Speak Life

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.

 Speak Life--Highlands Oncology Group

Survivorship

 

Survivorship has become a hot topic in the cancer world.  So what exactly is it all about?  Survivorship is different for each individual cancer survivor.  For some, it is adjusting to the “new normal” once treatments are completed.  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.

I had a wonderful support system during my cancer journey.  There was always someone there with me.  I never had to face any of it alone.  My mother was my biggest support.  I know that I was fortunate and not everyone has this kind of support.  However, even though I had such great support, I still found difficulties in my transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor.  My journey changed my life completely. It affected every aspect of my life.  I was different physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I had to find my “new normal”.  Since then, I have found journaling to be helpful.  I wish I had written down my thoughts and feelings and things that happened when they actually happened.  I recently attended a workshop at The Writer’s Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs, AR.  The workshop was titled “Survivors Getting Stronger”.  I had the privilege of spending the day with other survivors and sharing our stories with each other.  We laughed, we cried, and we wrote.  Below is a piece of what I wrote that day…

Bad Hair Day

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.  

Christy Scarrow, LSW

 

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.

Blue Ribbon Info

March 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...

Colorectal cancer 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.

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.

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. 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. 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.

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 click here.

Social Workers 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.

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. 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. Perhaps these quotes from grateful patients say it best:

"We thank you so very much for being there for Fred when we didn't think we had any hope." -- MSW

"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

"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

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Schmieding Center 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 Circle of Life Hospice at751-3043 ext. 228.

Cancer + Holidays = Stress

Ahh...the holidays. We get excited about decorating, buying gifts, visiting with friends and loved ones... But 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.

Here are some tips for coping with cancer during the holidays**:

For the Patient...
Prepare yourself emotionally.
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.

Plan to get together with friends, family or co-workers.
As much as is possible depending on your physical stamina, plans should 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 all! Allow yourself to decline invitations if necessary. Your health and well-being is your priority.

Keep it simple.
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.

Share the work.
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.

Be a creative shopper.

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!

Share your feelings.
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.

Set goals for the New Year.
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.


For the Caregiver...
Remind your loved one that you care, and are there.
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.

No pressure, please.
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.

Offer to help.
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.

Be sensitive to their feelings.
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.

Maintain some normalcy.
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.


**Thanks to CancerCare for the original fact sheet that inspired this post!