IN THISISSUE: 4 Giving Back 6 Medicine

Without Side Effects

7 Inactivity, Obesity Key Cancer Risk Factors

Think Pink this OctoberPower of Pink

Join the staff of Saint Elizabeth as they light the hospital pink in honor of breast cancer survivors. This year’s event will be Tuesday, October 1 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center main lobby.

Event activities include:

• Signing of the bus – breast cancer survivors can sign the pink StarTran bus or sign in honor of a loved one

• Lighting the walking path – place a luminary on our walking path to honor a survivor. Luminary donation is free will. Learn more at SaintElizabethOnline.com/Luminary

• Entertainment and a light dinner

• Lighting of the hospital – at dark, the east side of the hospital will be lit in pink

Breast cancer survivors and the community are welcome to attend this free event.

We want Lincoln to feel the Power of Pink!

(continued on page 2)

A newsletter for those affected by cancer

FALL 2013

HEALING

Simply Pink

Good Samaritan Cancer Center’s Simply Pink style show will showcase the fall’s latest fashions while raising awareness for breast cancer. The style show is put on by breast cancer survivors, Good Samaritan staff members

and cancer awareness advocates, who will model fashions from local retailers.

In addition to the style show, the event will feature a slide show with photos from past years’ events, and an elegant dessert reception with tasty treats from local restaurants. A purse auction will also be held to raise money for the purchase of special gowns for mammography patients.

Simply Pink will take place on Wednesday, October 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by September 27 by calling (308) 865-7985.

2

FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT MAMMOGRAPHYMyth

I’ve had a normal mammogram so I don’t need another.

Fact

Once is not enough. Every woman age 40 or older should have an annual mammogram. Depending on how rapidly a tumor grows, mammography can detect it as much as two years before a manual exam can.

Myth

I don’t need a mammogram unless my healthcare professional says I do.

Fact

Although most healthcare professionals remember to refer women for mammograms, you shouldn’t wait for one to suggest it. The American Cancer Society recommends:

• Yearly mammograms for women age 40 and older.

• Immediate consultation with your doctor if you detect a change in your breasts.

The Salon Project

In February 2012 Good Samaritan Cancer Center began an outreach project in rural Nebraska to educate women about breast health. The “Take Care of the Girls” Salon Project was designed to approach women in a common gathering place, the salon, and use a light-hearted theme to spread messages about mammograms, breast health, breast cancer and available resources.

With help from a local breast cancer support group, the theme and ideas for handouts were developed. The handout included information about risk factors, screening recommendations, healthy lifestyle choices and financial resources.

The handout also included an anonymous survey that women could complete and leave with the salon, mail themselves, or complete online. The purpose of the survey was to gauge both awareness about yearly mammograms and how likely women are to follow mammography guidelines throughout their lifetime.

Fourteen area salons committed to sharing the positive message about mammograms. They were given handouts, surveys and “Take Care of the Girls” lapel buttons, and encouraged customers to complete the survey.

Because of the success of the 2012 project, Good Samaritan Cancer Center will be doing another Salon Project this fall. Look for “Take Care of the Girls” handouts in Kearney salons throughout the month of October. v

Think Pink this October (continued from cover)

3

Myth

I don’t need a mammogram if I don’t have any symptoms or problems.

Fact

Mammograms can detect breast cancers when they are very small and long before they cause symptoms or problems.

Unless you or a family member is faced with cancer, the average person probably doesn’t know much about clinical trials. The concept may seem scary and conjure up thoughts like “experimental” and “risky.”

Clinical trials are research studies. They are the result of a long process of testing, and undergo intense scrutiny and monitoring to make sure they follow federal laws and that patients are protected. In cancer research, clinical trials are designed to answer questions about new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Some clinical trials test new ways to manage the symptoms of cancer and its treatment, and improve the quality of life for people who live with cancer.

Not every patient is eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Each study has very specific criteria that must be met like age, gender, extent or stage of the cancer and other medical conditions that may be present. Some patients, like Dee Johnson of Grand Island, are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in a trial for the treatment of their cancer.

“I can’t say that I really knew much about clinical trials, but I think that’s normal,” said Johnson, who underwent a bilateral mastectomy and participated in a chemotherapy trial for the treatment of her breast cancer. “If you’re not faced with it, you probably don’t pay a lot of attention to it.”

While some patients may be apprehensive about participating in a trial, Johnson was not.

“My doctor approached me about it and I just trusted him,” Johnson said. “The doctors, nurses and pharmacy staff were there throughout my treatment to tell me what could happen, what my symptoms might be and what I could go through. There was always somebody there to talk to and to answer my questions.”

Johnson’s treatment was successful and she experienced few side effects. Patients should be aware that, while there are many benefits associated with participating in clinical trials, there are also some risks.

Patients will always get at least the standard of care with clinical trials. But even with new treatments, the effectiveness varies from person to person. Insurance coverage also is a big factor — what is covered is different, depending on the insurance plan and clinical trial.

Some patients may also experience side effects with clinical trials. But Johnson said the level of attention she received during treatment offset many of her concerns.

“You’re under such a watchful eye that they’re not going to recommend anything that isn’t going to be right for you,” Johnson said. “The staff is right there to make sure

you’re OK and they’ll make adjustments to get you through it if need be.”

For Johnson, the benefits of going on a trial outweighed the risks. She completed chemotherapy in September 2012 and is now in the final stages of the breast reconstruction process.

“I was very lucky — I didn’t get sick and I didn’t have any glitches,” Johnson said. “I would encourage people to participate in clinical trials. You’re kind of laying the path for other people down the road, to make new treatments easier and more available to future patients.

“I definitely gained more than I lost.” v

Changing the perception of clinical trials

Dee Johnson at Sturgis this year, checking an item off her bucket list.

4

Giving Back >>>

Nicolle Supancheck

When Nicolle Supancheck was diagnosed with grade 1 invasive DCIS in March 2013 at the age of 46, her first thought was about her mother, who had lost her battle to cancer at the age of 47. Nicolle’s diagnosis at nearly the same age was unsettling to say the least. Fortunately, after a lumpectomy and 30 radiation treatments, she is cancer-free and feeling great.

“All along I’ve felt like my cancer is a ‘sort of’ cancer,” Nicolle said. Her cancer was caught early, and her treatment

went smoothly. “To me it was simple; I went through a very simple process. I was very lucky.”

Nicolle’s breast cancer diagnosis changed the way she views her job as a receptionist at Innovative Prosthetics and Orthotics, where they see mastectomy patients for prosthesis, mastectomy bras and post-surgery compression garments.

“Going into it, it was just like any reception job. After being diagnosed and going through treatment, I saw things differently. I can react to people differently, and it kind of gave me more of a sensitivity to what people are going through.

“Through my job, I met a gal who was right behind me in treatment with almost the same diagnosis; she was also going through a lumpectomy. I kind of took her under my wing and let her know what to expect. I went into it blind, with no clue, so it’s nice to be able to give that to someone else and let them know what’s coming.”

When asked what Nicolle feels is the most valuable thing she can offer her customers, she answered, “Support. You can really identify with someone on a different level having been through the same process yourself.”

Nicolle feels fortunate to be in a position where she can interact with cancer patients on a daily basis. She refers to it as a type of ‘buddy system,’ or informal networking and support system.

“It’s easy to hear from your physician or the people doing your treatments, that ‘this is normal,’ or ‘you can expect this’ – but talking to someone who’s actually been through it, it’s a little closer relationship and it’s a little more comforting.”

Judy Nelson

A cancer diagnosis can take a lot from a person. It can give a lot too. At least that’s how Judy Nelson looks at it. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2012, and as Judy began her treatment at Good Samaritan’s Cancer Center, her husband was also undergoing his own medical recovery. Judy’s husband spent more than 100 days at the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, requiring a great deal of driving for Judy between her own chemotherapy appointments.

Thanks to the Patient Assistance Fund at Good Samaritan Cancer Center, Judy received assistance for paying for fuel during her many road trips back and forth to Lincoln. Marcia Stephens, cancer nurse navigator, identified Judy’s need and presented her with a gift card to use for fuel. “I was so touched when Marcia gave me my gas card. I thought to myself, there are people who are less fortunate than me who travel from farther than where I live in Minden,” Judy said.

Once Judy completed her treatment, she and a group of “lake friends”—as she calls them—decided to create

a cookbook that could be sold with proceeds benefiting a family associated with Harlan County Lake. Morris Press printed the cookbooks and notified the group that they could expect to raise between 700 and 900 dollars. Then it occurred to her. “After receiving that gift, I thought, I have to give back.” She decided to donate the proceeds back to the Patient Assistance Fund. She was able to purchase $700 worth of gas cards for other patients to use. Before she received a gift from the fund, she had never heard of it—or the campaign that raises money for it—called Kearney Tackles Cancer. “I had never heard about Kearney Tackles Cancer, but I think it is a great thing,” She added.

Each year, a group of high school students in Kearney works to sell T-shirts and host other fundraising events to raise money for the fund. In the last

four years, the campaign has raised more than $100,000 to assist cancer patients and their family members with non-medical expenses. Judy’s gift will not only make a huge impact on this year’s campaign, but also on the lives of cancer patients who, like her, will find themselves with a cancer diagnosis and in need of some assistance.

When asked how she is doing today—approaching a year since diagnosis—she replied, “I’m doing well now,” and concluded by saying, “When somebody does something nice for you, you have to pay it forward.” v

From left: Dana Welsh, patient assistance fund administrator; Judy Nelson; and Marcia Stephens, cancer nurse navigator.

Nicolle Supancheck

5

Have you ever wondered how your favorite songs seem to compel you to dance, cry, relax, or reflect? Have you ever wondered if great music helps us not only emotionally but physically as well?

I grew up with both these questions in my head, convinced that I would one day use the music I loved to help people overcome emotional obstacles and more. I had no idea at the time that I was headed toward a fabulous career in music therapy. To tell you the truth, I didn’t even know what it was.

In my final year of high school, I learned that music therapy is an evidence-based healthcare discipline that uses music to treat a wide variety of nonmusical goals. A music therapy session may include a combination of music listening, song writing, instrument learning, and more to create an enjoyable environment that allows clients to experience powerful physical, emotional, and neurological benefits.

Some of the most compelling research I have seen concerns music’s effects on people with cancer. Experts claim that some of these benefits include decreased pain, increased relaxation, and even better outcomes.

Cancer treatment often comes with unbearable levels of pain and discomfort, but a favorite song triggers mood elevating and pain reducing chemicals in the brain to help distract our pain receptors from the treatment. Also, unlike most pain medications, music modulates our endorphin and dopamine levels without the risk of dependence.

When I saw both my grandmothers go through lengthy battles with cancer, I gained a new appreciation for the strength, courage, and fortitude it takes to cope with this disease. It turns your life--and your family’s life--upside down. It changes your goals, priorities, and expectations. It causes unbelievable levels of worry and stress. Fortunately, music can help our bodies calm down from the panic and anxiety associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Our bodies are rhythmic to the core, and our most basic

rhythms tend to change depending on our environment. A loud gunshot or a beeping monitor might cause our stress levels to rise along with our heart rates and breathing rates. However, a music therapist may play a sedative song that gradually slows its tempo in order to relax the cancer patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate. Certain selections also activate the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for reversing the “fight-or-flight” response and sending the message to our body that “the crisis has passed.”

One of the most groundbreaking findings about music therapy and oncology is music’s ability to increase levels of melatonin. This is especially true when sedative music is paired with guided imagery. Melatonin is a hormone associated with healthy sleep, but recent studies show that melatonin is a natural cancer-fighting agent as well. A 2011 Natural News article by Connie Strasheim suggests that this powerful

music-induced hormone may inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation, destroy cancer cells, stop angiogenesis (new tumor blood vessel growth), and could prevent harmful forms of estrogen from stimulating cancer cell growth.

So, the next time you turn up your favorite song or bask in the beauty of a calming relaxation CD, know that you’re treating yourself with some of the most powerful, versatile, and appealing medicine on the planet. And, as far as I know, this medicine has no harmful side effects. v

Medicine without Side EffectsBy: Rachel Rotert, MT-BCBoard Certified Music Therapist, Owner of Piano Peace Music Therapy

Rachel Rotert, MT-BC; Board Certified Music Therapist, Owner of Piano Peace Music Therapy

6

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone says “cancer risk factors”? Most people would probably say tobacco use, exposure to UV rays, radiation or family history. What many people don’t know is that is obesity is a major risk factor – in fact, it is second only to tobacco as the leading risk factor for cancer. Nearly 30 percent of cancers, including breast, colon, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, uterine and renal, can be attributed to obesity. Considering that nearly 36 percent of adults in the United States are obese, it should be no surprise that this epidemic is a major cause of cancer.

The Link

“Being overweight and inactive can lead to a host of general health problems, but it’s also linked to things like increased hormone levels, changes in insulin levels, and chronic hypertension – all of which put you at higher risk for many types of cancers,” said Dr. Melhem Jabbour, medical oncologist at Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center. “In addition, cancer patients and survivors who are overweight or obese may have a reduced quality of life, diminished prognosis, or higher risk of recurrence than patients who are at a healthy weight.”

Several studies have been done on obesity and mortality risk in different types of cancer. All have shown that obese individuals carry both a greater risk for cancer in the first place, and have higher mortality rates when they do develop the disease. A major reason for this is that obese patients often have other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease that contribute to the decline in their health.

Smoking and Obesity

Smoking has always been known as the number one cause of cancer in the United States. American Cancer Society research has shown that the rise of the obesity epidemic in the U.S. has made it just as high of a cancer risk factor as smoking, and estimates that one third of cancer deaths are related to physical activity and diet. Unfortunately, this is a tougher issue to tackle. Smoking and tobacco use are addictions with negative consequences, which makes them easier to target. Diet is more difficult to address because food is something we all need to survive.

What You Can Do

“The bottom line is that excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle put your health at risk,” said Maureen Hilderbrand, Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center dietician. “Obese individuals suffer from more health complications, and have a 30% higher overall mortality rate than healthy individuals.”

If you have cancer: Weight loss is something that often occurs during cancer treatment, so patients are usually not encouraged to try to lose weight after a diagnosis. There is also no conclusive evidence that losing weight once you have cancer will increase quality of life or survival rate. However, ACS studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing cancers of the breast, colon and prostate. Patients and survivors who stay fit and active may find that regular moderate exercise can help reduce their symptoms and improve self-esteem and energy level.

To help prevent cancer: Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight do more than just lower your cancer risk. Healthy, active people are happier, stronger and less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

ACS makes the following recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

• Get moving. Adults are encouraged to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Whether you’re walking your dog or cardio kickboxing, any activity is better than laying on the couch and channel-surfing.

• Eat a healthy diet. Watch your portions, limit red meats and processed foods, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and choose whole grains. Alcohol and sugars should be consumed in moderation.

• Maintain a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18.5 and 24.9. The BMI range of 25-29.9 is considered to be overweight, and 30 or higher to be obese. Check with a health care provider if you are unsure of your BMI. v

- American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention

Inactivity, obesity key cancer risk factors

7

Prefer to read this newsletter online?Join our email list!

Email emartinez@sfmc-gi.org to sign up. We respect your privacy, and will only use your

email for the purpose of sending this newsletter.

In the CommunityA look at the upcoming events in your area

ONGOING MONTHLY PROGRAMS Good Samaritan:

• Breast Cancer Support Group meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Rosenlof Conference Room at the Good Samaritan Cancer Center

Saint Elizabeth:

• Breast Cancer Support Group meets the first Wednesday of the month in the waiting room of the Radiation Therapy Center from 7-8:30pm.

• Expressions of Art and Hope Classes with the Lux Center for the Arts for Cancer Survivors meet the second Monday of the month at Saint Elizabeth. Upcoming topics: October 14 – watercolor painting; November 11 – wire wrapped pendants; December – screen printing.

• Clinical Breast Exam/Prostate Screening Clinics take place once a month at People’s Health Center, 5:30-7 p.m. Upcoming dates: Tuesday, October 14 and Tuesday, November 19.

Saint Francis:

• Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Conference Room 4 at Saint Francis Medical Center

• Cansurmount support group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the Telehealth conference room at Saint Francis Memorial Health Center

• From Surviving to Thriving support group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. in the Telehealth conference room at Saint Francis Memorial Health Center

SPECIAL EVENTSGood Samaritan:

• September 28 – Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure of Central Nebraska, University of Nebraska at Kearney campus; http://www.komennebraska.org/events/central-nebraska-race-for-the-cure/

• October 3 – Simply Pink Style Show, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Merryman Performing Arts Center, Kearney

• October 4 – Pink the Rink, 7:30 p.m., Viaero Event Center; The Tri-City Storm hockey players don pink jerseys and promote breast cancer awareness while raising money for the Good Samaritan Cancer Center.

Saint Elizabeth:

• October 1 — Power of Pink event including a light dinner, bus signing and lighting Saint Elizabeth pink; 6 - 8 p.m. in the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center main lobby; free to the public

• October 27 – American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, 1 p.m., Holmes Lake, Lincoln

• November 2 – Living Beyond Cancer (Exercise/fatigue and nutrition), 9 – 11 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, Registration requested by calling 402-219-7000.

• December 7 – Miracle on 70th Street, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Saint Elizabeth, free

Saint Francis:

• Freedom From Smoking tobacco cessation class; 7-week, 8-session class beginning October 14, register by October 1; held in Cancer Treatment Center lobby; call (308) 398-5450 to register

• October 29 - Cancer awareness presentation, Southwoods Estates community building, Hastings

• October 31 – Cancer awareness presentation, Ironwood Townhomes community building, Grand Island

• November 5 – Principal Financial Group employee health fair, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. v

Saint Francis Medical CenterSaintFrancisGI.org

2620 West Faidley Avenue • Grand Island, NE 68803(308) 398-5450

A newsletter for those affected by cancer

FALL 2013

Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical CenterSaintElizabethOnline.com

555 South 70th Street • Lincoln, NE 68510(402) 219-5000

Good Samaritan HospitalGSHS.org

10 East 31st Street • Kearney, NE 68847(308) 865-7985

If you have questions or comments about this

newsletter, or would like to unsubscribe, please

contact Erin Martinez at emartinez@sfmc-gi.org

or (308) 398-6787.

HEALING

Having cancer can change you. It affects you physically, but it can also have emotional and spiritual effects too. Saint Elizabeth Breast Care Center understands the difficulties and challenges of a cancer diagnosis and we help patients work through all aspects of healing.

Our breast cancer support group has helped hundreds of women through their cancer diagnosis and recovery. Since the inception of the class more than 20 years ago, women have benefited from the confidential, informal atmosphere that gives them the opportunity to ask questions and talk about their concerns.

The support group draws women in all different stages of their cancer diagnosis. Some may be in the midst of treatment and others may be finished, but are still going through the healing process.

Women can ask questions, gain support from others and feel empowered to move forward. The group regularly features topic experts and guest speakers.Sherry Komenda, a breast cancer survivor,

has been attending the support group for over a year. “It is comforting and reassuring to know you are not alone. The women in the group have truly become my friends. The ability to share advice and resources with other women has been very helpful,” says Komenda.

The support group is led by Karen Pribnow RN, MSN, OCN, breast cancer nurse navigator at Saint Elizabeth Breast Care Center. Karen has more than 25 years of experience in oncology care and a passion for helping women diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Women who attend our support group benefit from hearing that others are going through a similar situation. It offers them reassurance,” says Pribnow. “It has really grown into a strong network of survivors.

Some women connect outside of our meetings to support each other.”

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Radiation Therapy Center at Saint Elizabeth. Parking is available in the Radiation Therapy parking lot on the west side of the hospital. For more information or to receive reminder emails with the date and topic of upcoming meetings, please call 402-219-7258. v

Survivors Supporting Each Other

Members of the Saint Elizabeth Breast Cancer Support Group