August/September 2012GYN Cancers Alliance provides education, resources and support to local women and caregivers affected by gynecologic cancers.

2B Organized!

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Teal to Heal

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I Don!t Like Door

Number 3

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Photo Courtesy of Scott Cotton Photography

Mark Your Calendars!

CoxHealth

Mercy Health

Expressive Therapy

Caregivers Support Group

Music Therapy

Yoga for Cancer Survivors

Cancer Caregiver Support Group

August 9th- Board of Directors Meeting 8:00am Mercy C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center 2nd Floor

August 16th- Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. Join us for our annual Evening of Pampering. Chair Massages, Make-Up Demonstrations, Door Prizes and More!

August 19th- Teal in the Park!! Cardinals will be wearing teal jerseys during final televised game of the season! Get your tickets thru GYNCA or at Macadoodles in Springfield for $9! Survivors throw out first pitch and will be interviewed throughout game. Teal jerseys will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting GYNCA.

September 13th- Board of Directors Meeting 8:00am Mercy C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center 2nd Floor

September 14th- Teal to Heal Don’t miss GYNCA’s 2nd Annual Teal to Heal, an evening of arts & entertainment at Hickory Hills Country Club! Patrons party, silent and live auctions.

September 20th- Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. This year’s Physicians’ Panel is sure to be a good one. Speakers include Dr. Al Bonebrake, Dr. Jay Carlson and more!

September 26-28th- Camp Bluebird, thru Mercy C.H. “Chub” O‘Reilly Cancer Center, this camp is open to all cancer survivors, regardless of healthcare provider. Small fee charged or financial scholarships available. Camp Bluebird is where cancer survivors go to have fun and be spoiled!!!

September 30th- Salutations of Celebration 7:00pm at 425 Downtown. Join us for this season’s yoga mala that coincides with national yoga month! Bring a mat and a $10 entry fee. There will be LOTS of door prizes!

First Thursday of each month at 4:30 in the Patient Classroom, Ste 200This group is for those who have a loved one with cancer.

August 23rd in the Support Group Room from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.Expressive therapy provides a creative outlet for teaching and healing. This teaching and healing helps people to reframe, shift perspective, externalize emotions and deepen their understanding of their experiences and/or issues. All class materials are provided.

Meets the 1st Thursday of each month 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.The caregiver support group is for family members and caregivers whose loved ones are facing cancer.

Meets the 2nd Tuesday in the Support Group Room from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.This class uses proven musical methods to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of cancer survivors.

Meets every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.Yoga promotes physical and mental well-being, using a combination of movements, poses and breathing techniques to enhance relaxation, tone the body and improve circulation. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy yoga as part of their regular fitness routine.

Jan RobbinsExecutive Director

Shanda BolingPrograms Manager

Sylvia TerbrockAccounting

GYN Cancer Alliance 3023 S. Fort, Suite B, Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 869.2220www.gynca.com

Board of Directors 2012-13 President Sue GeorgePresident Elect Nancy Bolduc Secretary Mike GreenTreasurer Jason Jordan

Becky Bach

Andy Bennett

Stevia Bonebrake

Mary Burmeister

Donna Charles

Susan Daniel

Robert Devore

Suzanne Dukewits

Amy Fore

Ann Grace

Cindy Hail

Judy Hancock

Karen McQueary Krittenbrink

Rosemary Lewis

Kim Lorenzen

Sandra Lowther

Susan Mihalevich

Janice Penney

Angel Shortt

Judy Thompson

Tom Wells

Ex-Officio Board Members Dr. Al Bonebrake Dr. Jay Carlson

Founder Joy Lamberson-Klock

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I Don’t Like Door Number 3...By Sue George & Jan Robbins

August/September 2012

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On July 1, 2012, GYNCA’s board of directors elected its slate of officers for fiscal year 2012-2013. Assuming the helm as president of the board is Sue George. Sue brings a special and unique perspective to GYNCA’s board

--- as a 5+ year survivor of primary peritoneal (Ovarian) cancer, she has faced this disease head on. On behalf of all who have faced life-threatening illnesses, Sue graciously shares her story.

As I have reflected on the last 5 ! years of my life many things come to mind. What is first and foremost is before January of 2007, cancer was this thing other people got. It was the tragedy I read about with some famous person and occasionally it might strike a bit closer to home. But it wasn’t me—I had too much to do, I was too healthy, I was too young. Now cancer is and will always be part of my life. Sometimes I can forget I had cancer. Sometimes I can forget I had it twice. Sometimes I can forget I will get it again. But as a survivor I can’t really forget any of those things. Cancer is as much a part of my life as anything else could possibly be. It is there and will never totally leave me.

I believe cancer survivors go through three distinct doors. The first one is the actual diagnosis. That is where I heard the word cancer for the first time and felt like someone punched me in the stomach. I was numb, scared, lost, and went through many weeks as if in a daze. This had to be someone else’s nightmare. I kept the paper with my notes on it from the first visit with the oncolo-gist; I stared at the handwriting and can’t believe it is mine. Part of me was so strong, so clinical, asking questions about surgery, recovery and treatment. But inside I was screaming

“NO, THIS CANNOT BE, I DON’T WANT TO DIE!” Treatment is the next door --- we may or may not have the same feelings as with the diagnosis phase. When I am in treatment, I live day to day, week to week. I quickly began to understand what treatment was and how chemotherapy and radiation worked. I am on a first name basis with words like taxol, carboplatin, avastin, cisplatin, and on and on. I learned what questions to ask and almost feel like I am part of the medical team treating me. I am a part of this team, and there is some power in learning what drugs can make me live longer. When I have been in treatment, I just want to be done—my life is measured by how many more treatments I have, when is the next scan, what are my numbers? It can go by in a haze with side effects taking over my life. I am hooked to my doctor’s office with a cord that will not be cut. Actually, when I finish treatment I experience some sort of letdown. What if the cancer is still there? What am I going to do every three weeks? Will anyone be watching out for me?

The third door for me is still the most difficult. It is the after-treatment phase. Before I had cancer I had this silly idea that once you were diagnosed and received treatment, you were cured and done. Yes of course I knew of people who died of it, but look how many said “I’m cured.” What happened to the “abracadabra” after diagnosis and treatment when a person is supposed to be done and cured. It was only after I was into this process for a few years I really came to understand that cancer is with me for the rest of my life. Although hidden at times, it is my forever companion. It takes a lot to get your head around that one. When I think about cancer in a scientific manner, I think of tiny little cancer cells. They may not be visible and therefore can’t be removed … they are lying around in your body ready to make another move by attaching to an organ or end up in your bloodstream and you are forced to face them again --- back to door #1. In a non-scientific way, I view cancer as an intruder who annoyingly knocks on your door when you least expect it; disrupting your otherwise peaceful life.

Continued on Page 5

2B Organized!By Betsy Miller

August/September 2012

Being diagnosed with an illness can leave you feeling out of control and give a sense of chaos to your life. Let’s do something about that! Being organized is helpful weather or not you’re dealing

with an illness. Weather it’s a junk drawer, coat closet, or under the kitchen sink, it’s something you CAN control. So let’s get started!

• Take everything out and wipe down shelves, container, bottles, etc.• Throw out all expired meds. (Please check with your pharmacist on the proper disposal methods.)• Divide remaining meds into categories. Either by family member or ailment. Make sure to label accordingly.• Chose method to store. Bins, lazy susans, or ziploc bags.• Put back into cabinet keeping most frequently used items toward the front.• Viola! An aspect of your life that in under control!!!

The medicine cabinet

to this

from this

Betsy Miller - 2B Organized, ownerwww.2b-organized.com

betsy@2b-organized.com

417.880.2325

Facebook 2B Organized

Franchises available

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Eating Well Through Cancer - Holly CleggEasy Briskit-This is one of my old standby simple-to-prepare recipes I have made for years and continually go back to. Pop the brisket in the oven, forget about the brisket, and the end result is this succulent tender brisket, and leftovers make incredible sandwiches.

This recipe can be made in the slow cooker. Makes 12 to 14 servings

What you will need:5 to 6 pounds very lean brisket, trimmed of excess fatGarlic Powder1 cup light brown sugar1 cup water1 envelope dry onion soup mix1 cup ketchup

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. 2. Season the brisket heavily with the garlic powder. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, water, onion soup mix, and ketchup. 4. Pour over the brisket in a large baking pan or roaster. 5. Cook, covered, for 4 ! hours to 5 hours, or until meat is fork tender. 6. To serve, slice against the grain and serve with sauce.

Nutrition information per servingCalories 330, Protein (g) 40, Carbohydrates (g) 21, Fat (g) 9, Calories from Fat (%) 24, Saturated Fat (g) 3, Dietary Fiber (g) 0, Cholesterol (mg) 83, Sodium (mg) 435, Diabetic Exchanges 5 ! lean meat, 1 ! other carbohydrateDoc’s Notes: The lean brisket is a good source of iron, zinc and vitamins B6 and B12.

August/September 2012

I Don’t Like Door Number 3...Continued from page 3

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I want so desperately to make plans for the future—the real future—not just next week, but there is fear in that—the “what ifs” float through my mind. I sometimes feel like I’m tempting fate to look too far into the future.All is not negative, though. Cancer has given me friends I never would have met; a clear vision of the positives of life; and a joy for each day I have. I cherish each event I complete, whether mundane or exciting. I also have been so incredibly lucky. Throughout all phases of my journey with cancer I have had such supportive and loving friends and family by my side. I have had an employer who understands my medical needs and, fortunately, medical insurance to assist with the exorbitant financial cost of cancer. I cannot imagine having to go through all the phases of cancer without these supports, and I realize that not everyone is as fortunate. And even though I have such wonderful supports, my friends and family cannot really understand all that I have gone

through. Unless you have walked in someone’s shoes, you really don’t know what it is like.This is why an organization like GYNCA is so important. GYNCA provides a wide variety of services for all women going through gynecologic cancer. It provides some emergency financial resources to assist women to keep their homes, cars, get to treatment, and have enough food to put on the table for them and their families. Additionally GYNCA provides emotional and social support through its woman-to-woman network of phone calls, emails, cards, letters and meetings. It is one way a woman with gynecologic cancer knows she will be accepted and understood by those who have received a similar diagnosis. GYNCA can only exist with your help. Supporting women who are going through the most difficult time in their lives will help them get back on their feet and face their uncertain world with renewed strength and hope.

To make a donation to GYNCA please mail checks to 3023 S Fort, Suite B, Springfield, MO 65807 or go online to www.gynca.orgAll donations are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law.

Thank You to all of Our Generous Donors & Sponsors Cyndi Sullivan MemorialTee Up Fore Teal Golf TournamentVALIC Financial Advisors, Butch PurvisLiberty BankGary SullivanMacadoodles SpringfieldNakato Japanese SteakhouseKRBK TVScott Cotton PhotographyYour Financial SolutionJessica Perkins, DDSWilhoit PropertiesORECK Factory ShowroomBarnett-Davis Dental GroupColorgraphic PrintingMercy Clinic-Women’s OncologyPenn EnterprisesPetromark, IncMark Burmeister/Jones & Company InsurersKelly Danielson, CPA, CFP, CDFAComputer Recycling CenterAnise & Dick PendletonJerry Refearn & Sandra LowtherGreg & Myndi Dillard417 MagazineF.O.C. Friends of CyndiOxford Health Care

Bancorp SouthSusan MetzgerSandy Hopper-Bank of America Matching Butch and Kathy Purvis-AIG Matching Malissa and Don Shawley-AIG Matchin

Teal to HealRon & Janice PenneyDr. John & Susan MihalevichBecky and Robert BachTal and Rosalie Wooten Family FoundationDr. Steve and Ann GraceGarrison Plastic SurgeryBenjamin F Edwards & Co.Old Missouri Bank417 MagazineADsmith Marketing & AdvertisingMertopolitan Grill

Undesignated DonationsAmy & Matt Tignor- J.P. Morgan ChaseFoundation Matching Gifts ProgramSpringfield PaperMike GreenJeff & Rebeckah RheinTom WellsAnonymous

HonorariumIn honor of Patty BrooksFred Brooks

In honor of Dr. Al BonbrakeFred & Patty Brooks

In honor of Cathy LindstromLexah Stenger

MemorialsIn memory of Shirley RodgersBernadette BeldsoeCornerstone Freewell Baptist ChurchKim HaleCarolyn Kay StigallAnn Thompson

In memory of Chloe DurhamChloe Durham Estate

Circle of JoyJudy EverettMarthe D. CloseDr. and Mrs. Richard LoebDr. and Mrs. John MihalevichJan RobbinsTom WellsCircle of Joy is under way - send your donations in today!

August/September 2012

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Upcoming Support Group MeetingsAugust 16th

October 18th

September 20th

September 30, 20127 p.m.425 Downtown425 Walnut St., Springfield Missouri

$10 includesDoor Prizes, Chair Massages & Refreshments!!

108 Sun Salutations presented in 4 sets of 27 with breaks. Do one, do all - or just come and celebrate, chant, & enjoy the food!

Sorry, no childcare. Children 7 & up can participate

RSVP by Friday, September 28th to 417.869.2220

The Springfield Yoga Community and GYN Cancers Alliance are partnering to celebrate both National Yoga and Ovarian & Gyneco-logic Cancers Awareness Month. Proceeds of this event will benefit women battling gynecologic cancers throughout Southwest Missouri.

Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. Join us for our annual Evening of Pampering. Chair Massages, Make-Up Demonstrations, Door Prizes and More!

Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. Special speaker, Pamela Hernandez, ACSM CPT, with Thrive Personal Fitness will speak on Fitness Through Cancer.

Support Group Meeting 6:00pm at The Library Center. This year’s Physicians’ Panel is sure to be a good one. Speakers include Dr. Al Bonebrake, Dr. Jay Carlson and more!

Friday, September 14, 2012

eal to eal September 14, 2012 at Hickory Hills Country Club with Patrons Party at Ron & Janice Penney’s House

T H

For sponsorships and ticket information please call Ann Grace at 861-2732 or GYNCA at 869-2220

August/September 2012

Teal to Heal SponsorsBenjamin F Edwards & Co.

Old Missouri Bank417 Magazine

ADsmith Marketing & AdvertisingMertopolitan Grill

Ron & Janice PenneyDr. John & Susan MihalevichBecky and Robert BachTal and Rosalie Wooten Family FoundationDr. Steve and Ann GraceGarrison Plastic Surgery

GYNCA and the Springfield Cardinals are Teaming up!!Teal in the Park

GYN Cancers Alliance3023 S Fort, Suite BSpringfield, MO 65807

500 tickets available and the players will wear teal jerseys on the televised gameand then auction them off afterwards!

Sunday, August 19th

vs.Tickets available at Macadoodles in Springfield for $9

NONPROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE

PAID

SPRINGFIELD, MO

PERMIT #230

August/September 2012