Encourage Support Group
EnCourage aims to provide breast cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers with emotional and social support and education on the healing journey of reconstruction.
Please see below for various EnCourage topics.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AUTHOR KATHY STELIGO TO DISCUSS ALL MATTERS OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AT Local Support Group
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host its monthly EnCourage Support Group meeting in May with Kathy Steligo, nationally recognized author of The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook: Issues and Answers from Research to Recovery. Kathy will lead an interactive discussion about the ins and outs of breast reconstruction when mastectomy is unavoidable. “We have recommended The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook to our patients for years because it is the most comprehensive and objective resource for women who face mastectomy,” states Liz Markey, New Patient Contact and Educator at the CRBS. “We are thrilled to have her bring her personal experiences, as well as documented information, to our patients.” Read Full Release
Laughter helps cancer patients heal
Multiple-cancer survivor shares how she copes
with cancer through humor
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The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) and the American Cancer Society Mid-South Division are proud to present Linda Hill, a multiple cancer survivor and nationally recognized inspirational speaker at the November EnCourage Support Group meeting. Ms. Hill will deliver her personal account of battling multiple forms of cancer primarily due to an inherited genetic mutation and how she vows to live life to the fullest surrounded by laughter and fun. “When we think of people we love, we talk of their sense of humor, their kindness, their talents, and countless other qualities. Never do we describe someone as whether they have their breasts or not,” states Ms. Hill. “Humor and maintaining the right perspective have helped me pull through my battles and ultimately keep me motivated and focused on my future with my kids.” Hill is the mother of seven and has found a way to keep anger, bitterness and sadness at bay by laughing at cancer and all it has taken from her, including her thyroid, spleen, colon and breasts. “Everybody has their own way of getting through things,” explains Hill. “This just must be my way of doing it.” As Tonya Jackson-Ramsey, Executive Director GNO/SELA Market of the American Cancer Society Mid-South Division points out, “available scientific evidence does not support claims that laughter can cure cancer or any other disease, but it can reduce stress and enhance a person’s quality of life by lowering blood pressure, improving breathing and increasing muscle function.” Laughter relaxes the whole body, boosts the immune system, and triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain; and a good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes. “A good sense of humor is a nice trait in anyone’s life, but for a cancer patient it can mean improving her quality of life, providing pain relief, encouraging relaxation and reducing stress,” states Liz Markey, CRBS New Care Navigator. “Being able to find humor in life can be essential in dealing with cancer.”
MEDICAL HYPNOSIS
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Medical hypnosis is a science increasingly recognized for its therapeutic applications. Applied to the comprehensive treatment of cancer, medical hypnosis offers unique possibilities due to its capacities for enhancing mind to body communication. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery presented a hypnotic evening with Jeanne Villere, a certified Hypnotherapist, at their monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Where we learned what hypnosis is and how it works; discovered ways hypnosis can improve your well-being; and learned the truths and facts about hypnotherapy and dispeled the myths. Hypnotherapy can be used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments to further enhance health and promote healing physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. “The staged hypnosis you see in the media is not what medical hypnosis is all about,” states Villere. “Hypnosis can be a great way to relax, but it can also stimulate your mind and open up new creative avenues in your life, and take you down a path to better well-being and healing.” Liz Markey, CRBS New Patient Contact & Educator says, “Hypnotherapy has been shown to offer a number of benefits to cancer patients and cancer survivors. Physical symptoms of cancer, the most common of which are pain and fatigue, and the physical effects of its treatment may be alleviated by hypnosis to enhance quality of life.”
WORLD RENOWNED SURGEON
PRESENTS TOPIC OF LYMPHEDEMA
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The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) is pleased to present Dr. Corinne Becker, the French pioneer of Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNTx), who discussed the topic of the surgical treatment of lymphedema at the monthly EnCourage support group meeting this May. Dr. Becker and her associated group of surgeons pioneered the Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer in 1991 in Paris. Since that time, Dr. Becker has performed more than 1500 of these transfers in France, Brazil, Korea and Egypt, as well as in the United States. “We are grateful that Dr. Becker is available to share her time and expertise with our patients,” states Dr. Scott Sullivan, co-founder of the CRBS and lead surgeon for the Lymphedema Treatment Center at St. Charles Surgical Hospital. Dr. Marga F. Massey, Founder of the National Institute of Lymphology continues, “It is because of Dr. Becker’s forward thinking that we are now able to offer our patients a variety of surgical options for the treatment of lymphedema.” Lymphedema is a debilitating condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. In the United States, it is most frequently seen after breast cancer treatments as lymph node dissection, mastectomy and/or radiation therapy, that can damage the lymphatic system of the arm. The St. Charles Surgical Hospital offers the first dedicated and comprehensive lymphedema treatment program of its kind in the United States through their Lymphedema Treatment Center. For those affected by arm swelling post mastectomy, full service solutions for improvement ranging from lifestyle counseling, complex decongestive therapy, compressive garment fitting and instruction, and, when indicated, surgical management strategies including the newest state-of-the-art lymph node transfer procedures are offered. VLNTx can be performed at SCSH when combined with any breast reconstruction surgery or as follow-up treatment to a previous surgery.
CARE AND CURE OF LYMPHEDEMA
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The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting with invited speaker Marga F. Massey, MD, CLT, FACS, Founder of the National Institute of Lymphology. Dr. Massey will share the most current information on the proactive care and treatment of Lymphedema including information on the revolutionary Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNTx) procedure. Lymphedema is a debilitating condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which can occur following cancer treatment or infection. Lymphedema affects over 5 million Americans and is most frequently seen after cancer treatments such as lymph node dissection and/or radiation therapy. The National Cancer Institute has established that 40% to 50% of node positive breast cancer patients with lymph node removal and radiation therapy develop lifestyle-limiting arm and/or trunk lymphedema for which there is no known cure. Chronic swelling, pain/discomfort, and skin infections are among the symptoms that may be improved with proper decongestive therapy, and in some cases, microsurgical repair.
KNOWING YOUR RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS
GIVES BEST OUTCOMES
Physicians at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery
detail all options
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In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in partnership with the American Cancer Society and Young Survivors, world-renowned micro-surgeons, Dr. Scott Sullivan, Dr. Frank DellaCroce and Dr. Christopher Trahan of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS), offer an October EnCourage Support Group meeting where the numerous reconstructive options available to women facing breast cancer surgery will be detailed. “Many doctors do not tell their patients about the full spectrum of options simply because they may not be familiar with them,” states Dr. Sullivan. “Dr. DellaCroce and I are dedicated to developing cutting-edge techniques for breast reconstruction, in order to provide the best options for each woman.” Sullivan and DellaCroce are the world leaders in breast reconstruction, and develop and perform all revolutionary procedures at the St. Charles Surgical Hospital, including DIEP, SIEA, Hip Flap and GAP flap procedures, as well as the groundbreaking nipple-sparing mastectomy. DellaCroce states, “By giving each woman the full scope of choices, it puts the decision making back into her hands. She is the only one who can decide which, if any, reconstruction is right for her.” The CRBS physicians work in tandem with the patient’s general surgeon from the initial point of diagnosis for a better overall outcome.
WILL BREAST CANCER AFFECT MY FERTILITY?
Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Expert to Discuss Fertility Options
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will present the topic of fertility and how it is affected by breast cancer treatment at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Dr. Belinda Sartor, locally renowned infertility specialist, will discuss fertility options for women in their childbearing years. Fertility technologies have improved to the point where many women facing a cancer diagnosis now have several options, from in-vitro fertilization to freezing their eggs. “Many young patients don’t think about the possibility of becoming infertile, they are more focused on the word ‘cancer’,” states Sartor. “It is important to us to help cancer survivors be able to live rich, full lives, including the ability to have children.” Dr. Sartor will provide the audience with information on the available options, specifically embryo and egg freezing, and explain the medical procedures for both before and after cancer treatment. “As women, we need to educate ourselves and others by seeking as much information before treatment, so that fertility is preserved for after treatment,” states Liz Markey, Care Navigator at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery. The CRBS offers much information to its patients through counseling and educational resources.
A GIRLS “BREAST” FRIEND
The right undergarments can uplift
anyone’s spirits
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The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is presenting a fashionable and very personal seminar for all breast cancer survivors at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting in March. Basics Underneath Fine Lingerie will share with guests the best possible products, styles and solutions for your personal style, your lifestyle and your post-mastectomy body. A woman’s femininity is paramount to her self-esteem and we wish to create a foundation that boosts spirits and self confidence while maintaining an individual style, states Desiree Petitbon, Basics co-owner. We want to ensure every woman successfully finds fine lingerie that makes her feel good about herself. Liz Markey, Patient Relations Coordinator for CRBS, explains that after a mastectomy many women learn to see themselves differently. They discover their own inner beauty and see their new skin as a sign of their beauty and womanhood. We have found that when a woman feels good about what is close to her skin, like beautiful undergarments, she begins to feel beautiful on the outside, states Juliette Hainkel, Basics co-owner. Feeling beautiful on the outside makes it easier to feel good on the inside. Basics Underneath will preview the new Spring fashions for lingerie, gowns and sleepwear, as well as swim wear, and a special new selection of sports bras.
CORE RECOVERY
Pilates program offers strength,
self-esteem and quality of life to
breast cancer survivors
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Pilates is a gentle restorative exercise regimen perfectly suited for women as they recover and work to rebuild their bodies. It can help women achieve muscle balance necessary to recover from side effects of breast cancer treatment, as well as alleviate pain associated with breast cancer operative procedures. In January the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery welcomed Kim Munoz, RN and owner of Nola Pilates, at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Munoz demonstrated the exercises used in the Pink Ribbon Program, which is a “Post-Operative Workout Enhancing Recovery” for breast cancer survivors. “Our goal is to help women regain control, strength and mobility, not only of their affected muscles but also of their mind, all while maintaining a level of fitness that will improve their overall health and mind,” states Munoz. The Pink Ribbon Program is a series of 30 pilates exercises for post-operative breast cancer survivors to improve their range of motion and strengthen their shoulder, chest, back and abdominal muscles. “A growing body of research strongly suggests that exercise can help promote psychological and physical well-being among women being treated for breast cancer,” states Liz Markey, CRBS New Patient Contact & Educator. “We encourage all of our patients to engage in some type of physical activity to help them regain their strength and mobility; it vastly improves their quality of life.”
UNLOCK THE DOORS TO A HEALTHIER YOU
Support group talks about the key healing effects of juicing and colonic therapy
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Autointoxication can be the cause of many symptoms of poor health in modern society and scientific studies show that cancer, among other ailments, could be prevented, or minimized, if fresh fruits and vegetables are consumed in ones diet and colon health is given higher priority. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will offer a discussion on the healthfulness of juicing and the benefits of colon cleansing for overall better health, particularly while battling cancer, at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Rebecca Bertetti, owner of Raw Beauty NOLA, and Deb Pettitt, licensed RN and operator of Uptown Colon Hydrotherapy will talk about natural ways to achieve better health. “Consuming fresh, raw vegetable and fruit juices is an incredibly beneficial way to boost the health and overall function and performance of your body,” states Bertetti. Raw juices of fruits and vegetables are extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and natural sugars. They exercise beneficial effect in normalizing all the body functions. They supply needed elements for the body’s own healing activity and cell regeneration, thereby speeding the recovery after breast cancer surgery. Bertetti will demonstrate best juicing practices and offer samples to guests. Colon Hydrotherapy, the gentlest and most effective treatment for many illnesses and conditions, is especially useful in treating cancer patients. Colonics improve circulatory functions, and similar to juicing they stimulate the immune system, remove toxic waste, stimulate appetite, eliminate headaches, and boost energy. “Because Colon Hydrotherapy is so gentle, it is highly recommended for people with cancer,” states Pettitt. “People with cancer may choose to undergo frequent Colon Hydrotherapy procedures to ensure that the colon’s toxic burden is kept at a minimum while the body heals.” A colonic flushes away what is left over, cleaning the body of waste and toxins that can build up and promote the growth of cancer cells.
VOICES OF BREAST CANCER RECOVERY
Four Women Share Personal Stories at Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Support Group
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Support groups share a common goal — the bringing together of people with similar experiences who, by sharing, can gain strength and support from each other. Peer support groups have been shown to aid in recovery and in turn help patients live longer. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting this month. Four women will tell their stories of different stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery: newly diagnosed, in treatment, post treatment, and survivor. From emotional ups and downs, to medication side effects, to caring for their families, to living with a changed body—every aspect of the journey will be discussed. Each guest patient will also have an opportunity to share their own personal story with the group.
FOCUSING A NEW LIGHT ON SLEEP
Internationally recognized
health and wellness design expert
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is hosting nationally recognized health and wellness design authority Deborah Burnett at the EnCourage support group meeting in April. Ms. Burnett is recognized as a leading authority in the field of epigenetic design, which is the study and practice of design that focuses on how and why the interior built environment is affecting the body, brain and emotions. “We now have significant evidence-based research that demonstrates how LIGHT and room temperature are having a measurable affect on the body and brain, especially in the area of circadian disruption and sleep” states Burnett. “And bright, blue based light at night is now emerging as a significant player in how the sleep process is negatively impacted which has links to rising breast cancer rates, increasing waist lines and decreasing ability to function in a modern day 24/7 society.” Burnett will shed light on how using this information one can uncover the connection between neurological stress and the rooms occupied every day. She will explain why ordinary workplace lighting is now linked to fatigue and other negative health impacts while discussing how simple color and lighting modifications can make a difference in one’s life with increased productivity, performance, cognition and a healthy immune system. “Many of our breast cancer patients suffer from sleep issues,” explains Liz Markey, Patient Relations Coordinator for CRBS. “Ms. Burnett’s visit to the Breast Center will make a significant impact on the lives of out patients and their loved ones,” Markey comments.
KNOWING YOUR RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS
GIVES BEST OUTCOMES
Physicians at the Center for Restorative
Breast Surgery detail all options
According to a recently published report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) a staggering 70% of women who are eligible for reconstructive procedures following mastectomy are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them. That means 7 out of 10 women are not told all of their options to replace a lost breast. In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month world-renowned micro-surgeons, Dr. Scott Sullivan and Dr. Frank DellaCroce of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS), will address participants of the October EnCourage Support Group meeting. Drs. Sullivan and DellaCroce will detail the numerous options available to women facing breast cancer surgery, with a specific focus on immediate breast reconstruction techniques. “Many doctors do not tell their patients about the full spectrum of options simply because they may not be familiar with them,” states Dr. Sullivan. “Dr. DellaCroce and I are dedicated to developing cutting-edge techniques for breast reconstruction, in order to provide the best options for each woman.” Sullivan and DellaCroce are the world leaders in breast reconstruction, and develop and perform all revolutionary procedures at the St. Charles Surgical Hospital, including DIEP, SIEA, Hip Flap and GAP flap procedures, as well as the groundbreaking nipple-sparing mastectomy. DellaCroce states, “By giving each woman the full scope of choices, it puts the decision making back into her hands. She is the only one who can decide which, if any, reconstruction is right for her.” The CRBS physicians work in tandem with the patient’s general surgeon from the initial point of diagnosis for a better overall outcome.
Integrative Medicine: A Path to Wisdom for Wellbeing
Integrative medicine is a healing-oriented medicine, considering all factors that influence health, wellness, and disease, including mind, body, spirit, and community. It focuses on appropriate combination of state-of-the-art conventional medical treatments, with scientifically based complementary therapies, to maximize the body’s innate healing response for the best possible outcomes and long-term wellbeing. Dr. Gigi Dunn will join us this June as our guest speaker. Dr. Dunn was inspired to develop an Integrative Medicine Program to specifically target breast cancer, while completing the two-year fellowship for physicians in Integrative Medicine, created and directed by Dr. Andrew Weil. “The goal of integrative medicine is to unite the best that conventional medicine has to offer with other healing systems and therapies derived from cultures and ideas, both old and new,” states Dr. Dunn. “Finding a healthy balance between the two can help treat the person, not just the disease. Integrative Medicine incorporates broad concepts of health promotion and illness prevention, with heavy emphasis being placed on education, since current scientific research continues to prove the large impact of lifestyle choices on wellbeing. Advances in science are also illuminating the safe and effective role of complementary therapies, such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and guided imagery, to name a few, alongside traditional medical therapies to improve treatment outcomes.” Liz Markey, New Patient Contact and Educator at the CRBS comments that “The Center’s mission has always been to restore the lives of our patients, both physically and emotionally, as quickly and as gently as we can. By introducing our patients to integrative medicine they are given more tools so they can be a bigger part of their overall healing.”
Breast Cancer Genetics: Learn About Your Risk
According to the American Cancer Society the risk for breast cancer is higher in women with a family history of the condition. In fact, up to 10 percent of breast cancer cases result from inherited mutations, including those with breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Researchers estimate women who carry one of these mutations have up to an 85 percent risk of developing breast cancer over their lifetime. In addition to breast cancer, women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have up to a 65 percent lifetime risk for developing ovarian cancer. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery presented its monthly EnCourage Support Group meeting in April with Dr. Alan Stolier as the guest speaker. Dr. Stolier is a nationally recognized oncologist who addressed the genetics related to breast cancer, and the options women have in cases of hereditary risk. “Knowing your cancer risk can affect the way you approach cancer prevention, detection and treatment,” states Dr. Stolier. “Women with a hereditary predisposition face unique challenges and complex decisions.” The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery offers genetics testing through Myriad Genetics Laboratories.
Dr. Marga Massey to Address the use of Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer for the Treatment of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a debilitating condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. It is most frequently seen after breast cancer treatments such as lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, which can damage the lymphatic system of the arm. The National Cancer Institute has established that 25% to 30% of breast cancer surgery patients with lymph node removal and radiation therapy develop lymphedema. Chronic swelling, discomfort, and skin infections are among the symptoms that may be improved with proper therapy and in some cases, microsurgical repair. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting with invited speaker Dr, Marga Massey, MD, FACS, who will share the most current information on the revolutionary Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNTx) procedure for lymphedema. As a nationally recognized leader of the groundbreaking VLNTx technique Dr. Massey is world renowned for her expertise and dedication to women’s health issues. Marga F. Massey, MD, FACS is a double-board certified Plastic Surgeon/General Surgeon with a commitment to women who are beginning their journey in the world of breast cancer.
CANCER IN THE FAMILY
How to talk to your kids about cancer
Cancer is not uncommon among women who are at the age where they are raising their children. The American Cancer Society reports that one in seven women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, and roughly a quarter of them will do so while they still have children living at home. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will host an important support group meeting to discuss how to talk about cancer care and treatment with your children. The monthly Encourage meeting will host Barbara LeBlanc, MSW, LCSW, Director of The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital. “Parents often struggle with what to tell their children when they are diagnosed with cancer,” states LeBlanc. “How much they need to know and can handle depends on the children’s age and level of maturity. Even small children will figure out that something is wrong, even if you don’t tell them.”
Identifying and Managing Hereditary
Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
Dr. Patricia Braly is a nationally recognized Gynecologic Oncologist with over 30 years experience treating women’s cancer. At the September EnCourage meeting, Dr. Braly discusses the genetic factors that link BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to both breast and ovarian cancers. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome substantially increases your risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer, often before the age of 50. “A woman with a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer has a higher risk of getting these cancers, but there is now testing available to see your level of risk,” states Dr. Braly. “Each woman’s situation is different, therefore it is important for the physician to spend time with each patient discussing their particular case.” As a specialist in Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Braly is among a small group of specialists who care for women with cancers of the uterus, ovaries and cervix. Gyn Oncologists are doctors who train in the specialty of Ob/Gyn and therefore are both surgeons who operate on the patient and also clinicians who prescribe and give chemotherapy. “Many of our patients undergo BRCA genetic testing, and often discover they are predisposed to breast and ovarian cancer,’ states Liz Markey, CRBS New Patient Contact & Educator. “We want to educate our patients and the general the public about hereditary and nonhereditary types of cancers that effect woman, and we are thrilled to have Dr. Braly share her expertise in the field.”
JOURNALING GETS RECOVERY OFF ON THE “WRITE” FOOT
Support group talks about powerful tool toward healing
Journaling in its various forms is a means for recording personal thoughts, daily experiences, and evolving insights. The process often evokes conversations with self, another person, or even an imagined other person. Recent scientific studies have concluded that the practice of journaling has a significant impact on the status of chronic disease and provides both a sense of well-being and health benefits that include pain reduction; immune function improvement, including raised T-cell counts; resistance to minor illnesses such as colds and flu; relief of physical stress shown by lowered blood pressure and heart rate and generally improved physical health. Sharon Henry, a licensed clinical social worker, will speak about the healing effects of journaling during cancer treatment and beyond. Margaret Jones from Scriptura stationary store will join Henry to talk about how to begin your journaling experience.
GENETIC TESTING MAY SAVE FUTURE FAMILIES
EnCourage Support Group Focused on Genetic Testing
You have your father’s eyes, your mother’s smile and your grandmother’s sense of humor, but you may have inherited more from your family than you realize. Knowing your family’s health history can help in the prevention and detection of many diseases. In particular, some cancers can be hereditary, such as breast and ovarian cancer. This March, The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will offer a special breast cancer support group meeting focused on Genetic Testing. “BRCA1, located on chromosome 17 and BRCA 2 located on chromosome 13 are the genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer. With the ability to now assess a woman’s risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer there is no doubt that genetic testing saves lives,” comments Dr. Alan Stolier MD, Surgical Oncologist who specializes in diseases of the breast, and who will lead this month’s group.
SEXUALITY AND CANCER TREATMENT
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will present the topic of sexuality and cancer treatment
Susan Cooley, PhD will discuss many aspects of this subject, such as coping with an altered body image, changes in sexual desire, and side effects of treatment. “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we want to open up the lines of communication between partners,” states Cooley. “We will discuss some of the issues which may concern the patient or her partner, including sexual changes, relationship issues, and the overall impact of cancer treatment on sexuality, and provide a starting point for discussion of these concerns.” Liz Markey, CRBS New Patient Contact & Educator, says “Sexuality after breast cancer is an often neglected issue, as many women feel uncomfortable raising the issue with their partner or doctor. We encourage all our patients to talk to their doctor about potential sexual changes. By knowing what may happen, you may be more knowledgeable and better prepared for what’s ahead.”
FLEX IT FOR LIFE
Reflexologist to share how technique gives breast cancer patients relief
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will present the topic of reflexology as a complementary therapy along side traditional breast cancer treatment at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Rob Gray, reflexologist with Belladonna Day Spa, will explain how reflexology can be used to support patients through treatment such as chemotherapy or for enhancing the well-being for cancer-free individuals. Gray, along with Belladonna’s lead therapist Christine Mencken, will offer a hands-on demonstration of the techniques used in reflexology. “Relaxation with the removal of stress is the first priority followed by enhanced circulation,” states Gray. “The results allow the body to experience physiological changes that will incorporate the automatic process of the body to begin healing. Patients utilizing the science of reflexology adjust better to treatment and have a more positive outlook with a decrease in depression and anxiety, and improvements in emotional quality of life.” With the removal of stress the body’s parasympathetic response enables the blockages to be released by a physiological change in the body. With stress removed and the circulation enhanced, the body is allowed to return to a state of homeostasis, the automatic process that the body incorporates to bring it back to the “normal” state.
MAINTAIN, DON’T GAIN
Nationally recognized nutritionist to speak at local support group meeting
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery presents Nutritionist Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD at the December EnCourage Support Group meeting. Kimball will focus on the best tips for maintaining a healthy weight, and not gaining throughout the holiday season. “Eating without regret is still possible while going through breast cancer treatment,” states Kimball. “And managing your weight does not have to be a daunting task.” At this meeting Kimball will discuss simple ways to maintain a healthy weight during and after breast cancer treatment and offer suggestions on how to optimize nutritious eating, especially during the holidays, while still enjoying this indulgent time of year. “Mocktails” and hors d’oeuvres will be served offering good alternatives to the traditionally rich and opulent foods served at holiday parties.
SEEING THE LIGHT ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Research shows hormone melatonin slows breast cancer
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host its monthly EnCourage Support Group meeting, focusing on environmental influences affecting the development of breast cancer. Dr. Steven Hill will speak specifically about the possible connection of melatonin and breast cancer. His research shows that the pineal hormone melatonin has significant inhibitory effects on the development and growth of human breast cancer. “Research has made it clear that breast cancer and other cancers result from a complex web of causation in which multiple factors interact,” states Hill. “By sharing our studies, and those of other scientists, we hope to set women on a path to better understanding and enlightenment, Hill continued.
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH EXCLUSIVE SCREENING OF P.O.V. IN THE FAMILY
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting in October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. An exclusive screening of P.O.V.** In the Family will take place at the Center. The film, which intimately explores the lives of the women Joanna Rudnick met through FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), an organization that helps those with the BRCA mutation, is an eloquently moving tribute to those facing the question of whether to find out their risk and what to do afterward. This October, CRBS will exclusively underwrite the airing of P.O.V. In the Family on WYES. Visit www.wyes.org for airdate.
