Support for the Journey...

THE MATTER 

OF A GAS CARD

Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW

   Hope Cancer Resources    

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.

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.

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.

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.

                

Last week the patient asked the social worker if something was wrong.  This surprised her because there had been a serious occurrence but she felt she had concealed her sadness.  She explained about the death of a young man, a senseless and tragic event.  The patient nodded with understanding.   He knew about loss.  He had been in Vietnam.  His kindness was apparent.  He later confided that his wife’s situation was even more complicated.  The social worker offered reassurance and walked him out.  As he was leaving, the man turned back with a sad smile and said, “See you next week.”

Nutrition and the Cancer Patient

A recent article by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on MedPage Today 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:

"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.

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."

We recently attended a video workshop with Michelle Morgan, 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."

Here are some common (non-diagnosis-specific) side effects of treatment and tips on managing those effects:

Appetite Changes: 

• Increase intake to six small meals per day instead of three
• Delay drinking liquids until after your meals when you have eaten all you can
• Set an attractive table and make a meal an "event"
• Be as physically active as possible to keep your appetite up
• Eat high calorie, high protein snacks

Sore Mouth and Throat:

• Avoid tart, acidic, spicy or salty foods
• Choose soft, creamy foods over rough-textured or hard foods
• Choose lukewarm or cold foods
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco which can dehydrate your body

Dry Mouth: 

• Drink 8-10 cups of liquid each day
• Take small bites and chew well
• Eat soft, most foods that are cool or room temperature
• Moisten foods with broth, soup, gravy or creams
• Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum
• Keep your mouth clean between meals
• Avoid commercial mouthwashes which contain alcohol
• Avoid alcoholic and acidic drinks and tobacco products
• Limit caffeine intake
• Use a cool mist humidifier
• Snack on fresh pineapple (unless you are also dealing with sore mouth)
• Ask your doctor about saliva substitutes

Taste and Smell Changes: 

• Use plastic flatware to reduce metallic taste
• Use fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables rather than canned
• Cook with tart foods and seasonings (unless you are also dealing with a sore mouth)
• Counter a salty taste with sweeteners
• Rinse mouth with baking soda and salt mouthwash before eating to neutralize it
• Keep your mouth clean and brush teeth regularly to reduce bad taste
• Serve food cold or at room temperature

Nausea: 

• Eat 6-8 small meals each day instead of three big meals
• Consume some dry foods upon waking and every few hours
• Avoid foods with strong odors
• Eat cold foods instead of hot or spicy foods
• Avoid foods that are overly sweet, greasy, fried or spicy
• Sit or recline for at least an hour after eating
• Sip clear (decaffeinated) liquids frequently to avoid dehydration

Diarrhea: 

• Drink mild, clear non-carbonated liquids through the day at room temperature
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Avoid greasy, spicy, fried or very sweet foods
• Limit milk or milk products
• Avoid drinks and foods that cause gas
• Drink and eat high-sodium, high-potassium foods
• Increase soluble fiber (click here for a definition and examples of soluble fiber)
• Drink at least 1 cup of liquid after each loose bowel movement
• Avoid sugar-free products

Fatigue: 

• Prioritize daily activities, and enlist friends who want to help
• Take short walks or get regular exercise
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Schedule some rest time during your day
• Avoid high-carbohydrate foods to reduce blood sugar fluctuation
• Increase protein in your diet
• Monitor daily caloric intake (ask your doctor for their recommendation based on your current physical situation, height and activity level)
• Avoid large doses of vitamins and minerals
• Manage stress, and seek out assistance to reduce the items on your "to-do" list

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.

Here's another blog post 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.

Mid-Year Update

The mission and vision of Hope Cancer Resources are framed on the desk of each employee in our office. They remind us every day what we're here to do and where we are headed. When we look back at our numbers from the last six months we are humbled by the work we have done, and the message that those numbers embody - that our work is vital to the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.

We are fortunate to be able to make a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors every day, but we look forward to the day that cancer is cured and our services are no longer needed. Take a look at what we have done to serve Northwest Arkansas with compassionate and professional cancer support and education since the first of the year.

Since January 1st...

• Our social workers have assessed 860 new cancer patients in local oncology clinics;

• We have provided $35,057 in prescription assistance, and helped patients receive another $101,757 from pharmaceutical company programs;

• We have provided $106,163 in direct financial assistance to patients who needed support as they went through treatment;

• We distributed $33,510 in gas cards to patients needing help paying for their trips to and from their medical appointments;

• Emotional support services, including support groups and counseling, were provided to 1,395 people;

• Our Spanish interpreter provided language assistance for 114 patients;

• Our drivers transported patients over 79,500 miles to and from medical appointments associated with their cancer diagnosis;

• Our volunteers donated 2,815 hours of service to our staff and patients;

• Cancer prevention and education information was shared with 671 individuals;

• Smoking cessation counseling was provided to 155 individuals in need;

• We provided 338 free cancer screenings to individuals who are under-insured or uninsured.

Join us in the fight against cancer and to support our neighbors who are dealing with the disease by making a gift, volunteering, attending an event, or inviting us to present prevention information at your civic club or place of employment. Call 479-361-5847 to find out how you can help.

The "New Normal"

This week we're sharing a piece originally posted last year by one of Hope Cancer Resources' Oncology Social Workers, Lisa Manzini-Pace, LCSW.

The term "New Normal" has a special connotation for people undergoing treatment and/or survivors of cancer.  Without their consent, they have been inducted into an intense and often baffling treatment regimen, one that changes their daily routines, expectations, interactions with others and ability to predict how they will fare during and after prescribed treatments.  This is a daunting trajectory and one best faced in small doses.

As human beings we seek to predict, quantify and control.  These instincts, while often previously successful, can be impediments to smoothly navigating the cancer treatment labyrinth.  Oncologists, who the patient seeks to trust implicitly, are often the first to admit that treatment involves commonalities but that each individual tends to respond in a somewhat unique manner.  The truth is that none of us working with cancer treatment have a crystal ball.  That said, here are a few observations noted by this writer courtesy of cancer patient wisdom and research.

Undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation will test one’s metal.  Chemo induces various side effects but the overwhelming one mentioned is fatigue.  And a close second is chemo brain.  The former is a bone weary fatigue and the latter is a passing state of impaired memory and clarity.  It is essential that one lower his/her triathlon or quiz show expectations during these phases.  There will be good days and not-so-good days.  Learning to be gentle with oneself is as crucial as any pill one may swallow.  It is an art to be cultivated along with a stalwart sense of humor. 

One’s entire arsenal of healthy coping is there to be used.  This may include but is not limited to eating well, exercise (physical, mental and spiritual), common sense, resourcefulness, courage, compassion (self first!), joyfulness, intelligence, mirth, humility, faith, hope and love.  These are the aspects of you—unlike cells—that cancer cannot touch.  Use them in large doses.

Priorities will change.  Things that once seemed important are relegated to the back seat of the caboose.  To quote Arthur Golden in Memoirs of a Geisha, “Adversity is a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”  Most  patients say that such experiences were the awakening of new strength and understanding.

Avoid the naysayers.  Cancer, rather like pregnancy, invites unsolicited confidences from others.  Some will be little gems to be treasured while other “stories” will be about fear, pain and darkness.  You get to choose who you will listen to and who you will wish well and send on their merry way.

Simply, remember that your "new normal" may vary greatly from that of another person who has dealt with a cancer diagnosis. Find your comfort zone and surround yourself with people who are going to help you stay there. 

It's Oncology Nurses Week!

If you ask a cancer patient who was one of the most important people they came in contact with while  they were undergoing cancer treatment, they will inevitably mention an oncology nurse. Physicians, counselors and pharmacists all play vital roles in a patient's successful journey through treatment - but at one time or another the nurses they encounter take on some vital roles as well.

For decades, nurses were not very involved in cancer care. Their role was limited to the inpatient care of patients who underwent surgery to treat their cancer (the primary method of treatment until the early 1970s). But with the National Cancer Act of 1971 there began to be a change in the way cancer was treated and managed. Along with those treatment changes, nurses were provided with opportunities to become more involved with the care of cancer patients from diagnosis through recovery.

From the NurseSource.org website:
"The oncology nurse functions as a coordinator of care, collaborating with other cancer care providers and team members to provide required care as effectively as possible. Advanced practice may include the roles of direct caregiver, coordinator, consultant, educator, researcher and administrator."

There are many specialties available to an oncology nurse, including:

• chemotherapy
• biotherapy
• breast oncology
• hematology/oncology
• radiation
• GYN oncology
• head and neck oncology
• surgical oncology
• bone marrow transplant
• cancer genetic counseling
• prevention and early detection
• symptom management
• palliative care

Some of the awesome nurses we work with at Highlands Oncology Group.

Hope Cancer Resources' staff gets to work alongside professional, highly trained and committed nurses in local clinics who are making a difference in the lives of cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas every single day. Join us to thank an oncology nurse this month, and every month.

The Wheels on the Van

It's easy to think that the most difficult part of a battle with cancer is the physical condition that some of the treatments can leave you in. And, for many people, that is certainly the case. Chemotherapy can make you sick, radiation can leave you with uncomfortable rashes that make even the most comfortable clothing in your closet painful to wear. Both forms of treatment cause fatigue that there is simply no cure for except the end of treatment.

But for many people in Northwest Arkansas the first hurdle to be cleared when discussing a treatment plan with their oncologist is figuring out how they will even get to their appointments in order to begin the fight. Some patients may not be able to drive as a result of their disease, others because of treatment side-effects. Friends and family may only be able to help for a short time or on a limited basis. With chemotherapy appointments scheduled every few weeks and radiation plans typically requiring a patient to visit the clinic five days a week for 5-7 weeks, transportation becomes one of the primary obstacles for patients as they go through treatment. Patients can not fight their cancer if they are unable to get to the clinic.

At Hope Cancer Resources we have three vehicles in our transportation program. Our drivers drive hundreds of miles every weekday to provide the support necessary to make sure that treatment plans are carried out as prescribed.

In the first four months of 2012, our drivers put over 54,000 miles on our vehicles and made 927 trips. That's 10,000 miles more than this time two years ago. Sometimes a trip is only a few miles. Other times a driver could be gone all day picking up and taking home to towns in Oklahoma or Carroll county. In 2011, the total miles logged by our vehicles came in at just over 129,000. That's a lot of time behind a wheel, and a lot of doctor's visits that weren't missed. That's a lot of hope given.

If you or someone you know would benefit from transportation assistance, or if you'd like to make a donation to support the program, please contact us.

Making an Impact

In the busy world we live in it is often easy to ignore the possibility of a sudden onset of illness. It is easy to under-appreciate the job we go to Monday-Friday each week and our paycheck that may not provide us with a lot of luxuries, but at least pays the bills. It is easy to assume that you will continue to be able to walk out to your car, turn the key, and drive where ever you need to go. Until you are actually faced with a diagnosis of cancer, it is simply too easy to pretend that it will never happen to you or someone you love.

But for many cancer patients, their illness is almost all they can think about. The "normal" stuff of life like bills and groceries take a back seat at times. At Hope Cancer Resources, our mission is simple: We provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow. Every day, we meet new patients at Highlands Oncology clinics in Washington and Benton counties. And every day someone finds out, after speaking to our staff, that a seemingly insurmountable obstacle might be smaller than they originally thought. We thought the holiday season would be a good time to share some of their stories.

E. is an fifty something breast cancer survivor. Over a period of about six years she has nursed two aging parents, lost one to illness, and experienced a double mastectomy herself as a result of her cancer diagnosis. Prior to her reconstructive surgery, E. experienced some not unexpected anxiety. As an independent and self-reliant woman, she was reluctant to share these feelings with friends. As her surgery drew near, she visited with one of our social workers and explored a number of the issues provoking her anxieties. According to her counselor, their sessions were tinged with poignant revelations and considerable humor. About two months after her surgery, E. made the following comment at the end of the session. “I like coming here. I’ve noticed that we don’t talk about my cancer anymore. We talk about life.” E. fully embraced all aspects of her life. Cancer was just one of them.

A 15-month-old child was diagnosed with cancer and the mother was required to take her child to Little Rock for treatments. One morning, when she was preparing to leave for Little Rock for an appointment, her car would not start. She quickly worked to find out if the car could be repaired and was told a part would have to be ordered. Desperate to get her baby to the appointment, she called us. We were able to help her rent a car for the trip and pay for fuel that day so the family could get to the appointment.

M. is a 45 year old woman that we met after her diagnosis of colon cancer. She had suffered a traumatic brain injury several years before and had been forced to go on disability as a result. Her husband was also out of work due to being laid off his job of many years. Due to the couple living on a very limited income they were concerned about the cost of driving the 100-mile round trip for the numerous doctor appointments, scans and chemo treatments that would be required for her treatment. Our social worker was able to provide the couple with fuel assistance to and from these appointments which helped ease the financial strain caused by the patient’s illness. The social worker continued to check in with the couple as they were suffering from emotional distress as well. The patient’s husband shared that his wife enjoyed these conversations and even looked forward to them as she was isolated due to her illness. After the patient finished her treatment the couple expressed their extreme gratitude not only for the financial support, but also the emotional support provided by the social worker and the entire Hope Cancer Resources team.

A 1-year-old boy diagnosed was with a fast-growing, highly malignant tumor. A social worker at Arkansas Children's Hospital gave our phone number to his grandparents - his legal guardians - as they were in need of financial assistance. The grandmother had recently lost her job due to the amount of time she needed to take off work to drive to Little Rock for her grandson's treatments. Recently, the grandfather was laid off and has been on unemployment looking for another job. They were starting to fall behind on bills and needed assistance. The grandfather told our social worker that the biggest needs were rent, car payment, utilities and food. We referred him to local food pantries for essential items, and we assisted with their rent, car payment, a water bill and gasoline to help them get the child to his medical appointments in Little Rock.

Gifts made to Hope Cancer Resources throughout the year - no matter the size - all contribute to the success of these patients and hundreds of others who turn to us when they need assistance as they undertake one of the most difficult journeys of their lives: the journey toward becoming a Cancer Survivor.

$10 pays for a necessary prescription. $25 provides a gasoline card to a patient who might not get to their treatment without it. $50 pays a water bill. $100 pays a gas bill. $250 provides a car payment. $500 pays a mortgage for a month. Every dollar of every gift is put directly to use in Northwest Arkansas, allowing us to assist patients and their families with our no-cost services throughout the year.

Since January of this year, we have made an impact on the financial and emotional well-being of over 2,000 individuals in our community.

• Prescription assistance in the amount of $40,749 provided directly, with additional assistance valued at $156.244 offered through pharmaceutical companies.
• Emergency financial assistance in the amount of $169,934 provided to patients to pay for utilities, rent/mortgages, and car payments.
• $52,395 in gas cards distributed to patients to help with travel to and from appointments.
• Our Save-A-Life program provided 503 cancer screenings valued at $318,301 to uninsured and under-insured patients whose physicians ordered procedures they could not afford.
• 537 hours of Spanish interpretation services were provided to Spanish-speaking patients at medical appointments related to their cancer diagnosis.
• Our transportation service drove patients 119,608 miles to and from their appointments.

We hope that as you consider your charitable giving for 2012, you will put Hope Cancer Resources on your list. Whether it be a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, we - and the people we serve - are truly grateful for your generosity. We do what we do because of donors like you, and for patients like these: 

“Hope Cancer Resources went above and beyond when helping me. I can’t think of a single thing you could have done to make me feel any more important, personal, loved and taken care of.”

Information Overload

Meet Kay: She consulted with a physician at Highlands Oncology Group in Fayetteville when she was initially diagnosed with cancer. She did meet with one of our social workers, but was so overwhelmed by all the information she was receiving and the speed of her diagnosis, she didn't really enter into a discussion. Because the type of cancer Kay had was extremely rare, she was referred to a surgeon out-of-state where she was treated and will continue to receive follow up treatment for an undetermined amount of time.

Kay didn't need our services during her treatment, and was able to recover from surgery and get back to her life without much interruption, but she kept our social worker's card in her wallet. As she passed our building every day on the way to and from work, she began to feel compelled to contact us. She made an appointment to talk to a counselor to discuss her cancer journey so far, to vent, and talk about the road ahead. She just needed, as she put it, "an ear and a shoulder."

For most of the 20th century, information about cancer was not easy to get your hands on unless you were a physician. Patients relied on their family doctor or specialists, if they had access to them, to provide a diagnosis and discuss different procedures and methods of treatment. The doctor's word was usually the last word in cancer treatment for people in our grandparents time, and even in many of our parents' time.

Fast-forward to 2011: In today's "connected" society, we are likely to do some research (or a lot of research) ourselves via the internet. We will take the information we find online to our doctors' appointments. We will discuss the local oncologists and treatment options with support groups and friends who have fought cancer. We will be completely involved in the final decisions made about our treatment.

More information can be a great thing. In fact, information - "awareness", in particular - is a vital component to cancer prevention programs like those managed by Hope Cancer Resources. We promote making healthy choices regarding sun exposure, tobacco use, and the frequency of tests and screenings that are designed to catch cancer or pre-cancerous conditions early. But we also understand that the amount of information available to patients online and in the printed materials in our resource libraries, and even coming straight from the physicians, can be, as Kay said, overwhelming.

Our social workers are here to help. We are available to help you with emergency needs that might come up during treatment, and we're here to help point you to reliable sources of information if you are looking for places to do your own research. But we are also here to listen. Our confidential counseling sessions are available to patients before, during, or after treatment, and to caregivers in some circumstances as well. We are here to help you make sense of your diagnosis and the changes that occur in a body and a lifestyle that has been affected by cancer. We're here to let you cry, or laugh, or just be reminded that you're not alone. No matter when you think you need us - we're here.

Buy some groceries, change some lives.

Last week we shared some numbers with you that accumulated over the first half of 2011. The needs are great in Northwest Arkansas, and it's gratifying to know that we are doing so much to meet those needs. Our vision is to be recognized as the premier source for comprehensive cancer support services while enhancing quality of life, and we are making good headway.

But visions are successful only if they can be realized. We are no different from the vast majority of nonprofit organizations - we can't make our vision come to life without help. We have a fantastic staff who are committed to their work connecting cancer patients and their families with the support and resources they need throughout their cancer journey. We have a dedicated corps of volunteers who help us in the clinics, at fundraising events, and in the office. And we have wonderful donors and corporate partners in the community who support our programs and events, making the work we do everyday possible.

You are probably familiar with businesses supporting non-profits by providing cash or in-kind sponsorships for programs and events. But have you heard of a point-of-sale donation opportunity? A business asks their customers, usually while they are making a purchase, to join them in supporting a non-profit organization by making a donation. This kind of promotion is a win-win, as it provides a new audience for the non-profit while associating the business with a cause in the community that their customers may believe is important to support. We love these kinds of promotions because they raise awareness as well as dollars. We're grateful to Harps Food Stores for joining us in this kind of promotion for the third year in a row.

Between August 1st and 14th you can make a donation of any size to Hope Cancer Resources when you shop at any Harps Store in Northwest Arkansas (Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll counties). When you are checking out, just tell the cashier - if they don't ask you first - that you'd like to make a donation to Hope Cancer Resources. It's that easy!!

We are promoting this mini-event on Facebook and we'd love for you to join us there and share it with your own friends. The more who know about us, the more people we can help. And that's what it's all about.

What's Up, June!?

If you live near Northwest Arkansas we hope you will put some big gold stars on your calendar on June 23-25th. Those are the dates of the annual Cancer Challenge events, and we know you'll find something that you will enjoy going to support their mission.

Check out this great line-up of activities:

06/23    

12 noon     Jr. Tennis Clinic & Tourney

5:00 pm     Trap Shoot Practice & Social

06/24        Adult Tennis Tourney

                 Golf Tourney

                 Trap Shoot 

6:00 pm     Social Event & Auction

06/25     

8:00 am     Run Walk

                 Adult Tennis Tourney

                 Golf Tourney

See? We told you there was something for everyone! 

The Cancer Challenge is an organization that raises money in Northwest Arkansas to support other organizations that provide cancer support and education services in our area. Well, let's just let them tell you in their own words...

MISSION:

We are passionate, visionary and tenacious volunteers dedicated to the Cancer Challenge mission; to advocate and support world-class cancer care in Northwest Arkansas.  We are committed to cancer prevention & education; early detection & treatment, navigation and support; and survivorship initiatives.  We are a non-profit organization who has been caring for the community of Northwest Arkansas for over 18 years.

Our Vision:  A community that ... provides world-class cancer care for all people; believes in prevention and promotes healthy lifestyles; supports research in the hope for a cure; and offers cancer survivors encouragement and support.

The Cancer Challenge was founded in 1994 and in its first year raised $100,000. Since then the event has grown in size and impact on Northwest Arkansas and strives to raise $750,000 in 2011. To date, over $8.3 million dollars have been gifted back to our community to support much needed cancer services and programs.

Even if you can't make it to one of the sporting events (of if you're just not feeling terribly athletic this month) you can still join us for the gala and auction. The Cancer Challenge silent auction is unbelievable, and they're bringing the Evasons back this year to entertain. Hope to see you there!

Helping through the Hard Times

Have you ever taken one of those surveys that measures your level of stress? They ask questions like "Have you recently lost someone close to you?", "Have you recently become unemployed?", and "Are you recently divorced?". We use a similar assessment tool to measure the level of stress that new cancer patients are dealing with as they enter treatment. The tool helps our social workers understand what is going on with the patients and their families that could potentially impact their ability to get to their treatments, pay for their medications, and successfully maneuver through cancer treatment to get to the other side and become survivors.

One of the things we ask patients is what kind of support they have from family and friends. A patient has a much better chance of completing their treatment plan and getting to the recovery phase if they are supported by others. This support can be as simple as people sending them notes to remind them they are being thought of, or as involved as a neighbor cleaning their house from top to bottom once a week. There are, of course, a lot of "somewhere in between" options as well. We've scoured the internet and compiled a list of ideas to get you started. Please feel free to share it with others!

• Buy or make a small arsenal of cards and send one regularly. Make sure the messages are upbeat and no so sympathetic that they make your friend focus on their illness. A little humor goes a long way.
• Often the patient feels guilty about making their loved ones go through their difficult situation with them, so reassure them you love them anyway - and do it often.
• Buy them a subscription to their favorite magazines. A Netflix subscription is also a great idea because they can pick up movies and videos right in their mail box.
• Create a "Box of Smiles". Include silly gifts and items that will make the person smile. Favorite snacks, silly tee shirts, humorous books, aromatherapy candles, scented soaps, stuffed animals, tacky celebrity magazines - whatever they would find comforting and fun.
• If the person is bed-bound or in the hospital for a while, send or drop off some fuzzy slippers or socks, high thread-count pillowcases (be sure to label them if they're in the hospital!), lavender scented linen spray, cozy pajamas, or massage lotions to make them feel pampered.
• Spread gifts and visits out over time, especially if the person is chronically ill or will be hospitalized for an extended period. Give them something to look forward to as they make their journey.
• If other family members are on site with the ill person they are probably feeling drained emotionally and physically, too. Include them when you can with a special treat, card, etc.. this is an especially good idea when there are children involved.
• Offer to help with day-to-day needs like providing meals (they don't have to be home-cooked!), doing yard work, walking the dog, or driving the patient to an appointment. Recruit other friends or family members to form a team of support, with all of you joining forces to bring the person's spirits up. You can do this easily on LostaHelpingHands or CaringBridge websites. These sites also provide a place to update all the followers and schedule meals and volunteers to help.
• Make yourself familiar with the patient's treatment schedule and time your assistance around it. For example, the first few days after chemo treatments can be physically difficult and might be the perfect time to drop off a meal, but not to stop by for a visit.
• Take the kids out for a few hours. Many patients don't have the energy to do as much as they did before their illness, so let the patient (and caregiver) have a little time to themselves to relax at home while the kids explore the zoo or the local library.
• Be specific with your offers of assistance. Don't tell the patient "Call me if you need anything." Instead, suggest specific things you can do for them, and ask what days of the week would work best. Check in once a week to see what's going on in coming days that you can help with.
• Listen openly. It is important for a patient to be able to tell others how they are feeling without fear of negative reactions. Friends who can listen and not feel sorry for the patient or make them feel like their feelings are "wrong" are truly appreciated. 

Cost of Cancer is on the Rise

Portions of the following post were pulled from an article on Scientific American online. 

There's been a new report released by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute that says that the cost of cancer care in our country is not going to be decreasing anytime soon. According to the report, published online January 12th, the financial burden of cancer is expected to rise precipitously in the next 10 years—despite decreasing incidence numbers. 

"Rising health-care costs represent a central challenge for both the federal government and the private sector," wrote the study authors, led by Angela Mariotto of the Surveillance Research Program at the National Cancer Institute. Overall 2009 healthcare costs in the U.S. were about $2.5 trillion, and spending is expected to increase to some $4.6 trillion by 2019. Based on Medicare data and other sources, the new analysis shows that in 2010, cancer care for 16 common types of cancers in U.S. women and 13 common types of cancers in U.S. men tallied up to $124.6 billion.

Those are some BIG numbers. And it's not even taking in ALL cancers... only 16 common types.

As you can imagine, Northwest Arkansas is not immune to the effect of rising costs for cancer care. In 2010 Hope Cancer Resources provided services and financial assistance valued at $687,690.00 to 1,489 cancer patients and their families. These were services that would have been paid for out of people's pockets if we were not here to provide them.

Or not...

One of the main reasons we do what we do is because local oncologists were seeing too many of their patients not showing up for appointments or taking the medications that were prescribed for them. Once the physician creates a treatment plan, that patient has to be able to follow that plan in order for the treatment to be successful. If a patient can't pay for gasoline, or loses their car to repossession, all the treatment plans in the world won't help that patient get to their radiation or chemotherapy appointments.

Similarly, if an individualized cocktail of medications is prescribed to manage symptoms and begin fighting the disease, but a patient is forced to choose to pay for those drugs or pay the mortgage - which do you think they will choose? Cancer treatment doesn't have to last more than a few months - it depends on the type and treatment - but sometimes those few months are all it takes to put a family into financial crisis.

That's what we're here for. We provide temporary support to cancer patients and their families during those crucial few months - or longer if that's what it takes - to help them get out of treatment and into the "recovery" stage. At times, there are continued needs from an emotional standpoint, but the financial crisis that can be crippling is usually over by that time, and patients and families are better able to look forward with hope.

We anticipate a growing number of patients needing our services in 2011. Not only because, as the articles predict, the costs will continue to increase, but also because more people are going to be treated in Northwest Arkansas when a new Highlands Oncology Group clinic opens in Rogers. Expanded patient care means expanded expenses. We would love for you to join us in making cancer treatment a little less stressful for your friends and neighbors... Consider making a gift today - it could change someone's life tomorrow.

Another year...

Anticipating the end of the calendar year tends to make people look back and count their blessings. Some are thankful to be moving forward into another year riding high on their successes. Others may be grateful to be leaving a tough year behind and getting a fresh start. For us here at Hope Cancer Resources we hope that we have given some relief to our patients, helped them get a little bit further down the road to recovery, and - as our tagline states - provided "support for the journey, education for life."

After the holidays we will give a final update of the statistics for 2010, but here's a quick sneak peek at last month's numbers:

In November 2010...

We provided transportation to medical-related appointments totaling 13,551 miles for cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas;

We distributed $16,081.38 in emergency assistance to patients in need of help paying rent/mortgage, utility bills, and transportation costs because of their medical treatment expenses;

We processed 33 new patient applications for emotional and/or financial assistance;

We provided just over a week's worth of interpretation assistance for Spanish-speaking patients.

Our staff works hard every day to fulfill our mission of providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education to Northwest Arkansas today and tomorrow. We do it because it's our passion, but we will be thrilled to see the day come when our services are no longer needed because cancer has gone the way of the plague.

Until then, notes like these from patients and their families remind us how vital our work is to our communities:

"I just wanted to say thank you to Hope Cancer Resources for all the help I've been given during my time of need. This has been the most difficult and scariest time of my life and I'm truly touched and overwhelmed by the support I've received."

"Just a card to let you know how much I appreciated your help with my prescription medicines for my chemo treatments."   

"You have been so kind and helpful. Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do for the afflicted with such an insidious disease."

"Thank you so much for the help you gave me last month. I hope I don't have to come to you again, but it sure is good to know there is HOPE!!"

"We wanted to thank you so much for helping with our vehicle payment and the gas card you helped us with to get our daughter back to Arkansas Children's Hospital."

"I wanted to thank you for all the help over the weeks with gas cards. I live an hour away from Highlands Oncology and the gas cost quickly added up. It was a tremendous blessing and one major area not to have to worry over."

"If not for your financial assistance I, more than likely, would not have been able to receive the treatment I needed. Your help is so very much appreciated."

"Thank you again for your caring and understanding during our time of stress and confusion. Without your caring we would have had a much harder time."

"Thank you to all the staff at Hope Cancer Resources for your help and support during this time. I so appreciate the financial assistance, your ease of accessibility, and the compassionate manner in which you offer your services."

If you would like to know more about our services, volunteer opportunties, or how to support us with a donation, please visit our website or contact us at 479-361-5847.

You don't have to go it alone!

This month we are focusing on things that you as a cancer patient or caregiver can do to relieve some of the stress and pressure and emotional pain that can accompany the holidays. If you are located near us in lovely Northwest Arkansas, here's a great selection of groups that might be helpful to you as you look for some support for your journey:

Blood Cancers Support Group meets at our office in Springdale the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Contact Jessica Minton, LCSW at 479-361-5847.

Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Cancer Support Home in Bentonville the 2nd Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Contact Susan Earnest, RN at 479-521-8024.

Coping and Conversation is for anyone with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers. They meet at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville every Wednesday at noon. Call 479-521-8024 for more information.

Faithful Friends is a breast cancer support group that meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. Contact Dee Williams at 479-756-9172.

Lung Cancer Group is open to patients with lung cancer and their caregivers. It meets the third Thursday of each month at Highlands Oncology Group at 5:00 p.m. Contact us at 479-361-5847 or Lisa at Highlands Oncology Group at 479-587-1700.

Prostate Cancer Support Group supports men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners. They meet at the Community Church in Bella Vista the 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. Contact Dianne Krolikowski at 479-855-1126.

Reach to Recovery is a program administered by the American Cancer Society. They offer assistance to women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Contact Martha Green at 479-750-2493.

SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral, Head & Neck Cancer) This non-profit organization is dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral, head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. They meet the 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Fayetteville Cancer Support Home. Contact Jack Igleburger at 479-876-1051 or 479-586-4807.

Giving back... it doesn't have to involve your checkbook.

Like any other non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the financial contributions of our community. We ask for donations, we hold fundraisers, we write grants... all those things play a vital role in keeping our services and programs moving forward and growing to meet the needs of cancer patients and the citizens of Northwest Arkansas.

But, money is not all we need to support our mission - to provide compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow. Sometimes we need extra bodies and hands to help us make things happen.

For this reason, we have a volunteer program in place to recruit, train, and communicate with folks who want to help us be successful. Many of them are cancer survivors themselves, or have seen our work in clinics first-hand as caregivers or friends of cancer patients. They, like our paid staff, are passionate about doing something to make the journey cancer patients and their loved ones are on just a little bit easier.

There are many ways to get involved - it really just depends on the time and energy available on your end. You let us know what you would like to do, and we will find a way to let you help! Some options include:

"Been There" - The volunteers in this program are all cancer survivors who are interested in walking down that road again, this time as a support for someone else dealing with the same diagnosis. For a new cancer patient, having the ear of sometime who has experienced the same questions and feelings can be incredibly helpful. Open to any cancer survivor. Background checks and special training is required.

 
In Clinic - At Highlands Oncology Group our volunteers lend their time to assist patients with comfort care, enhance hospitality efforts, and support the clinic staff as directed and appropriate. Volunteers must have daytime availability and be at least 18 years of age. Background checks and special training is required.

Administrative & Outreach - We are happy to welcome volunteers in our office to assist with filing, answering phones, processing mailings, organizing, data entry, etc. around the Hope Cancer Resources office. Volunteers can also represent us at volunteer or health fairs, staff information tables at special events, and assist with other outreach efforts. We offer a fun atmosphere and the reward of supporting our programs in very necessary ways. Volunteers must have daytime availability. Background checks and orientation required.

Special Event Committees - We present two major fundraising events each year to help spread the word about what we do and raise funds to support our programs, and we need lots of hands on deck to make them happen. Our committee members help plan and execute our events, assist with the solicitation of sponsors, help gather door prizes and silent auction items, and generally spread the word about the event to their friends. Background checks and orientation required.

Episodic or One-time - We are happy to find something for you to do if you or your group only have a couple of hours to offer. We welcome help when we have a large mailing to get out, or need help with our screenings and special events. No long-term commitment required!

Professional "Pro-Bono" Services - We employ professional licensed social workers and registered nurses to carry out our programs. We engage volunteers with these or related professional designations and related experience who are willing to donate their time to be a part of our service delivery teams. Orientation and background check required, other training to be determined by volunteer role.

Third-Party Fundraising - This is one way for you to volunteer your time and energy and provide a donation at the same time! Many civic and community groups choose local non-profits to benefit from their special events. Some retail or food-service businesses will donate a percentage of their sales to a local charity. Other ideas are yard sales, bake sales, and chili suppers. We are happy to provide informational materials and publicity through our social media outlets and community contacts whenever we know about these kinds of events. We're honored by your willingness to support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas!

So, as you can see, you don't need any special talents to be able to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas. The only requirement is a desire to help.

Our next volunteer orientation is scheduled for November 18 at 5:30 p.m. For more information about volunteer opportunities or to get on the list for the orientation, contact Christy Scarrow by email or at 479-361-5847. We look forward to meeting you!

The Need for Awareness

There's a meme going around on Facebook right now that asks women to post a note in their status that just states where they like to to put their handbag at home. It's meant to be an awareness-raiser for breast cancer, as last year's bra color meme was, but it's getting negative attention as some folks are questioning how successful it is as an awareness tool. Some are also saying that time spent participating in "silly" little things like posting a status in your Facebook page is wasted in the face of the seriousness of the disease, and that one would be better off putting their money where their status is. One opinion we have read says that women who have actually dealt with the disease would be insulted by the "campaign", and implies that only shallow, self-centered people would even participate.

Obviously, we understand that breast cancer is a very serious, and potentially deadly, disease. But we also see the value of awareness - on many levels - and think that how one deals with their own or their loved-ones' diagnosis is strictly personal and individual.

At times, it truly does seem impossible to laugh at something like the Facebook meme, perhaps because your sister is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is unable to care for her small children. Or maybe you just lost your best friend to her second painful battle with the disease. We certainly appreciate that in those kinds of cases it would be frustrating to see anything associated with breast cancer meant to make people giggle a little.

But there is always, always, always a need for awareness. And that awareness can strike different people in different ways. Some people are moved to ask questions and get involved by billboards featuring patient photos and statistics. Others are motivated by the news of the latest discoveries in research. And, believe it or not, some people find out more because something made them smile, or ask "why?" A co-worker told us that her daughter had friends talking about breast self-examination, and it was spurred by one of them asking what the Facebook meme was about. Others have been encouraged to have a conversation with male friends because they were asked what exactly it is that they like "under the desk in the kitchen." Crude? Maybe. Effective. Definitely.

We all deal with cancer and its spectrum of treatments differently, and we all become aware of the need for continued support, research, and fundraising - for ALL cancers - differently. It's up to each of us to decide what we will do and when, but we hope that negativity is not what will be taken away from an effort that has good intentions at its heart. We're all in this together... and it takes us all to make a cure happen. Even those of us who like to spend a little time on Facebook.

Making a Difference

On the eve of a little fundraiser we're a part of tomorrow, we thought you'd appreciate seeing exactly where we are using the donations we receive.

We have a number of programs that fall under our cancer Patient Assistance umbrella and others that are geared toward the Outreach and Education for the entire community of Northwest Arkansas. In the first six months of this year, we have been doing great things to support the needs of cancer patients and others in our community... take a look...

Since January: 


We have provided $99,385 in prescription and emergency assistance to 373 patients.

We have given 169 patients over $16,000 in gasoline cards to help them with transportation for themselves and their caregivers.

The amount of support we have been able to acquire for patients from pharmaceutical companies with prescription assistance programs totals $86,513.

Psychosocial assistance has been provided to individuals by our licensed social workers at a value of just over $71,000.

301 hours of Spanish interpretation have been provided by our staff to those requesting this service.

89 patients have been transported 64,390 miles to and from their appointments by our drivers.

Paid for cancer screenings through our Save-a-Live program for people who were either uninsured or under-insured - for a total of $55,679.

Provided over 2,400 people with cancer education through sessions facilitated by Hope Cancer Resources staff.

Registered 944 new cases in the Northwest Arkansas Cancer Registry.

The total value of all of the services we have provided to Northwest Arkansas for the first half of 2010 is 

$369,569.02.

We hope you'll join us tomorrow at Fish City Grill in Rogers to support all this amazing work by eating a meal, and maybe bringing a friend or five along. It's First Tuesday at FCG, and they will be donating 15% of the day's sales to us. It's an easy way to make a big difference in the daily lives of people living with, battling, preventing and surviving cancer in our community. 

See you there!

Eating and Shopping and Giving Back

We hear a lot about "giving back" lately. Corporations are doing it, celebrities are doing it, and more likely than not, you are being asked to do it as well. But what does it mean, to "give back"? Don't we give enough already in the form of taxes, and tithes, donations of our old clothes to Goodwill and the change we throw in the kettle at Christmastime?

When you give back to organizations in your own community, you can see the results in a very real way. Your neighbors are benefited, and your own quality of living may even be impacted. At the very least, the services that you help support here at home improve the community we all live in. Never a bad thing. Yes, there are a lot of organizations looking for your support - in our world, not just our neighborhood - but we hope that we can convince you to do a couple of things you do every day, and make a difference in Northwest Arkansas at the same time.

Next Tuesday, August 3rd, Fish City Grill in Rogers will be hosting Hope Cancer Resources for their August "First Tuesday". For the entire day (11am-10pm) Fish City Grill will be donating 15% of their proceeds to us as a way to support our patient assistance and community education programs that benefit the communities of Northwest Arkansas. We know you eat lunch and dinner, and we know you like great food - it seems like a no-brainer to us. Grab the family or your co-workers and help us do what we do everyday just by doing what you do everyday.

Also starting next week, Harps Food Stores will be hosting an in-store promotion that will benefit Hope Cancer Resources' patient services and education programs. When you shop at Harps, your cashier will offer you the opportunity to purchase a card in someone's memory or honor, and donate to Hope Cancer Resources. Your donation amount is up to you, but you can be sure that every dollar will be truly appreciated and put to good use right here in Northwest Arkansas.

Thank you, Northwest Arkansas, for your past and continued support. We can't do it without you.

One Patient at a Time

There are a lot of careers one can pursue that will provide a feeling of accomplishment. Success comes in many shapes and sizes, and there seems to be something for everyone. The staff at Hope Cancer Resources is pretty similar to a staff at any other company. We have staff lunches, we keep track of new babies and birthdays and family crises. And individually, we each have things that motivate and inspire us to wake up and come into work every day.

But as a whole, it's safe to say that hearing the stories of the cancer patients we help is a powerful factor in our dedication to the work we do. Everyone at Hope Cancer Resources - every single person - has something to do with helping cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas receive the support they need to make it through their treatments and be prepared for life after.

Some people get through treatments and are cured. They will never have cancer again. We might help them with a prescription during the treatment, or a few rides to their doctor appointments. Other people may not have a good prognosis, but still need help dealing with the financial, emotional, and logistical nightmare that a diagnosis of cancer can bring on a family. We might offer them counseling that helps them deal with their anxiety or help with how to create a living will. For all of these patients, the support we provide is key to their personal journey.

 We'll say it again: Success comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it can't be measured in years. Sometimes, it's just finding a way to manage the time they have left.

Here's a recent patient's story...

"Mr. Smith", a 51 year old widower with a 16 year old daughter, suffered a seizure in the days leading up to Christmas. He found himself in the hospital Christmas morning, and was told he had lung cancer that had metastisized to his brain. A Hope Cancer Resources social worker met Mr. Smith on his first appointment at Highlands Radiation Oncology Clinic. It was quickly obvious that Mr. Smith had several concerns.

First, he was not going to be able to work any longer as a truck driver and would have to give up his commercial driver's license. Second, the various family members who had been giving him rides to the hospital and doctors' offices needed to return to work soon, leaving him no way to get to his appointments. In addition, he was to begin treatment the next day because of the seriousness of his condition, but he had no insurance. He was concerned about how he would pay for his treatments and prescriptions, some of which needed to be refilled within the week. Finally, with the understanding that his condition was terminal, Mr. Smith had questions about establishing a living will to give him some control over "end of life" decisions.

Our social worker oriented Mr. Smith to our services, and encouraged him to contact us or have his daughter do so if either of them "needed to talk". Our social worker then worked with one of our van drivers to arrange a ride for his appointment the next day, and ongoing appointments. They spoke with Mr. Smith's physician and nurse to confirm prescriptions and call in refills for those needing to be continued. Because Mr. Smith admitted that he is easily confused, our social worker helped him complete our application for assistance and explained the components of a simple living will and helped him complete one. They then contacted the pharmacy and paid for Mr. Smith's prescriptions while the nurse reviewed with him and his family his new medication regimen. Finally, our social worker referred Mr. Smith to Highlands' Patient Advocate for help with applying for Social Security Disability Income and Medicaid, and will continue to follow up with him to provide assistance as needed.

As he was leaving the clinic, Mr. Smith expressed his gratitude for our assistance and said "you guys have given me hope."

We measure our success one patient at a time.