SPRING/SUMMER 2011
A newsletternewsletter forfor cancercancer survivors,survivors, byby cancercancer survivors.survivors. SponsoredSponsored byby TheThe Dr.r. DianeDiane BartonBarton ComplementaryComplementary MMedicineedicine Program.Program. Stop and Smell the Roses by Loretta O’Donnell oming home after major surgery and Ca week in the hospital last spring, I had a new appreciation of my own back yard. I was so happy to be home safe and able to sit on my patio enjoying the green grass and new leaves, flowers and blue sky. Everything seemed brighter and the colors more vivid. Contrary to my previous multi-tasking, deadline orientation, I was content to sit and watch the birds, butterflies, squirrels and fish in the pond. Walking barefoot in the grass brought back hap - py memories and feelings of greater strength and energy from the earth and surrounding nature. I was thankful for the quiet peacefulness and warmth of the sun. The recent aware - ness of my mortality came with more con - scious living. I adjusted and enjoyed a slower pace and more mindful choices of how I spend each day. I joined a medita - tion group with other survivors and we learn from each other, sharing experiences of the benefits of living in the moment. I try to focus less on my “should do” lists and more on the things that make me happy like taking a nap in the sun with my cat, or walking in the warm sand on the beach which feels great on my feet which have temporary neu - ropathy from chemo last year. A silver lining to the black cloud of cancer is the freedom and mind - fulness to Stop and Smell the Roses and to nurture ourselves and oth - ers. I especially enjoy taking the time to talk to new people and getting to know them. I am usually surprised by the things we have in common. For me, it’s not in this issue: so much about how much I accomplish any - When Do You Tell? ...... 2 Three Generations ...... 8 more, as it is about relationships, how I make Surviving My Storm ...... 5 Being Positive ...... 9 others feel and how I want to be remem - What I Know for Sure ...... 5 Physician Spotlight ...... 9 bered. Facing the challenge of trying to live Gurl About Town ...... 6 My Journey ...... 10 my best life in this “new normal” and mak - My Joy ...... 6 How Do I Love Life ...... 11 ing each day my best day. Will it Matter a Year From Now? . .7 The Power of Love ...... 12 When Do You Tell? Letter from the Editor:
by Louise Flannery Greetings and Salutations, Welcome to the Spring /Summer 2011 edition of the Survivor Times –a Who needs to know you have received newsletter for cancer survivors, by cancer survivors. a diagnosis of cancer and when do you One of my favorite quotes is by Norman B. Rice, who said, tell? It can be a daunting task to have to in - “Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, form so many people from different areas in your life. Do I tell my boss right away? Will to pull another hand into the light.” she/he think of me as “less than” and per - I am constantly humbled and inspired by the cancer survivors that con - haps not as capable of performing my reg - tribute to this publication. These are very special people that share their in - ular duties? How about friends and extended ner most thoughts and experiences with the intent of giving back and sup - family? You really get to know who your porting other fellow cancer survivors during their journey. true friends are (one of the cancer perks). I am reminded of that game show on TV called Who Wants to Be a Millionaire . One of the hardest things I ever had to When you are in trouble or you need a little help and support you can phone a friend; do was tell my two daughters that I had poll the audience, or call in lifeline. It’s the same theory here… with a bit of a twist. breast cancer. Aside from them being Chances are, if you are reading this newsletter, you are a cancer survivor. No mat - concerned about me and worrying if I was ter where you are in the process, a newly diagnosed patient, or a 30 year survivor, going to be all right, I was now giving them you are part of this very special community and from time to time you may need some something they would have to carry for the nurturing and or a proverbial lifeline. rest of their lives: a history of cancer in a The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program is part of the many clin - close relative. Not exactly the legacy any ical and educational programs and services offered through Cooper Cancer Institute. mother wants to leave to her daughters, This program is committed to providing cancer survivors with access to an array of granddaughters and future generations. complementary medicine experiences. Our programs are designed to help survivors Then I had to tell my 40 something son. I discover ways to cope with the stress and anxiety of their diagnosis, and to alleviate am of the generation that felt embarrassed some of the side effects of their treatment by focusing on healing the mind, body asking the butcher for breast of chicken. and spirit. My goal through this program is to bring together, empower and engage Of course those of you in committed cancer survivors to incorporate complementary medicine options into their lives. The relationships have to share the information inception of this newsletter is the outcome of one such special program offered through - as soon as it is known. But then again, how out the year. will they handle the news? After the ini - If you have any questions or would like to join the Survivor Times team or sub - tial shock, what thoughts and feelings of mit an article, please contact me at [email protected]. theirs will surface? Will I still be desirable in their eyes? How will my feelings and Namaste’ moods affect them? And oh you single people! How do you begin to share your story? On the 1st Bonnie Mehr date… 3rd date… or when? Manager, The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program From my personal experience, I shared the information with a gentleman I had only known for a short time but only af - ter he had revealed the fact of his own ex - Be a Monthly Sponsor of the Tea Cart perience with cancer. He was still surprised, Why the Tea Cart should be called the “Heart Cart.” stating I didn’t look like the type of person who had been ill with cancer. I took it as Every delicious snack given to our patients while they a compliment. are receiving their chemo is given from the heart. Our As you can see, I have posed more patients are always pleasantly surprised when sitting in questions than I have answers for. So the chemo unit for hours and perhaps feeling a little down, my fellow survivors, I need your help. when a beautiful flowered cart filled with free juices, a sumptuous va - Will you please share your thoughts, riety of baked goods, healthy cheese sticks, yogurt, fresh fruit, candy, pretzels, choco - ideas, advice and/or experiences with lates, program updates, the Survivor Times, and many more surprises, comes along me and I will use the information in a and serves them a little spot of sunshine. It’s an inspirational initiative through the future article. Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program that serves as a symbol and a Since space is limited, please keep re - testament of the spirit that defines Cooper Cancer Institute as unique and focused sponses to a paragraph and you do not on our patients and their families. have to use your name. Send email to: For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Bonnie Mehr, Man - [email protected] and ager, The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program at 856.325.6646 or she will forward it to me. [email protected].
2 SURVIVOR TIMES • Spring/Summer 2011 THE DR. DIANE BARTON COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE PROGRAM AT THE COOPER CANCER INSTITUTE
JUNE – AUGUST 2011 Signature Class SERIES A FREE series of classes for cancer patients and their caregivers.
RESTORATIVE YOGA LIVE & LEARN Restorative Yoga is especially beneficial for people A New Perspective for the Cancer Patient with flexibility limitations due to a variety of de - TIME : 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. generative conditions, as well as those recover ing LOCATION : Town Square Building from surgery. 931 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 DATES : July 5 & 26; August 2 & 23 TIME : 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. • Thursday, June 16, 2011: LOCATION : Town Square Building Creating a Breath of Fresh Air 931 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 for Your Home and Health Learn how to apply a few simple principles from the QI GONG Chinese art of Feng Shui to your home and feel better all over! Qi Gong is a modality several centuries old using movement and breath as a way to increase, harness PRESENTED BY: Maggie Burgisser, C.C.C.F.S.P. and move the Vital Energy that is within and around • Thursday, July 21, 2011: us. It can increase focus, improve balance and Everything I Ever Needed to Know flexibility, increase circulation, and relax you. I Learned in Kindergarten DATES : July 12; August 9 & 30 Come enjoy a very special experience of reliving a warm TIME : 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. and enlightening time in your childhood. LOCATION : Town Square Building * Please bring something for “Show & Tell.” 931 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 PRESENTED BY: Bonnie Mehr, Manager, Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program and MEDITATION FOR RELAXATION Maggie Burgisser, C.C.C.F.S.P.
Join practitioner Jo Anna Carey and you will be led • August: Summer Vacation…enjoy! on a journey of self-discovery through the deeply relaxing practice of meditation for the purpose of nurturing and supporting yourself through life’s Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Please call: stresses and joys. Enjoy experiencing a variety of meditation techniques and breathing exercises. 1.800.8.COOPER (1.800.826.6737) DATE : July 19; August 16 You can also register for these classes online at TIME : 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. events.cooperhealth.org LOCATION : Town Square Building Please note that workshops are subject to cancellation 931 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 due to inclement weather.
World Class Care. Right Here. Right Now. George E. Norcross, III, Chairman Joan S. Davis, Vice Chairman John P. Sheridan, Jr., President and CEO
Spring/Summer 2011 • SURVIVOR TIMES 3 THE DR. DIANE BARTON COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE PROGRAM AT THE COOPER CANCER INSTITUTE 2011 Art of Survivorship Series
2011 Creative Arts for Healing Workshops Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology Facilitator: The Kris Kelly Foundation and Reiki Day Location: Town Square Building Attention all cancer survivors; Come enjoy the mind body 931Centennial Building, Voorhees, NJ 08043 spirit benefits of therapeutic chair massage, reflexology and reiki. Time: 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Dates: September 13 & 27; October 11 & 25; • June 1: Horticultural Therapy – Plant lavender in your November 8 & 29 one of a kind clay pot Time: 9:30 a.m. –1:00 p.m. • June 15: Project: Affirmation Bead Bracelets for *Reiki from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon Cancer Survivors by Cancer Survivors Location: Town Square Building • September 14: Project: Make Your Own Affirmation 931 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 Stationary and Greeting Cards • September 18: Project: Affirmation Bead Bracelets Bonnie’s Book Club for Cancer Survivors by Cancer Survivors A story is always better if you have someone to share it • October 5: Project: Make Your Own with… what could be better than sharing it with a group Memory/Keepsake Box of friends who have read it too? • October 19: Project: Affirmation Bead Bracelets for • June 29, 2011 Cancer Survivors by Cancer Survivors Great House by Nicole Kraus • November 9: Project: Make Your Own Mosaic • July 27, 2011 Mirror Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly • November 30: Project: Affirmation Bead Bracelets for Cancer Survivors by Cancer Survivors • September 28, 2011 The Smallest Color by Bill Roorbach Survivor Times Newsletter • October 26, 2011 A newsletter for survivors by survivors. Join our group and Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks help develop story ideas and write articles for “Survivor Times.” • November 30, 2011 Juliet by Anne Fortier Dates: June 16, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. June 29, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Location: Town Square Building Location: Town Square Building, 931 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 931 Centennial Building, Voorhees, NJ 08043 This program is free and open to cancer survivors and This book club is for cancer survivors. If you have any their caregivers only. Please call 1.800.8.COOPER questions or need additional information please contact (1.800.826.6737) to register. Bonnie Mehr at 856.325.6646
World Class Care. Right Here. Right Now. George E. Norcross, III, Chairman Joan S. Davis, Vice Chairman John P. Sheridan, Jr., President and CEO
4 SURVIVOR TIMES • Spring/Summer 2011 Surviving My Storm by Evelyn Wil?iams
What I Know For Sure by Louise Flan@ery • Life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way. Evelyn Williams, Cancer Survivor, and daughter, Dianne Hyman, CCI Nurse Navigator. • Being in nature reminds us that everything, including sadness, eventually passes. t 73 years old I recognized it was not I enjoy). My door is always open and a meal Anormal to suddenly have a menstrual is always available at “Big E’s house.” Every - • Blessings come in many forms. period. After a few days of intermittent spot - one raves about my fried chicken and my • No matter how old I am, there ting I knew I had to get to my gynecologist. children tease me about making a batch of are always opportunities, always I had no idea that telling my daughter Di - “chemo chicken”. new things I can do. anne Hyman, oncology nurse navigator, at A few days after receiving chemother - Cooper Cancer Institute would set things off apy I was preparing chicken for my broth - • Happy thoughts are the in such a flurry. I thought I was in a bad ers’ birthday. With nausea and GI upset at - sustenance of our lives. dream, suddenly I found myself in a GYN tacking me needless to say that batch of • Everyone has the right to live oncology office discussing my surgical op - chicken did not go over well hence the out their life in peace, tions. On March 3, 2010 my emotional jour - name “chemo chicken” will get a laugh sufficiency and beauty. ney began. every time we think of it. Laughter is good • Slow down, simplify and As a widow, the mother of seven, for the soul and I know prayer changes enjoy life. grandmother of ten and great grand mom things. My faith has sustained me through of four, I have lived my life being everything it all. • Motion creates positive to everybody. Having lost loved ones to can - Dr. David Warshal as my gynecolo - emotion. cer, suddenly hearing the word “cancer” gist/oncologist, Dr. Leslie Hughes as my ra - • Difficult times don't make us was like hearing a death sentence. I was diation oncologist and all the wonder better; working through them scared to death but knew I had to be strong. nurses and various staff who cared for me does. Being extremely active in my community, my and always offered a word of encourage - church and my family, I had to rely on all my ment at every appointment, your kindness • Good friends are like stars. You resources to help keep me going. The is so greatly appreciated and I don’t think don't always see them but you journey was not easy but I learned some you could ever hear “Thank You” enough. always know they are there. valuable lessons through it all. Working with cancer patients is not easy, • Unconditional love is the First and for most I will live each day to I see the burden my daughter carries, just greatest gift to give someone. the fullest and take care of ME first. I tell know you are appreciated and your smile • Everyday has the possibility of a my children to “give me my flowers while does make a difference. miracle. I can smell them.” I’ve learned to enjoy the After a total hysterectomy, chemother - smallest things in life such as an outing with apy and radiation I am now cancer free and • As Thoreau said: Go confidently a group of dear friends the “golden girls,” can see the sun began to shine again. My in the direction of your dreams. spending time with my grand children, and storm is over now and I am available to help live the life you have imagined. cooking every Sunday for my family (which someone else get through theirs...
Spring/Summer 2011 • SURVIVOR TIMES 5 Gurl About Town March was national Nutrition Month, and the Dr. Diane Barton Comple - mentary Medicine Program at the Cooper Cancer Institute offered two presen - My Joy tations on nutrition. By Rhoda Travaline I had never even heard of Nutritional Bingo before, but that’s what a group of us survivors played on March 9th. Alicia Michaux, an Oncology Dietitian from Cooper y granddaughter Taylor Wood was Cancer Institute, was the facilitator. Instead of numbers, we had pictures of food from Mnominated and accepted to travel to Eu - different food groups on our Bingo cards. Alicia would ask a specific question about rope this summer as a student ambassador nutrition, and the players would try to identify the food item on his/her card that fits with the People to People organization. Peo - the answer. Alicia would then elaborate on the question and ple to People offered a “change my world for - the answer. We learned a lot about food and nutrition while we ever “scholarship to 500 students this year. were having fun. An hour flew by so quickly. It was definitely In order to win the scholarship, the ap - time well spent. plicant must submit high school transcripts, I’ve heard a lot about the benefits of eating more plant based activities and awards, along with a 205 word foods but was not sure how to do it. I worry whether I will get all essay. This essay must be about an event or the nutrients, especially essential amino acids in proteins that I need. person that has changed your world forev - I was very excited when I found out that Linda Goldsmith, an On - er, and how it would apply to your journey cology Dietitian from Cooper Cancer Institute, was going to give with People to People. a presentation on “Moving Towards a Plant-Based Diet” on March Taylor, without my knowledge, wrote the 23rd. I was not disappointed. Linda gave us so much information essay about how she perceives my battle with by Teresa Kao and tips. Linda’s motto is Variety (rainbow of colors) and Moder - cancer. I am so pleased and proud to say that ation. Some of the highlights from the presentation are: she was one of the $1000.00 winners of the • AICR Cancer Prevention Guideline: Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and scholarship. legumes. • AICR Cancer Prevention Guideline: Limit Consumption of red meats and avoid processed meats (because Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite are known carcinogens). My Favorite Superhero • Supplements are not the answer. The synergy of foods is just as important as the indi - by Taylor WoAd vidual nutrients in them. For example, spinach has a higher concentration of Lutein than eggs. But Lutein in eggs is absorbed better, probably because of the fat in the yolks help To most fifte Resources • The American Institute for Cancer Research: http://www.aicr.org/ • The American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/ • The Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/ • “How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food” by Mark Bittman • “Quick-Fix Vegetarian: Healthy Home-Cooked Meals in 30 Minutes or Less” by Robin Robertson 6 SURVIVOR TIMES • Spring/Summer 2011 Will it Matter a Year from Now? by LoretEa O’ Don@el? he ups and downs of our cancer Tjourneys are physical and emo - tional roller coasters to be sure with our levels of hope and tenacity always in flux with varying successes and set - backs. While we’re trying to handle often overwhelming feelings, infor - mation and choices related to our health, we still have to deal with every - day life issues complicated and exac - erbated by our cancer or side effects. Decisions on treatment options, food, supplements, money, time, work and responsibilities can leave us Rhoda Travaline, cancer survivor, with granddaughter Taylor Wood. feeling confused and conflicted. When I’m having trouble making my family wanted my life to stay as normal as be Spring/Summer 2011 • SURVIVOR TIMES 7 About The Dr. Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Program he Dr. Diane Barton Complementary TMedicine Program enhances the quality of life and wellness of individuals touched by cancer – including patients, their caregivers and family. It utilizes therapies that focus on mind, body and spirit while supporting mainstream medical care. The complementary therapies offered through CCI are designed to lessen the pain, stress and anxiety associated with cancer. Therapies also assist in managing the side effects of traditional treatments such as radiation and chemo-therapy. While complementary therapies cannot cure can - cer, many patients have found them to be helpful in managing and coping with their Diane Hatoff, Diane’s Mother and Diane’s niece, cancer survivors. cancer. While traditional medicine and healthcare treat the illness, complementary medicine therapies help promote wellness in the whole person. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, Three Generations taking part in complementary medicine by Diane Hatof= therapies empowers participants – providing survivors with an opportunity reast cancer can strike women at any er. We are truly blessed to have her. to take a positive, active role in their care Bage. Five years later… I too found a lump in and treatment. Three generations of breast cancer ex - my breast. I went to my gynecologist, who All therapies and programs offered ist in my family. My mother, my niece and felt that I was just cystic (I had a history of through the Dr. Diane Barton Complementary I all have had cancer. being cystic). I knew the diagnosis was Medicine Program are available at no cost Fortunately for us, we have all had ex - wrong. I had a mammogram and and are open to all cancer patients and their cellent teams of physicians & an ultrasound, and caregivers, regardless of where they receive wonderful support sys - both confirmed can - their treatment. These programs, lectures tems throughout our cer. I had a and activities offer patients access to social, journeys. mastectomy, educational and support opportunities. Pro - The first to be reconstructive grams are offered weekly throughout the diagnosed was surgery, followed year. Our outpatient complementary medi - my mother at the by chemotherapy and radi - cine programs include: age of 85 years. ation. Today, I am a • Restorative yoga She became a proud survivor and ad - • Therapeutic chair massage brave role model vocate for women • Mindfulness meditation for us all. An to do monthly self • Qi Gong Oprah Winfrey Show examinations and • Behavioral health workshops episode discussing to have yearly mam - • Body movement classes breast cancer awareness mograms. • Creative arts in seniors basically saved Four years later, • Educational seminars my niece, at 26 years • The Tea Cart (brought to outpatients while her life. After watching that old, discovered a lump receiving chemotherapy) show, my mother found a lump in her • Horticultural therapy breast. My mother met with a surgeon and in her breast. She was This program is wholly funded through the tests confirmed breast cancer. Breast newly married & in her last year of gradu - philanthropic support. As the reputation and surgery and radiation were performed ate school. Her physician recommended that demand for our programs and services successfully. Today my mother is 98 years she have a double mastectomy. One month grow, so does our need for funding. If you young and still going strong. She lives in - after her surgery, she returned to finish her are interested in learning more about The Dr. dependently in a continuing care envi - graduate studies. She graduated with high Diane Barton Complementary Medicine Pro - ronment. My mother is healthy, active and honors. Today, she is a very successful gram or would like to make a donation, leads an interesting life. She plays bridge, business career woman, and a mother of a please contact, Bonnie Mehr, Program Man - volunteers at a thrift shop, participates in little girl. ager, at 856.325.6646. a daily exercise class, and is an avid read - We are three generations of survivors. 8 SURVIVOR TIMES • Spring/Summer 2011 day. I have gone on several field trips with her from Being POSITIVE her school. This is certainly a POSITIVE thing that many other fathers do not have the luxury to do. By Michæl S. Freilick 4. I participate in support groups for cancer hen you first hear the diagnosis that patients and their families. I help them keep a Wyou have cancer, it is hard to feel POSITIVE attitude about fighting this disease by POSITIVE about the situation. This first being empathetic and listening to their fears. happened to me in 1983, and I wondered, 5. Perhaps the most important POSITIVE thing at that time, how much longer I would be alive. that I have experienced through my bouts of can - Below, I have listed some POSITIVE things that happened cer has been the love that has been expressed to me after I was diagnosed with cancer. I learned that every - towards me. In the 1980s, I was single at the thing about my life was not negative. time. I received a lot of help from my parents 1. About twenty one years ago, I met a wonderful woman and sisters in fighting cancer. In the last ten who accepted the fact that I was a cancer survivor. We will years, my wife and daughter have shown me be married nineteen years this June. a lot of love in helping me to deal with the many 2. I am infertile because of my chemotherapy and surgeries that times that I have been sick. Without their help, I probably were needed to treat my cancer. On a very happy and POSI - would not be alive today. TIVE note, my wife and I were able to adopt a beautiful, healthy, 6. It is important to realize how POSITIVE it is that there are newborn baby girl. She will be thirteen this year. millions of cancer survivors in the world today. If you are a new - 3. I am on disability, which is very upsetting to me; however, ly diagnosed cancer patient, try to understand that and keep it gives me a lot more time to be with my daughter during the an upbeat attitude. Physician Spotlight: Robert Somer, MD by Eugene McCarthy hen I interviewed Dr Somer for this Warticle, I knew already that this "Top Doc" had received much deserved recog - nition for his accomplishments in the field of Hematology/Oncology. I should not have been surprised when Dr. Somer shared a very personal account of his life and love for his work with me. “Born and raised in the Bronx, NY” is how Dr. Somer described himself. The youngest of three children, his parents had an old-fashioned candy store in the neigh - borhood where they lived. He says that he was practically raised in the store behind the counter making egg creams since he was 4 or 5 years old. “Our customers were like extended family. I still carry that experience with me every day,” said Dr. Somer. He went to public school in the Bronx. He excelled in school, but also per - formed many extracurricular activities such as volunteer - Robert Somer, MD and Eugene McCarthy, cancer survivor. ing in nursing homes, working with the po - parks, and doing other good uated with honors. lice department works in the community. His He attended the State University of New and commu - parents instilled in him the value York at Stony Brook School of Medicine and nity out - of helping others. He attended graduated with distinction in research and reach, Stuyvesant High School in down - received their Citizenship award at gradu - helping town Manhattan and subsequently, ation for his community service efforts. It clean up New York University where he grad - (continued on page II) Spring/Summer 2011 • SURVIVOR TIMES 9 My Journey by MarietEa Solimeo grew up in a traditional Italian, artistic other message from the midwife, I was so Ifamily, myself a pianist and artist, a bit re - shaken up that I drove straight home and bellious and free-spirited. My choices in forfeited the lesson. Another few weeks thinking and doing leaned toward the cre - of the said chosen treatments, I started to ative and different, and being the middle panic because my expected cure did not child reinforced my independent ways. manifest, so reluctantly I succumbed to the One of the choices of caring for myself was hands of a surgeon and biopsy, my friend through Eastern traditional culture, i.e., ho - “holding my hand” to this very first, listic medicine. So, whenever I was beset frightening visit. with a physical ailment, I explored home - Even though the results of my testing opathic remedies instead of allopathic bore an unfavorable diagnosis, my fear of medicine. I believed dying was greater that their organic My artistic spirit stil? rings true than my trepidation properties had the abil - of the medical com - ity to support the body for who I am, and as I continual?y munity, and given to heal itself. The take risks with my music and art, that I actually felt longer my belief held I also toAk a leap of faith into the freer knowing the steadfast that West - truth, I proceeded ern and Eastern med - world of modern medicine and with the appropriate icine were opposing landed right where I ne 10 SURVIVOR TIMES • Spring/Summer 2011 How Do I Love Life, Let Me Count The Ways by Ermelinda Sgro ow do I love life, let me count the accept what life sends to us. go on from my earlier experience when Hways. When things around us seem We will not complain anymore for a I left my country of birth, my family and dead, when everything is under a foot of rainy day if we think that this same rain friends, to follow my husband to make snow, then we know that there is a com - is nourishing the earth, is washing the a new life in America. I am alive and ing of new life under that foot of snow. world, is creating music out of a small ready to make the best of my days even Like a new birth for our soul when life is brook, quenching the thirst of lots of crea - if one arm is double the size of the oth - gone. tures. We accept it; we open an umbrel - er and not reliable. There is so much talk I see, I smell, I hear, I taste, I feel: my la; sing in the rain and look for the rain - and publication about breast cancer, post five ways to appreciate every season of the bow to appear. Is it too hot? Remember treatment, group therapy, cosmetic year, every hour of the day and night, every the snow of last winter. Is it too cold? Re - treatment, but not much about post-can - weather, shiny or stormy, every up and member 101 degrees of last summer. Is the cer surgery lymphedema treatment. Did down of life. I smelled the rose, I felt the sky cloudy? Look for the silver lining. If you I miss something or it is not so important softness of her petals, and my eyes get a lemon, make lemonade. We all know now that they can operate only on the basked in her glorious color, even though Alex’s lemonade. pilot gland and cause less trauma to the her thorns were warning me to stay I heard somebody stopped com - other lymph nodes? Do not take this as away. All this renewed my confidence in plaining for not having shoes when he a complaint but as a statement of my ac - the benevolence of life. We are ready and saw another guy without feet. I had can - ceptance. I do what I can with my one prepared to accept what life sends to us cer of the breast years ago, lumpectomy arm and I thank God I have the other only when we are strong, but we get and lymphectomy and I was left with one. I have a wonderful life and won - strong and content only when we learn to lymphedema. But I found the strength to derful friends. These count in life. Physician Spotlight of his family in his lab coat. He said one of our wonderful and growing family. Our (continued from page 9) his goals is to “instill in my children the joy thanks to Dr. Somer and his team at of working hard, helping others, and the sat - Cooper Cancer Institute. was at Stony Brook where he fell in love isfaction one has for “paying it forward.” He with a beautiful girl who would become his believes he has an extremely important re - wife, Athena. He underwent his residency sponsibility to his patients, and cannot be - Will it Matter a Year from Now? training at the Hospital of the University of lieve how fortunate he is to be able to wake (continued from page 7) Pennsylvania while living in South Jersey. It up every day with the opportunity to work was during his residency that he became in a field that he loves, while helping oth - If you don’t have someone to help, re - interested in Oncology. While he was for - ers. source information is available through tunate in never having experienced cancer Very much like the philosophy he was Cooper Cancer Institute’s social workers’ of - in his own family, he felt a strong desire to raised on back at that candy store in the fice, the American Cancer Society www.can - work in this field. He completed his fel - Bronx, Dr. Somer believes in treating his pa - cer.org and the Lance Armstrong Founda - lowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center. He tients like extended family. And it shows… tion, www.livestrong.org. came to Cooper Cancer Institute about 8 I am grateful to say that I am one of the For seniors, resources include the State years ago, and believes that working in the many fortunate patients who has been a Health Insurance Assistance Program community in which you live is one of the recipient of Dr Somer’s unique and caring www.state.nj.us/health/senior, and county most rewarding experiences one can have. philosophy. This includes his proactive programs for senior residents in Camden Dr. Somer and Athena have a 5-year-old treatment of my prostate cancer. As we ap - www.camdencounty.com, Burlington daughter, a 20-month-old daughter and a proach 70, he has given me and my wife www.co.burlington.nj.us and Gloucester 7-month-old son. He always carries a picture Joan, the opportunity to share in the joy of www.co.gloucester.nj.us. Spring/Summer 2011 • SURVIVOR TIMES 11 bTy LorhetEa Oe’Do n@el?Power of Love ne of my favorite recent family memories patients, survivors, doctors, nurs - Ois singing out loud with my husband, son es and staff are my new ex - and daughter along with Bruce Springsteen tended family. I feel their car - and a large stadium full of people, “Every - ing when I attend the Com - body has a hungry heart. Everybody plementary Medicine Pro - wants to have a home. Nobody wants to gram events, and am nur - be alone.” I remember the feeling of close - tured by people conducting ness with my family and the feeling of one - workshops such as chair ness and good will with the thousands of massages, yoga, Reiki and my temporary extended family. reflexology. It is one of those indelible moments in time I recently felt this power programmed in my heart and mind that I can from an elderly woman I met who recall whenever I want to bring the same feelings reminded me of my beloved mother- of love, peace and joy. During that time singing to - in-law and late mother. After speaking gether, everyone was smiling at others around them. with Dorothy for only a short while, I felt a I wish we could bottle positive feelings like those to share closeness that opened me up to confide in her in places and times of strife to lift people’s spirits. about my cancer. She took my hand, looked in my We all have special memories and moments when we felt the eyes and said, “Loretta, I pray every day and will pray power of love that we can recall when needed. I recently had a for you.” I felt that it was fate that I met her when I need - test result scare while my family was away and I envisioned their ed that kind of connection and peaceful reassurance to keep loving presence to help me through middle of the night worries trying my best for my family. where we often think the worst. The power of love to help heal I recently listened to audio book tapes called The Love Response both physical and emotional suffering has been shown to be real, (Dr. Eva Selhub) that help people create a “love shield” when they whether it’s self love, social love or spiritual connection with the are feeling bad that helps them respond more positively, which universe. Feelings of love, whether giving or receiving, help us turn in turn generates more adaptability, resiliency and love respons - off our fear response and increase hormones such as endorphins es from those around them. which can improve our immune system, as well as lower our heart I wonder what makes Hungry Heart one of Springsteen’s most rate and blood pressure. A simple hug or stroking the family pet popular, universally loved sing-a-longs. I think it’s because it ex - elevates our mood and reduces anxiety. presses a truth of human nature everyone can identify with, that Since my cancer diagnosis a year ago, I have often been re - no matter how successful, we all crave that feeling of love, un - minded that love comes in many forms. I have felt loving kind - derstanding or connection with others. It’s comforting to remind ness from many friends and new acquaintances who have re - myself that loved ones, past and present, are always with us in our placed my former coworkers in my daily life. My fellow cancer hearts and we are with them. Stick with Steaming Steamed Halibut with Ginger and Green Beans submitEed by Alicia Michaux, MS, RD, Outpatient Oncology Dietitian • 1 lb. fresh green beans Place dish onto a steamer over several inches • 1 lb. halibut (4 fillets), rinsed and of boiling water and cover. Gently steam fillets for 10 to 12 minutes. elicious recipes make getting and patted dry with paper towel • 1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt Remove ceramic dish from steamer. Sprinkle Dstaying healthy a lot easier. This recipe green onions and drizzle soy sauce over fillets. pairs flaky, pacific halibut with potent gin - • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger Heat peanut and sesame oils in small skillet • 3 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onions ger and steamed greens for a powerful over medium high heat until they just begin to cancer-fighting meal. The Monterey Bay • 1 Tbsp. low-sodium dark soy sauce smoke. Then carefully pour on top of fillets. Use Aquarium considers the Pacific variety the • 1 Tbsp. peanut oil caution because hot oil will cause onion and best choice for halibut. It’s full of health - • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil residual water on fillets to pop and spatter. ful omega-3 fatty acids, which have been Arrange green beans around fillets. Garnish fish • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro sprigs, lightly packed with cilantro and serve immediately. shown to protect against cancer, as well Steam green beans for about 5 minutes and Makes 4 servings. as, heart disease, inflammation and de - set aside. mentia. Plus steaming your meal and us - Nutrition Information (Per serving): 200 calories, 7 g total fat Gently rub both sides of the fillets with salt. (1 g saturated fat), 8 g carbohydrate, 26 g protein, 4 g dietary ing an oil-based sauce instead of butter can Place them onto a heatproof ceramic dish. fiber, 410 mg sodium. cut down on calories and help you main - Sprinkle ginger over top. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research (www.aicr.org) tain a healthy weight. 12 SURVIVOR TIMES • Spring/Summer 2011