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.

Spread TWICE the Joy!

Everyone enjoys receiving holiday cards. Taking the time to spread a little joy is a huge part of the season. This year, why not spread TWICE the joy by purchasing your holiday cards from Cancer Services? Not only will your loved ones enjoy receiving your well-wishes, but your purchase will directly help those living with cancer in Greater Baton Rouge.

Holiday cards come in twelve different designs and special occasion, birthday and thank-you cards are also available, as and personalized printing. All cards are created specially for us by local children living with cancer.

For $15 you get 15 cards, including envelopes, and the knowledge that you're making the holidays a little brighter for your friends and family as well as the friends and families in this community living with, through and beyond cancer.

To order click here, stop by our location at 550 Lobdell, or get in touch with Lindsay at 225-927-2273.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Luncheon a Success

On September 19^th, over 60 breast cancer survivors* gathered at Cancer Services to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Held in partnership with Woman’s Hospital, the attendees enjoyed lunch and the company of fellow survivors, caregivers, family and friends.

The Breast Cancer Support Group meets every month but with the help of Woman’s, October’s meeting was larger and even more celebratory than usual, giving the opportunity to reach out to many new clients. Attendees ranged from currently in treatment to two weeks outs of treatment to thirty years out of treatment.

Breast cancer survivor and Cancer Services volunteer Sandra Cristal helped plan the event and was pleased with the huge turnout. “This is a cause that’s important to me and it was wonderful so many showed up – the room was almost too small!”

Adult Programs Coordinator Natalie Depp added, “This was a great opportunity to show that at our support groups we don’t just talk about problems and sad emotions but share friendships and celebrate where our clients are in their cancer journey.”

The Breast Cancer Support Group meets the third Wednesday every month at 11:30 at Cancer Services. For more information about this or any of our support groups, click here or call Natalie at 225-927-2273.

*Cancer Services defines a “cancer survivor” as anyone living with cancer, from the moment of diagnosis for the rest of their life.

Q&A: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

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

Q: I am currently waiting on a cancer diagnosis. If I do have cancer, what questions should I ask my doctor?

A: Being informed and asking questions can give you some control over your condition and may help you cope. Studies show that patients who are informed about their disease and treatment options usually tend to fare better and have fewer side effects than those who simply follow doctors' orders. However, some people feel overwhelmed by too much information or the details regarding their condition. It is best to think how much information is right for you.

You can use the following list as a starting point. You do not have to ask every question and it might help you think of other questions you would like to ask. It’s a good idea to write your questions down before meeting with your doctor so you are sure not to forget anything. Having another person with you to ask questions and to listen to the answers is also a good idea. You may also want a notebook or tape recorder to capture important notes.

Possible questions for your doctor after a cancer diagnosis:

• What is my diagnosis?
• Has cancer spread to my lymph nodes or anywhere else?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
• How is staging used to determine cancer treatment?
• What is my prognosis (chance of recovery)?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• What is the goal of treatment? What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?
• What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can side effects be managed?
• Will infertility be a side effect of my treatment?
• How often will I have treatments? How long will my treatment last?
• Will I have to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
• What is the treatment likely to cost? Will my insurance cover the costs?
• What new treatments are under study? Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
• If I seek a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Whom should I call with questions or concerns during non-business hours?
• May I contact you or the nurse to talk about additional information I find?

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.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Known nationwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is a great time to spread awareness and talk about the impact of this disease.

Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge is here to help those living with all types of cancer, all year long.

This information was provided to Cancer Services by Sandra Christal, a breast cancer survivor and longtime volunteer with Susan G. Komen, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge and Sisters Supporting Sisters.

IMPACT OF BREAST CANCER

-A woman dies because of breast cancer every 69 seconds somewhere in the world … but the really good news is that there are approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors alive today.

-In the U.S., approximately 40,000 people die every year from breast cancer … that’s about the same as the number of people who die in all traffic/highway crashes in America. And, about 200,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer annually.

-Louisiana leads the nation in breast cancer deaths. African American women are often diagnosed at a later stage in the disease than other ethnic groups.

-Men can get breast cancer, about 2000 die every year from the disease.

-Early detection is the most important factor in the cure rate for breast cancer. Approximately 90% of cases have no genetic or family link.

Our partner, Komen for the Cure, urges 4 steps for breast self awareness:

1. Know your risk

a. Talk to your family to learn about your family health history

b. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

a. Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk

b. Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at an average risk

c. Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at 40

3. Know what is normal for you

a. See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

i. Lump, hard knot or thickening

ii. Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening

iii. Change in the size or shape of breast

iv. Dimpling or puckering of the skin

v. Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

vi. Pulling in of your nipple or other parts

vii. Nipple discharge that starts suddenly

viii. New pain in one spot that does not go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

a. Maintain a healthy weight

b. Add exercise into your routine

c. Limit alcohol intake