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.

Meet Judy: Reiki Master and Cancer Services Volunteer

Judy Alonso has volunteered her time and expertise at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge for nearly a year, coming in weekly to provide Reiki sessions for interested clients.  For those of you who haven’t met Judy or experienced a Reiki session, here's a little background on Judy, and how and why she came to be a Reiki Master.

“In 2005 after 4 1/2 years of my husband battling throat cancer, some friends suggested that we should go to the Reiki Center in Hollywood, Florida, where we lived for 20 years, and talk to the Reiki Master.  They felt she could probably help him with pain since he was done with his radiation and umpteen chemo sessions, and wasn’t going to do anymore.  Nothing to lose at this point for sure with only a 10% chance of survival.

We did not even know how to pronounce Reiki, let alone what it was.  The Reiki Master, Myrna Farbiash, was in that day (hmmmm, what a coincidence) and spoke with Al first and then took a look at me and spoke with me.  She told me there was a Level 1 Reiki class a couple of months or so down the line, and it was already full, and if I wanted to be in on it to go tell the Reiki Master at the counter to put someone out if she had to, but to make room for me.  Being the kind person she was, she did not put anyone out, and not knowing if Al would even still be with us then, I enrolled us both in the class.

As it turned out, he was still with us, and that was the last thing we did together.  He struggled to get there each day for the 2 day class, but he made it.  A week later, the Lord called him home.  The Lord put me on my path of Reiki through Al’s illness.  Maybe, otherwise, I would not have been able to recognize His road sign.

Funny, in the mid 60’s I had 2 dance schools which I thought I would be doing for the rest of my life.  Then, as life went, I worked for the Postal Service for 30 years and retired a year after my husband passed away, Whew!  During that year, I completed my Level II Reiki Class, Reiki Master Class and finished all of my teaching requirements before moving back home to Baton Rouge.

I had already begun teaching my classes and doing my sessions when I received the Cancer Services Bulletin in the mail and noticed you all were offering alternative methods of body, mind, spirit; and Reiki was one of them.  I immediately called and asked for an appointment to bring my cards, brochure, copies of certificates and ministry and asked to “SIGN ME UP!” This was my chance and my honor to give back to the very thing that put me on this journey in the first place—the wonderful people still battling this disease called CANCER.

What is one of the most important things I have learned in life, you ask?  It is said so many ways but this is one of my favorites:

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD

Painful moments, TRUST GOD

Every moment, THANK GOD

And, when you feel you have come to the end of all you know, and are about to step off into the darkness, trust and have faith in God that he will either give you something solid to stand on, or wings to fly.” 

Love, Light and Angels,

Judy Alonso

Reiki Master Teacher

Baton Rouge, LA

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Dark Blue is Colorectal's Cancer Awareness Color.

March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men behind skin, prostate and lung cancer, and the fourth most common among women after skin, breast and lung cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age with more than 90 percent of cases occurring in people who are 50 years old or older (CDC).



According to the NCI, risk factors for colorectal cancer are:

• being 50 years old or older,
• having a family history of colon cancer or polyps,
• colorectal polyps,
• a personal history of cancer, especially ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer,
• ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease,
• hereditary conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC),
• a diet of high fat and low calcium, folate and fiber and
• cigarette smoking.

It is important to get tested for colorectal cancer if you are 50 years old or older because it can save your life. Many cancers in the early, treatable stages do not cause symptoms so it is important to get tested regularly. Symptoms usually begin to emerge when the cancer has progressed. Some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Blood in or on the stool
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or nausea
• The sensation that the bowel does not empty completely
• Narrow stools (which indicate an obstruction in the colon)
• Chronic abdominal discomfort, like gas pains or cramps or feeling bloated or full

These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but it is important to visit a doctor so that a proper diagnosis can be made. For more information about colon cancer or screenings in our area, call the Cancer Services Library/Resource Center at 225-927-2273.

Each week, Cancer Services posts a Cancer Q&A in the Health section of The Advocate.

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: Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer Services will host a survivorship luncheon for pancreatic cancer survivors and their family members on Monday, January 30 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For reservations, contact Natalie Depp at (225) 927-2273.

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

Q: What are some risks for pancreatic cancer?

A: According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it is not known what causes pancreatic cancer. However, studies have shown that if one or more of the following applies, you have a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. If you:

• are over 60 years old;
• smoke (smokers have 3 times the risk);
• have diabetes;
• are male;
• are African-American;
• have had a mother, father, sister, or brother with pancreatic cancer;
• have a family history of colon or ovarian cancer;
• have chronic pancreatitis.

However, there are instances where people with none of these risk factors get pancreatic cancer and people who have some of these risk factors may not get pancreatic cancer. It is important to assess your risk with your doctor.

For more information about pancreatic cancer, contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at (225) 927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue. Also check out the PANCAN website for more information.

2012 Cancer Services Open Houses

Every month,Cancer Services hosts an Open House inviting everyone in the Greater Baton Rouge area to learn more about the free programs and services offered to those living with cancer in this community. We encourage everyone to come tour our facility to see firsthand how we improve life for those living with cancer. You'll have the chance to speak with our staff, clients and board members to learn the place Cancer Services has in the community. Light refreshments served.

We are also able to schedule your group or company for a private tour tailored to your needs or interests. If you have questions or would like to attend, please call Connie at 225-927-2273.

Cancer affects everyone and until there’s a cure, Cancer Services is here to help. Come and see how.

Thursday, January 19th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, February 10th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Monday, March 19th 11a.m. - 2p.m.

Tuesday, April 17th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Thursday, May 17th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Thursday, June 21st 4 - 6p.m.

Wednesday, July 18th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, August 17th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Tuesday, September 18th 4 - 6p.m.

Thursday, October 18th 8 - 9:30a.m.

Friday, November 16th 11:30a.m. - 1p.m.

Thursday, December 6th 11a.m. - 2p.m.

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!

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.