No Survivor Left Behind

Participants in the one of Cancer Services’ new
Survivorship Events: The Shine a Light on Lung
Cancer Vigil held this past November and sponsored by
The Lung Cancer Alliance.

Every new year brings new resolutions and Cancer Services has made another one for you in 2012. Each month, Cancer Services will be hosting a different survivorship event to celebrate and honor a survivor’s journey. It’s no secret that some cancers get more attention than others. At Cancer Services we want to make sure all our clients feel supported in meaningful and relevant ways.

Starting this past November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Cancer Services hosted a special Lung Cancer Survivorship Luncheon to which clients could invite their family and caregivers. We also hosted the Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil, open to the entire community.

Cancer Services will continue similar events in 2012 bringing together various survivor groups in a personalized and meaningful way. Director of Support Programs, Esther Sachse, LCSW explains, “All our clients are important to us and we want to support them any way we can. Survivorship luncheons are a great opportunity for clients to network with others and celebrate the meaningful life one can lead as a survivor.”

According to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, a cancer survivor is anyone with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through their journey. Thus Cancer Services refers to all clients as "survivors.” We are here for you and all 6,000 of our clients as you live with, through and beyond cancer.

For more information on our support groups or any of our support services, call Natalie at 927-2273.

Steve Lousteau for Cancer Services

Steve Lousteau (right) with his children
Jeffrey and Jennifer.

While growing up in south Louisiana, I knew that
cancer was a disease that impacted many people. Because there was no experience of cancer in my own family, I developed a false sense of security that I would go through life not having to deal with such a dreaded illness. That all came to an abrupt halt when my wife’s sister, Lena, was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in December 2005. In spite of an operation and numerous treatments, our family lost Lena in March of 2007. My family was devastated.

We “picked up the pieces” and began the recovery process of overcoming the loss of someone who was so dear to so many. Then in July 2008 my family was hit with more shocking news…. my wife of 29 years, Amber, was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Amber fought the good fight but passed away in May 2009. While the physical, emotional, mental and financial stress in fighting this deadly disease is excruciating, the pain that I, and my children, felt after losing someone we so dearly loved is beyond description.

Then more bad news hit my family in November 2010 when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My first thought was, I can’t believe this is happening again! Fortunately for me and my family, my situation has a happy ending. Because of early detection and a successful operation, I am pleased to report that I am cancer free and enjoying life again.

So why do I share my story with you? It is because you never know when cancer will strike you, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

The common thread that weaves through each of my own family experiences with cancer is the phenomenal support provided by Cancer Services. This is a great organization that can provide aid in the form of information, financial assistance and resource support. I’m deeply indebted to them for providing me resources to help Amber while she fought for her life.

The life of any organization is dependent on the financial strength of its organization. Cancer Services is no different. Being that Cancer Services is a non-profit organization, it relies on contributions from the generous citizens of our great community to help continue its mission of helping people afflicted with cancer. While I hope and pray that you never need Cancer Services, Cancer Services very much needs YOU! Your gift enables Cancer Services to continue to help cancer patients and their families when they need help most. Visit their website to donate online or by mail to 550 Lobdell Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Feel free to stop by to see how your gift helps those living with cancer every day.

Thanking you in advance, please make a difference by donating today!

The Huckaby Family for Cancer Services

Do you worry about your kids? We all do. We worry about how they do in school, about them driving and going out at night. We never worried about cancer until our 14-year-old daughter, Brenna, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor, in September 2010. At that moment, cancer changed our world.

When you see pictures of bald kids smiling after their treatments, that’s just one moment; the reality is sitting in a room for hours and hours with other sick children, having poison pumping through their IVs. After weeks of these chemo treatments, Brenna’s tumor was still growing and we were told that her best chance was amputating her right leg. She had the surgery two weeks later.

We live in a different world now, the world of childhood cancer. We wandered aimlessly into Cancer Services soon after her diagnosis. We didn’t have to ask for anything or even really say anything because they took us by the hand and explained what they could do for our family. The emotional, nutritional and financial services, all free of charge, fulfilled needs we didn’t know we had and helped us with the “what’s next.”



Jeff, Brenna & Kristie Huckaby
with Speckles.

Cancer Services’ Children’s Programs provide us the opportunity to meet other families living in this world of cancer. At the monthly activities, Brenna interacts with other cancer kids, and we get to connect with the parents in a fun, social environment. Cancer Services gives us a break from cancer and the chance for our family to spend precious time together. While we were at MD Anderson in Texas we saw similar programs, but having Cancer Services right here in the Baton Rouge community for these children and everyone else living with cancer is so special and important. But they need your help.

Brenna, a sophomore at St. Michael’s, wears a prosthetic and is returning to gymnastics and making plans to go skiing this winter. Shortly after the amputation she caught a little boy staring at her. As she passed him on her crutches she said smiling over her shoulder, “This is what happens when you don’t eat your vegetables.” Her wonderful attitude, our family and support from Cancer Services are helping to make our world normal again.

In our world, we don’t worry about the small stuff anymore. The most important thing in life is the people in it. We hope you never have to experience our world of cancer, but we’re glad that Cancer Services is here to help make that world a little easier.

Their Children’s Programs have been invaluable to our family, but we know that Cancer Services provides equally important services for adults. They are the only agency in our area providing direct assistance and support to cancer patients – no matter their age – and it’s all free of charge. But they can’t do it without you.

Please consider supporting Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. You can make a donation online or by mail to 550 Lobdell Ave. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. Thank you and best wishes for a meaningful holiday season with your loved ones – in your world.

-Jeff, Kristie and Brenna Huckaby.

Children's Ho-Ho-Holiday Party!

Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge hosted its annual Children’s Holiday Party on December 4th. The Childrens Programs consist of Candlelighters, children with cancer and their siblings, and KidsKare, children who have a parent or guardian living with cancer. Over 300 children, siblings, parents and friends gathered for food, dancing, gifts and of course, Santa! For over 50 years Cancer Services has been improving the lives for those living with, through and beyond cancer in the Greater Baton Rouge area.

Hats off to Volunteers!

On November 9^th, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge hosted its annual “Hats Off to Volunteers” Appreciation Party. Fifty-five volunteers donned their best hats, symbolizing the many different roles they help fulfill, and enjoyed a meal prepared by a very thankful staff. So far this year, Cancer Services volunteers have worked over 6,500 hours to help further the agency’s mission of improving life for those living with cancer. For more information about volunteering at Cancer Services, visit our website or contact Cindi Tramonte at 225-927-2273.

Q&A: Caregiving During the Holidays

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.

Q: My husband is battling cancer and I’m not sure how to handle this during the holiday season. What can I do to make it better for him?

A: First of all, you are already showing your willingness to support him just by inquiring. Here are some ideas for caregivers when caring for someone during the holidays:

• Understand if your loved one is not feeling in the mood to celebrate
• Be supportive of your loved one’s feelings
• Be a good listener
• Keep an eye on your loved one – if your loved one can’t get up or doesn’t get out of bed, this could be a sign of depression
• If your loved one always enjoyed holidays, then offer to decorate for them
• If your loved one wants to send out cards, offer to help address envelopes
• Discuss the holidays in advance
• Make sure the food /smell is not something that would cause nausea
• Don’t compare holidays
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends, family, and neighbors
• Consider talking to a counselor to help you get through what can be a very stressful time.
• Continue healthy eating and exercise

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at 225-927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.
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Q&A: Coping with Cancer During the Holidays

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.

Q: I am battling cancer this holiday season. Do you have any tips to help me deal with the holidays?

A: Coping with holidays when you have cancer can be very difficult. The following are some tips that you may want to try in order to help you cope:

• set limitations and make realistic goals
• ask for help
• don’t hide your emotions – it’s okay to feel overwhelmed
• consider talking to a counselor
• plan early so you can be prepared
• remember that it’s okay to say “no”
• surround yourself with supportive people
• continue healthy eating and exercise to help ease stress
• do not isolate yourself - stay connected to those you love
• create new tradition, if you feel okay doing so
• don’t forget to relish moments of joy no matter how bad things might seem
• go out to eat or have a pot-luck dinner if preparing a meal is too much
• be picky about what you choose to expend your energy on
• think about what questions might be asked concerning your cancer and plan how you will answer questions
• if you are away from family, try and spend time with friends or neighbors

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at 225-927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.

Q&A: Holiday Nutrition

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.


Q: What are some things to consider when preparing for holiday meals during my cancer treatment?

A: One of the best ideas is to do just what you are doing now: Plan ahead. Consider the side effects you’re experiencing and what foods can help alleviate them, or what foods you should avoid. If you are hosting the dinner yourself you will be able to control what you cook. If other people are creating part of the meal, there is a good chance they will ask you if you have any specific dietary restrictions. If they don’t, make sure that you create your own items so you know that you have some food you can eat. If you are unsure of what is best for you, consult a registered dietician or ask your doctor or nurse to provide a consultation. Additionally, the library at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge has cookbooks and materials on nutrition available to anyone to check out.

It is also smart to make healthy replacements. Focus on using spices for flavor instead of just depending on salt and use low sodium broth when possible. Eat a roasted turkey instead of a fried version. Try wild rice instead of a traditional stuffing. Have fresh fruit for dessert or make healthy substitutions during baking, such as egg whites or applesauce instead of oil. Avoid alcohol, instead opting for water or a club soda.

Perhaps one of the best suggestions is simply to focus on family and friends instead of food. Take time to talk with those you might not see often and make plans for other activities outside of eating. Volunteer at a charity event or take time to make holiday decorations or presents as a group. And a post-dinner walk instead of a post-dinner nap is a great opportunity to continue conversations and to get exercise.

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at 225-927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.