know

understanding the cancer experience Issue 16

complimentary
magazine
in the

2011
SPECIAL ISSUE>
The BIG list of ideas, inspirations and tips on how to live
healthy, happy and confidently with or without cancer!

11 11 11 11 >
Books to read Ways to get Questions to Super Foods to
this year! Organized ask your Doctor boost health! PLUS
much more!
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gordon L. Black, MD., Honorary
in
As we ready to greet 2011, it is
this issue:
11 Things You
Should Know
favorite list handy for frequent review.
know
understanding the cancer experience Issue 16
complimentary
magazine

in the
Robert Ash with the universal hope that the This past October, the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation was
Sam Faraone New Year will bring more stability, blessed by the kindness of some very hard-working groups.
certainty and, as always, a fresh The Bicycle Company and Chris Oaxaca sponsored their
Jeanne Foskett
start. 2011 will be the first full year second annual mountain bike race in honor of one of their
Juan Herrada, M.D. of health reform with Medicare riders, Suzanne Nolan. Suzanne, diagnosed with breast
Kent Hummel supporting new preventive benefits cancer, was unable to ride in this year’s race, but was present
SPECIAL ISSUE>
Victor Mascorro, Jr. at no out-of-pocket costs. For
The BIG list of ideas, inspirations and tips on how to live
healthy, happy and confidently with or without cancer!
at the event to cheer on the 300+ participates who rode in her
Dan Olivas some former uninsurable, 2011 honor. Read her touching story and see some of the photos in
Books to read
this year!
> could enable them access to health
Ways to get
Organized
Questions to
ask your Doctor
Super Foods to
boost health! PLUS What I Know Now. We are enormously grateful to those who
Kathrin Berg Pettit
much more!

insurance with the elimination of participated in the event which resulted in a $3,000 donation
Irene Pistella pre-existing conditions. In a state where many Texans are to the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. What a ride!
Shelly Ruddock without health insurance, twenty-eleven may well be a new Speaking of generosity, check out the photos of the
Amy Stewart Sanders year of hope and a better path. fundraiser “Bras for the Cause hosted by the Women’s
In this issue inaugurating the New Year, we are focusing on Council of Realtors. (It must be a monster fitness regime that
Patsy Slaughter the number eleven. Called a Master number (11, 22, 33), it is puts those kinds of pecs on the El Paso Fire Fighters!) Thank
Polly Vaughn a double-digit number that, according to some numerologists, you to the WCR for their support of our efforts. We were
Patti Wetzel, M.D. is the most intuitive of all numbers. It is believed to have humbled to be the beneficiary of this great organization.
Steve Yellen physic properties and can represent impractical idealism (why For both the Bicycle Company and the WCR, it was
not?), revelation, artistic and inventive genius. Let’s hope the important for them to know that their funding supports the
positive characteristics of the number eleven translate to a people who live in the community in which they live. The Rio
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR banner year! Grande Cancer Foundation is your local resource for cancer
Patricia Tiscareño In our quest to help you get and stay healthy in 2011, the programs and services. All the money you contribute stays in
RGCF staff offers our Lists of Eleven. Green House El Paso to assist El Pasoans who are undergoing a cancer
Coordinator, Izzy Mora shares his list of eleven foods you experience. Give us a call at 562-7660 to inquire about how
PROGRAM OFFICER
should eat during treatment and eleven must read books next you can become involved in our activities!
Jutta Ramirez year. Program Officer, Jutta Ramirez will enlighten you with Thank you to all our readers for your positive response to
eleven travel tips for cancer patients and her list of eleven In the Know: Understanding the Cancer Experience. We will
GREEN HOUSE ‘gotta try’ exercises. Our Office Manager, Cindi Martinez be focusing our 2011 efforts on promoting the journey toward
offers eleven ways that you can make your doctor visits more health and wellness and will keep you up on the latest
COORDINATOR
meaningful as well as eleven ways to make home a more programs for meeting your personal goals of keeping cancer
NEWSLETTER EDITOR restful place. We also feature Eleven ‘don’t miss’ Events in at bay.
Izzy Mora 2011 and lists of eleven things you can do for a caregiver, Happy New Year!
eleven gifts for a cancer patient, and eleven little mini
meditations courtesy of my pen. We hope you’ll keep your
OFFICE MANAGER
Cindi Martinez FEATURES

6 10 18
Let’s eat! Ways to prepare
for your Doctor’s
Appointment
Gifts
for Caregivers

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, 7 9

Let’s Eat! What’s up Doc? Caring for the caregiver

is published by the
‘An apple a day keeps the doctor Whether you are headed for just a Caregivers provide comfort and
Rio Grande Cancer routine check up or for a more serious support during an illness. Sometimes
away’ is a phrase we have heard time
Foundation and time again. But did you Know that condition, you can work with your we wish we could show them exactly
10460 Vista del Sol, Suite 101 there are a great number of foods that doctor to help streamline the path to how much we appreciate them. Here
El Paso, TX 79925 pack a nutrional wallop? Here we take wellness. In this ‘list of eleven,’ we we give you eleven ways to show
(915) 562-7660 a look at 11 yummy options. offer you some sound suggestions. your caregiver that you care about
fax (915) 562-7841 them too!
www.rgcf.org
DEPARTMENTS
by
In The Green House 21
Snappy Publishing
Ted Escobedo, Publisher What I Know Now 23
120 Paragon • Suite 220
El Paso, Texas 79912
(915) 820-2800 Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or other materials to In the Know for consideration should not send originals unless specifically requested to do so by In the Know in writing. Unsolicited manuscripts,
photographs, and other submitted materials must be accompanied by a self-addressed overnight delivery return envelope, postage pre-paid. However, In the Know is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.
©2010 Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of any article or photograph contained in this magazine may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of In the Know.
In the Know assumes no responsibility whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in In the Know. Editorial or advertising content in In the Know does not necessarily reflect the
opinions of the publishers. In the Know assumes no responsibility for the products or services advertised in this magazine. Publisher reserves the right to edit any material or refuse any advertising submitted.
 5

“When there is a start to be

made, don't step over!
Start where you are.”
-Edgar Cayce

It’s the start of another new year, and most

people make annual resolutions to lead
healthier lives.

But if you really want it to succeed,

don't go for a dramatic lifestyle upheaval.

Try introducing small changes,

one at a time.

For 2011, we have compiled several lists

of 11 things, ideas and inspirations to
help you live beyond cancer.

And we also threw in some tips for their

caregivers and our readers who are trying to
limit their risk of cancer.

The articles featured in this issue of In the Know

were compiled by the staff of the
Rio Grande Cancer Foundation

know
understanding the cancer experience
in the
6

Let’s eat!
N
o single food or food component can protect you against

11
cancer by itself. But scientists believe that
the combination of foods in a predominantly plant-based
diet may. There is evidence that the minerals, vitamins and
phytochemicals in plant foods could interact in ways that boost
their individual anti-cancer effects. In addition, vegetables, fruits,
whole grains and beans are  low in calorie-density and protect
against weight gain. Expert reports say that carrying excess body
Super Foods to fat is  implicated in the development of cancer. Eating a
boost health! predominantly plant based diet can help prevent weight gain and
protect against those cancers whose risk is convincingly increased
by higher body fat (cancers of the colorectum, esophagus,
endometrium, pancreas, kidney and breast in postmenopausal
women).
By Izzy Mora

Beans Cruciferous Vegetables noted probable evidence that foods containing

Beans (also known as
legumes) include lentils
and peas along with many
other varieties. Soybeans
fall into this category as
well. The active ingredients
in beans that scientists
believe may play a role in
cancer prevention include:
saponins, protease inhibitors and phytic acid.
These compounds, called phytochemicals, are
found naturally in plants and appear to protect our
cells from damage that can lead to cancer.
Berries
Berries are good sources of vitamin C and fiber.
Foods high in vitamin C probably protect against
cancer of the esophagus,
while foods containing
dietary fiber  probably
decrease colorectal cancer
risk. All berries, but
particularly strawberries
and raspberries, are rich in
ellagic acid. In laboratory
studies, this phytochemical
has shown the ability to prevent cancers of the
skin, bladder, lung, esophagus and breast.
Strawberries also contain a wide range of other
phytochemicals, called flavonoids, each of which
seems to employ a similar array of anti-cancer
strategies. Blueberries contain a family of
phenolic compounds called anthocyanosides,
which many scientists believe are among the
most potent antioxidants yet discovered.
The cruciferous vegetables include broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy and
kale. Non-starchy vegetables, like those listed above,
probably protect against
some types of cancers. This
protective effect is strongest
for cancers of the mouth,
pharynx, larynx, esophagus,
and stomach. Components
of these vegetables have
shown the ability to stop the
growth of cancer cells in
various cell, tissue and animal models, including
tumors of the breast, endometrium, lung, colon, liver,
and cervix.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, leaf lettuce,
mustard greens, collard greens, chicory and
Swiss chard are excellent sources of fiber, folate
and a wide range of carotenoids such as lutein
and zeaxanthin, along with saponins and
flavonoids. According to a report from the
American Institute for
Cancer Research, foods
containing carotenoids
probably protect against
cancers of the mouth,
pharynx and larynx. Some
laboratory research has
found that the carotenoids
in dark green leafy
vegetables can inhibit the growth of certain
types of breast cancer cells, skin cancer cells,
lung cancer and stomach cancer.The Report also
folate decrease risk of pancreatic cancer and that
foods containing dietary fiber probably reduce
one’s chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is available as flaxseed flour, flaxseed
meal (which has the texture of cornmeal),
flaxseed oil and whole flaxseeds. The whole
seeds are not digested well, so they provide
little nutritional or health benefits unless they
are ground. Flaxseed is the best dietary source
for substances called lignans. Lignans are
classified as phytoestrogens (plant estrogens)
because they seem to mimic the action of
estrogen in the body. Note that flaxseed oil does
not naturally contain lignans, although some
manufacturers add them
during processing.
Flax is also the richest
plant source of one kind of
omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-
linolenic acid (ALA). In
some studies, this fat has
shown promising health
benefits, including offering
potential protection from
heart disease and some
cancers.
Note: If you are on medications, talk with your
doctor before taking flaxseed. Flaxseed may slow
or decrease absorption of medications and
interact with certain medications, including fish
oil, EPA +DHA supplements and anticoagulant
medications such as aspirin or other blood
thinners.

Garlic
Garlic belongs to the
family of vegetables
called Allium, which
also includes onions,
scallions, leeks and
chives. Foods belonging
to the allium family of
vegetables probably
protect against stomach cancer. Moreover, the
evidence in the report shows that garlic, in
particular, probably decreases one’s chances of
developing colorectal cancer.
In laboratory studies, components of garlic
have shown the ability to slow or stop the
growth of tumors in prostate, bladder, colon
and stomach tissue. Laboratory research has
also shown that one garlic component, called
diallyl disulfide, exerts potent preventive
effects against cancers of the skin, colon and
lung. Recently, this compound proved able to
kill leukemia cells in the laboratory. In animal
studies, components in Allium vegetables have
slowed the development of cancer in several
stages and at various body sites: stomach,
breast, esophagus, colon and lung.
Grapes and Grape Juice
Both grapes and grape juice are rich sources of
resveratrol, a type of natural phytochemical
that belongs to a much larger group of
phytochemicals called polyphenols.
The skin of the grape contains the most
resveratrol, and red and purple grapes contain
significantly more resveratrol than green
grapes. Grape jam and raisins contain much
smaller amounts of this phytochemical. Red
wine also contains resveratrol. However, with
AICR’s second expert
report noting convincing
evidence that alcohol is
associated with
increased risk for
cancers of the mouth,
pharynx and larynx,
esophagus, breast (pre-
and postmenopausal)
and colon and rectum (in men), wine is not a
recommended source of resveratrol. Other
laboratory research points to resveratrol’s
ability to slow the growth of cancer cells and
inhibit the formation of tumors in lymph, liver,
stomach and breast cells. Resveratrol has also
triggered the death of leukemic and colon
cancer tumors. In one series of studies,
resveratrol blocked the development of skin,
breast and leukemia cancers at all three stages
of the disease (initiation, promotion and
progression).
Green Tea
Since ancient times, tea has been used as both
beverage and medicine. Both black and green
teas contain numerous active ingredients,
including polyphenols and flavonoids, which
are potent antioxidants.
One class of flavonoids
called catechins has
recently become the focus
of widespread study for
their anti-cancer potential.
Tea is the best source of
catechins in the human
diet, and green tea
contains about three times
the quantity of catechins found in black tea. In
laboratory studies, green tea has been shown to
slow or completely prevent cancer
development in colon, liver, breast and prostate
cells. Other studies involving green tea have
shown similar protective effects in tissues of
the lung, skin and digestive tract. Studies that
track the diets of human subjects over several
years (particularly studies conducted in Asia,
where green tea consumption is common) have
also associated regular usage of green tea with
lower risk for bladder, colon, stomach,
pancreatic and esophageal cancers.
Note: Very high amounts of green tea components
(usually associated with overdosage of green tea
supplements) have been shown to interact with drugs
that affect blood clotting such as aspirin and change the
way the body metabolizes certain medications.
Soy
Soybeans are a type of
legume, or bean. Foods
made from soybeans
include tofu, soymilk,
soybeans, soynuts, miso
(soy paste), tempeh, soy
burgers and soynut butter.
Soy appears to contain
some components that resemble very weak
forms of the body’s natural hormones. As a
result, soy foods can mimic the actions of
hormones under certain conditions and
counteract these hormonal actions at other
times. Because of such complexities, most of
the studies that have investigated soy’s role in
cancer development have dealt with hormone-
related cancers such as those of the breast and
prostate. Several human and laboratory studies
suggest that consuming soy early in life (such
as adolescence) may help protect against breast
cancer later in life. Results are less encouraging
when soy is consumed later in life.
Current research shows that it is safe to eat
moderate amounts of soy foods (e.g., soymilk,
tofu), up to two to three servings per day.As a
precaution, women receiving anti-estrogen
treatments such as tamoxifen, should minimize
soy foods and avoid isoflavone supplements.
Tomatoes
The tomato’s red hue comes chiefly from a
phytochemical called lycopene. Tomatoes have
7
attracted particular attention from prostate
cancer researchers because lycopene and its
related compounds tend to concentrate in
tissues of the prostate.
AICR's second expert report, found substantial
and convincing evidence that foods containing
lycopene probably protect
against prostate
cancer.Moreover, there is
evidence that this cancer-
fighting potential is
increased if tomatoes are
consumed in a processed
form that allows these
natural compounds to be
released and more easily absorbed, such as
tomato sauce, tomato paste or tomato juice.
Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, together
with a group of related compounds collectively
called the “red family,” has displayed anti-
cancer potential in a variety of laboratory
studies. In the laboratory, tomato components
have stopped the proliferation of several other
cancer cell types, including breast, lung, and
endometrial.
Whole Grains
The term “whole grain” means that all three
parts of the grain kernel (germ, bran and
endosperm) are included. Refined grains
usually have the bran and germ removed,
leaving only the starchy endosperm. Brown
rice is a whole grain, white rice is not. Other
whole-grain foods include wheat breads, rolls,
pasta and cereals; whole grain oat cereals such
as oatmeal, popcorn,
wild rice, tortilla and
tortilla chips, corn,
kasha (roasted
buckwheat) and
tabouleh (bulgur wheat).
Whole grains are rich in
fiber, vitamins, minerals
and hundreds of natural
plant compounds, called phytochemicals,
which protect cells from the types of damage
that may lead to cancer. In addition research
points to specific substances in whole grains
that have been linked to lower cancer risk,
including antioxidants, phenols, lignans
(which is a kind of  phytoestrogen) and
saponins. AICR's second expert report, found
probable evidence that foods containing
dietary fiber, like whole grains, can decrease
one’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.
From the American Institute for Cancer
Research web-site. To learn more visit
www.aicr.org
 11
8

Ways to
stay Fit!

Exercise and the Cancer Survivor:

Get Moving!
By Jutta Ramirez

P
eople undergoing cancer treatment choose; one may be just right for you!
“You will never reach your goal
traditionally have been told to rest as 1. Walking
much as possible and avoid exertion, until you start to take action, any 2. Swimming
to save all their strength to battle ther cancer action.” 3. Yoga
diagnosis. But a growing number of Byron Pulsifer, 4. Tai Chi
physicians and researchers now say that from Take Action; Don't Procrastinate 5. Pilates
people who remain physically active as best 6. Bicycling
division director of breast services in the 7. Resistance Band exercises
they can during treatment are more likely to
radiation oncology department at Henry 8. Isometric exercises
beat cancer.
Ford Hospital in Detroit and lead author of 9. Bicycling
The positive evidence for exercise during
an ongoing study on exercise for cancer 10. Dancing
and after cancer treatment has piled so high
patients. Evidence has found that regular 11. Daily living activities – household chores,
that an American College of Sports Medicine
workouts can attenuate the wasting away mopping, vacuuming, washing windows,
panel is revising the group's national
that comes both from the cancer itself and gardening
guidelines regarding exercise recommended
cancer treatments. “Exercise is so important for cancer patients,
for cancer survivors.
The panel's conclusion: Cancer patients and but so many doctors and health professionals
• Improved quality of life. People with cancer are concerned about safety issues -- is it safe
survivors should strive to get the same amount
feel better overall when they exercise. for people undergoing treatment to exercise?"
of exercise recommended for everyone else,
Fatigue is less, but there also are emotional said Colleen Doyle, director of nutrition and
about 150 minutes a week of moderate-
benefits to be had. "There's such a sense of physical activity at the American Cancer
intensity aerobic exercise. Resistance training
fear, such a sense of loss of control, a lot of Society. "And this group has decided that yes,
and stretching also are recommended.
stress -- and we know that exercise helps it is. These guidelines really help lay some of
calm those fears and restores a sense of those issues to rest. This clearly delineates
Benefits for cancer patients and
control," Dr. Walker said. that it is safe and it is feasible and we should
survivors include:
• Reduced fatigue. Aerobic activity has been be recommending exercise for cancer
Doctors do not expect cancer patients to patients."
found to lessen the need for drugs to
always be able to keep up a high level of But overall, the new message is clear: If you
increase production of red blood cells
physical activity. Workout plans also will have cancer, you'll have a more successful
because of chemo damage. The loss of red
have to be tweaked to best fit the person's fight against it and a better recovery afterward
blood cells is responsible for much of the
condition, according to the American College if you exercise as much as possible.
crippling fatigue that people often feel while
of Sports Medicine panel. For example, some You didn't make it through chemo just to end
undergoing cancer treatment. You need less
types of cancer therapy can make bones more up on the couch. Get together with your
medical attention for your fatigue during
brittle, requiring exercise that places less doctor, get an exercise program, and get
chemotherapy if you are physically active.
stress on them. Other cancer patients could be moving!
so vulnerable to infection because of their
• Reduced loss of muscle and bone mass. “A
embattled immune system that they would Sources: Health Day News, Dennis Thompson, reporter;
lot of patients lose muscle mass and bone www.UnitedHealthcare.com :
need to exercise away from other people.
density during chemotherapy or hormone www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/
Here are eleven activities from which to
therapy," said Dr. Eleanor M. Walker,
 11
Travel Tips for
patients
Eleven tips to improve your travel experience
1. Talk to your Doctor. Talk to your doctor
before you plan a trip, especially if you are
undergoing treatment. Your doctor may
have some specific precautions, especially
during airline travel.
2. Take medical information. Be sure to pack
your copies of your medical records or get
a letter from your doctor detailing your
diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as
any medical instructions. Let your travel
companion know.
3. Check your health insurance. Before
traveling, check with your health insurance
company to determine whether your plan
will cover health costs in other states, or if
you should visit a certain provider for
treatment (if needed). If you are traveling
overseas, verify if your health insurance
covers costs outside the United States, or if
you need to purchase travel health
insurance.
4. Do you need shots? If traveling abroad,
check the vaccination requirements, as
some vaccines needed for entry into certain
countries may be contraindicated for
cancer patients. For example, certain
cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy,
radiation therapy, steroid therapy) can
weaken the immune system and may limit
the effectiveness of vaccinations that are
required to travel to some parts of the
world.
5. Get a doctor’s note. Tighter airline
security may require you to carry a letter
from your doctor if you have metal in your
body as a result of surgery or if you need
to take certain medical supplies, such as
syringes, on board. Call your doctor well
in advance to get a letter.
6. Don’t put medications in checked bags.
Be sure to keep medications with you at all
times. If your luggage gets lost, you don’t
want to lose your medicine, too. Take with
you a sufficient supply of your medications
in case your trip gets extended. It is
helpful to keep your medication in the
original prescription bottles, which
includes your name, medication name,
prescription date, pharmacy, and
physician’s name.
7. Request an airport wheelchair. Airports are
big, exhausting places. Save your energy
for your destination.
8. Practice good airplane health. Stay
hydrated by drinking plenty of water and
avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Get up and
stretch during long flights to prevent blood
clots. If you have had surgery that affected
lymph nodes, consider a compression
garment to reduce risk of lymphedema,
chronic swelling that can occur as a result
of damage to lymph nodes.
9. Find a local health-care provider. If you
are planning to be away for several weeks,
find a local doctor who can help coordinate
your care. Your doctor may be able to
provide recommendations. Should an
emergency arise, you will know exactly
where to go and what to do.
10. Save adventure for travel another time. If
your immune system is weakened by
treatment, be a little more cautious than
you normally would during your trip.
Skip roadside food carts for better
established restaurants. Drink bottled
water. Carry hand sanitizer and wash
your hands frequently.
11. Take your time getting there. Allow extra
time at the airport due to long lines,
delays going through security checks or
managing carry-on luggage.
And finally...enjoy yourself!
 11
10

Ways to prepare
for your Doctor’s
Appointment

What’s Up, Doc?

It happens to all of us – we note our doctor’s appointment
on our calendars and that day comes and we find
ourselves racing out the door to get there on time. It’s
during this time that we think of questions we have for our
physician all the while hoping we can remember them
when we arrive at the physician’s office. The best way
to overcome this frustration is to prepare ahead for your
doctor’s appointment.
By Cindi Martinez

• Be Organized • Medical Records • During your visit

Write a list of things beforehand to ask
your doctor which will help you stay
organized so you don’t forget what you
wanted to say when the doctor walks
into the room.
• Be Prepared Mentally & Physically
Make certain you get enough rest the
day before to ensure that you are feeling
at your best and are alert and able to
talk to the doctor with a clear mind.
• Medications
Take a list of all of your current
medications with you at the time of your
visit. Include dosage information as well
and how frequently you take the
medication.
• Symptoms
Write down details for the doctor of
specific symptoms you may be
experiencing. Have enough details for
the doctor to know what is going on.
What is the location, duration and type of
discomfort you are experiencing.
• Medical conditions
List prior and current medical conditions
such as diabetes, high blood pressure,
heart attacks, or cancers.
Have a copy of your medical records
with you if you are a new patient or call
the doctor’s office beforehand to ask how
the office would like to obtain your
medical records.
• Family History
Gather your personal family’s health
history. Be familiar with your family
members’ chronic illnesses, diseases
and other health conditions. This can
help your doctor decide which diagnostic
test and screenings are right for you.
• Tests & screenings before and after
When booking your appointment, ask
about blood tests, urine tests and other
lab work that might be ordered. Be
prepared to share the date and results of
your latest mammogram, pap smear,
blood work, cholesterol levels, and other
tests you may have undergone.
• Take Someone With You
Some doctors suggest bringing a buddy
with you to your visit, usually a family
member or close friend. They will provide
an extra pair of eyes and ears (patients
can forget up to 50 percent of what doctors
tell them) and help to make sure you
remember to ask all your vital questions.
If you use glasses remember to take
them with you to your doctor’s visit. If
you have a hearing aid, make sure that it
is working well and wear it. Let the
doctor know that you may have difficulty
seeing or have a hard time hearing. You
want to make sure you clearly
understand what the doctor is saying.
• Find an interpreter if you know
you’ll need one
If the doctor you selected or were
referred to doesn’t speak your language,
consider bringing an interpreter with you.
Sometimes doctors ask a staff member
to help with interpretation. Even though
some English-speaking doctors know
basic medical terms in Spanish or other
languages, you may feel more
comfortable speaking in your own
language.
 11

?
11

Questions to ask
your Physician

A cancer diagnosis is difficult and in most

instances causes feelings of fear, anxiety
and confusion. To ease these feelings, it
is important that you get useful
information concerning your cancer
diagnosis. When talking with your
physician try to obtain as much
information as possible about your
diagnosis. The following are 11 questions
that you should jot down and take with
you to your first few appointments.

• What kind of cancer do I have?

• Where is the cancer?
• Has it spread?
• Can my cancer be treated?
• What are the chances that my cancer
can be cured?
• What are my treatment options?
• How will the treatment benefit me?
• What can I expect during treatment?
• What are the side effects of the
treatment?
• When should I call the doctor?
• What can I do to prevent my cancer
from recurring?
• How likely are my children or other
family members to get cancer?

Getting answers to your questions is

significant to navigating your way through
treatment. Don’t hesitate about taking
control and asking questions. Being well
informed about your cancer allows you
the opportunity to make decisions about
your treatment and at the same time form
an effective relationship with your
physician.
 2011
11
Events to attend
this year

Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure
February 20, 2011

ents i n 2 0 1 1
r S peci al Ev
M i s s ’ C ance
n’ t
Eleven ‘Do
cer Society
American Can
ll
Borderland Ba
May 14, 2011

Advertising That Works For You!

The Woman’s Club of n ’s G rief Power of the Rio Grande Cancer

Foundation’s
e
El Paso’s “Dancing Childr ala and Pink Makeover “Keep on Dancing”
r G Cancer Survivor
Down the Rio”
Cente ction XTC
Conference –
(benefitting the RGCF) Au July 2011
March 26, 2011
p ri l 2011 Car Show and Expo
A (benefitting the RGCF)
February 27, 2011
| 915 202-8612 | w w w.bbjproduc tions.net
August 27, 2011

Candlelighters
University Breast Care Center’s Border AIDS
Walk of “Celebrate Life” Fashion Ronald McDonald
“Spotlight”
Hope Show October 2011 September
House
“Lights of Love”
September 2011
25, 2011
December 2011
14

Medical Oncology/
(EMATOLOGY
Maria C. Aloba, M.D. EL PASO CANCER TREATEMENT CENTER
Byron H. Chesbro, M.D.
Medical Oncology 2ADIATION/NCOLOGY
Jesus A. Gomez, M.D., F.A.C.P. s#HEMOTHERAPY s)-24
Nanda K. Gopalon, M.D. s)NFUSION3ERVICES s0%4#4
Juan Herrada, M.D., F.A.C.P. s0HARMACY s.UCLEAR-EDICINE
s,ABORATORY s($2
Arsenio G. Lopez, M.D.
s3OCIAL3ERVICES s-AMMO3ITE®
Raul M. Portillo, M.D. s.UTRITION3ERVICES s)'24
Ragene R. Rivera, M.D. s(EREDITARY#ANCER s3233"24

Ines J. Sanchez, M.D., F.A.C.P. 2ISK!SSESSMENT

Panagiotis N. Valilis, M.D. 0ATIENT3CHEDULING  
2ADIATION/NCOLOGY £™ä£ÊÀ>˜`ۈiÜÊ
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Anuradha Gupta, M.D. .EW,OCATION3270 Joe Battle Blvd., Suite 312

 11 Ways to
get organized!
The New Year is traditionally the time for us to redefine goals to become
more efficient and have more free time. The following are simple tips to
help you get to a point where you are feeling well-organized and feeling
less overwhelmed in every aspect of your life. It’s a time to pick and
choose which category will have the greatest impact on organizing your
life and start the process.
By Cindi Martinez
• Organize your information • Organize with lists • Organize your nutrition goals
Organize information such as We all have our favorite to-do lists. Set goals on achieving a nutritious
recipes, notes, important phone We can buy special to-do lists at and balanced diet and fitness
numbers in binders, catalog boxes, any store. A nice website is routine by keeping a daily journal.
folders or whatever system is easier Whimber.com that creates printable An online tool, MyDailyPlate.com
for you. A great online tool is to-do, music, and shopping lists. and SparkPeople, includes a calorie
Springpad.com. Its features include There is also SimplyChecklist.com counter , fitness information, and
categorizing notes, recipes, etc. that has virtually any kind of meal planning which you can use to
checklist you are in need of. keep track of your goals.
• Organize your interests
Catalog books by author, theme or • Organize School Life • Organize your digital photography
subject matter for easy reference. If you are a student, it’s time to get Purchase albums and photo
Or use BookBump.com which is a all your school notes and materials pockets to organize all your photos.
book cataloging system that will organized with folders, binders, or Good online sites are Photobucket
allow you to catalog and organize units. A great online tool is Zoho and Snapfish which help you create
your personal books online. Notebook which provides a online albums. You can upload,
Additionally, it offers book reviews notebook where you can type and organize, edit and share your
and author quotations. add images, audios, videos, html, photographs.
urls, RSS files, sheets, and more.
• Organize your budget • Organize your kitchen
Keep track of all your expenses and • Organize Events & Trips Now is a good time to organize your
receipts. File everything according Ever try to get the family or friends kitchen cabinets. There are all
to day, month, etc. Most banks and together in one room? We can call, kinds of kitchen storage organizers
credit unions now have handy tools send invitations or email our invite. available at neighborhood stores.
on their websites that do the work Socializr.com and Anyvite are great There are some expert tips on
for you and show your budget and websites to send invitations to onlineorganizing.com
expenditures on a daily basis. everyone. Customized invitations
that can be enhanced with music, • Organize your clothes
• Organize Medical Records videos and more. Organize your drawers and closets.
Now is a good time to gather There are a variety of ideas online
medical information, receipts and to help you arrange your apparel,
notes. GoogleHealth allows you to label containers of accessories and
create a medical profile and keep keep closet clutter under control.
track of medications, procedures, Design tips can be found at
test results and more. easyclosets.com
16

Spiritual
11One Minute
Meditations M
Journeys
editation has been used for centuries to train the mind. Not only
does meditation increase wellness in general, it reduces stress,
anxieties and cultivates positive emotions. In addition, with
consistent use, it reshapes the cortex of the brain resulting in an increase
in attention span, sharpening of focus and improved memory.
By Patty Tiscareño
Sounds like just what the doctor ordered you say? But practically, how
does one fit this into a busy schedule? Try implementing a quiet spot into
your busy day. We all have 1,440 minutes in each day, so take one minute
to enjoy the simplest act of pondering on a thought. Making time to engage
thought provoking, soothing and uplifting works may just help you
embrace the challenges that each new day brings!

About Living for Today About Friendships About Hope

Today I am going to try to live through this
day only, and not dwell on or attempt to solve
all my problems at once; just focus on the
piece that is today. I can do something for
several hours that would be difficult to even
think about continuing for several months.
– Thomas L. McDermitt, Daily Survival Kit
for Serious Illness
About dying
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at
my side spreads her white sails to the morning
breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an
object of beauty and strength. I stand and
watch her until at length she hangs like a
speck of white cloud just where the sea and
the sky come to mingle with each other. Then
someone at my side says:
“There, she is gone.”
“Gone where?” Gone from my sight. That is
all. She is just as large in mast and hull and
spar as she was when she left my side and she
is just as able to bear her load of living freight
to her destined port. Her diminished size is in
me, not in her. And just at that moment when
someone at my side says, “There, she is
gone!” there are other eyes watching her
coming, and other voices ready to take up the
glad shout: “Here she comes!” And that is
dying.
- Anonymous
As I look
Beyond the ripples of my reflections
To examine my inner self;
The ripples begin to fade. . .
As the reflection lays beside me
Grasping my hand,
The inner warmth shields me
And the vision of my reflection appears
I see you. My Friend.
– Serenity, by Dena Martin
About Humor
“While in Colorado visiting our daughter
and family, our young granddaughter,
Samantha, came into the room where I was in
the process of dressing, and as yet had nothing
on above the waist. With wide eyes, she
exclaimed, ‘Grandma, I didn’t’ know you
could take your boob off!” Putting her
concerns to rest and wanting her to understand
what had happened, I explained a bit about
breast cancer, showed her my prosthesis and
made a point of telling her how thankful we
can be for today’s medical know-how. Later
in the evening while overseeing bedtime
preparations in the bathroom, it was teeth
brushing time for the younger brother, Brian.
He looked up at me – pointing to my teeth –
and asked, ‘Grandma, what is that?’ I then had
to explain and show what a ‘dental partial
appliance’ is. He ran to the door and
exclaimed, ‘Come here quick, Sam, she can
take her teeth off, too!”
- Dottie Bagshaw, Mesa, Arizona
Hope abides; therefore I abide.
Countless frustrations have not cowed me.
I am still alive, vibrant with life.
The black cloud will disappear,
The morning sun will appear once again
In all its supernal glory.
– Hope Abides, by Sri Chinmoy
About Joy and Sorrow
Then a woman said, “Speak to us of Joy and
Sorrow.”
And he answered:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your
laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your
tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your
being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very
cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit,
the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your
heart and you shall find it is only that which
has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your
heart, and you shall see that in truth you are
weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, "Joy is greater than
sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the
greater."
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits
alone with you at your board, remember that
the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales
between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at
standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh
his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or
your sorrow rise or fall.
- Khalil Gibran
About Compassion
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
- “If I can stop one heart from breaking”
by Emily Dickinson
About Spirituality
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is Hatred, let me sow Love.
Where there is Injury, Pardon.
Where there is Doubt, Faith.
Where there is Despair, Hope.
Where there is Darkness, Light, and
Where there is Sadness, Joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal
Life. – Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
About Forgiveness
If anyone speaks ill of you,
Praise him always.
If anyone injures you,
Serve him nicely.
If anyone persecutes you,
Help him in all possible ways.
You will attain immense strength.
You will control anger and pride.
You will enjoy peace, poise and serenity.
You will become divine.
Swami Sivananda
17
ROBERT WARACH &
About Peace
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and ASSOCIATES
remember what peace there may be in silence. Attorneys at Law
As far as possible, without surrender, be on
good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and ROBERT WARACH*
listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant;
MAGDA YVONNE SOTO
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are
vexations to the spirit. 915-779-3619
If you compare yourself with others, you may
become vain and bitter, for always there will be
Fax: 779-8131
greater and lesser persons than yourself. E-mail: lawoffice@rwarach.com
Enjoy your achievements as well as your
plans. Practice limited to Real Estate
Keep interested in your own career, however Law, Wills, Probate Law and
humble; it is a real possession in the changing
Guardianships
fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for
the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there
is; many persons strive for high ideals, and *
Board Certified
everywhere life is full of heroism. Commercial Real Estate Law
Be yourself. Especially do not feign Residential Real Estate Law
affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face 7300 Viscount Ste. 101
of all aridity and disenchantment it is as El Paso, Texas 79925
perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in
sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark
imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle
with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than
the trees and the stars; you have a right to be Find the
here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no
doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. hero in you.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever
you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in
the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with
your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken To make a donation or
dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
to learn how you can
-- Desiderata, by Max Ehrman put together a blood
drive,
About Nature call 
All the birds have flown up and gone; (915) 544-5422
A lonely cloud floats leisurely by.
We never tire of looking at each other - or visit
Only the mountain and I. UnitedBloodServices.org
Li Po
 11
18
Gifts
for Caregivers
Caregivers are usually the last people
in the world who will ask for help.
But often times, they are the ones
who need it the most. Don’t wait for
an invitation to assist someone who
needs a little extra TLC. Here are
some ways you can strengthen and
support them.
• Give the gift of a journal
For as long as people
have lived, they have
written things down.
In caves, on scrolls,
in books, such as the
Bible. Our longing to
write is as old as our
thoughts. Possibly one of the most potent
forms of communication is a person
communicating to his or herself. Although
many caregivers may keep a notebook with
the medical appointments, medications logs
and emergency numbers at hand, many may
not appreciate that a journal of their own
thoughts can be a way to store memories,
capture moments and make connections.
The gift of a journal can give a caregiver the
opportunity to distance themselves from the
source of frustration or pain and relieve
stress. You can pick up any number of
decorated journals at your local bookstore.
• Include the caregiver on your church
prayer list
Prayer is perhaps the most important strategy
one can engage during a battle with cancer. It
isn’t rare to find the name of a sick person on
the church prayer list, but how often do we
include the caregiver in our prayers? Send a
“thinking of you” card to the caregiver letting
them know you’ve included them on the
prayer list. It affirms that their needs and
concerns are ever as important as those of the
patient for whom they are caring. (P.S. If
your caregiver needs time to worship, offer to
spend the morning with the patient so they
can attend service without worry.)
By Patty Tiscareño
• Arrange for an evening/afternoon out
Most people of the baby boomer generation
can list “babysitting” as one of their earliest
job responsibilities. In my days, it was $.50
per hour and a couple’s evening out could
amass a small fortune for the sitter! Three
dollars went considerably further in the
1960s. Consider arranging for a ‘babysitter’
to stay with the patient while you take the
caregiver for some time out. The ‘sitter’
might just be a welcome respite to the
patient. Ask the ‘sitter’ to bring along a
DVD or a book to share. A puzzle or paint by
numbers kit might be just the thing! You and
your caregiver might consider a trip to the
zoo on a perfect fall afternoon. How about
dinner and a glass of wine at a quiet diner?
A silly movie accompanied by a large, overly
buttered popcorn tub is always decadent fun.
The opportunity for a temporary respite from
caregiving duties is not only welcomed, but
necessary.
• A Clean House is a Happy House
Short of freshly baked bread, nothing is
quiteas satisfying as the smell of fresh sheets
and a clean house. If you have the time,
spend a day in spring cleaning your
caregiver’s home. If you can’t arrive with a
bucket , mops, rags, Windex and Fabuloso,
spring for a cleaning service to spruce up the
place!
• The Grab Bag
Why does the patient always get all the good
stuff!! Put together a grab bag of goodies for
your caregiver. Even a plain brown paper bag
can be filled with delights like a music CD, a
new shade of nail polish, some particularly
scandalous Hollywood magazines, and
anything else that might appeal to your
caregiver. Have a child decorate the outside
of the bag with stickers or crayon drawings if
that’s appropriate. Oh, and don’t forget the
chocolate!
• Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
If you have one of those ‘members only’
shopping cards, you well know that buying at
a discount also means buying in bulk! Got
an extra package of toilet paper or paper
towels? That two for one special on dish
detergent or bath soap can always be shared.
How about sharing some stash from your 90
pound bag of dog food? And those copious
loaves of bread freeze nicely. Drop by your
caregiver’s house with a load of non-
perishable extras; you really don’t have the
room to store all that stuff anyway.
• Care and Feeding of “The Dog”
During the time I was a caregiver to my
folks, I also had four (that’s
four, count ‘em) dogs under
my roof. While they were
excellent caregivers to my
parents and a source of
comfort, levity and lively
conversation, there were
times when they generally
smelled like dogs! Couple
that with the scents that typically accompany
a patient’s environment and the need for
candles and room freshener become
paramount! How about arranging for the dog
to have a spa day? If you can’t physically

transport the canine to the groomers for your
caregiver, there are services that will come
directly to the home – a sweet smelling pet is
a treat for the dog, the caregiver and the
patient!
• Arrange for an evening in
There were many times when, as a caregiver,
I did not feel comfortable leaving my patient
in the care of another. Worry about Dad’s
blood sugar levels would invade my mind
even during the most exciting, chase scene in
the movie thriller. Why not sponsor a ‘night
in’? Get the girls together and gather at the
caregiver’s home armed with junk food,
wine, music, board games or a sappy movie.
Involving both the patient and the caregiver
provides an enormous sense of wellbeing for
all the parties involved.
• Be a Good Listener
As simple as it may sound, the gift of your
full attention, uninterrupted, non-critical and
unbiased listening to your caregiver’s
complaints, angst or confidence is a most
valuable offering. Call your caregiver and
ask when it might be a good time for a long
visit. Perhaps after the patient has gone to
bed. Listening with empathy and with your
heart can help relieve the caregiver of things
they just need to get off their chests. How
many times have you said to someone
“thanks for listening.”
•Help! There’s too much mail!
The U.S. Postal
Service doesn’t have
a clue that you are
overwhelmed with
bills, catalogues, get-
well cards and
solicitations from the
masses. They just
keep coming. If you are comfortable with
helping to sort and arrange mailbox contents,
offer to set up some folders for your
caregiver. For Immediate Attention. Junk
Mail. Get Well Cards. Ensure that the
caregiver has a passel of mailing envelopes,
return address labels and stamps. Get the
silly ones, like the Simpsons or Comic Book
Heroes. Offer to respond to inquiries about
the patient’s health and keep a record of the
kindnesses people send.
• A Care Voucher
The gift of your time is the most important
you can give to anyone…especially a
caregiver. Why not consider giving your
caregiver a “care voucher” that they can
redeem for a much-needed break.
11
Why wait for a holiday or special occasion to give
a gift? If someone you love is going through the
cancer experience, what a perfect time to provide a
Gifts little pick me up! Here are eleven ideas for gifts
for Cancer that may bring a bit of relief to a stressful
Patients situation.
1. Gift Certificates
Some people feel that gift cards are too
impersonal, but they really do make the perfect
gift for someone with cancer. Choose a gift
certificate/card to their favorite restaurant, store,
or spa. They can use their gift card at time that is
convenient for them and their treatment schedule.
2. iPad or iPod
If you are in the market to purchase a big ticket
item, splurge for an iPad or iPod. These handy,
portable gadgets are perfect for long chemo
sessions and hospitals stays. Your loved one will
never miss an episode of their favorite TV show,
the release of a new album, or playing addictive
games. They can even read their favorite
newspapers, books, and magazines with the help
of the Amazon Kindle app.  limitless and you can create a basket designed
3. Throws, Blankets and Caps
If you have sewing skills, a homemade blanket or
knitted cap can be both a practical and heart-
warming gift. Especially in the winter months, it is
important for a cancer patient to keep warm,
especially on their head. Make sure your gift is
soft and luxurious. Machine washable is a real
plus!
4. DVDs
If you have ever stayed home sick for a few days,
you know there is only so much daytime television
you can tolerate. DVDs of movie and television
series are perfect for someone with cancer. They
can be watched at home and even in most hospital
rooms. Don't limit yourself to just movies.
Television series, documentaries and concert
DVDs make excellent gifts, too!
5. Magazine Subscriptions
Magazine subscriptions are also excellent gifts for
someone with cancer. Choose subscriptions to
publications you know your friend likes, but also
throw in some unexpected selections. A
subscription to Smithsonian or Archaeological
Digest might be something your friend probably
would have never subscribed to on their own.
6. Pajamas, Robes, and Slippers
Nothing is more unflattering and uncomfortable
than a hospital gown, so why not spoil your loved
with special PJs, robes, and slippers? Robes and
pajamas that open in the front work best for both
men and women, so look for things that button up
or have elastic waist pants. Slippers and non-skid
socks are also a great gift idea as well.
19
7. Puzzles
Crosswords, Sudoku, and search-a-word puzzles
can be therapeutic for people undergoing cancer
treatment. They can ease the mind and help pass
the time. Check out your local bookstores for
entire sections devoted to puzzle books.
Considering buying two copies of a book and
accompanying your friend to chemo so you can do
them together. 
8. Baskets, Baskets, Baskets
An empty, inexpensive basket can become a
fabulous repository for all kinds of things!
Consider a theme and then act on it. The Soothing
Soul basket might contain a “Chicken Soup for the
Soul” book, a soup mug, herbal teas, cozy socks
and a comforting lip balm. The possibilities are
exclusively for your patient to enjoy. Have fun
putting it together!
9. Aromatherapy Wraps
Anti-stress wraps, like those for shoulders and
neck, are available at most drug stores and natural
products stores. Sometimes infused with blends of
lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus, the wrap can
be heated or frozen to alleviate muscle pain. They
are often available in an array of designer fabrics,
so choose one that mirrors your patient’s
personality!
10. Inspirational Keepsakes
Cancer and cancer treatments have maximum
effect on the mindset of the patient. Cancer
patients usually suffer from low morale and
dipping confidence. In such a case, keepsakes
engraved with a few words of encouragement can
go a long way in making the person feel better.
There are any numbers of items, like key chains,
jewelry, photo frames or awareness bracelets that
will have just the right message!
11. Sweets and Bubbly
Even if their current diet forbids
indulgence into chocolate and wine,
both these gifts keep nicely. Include
a note with a box of candy and a
bottle of champagne that says
“save this to enjoy when you’ve
completed treatment!”
 11
20

Read all
Books
Caregivers
Should Read
about it!
M
ost people that find themselves as principle caregiver’s through a
loved one’s serious illness find themselves in that role with little
knowledge and a deep sense of responsibility. They are often
isolated, over-whelmed and fumbling through the day to day challenges of
living two lives; their own and that of a caregiver. There is so much to know
and so little time. Fortunately, many authors have set down in print these
beautiful texts that offer encouragement, practical tips and reminders to the
caregiver to take care of themselves in the process. This list is comprised of
some of The Green House library’s most valued manuals and guides.

The Husband's Caregiving: A Step-by-Step Resource for Help Me Live: 20

Guide to
Cancer
Survival by
Mark Elliott
Miller
Your Wife Has
Cancer." This
short sentence
undoubtedly
instills fear in
the hearts of
even the
strongest men. Author Mark Elliott Miller
heard these words in April 2003 and, over
the following year, joined his wife, Robyn,
on a heart-wrenching journey through cancer
treatment. Mr. Miller, an eldercare leader and
hospice administrator, spent much of his 20-
year career reaching out to others facing
serious illnesses. He also earned a Master of
Public Health degree. However, when cancer
entered his family's life, there truly was no
experience or education that prepared him
for what was to come. In searching for
greater understanding of his wife's cancer
and his role as a husband during this illness,
Mr. Miller wrote a journal while his wife
slept after chemotherapy, radiation therapy
and stem cell transplants. He also scoured the
Internet, talked with other patients and their
families, and asked many questions of the
doctors and nurses entrusted with his wife's
care. During his wife's final hospitalization,
he pulled all the pieces together and wrote all
but the final chapter of The Husband's Guide
to Cancer Survival.
Caring for the Person with Cancer at
Home by Peter Houts
This helpful guide responds to the changing
needs and challenges people with chronic
illnesses face and offers support though the
myriad situations they may encounter, from
physical and emotional conditions to dealing
with health care providers and insurance
carriers. Including a list of resources for
caregivers, this revised edition is an
indispensable resource that will help to
manage the everyday challenges that come
with caring for a patient in the home.
When a Parent Has
Cancer: A Guide to
Caring for Your
Children by Wendy S.
Harpham,
At some point in our lives,
many of us will face the
crisis of an unexpected
illness. For parents, the
fear, anxiety and confusion resulting from a
cancer diagnosis can be particularly
devastating.
When A Parent Has Cancer is a book for
families written from the heart of experience.
A mother, physician, and cancer survivor, Dr
Wendy Harpham offers clear, direct, and
sympathetic advice for parents challenged
with the task of raising normal, healthy
children while they struggle with a
potentially life–threatening disease.
Things People
with Cancer
Want You to
Know
by Lori Hope
When we hear that
someone close to
us has been
diagnosed with
cancer, we want
nothing more than to comfort them with
words of hope, support, and love. But often
what we say that is, if we even find the
strength to reach out sounds disingenuous,
condescending, or insufficient. With sensitive
insights and thoughtful anecdotes, HELP ME
LIVE provides a personal yet thoroughly
researched account, including the author's
own experiences with cancer and interviews
and surveys with hundreds of others who
have had this disease. Each chapter focuses
on one of the 20 most important messages
people with cancer want to convey, such as I
need to forget and laugh; Please ask
permission: ‘I want you to understand if I
don't call you back or want to see you,’and ‘I
want compassion, not pity; comfort, not
advice.’ You'll learn that communicating
effectively doesn't necessarily mean there's a
right thing to say, but that you achieve the
desired result: to make those who are ill feel
better. In candid and beautifully detailed
prose, HELP ME LIVE will help you find
the words or gestures to show how much you
care.
The Caregiver's Survival Handbook:
How to Care for Your Aging Parent
Without Losing Yourself by Alexis
Abramson
One in four families in the U.S. is caring for
parents or other senior relatives-and 72% of
the primary caregivers in these families are
women. This book is written for those 16
million women who are part of the
"sandwich generation"-caught between the
needs of their elderly relatives and their
young families. These women often feel
invisible, their own needs unobserved and
unappreciated by those around them.
Helping Cancer Patients Cope: A
Problem-Solving Approach / Edition 1 by
A. Nezu C. Nezu, S. Friedman, S. Faddis,
P. Houts
Good problem-solving skills are what make
people flourish and succeed in coping with
major life events such as cancer. These
skills are also the hallmarks of optimism,
courage, and self-confidence. Working with
cancer patients for over 20 years, Nezu and
his co-authors have crafted a time-limited
program to teach patients these problem-
solving skills. This model has been
empirically shown to relieve suffering and
aid cancer patients in constructing effective
plans for dealing with the physical,
financial, social, and spiritual challenges of
cancer.
How Can I Help? Everyday Ways to Help
Your Loved Ones Live with Cancer by
Monique Doyle Spencer , Monique Doyle
Spencer (Author)
When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer,
it is often difficult to know what to do.
Those who want to help can sometimes
make matters worse. Written in a frank
conversational manner, this book offers
readers specific advice on what to do for a
friend or loved one in need, such as offer to
do the weekly grocery shopping, pick up the
kids from school or bring them to practice,
choose to be a chemobuddy, and keep up
with bills and other important deadlines.
This stressful and uncertain time is difficult
for the patient?s family and friends. This
book provides the support and guidance
everyone needs to make this time easier.
Pebbling the Walk: Surviving Cancer
Caregiving by Steve Reed
Pebbling the Walk will change the way you
think about cancer and chemotherapy, and
perhaps even the way you think about life,
death, and love. Steve Reed writes about his
own experiences as a caregiver and offers
advice to others in language that is
uncomplicated by intimidating medical and
21
psychological terminology. Each short,
digestible chapter includes useful and
encouraging suggestions for how to enhance
the quality of life for those with cancer and
ultimately turn cancer treatment into a visit www.rgcf.org
constructive and life-affirming experience
for both patient and caregiver.
Caring for A Dying
Relative: A Guide for These book selections
Families by Derek Doyle
This unique book is a clear are available at
and practical guide for
relatives on all aspects of
The Green House
caring for a dying person, Resource Library
focusing mainly on caring
for someone at home. Derek Doyle MAIN BRANCH
authoritatively and sympathetically covers
Del Sol Regional Oncology
planning care, physical, emotional, and
spiritual problems, visiting in hospital and Center
hospice, communicating with health 10460 Vista Del Sol, Suite 101
professionals, dietary requirements, funeral El Paso, Texas 79925
arrangements, and grief and bereavement. 562-7660
This practical yet sympathetic guide will be
a useful source of information and advice Las Palmas Medical Center
for all those looking after someone with a 1801 N. Oregon
terminal illness. El Paso, Texas 79901
How to Help Children Through a
Texas Oncology
Parent's Serious Illness
by Kathleen McCue, Ron Bonn El Paso Cancer Treatment
Offering supportive, practical advice from a Center
leading child-life specialist, this book 7848 Gateway East
includes information such as what to tell a El Paso, Texas 79915
child about the illness, how to recognize
early-warning signs in a child's drawings, Texas Oncology
sleep patterns, schoolwork and eating habits, El Paso Cancer Treatment
and when and where to get professional Center
help. Illustrations and Calvin & Hobbes 1901 Grandview
cartoons.
El Paso, Texas 79902
Everyone's Guide to Cancer Supportive
Care: A Comprehensive Handbook for William Beaumont Army Medical
Patients and Their Families by Ernest Center
Rosenbaum, Isadora Rosenbaum 5005 N. Piedras St.
The wide range of covered topics includes: El Paso, Texas 79905
* Understanding cancer and its treatments
* Chemotherapy and bone marrow
transplant side effects
‘In the Green House’
* Stress and cancer is brought to you by
* The will to live
* Cancer and spirituality
* Sexuality
* Nutritional considerations
* Rehabilitation and fitness
With this book, cancer patients and those
who care for them can make informed
decisions, face the disease with renewed
courage, and care for both their well-being
and their bodies. The Rosenbaums provide
an incredible source of information and
hope in the face of this frightening illness.
 11
22

And Finally...
One of the most incredible phenomena to come out of the difficult challenge that
is cancer has been the many stories, tips and advice laid out by cancer survivors
the world over. These very thoughtful voices choose to share their experiences
Books with others so that they can make the journey an easier path for others while
Cancer Patients finding closure and understanding in their own journey. Listed below are some of
Should Read the most beloved by patrons of The Green House Library. There are many that are
not in this list but alas, this is an issue of elevens.
By Izzy Mora

50 Essential Things to Dr. Susan Love's Cancer as a Turning Point by It's Not About the Hair:
do When the Doctor Breast Book Various, Joan Borysenko, And Other Certainties of
Says It's Cancer by Susan Love. M.D. Michael Lerner, Jean Shinoda Life and Cancer
by Greg Anderson Bolen, Deena Metzger by Debra Jarvis

The Cancer Eat, Pray, Love It's Not About the Bike: A Cancer Battle Plan :
Conqueror by Elizabeth Gilbert My Journey Back to Life Six Strategies for
by Greg Anderson by Lance Armstrong, Beating Cancer From
Sally Jenkins a Recovered
"Hopeless Case"
by Anne E. Frahm with
David J. Frahm

You Are Not Your Illness Time on Fire: When God and Cancer Meet
by Linda N. Topf My Comedy of Terrors by Lynn Eib,
by Evan Handler Lisa A. Jackson
 what I know now

Suzanne
Nolan
Suzanne Nolan was initially diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ on June 8, 2010 at the age of 41. While ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is considered
the earliest form of breast cancer, Suzanne chose a double mastectomy followed by a reconstruction option. During her surgery, surgeons encountered a
second cancer. A diagnosis of HER 2+ stage, an aggressive form of breast cancer, required that Suzanne endure treatment protocols of six rounds of
chemotherapy, coupled with radiation therapy and a year of Herceptin (an oral chemotherapy). The reconstruction process will take place 4-6 months
after the completion of her radiation therapy. Suzanne and her husband, Robert have two girls, ages 11 and 7. She has worked as a Physical Therapist
Assistant for 14 years and is the Clinical Coordinator for the Western Technical College PTA program.

1. What was your initial response to
hearing the words “you have cancer?”
I thought this couldn’t be happening to me,
I am too young and in good shape and don’t
have time to be sick or deal with the
treatments. In my case, it was especially
hard to hear ‘those words’ twice.
2. What has been the greatest challenge
about having cancer?
Having to put my life on hold to have the
treatment is most difficult. I watch all my
friends continue with their normal routines
and my normal is now medical
appointments. I have tried to keep our
family activities as normal as possible so
my children don’t feel the effect of this
experience as much.
3.Who or what has been your inspiration
during the cancer journey?
The support of my family and friends has
been very inspirational. I enjoy racing
mountain bikes and have a close group of
friends that keep me motivated to get back
on my bike as soon as possible. My
husband has taken on more responsibility
and I see his efforts and realize that I have
to work hard to get through this for him.
4. What have you learned about yourself
since your cancer diagnosis?
I have worked for 14 years in healthcare
and have always been the caregiver, having
to be on the other side of the spectrum has
helped me appreciate the efforts of the
healthcare team and how important it is to
have their knowledge and support. I thank
God everyday for all the individuals who
have worked so hard over the decades to
improve cancer treatment. I am not ready to
die and through their work I don’t plan it
anytime soon!
5. After cancer treatment, many
survivors want to find ways to reduce the
chances of cancer recurrence. As a result
of your cancer experience, what lifestyle
changes have you incorporated?
I already had lead a healthy life style, I
work out at the gym two times a week, I
ride my bike 2-3 times a week, I race
mountain bikes in 24 hour races and follow
a healthy eating style. My main concern is
to keep up on my check up and report any
changes in my health-- no matter how
small-- to my healthcare team.
6. It has been said that life after cancer is
the beginning of a “new normal”…life is
not like it was before cancer. What is
your new normal?
I am having to incorporate a constant diet
of health check-ups. With my type of cancer
I will always be at risk of recurrence, so
part of the new norm is adjusting to that
fact. I have to get used to living with the
possibility of hearing those words “you
have cancer”. I try not to focus on the
“what if’s” right now and my family and
friends help me focus on what is important
in my life right now.
7. What advice can you offer someone
facing a new cancer diagnosis?
It’s very easy to become overwhelmed
when you first hear those three words.
My first reactions were fear … am I
going to die? Talking with your oncologist
and getting all the facts about your
diagnosis will help you set a plan on living,
not dying. Getting a good circle of family
and friends to help you deal with all that
comes with the treatments will help relieve
the stress on your family. Cancer is not a
solitary disease; you have to keep in mind
that you are not the only one who will feel
the effects of this whole process.
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