and shouldn’t eat, that it can be overwhelming! Nutrition is important to everyone, but what we put in our body may influence our body’s ability to fight off cancer. This is the program to learn more about what breast cancer survivors should look for, and what they should avoid when menu planning. We are happy to welcome Oncology Dietitian Deb Martz. Deb is a wealth of knowledge! To ensure your most important queries are addressed, please submit your questions to Deb ahead of time. Please email them to SharingandCaring@Beaumont.edu. If time allows, Deb will also address additional questions that come up as the evening unfolds. Her talks are always very well attended, so please call 248-551-8585 to reserve your seat! We will meet in the Rose Cancer Center 1st floor classroom in Royal Oak.

Skin Care for Survivorship: Thursday, June 26th, 7pm Royal Oak BeaumontA cancer diagnosis is life-changing. As one navigates through surgical intervention, chemotherapy/biotherapy and radiation, skin care can be the last thing on your mind. However, cancer treatments can lead to numerous skin related side effects. Beaumont’s own Oncology Esthetician, Nicole Akemann-Hogan, can help provide relief, easing of symptoms, improvement of skin and restoring a sense of well-being. Join us to leaern more about proper skin care! Please call to register at 248-551-8585. Meets in the Rose Cancer Center 1st floor classroom in Royal Oak.

Chemo Tip...

While receiving chemotherapy treatments, be sure to avoid alcohol based mouthwash. Mouthwashes with alcohol can irritate the lining of the mouth. To help prevent mouth sores, you can use baking soda and

saltwater mix to rinse your mouth 3 to 4 times daily. Also, if possible, it is always a good idea to get your

teeth cleaned before you start chemotherapy.

Rosa, Oncology Nurse Navigator at WCRC

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 address on the cover.

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Moisturizers, continued from front pageYou might want to use moisturizers only once a day and reduce the number of products you use. Choose low-risk moisturizers. It’s unlikely that you’ll completely give up your moisturizer, so the key is to find one that offers the least amount of risk. There are more than 400 facial moisturizers/anti-aging products in the Skin Deep database with a “0” rating.Keep it simple. Substituting a safe homemade or single-ingredient product for a synthetic product is another way to go. To keep dry skin supple, try using vegetable oils such as cocoa butter or coconut oil. My favorite is a jar of food-grade organic coconut oil that’s good enough to eat (it’s sold on the cooking oil shelf). When I bring it home to my house, the cooler environment turns it into a waxy consistency. But as soon as you put it on, it melts right into your skin. Ahhh…works great as a moisturizer and is very inexpensive. But I use it at the end of the day, after work, once I take off my work clothes and put on my sweats. Be your own active ingredient: Don’t forget about the importance of exercise and healthy eating. Exercise increases blood flow to your skin both during and after a workout, bringing important nutrients to the surface. It also helps rid the skin of old cells, giving your skin a healthy glow.Update: On March 15, 2012, the U.S. FDA issued a warning about skin lighteners, anti-aging creams, and other skin creams that may contain extremely high levels of mercury. Products that list “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric,” “mercurio,” or “mercury” as ingredients should be thrown away.

compiled from Marisa Weiss, MD, President and Founder, Breast Cancer.org

Sharing & Caring will be again be selling raffle tickets for this year’s Drive to Beat Breast Cancer the Dr. John A. Ingold Invitational Golf Outing. As you know, Sharing

& Caring is funded totally by charitable donations and relies on your generosity to continue to provide vitally needed services for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

ALL money raised from the sale of raffle tickets goes directly to benefit Sharing & Caring programs. Tickets are $25 each, or 5 for $100. In addition to cash prizes of

$2000, $1000 and $500, there are always a lot of other great prizes as well. Raffle tickets will be available at all of our programs and events, as well as through our

office at the Wilson Cancer Resource Center.

Nutrition for Cancer Survivorship

Learn how diet influences cancer!Recipes and sample foods provided.

Presented by Betty Boscarino, RD and Chef Steve Chapman at the Rehabilitation & Dialysis Center

44300 DequindreSterling Heights, 483142nd Floor, Staff Lounge.

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Nutrition During Cancer Treatment: Thursdays, April 10th and June 12th

Nutrition for Cancer Survivorship: Thursday, May 8thThere is no fee for this program, but registration is required!

Call the Wilson Cancer Center at 248-964-3430 to reserve your seat.

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Announcing the 15th Annual Sharing & Caring Breast Cancer Symposium.

♥ $45 ticket includes continental breakfast buffet, sit-down luncheon, and educational materials

♥ To register with your credit card, call Physician Referral at 1-800-633-7377

♥ To register by mail, please send your check to Sharing & Caring, Beaumont Cancer Center

3577 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073♥ Please remember to state your luncheon preference.

Atlantic Salmon with mustard/maple sauce, Chicken Picatta, or Vegetarian Quiche with fresh fruit.

♥ Limited scholarships are available. Call 248-551-8585 for more information.

Saturday, May 3rd, 20148:30 am - 3:30 pm

The Village Club190 East Long Lake Road

Bloomfield Hills, MI

Living Your Best Life After Breast Cancer

Body, Heart & Soul -

Please join us for a special day of inspirational and educational programming.

With techniques to help you heal your body and soul, tips on living fearlessly and thriving despite your diagnosis, and keeping your heart healthy through thick and thin, we’ve

got you covered. Come alone, or bring your mom, your daughters or your girlfiends...this is a day for sisterhood, learning

and reinventing yourselves!

♥ Discover a new practice for stress reduction and wellness “Emotional Freedom Technique”

♥ Explore what every breast cancer survivor needs to know about heart health

♥ Unlock those closed doors and examine how “fear”may be holding you back.

Please respond no later than April 11, 2014

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, get tips on choosing the right wig, and even bring home a beautiful kit filled with new makeup. Reservations for LGFB for Troy (10 am meeting time), Royal Oak (6 pm meeting time) or Grosse Pointe must be made by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. Meeting dates are Mondays: April 14th, May 12th and June 9th. LGFB will be held at Beaumont, Grosse Pointe on May 12th at 6:30 pm.

Silver Linings, Winter 2014: Silver Linings teaches meditation, gentle yoga, mindful eating, and mindful communication skills to women who have completed cancer treatment. The Information/Registration dates for the Spring Silver Linings class will be Tuesday, April 1 OR Tuesday April 8, 2014 at 6:30 pm on the Royal Oak Campus. For more information about the program, please call Pam Jablonski at 248-551-4645, or email pjablonski@beaumont.edu.

Shades of Pink Foundation: A Walk at the Zoo Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the Detroit Zoo. The 8th annual event will raise money to provide temporary financial assistance to women who are experiencing financial distress at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis. Registration opens at 7 am, the Big Top Tent opens at 7:30 am, the opening ceremony takes place at 8:30 am and the walk starts at 9 am. Early registration fee includes a day at the zoo, commemorative T-shirt, and breakfast snacks. Adults (18 and up) are $35, children 6-17 are $25, children 2-5 are $10, children under 2 are free and “Sleepwalkers” who can’t attend the walk are $25. For more information, or to register for the walk or make a donation, visit www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org.♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Shades of Pink is looking for volunteers to help with setup and cleaning up breakfast that morning. If you can help from 6:30 am until about 10:00 am, please call 248-551-8585, or email sharingandcaring@beaumont.edu and leave your name, phone # and email address and someone from Shades of Pink will get in touch with you.

National Cancer Survivors Day ”We’re Going for the Gold!” Sunday, June 1, 2014 Join other survivors of cancer and their families and the Oncology Services staff of Beaumont Health System for an afternoon of celebrating life. Held from Noon - 3:00 pm Register by May 15th at https://classes.beaumont.edu or by calling 1-800-633-7377. Held at the Sterling Inn, 34911 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Beaumont Drive to Beat Breast Cancer, The Dr. John A. Ingold Invitational: Monday, June 9th. If volunteering outdoors, in a fun, upbeat setting sounds like fun to you, especially if you’re available before sunrise or after sunset, please let us know! This is a fun day, you won’t want to miss it! Don’t forget the always-great raffle prizes that are available to ticket buyers! Many of our own have won in the past. Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. See page 6 for more information about ticket sales.

ACS Relay for Life: Saturday, June 7th, West Bloomfield High School. Communities come together to honor cancer survivors and remember loved ones lost. Teams take turns walking or running a path for up to 24 hours, because cancer never sleeps. For more information, please call 800-227-2345 or contact moniqueberman@att.net.

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.

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

Additional Programs and Events of Interest...