Breast Cancer Awareness 2009

Fighting Spirit Breast Cancer Awareness • 2009

Page 2–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

When dealing with adversity, attitude is everything SHARON CARLSON as told to Craig Reed For the News-Review

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CRAIG REED/The News-Review

Sharon Carlson, a breast cancer survivor, was supported by her husband Bruce and their two children, Austin and Ashley, whose picture she is holding, during her treatments at the Community Cancer Center in Roseburg seven years ago.

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am the youngest of 12 in my family; seven girls and five boys. There was no prior diagnosis of breast cancer of any kind in our family until my sister, Mary Jo, was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 20 years ago. The question was, “Where did this come from and why?” I have six sisters and none of the other sisters has had breast cancer, or any aunts that I was aware of. Mary Jo had treatment, then a second occurrence of cancer. This time she chose to have a mastectomy and she’s been cancer free since. After my sister was first diagnosed, I began to have annual mammograms rather than every two to three years. I became complacent about everything being OK, until the day I received the phone call that it wasn’t OK. The diagnosis, ductal carcinoma-in-situ, was made in December of 2001 by Dr. Dennis Yeo. My knees buckled from the news. He wanted to see me that afternoon to discuss my treatment plan.

All I could envision was chemotherapy … my hair falling out, being sick. How could I deal with this and still care for my family and continue to work? I was in a fog. It was all a dream. I would wake up and the horror would be over. My husband, Bruce, went with me to see the doctor. Bruce told me, “We’ll do what we have to do.” I remember it so well ... the moment Dr. Yeo said, “You don’t need to have chemotherapy ... radiation therapy only.” My reply was “Bring it on, I can deal with this. I can do this.” I was scheduled for radiation treatment for six weeks, Monday through Friday. When back at home, we sat down with our daughter, Ashley, who was a sophomore at Roseburg High School, and called our son, Austin, who was a freshman at Oregon State University. My husband and I told them everything was going to be fine, we were going to work through this. I didn’t want any special attention. Our lives were going to remain as normal as possible. We would continue to attend all the sports events at RHS (Ashley was a cheerTurn to CARLSON, page 13

October the month to ‘think pink’ reast cancer. It’s not a secret nor a forbidden phrase anymore. In fact, the Passionately Pink theme of Breast Cancer Awareness is very much in the spotlight on October game days for the National Football League. That’s a league of men who play a tough, bruising sport, but during this month many of them have pink highlights on their shoes and gloves. Breast cancer is no longer hidden ... it’s a fact of life. October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and in an effort to help make people more aware of what resources are available to those with the disease, The News-Review compiled information for this special section. In addition to that information, this publication also includes several stories from women who are survivors of breast cancer. The message from each of the resource centers and from the survivors is the same — have regular checkups, and if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, face the adversity with an attitude that you can survive it.

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INDEX Sharon Carlson, a survivor...............2 Community Cancer Center...............3 Mother inspires daughter..................4 Moving Forward Clinic......................5 Treva Hoffman Foundation...............6 Karen Hull, a survivor.......................7 Doctors give explanations..............10 Ann Shields, a survivor...................11 D.C. Cancer Services.....................12 V.A. Women’s Program..............14-15 Tea and Fashion Show...................16 COVER PHOTO Sharon Carlson, left, Ann Shields and Karen Hull show the fighting spirit that they have used to be breast cancer survivors. Each have written stories about their personal experience in dealing with the disease. Carlson’s story is above, Hull’s story is on page 7 and Shields’ story is on page. 11.

Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Roseburg Oregon, Page 3

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Radiation therapist Scott Peterson looks over a monitor showing a CAT scan at the Community Cancer Center in Roseburg.

State-of-the-art cancer treatment The News-Review

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undreds of people who suffer from cancer in Douglas County now have a new, state-of-the-art center in which to receive treatment. More than two and a half years after the groundbreaking ceremony, the Community Cancer Center began to accept patients into its new facility in early June. The 39,000-square-foot, $12 million building is on Mercy Medical Center’s campus. The center is not owned by Mercy. Community Cancer Center Executive Director Mel Cheney said that in designing the building, he and the center’s board of directors aimed to create a functional, yet relaxing and healing atmosphere. That includes a serene reflecting garden with ponds and streams. The garden, which is often frequented by wildlife, offers chemotherapy patients a peaceful place they can view from their chairs. “I think we’ve been successful,” he said. “We’re just so pleased with it.” The cream walls of the inside of the building showcase serene watercolor paintings. Brown and orange chairs are sprinkled throughout the building. The massive windows that make up the front of the building and various other walls allow natural light to pour into the center. In the middle of the building sits a courtyard that is surrounded by glass. A fountain spouts water several feet in the air toward the open sky above. It’s a scene that can be spotted from all three floors.

The second floor of the building will be the home to the Moving Forward Survivorship Clinic, which opened in July. Douglas County Cancer Services and the American Cancer Society will also have offices on the second floor. A small lab and a conference room available for public use are on the second floor as well. The ground floor is where the cancer center offices are located. The suite will include two linear accelerators — a machine commonly used for external-beam radiation treatments — that will be tucked away in vaults to prevent outside interference. The center had one accelerator and recently purchased a second $4 million machine. The new center also includes a new brachytherapy machine, which requires inserting radioactive sources into a tumor, and a new CT scanner. “This is going to make it so much easier for us to work together,” said Michelle Galusha, the center’s tumor registrar. Rather than having to go across town to a medical oncologist, a patient can just take the elevator, she said. About $2.2 million of the $10 million needed to build the new center came from local donations and grants, Cheney said. The new building also includes about $10 million worth of equipment. “We’re really a shining jewel,” oncology nurse Dianna Fraser said of the communitysponsored clinic. “It’s a dream come true, literally,” Cheney said.

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Page 4–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Inspired to be more aware cancer. Five months earlier she’d found a lump, but didn’t think much about it. She figured it was a result of all the hen Mercy goes “Passion- work she did getting ready for the holiately Pink for A Cure” days and it would eventually go away. this year, you’ll see plenty But by May, she realized not only was of pink at the hospital — it not going away, it was getting bigger. pink tops, pink scrubs, pink jackets, That’s when she called her physician maybe even a few pink ties and pink and scheduled a mammogram. shoes. “My mom is a smart, vibrant woman Passionately who runs her own Pink is a national company,” said effort to raise Kerri. “The reason awareness about she didn’t have a breast cancer, mammogram right Know someone who has been diaghighlighting the away is she really nosed with breast cancer? importance of regOffer her support by: didn’t think the ular monthly lump was serious. • Giving a gift to the person, not the breast self-exams, She was relying “cancer victim” and annual mamon the fact that we • Letting her have dark days mograms (for have no history of • Playing chauffeur women older than breast cancer in • Looking after her family 40) to ultimately our family. So it’s • Going with her to doctor appointsave lives. Breast really important ments and taking notes for her cancer is only secfor women to • Understanding her physical ond to lung cancer know that breast changes as a killer of cancer doesn’t • Behaving normally women. have to run in • Sticking around Like Mercy your family for • Taking her away on a girl’s trip employees, Kerri you to get breast • Providing some comic relief Beckman from cancer. We are • Celebrating recovery milestones Mercy Emergency proof of that.” Department’s life Peggy’s cancer has been personally touched by cancer. was a non-genetic form, which means So when Kerri goes Passionately Pink it doesn’t automatically increase it will be in support and honor of her Kerri’s odds of getting breast cancer, mom, Peggy Huntley-Thornhill, a as a genetic form might. breast cancer survivor. “But like with my mom, you just Nearly five years ago, Peggy learned never know,” said Kerri. “I’m commitshe had an aggressive form of breast ted to taking good care of myself, KATHLEEN NICKEL For The News-Review

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including having regular mammograms.” Peggy, who lives in Enumclaw, Wash., continued to work while she went through her treatment, which lasted two years and included chemotherapy, radiation and drug therapy. Kerri went up once a month to check on her, clean her house and make sure she was doing OK. “Cancer changes your life, whether you are the person with cancer or you’re the friend or family member,” said Kerri. “In our family, we’ve made some really big life decisions since my mom learned she had breast cancer. My brother started his family; he said he wanted to make sure his children had a chance to know their grandma. And after being a caretaker for so long, I decided I really wanted to go back to school and this spring I will graduate from UCC’s nursing school as a regis-

tered nurse. “I will absolutely be going Passionately Pink in support of my mom, the most positive and amazing person I know. Wearing pink, especially on this day, is one small way we can all raise awareness about breast cancer, about the need for women to get regular breast exams and mammograms and hopefully help save lives,” Kerri added. Many Mercy employees will be seeing pink throughout October, but it’s really the message about breast cancer that is important. Whether it’s your mom, your wife, your sister or your girlfriend, remind all the women in your life about the importance of regular breast self-exams and mammograms. Because, as Kerri said, “It’s true what they say — the best protection really is early detection.”

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Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Page 13

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Carlson: Only missed one day of work during treatment Continued from page 2 leader) and visit Austin at OSU when we could. I started radiation treatment Feb. 21, 2002. I continued to work every day; I continued to run and exercise each day. Everything was going well until about three weeks into my treatment. I was on a treadmill at the YMCA and it felt like I hit a brick wall. I had no energy and became very emotional. My husband and daughter came to get me and bring me home. The next day was the only day I missed work throughout my treatment. I stayed in bed all day and slept and then began to again feel like “bring it on.” On the day I hit that wall, I said to my family, “OK guys, you can treat me a little special.” I wanted my children to learn that with any adversity in life, it’s about attitude. You can overcome anything in life with the right attitude. After that experience, I did slow down a little bit. My last day of treatment was April 15, 2002. I remember it well. It was a day for celebration. My daughter was inducted into the National Honor Society at Roseburg High. It

“

I was so lucky the cancer was caught very early. Sharon Carlson Breast cancer survivor

”

was tax day and we were getting a tax refund, and it was my last day of treatment. Through it all and on this day, I recall the induction of our daughter into the honor society as the most emotional. I was in excellent hands through my treatments: Dr. Yeo, Cynthia Keyes, and Dr. Sylvia Gosline and Dianna Fraser at the Community Cancer Center. They assured me my cancer was self contained and hadn’t spread. I remember at the midway point of treatment when I had hit the wall, Dianna held my hand and told me everything was

going to be OK. She was so kind and understanding, as were my husband and children. After five years of remission, you’re considered cured. April 15, 2007, was my fiveyear milestone. I was so lucky the cancer was caught very early. With no cancer history in my family until my sister, I wondered why me? Why her? I encourage men and women to conduct self breast examinations and get annual checkups and mammograms every year, especially if your family has a history of cancer. Don’t feel insecure about asking questions. If you find something suspicious, something that just doesn’t seem right, go to the doctor and have it checked. What better feeling is there than to be told it’s nothing. If the time comes that it is something, rely on family, faith, friends and co-workers, and again on your own attitude. Your own attitude can set the tone for yourself and your family in dealing with whatever comes your way. I haven’t looked back. I’m just moving forward. Sharon Carlson, 52, is the staff assistant to the Director at the Veterans Affairs Roseburg Healthcare System. She’s worked for the VA for 30 years, the last 23 in Roseburg, after transferring from Fargo, N.D.

Shields: Friends, family helped her cope Continued from page 11 Creek. We take care of our own here. Chloe and Anya (breast cancer survivors) encouraged me and gave me a shoulder to cry on. Day or night. My singing sisters, Yvonne, Janis, Gloria, and Carol provided the perfect therapy for me by singing with me anytime I wanted that summer. My friend Sharon S. would count ahead every 21 days (chemo schedule), and then send out Bob with a huge bowl of custard, the only thing that tasted good to me. Old friends, Marilyn and Allan, hired a housekeeper for me. I was included on most of the church prayer chains in town. My own church family at Tri City Presbyterian Church cheered me on. My older sister, Margaret, offered to have her own hair cut off and made into a wig for me. Mardena, Ski, and Betty acted as my private cheerleaders. Considering what I was going through I thought I was doing pretty well. It was then that we were told that my baby sister had bladder cancer, and had about six weeks to live. Before my second chemo, my beloved sister, Tessie Kay, passed away. Yes, it was earthquake number three. Imagine the love I felt in my soul to see the Kuslers, the Scherers, the Theisses and the Becherers at her memorial service in Klamath Falls. How could I heal and also grieve for my sister? Enter our relatives, Patty and Gary.

Gary is a psychologist, and I call Patty my sister-in-love. It feels as if a warm blanket is wrapped around me whenever I’m in their presence. My dear old friend, Barbara S. of Roseburg, went to Eugene and stayed several days with my 91-year-old mother, and then came to Myrtle Creek and took care of me and my family for a whole day. I did finish my treatment, both chemo and radiation. I slowly, but surely, began to feel like a survivor. Through it all, I was never, ever forsaken. The gift? The gift is that with the help of my faith, my family and my friends I no longer live my life in fear. The old me didn’t go down unknown paths. The transformation took place because of my journey through the gift of breast cancer. In the beginning I could never, ever have said this. I continue to have mountains and valleys in my life. My older sister, Margaret, passed away within a year. My husband, Lloyd, has had aggressive prostate cancer. Lloyd’s sister, Dorothy, is just finishing her journey through the valley of breast cancer. My 96-year-old mother and I are all that are left of our nuclear family, so we hang on to each other just a little tighter. I have adopted the philosophy of my friend, Shirley: The Lord is not yet finished with me. Our children have given us the two most wonderful and beautiful grandchildren in the world, Olivia Eva Ann and Sebastian Lloyd Oliver. And life is good.

Dewing: Side effects to biopsy usually temporary Continued from page 10 (swelling caused by excess fluid buildup), numbness, a persistent burning sensation, infection and difficulty moving the affected body area. Side effects of SLN biopsy can include pain or bruising at the biopsy site and the rare possibility of an allergic reaction to the blue dye used to find the sentinel node. Patients may find that their urine is discolored or that their skin has been stained the same color as the dye. Sometimes, a patient’s facial coloring is slightly grayish the first night after surgery. These problems are usually temporary and resolved without further intervention. Dr. Michelle DeWing is a general and thoracic surgeon. She specializes in breast and lung cancer surgery, benign and malignant Esophageal disease, Mediastinal Tumors and complex reflux disease.

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Page 14–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Focus on health needed to fight cancer Women’s Health Care has become more of a priority at VA because of more female veterans MARCIA HALL For The News-Review

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eing an active participant in your own health is the crucial component of managing breast health. Breast cancer will strike one in every eight women in the United States. There are few fears more pervasive among women than the fear of having breast cancer, losing a breast and ultimately losing your life. Understanding the fear of breast cancer is understanding a serious barrier to engaging women — and men — in vigilant involvement with breast health. As the Women Veteran Program Manager at the VA Roseburg Healthcare System, I understand this fear personally and professionally. At 39, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and underwent three surgeries, including a radical mastectomy, six months of chemotherapy and seven weeks of daily chest wall radiation. My life has never been the same, but I am alive and I am thankful every day that I am still here. I believe I have survived breast cancer because of my active participation in being healthy and a tenacious pursuit of treatment. My position at the VA has broad oversight of women’s health services at the main Roseburg Hospital, two Community Outpatient clinics in Eugene and North Bend, and an ambulatory care clinic in Brookings. In this capacity, I have advanced a multi-pronged approach to breast health and breast cancer management. There is a tendency to focus narrowly on mammograms to identify early stage breast cancer. While mammography is a crucial component of breast cancer detection, it is

Courtesy photo

Julie Norton, left, and Marcia, both of the Women Veterans Health Program, show off the Breast Cancer Awareness education display at the VA Roseburg Healthcare System. only one component of overall breast cancer identification and treatment. As the country struggles with the larger issue of how to provide health care to its citizenry, we are focusing on how to engage female veterans and empower them to enhance partnerships with their primary care providers to improve all dimensions of breast health; awareness of breast cancer, prevention, early detection, and disease management. During the past year, Women’s Health Care within the VA has become a priority. The number of female veterans will double in the next five years, presenting the VA with new challenges and opportunities. The increasing numbers of women serving in large numbers in Iraq and Afghanistan mean that women accessing VA services will be younger and using these services for many years to come.

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Historically, women have constituted an extreme minority within the VA. Too often their care has been fragmented, receiving primary care from one provider and “women’s health” services, i.e. breast and cervical cancer screening, from another provider. We know that there are better health care outcomes and higher patient satisfaction when comprehensive care comes from one provider who is proficient and interested in women’s health over a woman’s lifetime. Developing robust primary care services for veterans is the key to improving health services and vitally important to early detection and management of breast cancer. In addition to making significant changes in how women veterans’ health care is delivered, breast cancer services at the Roseburg VA include: • Outreach and education activities

The 25th

to increase individual and community awareness of breast cancer risk factors, and early detection. If you visit the VA during October, all clinical areas have large Breast Cancer Awareness informational displays and personal breast health items to enhance awareness. Hosting opportunities such as brown bag Lunch and Learn for staff and veterans is also offered. • Advocacy for breast cancer awareness. I’m actively engaged (and encourage others to be engaged) in local and national campaigns such as the annual breast cancer fashion show at Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort and the Susan B. Komen Foundation that support research and increased social awareness of Breast Cancer. Numerous staff members and veterans are also engaged in diverse efforts in our communities and within the VA. • Breast cancer coordination and management through a primary care provider in collaboration with community specialists, the Portland VA Medical Center and Oregon Health and Sciences Breast Cancer specialists. • Clinical breast exams are clinically important in early detection of breast cancer. Education and training in breast health management for health care providers is an ongoing effort within the VA. Research has found that health care professionals with specific and recurring education on such exams have higher rates of detecting breast cancer. It requires three to five minutes per breast for a thorough exam. • Mammography services for eligible female and male veterans at an accredited/ certified community mammography facility. Because the VA does not offer on-site mammography services, any veteran who requires screening or diagnostic mammography services can choose a nearby facility Turn to HEALTH CARE, page 15

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Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Page 15

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Health care: Women must realize they’re the best advocates for their bodies choose to smoke, drink to excess, avoid exercise, eat unhealthy food and/or too much food, you increase your risk of breast cancer and other and the VA will pay for this service. cancers. • BRCA genetic testing. The Develop a partnership with your BRCA gene test is a blood test that health care provider. Your health is uses DNA analysis to identify changes largely determined by the behaviors (mutations) in either one of two breast you choose every day. Your health care cancer susceptibility genes — known provider is not there to fix you, but as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Genetic counrather to work with you to promote seling also is part of the BRCA gene and manage your optimal health. test process and both are available to Breast cancer can strike anyone, veterans. After having a BRCA gene female or male, with or without a famtest performed, you learn whether you ily history, and even those who have carry an inherited BRCA gene mutano risk factors and choose healthy tion and receive an estimate of your behaviors. When breast cancer does personal risk of breast cancer and occur, early detection is crucial to surovarian cancer. BRCA testing is viving and minimizing the often diffioffered only to women who are at very cult treatment regimens. high risk of breast cancer and ovarian For those women who do get breast cancer based on personal or family cancer, there are steps to take to history. The BRCA gene test isn’t roureduce chances of recurrence. Accordtinely performed on women at average ing to Dr. Christopher I. Li, all it takes risk of these cancers. Having a BRCA is to “stay at a normal weight, don’t gene mutation is rare. BRCA gene smoke and drink in moderation.” mutations are responsible for less than Illustration courtesy of VA That’s because estrogen can fuel these 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers. • Quality assurance through The Veterans Affairs system has made tumors’ growth, and both fat tissue tracking and follow-up of all abnor- women’s health care more of a priority because and excessive alcohol use directly increase estrogen levels in the body. mal mammograms is completed to of an increasing number of women veterans. ensure treatment is timely and accessible. In addition, the VA has a quality Fighting breast cancer requires an assurance program of external peer review active, not passive commitment to managin which a number of health measures are ing your health. As with other life-threatreviewed to meet performance targets. ening diseases and more specifically canWith screening mammography the target cer, individuals can influence their risk of is 72 percent. This year to date the Rosegetting the disease and improve their odds burg VA is at 83 percent. Comparison of of surviving. As women we can be educatcommunity Medicare and Medicaid rates ed and make choices of the do’s and of screening mammography are 67 perdon’t’s. cent and 50 percent respectively. Educate yourself about the risk factors • Hospice care. The VA provides hospice care to those veterans who are suffer- for breast cancer. Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no faming from late-stage breast cancer. These ily history of the disease. Having a close services are provided in our Community relative with the disease, however, does Living Center by a multidisciplinary team GREEN ALTERNATIVES increase your risk. including a specially trained hospice Fuel efficiency, incentives, models Choose to manage your health. If you nurse. Continued from page 14

In general, the advice to prevent breast cancer is the same advice given to live a healthy life. As women we need to be vigilant about those things we can do and not worry excessively about those things we cannot change. Pay attention to your body, make a commitment to take care of yourself and understand you are your best advocate in preventing and surviving breast cancer. Remind yourself to complete monthly breast self exams and encourage friends and family to do the same. Develop a relationship with your primary care doctor to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and make sure you spend time every day doing something you love to do. Breast cancer can change your life, but it also can be survived. October is the month that we focus our attention and efforts at fighting breast cancer as individuals, communities, health systems and societies. We have made much progress, but too many women still lose their lives to this disease. As the Susan B. Komen Foundation states, “eradication of breast cancer is our goal.” Marcia Hall is the Women Veterans Program Manager at the VA Roseburg Healthcare System.

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Page 16–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Survivors honored at annual Tea and Fashion Show The News-Review “Putting On The Ritz” is the theme of this year’s Tea and Fashion Show. That’s the fun part of this annual event that is presented by Douglas County Cancer Services. On a more serious note, the show honors breast cancer survivors, and features their strength and energy. Five survivors will walk the runway and model clothes from JC Penney. The 10th annual show, hosted by the Seven Feathers Convention Center in Canyonville, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 each and are available at Douglas County Cancer Services in the Community Cancer Center in Roseburg, the Seven Feathers box office, Sutherlin Drug in Sutherlin and Trueblood Real Estate in Myrtle Creek. All proceeds will be used to aid Douglas County breast cancer survivors through Douglas County Cancer Services, an allvolunteer organization that provides nutrition, prosthesis, support and financial aid to cancer patients in the county. Last year’s

show, that drew about 500 people, raised about $7,000 through ticket sales and donations. It wasn’t too many years ago that such public support didn’t even exist as “breast” and “cancer” weren’t commonly used in general conversation, especially together. “When you heard cancer, there was a feeling of hopelessness,” said Ann Shields, a breast cancer survivor and one of the models. “Hopefully, with a show like this, we’re giving hope to other women who are facing it. It’s personally satisfying for me to help other women deal with it.” The tea and fashion show has raised money to provide services for cancer patients. But just as important, it’s brought the disease into the open and made it easier to discuss in public. Rather than being taboo, breast cancer has resulted in forming a sisterhood of those who have had it. “We’re there for each other,” Shields said. Tea and Fashion Show information: 4409409.

Douglas County Cancer Services Presents

“Puttin On The Ritz”

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Tea and Fashion Show Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors October 24, 2009, 1 p.m. Seven Feathers Convention Center Canyonville, OR

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Prizes!

All proceeds to aid Douglas County Breast Cancer Survivors This event made possible by Seven Feathers Casino Resort and Komen for The Cure, Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate.

Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Page 5

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Clinic helps ease fears of cancer survivors The News-Review

F

or many cancer patients, the conclusion of weeks- or monthslong treatment isn’t as exciting and freeing as one might think. Instead, patients completing treatment may experience anxiety and fear about the future and about their health. In a videotape circulated among hospitals and clinics, one cancer survivor remarks, “When the treatment ended, I felt like a warrior without a war.” Radiation oncologist Sylvia Gosline and oncology nurse Dianna Fraser hope a Roseburg clinic will ease the fears of cancer survivors in Roseburg. The Moving Forward Cancer Survivorship Clinic opened in July on the second floor of the new Community Cancer Center. Gosline and Fraser are both cancer center employees. The survivorship clinic will help people transition from being cancer patients to cancer survivors. The providers at the clinic will work to improve each patient’s physical, social, psychological and spiritual well-being. The clinic will serve as a resource for people — providing referrals to other resources, such as alternative therapies and counseling — as well as a place to access follow-up care. Patients can also turn to the clinic staff to develop an individualized follow-up care plan that details the patient’s health care needs after completing cancer treatment, Gosline said. Patients can either return to their primary care physicians for follow-up care

CRAIG REED/The News-Review

Oncology nurse Dianna Fraser, left, Dr. Sylvia Gosline and volunteer Bunny Johnson, a retired nurse, are pictured in the water garden at the Community Cancer Center in Roseburg. The three women help patients in the Moving Forward Clinic. or receive the care at the survivorship clinic, she said. For many patients, the concern goes beyond where to receive physical follow-up care, though. The Lance Armstrong Foundation, a nonprofit group aimed at inspiring and empowering people who have cancer, conducted a study of cancer survivors. The study revealed that cancer patients face an array of obstacles dur-

ing and after treatment, from depression and secondary health problems to losing income and battling debt. “One of the hardest parts of my job is watching a patient walk out of the doors for the last time and wondering in my heart what they’re going home to,” Fraser said at a recent presentation about the clinic. The clinic will help ensure that patients are leaving cancer treatment with the resources they need, she said. The Community Cancer Center board of directors and Executive Director Mel Cheney have supported the two in their efforts to start the clinic and provided the clinic with $10,000 in seed money, Fraser said. The clinic also has a couple of pending grants that would cover the $190,000 in operational costs for the first year, she said. In the beginning, the clinic will be open one day per week, but as need increases it will open additional days, Fraser said. “We want to have these services available to any patient who needs them, regardless of their ability to pay,” Gosline said. “That’s our goal.”

We Support Breast Cancer Awarness Month To schedule an appoinntment with Dr. Agsten or Karen please call

673-5225

Mercy Community Education presents breast cancer seminar The News-Review If you shun the sun, suffer from milk allergies and/or adhere to a strict vegetarian diet, you may be at risk for a Vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of developing breast cancer. New research, while not conclusive, is suggesting a strong connection between a Vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer (www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/), and a deficiency may also raise the risk of cancer spreading (www.webmd.com/cancer/). Join local physicians Eric Soder and Roby Bennett from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 in Mercy’s Conference Rooms A/B for a discussion about new findings in breast

cancer research and breast cancer detection. Topics discussed will include the link of a Vitamin D deficiency and new technologies in breast imaging, including breast MRIs, ultrasound and digital mammography. In addition to the presentation, a minihealth fair will be held in the same conference rooms from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., with representatives from the Community Cancer Center, Mercy’s Outpatient Imaging Center, Mercy’s Inpatient Imaging services and breast cancer survivors. Mercy Community Education sessions are free and open to the community. Information: Mercy Communication, 677-4308.

Dr. Sarah Agsten, DO Family Practice Physician

Karen McClish, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner

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Page 6–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS THE TREVA HOFFMAN FOUNDATION

Program helps battle costs of cancer Willy LaRoque, left, and her daughter Kelly Cook have worked to develop the Treva Hoffman Foundation in memory of their daughter and sister who was a cancer victim. The foundation recently made a $2,500 donation to Douglas County Cancer Services, an organization that has wigs available for patients in treatment.

KELLY COOK For The News-Review

W

hen Treva LaRoque-Hoffman was faced with the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer, I watched as my sister struggled to handle the heavy financial and emotional burden the diagnosis had brought. Not always being able to personally provide the care or financial support Treva needed, I set out to find alternatives but there were very few to be found. What I did find available had too many restrictions, eliminating my sister from eligibility. I was then set to start an organization to raise funds to help Treva and others in the same situation. At the same time, Treva had her own ideas. Holding true to Hoffman form, she sought to help others while making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. During treatment, Treva had heard about the lack of availability of tissue samples to do vital cancer research. She also found out that every day, excess tissue being harvested through medical procedures for cancer diagnosis was being thrown away. Treva knew immediately she had to do something to change the situation. This change would become her purpose, and the goals of the two sisters would become the mission of The Treva Hoffman Foundation. The Treva Hoffman Foundation is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to raising funds through organized charitable activities to fulfill its mission to aid and

ROBIN LOZNAK/The News-Review

advance breast cancer research and provide educational and financial assistance to breast cancer patients for the care and treatment of breast cancer. Our financial assistance program is designed to support the concept of providing access to services that have the potential to significantly enhance either the clinical condition or the quality of life of the patient. It is our goal to help ease the incredible financial burden that a cancer diagnosis often causes. Frequently our level of care is directly related to our level

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of income. We realize that patients who have no insurance, or who have coverage gaps in their commercial health benefit plans, have few places to turn to pay for health-related services. When the choice is food, a roof over your head, electricity for your home or medication, more often the choice is to forego the treatment or medication. When care is received, families often assume a large amount of debt, which becomes a heavy and worrisome burden during the care and recovery process. The foundation understands these needs and is willing to help fill this void. Our goal is to make sure there are no boundaries to the treatment and recovery from breast cancer. Locally, The Treva Hoffman Foundation has partnered with Douglas County Cancer Services located in the new Community Cancer Center in Roseburg to aid community access to our financial assistance program. On Sept. 19, The Treva Hoffman Foundation presented DCCS with a $2,500 grant to provide assistance to community breast cancer patients. Community members affected by this disease can contact DCCS directly to apply for assistance through this program. You can also visit with a volunteer representative from The Treva Hoffman Foundation

directly at the DCCS office on Wednesday afternoons. Assistance from the foundation is not limited to the program provided through DCCS. If you would like to apply directly to the foundation, visit our Web site at www.trevahoffmanfoundation.com to submit your written request via e-mail; a foundation representative will contact you to complete the application process. Once your application is complete, the foundation board will assess whether or not you qualify for our financial assistance program. Qualifying for assistance does not guarantee your request will be funded. Priority will be given to applicants we determine are at the highest risk for not receiving medical care based on financial circumstances. It is our hope to provide assistance for every qualifying request we receive. Should funding be limited at the time of application, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for future consideration. If you have additional questions regarding our financial assistance program, you can submit your questions online or contact us direct at 680-8178. Kelly LaRoque-Cook is the president of the Treva Hoffman Foundation.

Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Page 7

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Karen Hull of Roseburg drew extra strength from the Bible and God during her treatment for breast cancer. She is now an 11-year survivor.

Volunteer work, faith keep her energized Karen Hull is ‘blessed’ through her work with others who are dealing with cancer KAREN HULL For The News-Review

E

veryone’s cancer story is a little different, and the outcome may vary, but all have the same fears, anxiety and anticipation. My cancer was discovered by a mammogram. A biopsy was taken, and three days later the doctor called me and said, “We got the results from the biopsy, and you have cancer.” I remember feeling weak and lightheaded, as if all the blood was draining out of me. As I sat down, I thought this must be what they call fear. After discussing it with my family, I decided to get a second opinion on how to proceed with the treatment. Both doctors

recommended a lumpectomy with six weeks of radiation and then chemotherapy if the lymph nodes were involved. My surgery was done in May of ’98 by a breast cancer specialist. After a long week of post-surgery anticipation, I was thankful to learn the nodes were not involved. I started radiation treatments in June here at the cancer center. We are so fortunate to have such an excellent cancer center with a fantastic and caring staff here in Roseburg. I was so encouraged as a patient there that I recently became one of their volunteers. My daughter had done a lot of research on breast cancer, which helped me make informed decisions. She gave me a special planner with scripture in the front, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13. It was a great comfort and gave me something to do by keeping a journal of my doctor appointments, radiation treatments and even the names of the techs. It was also a record of cards and calls from

Breast Cancer Awareness In the spotlight: The Vitamin D Connection New and Improved Imaging Options If you shun the sun, suffer from milk allergies, and/or adhere to a strict vegetarian diet, you may be at risk for a Vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of developing breast cancer. New research, while not conclusive, is suggesting a strong connection between a Vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer; and a deficiency may also raise the risk of cancer spreading. Join local physicians Eric Soder, MD, and Roby Bennett, MD, on Thursday, Oct. 29 in Mercy's Con. Rooms A/B from 6:15-7:30 p.m. for an engaging and informative discussion about new findings in breast cancer research and breast cancer detection. Topics discussed will include Vitamin D deficiencies and new technologies in breast imaging, including breast MRIs, ultrasound and digital mammography. In addition to the presentation, a mini-health fair will be held in the same conference rooms from 5:30-6:15 p.m., featuring representatives from the Community Cancer Center, Mercy's Outpatient Imaging Center, Mercy's Inpatient Imaging services and breast cancer survivors.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mercy Medical Center Conference Rooms A and B

Mercy Medical Center COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Refreshments will be served.

677-4308 | www.mercyrose.org

ROBIN LOZNAK/The News-Review

family and friends and of their prayers and encouragements. Cancer patients and their support people learn to cope with pain, fears, trials and sometimes heartbreak. There are a lot of different emotions most cancer patients experience. For me it was guilt. Guilt for getting cancer, guilt for putting my family through this and even guilt for not having it as bad as other cancer patients. One day I was reading a book on cancer that had stories of other cancer patients with these same feelings of guilt. I was so relieved when I realized this was normal. I started volunteering at Douglas County Cancer Services several years ago. I wanted to get involved with cancer patients to try to help and encourage them, but I am the one being blessed. Through DCCS and our support group which meets monthly, I have had the opportunity to meet many amazing people. I have a dear friend with terminal lung cancer. She is one of the most courageous people I know. She has a positive attitude and encourages others. I’ve also had the privilege of meeting other volunteers, such as Jackie Barnett, Dodie Blessing and Maudine Perry, to

name just a few, who give so much of their time and energy helping in some way those who are battling this horrible disease. One of the activities DCCS spearheads is a Survivor’s Day Luncheon. The event is designed to encourage cancer patients. It is a celebration of life for cancer survivors. I was surprised and humbled to have been awarded the Badge Of Courage at the 2003 Survivor’s Day Luncheon. The Tea and Fashion Show is another fun way for breast cancer survivors and others to celebrate life and at the same time raise money to help with breast cancer in Douglas County. I am honored to have a part in it as well. In my battle with cancer, I drew strength from the Lord along with tremendous support from my fantastic and loving husband, family and friends. By the grace of God, I am now an 11-year breast cancer survivor! Karen Hull, 69, of Roseburg is retired from a life of raising kids. She and her husband Ken have three grown children. The mother of three grown children, she is an 11-year survivor of breast cancer.

Page 8–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

So Proud off

We honor

We honor

In Memory y off

Jennifer North

Beverly Davis

Tammy Woolbright

Tom Bissonnette

Thank you for never giving up! You’re my hero mom! Love, Daisy

God bless. Beverly we love you. Our prayers are with you.

Keep up your good walk for breast cancer. God bless.

Love, Ruby and Dave

Love Dad and Rudy

So proud to have you as our Husband, Dad, & Papa Love, Irleen, Scott, Marian, Mike & G-Kids

IIn Loving g Memory y

IIn Loving g Memory y

IIn Loving g Memory y

In Memory y off

Michael John Harwood

Ann Yraguen

Darla Norris

8/19/64 - 3/22/08

We admired your courage and determination. We miss you. Your Family

Arlene Rynearson Truly an awesome lady. I’ll love you forever ~Don

We miss you

What a courageous fighter you were! We miss you more each day Till we meet again, Your loving family

Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Page 9

Honoring g

In Memory y off

In Memory y off

Vicki Johnston

Irene Johnston

Pauline Knapp

Your courage is an inspiration to all of us! Love, The News-Review Staff

We miss your smiling face

Your laughter was contagious

Love, The Johnston Families

We miss you, Rick Knapp, Vicki Johnston & Families

So Proud off

IIn Loving g Memory y

Honoring g

Right g Beside y you

Lori Mesa

Tracey Telford

Treva

Julie Snider

Making 7 years really count

All our love Phillip, Calla, Cael, Caitlynn, & Chloe

Treva, you are always with us. All our love, Mom & Dad

You do not walk this path alone.

YOU GO GIRL! Love mom

LaRoque-Hoffman

I love you, Your brother David

In Memory y off

In Memory y off

So Proud off

In Memory y off

Edna Darling

Michael L. Fortner

Beverly Davis

Patty Rifenbark

Michael, when we fell in love I became the luckiest woman in the world Remembering “us”... I still am All my heart, Helen

To the sweetest, kindest, most caring person we know. Keep fighting! Love you Norm, Corry, & Austin

1934 - 1997

We miss you! The Darling Gang

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Page 10–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Community has tools for early detection DR. GARY HOLT For The News-Review October is here and you may have noticed a profusion of pink. No, the flowers haven’t returned to your garden; the pink comes on ribbons and T-shirts promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur among women in Oregon in 2009, and more than 500 will die from the disease. Along with the charity events and outreach, this is a great opportunity to learn about the latest screening techniques for early detection of this deadly form of cancer — in you or the women you love. Like many forms of cancer, when tumors of the breast are detected early, patients have much better odds of success-

fully treating the disease. The American Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exams every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, while women older than 40 should have a screening mammogram every year. Holt In recent years, advances in screening techniques such as digital mammography have led to improvements in image storage and transmission. They may even detect some cancers that film would have missed. For patients who may be at high risk for developing breast cancer, many doctors recommend breast MRI as a useful tool to use in addition to digital mammography.

The good news for residents of Douglas County is that you don’t need to leave Roseburg to receive the highest quality care in radiology screening. Back in July 2005, Roseburg Radiologists, in conjunction with Mercy Medical Center, brought advanced imaging techniques to its facilities, pioneering digital mammography before the technology showed up in Eugene clinics. Similarly, this year Roseburg Radiologists brought breast MRI and MR-guided breast biopsy to our community, cuttingedge tools that place our facilities among the best in the state. In addition to the latest developments in breast cancer screening technology, Roseburg Radiologists has begun a coronary artery Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA) program allowing physicians to diagnose coronary artery disease without the use of a catheter.

The center also retained Dr. Dianna Bardo, the chief of cardiac radiology at Oregon Health & Science University, as a consultant for its CTA program. As you notice the pink ribbons and publicity this month, remember how breast cancer has touched so many lives and be sure you and the women in your life have your recommended breast cancer screenings. You can take comfort in knowing our radiology services in Roseburg are among the best in the industry. To learn more about breast cancer and screening, visit www.dcipa.com. If you are unsure whether you have been screened or are afraid you may be at high risk for breast cancer, talk to your doctor. Dr. R. Gary Holt is a local radiology specialist and member of DCIPA, The Physicians of Douglas County.

SLN biopsy can be easier procedure for patients Dr. MICHELLE DEWING For The News-Review The sentinel lymph node is the first lumph node to which cancer is likely to spread from the primary tumor. Cancer cells may appear in the sentinel node before spreading to other lymph nodes. In some cases, there can be more than one sentinel lymph node. For most breast cancers, tumor cells first spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. SLN biopsy is a procedure in which the sentinel lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present. SLN biopsy is based on the idea that cancer cells spread (metastasize) in an orderly way from the primary tumor to the sentinel lymph node(s), then to other nearby lymph nodes.

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A negative SLN biopsy result suggests that cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. A positive result indicates that cancer is present in the SLN and may be present in other lymph nodes in the same area (regional lymph nodes). This Dewing information may help the doctor determine the stage of cancer (extent of the disease within the body) and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In SLN biopsy, one or a few lymph nodes (the sentinel node or nodes) are removed. To identify the sentinel lymph node(s), the surgeon or radiologist injects a radioactive substance, blue dye, or both

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near the tumor. In the operating room, the surgeon then uses a scanner to find the sentinel lymph node(s) containing the radioactive substance or looks for the lymph node(s) stained with blue dye. Once the SLN is located, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin overlying the SLN and removes the lymph node(s). The sentinel node(s) is checked for the presence of cancer cells by a pathologist (a doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissue under a microscope). If cancer is found, the surgeon will usually remove more lymph nodes during the biopsy procedure or during a follow-up surgical procedure. SLN biopsy is usually done on an outpatient basis. To understand the possible benefits of SLN biopsy, it helps to know about standard lymph node removal. Standard lymph node removal involves surgery to remove

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most of the lymph nodes in the area of the tumor (regonal lymph nodes). For example, breast cancer surgery may include removing most of the axillary lymph nodes, the group of lymph nodes under the arm. This is called axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). If an axillary lymph node dissection is performed, then the patient will go home with a drain in place at that time. If SLN biopsy is done and the sentinel node does not contain cancer cells, the rest of the regional lymph nodes may not need to be removed. Because fewer lymph nodes are removed, there may be fewer side effects. When multiple regional lymph nodes are removed, the patient may experience side effects such as lymphedema Turn to DEWING, page 13

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Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Page 11

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Earthquakes, earth angels and finding a gift Roland came over, and we spent the evening crying together. The rest is a blur … Our children, Melissa and Tyson, live in the Seattle area. They had been anxiously awaiting the news. Cancer or benign? It was difficult to tell them the news. Now, our children are not shrinking violets. In fact, they are both attorneys, and good ones at that. They did what persistent people do: They arranged an appointment with the breast cancer surgeon in Bellevue that all other doctors had voted to be the best in the Seattle area. Not only an appointment, but in three days! My doctor turned out to be exactly the right fit for me. I found out that my lump was small and slow-growing (yes!). My breast cancer had been missed on the mammogram, and it was estrogen/progesterone receptive, which meant that there was an effective drug for my type of cancer. The surgery went well, and my doctor told me he didn’t expect any surprises. However, it was a week later that I received the phone call that bore the dreaded news: the cancer was found in one lymph node. Earthquake number two. It is important to me, at this point, to emphasize my firm belief: Always take

ANN SHIELDS For The News-Review

M

y journey into the life-altering subject of breast cancer began in August of 2003. I was taking a shower when I discovered something in the three o’clock area of my left breast. It wasn’t a lump, probably more like a thickening. I told myself, “Oh, well, I‘ll find out soon enough since I’ve just had a mammogram.” I quickly filed it in the deep recesses of my mind. Nevertheless, I kept feeling it. Several months went by, and then my gynecologist sent a letter informing all of his patients that he would be closing his office. It was a shock to all of his patients, and so most of us scrambled to find a new local doctor. Because we patients were all searching at the same time, the soonest I could get in was March. OK, that’s fine ... my mammogram was normal or someone would have informed me. Right? My initial meeting with my new doctor was uneventful. I liked her, and we had a good discussion about my health. I was just opening the door to leave when I said, “Well, there is one more thing … ” My doctor felt the area and declared that I needed a biopsy. A biopsy! It took my breath away. But when I tried to schedule the procedure, I was told I would have to wait for two weeks. Two weeks? Now, having had two breast biopsies, I knew I would not even still be breathing in two weeks, much less waiting for another week after that to find out the results. What some medical people do not understand is how barbaric the wait is to the human body and psyche. Fortunately, I was talking to a kind receptionist who did understand. She said she would call Eugene and see how soon I would be able to schedule an appointment. They could take me that same day. Fur-

News-Review file photo

Ann Shields models a dress in preparation for a past Tea and Fashion Show, an event that is a fundraiser for Douglas County Cancer Services. Shields of Myrtle Creek is a breast cancer survivor. thermore, the doctor who did the needlecore biopsy answered all of my questions, none of the words, “Oh, you’ll have to ask your doctor. I’m not allowed to say.” It was the next day, March 17, 2004, that the first earthquake occurred. It was definite: I had breast cancer. My husband, Lloyd, and I held each other and cried. That night our old friends, Margie and

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charge of your own health. Never, ever depend on someone or something else to make the decisions concerning your body. Most people know that having cancer in a lymph node makes the diagnosis/prognosis a whole new ball game. I was blessed to have my very own earth angel, my husband, Lloyd, who has always protected me and cared for me. However, he was not home when I received the phone call about they lymph node. I was alone at home, and I began walking around and wailing, “How can you abandon me, God?” That was when He sent me my second earth angel. My phone rang, and it was my friend, Sandy. When I asked her that question she reminded me of the season (Easter) and also the question Jesus asked on the cross. And it was comforting to me to be reminded. Oh yes, I have another earth angel. Her name is Sharon L. All of my earth angels just seem to know when I need them. I don’t even have to call out their names. They are just there. I started chemotherapy with a quivering heart. You should know that I live in Myrtle

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Page 12–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness

Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Fashion show salutes women of courage breast cancer survivors throughout Douglas County. Myself and a small committee of four (with a lot of help from our friends and am a proud board member and treasurer family) coordinate this event, which has of Douglas County Cancer Services grown from 80-plus attendees the first year (DCCS), which is an all-volunteer, non- to more than 500 in 2008. This is a labor of profit organization dedicated to providlove for me, as my introduction to breast ing support and services to Douglas County cancer came through working with numerresidents dealing with a cancer diagnosis. ous recently diagnosed women who were We at DCCS have been serving Douglas always so focused on survival. Their attiCounty since 1989 and are a sole entity gov- tude in dealing with this disease was consiserned only by a volunteer board of directors. tent: “I’m going to beat this.” I remain in DCCS recently moved to the new Commuawe of breast cancer survivors. nity Cancer Center building on Stewart This year the event marks its 10th Parkway. The center’s staff is an important anniversary, and the theme is “Puttin’ On community partner of our organiThe Ritz.” This event focuses on zation. Being housed at the new early detection education, courage center makes DCCS more accessiand perseverance in surviving ble to cancer patients who are breast cancer. The models of the undergoing treatment or attending clothing are all breast cancer surappointments at one of the vivors. The escorts of the models providers also located in the center. are local gentlemen who show their Some of the programs our support by participating in this organization offers are patient event. Entertainment is provided mileage reimbursement to and by local talent; local merchants from cancer treatment facilities, donate door prizes for this upbeat patient lodging for patients and and positive event. Barnett their families while receiving treatIn 1995, I met a woman named ment, nutritional support, phone Marj Miller who was diagnosed buddies, wigs, turbans, bras and prosthesis. with breast cancer and eventually sucWe also offer support group monthly meetcumbed to the disease. While receiving ings for all cancer patients. All of the servic- chemotherapy treatment, she was not able to es offered are free to cancer patients. work and did not have resources to pay for Observance of the National Cancer Surnecessities such as rent and food. I tried to vivor Day event is held annually in June as a find resources for financial aid; nothing was celebration of life. Everyone from the available. After Marj’s passing, the decision newly diagnosed to the long-term survivor is was made with the consent of her family to welcome to attend. DCCS also provides a earmark all funds raised from the tea and complete Christmas dinner plus many fashion show to the Marj Miller Fund. For extras, which are boxed and delivered to the past 10 years this fund has provided cancer patients and their families. financial aid to many Douglas County DCCS is funded solely through donations, women undergoing treatment for breast cangrants and several fundraisers conducted cer. In 1999 the event raised $800. In 2008 throughout the year. All of the services more than $8,000 was added to the Marj offered depend upon available funding. Miller fund, due to the generosity of those One of the events DCCS presents is the who attend this worthwhile event. annual Tea and Fashion Show, which honors The fashions this year are provided by JACKIE BARNETT For The News-Review

Marcia Hall walks the runway during the 2008 Tea and Fashion Show, a fundraiser for the Douglas County Cancer Services. This year’s event with a theme of ‘Puttin’ On The Ritz’ is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Seven Feathers Convention Center in Canyonville.

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J.C. Penney, which is a strong supporter of breast cancer awareness. The models and participating staff members are all volunteers. Also Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort has been a consistent generous supporter of this event. The focus of the tea and fashion show is the importance of early detection. As the emcee, I present each model’s journey from diagnosis to treatment as she displays fashions on the runway. Providing positive messages surrounding breast cancer is part of the education we present. Women who attend the show are highly

encouraged to wear hats to add a touch of elegance to an otherwise light-hearted and informal affair. A Best Hat contest is also held, with three of the donated door prizes utilized as the first-, second- and third-place prizes. For more information, contact Douglas County Cancer Services at 440-9409 or visit the web site at www.dccancerservices.com. Jackie Barnett is a volunteer and board member of the Douglas County Cancer Services Committee.

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