tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035708643880322252024-02-18T22:51:46.435-06:00Hope Cancer ResourcesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-772789676984007352013-12-02T12:16:00.003-06:002013-12-02T12:16:30.404-06:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.75pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001a81; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r2-Y1kj8l_OY17ZFazYueg3It9YBlbXJR159vrDamFb1r4jo_4JHZLj5QquF7owaTtx4dvlF8IsFby6EZCzELQ3DwZrdffYdqviiNN8aWEA3jfmCFXxg6BOUfHawvSAkDhRoVSWWKc0-dITXnLLxewfPJe3QgWJqNKMJYosmSblJHHtmFPriMaBn1GKf41MfwUgZMvt2P79f4kThweAmd7HZ49WQJrw2IwEQ4GuhDKSHajmVVB8WhMsun3EhRA5TBmdTcriasPBXT_hn03YkhXoMOr5FeoMhfc0o3YTH-72BMqudD-tg8X3YbIJbQdhWxKEitC0C7h4=&c=4C8LYRXwp0bN-yxP0_VV3m3e2rVTEhlK4P5TZJGBAwQvYcb2dJySPQ==&ch=UJ25zleRYXC4nJn9FJG7RgW8JMUFKbaHBaTsYMbZW0_VGYf-Ws3X5A==" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img border="0" height="31" hspace="5" id="_x0000_i1025" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.258" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs166/1103873591218/img/258.png" vspace="5" width="390" /></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">December
3, 2013</span></strong><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">#GivingTuesday™is
a campaign to create a </span></b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">national
day of giving to start the holiday season. </span></b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Start
your giving this season with a <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">gift
to Hope Cancer Resources. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">on
Tuesday, December 3rd. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<em><b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;">"Thank
you for your care and support during this challenging time. The prescription
payments you made for me and the gas cards you sent were very helpful. I really
appreciate your help when I needed it."</span></b></em><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">______________</span></b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Check
Off Your Gift List <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r2-Y1kj8l_OY17ZFazYueg3It9YBlbXJR159vrDamFb1r4jo_4JHZLj5QquF7owaYNU0dyhsEaOqTsj6lSEh-laVIKiTszfogPYNy8wB4CdqhnTzBIYZB0iAs0VZltrhPcPuOe3eXcXLYdBIjlxm1oKp5OhZbNKHBj5HPigOm2wqtMgCK4VjCjxOa634DYKuzFUZx7LAysgePAuUOxjUW_icWIQngsQrQYB7X8nyolszTPYzOC-1QXK2rBDhVUSeD8a2JGjjTpQYpqZrKKRsXjQaw0QR6bbvCsfSh2H9cCL3wAIkSwsOxUUDfQJtYftYa_73462RmLzQcg1rMa3MnshojiUjoBOa&c=4C8LYRXwp0bN-yxP0_VV3m3e2rVTEhlK4P5TZJGBAwQvYcb2dJySPQ==&ch=UJ25zleRYXC4nJn9FJG7RgW8JMUFKbaHBaTsYMbZW0_VGYf-Ws3X5A==" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: #00397c;">HERE</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">with
a gift to provide</span></b><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><i><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">support
for the journey and </span></i></strong><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><i><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">education
for life.</span></i></strong><span style="color: #00397c; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Happy Shopping. </span></b></em></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-57536004465057973742013-11-04T14:00:00.001-06:002013-11-04T14:00:19.993-06:00Shine A Light Lung Cancer Vigil Thursday, Nov 14th 5:30pm at Hope Cancer Resources<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="5" style="background-color: white; border-spacing: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CkAZX3EtQwn-Xr76vR-PQEixI4rgNhJelZmBi_9LC84XjyP-1Ek-flDD7b6B6RWixtYSEWA9eyKorpVP0ilXT9yr5vtEvJHbx-Bgyr6Up_gaiTXGdmTKxaFtEoQZCf4SnMGCW_pQRZS_/s1600/shinealight.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CkAZX3EtQwn-Xr76vR-PQEixI4rgNhJelZmBi_9LC84XjyP-1Ek-flDD7b6B6RWixtYSEWA9eyKorpVP0ilXT9yr5vtEvJHbx-Bgyr6Up_gaiTXGdmTKxaFtEoQZCf4SnMGCW_pQRZS_/s1600/shinealight.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96hIoE9PNVUFNJkT569e8HFNxJx8DLBD6Ag8Z10exQ3DxrWf20ZeIxC5rKkQIt9u-l8X0Jq-WCvvA-LhGbyTu5dqh1bRn4JzZd1HqaMoY51QdtLRTtqGjH3KGBTYibB5BLyDjyf0jYUz5/s1600/sal-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96hIoE9PNVUFNJkT569e8HFNxJx8DLBD6Ag8Z10exQ3DxrWf20ZeIxC5rKkQIt9u-l8X0Jq-WCvvA-LhGbyTu5dqh1bRn4JzZd1HqaMoY51QdtLRTtqGjH3KGBTYibB5BLyDjyf0jYUz5/s1600/sal-logo.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><br /><br />Join us for the 5th Annual Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil, the largest internationally coordinated awareness event for lung cancer on </span><b><span style="color: #073763;">November 14th at 5:30pm at Hope Cancer Resources.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333;">The vigil provides our community with hope, support and compassion for all those affected by this disease-from survivor to patient to loved ones. This event empowers millions of participants to join this historic movement as we united in one call to action: to triple survivorship by the end of this decade.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333;">For many, the vigil provides a sense that they are not alone. Through the vigil, they are able to experience a growing community of supportive and caring individuals. The lighting of glow sticks to honor survivors and loved ones is the highlight of the vigil. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333;">Registration is free. The difference you'll make is priceless. Sign up today!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">- See more at: <a href="http://springdalevigil.kintera.org/">http://springdalevigil.kintera.org</a></span><br />
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For more information, you can call 479-361-5847 or email Adela Martinez at <a href="mailto:adela.martinez@hopecancerresources.org">adela.martinez@hopecancerresources.org</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-14391509974667937972013-09-12T16:30:00.000-05:002013-09-12T16:35:28.219-05:00Cancer Prevention Study-3! NWA Enrollment September 17-20<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can help create a world with less cancer. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Register online at <a href="http://www.cps3nwark.org/">www.cps3nwark.org</a></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERS_SuIUz7Y">Cancer Prevention Study 3 Promotional Video</a></span></span></div>
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The American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3 will be holding enrollments in Northwest Arkansas September 17th thru 20th. If you are between ages 30 and 65 and have never been diagnosed with cancer, you are encouraged to enroll. <br /><span style="background-color: white;">For more information about CPS-3, please visit</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.cancer.org/cps3">www.cancer.org/cps3</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">or email</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="mailto:cps3@cancer.org">cps3@cancer.org</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-23070556873667088212013-09-12T11:03:00.000-05:002013-09-12T11:05:45.452-05:00Free Prostate Screening--Bella Vista--Monday, September 16th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybFYM_p1RyKUPQAfdH5FdHcK5LjcsgEA0JaqfXnGfuuzPlQH-kY7lHbAfQQpqOD10BG533uEFcQVUJ0gficiOxI3XyZKOvWlKmnC6C4zq_RuMv30vlcjxN4DWla2HW4vJN38eBQjn6cQV/s1600/Bella+Vista+2013+Prostate+Screening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybFYM_p1RyKUPQAfdH5FdHcK5LjcsgEA0JaqfXnGfuuzPlQH-kY7lHbAfQQpqOD10BG533uEFcQVUJ0gficiOxI3XyZKOvWlKmnC6C4zq_RuMv30vlcjxN4DWla2HW4vJN38eBQjn6cQV/s640/Bella+Vista+2013+Prostate+Screening.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-33267147146237725212013-09-04T10:09:00.000-05:002013-09-04T13:19:25.934-05:00CLIMB Support Group for Children and Families<div class="WordSection1">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7tNqXjF1HseRy7FWnZV8VBimxHXMj5oq0pAfhEmhXmbsuukD_ljfHkbR7jMucnTSxZsB_kOjoOSa7Ldq7mexGI5HldKrDcvscE3J1cep3K8sZU2E24ctYfaMV25V_Tj6FL24wkXqksB3/s1600/CLIMB+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7tNqXjF1HseRy7FWnZV8VBimxHXMj5oq0pAfhEmhXmbsuukD_ljfHkbR7jMucnTSxZsB_kOjoOSa7Ldq7mexGI5HldKrDcvscE3J1cep3K8sZU2E24ctYfaMV25V_Tj6FL24wkXqksB3/s400/CLIMB+Tree.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: 36.0pt;">CLIMB</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 21.5pt;">® </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt;">Family
Support Program </span></b></span><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Children’s Lives
Include Moments of Bravery </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">For Children (Ages 6-12) who
have a parent or loved one diagnosed with cancer </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">2nd Tuesday of the Month </span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">September, October, &
November </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">5:30-7:30 PM </span></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Light Dinner Provided </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">RESERVATIONS REQUIRED </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Call to reserve for your
family. </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">479-361-5847 or email </span><a href="mailto:christy.scarrow@hopecancerresources.org">christy.scarrow@hopecancerresources.org</a></b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Children will learn: </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">About cancer</span></b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">About different feelings they may be experiencing</span></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To have
more open communication with their loved one diagnosed with cancer.</span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">CLIMB</span></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">® </span></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">is a program of the Children’s
Treehouse Foundation.</span></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<h2>
</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Support for the Journey. Education for Life.</span></i></span></span></h3>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><i>www.hopecancerresources.org</i></span></span></h4>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-89079613984679763932013-07-17T14:47:00.000-05:002013-07-17T14:47:44.561-05:00Lung Cancer Screening<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Have you smoked in the past? Or... Are you a current smoker? If so, lung cancer screening may be an option for you. </span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">The Center for Chest Care now has a website where you can find the answers to commonly asked questions regarding the benefits of lung cancer screening along with risk factors for developing lung cancer. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.screenforlungcancer.com/images/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.screenforlungcancer.com/images/logo.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.screenforlungcancer.com/">www.screenforlungcancer.com</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">If you are 50 years or older, have a long history of smoking, exposure to occupational or environmental cancer causing substances, and/or have a family history of lung cancer, then this screening could be right for you. Call 479.695.0081 for an appointment or more information. </span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.screenforlungcancer.com/images/sponsorspace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.screenforlungcancer.com/images/sponsorspace.jpg" width="342" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. With over 200,000 new diagnoses per year and over 160,000 deaths per year, lung cancer is responsible for more deaths each year than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. Primarily because it is discovered in advanced stages. There is an enormous benefit to detecting lung cancer at its early stages. A screening CT gives the best chance for early detection." </b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>from www.screenforlungcancer.com</b></span></i><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-66305619785638277062013-07-03T09:32:00.001-05:002013-07-03T09:43:42.266-05:00Speak Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReBwR64WgdqxtiiKZuUSoipeN5iqgOhjtS9GqyX4icScz1v53ov80HT_Nvshl-bYue7L3ffJRjlVAXDaVg1XLPqqKroO5-aVy838Nh88PaFFnbhdBWL6r_pY5fTbGZ0KLkfKgRTubcybD/s162/HOG+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReBwR64WgdqxtiiKZuUSoipeN5iqgOhjtS9GqyX4icScz1v53ov80HT_Nvshl-bYue7L3ffJRjlVAXDaVg1XLPqqKroO5-aVy838Nh88PaFFnbhdBWL6r_pY5fTbGZ0KLkfKgRTubcybD/s162/HOG+Logo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our friends at Highlands Oncology Group recently made a video encompassing the value of words of encouragement and hope for cancer patients and their families. We hope you will take time to watch and please share with your friends.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRd9qSAA0iE" target="_blank">Speak Life--Highlands Oncology Group</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-79376382153056662152013-06-11T17:53:00.000-05:002013-07-03T09:53:11.447-05:00Men's Health Week from a Cancer Perspective<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">June 10-16 is National Men's Health Week </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">The focus of this week is awareness of preventable health issues and to promote early detection and treatment among males. Here is some information regarding cancer occurrences in men in the United States. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Prostate cancer</i></b> is one of the most frequently diagnosed
cancers among men. Incidence rates among
African-American men are 70% higher than white men. There are just fewer than 30,000 deaths each
year due to prostate cancer, making it the second leading cause of cancer death
in men. Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both men and women. Early-staged prostate cancer has no warning
signs or symptoms, while more advanced-disease men may experience weakened or
interrupted urine flow, the inability to urinate, difficulty starting or
stopping, frequency of urination
especially during the night, blood in the urine, pain or burning with urination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Risk factors include:
Increasing age, African-American ancestry, and a family history of the
disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>60% of all men diagnosed are 65 years old and older<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">97% of all prostate
cancers occur in men aged 50 and older<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>African-American men
and Jamaican men of African descent have the highest documented prostate cancer
incidence.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recent studies suggest that a diet high in processed meat
and dairy products<b> </b>may be a risk
factor. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obesity also appears to be a risk factor in aggressive prostate
cancer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>According to the American Cancer Society, at this time there is insufficient data to recommend FOR
OR AGAINST routine testing for prostate cancer for early prostate</b> <b>cancer detection by using the PSA test.</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The American Cancer
Society does recommend that beginning at age 50 men who are at average risk of
prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years receive
information about the potential benefits and known limitations associated with
testing for early detection and have the opportunity to make an informed
decision based on their personal values and preferences. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Men at high risk of
developing prostate cancer (African-American men or men with several close
family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65) should have this
discussion with their health care provider starting at age 40.</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bottom line defense
against prostate: </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch your intake of processed foods including red meat and
dairy products. </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your weight in check. </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY. </span></b></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Colorectal cancer </i>is the third most common cancer in men and is most commonly found in individuals age 50 and older. Early-stage colorectal cancer typically does not show any symptoms, so screening is usually necessary to detect the disease in its early stages. Again, the risk increases with age, and according to the American Cancer Society, 90% of cases are diagnosed individuals age 50 and older. Modifiable risk factors include: obesity, physical inactivity, diets high in red or processed meat, alcohol consumption, long-term smoking, and possibly very low intake of fruits and vegetables. Family history of colorectal cancer and/or polyps, a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and certain inherited genetic conditions also increase risk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2008, the American Cancer Society and other organizations worked to release updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines, which include a number of different screening options. They recommend that individuals discuss these options with their general physician and begin screening once they have reached age 50. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If you would like
more information regarding prostate cancer screening and the benefits and
limitations associated with early detection, please contact Sandy Prince, MS,
CHES at Hope Cancer Resources at </b><a href="mailto:sandy.prince@hopecancerresources.org"><b>sandy.prince@hopecancerresources.org</b></a><b> or 479-361-5847. This free service is provided in part by funding
from: The Cancer Challenge, The Walker Family Foundation and The Hope Cancer
Resources Foundation, and Arkansas Cancer Coalition.</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-17884473903668388792013-06-04T14:43:00.000-05:002013-07-03T09:51:26.438-05:00Support for the Journey...<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIECwGSfF2yAzkFDIDHIBZiLS-BPE8zd7GbNSdX3SYsDkn0vcSeotD3cW5UReYEVnAxUxs45bld79fjuZdeHDHk8w0U3LEJkyhwyo1K6E7LN1CEwh00ePArgwJ9v8KrSLgSrx051WH4sb/s1600/gaspump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIECwGSfF2yAzkFDIDHIBZiLS-BPE8zd7GbNSdX3SYsDkn0vcSeotD3cW5UReYEVnAxUxs45bld79fjuZdeHDHk8w0U3LEJkyhwyo1K6E7LN1CEwh00ePArgwJ9v8KrSLgSrx051WH4sb/s320/gaspump.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">THE MATTER </i></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">OF A GAS CARD</i></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Lisa Manzini-Pace,</b></span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> LCSW</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> Hope Cancer Resources </b></span><b style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><b style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> </b></div>
</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
patient was tall and solid with a weathered and wise face. He asked for the Social Worker after
finishing his chemo treatment at the oncology clinic. He drove to his daily treatments from somewhere well into Oklahoma. The previous week he had called in advance
and a gas card had been left at the reception desk. This no nonsense man had anticipated the same
thing this week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
social worker invited him to her small office in the clinic and explained that
a gas card could be given to him in person as well. The patient indicated that time was an
important factor and asked again about how to arrange for it in advance. He sat for a while after having been issued
the gas card. The social worker asked
him a little about himself. He wasn’t a
big talker but indicated that his wife had severe medical issues and would soon
require surgery in Fayetteville. They
commiserated on the complexities of health and medical care. The man had a pleasant sense of humor and
they laughed a little.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Each
week on the same day he would ask to see the social worker for his gas
card. She learned where he was from
originally, the work he had done, about his family and more. He was not a natural talker but seemed to
enjoy the little chats. The social
worker found them pleasant as well. He
liked to laugh despite the hardships of his situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In
later visits the patient confided that his wife wasn’t doing well. He, however, appeared to bear up quite well
despite his treatments. They talked
about the news. It had been a turbulent
couple of weeks in the nation and the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last
week the patient asked the social worker if something was wrong.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This surprised her because there had been a
serious occurrence but she felt she had concealed her sadness.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She explained about the death of a young man,
a senseless and tragic event.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
patient nodded with understanding.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He
knew about loss.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He had been in Vietnam.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">His kindness was apparent.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He later confided that his wife’s situation
was even more complicated.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The social worker
offered reassurance and walked him out.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As he was leaving, the man turned back with a sad smile and said, “See
you next week.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-18472194054868998612013-05-24T16:21:00.000-05:002013-07-03T09:46:16.567-05:00Survivorship<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Survivorship has become a hot topic in the
cancer world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what exactly is it all
about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Survivorship is different for
each individual cancer survivor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
some, it is adjusting to the “new normal” once treatments are completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For others, it can mean getting back to life
as it was before cancer. One important part of survivorship is coping with the
diagnosis of cancer and all the changes that have occurred physically,
emotionally, and/or spiritually. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I had a wonderful support system during my
cancer journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always someone
there with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had to face any
of it alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother was my biggest
support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I was fortunate and
not everyone has this kind of support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, even though I had such great support, I still found
difficulties in my transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My journey changed my life completely. It
affected every aspect of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
different physically, emotionally, and spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to find my “new normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, I have found journaling to be
helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I had written down my
thoughts and feelings and things that happened when they actually
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently attended a workshop
at <a href="http://www.writerscolony.org/" target="_blank"><b>The Writer’s Colony at Dairy Hollow</b></a> in Eureka Springs, AR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The workshop was titled “Survivors Getting
Stronger”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the privilege of
spending the day with other survivors and sharing our stories with each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed, we cried, and we
wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below is a piece of what I wrote
that day…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Bad Hair Day</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I got up out of bed and headed for the
shower. I had another full day of treatments. I was in the shower washing my
hair, when I realized that my hair was starting to come out in my hands.
My heart sank and I felt the tears begin to stream down my cheeks.
There was so much hair falling out. I couldn't stop myself from
running my hands through my hair over and over again. I thought to myself, I'm
going to be bald if I don't stop. I knew this day was coming, so I was
surprised at my emotional reaction. To my surprise, when I got out of the
shower and looked in the mirror, I wasn't bald. I couldn't even tell that my
hair was coming out by looking, but I could sure feel it. My scalp hurt.
It felt like I had my hair up in a super tight ponytail all day and had just
let it down, only a hundred times worse. I finished up in the bathroom and
headed to the bedroom to get dressed. I was sitting on the bed trying to muster
up the energy to get my clothes on, taking a shower had sucked up what little
energy I had started the day with. My mom got there to pick me up. She
came in to my bedroom and began helping me dress. I reached up and touch my
hair. As I pulled my hand away from my head, the hair came with it.
My mom just looked at me and assured me that it would be ok. She
was so positive and encouraging. A few days later, we were once again heading
to treatment. I had a radiation treatment at 9 in the morning. It was
late summer, so the mornings were humid but mild. We had the windows rolled
down enjoying the morning breeze. I caught a glimpse of something from
the corner of my eye in the window. I turned to see what it was. I
started yelling for my mom to stop the car as I frantically tried to get the
window rolled up. The car came to a stop and my mom was repeating “What's
wrong? Are you ok?” I calmed myself long enough to say, “My hair is
blowing out the window!” We just looked at each other for a moment
and then we started to laugh. We laughed and laughed until we were
crying. </span></i></div>
<i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</i><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Christy Scarrow, LSW</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="color: #073763;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">National Cancer Survivors Day® is coming up on June 2nd. Christy Scarrow is a Licensed Social Worker and the Manager of Patient Services at Hope Cancer Resources and is a Cancer Survivor.</span></b></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-39952653670520638632013-04-22T13:36:00.000-05:002013-04-22T13:47:15.528-05:00Long Name - Big Hearts<span style="font-size: normal;">The local chapter of the <a href="http://www.spohnc.org/" target="_blank">Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer</a> meets every 3rd Saturday at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Jack and Temple Igleburger share their knowledge based on their own personal cancer journeys, and provide a atmosphere of support for the folks who visit the group as they're going through their own treatment or learning how to deal with the "new normal" in the recovery phase. Here's an excerpt from the bio we shared last year when Jack received the <b>Gentleman of Distinction</b> award at our annual gala, the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm36pnNO9eaN5sZf_soMm-FVa_dGUrT2e9-39vnjBQZbZ0baiT1p6jBN0CT4RhYXofFZhgts7v1xFs4Ko8nkVl8IJ92u-d8jylF3Lv5tvUU2VErUHs57P9BizBsc4Hdohy9-EKGYcCrFT/s1600/Igleburger3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm36pnNO9eaN5sZf_soMm-FVa_dGUrT2e9-39vnjBQZbZ0baiT1p6jBN0CT4RhYXofFZhgts7v1xFs4Ko8nkVl8IJ92u-d8jylF3Lv5tvUU2VErUHs57P9BizBsc4Hdohy9-EKGYcCrFT/s200/Igleburger3.JPG" width="141" /></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: normal;">"Jack Igleburger had no experience with cancer before he was diagnosed with it himself. As he says, "Cancer wasn't on [his] personal radar...". He had no close family members or acquaintances who dealt with the disease and, like most people, took life and good health for granted. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: normal;">Jack had been dealing with a sore throat and raspy cough for several months when a lump appeared on his neck. He went through several attempts to diagnose the problem, including cough medicines and antibiotics for a possible infection. he was finally referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: normal;">During his last week of work and just before his retirement party, he got a call from the new doctor who asked him to come to his office the next day to discuss his biopsy results. He was informed that he had stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the base of his tongue. The cancer had already spread to his jaw bone, esophagus and lymph nodes. But the words that left the biggest impression on Jack came next: the cancer was inoperable, and he had approximately a 50% chance of survival.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: normal;">Jack made it through the treatment with the help of a good team of doctors, family, and his new wife and caregiver, Temple - herself a breast cancer survivor. They attended the Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) "Celebration of Life" in New York in August of 2006... At the meeting, the experience of meeting other survivors and facilitators of support groups was an emotional one that initiated some thought for Jack and Temple. On the flight home they decided they should create a SPOHNC chapter in Arkansas.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: normal;">With the help of a few local organizations, including Hope Cancer Resources, they held their first SPOHNC meeting on September 23, 2006. Today, they still facilitate the only SPOHNC chapter in the state of Arkansas. Their support for people dealing with this disease creates a ripple effect in our community: several of the survivors in their group also volunteer their time at local oncology clinics, work one-on-one with newly-diagnosed patients in the "Been There" program, or participate in local fundraisers to help support the network of cancer support in our area."</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hRiRO3VwAfGxfGEJvM9YG3y8a1AAgnC1EjzLz6x2W1LKzLirELwZ7BxloKByYc64U6mttiwlZ1FKoGUy1-7En77j_vwBJEFg6y0rNbpzppWHTwcPtkzqmszmmrSqWViy6nLvYP8B7wWe/s1600/headandneck-diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hRiRO3VwAfGxfGEJvM9YG3y8a1AAgnC1EjzLz6x2W1LKzLirELwZ7BxloKByYc64U6mttiwlZ1FKoGUy1-7En77j_vwBJEFg6y0rNbpzppWHTwcPtkzqmszmmrSqWViy6nLvYP8B7wWe/s1600/headandneck-diagram.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: normal;">Awareness of cancer usually centers around the understanding of symptoms, and one's own personal risk factors. In the case of Oral, Head and Neck cancers (and many others), the side effects can often be mistaken for other health issues - just as Jack's was. Here are some key points from the <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/head-and-neck" target="_blank">National Cancer Institute</a> to be aware of:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: normal;">Most head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the head and neck.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: normal;">Tobacco use, alcohol use, and human papillomavirus infection are important risk factors for head and neck cancers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: normal;">Typical symptoms of head and neck cancers include a lump or
sore (for example, in the mouth) that does not heal, a sore throat that
does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in
the voice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: normal;">Rehabilitation and regular follow-up care are important parts of treatment for patients with head and neck cancers.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: normal;"> Follow the link above to learn more about common locations of head and neck cancers, detailed symptoms based on location, known causes and common side-effects of treatment.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-19013194056869120502013-04-01T16:13:00.002-05:002013-04-01T16:13:33.371-05:00Nutrition and the Cancer PatientA recent article by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on <a href="http://www.medpagetoday.com/Columns/TheGuptaGuide/38124?isalert=1&uun=g232847d52R5228178u&utm_source=breaking-news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking-news" target="_blank">MedPage Today</a> calls for more efforts to be made on behalf of cancer patients to clarify and broaden nutritional recommendations found online. Dr. Gupta shares information compiled by Dr. Colin Champ of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, which showed not only that information is lacking, but that much of what is available is contradictory. From the article: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"A review of the websites of 21 National Comprehensive Cancer Network
(NCCN) institutions revealed that only four (19%) provided nutritional
guidelines. Another seven (33%) linked to external oncology sites
-- but only 44% of these sites offered nutritional guidelines for cancer
patients.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The real clincher, said senior author Colin Champ, MD,
of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, was that many of the
recommendations contradicted one another. Given that data suggest two-thirds of cancer patients go online for
guidance, "it's imperative to fund randomized studies on diet and
develop consistent, evidence-based nutritional guidelines for patients,"
Colin said." </i></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n7Kv9WlUH2wX_xnNI9G4GGlnSpa1ndFeEzgbmjRZE9Q5PfqH0ubg2AYWmMQcrloE67K4v2Xln4MYRiDht0SIOxV42Uq6ZcpCv3ueJzhwh5BFL4_-IYpOcSkMLbr7G5LxkMQky_EGSzEx/s1600/healthy+eating.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n7Kv9WlUH2wX_xnNI9G4GGlnSpa1ndFeEzgbmjRZE9Q5PfqH0ubg2AYWmMQcrloE67K4v2Xln4MYRiDht0SIOxV42Uq6ZcpCv3ueJzhwh5BFL4_-IYpOcSkMLbr7G5LxkMQky_EGSzEx/s1600/healthy+eating.png" /></a>We recently attended a video workshop with <a href="http://www.uamshealth.com/Physicians/ClinicalSearch/Details.aspx?sid=1&PhysicianId=2568" target="_blank">Michelle Morgan</a>, MS RD CSO LD, a Clinical Dietician at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. She shared her professional recommendations for cancer patients who are battling side-effects of their treatment, but these tips can be helpful for cancer patients past treatment as well. As the National Cancer Institute states: "Nutrition in cancer care embodies prevention of disease, treatment, cure, or supportive palliation."<br />
<br />
Here are some common (non-diagnosis-specific) side effects of treatment and tips on managing those effects:<br />
<br />
<b>Appetite Changes: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Increase intake to six small meals per day instead of three</li>
<li>Delay drinking liquids until after your meals when you have eaten all you can</li>
<li>Set an attractive table and make a meal an "event"</li>
<li>Be as physically active as possible to keep your appetite up</li>
<li>Eat high calorie, high protein snacks </li>
</ul>
<b>Sore Mouth and Throat:</b><br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBO2dC4Wyu-gY7Zm5lGx6MB-mszrIWHFzBaMssyjmhznZcVYsfexziAmN8xUTJwk6iz7WB-40ZarZ8Z7hNPA_t16zLeCUZ328Vl_6GtcZWzYrTaI6yT-NtM4YyjE_m6CiWOQiX51exbsi/s1600/no+caffeine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBO2dC4Wyu-gY7Zm5lGx6MB-mszrIWHFzBaMssyjmhznZcVYsfexziAmN8xUTJwk6iz7WB-40ZarZ8Z7hNPA_t16zLeCUZ328Vl_6GtcZWzYrTaI6yT-NtM4YyjE_m6CiWOQiX51exbsi/s200/no+caffeine.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li>Avoid tart, acidic, spicy or salty foods</li>
<li>Choose soft, creamy foods over rough-textured or hard foods</li>
<li>Choose lukewarm or cold foods</li>
<li>Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco which can dehydrate your body </li>
</ul>
<b>Dry Mouth: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Drink 8-10 cups of liquid each day</li>
<li>Take small bites and chew well</li>
<li>Eat soft, most foods that are cool or room temperature</li>
<li>Moisten foods with broth, soup, gravy or creams</li>
<li>Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum</li>
<li>Keep your mouth clean between meals</li>
<li>Avoid commercial mouthwashes which contain alcohol</li>
<li>Avoid alcoholic and acidic drinks and tobacco products</li>
<li>Limit caffeine intake</li>
<li>Use a cool mist humidifier</li>
<li>Snack on fresh pineapple (unless you are also dealing with sore mouth)</li>
<li>Ask your doctor about saliva substitutes</li>
</ul>
<b>Taste and Smell Changes: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Use plastic flatware to reduce metallic taste</li>
<li>Use fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables rather than canned</li>
<li>Cook with tart foods and seasonings (unless you are also dealing with a sore mouth) </li>
<li>Counter a salty taste with sweeteners</li>
<li>Rinse mouth with baking soda and salt mouthwash before eating to neutralize it</li>
<li>Keep your mouth clean and brush teeth regularly to reduce bad taste</li>
<li>Serve food cold or at room temperature </li>
</ul>
<b>Nausea: </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaYhzFcv1ezMpi0EXZdTRFt2wKLTsAG7HWBJFQ3cKLdI8wauURmi88zwHs0AnNvQHzVMjvk2kcSgHRVtWwnZYjIJ3WjhnHne7pAnOzNOjXksZALKR97Z3Yj7DDyX3arlFyO4gTesHpQQp/s1600/sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaYhzFcv1ezMpi0EXZdTRFt2wKLTsAG7HWBJFQ3cKLdI8wauURmi88zwHs0AnNvQHzVMjvk2kcSgHRVtWwnZYjIJ3WjhnHne7pAnOzNOjXksZALKR97Z3Yj7DDyX3arlFyO4gTesHpQQp/s1600/sick.jpg" /></a></b></div>
<ul>
<li>Eat 6-8 small meals each day instead of three big meals</li>
<li>Consume some dry foods upon waking and every few hours</li>
<li>Avoid foods with strong odors</li>
<li>Eat cold foods instead of hot or spicy foods</li>
<li>Avoid foods that are overly sweet, greasy, fried or spicy</li>
<li>Sit or recline for at least an hour after eating</li>
<li>Sip clear (decaffeinated) liquids frequently to avoid dehydration</li>
</ul>
<b>Diarrhea: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Drink mild, clear non-carbonated liquids through the day at room temperature</li>
<li>Eat small, frequent meals</li>
<li>Avoid greasy, spicy, fried or very sweet foods</li>
<li>Limit milk or milk products</li>
<li>Avoid drinks and foods that cause gas</li>
<li>Drink and eat high-sodium, high-potassium foods</li>
<li>Increase soluble fiber <i>(click <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/fiber-health-benefits-11/insoluble-soluble-fiber" target="_blank">here </a>for a definition and examples of soluble fiber)</i></li>
<li>Drink at least 1 cup of liquid after each loose bowel movement</li>
<li>Avoid sugar-free products </li>
</ul>
<b>Fatigue: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Prioritize daily activities, and enlist friends who want to help</li>
<li>Take short walks or get regular exercise</li>
<li>Drink plenty of fluids</li>
<li>Schedule some rest time during your day</li>
<li>Avoid high-carbohydrate foods to reduce blood sugar fluctuation</li>
<li>Increase protein in your diet</li>
<li>Monitor daily caloric intake (ask your doctor for their recommendation based on your current physical situation, height and activity level)</li>
<li>Avoid large doses of vitamins and minerals</li>
<li>Manage stress, and seek out assistance to reduce the items on your "to-do" list</li>
</ul>
As you can see, many of these suggestions can be beneficial for more than one side-effect. For diagnosis-specific advice, seek out support groups either in your community or online to help you with your particular challenges, or talk to your doctor about your concerns.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hopecancerresources.blogspot.com/2012/06/dealing-with-loss-of-appetite.html" target="_blank">Here's another blog post</a>
from last year that offers more suggestions on foods to keep on hand
for a diet intended to help cancer patients remain healthy through
treatment.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-63036848656925885232013-03-18T16:47:00.000-05:002013-03-18T16:47:01.004-05:00Getting Ready to Run!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRkITf1O6JUMT9mVy10geXv6_hG-byktwfSJoSmlty5GS-j-Yr8mL7dmku4RYGiotJknQ8z3a3Fv4r_4GcOTc-o2yZH90pC-AtfMwqzPmXfjlVpzzMnQGwOPwvKjMR4_H2UfMRCRP2Xx9/s1600/BAT13+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2013 Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope Logo" border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRkITf1O6JUMT9mVy10geXv6_hG-byktwfSJoSmlty5GS-j-Yr8mL7dmku4RYGiotJknQ8z3a3Fv4r_4GcOTc-o2yZH90pC-AtfMwqzPmXfjlVpzzMnQGwOPwvKjMR4_H2UfMRCRP2Xx9/s400/BAT13+cropped.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrL0d4jJi1oghIJst5QTpj674yMJrVgLfEXNQxvQ_WIc2yQb4TNayCiR8ne6cdsbW-6RHz5T92w_ZckEP2zvVTsd-bpsL0pjwuKIo0b7-GxQlhbVgZs4n7IJVEEixdCTx0Ubxbs39elZM/s1600/heather+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrL0d4jJi1oghIJst5QTpj674yMJrVgLfEXNQxvQ_WIc2yQb4TNayCiR8ne6cdsbW-6RHz5T92w_ZckEP2zvVTsd-bpsL0pjwuKIo0b7-GxQlhbVgZs4n7IJVEEixdCTx0Ubxbs39elZM/s200/heather+edited.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heather Ridley-Fleeman</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's March - <b>National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month</b> - and we're getting ready for our annual race, the <a href="http://www.heathersraceforhope.com/" target="_blank">Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope</a>. It was named in memory of a young woman from Northwest Arkansas who lost her life to colon cancer nine years ago. Over the years, proceeds from this event have helped us support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas with financial assistance, prescriptions, transportation, cancer screenings, and other services that benefit them as they go through treatment. More information about colorectal cancer can be found on our post from earlier this month.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This year in Arkansas, the American Cancer Society estimates that we
will see 1,540 new cases of colon and rectal cancer, and 610 individuals
will die from the disease. <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></blockquote>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i>
<br />
So, what can you do to help? Contrary to what the title of this post might lead you to believe, you don't actually have to <b><i>run </i></b>to support the event or the services of Hope Cancer Resources and cancer patients in our community. In addition to the 10k and 5k courses (certified by U.S. Track and Field), we have a 5k walk and 1-mile Family Fun Walk open for registration, as well as kids' races that are held on the track at the race starting location, the Old Tiger Stadium spot on the corner of Bella Vista Road and Tiger Boulevard.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Tiger+Blvd.+and+Bella+Vista+Road,+Bentonville,+AR&aq=&sll=36.38232,-94.217119&sspn=0.018761,0.027595&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Tiger+Blvd+%26+Bella+Vista+Rd,+Bentonville,+Benton,+Arkansas+72712&t=m&ll=36.386136,-94.217221&spn=0.018761,0.027595&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Tiger+Blvd.+and+Bella+Vista+Road,+Bentonville,+AR&aq=&sll=36.38232,-94.217119&sspn=0.018761,0.027595&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Tiger+Blvd+%26+Bella+Vista+Rd,+Bentonville,+Benton,+Arkansas+72712&t=m&ll=36.386136,-94.217221&spn=0.018761,0.027595&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></center>
<br />
We understand if you'd rather stay in bed on Saturday morning and let someone else do the walking and running. You can still make a donation to the event through the secure donation link on <a href="http://www.hopecancerresources.org/givingprograms.htm" target="_blank">the Hope Cancer Resources website here</a>, or you can purchase a tribute sign in honor or memory of someone special on the <a href="http://www.heathersraceforhope.com/donations.htm" target="_blank">race website here</a>. The tribute signs will be placed along the race routes to help raise awareness of the very real impact that colon cancer has on people right here in Northwest Arkansas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tribute Sign Image" border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlsT9e5Z37m16TF79YAqtwtQf5xPe0y0EsUUmuTB9i9Aj6QqtSiN68AvErJPshQgdV8xQrEdODat90xvSJl88qx3lOBgDMVbwN3KVvIoRgW11SS2ilNzH6t3VfxDtKxFv7YWIg8ZWkwxA/s320/Honor+Tribute+Sign.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Example of a Battle for Hope Tribute Sign</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1577259545"></span><span id="goog_1577259546"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Teams are always welcome</b>, and will be competing for some great prizes for the Largest Team, Biggest Fundraising Team. Individuals who finish in the top 3 of their age brackets will receive gift certificates for <a href="http://www.oleforjoses.com/sw-home.html" target="_blank">Jose's Southwest Grill</a> as well as a medal featuring this year's race logo. <b>Registration deadline for teams is April 19th</b>, and individual registration fees increase after that date, so get your folks together and get signed up!<br />
<br />
In addition to the events, we will also be selling raffle tickets again this year, and you'll have the chance to win some awesome prizes. We already have Walton Arts Center tickets, bicycles, and gift certificates to local restaurants on the list, and more are being added every day. You can purchase tickets with your online <a href="http://www.heathersraceforhope.com/registration.htm" target="_blank">registration</a>, or on the day of the race. <br />
<br />
For more information on the Battle for Hope, or to register or view pictures from prior years, please visit the event website at <a href="http://www.heathersraceforhope.com/">www.heathersraceforhope.com</a>. You can also get the latest updates and news on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeatherRidleyFleemanBattleForHope?ref=hl" target="_blank">race Facebook page here</a>! See you on May 4th!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-24317416397912950272013-03-04T15:50:00.000-06:002013-03-04T15:51:03.450-06:00Blue Ribbon InfoMarch is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, as well as National Social Worker Appreciation Month. Both subjects are cause for celebration, but for different reasons of course...<br />
<br />
<b>Colorectal cancer </b>incidences have been decreasing over the last two decades, and is now listed as the third most common cancer in men and women, where it used to rank in the number two spot. Screening tests have increased in availability and accessibility, and have played a significant role in this change. <br />
<br />
Specifically, colorectal cancer screening tests that allow for the detection and removal of polyps have been found to be highly effective in preventing cancer. These polyps - whether or not they are cancerous upon removal - have been shown in research to eventually progress into colon cancer. Removing them when they are first seen has become standard procedure and is saving lives.<br />
<br />
Colorectal cancer is difficult to detect in early stages without the aid of a test such as the colonoscopy, since it doesn't typically show any distinct symptoms. <b>Advanced disease can be indicated by rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, decreased appetite, or weight loss.</b> In some cases, loss of blood caused by the cancer can lead to anemia which causes its own symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. In recent years, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in individuals under fifty years of age, so any of these symptoms in someone in that age bracket should cause enough concern to warrant a visit to the doctor for screening.<br />
<br />
Current recommendations for colon cancer screening say to begin at age 50 for anyone at average risk for developing the disease. Recommendations on type of test and time interval changed in 2008 based on the American Cancer Society's collaboration with several other organizations. For the breakdown of the new recommendations <a href="http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/moreinformation/colonandrectumcancerearlydetection/colorectal-cancer-early-detection-acs-recommendations" target="_blank">click here</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Social Workers</b> are the life-blood of many non-profit organizations - especially those, like Hope Cancer Resources, that provide services to people in the community. Not only do our social workers provide navigation for cancer patients who request assistance from us, but they also network into the community to help a patient find assistance that is not within the scope of our organization's mission.<br />
<br />
Our services are provided to patients who are going through one of the most difficult times of their lives - cancer treatment. Not only can the disease and the treatment drain an individual's body of strength and stamina, but the emotional toll it takes on someone who has trouble finding the light at the end of the tunnel can be just as devastating. <b>Our social workers address patients' emotional needs instantly, the very first time they meet with patients, and for some patients that's one of the most important services they receive: the providing of hope. </b>Perhaps these quotes from grateful patients say it best:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"We thank you so very much for being there for Fred when we didn't think we had any hope." -- MSW</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I do not have the words to express how much you have meant to me and my family. Not only have you helped us financially, but you have also met so many emotional needs. Thank you does not seem like enough, but it is all I know to say." -- KT</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Your generous assistance is so appreciated. Your help will not only help me with expenses, but help alleviate some of the stress and tension caused by such worries. Thank goodness for organizations like yours, ... literally saving patients from some of the stresses that can hinder recovery. Thank you!" -- RR</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
We are proud of the work our social workers do every day to support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas, and we honor all the social workers doing their work throughout the country. Take a minute to thank a social worker you know this week... you might meet one at your child's school, at the hospital, at the nursing home, at the local food bank or shelter, or even at a church or public service organization office. They're all doing great work every day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm8e9frXGx_TjTnsRx4NeIZtef6qbiDZ4eSn7OHwUjwK0PsYRjNpquJxSKetKumt-pSb2DoNckM1x-OgyGTscvUy5HpJUqBlzWsZjQ1bm9ZhuFCHxrRgAn3XcAfFX_Odti_-GCqZ6oYEU/s1600/Social+Workers+Month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm8e9frXGx_TjTnsRx4NeIZtef6qbiDZ4eSn7OHwUjwK0PsYRjNpquJxSKetKumt-pSb2DoNckM1x-OgyGTscvUy5HpJUqBlzWsZjQ1bm9ZhuFCHxrRgAn3XcAfFX_Odti_-GCqZ6oYEU/s320/Social+Workers+Month.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-75630161898077374812013-02-20T10:51:00.000-06:002013-02-20T10:51:45.215-06:00Prevention in Plain LanguageOften, an article in the paper or a story on the national news will present a lot of great information about cancer prevention. Sometimes, the information can be confusing, and viewers might have a difficult time pulling out the details in the story that apply to their daily lives in real time. New diets and fitness routines can seem too complicated to begin or maintain, and medical research stories don't make it clear how the new findings apply to individuals' daily lives, so it becomes easy to dismiss the information entirely.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-6Xn8fuw7_SvxRtuwYkgH01LIYDRuvRH6SZ2NdB1xgc48dBrfJ496GKdbD7dgtIkwpmD1wq1ArpWaocO7USZ-z2esFoYKvPerZws_F8IZyZbAsUah506HKZpXn91vMkaFoKo3pLa1ho6/s1600/Casey+Shelor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-6Xn8fuw7_SvxRtuwYkgH01LIYDRuvRH6SZ2NdB1xgc48dBrfJ496GKdbD7dgtIkwpmD1wq1ArpWaocO7USZ-z2esFoYKvPerZws_F8IZyZbAsUah506HKZpXn91vMkaFoKo3pLa1ho6/s200/Casey+Shelor.JPG" width="132" /></a><br />
To help you navigate the sometimes confusing messages we hear in the media, we've asked our Director of Cancer Prevention and Outreach, Casey Shelor,to answer a few questions for us. Casey is one of our Certified Health Education Specialists who work in the community of Northwest Arkansas providing education and information in group settings and to individuals. <br />
<br />
<b>Q: Recently, reports have shown that more young people are being diagnosed with skin cancer than in previous years. What is causing that trend, and how can it be reversed?</b><br />
<br />
A: Most young people don't equate tanned skin with damaged skin, but that's what is actually is. Dr. Bob Burns, PhD in the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences at the UAMS College of Medicine explains:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"All skin cancers are caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Research has proven that the cause of skin cancers is not necessarily related to a lifetime of unprotected exposure to UV radiation, but to unprotected exposure such as sunburns or tanning booth exposures in early childhood/adolescent years. Unprotected exposure in the younger years not only causes the development of skin cancers... these skin cancers develop [faster]."</blockquote>
Avoiding unprotected exposure to UV radiation, both natural and mad-made, would reverse the upward trend of skin malignancies in younger people.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Does ending a smoking habit really make a difference for people who have been smoking for decades? </b><br />
<br />
A: Absolutely. The benefits of quitting smoking (even if you have smoked the majority of your life) can be seen almost immediately - within 20 minutes! According to the American Cancer Society, after you quit smoking the following are benefits you will see over time:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.</li>
<li>12 hours after quitting: Your carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.</li>
<li>2 weeks - 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and lung function increases. </li>
<li>1-9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) start to regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce risk of infection.</li>
<li>1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is cut to half that of a continuing smoker. </li>
<li>5 years after quitting: Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years. </li>
<li>10 years after quitting: The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases. </li>
<li>15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker.</li>
</ul>
<br />
No matter how long you have smoked - 1 year or 50 years - it is <u>never</u> too late to quit. You will see benefits for years to come!<br />
<br />
<b>Q: The HPV vaccine is supposed to prevent cervical and other cancers caused by the sexually-transmitted Human Papillomavirus (HPV). But if my children are not sexually active, do they still need to have the vaccine?</b><br />
<br />
A: I would definitely recommend the vaccination to any young female or male. It is actually <u>recommended</u> that to receive the maxiumum benefit from the HPV vaccination, an individual should complete all three doses <u>before</u> sexual activity begins.<br />
<br />
The vaccination protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It can be administered between the ages of 9 and 26 years, but the recommended age for receiving the vaccination is 11 or 12 years of age.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: If you were recommending just <u>one</u> thing people could do to reduce their risk of being diagnosed with cancer, what would it be? </b><br />
<br />
A: I would urge people to quit, or never start, using tobacco products. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for most cases of lung cancer and it increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nasal cavity (nose) and sinuses, larynx (voice box), throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovaries, and acute myeloid leukemia.<br />
<br />
Cancer can not only increase the risk of being diagnosed with cancer, but is also responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks to Casey for all this great information! Share your cancer prevention-related questions with us and we will post another Q & A in the future based on your questions. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-10661150111745609612013-02-04T16:03:00.001-06:002013-03-04T09:50:20.827-06:00Cancer Prevention: You Can Help<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The following information is borrowed from the American Cancer Society's website and is used with permission. </i> </span><br />
<br />
<b>There are nearly 13.7 million people in America who have survived cancer</b>, and the increasing number of survivors each year is due in large part to ongoing research being performed around the world. Many of you may make monetary gifts to organizations that support cancer research, but did you know there is another way you can help prevent cancer in future generations? <br />
<br />
The American Cancer Society's
Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages
of 30 and 65 years who have no personal history of cancer to join an historic research study - the Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3). <b>The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000
adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. </b>By
joining CPS-3, you can help researchers understand how to prevent cancer, which
will save lives and give people more of their most precious resource: <b>time.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How Does the CPS Saves Lives?</span><br />
The American Cancer Society (ACS) first began conducting
long-term prospective studies in the
1950s. For these studies, large groups of individuals were recruited
through a successful partnership between the ACS
researchers and volunteers. The study population provides information
(e.g. lifestyle, medical, or behavioral) and then are followed over
time to assess their health outcomes and to determine how those
outcomes are related to the previously collected exposure data. The
commitment of the study participants and the volunteers who recruited
them has been vital to the success of these studies.<br />
<br />
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Past
long-term follow-up studies have played a
major role in cancer prevention. More than 300
scientific articles by ACS epidemiologists have been
published from these studies, significantly
contributing to tobacco-related research, and the understanding of
obesity, diet, physical activity, hormone use, air pollution, and
various other exposures in relation to cancer and other diseases.<br />
<br />
<b>Past American Cancer Society long-term studies include:</b><br />
<b><span class="t8">Hammond-Horn Study (1952-1955):</span></b>
Included 188,000 U.S. men recruited by 22,000 volunteers. This study
was the first large prospective study to examine the effect of
cigarette smoking on death rates from cancer and other diseases. This
study set the methodologic foundation for the two subsequent Cancer
Prevention Studies (CPS-I and CPS-II).<br />
<br />
<b><span class="t8">Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-I (1959-1972):</span> </b>CPS-I
included approximately one million men and women recruited by 68,000
volunteers in 25 states. In contrast to the Hammond-Horn Study, CPS-I
was designed to address a wide range of potential exposures, in
addition to tobacco use, that may increase or decrease cancer risk.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="t8">Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-2 (1982-ongoing):</span> </b>CPS-II
includes 1.2 million subjects recruited by 77,000 volunteers in 50
states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. All participants have been
followed for over 20 years to determine causes of death. Like CPS-I,
this study was designed to address a wide range of environmental and
lifestyle exposures that may increase or decrease cancer risk.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="t8">CPS-2 Nutrition Cohort (1992-ongoing):</span> </b>185,000
CPS-II participants from 21 states were enrolled in the new CPS-II
Nutrition Cohort, a study designed to better understand how diet
affects cancer risk. We periodically mail questionnaires to CPS-II
Nutrition Cohort members to update exposure information and follow them
for both cancer occurrence and all causes of death. For many members
of the CPS-II Nutrition Cohort, biological specimens (blood and
buccal (cheek) cells) have also been collected. The CPS-II Nutrition
Cohort was designed to address a wide range of potential exposures,
behavioral, environmental, and genetic, that may increase or decrease
cancer risk.<br />
<br />
<b>Results from previous American Cancer Society long-term follow-up studies have demonstrated:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer</li>
<li>The significant impact of being overweight or obese on risk of cancer occurrence and death</li>
<li>The
impact of hormones, physical activity, diet, various medications and
vitamins, and various other factors in relation to cancer risk</li>
<li>The
impact of air pollution on cardiopulmonary conditions motivating the
Environmental Protection Agency to propose more stringent limits on
particulate air pollution</li>
<li>the link between aspirin use and reduced risk of colon cancer</li>
<li>the link between postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and various gynecologic cancers (such as breast and ovarian cancer)</li>
<li>the link between diabetes and cancers of the pancreas and colon</li>
<li>the link between physical activity and lower risk of various cancers (including breast, colon, and aggressive prostate cancer)</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Why a New Study?</span><br />
Because the current study population (CPS-2) is aging, we must
recruit a new study population for the next generation of research. Also, the environment and
individuals' lifestyles change over time. New follow-up studies like
CPS-3 are needed to understand these changes. We will be studying CPS-3
members for the next 20 to 30 years. This younger study population
will have environmental and lifestyle exposures that may be
meaningfully different from our previous populations and will help us
further advance our understanding of the factors that cause or prevent
cancer.<br />
<br />
Finally, as we improve our understanding of what causes
cancer, CPS-3 will allow us to explore new and emerging hypotheses
related to cancer. Through this landmark new study, we will
continue our work to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for
future generations.<br />
<br />
<b>In Northwest Arkansas, connect with the ACS through their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/americancancersocietynwa?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Study enrollments are currently scheduled in Fort Smith for April 2-3, and in Benton and Washington Counties in September with specific dates TBA. </b><br />
<br />
Will you sign up? Feel free to share this information with everyone you know - the more people who are involved in the study, the more useful the results will be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-81896652476760716242013-01-21T14:00:00.000-06:002013-01-21T14:00:00.121-06:00Being Proactive About Your Health<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue7hnjvAHfgm1cTw1WsUlvIgzgq8rBYUmsRJvtrysFPevA_HeO1LdJV86EUyzJsbBTSppPCv2jo68R63tLiLBfXpjy_LDgbsBdT3UFBwchfPkUwEu7sgeICinCft9LxSZ2e5aUpwCWaGx/s1600/advocate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue7hnjvAHfgm1cTw1WsUlvIgzgq8rBYUmsRJvtrysFPevA_HeO1LdJV86EUyzJsbBTSppPCv2jo68R63tLiLBfXpjy_LDgbsBdT3UFBwchfPkUwEu7sgeICinCft9LxSZ2e5aUpwCWaGx/s1600/advocate.jpg" /></a>If you've ever dealt with a major illness, either personally, or through a loved-one or good friend, you may have heard the term "advocate". More and more often, being an advocate for oneself can prevent difficulties that arise from miscommunications, unintentional delays in care, or simple misunderstandings of expectations.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.canceradvocacy.org/" target="_blank">National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship</a> (NCCS) published a booklet titled <i>"Self-Advocacy: A Cancer Survivor's Handbook"</i> to help cancer patients and their caregivers navigate the confusing new world of treatment and to help individuals be prepared for most of the possible scenarios. We will share several things from the booklet over the next few months, but today we're focusing on being proactive - things you should know and prepare for <u>before</u> a diagnosis of cancer, or any other major illness.<br />
<br />
The following points will, as explained by the NCCS, help reduce your misunderstanding and increase opportunities to get the best care available if, and when, you learn that you or someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer...<br />
<br />
<b>Study and understand your health insurance coverage.</b> It is important to fully understand your choice of facilities and health care providers when selecting a health plan. When facing the need for second opinions or researching large treatment centers, you may face barriers to accessing this type of care based on your insurance coverage. If you think that you might want to get an opinion or treatment at a major cancer center and/or specialist out of your area (if you are diagnosed), make sure that you fully understand your "out of network" benefits. If you don't, contact your health plan or your employer's benefits administrator for clarification.<br />
<br />
<b>Headlines are meant to sell newspapers and magazines and can be misleading.</b> Hardly a day goes by without a news story heralding some breakthrough or major finding about cancer. One headline tells us certain foods may increase our risk for cancer, while another study and story may dispute that evidence. Keeping up with this kind of news helps you remain an "active" rather than a "passive" consumer, but keep in mind that scientific knowledge about what puts us at risk for cancer evolves constantly. Never hesitate to raise questions with your health care professionals about your risk for cancer based on current evidence.<br />
<br />
<b>Reduce your risk of exposure to known cancer-causing agents.</b> We all look forward to the day when we will know for certain what causes cancer. Two very difficult cancers are largely, though not always, caused by lifestyle choices - lung cancer and skin cancer. You can lessen your risk of developing these cancers by not smoking or using tobacco products and by limiting sun exposure. Guidelines regarding screening for the most common cancers are constantly evolving. Check with your physician to determine how the most current evidence regarding screening for breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer may apply to you. <i>(You can also contact Hope Cancer Resources' health educators, <a href="mailto:casey.shelor@hopecancerresources.org" target="_blank">Casey Shelor</a> or <a href="mailto:sandy.prince@hopecancerresources.org" target="_blank">Sandy Prince</a>. They can provide information and printed materials to help you understand the latest screening recommendations for various types of cancer.)</i><br />
<br />
<b>History is not destiny. </b>If you have a family history of cancer, ask a health professional what role genetics or other risk factors may apply to your particular health profile. Understanding "relative risk" versus "actual risk" marks an important distinction when dealing with genetic or heritable risk factors for cancer. <i>Note: If you are diagnosed with breast cancer and are interested in learning more about genetic testing for the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genes, contact our health educators for information.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Know and trust your body and your instincts.</b> See your physician with any unusual symptoms that do not clear up in two weeks' time. If you are unsatisfied or instinctively sense that something is wrong, seek another opinion if possible.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(c)2013 National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, contact info@canceradvocacy.or</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">g</span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-71966510847960309012013-01-07T15:42:00.000-06:002013-01-18T14:47:41.821-06:00Cervical Cancer Can Be Prevented<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ten out of twelve months of the year feature at least one kind of cancer awareness (July and August are the exceptions). January starts us out with Cervical cancer, which has a very shiny silver lining - it is a cancer that is now largely preventable with a simple vaccine. Thanks to the thousands of patients who have participated in clinical trials in the past, your daughters and grand-daughters can reduce their risk of acquiring the virus that causes approximately 70% of cervical cancers, as well as other forms of cancer. <br />
<br />
<b>What is cervical cancer?</b><br />
Cervical
cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix - the lower part of the uterus
that connects to the vagina. Symptoms don't usually appear until
abnormal cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. Abnormal
vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom, including spotting between
regular menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam.
Other possible signs are heavier-than-usual menstrual bleeding, unusual
pelvic pain, increased vaginal discharge and bleeding after menopause.<br />
<br />
<b>Are there symptoms?</b><br />
Early-stage
cervical cancer usually produces no signs or symptoms, making it
important to get regular screenings to be able to catch any
abnormalities early when the disease is more easily treated.<b> The current recommendation is for every woman over the age of 21 to get a Pap screening every two years.</b>
After age 30, if you've had a normal result for three years in a row,
you can ask your doctor about spacing them out to every three years.
Beyond age 65, discuss your need for continued testing with your doctor.<br />
<br />
<b>How can I prevent cervical cancer? </b><br />
The Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 150 related
viruses.<b> </b>They get their name because certain types may cause warts, or papillomas, which are non-cancerous growths.
<b>
Persistent infections with high-risk HPVs are the primary cause of cervical and anal cancers. </b>Genital
HPV infection also causes some cancers of the vulva, vagina, and penis,
as well as some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the
throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue and tonsils.)<br />
<br />
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The FDA has approved two vaccines to prevent HPV infection - Gardasil® and Cervarix®. <b>Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections with the strains of HPV most-often linked to cervical cancers in women. </b>Garadsil
also prevents infection with the types which cause 90% of genital
warts, a non-cancerous sexually transmitted infection. We shared more information about this vaccine in <a href="http://hopecancerresources.blogspot.com/2012/01/hpv-vaccines-who-needs-them.html" target="_blank">another blog post</a> last year.<br />
<br />
The American Cancer Society estimated there would be over 12,000 new
cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed last year. Having a regular pap test has been a crucial tool in reducing the number of cases since that recommendation was put in place in the 1970s, and the HPV vaccine is expected to reduce numbers even more dramatically in the future.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-86501308415546865852012-12-24T13:30:00.000-06:002013-01-02T11:59:40.481-06:00Holiday Stress Relief<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<i>We're sharing an oldie but goodie from our blog archives today. The information is still relevant, and we hope beneficial to you or someone you love. </i><br />
<br />
The holidays can be
incredibly stressful and even depressing for a cancer patient and their
caregivers. You may be too exhausted to make travel plans or host your
annual open house. Besides the physical challenges of being a cancer
patient, the holidays can also be very difficult emotionally. Feelings
may not always be joyous. In fact, during this time of year a cancer
patient may deal with many complex and overwhelming feelings that they
are able to stay on top of during the rest of the year.<br />
<br />
Here are some tips for coping with cancer during the holidays**:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the Patient...</span><br />
<b>Prepare yourself emotionally.</b><br />
Holidays are often a time of remembrance, and of looking ahead. For a
cancer patient, both of those things can cause feelings to surface that
have been dormant or non-existent previously. Fears about your
continuing treatments, recovery period, or how long your remission will
last can all be overwhelming when faced with loved ones' questions and
concerns. Know that you may be asked questions about your diagnosis and
your current state of health, as well as your prognosis for the future,
and decide how you will handle those potentially uncomfortable moments.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IMzGEAN3oR30_SFtmG7v5xUJ0qGWU9Sw0tJsCcMQdDG0uxioYeRHTy6sd7N05QwGRswA27IlOMOh0PvOxo7HMvokZJMfkO9B75HUNeG2xy_6C-P2LUwQLuTWk_j9HDLh7Abze1ts0gkY/s1600/HCR+friends.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IMzGEAN3oR30_SFtmG7v5xUJ0qGWU9Sw0tJsCcMQdDG0uxioYeRHTy6sd7N05QwGRswA27IlOMOh0PvOxo7HMvokZJMfkO9B75HUNeG2xy_6C-P2LUwQLuTWk_j9HDLh7Abze1ts0gkY/s200/HCR+friends.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b> </b>
<b>Plan to get together with friends, family or co-workers.</b><br />
As much as is possible depending on your physical stamina, plans <u>should</u>
be made to spend time with people who are supportive of you and your
situation. Don't assume that you need to stay away from everything - it
will only lead to feelings of distress and lonliness. That said, you
don't have to do it <u>all</u>! Allow yourself to decline invitations if necessary. Your health and well-being is your priority.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep it simple.</b><br />
If you have traditionally been the one expected to provide the meals and
host the festivities, ask everyone to bring their favorite dish or
suggest a restaurant instead. Perhaps you could host a mid-afternoon get
together or dessert reception instead of a sit-down meal? Enlist
friends or a maid service to help you prepare for a gathering, and clean
up afterward.<br />
<br />
<b>Share the work.</b><br />
You may be apprehensive of the holidays because you have always been the
one who managed the planning. Take care of yourself by confiding in
close friends or loved ones and asking them to take on part of the
burden. Many times those closest to you want to help, but aren't sure
what to do. Let them be there for you.<br />
<br />
<b>Be a creative shopper.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jnr8ZXY7vxAereqC6zZ_-EVurXiaBJFWO5s3501hOqZntL0UfGeWxuBr83jhkALqE6ZTcOCPJD8qdVTMP8FHffsnZd36whSyOm9HmIzfE6AcfvZElJDZ3dQTHbknQElQjvng0a0vl0R7/s1600/HCR+presents.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jnr8ZXY7vxAereqC6zZ_-EVurXiaBJFWO5s3501hOqZntL0UfGeWxuBr83jhkALqE6ZTcOCPJD8qdVTMP8FHffsnZd36whSyOm9HmIzfE6AcfvZElJDZ3dQTHbknQElQjvng0a0vl0R7/s200/HCR+presents.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
There
are so many catalogs and internet shopping options available nowadays,
there's no need to get out in the crowds and exhaust yourself (not to
mention the risk of infection if your blood counts are low). Many
online stores even offer free shipping for orders of a certain size, or
those made by a certain date. Take it easy, and enjoy the giving - not
the shopping. And don't think a gift card is not an acceptable gift!
Many local merchants like Walgreens have great selections of cards from
restaurants and stores found all over the country. You can get all
your shopping done while waiting for your prescriptions to be filled!<br />
<br />
<b>Share your feelings.</b><br />
Seek out additional support if it's hard to talk to those you're closest
to. Find a support group or just talk to someone one-on-one.
Communicating your feelings - even the ones you find difficult to admit
having - can help you feel less alone and more connected. (Contact Hope
Cancer Resources with your questions about talking to a counselor.) As
suggested above, be ready for questions about your cancer diagnosis and
prognosis. If you would rather not discuss it, don't be afraid to post a
little note at the front door or on the invitations you send out that
designate your home as a Cancer-Free Conversation Zone. <br />
<br />
<b>Set goals for the New Year.</b><br />
A cancer diagnosis can alter your future plans and even your personal
priorities and life path. But there is nothing that says a re-evaluation
is not valuable, no matter what your situation is. Even if you're not
sure how things will turn out after your treatment, make plans and set
goals. It can help strengthen your resolve to recover and get back in
control of your life if you remind yourself that there's something out
there to work toward.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the Caregiver... </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Remind your loved one that you care, and are there.</span></b><br />
They may need a little extra reassurance that they are needed and loved,
even if they can't do all they have done in the past. Give them gifts
that speak to who they are apart from being a cancer patient. Let them
know you see them as a person, not as a cancer patient.<br />
<br />
<b>No pressure, please.</b><br />
Invite your loved one to join in holiday activities, but don't pressure
them to be involved in every event. They may need to rest their body and
their mind in order to make the things they choose to do more
enjoyable.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KODjQ07T661efoUD3Ce4chVVzF9bvl169mSfFIOoASq0s-2yUZqVsS14tTTe3PDhm5t-tJoz-gZKZsD2fdKPoKNmzgHM6W3f-yPVHuuIWABP-oqQbNO5iX78Z7hQY5VpBL71piJynrJg/s1600/HCR+laundry.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KODjQ07T661efoUD3Ce4chVVzF9bvl169mSfFIOoASq0s-2yUZqVsS14tTTe3PDhm5t-tJoz-gZKZsD2fdKPoKNmzgHM6W3f-yPVHuuIWABP-oqQbNO5iX78Z7hQY5VpBL71piJynrJg/s200/HCR+laundry.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Offer to help.</b><br />
Offer to clean the house, do laundry, cook, get groceries, decorate,
etc. Give your loved one the opportunity to decide what they want to
do, and then help with the rest. If you're not sure what you can do to
help, or aren't sure what they want to do for the holidays - just ask!
Talk to them about their feelings and share your own. Working together
to make decisions about holiday preparations can help each of you feel
more connected.<br />
<br />
<b>Be sensitive to their feelings. </b><br />
Don't expect your loved one to react to the stimuli of parties, family
gatherings, and even small things like a quiet meal the same way as they
have in the past. They may be grateful for the time with you, but feel
guilty about the efforts others have to make to get them there or work
around their physical needs. They may be frustrated about an unknown
future and find it hard to fully appreciate being in the moment. These
kinds of emotions are normal - allow them to feel what they feel and
communicate those feelings to you (or not) without judgement.<br />
<br />
<b>Maintain some normalcy.</b><br />
Your loved one probably wants to celebrate the holidays as normally as
possible, without a lot of time spent dwelling on their cancer. Let them
know you are with them because you love them and enjoy their company,
not because you feel sorry for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>**Thanks to <a href="http://www.cancercare.org/">CancerCare</a> for the original fact sheet that inspired this post! </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-56107905401851887752012-12-17T13:30:00.002-06:002012-12-17T13:34:31.688-06:00Knowing What to Expect<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_BmbhFcuIKerBGOMbogaWcToOu9HNivQUhar66sNrYqKEcJS1HrUJLid53wIjk2xj3aZ_DGcoqQjRLZWNfTiWtYWhPNa1hyFoUWMEyB691ryILV-7QiuOLM83floBqnXAgcu6FEjs7jp/s1600/Journey+Clip+Art+1-25-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_BmbhFcuIKerBGOMbogaWcToOu9HNivQUhar66sNrYqKEcJS1HrUJLid53wIjk2xj3aZ_DGcoqQjRLZWNfTiWtYWhPNa1hyFoUWMEyB691ryILV-7QiuOLM83floBqnXAgcu6FEjs7jp/s200/Journey+Clip+Art+1-25-10.jpg" width="198" /></a>One of the worst parts of the entire experience of having cancer is the initial feeling of not knowing what to expect. Physicians can only treat the physical part of the disease, and yet the stress and fear that come along with hearing those three words, "You have cancer." can be as devastating to a person's mental health as the actual disease is to their body.<br />
<br />
Our social workers strive to alleviate some of that initial fear simply by allowing patients to share their concerns, and working to alleviate as many as they can. When a patient meets our social workers at their first visit with their oncologist, they are told that we are available to help with financial needs, prescription payments, transportation, Spanish interpretation, and emotional support. Some patients don't need to access our assistance programs, others are provided with several kinds of support. Some patients are relieved just to know we are here if the time comes that they do need us.<br />
<br />
Here are some tips to help prepare a patient for their journey, compiled from an article published by <a href="http://www.caring4cancer.com/" target="_blank">Caring4Cancer</a>.<br />
<br />
Once a patient has been diagnosed, they should learn as much as they can about their diagnosis and type of cancer. Knowing what they are dealing with can help them ask the right questions of physicians and other medical professionals, and understand their treatment plan. For a list of questions to ask your doctor, follow <a href="https://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/diagnosis/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-about-cancer-treatment.htm" target="_blank">this link</a>. <br />
<br />
After diagnosis, many patients undergo testing and scans to determine whether the cancer has spread to any other part of their body. This helps the medical team determine the <a href="https://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/basics/what-is-a-cancer-stage.htm" target="_blank">stage of their cancer</a> and the proper course of treatment. Some tests you may encounter include:<br />
<br />
<b>Biopsy</b>: A biopsy is one of the most important cancer diagnostic tests. A small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope by a specially trained doctor called a pathologist, who can tell if these cells are cancerous (or precancerous). A biopsy can be done surgically or with a needle while the patient is awake.<br />
<br />
<b>Tumor Marker Tests</b>: Tumor markers are substances (usually proteins) produced by cancer cells or other cells in the body that turn up in unusual amounts in your blood, urine, or tissues. Although they may be used to help diagnose cancer, monitor the effect of treatment, and watch for a recurrence, they can also occasionally be high in people without cancer.<br />
<br />
<b>Complete Blood Count </b>(also known as a CBC): The information a CBC provides can make a difference in a patient's treatment. It measures amounts of the three types of blood cells: red, white and platelets. Patients will probably have a CBC test done each time they visit their oncologist so the doctor can track the effects of treatment. Low red blood cells can lead to anemia and fatigue. Low white blood cells increase your risk for infection. Low platelet count can increase a patient's risk of bleeding because the platelets are the component in your blood that initiates clotting. <br />
<br />
Good communication between the patient and the health care professionals
who will be treating them will be the best line of defense against the
feelings of anxiety that can accompany cancer treatment. If possible, patients should take a friend or close family member with them to appointments with their oncologist. Having someone else there can not only alleviate some of the patient's stress, but can help them remember things said and questions asked. Carrying a small notebook is a good idea as well, to record notes they might refer to later.<br />
<br />
If a patient is already managing other conditions with their primary care physician, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they should continue to maintain that relationship. The oncologists involved in a patient's cancer treatment will only be managing the cancer, and will not be keeping up with other conditions that might be affected by their treatment.<br />
<br />
The journey through cancer treatment can be frustrating and confusing, but information and support can lessen the anxiety and give patients the tools they need to navigate it successfully.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-51104686728886097262012-12-10T14:14:00.000-06:002012-12-10T14:14:29.378-06:00'Tis the Season... But What if You're Not Jolly?For most people, the winter holiday season is a time of coming together
with family and friends to celebrate. We share laughter and memories and
look forward hopefully to the coming year. For people who are in cancer
treatment or have recently lost someone to the disease, the season can
be less than joyful.<br />
<br />
Cancer patients typically struggle with exhaustion and self-image and
may be hesitant to do the things during the holiday season that they
would normally do like shopping or hosting get-togethers. This can lead
to feelings of isolation and loneliness even when a person seems to be
surrounded by people who care about them. <br /><br /> <img align="right" border="0" height="320" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.129" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs166/1103873591218/img/129.jpg" vspace="5" width="108" />
Patients need to be reminded that although treatment can be a long
process, there is an end in sight. For some patients, that end is only a
few weeks after their diagnosis, for others, it may be a couple of
years down the road.<br />
<br />
For patients in Northwest Arkansas, emotional
support is a phone call away. Our licensed social workers provide
individuals and families with counseling and support to help them get
through the difficulties that come with cancer treatment.<br /><br />Individuals who are still grieving someone who lost their battle with
cancer can find it difficult to find joy in the first holiday season spent without their loved-one. If you know someone who has experienced a
loss this year, reach out to them to offer your companionship as you
are comfortable. Getting out to do a little shopping, or simply having
dinner and sharing some memories of holidays past can help them move
through the final stages of grief. <br /><br /><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001y0KXOGPbyBl7WZzq-jM48L5h3lv4CibMUzEvaHrPLxsckHSI9pO_HHzc27tzQjxTwsxj1EUdz4cm_KWLaPJJ3DH5TYxDie_Q5phUBDzgQe6gkd2OWgbvDKwMOewSuXCITbZyKlFWIkXQBhIW-bnifwQSwju-mOxxNwGHW3Fdu7hvCgZpJ4ejxNtcCJeFV-s0uf5xWu2NXJmnkicsHW-hApyn-dcRKdYqrFq1Y9Cih4R2Q9guP211Xvd-Uf0FY8wW" shape="rect" style="color: #323232; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">The Schmieding Center</a>
in Springdale is hosting a workshop on December 11 that will deal
specifically with coping with grief during the holiday season. For more
information on the workshop and to get registered, contact <span>Circle of Life Hospice at751-3043 ext. 228</span>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-86157925947184719282012-12-03T16:06:00.003-06:002012-12-03T16:09:53.560-06:00Join us "On the Border"!We are fortunate (and thankful!) to do our work in an area that is home to so many businesses that give back to the community. We have great partners for our programs and events, and we also receive support in the form of "give back" events that some companies have hosted for us. In 2012 we have worked with <a href="http://www.rubytuesday.com/" target="_blank">Ruby Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.fishcitygrill.com/" target="_blank">Fish City Grill</a>, <a href="http://www.brighton.com/" target="_blank">Brighton Collectibles</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentMan" target="_blank">The Independent</a>, <a href="http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/home.aspx" target="_blank">Chili's</a>, <a href="http://www.harpsfood.com/" target="_blank">Harp's Foods</a>, <a href="http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/fayetteville/" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist</a>, and <a href="http://www.ozarknaturalfoods.com/" target="_blank">Ozark Natural Foods</a>. Look for more great opportunities to give back while eating out or doing some shopping in 2013!<br />
<a href="http://www.ontheborder.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS6U_VpiZs_W_cFgPA96zJrkNkHrTQj8cDnHEt_qrqZqICyBqFPRjySInuA1f55rX0IXkxwzEgPChyV5VA5wtQyVd6t2KdXR8I0SoAPTSBbesgeGOFR3VA8DtKBvpGhAIsnE3rKSqdzKz/s200/On+the+Border+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Tomorrow night, join us for the latest (and possibly the last - but we're always open to more!) give back event of the year at <a href="http://www.ontheborder.com/" target="_blank"><b>On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina</b></a> in Rogers. Take the flyer below with you and present it to your server when you're paying your bill, and they will donate 10% of your check to Hope Cancer Resources. This includes all drinks, and there is no limit on how many people can be included on the check, but you <b>MUST </b>present the flyer for the donation to happen. <br />
<br />
We wouldn't mind at all if you printed off a few flyers and handed them out to neighbors and co-workers, the more the merrier! Thank you for your support throughout the year, and we hope to see you in Rogers tomorrow night!<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-49545421122698369902012-11-26T15:34:00.002-06:002012-11-26T15:34:56.812-06:00Thankfulness. And an update...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once a year, people across the United States get together to prepare a big meal, spend time with their family and friends, and remember things for which they are thankful. For cancer patients and their families, that list may be a little longer than usual. For those who are dealing with their first holiday season without a loved-one, Thanksgiving can be an especially difficult time. <br />
<br />
Speaking for the staff at Hope Cancer Resources, we are not only thankful on a personal level for good things that have happened in our individual lives, but we are also thankful for the support of the community that surrounds us. Every week we receive a note (or several) in the mail from patients or caregivers who are grateful for our services. Without the support of businesses that sponsored our events, grantors who support our programs, and individuals who make personal donations, we could not help the people we do. So, to those who are making our services possible - we say <b>THANK YOU!</b><br />
<br />
So far this year, your gifts have...<br />
<br />
... allowed our vans to <b>travel 127,960 miles</b> to deliver patients to their cancer treatments and associated medical appointments. <br />
<br />
... helped our social workers <b>provide emotional support to 803 individuals</b> who were diagnosed with, recovering from, or surviving after cancer.<br />
<br />
... <b>provided $198,918 in emergency financial assistance</b> to people who were struggling to pay the bills as they went through cancer treatment.<br />
<br />
... made sure that patients <b>received 1,352 prescriptions</b> to give them a better chance at recovery.<br />
<br />
... <b>provided </b><b>Spanish interpretation for </b><b>68 patients </b>so they could<b> </b>understand the doctor and medical staff who were treating them.<br />
<br />
... helped us<b> provide </b><b>282 cancer screenings</b> to people who may have otherwise chosen not to get one because they couldn't afford the procedures.<br />
<br />
... allowed us to <b>share smoking cessation counseling with 103 individuals</b> in our community in an effort to lower the incidence rates of cancer in this generation, and that of our children and grandchildren. <br />
<br />
Your gifts - <i>no matter the size</i> - make a tremendous difference in the lives of people living with cancer right here in Northwest Arkansas. Here's a little peek at the amazing impact you have on your neighbors through our programs. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<b><i>"Thank you so much for all of your help to me. I can't tell you how much the gas cards have helped. But, my biggest thrill of all, was the heat for my home. It's made all the difference in this world to me. Keep up your good work and God bless."</i></b></div>
</blockquote>
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients in our community while you honor a loved-one this holiday season, click on the gift tag image below. 100% of your gift will be used to provide the services listed above. Your gift will provide hope.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-66681573895140941592012-11-19T16:53:00.000-06:002012-11-19T16:55:23.829-06:00Pancreatic Cancer: Silent and Deadly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some kinds of cancer are in the news often and inspire walks and 5k races and vigils. Others, like Pancreatic Cancer, are less well-known. But that doesn't mean that the "silent" cancers are not worth learning more about. In fact, it may be just the opposite.<br />
<br />
Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a silent cancer because it does not typically show many symptoms in early stages. Because there is no screening method for early detection, and because diagnosis is usually made when the cancer is in later stages, the mortality rate is higher than some other cancers. <b>Out of an estimated 43,920 new cases expected to occur in 2012, 37,390 deaths will occur. That's an 85% mortality rate.</b><br />
<br />
Compare that to lung cancer which has a mortality rate of approximately 71%, and breast cancer with a rate of approximately 17%. Those cancers are deadly to larger numbers of people - but more people diagnosed with them are treated successfully and become survivors. For pancreatic cancer victims, the prognosis is not as hopeful. <br />
<br />
The good news is that there are survivors, and there are preventative measures that you can implement to create a lifestyle that is less likely to lead to pancreatic cancer.<br />
<br />
<b>Stop smoking. </b>We say this a lot, but it's for good reason. Smoking is linked to more cancers than any other environmental or personal habit risk factor. Incidence rates of pancreatic cancer is about twice as high for cigarette smokers as it is for nonsmokers.<br />
<br />
<b>Maintain a healthy weight. </b>Diabetes and obesity have been linked to pancreatic cancer, as well as a number of other cancers. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and engage in a moderate amount of exercise each week to help lower your risk for cancer.<br />
<br />
<b>Know the symptoms. </b>Even though they don't typically show up in early stages, it's always a good idea to know what to look for - especially if you do have some of the risk factors which include a family history of the disease. Here is a list from the <a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/index.php" target="_blank">Pancreatic Action Network</a>:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/jaundice.php">Jaundice<br />
</a><a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/Weight_loss.php">Weight loss<br />
</a><a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/Pain.php">Pain<br />
</a><a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/Digestive_Difficulties.php">Digestive difficulties<br />
</a><a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/Changes_in_stools.php">Changes in stools</a><a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/Blood_Clots.php"><br />
Blood clots<br />
</a><a href="http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/symptoms/Diabetes.php">Diabetes</a><br />
<br />
Know your risk and educate yourself on how to reduce it. And if you or someone you love need support in the Northwest Arkansas region, we are here to help. Contact our social workers at 479-361-5847 Monday - Friday with questions or concerns.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203570864388032225.post-68882821517149506512012-11-12T16:00:00.000-06:002012-11-12T16:00:01.296-06:00Caring for the Caregiver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7KIAOBLvwXzBn8AOnHrrNO_AqaTUuDuB7FoV01rQ4hVysvE9n2OUh8Z_LNq7gIGntZCfkHepOSHcWzfCBAuuhRrYzJIyYTJI4uvh_SPQ2KexODSyyaoeXFs8cZU1zFYcyeS_AixruMn3/s1600/2012-NFCMonthLogoMedium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7KIAOBLvwXzBn8AOnHrrNO_AqaTUuDuB7FoV01rQ4hVysvE9n2OUh8Z_LNq7gIGntZCfkHepOSHcWzfCBAuuhRrYzJIyYTJI4uvh_SPQ2KexODSyyaoeXFs8cZU1zFYcyeS_AixruMn3/s400/2012-NFCMonthLogoMedium.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Research has shown that emotional support is as important to a cancer patient as the physical
treatment that they receive, and the support of caregivers is a vital component in their successful recovery. If you are caring for your loved-one as they are going through cancer treatments, you know how all-consuming your role can be. Many caregivers are
surprised to find themselves not only physically exhausted, but mentally and
emotionally drained as well.
<br /><br />
Besides the stress of simply being there for your loved-one
around the clock, you might also experience increased feelings of
isolation and loneliness due to your single-minded focus. Calling on friends
and neighbors to give some relief - even if only for an hour here and there -
is vital. A caregiver needs to care for themselves as well in order to provide
effective support for the patient.
<br /><br />
If you're a caregiver who does not have other people in your life to offer support,
seek out support groups, counselors, or even online information that is available
to help replenish your emotional state. A good source for information online is the <a href="http://www.nfcacares.org/index.cfm" target="_blank">National Family Caregivers Association</a>. Don't hesitate to ask friends for help if they don't offer - many people want to help but don't know what to offer.
<br /><br />
There are also agencies that specialize in caring for patients that can be contracted on a monthly, weekly or even an "as-needed" basis. Look online or in your local phone book for "home health", "in-home care", and "personal assistance" companies. Some have nurses on staff to assist those who need medical care at home, while others offer non-medical services like running errands, doing your shopping, or house-cleaning. If you are in Northwest Arkansas, you can call us for a list of local agencies that offer services in our area.
<br /><br />
If you or someone you know are experiencing emotional difficulties resulting from caring for a cancer patient, call us. Hope Cancer Resources offers counseling to cancer patients and their families and caregivers at no-cost. Our social workers are available for consultation
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 479-361-5847.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0