New Direction for After Hours Support Group

Originally designed to offer clients more opportunities to benefit from our support services, the weekly After Hours Support Group meetings have taken a direction all their own. Adult Programs Coordinator Natalie Depp, LMSW hosts everything from screening cancer-related movies and TV shows to creative endeavors like collaging or journaling to special events to mark cancer awareness months. 

This fall the group will see a bit of a revamp. Now meeting on Wednesday evenings – still at 6p.m. –one meeting of each month will be “An Introduction to a Cancer Diagnosis.” Especially designed for those newly diagnosed and their families, these meetings will benefit anyone wishing to acquaint or reacquaint themselves with the facts and vocabulary of cancer and its treatments.  Director of Support Programs Esther Sachse, LCSW stresses the importance of education for our clients: “The newly diagnosed cancer survivor has an immediate need for accurate information regarding their cancer diagnosis and treatment options.  They need a safe place to share their feelings and concerns.  Our programs offer help and support when they need it most.”

For more information about this or any of our support groups, call 927-2273 or visit our website at www.cancerservices.org. The mission of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge is to improve life for those living with cancer.  

Capital Chefs' Showcase: Silent Auction

For the 30th year of Capital Chefs' Showcase, Cancer Services has not only invited 30 of the best chefs in the Greater Baton Rouge area but has also secured over 200 unique and exciting items for our Showcase Silent Auction. You'll have the chance to bid on items like these -  all to benefit those living with cancer in our area. Click here to buy your Showcase tickets now so you can come claim your favorites!

Here's just a small representation of what this generous community has provided us:

African safari with Ezulwini Lodges

Necklace made from vintage items from Grandmother's Buttons

Original artwork from Dixon Smith

Pearl and diamond earrings from Diamond Distributors

LSU Football signed by Head Coach Les Miles donated by Jean Brown

Saints suite tickets and packing pass for the Nov. 5th Eagles game donated by Capital One/Don Barnes

Set of two blue painted porcelain vases from McMillin Interiors

LSU WIN! bar painted on driftwood by Eric Garcia

Staying Relevant: Until there’s a cure, there’s Cancer Services

For over 50 years, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge has been in this community serving cancer patients, their family members and caregivers. Using the word relevance expresses our promise to stay meaningful and relevant to their needs – even though those needs have changed drastically over the years.  

When Cancer Services opened its doors in the 1950’s, those who heard the words “you have cancer” had fewer options and less hope than today’s cancer patients. As a result, the agency had a hospice feel, providing loaned equipment, home visits and sick room supplies.  Thankfully, today’s advancements have made cancer survivorship a real thing. There are over 12 million cancer survivors in America and the number continues to grow. Over the years Cancer Services has continually responded to stay relevant to today’s survivors. When chemotherapy became mainstream, we addressed its side effects by opening our wig boutique and offering nutritional supplements. When exercise became a recommended option, we started aerobics, yoga and Zumba geared to the physical abilities and needs of survivors. With more people living long-term with cancer, we’ve expanded our support groups and started hosting more survivorship events.

Through our programs and services – and with the generous help of this community – we promise to stay relevant to the needs of cancer patients and their families.   

 

The Forgotten Survivors: The Importance of Cancer Services’ Kids Kare Program

Paige, Danielle, Nadia, Courtney and Caleb Julien at Cancer Services after speaking to our Board of Directors about the importance of Kids Kare.

Paige and Caleb ready to ice skate at one of our monthly Children’s Events

Cancer never affects just one person. Like the proverbial pebble in a pond, it ripples out to family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors. Every day, Cancer Services attends to the various needs of ALL those affected by cancer, including the children whose family members are diagnosed. 

When people think of kids affected by cancer, most imagine children who have the disease. Our Candlelighter Program provides support for them and their siblings. But often people forget the impact that a parent’s cancer diagnosis can have on a child. Cancer Services Director of Support Programs Esther Sachse, LCSW, explains, “The children of our parents with cancer are often the forgotten survivors, yet they are a crucial part of our mission.  When Dad is too sick to toss a football or Mom is in treatment and can’t help pick that prom dress, children experience some of the losses associated with cancer.  Our Kids Kare Program creates special family moments that help carry survivors through the cancer journey.”
   
At just 32 years old, Courtney Julien, father of three, experienced kidney failure. One minute he was going about his work day as a process operator at CF Industries and the next minute he was in the hospital, soon to be diagnosed with a rare type of lymphomathat started in his prostate and engulfed his bladder and kidneys. He, his wife Danielle and their children all began a difficult journey that uniquely affected each one of them.
   
Thankfully, the Juliens found that Cancer Services could help the entire family with their various physical, emotional and financial needs. In addition to being a safe place to talk, the agency helped Courtney pay for his prescriptions to ease the high costs of a diagnosis and provided products to ease the side effects of treatment. Treatments were tough and Courtney was in and out of the hospital for weeks. His children  struggled to understand why their strong dad, their “Superman,” was sick. “The day I got home from the hospital, I still had tubes and was recovering,” Courtney says. “When Nadia saw me, she was so excited she ran up to jump on me like she used to and everyone screamed to stop her. Every day they’d ask if Dad could play and they didn’t understand when I couldn’t.”

Nadia and Paige with Santa at the Children’s Holiday Party.

As the Juliens adjusted to this “new normal” they began grasping for things that resembled their old life, including special family time and outings, now difficult because of Courtney’s limited physical abilities and their financial situation. Cancer Services and Kids Kare helped fill that void. The monthly children’s events give the Juliens and dozens of other families the chance to spend time together “outside a world of hurt” and not worry about sickness, shots or chemo. “They’re great times for us,” Danielle explains, “Even the baby can come and enjoy.” She claims it even helped her husband heal quicker, “He was able to enjoy his kids again and we got to meet other families and know we’re not alone.” But Kids Kare is not just about fun activities, it’s about families and giving children a sense of normalcy during a scary and confusing time.

Today Courtney and his family are doing well and still attend events. Despite his progress, cancer is still present in their lives. Over a year later medical bills are mounting and Courtney is still adjusting to being back at work. Danielle smiles and says, “Praise the Lord, everything’s OK today. We’re so blessed to have Cancer Services. Please don’t ever stop doing what y’all are doing.”

For more about the Kids Kare or any other program, call Cancer Services at 225-927-2273.

Q&A: Caregiver Bill of Rights

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

Q: My sister has been diagnosed with cancer and I am her sole caregiver. I find myself being short with her and other people more and more and then I feel guilty about it. Is this normal?

A: It is normal for caregivers to experience feelings of guilt, fatigue, and irritation. It is important for caregivers to pay attention to their own feelings and needs. The National Cancer Institute suggests referring to the following while caring for a loved one.

Caregiver's Bill of Rights:

• I have the right to take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the ability to take better care of my loved one.
• I have the right to seek help from others even though my loved one may object. I know the limits of my own endurance and strength.
• I have the right to maintain parts of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can do for this person. I have the right to do some things just for myself.
• I have the right to get angry, be depressed, and express difficult feelings once in a while.
• I have the right to reject any attempt by my loved one to make me do things out of guilt or anger, (It doesn't matter if she knows that she is doing it or not).
• I have the right to get consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do for my loved one, as I offer these in return.
• I have the right to take pride in what I'm doing. And I have the right to applaud the courage it has taken to meet the needs of my loved one.
• I have the right to protect my individuality. I also have the right to a life that will sustain me in times when my loved one no longer needs my full-time help.

The Caregiver Support Group at Cancer Services meets the second Friday of every month at noon. Anyone caring for a loved one, no matter the ailment, is encouraged to attend to help better take care of themselves. Call Natalie at 225-927-2273 if you’d like more information.

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.

Putting Your Own Mask on First: Caregiver Appreciation

Caregivers of cancer survivors, or those coping with any illness or disability, face unique challenges and often struggle with taking care of themselves as well as their loved one. Esther Sachse, LCSW, Director of Support Programs at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, equates their situation to the familiar safety drills on airplanes: “When the oxygen masks drop down, you have to put your own mask on before you help others. It’s the same with care-giving, it’s so important for caregivers to take care of themselves well before they can best help their loved ones.”

On February 10^th, Cancer Services took a step in caring for the caregivers by hosting an appreciation luncheon to honor and celebrate all that they do. LSU School of Social Work professor Dr. Scott Wilks, who specializes in caregiver research, spoke and answered questions at the luncheon. This prompted many of the 36 attendees to share their own stories. One woman shared how hard it was to let the nurse they hired actually take over some of the care-giving responsibilities for her husband. Another explained the guilt that comes after feeling frustrated with her loved one, because sometimes even the best caregiver can get aggravated. Fellow caregivers nodded in agreement, empathizing over their shared situation.

Another commented how nice it was to have people just to call and check in, explaining, “Sometimes as a caregiver you need an ear, someone to listen to you.” That’s why the Caregiver Support Group at Cancer Services meets the second Friday of every month at noon. Anyone caring for a loved one, no matter the ailment, is encouraged to attend to help better take care of themselves. Call Natalie at 225-927-2273 if you’d like more information.

Q&A: Cervical Cancer

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

Q: January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. What is cervical cancer and how do I get screened for it?

A: The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus. Abnormal cell growth which spreads below the surface of the cervix, or to other tissues or organs, is called cervical cancer. This differs from carcinomas found on the surface of the cervix. Surface carcinomas and other cervical lesions are, however, often precursors to cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that is passed on through sexual contact. Most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, but smoking, being HIV-positive, and having multiple sexual partners can increase your risk.

Pelvic exams and pap smears can detect surface changes caused by HPV before cervical cancer develops. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ guidelines say that women over 21 should be screened every two years. For women over 30 who have had three normal pap smears in a row, the guidelines suggest having a pap smear every three years. If your immune system is compromised due to HIV, long-term steroid use or an organ transplant, your doctor might suggest earlier or more frequent pap smears. The outlook for women whose cervical cancer is at a very early stage is excellent; therefore it is important for women to have regular pap smears.

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: Physical Changes

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

Q: I’ve just completed my final cancer treatment and am wondering what physical changes are normal for survivors?

A: Physical changes after treatment greatly depend on what type of cancer you had, what type of treatment you received and your age during the time of treatment. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) compiled a list of common physical changes and problems that people have post-treatment that include:

• fatigue
• memory and concentration problems
• pain
• neuropathy
• lymphedema (swelling)
• mouth/teeth problems
• weight changes
• different eating habits
• trouble swallowing
• bladder and/or bowel control problems
• menopause symptoms

It is also common to worry about cancer recurrence. Almost all cancer survivors are concerned about the possibility that their cancer will come back. It is helpful, when coping with the fear of recurrence, to express your feelings, avoid blaming yourself for your cancer, and focus on what you can control. If you feel your fear may be excessive or simply want to express your feelings to other cancer survivors, Cancer Services offers free counseling services and support groups to anyone diagnosed with cancer.

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

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.