Five Fabulous Years of Fit and Fearless!

A Fit and Fearless group after a Tuesday morning class.

An original exercise class created especially for those living with and beyond cancer, Cancer Services introduced Fit and Fearless in September 2007 when oncology professionals were recommending cancer survivors to be active after treatment. Including strength training, cardiovascular  and flexibility exercises, the class is offered three times each week and this September, we’re celebrating FIVE YEARS of being Fit and Fearless! Many participants have been coming since the beginning, but newcomers are always welcome – male and female! “For new people, this group could not be more hospitable” says Laura LeBlanc, a certified fitness expert who helped design the class and still teaches it today.

 

Exercise has been shown to lessen anxiety and depression, improve mood and self-esteem, and reduce fatigue and pain.  But more than the physical benefits, Fit and Fearless participants thrive emotionally from their classmates’ support. “We think of ourselves as a gift to each other,” says Gloria Graham, one of the charter members, “We can talk about anything here.”

Fit and Fearless meets at BREC Independence Park (across the street from Cancer Services) Mondays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Cancer Services also offers Yoga Thrive and Zumba Gold. Classes are free of charge and clients in all stages of  survivorship are welcome with a doctor’s permission. The Cancer Services Library/Resource Center loans DVDs of Fit and Fearless classes and these 3 different discs are also available for purchase at $15 each – proceeds benefit Cancer Services.  

For more information about our Exercise Program call 225-927-2273 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: Lee Michaels Shopping Spree

Champagne and Diamonds Extravaganza

This is your chance to win a shopping spree valued at $4,000 from

Only 400 tickets are available. Get yours before it's gone!

 

Call Stephanie at 225-927-2273

100% of proceeds benefit Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. 

 

   

   

Drawing held at the 

30th Annual  

Capital Chefs' Showcase

 

 need not be present to win  

Thursday, September 6, 2012 6:30 p.m.  

 Baton Rouge River Center  

Event tickets are $100 each and sponsorships start at $1,000.  

Call 225-927-2273 for more information  

or to purchase event tickets, raffle tickets or sponsorships.  

Cancer Services is a local nonprofit 100% dependent on the generosity of this community. 

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.

Not Alone: Pancreatic Cancer Survivorship Luncheon

Attendees at Cancer Services' first Pancreatic Survivorship Luncheon.

 
Survivors, caregivers and supporters gathered at Cancer Services this past Monday for our first Pancreatic Cancer Survivorship Luncheon. Survival rates tend to be dramatically lower for pancreatic cancer than other cancers and because of these statistics, many survivors* can feel hopeless and isolated, even within the cancer community. The Survivorship Luncheon gave them the opportunity to speak with fellow pancreatic cancer survivors who can empathize and share information. Conversation ranged from comparing their experiences of being diagnosed, to coaching a caregiver on what her mother might be going through, to sharing diet tips. For most though, simply meeting others with the disease was the reason for coming. Many of the attendees had never met a single other person with pancreatic cancer.
Paula Aliers, PANCAN facilitator of the monthly Pancreatic Survivor Network Meetings explains that, “It’s nice for patients to hear they’re not going crazy, that they’re not the only one and sometimes that’s hard because people don’t want to talk about pancreatic cancer – there’s a stigma there.” But there’s no stigma at Cancer Services. One of the attendees expressed in a thank-you note that, “I left the survivor party yesterday with such a sense of encouragement and finally felt like I had truly come to place where I could ‘take the mask off.’”

The Pancreatic Survivor Network meets at the General on Bluebonnet on the third Thursday of each month, from 6:30-8:30. For more information about Pancreatic Cancer, our support groups or anything else call Cancer Services at 225-927-2273 or visit our website.

Each month, Cancer Services will be hosting a different survivorship event to celebrate and honor survivors’ unique journeys. 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. Click here for a tentative schedule of the 2012 Survivorship Events.

*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.

Cancer Services: For Body, Mind and Spirit

“YOU HAVE CANCER.”

This year, over 4000 people in the Baton Rouge area will hear these words and join the thousands of others who have already heard them.

For all of them and their families,

Cancer Services is here...

for body

Replenishing much-needed vitamins and nutrients through nutritional supplements

Providing mobility and independence by loan of hospital beds, wheelchairs and other equipment

Giving comfort and well-being though medical and post-surgical supplies

Improving physical function through exercise programs tailored to the needs of cancer survivors

mind

Easing the anxiety of navigating the complicated healthcare system

Relieving financial burdens with prescription assistance and mileage reimbursement to ensure patients get the treatment they need

Offering empathetic ears and the chance to share experiences, thoughts and feelings with others on the same journey through support groups

Empowering patients and family members to make sound decisions regarding their treatment and health with educational programs and up to date resource information

and spirit

Restoring confidence and self-esteem by sharing wigs, hats, scarves and other accessories

Calming the stresses associated with a life-altering diagnosis though yoga and reiki sessions

Improving one's ability to cope through personal counseling

Facilitating opportunities for children to forgo their illness, laugh, play and experience childhood



For more information about Cancer Services, visit our website, call 225-927-2273 or stop by our office at 550 Lobdell Ave. in Baton Rouge. We're open 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.

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.

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.

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.

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.