Fighting Spirit

Breast Cancer Awareness • 2009

 Page 2–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
When dealing with adversity, attitude is everything
SHARON CARLSON
as told to Craig Reed
For the News-Review
I
am the youngest of 12 in my family;
seven girls and five boys. There was
no prior diagnosis of breast cancer of
any kind in our family until my sister,
Mary Jo, was diagnosed with breast cancer
almost 20 years ago.
The question was, “Where did this
come from and why?” I have six sisters
and none of the other sisters has had breast
cancer, or any aunts that I was aware of.
Mary Jo had treatment, then a second
occurrence of cancer. This time she chose
to have a mastectomy and she’s been can-
cer free since.
After my sister was first diagnosed, I
began to have annual mammograms rather
than every two to three years. I became
complacent about everything being OK,
until the day I received the phone call that
it wasn’t OK. The diagnosis, ductal carci-
noma-in-situ, was made in December of
CRAIG REED/The News-Review
2001 by Dr. Dennis Yeo. My knees buck-
Sharon Carlson, a breast cancer survivor, was supported by her husband Bruce led from the news. He wanted to see me
and their two children, Austin and Ashley, whose picture she is holding, during her that afternoon to discuss my treatment
treatments at the Community Cancer Center in Roseburg seven years ago. plan.
Y CANCER CENTER October the month to ‘think pink’
COMMUNIT reast cancer.
Welcome to our new home,
where generosity has built a place to Focus on Hope.
B It’s not a secret nor a forbidden
phrase anymore. In fact, the Pas-
sionately Pink theme of Breast Cancer
Awareness is very much in the spotlight
on October game days for the National
Football League. That’s a league of men
who play a tough, bruising sport, but
during this month many of them have
pink highlights on their shoes and
gloves.
Breast cancer is no longer hidden ...
it’s a fact of life.
October has been designated as Breast
Cancer Awareness month, and in an
effort to help make people more aware
of what resources are available to those
with the disease, The News-Review
compiled information for this special
section. In addition to that information,
this publication also includes several sto-
ries from women who are survivors of
breast cancer.
The message from each of the
resource centers and from the survivors
is the same — have regular checkups,
and if you are diagnosed with breast can-
cer, face the adversity with an attitude
2880 NW Stewart Parkway • Roseburg, OR 97471 • 541-673-2267 that you can survive it.
Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009
All I could envision was chemotherapy
… my hair falling out, being sick. How
could I deal with this and still care for my
family and continue to work?
I was in a fog. It was all a dream. I
would wake up and the horror would be
over.
My husband, Bruce, went with me to see
the doctor. Bruce told me, “We’ll do what
we have to do.” I remember it so well ...
the moment Dr. Yeo said, “You don’t need
to have chemotherapy ... radiation therapy
only.” My reply was “Bring it on, I can
deal with this. I can do this.”
I was scheduled for radiation treatment
for six weeks, Monday through Friday.
When back at home, we sat down with
our daughter, Ashley, who was a sopho-
more at Roseburg High School, and called
our son, Austin, who was a freshman at
Oregon State University. My husband and
I told them everything was going to be
fine, we were going to work through this. I
didn’t want any special attention. Our lives
were going to remain as normal as possi-
ble. We would continue to attend all the
sports events at RHS (Ashley was a cheer-
Turn to CARLSON, page 13
INDEX
Sharon Carlson, a survivor...............2
Community Cancer Center...............3
Mother inspires daughter..................4
Moving Forward Clinic......................5
Treva Hoffman Foundation...............6
Karen Hull, a survivor.......................7
Doctors give explanations..............10
Ann Shields, a survivor...................11
D.C. Cancer Services.....................12
V.A. Women’s Program..............14-15
Tea and Fashion Show...................16
COVER PHOTO
Sharon Carlson, left, Ann Shields and
Karen Hull show the fighting spirit that
they have used to be breast cancer sur-
vivors. Each have written stories about
their personal experience in dealing with
the disease. Carlson’s story is above,
Hull’s story is on page 7 and Shields’
story is on page. 11.
 Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Radiation therapist Scott Peterson looks over a monitor showing a CAT scan
at the Community Cancer Center in Roseburg.
State-of-the-art
cancer treatment
The News-Review
H
undreds of people who suffer from
cancer in Douglas County now
have a new, state-of-the-art center
in which to receive treatment.
More than two and a half years after the
groundbreaking ceremony, the Community
Cancer Center began to accept patients into
its new facility in early June.
The 39,000-square-foot, $12 million build-
ing is on Mercy Medical Center’s campus.
The center is not owned by Mercy.
Community Cancer Center Executive
Director Mel Cheney said that in designing
the building, he and the center’s board of
directors aimed to create a functional, yet
relaxing and healing atmosphere. That
includes a serene reflecting garden with
ponds and streams. The garden, which is
often frequented by wildlife, offers
chemotherapy patients a peaceful place they
can view from their chairs.
“I think we’ve been successful,” he said.
“We’re just so pleased with it.”
The cream walls of the inside of the build-
ing showcase serene watercolor paintings.
Brown and orange chairs are sprinkled
throughout the building. The massive win-
dows that make up the front of the building
and various other walls allow natural light to
pour into the center.
In the middle of the building sits a court-
yard that is surrounded by glass. A fountain
spouts water several feet in the air toward the
open sky above. It’s a scene that can be spot-
ted from all three floors.
Roseburg Oregon, Page 3
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ROBIN LOZNAK/The News-Review
The second floor of the building will be the (DUO\GHWHFWLRQRIEUHDVWFDQFHUFDQVDYH
home to the Moving Forward Survivorship
Clinic, which opened in July. Douglas Coun- OLYHV:KHQLWFRPHVWREUHDVWFDQFHU
ty Cancer Services and the American Cancer
Society will also have offices on the second VFUHHQLQJWKHUHLVQRVXEVWLWXWHIRUD
floor. A small lab and a conference room
available for public use are on the second
floor as well.
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The ground floor is where the cancer cen-
ter offices are located. The suite will include
VHUYLFHVLQFOXGLQJEUHDVW05,DQGGLJLWDO
two linear accelerators — a machine com-
monly used for external-beam radiation treat- PDPPRJUDSK\DUHDYDLODEOHLQ5RVHEXUJ
ments — that will be tucked away in vaults to
prevent outside interference. The center had ,I\RX·UHDZRPDQRYHURUKDYHDIDPLO\
one accelerator and recently purchased a sec-
ond $4 million machine. KLVWRU\RIEUHDVWFDQFHUWDONWR\RXUGRFWRU
The new center also includes a new
brachytherapy machine, which requires DERXWJHWWLQJVFUHHQHG
inserting radioactive sources into a tumor,
and a new CT scanner.
“This is going to make it so much easier
'U5REHUW%HQQHWW
for us to work together,” said Michelle
Galusha, the center’s tumor registrar. Rather 5DGLRORJLVW
than having to go across town to a medical
oncologist, a patient can just take the elevator,
she said.
About $2.2 million of the $10 million
needed to build the new center came from
local donations and grants, Cheney said. The
new building also includes about $10 million
worth of equipment.
“We’re really a shining jewel,” oncology
nurse Dianna Fraser said of the community-
sponsored clinic.
“It’s a dream come true, literally,” Cheney ZZZGFLSDFRP
said.
 Page 4–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Inspired to be
more aware cancer. Five months earlier she’d found
KATHLEEN NICKEL
For The News-Review a lump, but didn’t think much about it.
She figured it was a result of all the

W
hen Mercy goes “Passion- work she did getting ready for the holi-
ately Pink for A Cure” days and it would eventually go away.
this year, you’ll see plenty But by May, she realized not only was
of pink at the hospital — it not going away, it was getting bigger.
pink tops, pink scrubs, pink jackets, That’s when she called her physician
maybe even a few pink ties and pink and scheduled a mammogram.
shoes. “My mom is a smart, vibrant woman
Passionately who runs her own
Pink is a national company,” said Courtesy photo
effort to raise Helpful hints ... Kerri. “The reason When Kerri Beckman, right, participates in the Passionately Pink effort at Mercy
awareness about she didn’t have a Medical Center, it’ll be in support and honor of her mom, Peggy Huntley-Thornhill, a
breast cancer, Know someone who has been diag- mammogram right breast cancer survivor.
highlighting the nosed with breast cancer? away is she really
importance of reg- Offer her support by: didn’t think the
ular monthly lump was serious. including having regular mammo- tered nurse.
breast self-exams, • Giving a gift to the person, not the She was relying grams.” “I will absolutely be going Passion-
and annual mam- “cancer victim” on the fact that we Peggy, who lives in Enumclaw, ately Pink in support of my mom, the
mograms (for • Letting her have dark days have no history of Wash., continued to work while she most positive and amazing person I
women older than • Playing chauffeur breast cancer in went through her treatment, which last- know. Wearing pink, especially on this
40) to ultimately • Looking after her family our family. So it’s ed two years and included chemothera- day, is one small way we can all raise
save lives. Breast • Going with her to doctor appoint- really important py, radiation and drug therapy. Kerri awareness about breast cancer, about
cancer is only sec- ments and taking notes for her for women to
• Understanding her physical
went up once a month to check on her, the need for women to get regular
ond to lung cancer know that breast clean her house and make sure she was breast exams and mammograms and
changes
as a killer of • Behaving normally cancer doesn’t doing OK. hopefully help save lives,” Kerri
women. • Sticking around have to run in “Cancer changes your life, whether added.
Like Mercy • Taking her away on a girl’s trip your family for you are the person with cancer or Many Mercy employees will be see-
employees, Kerri • Providing some comic relief you to get breast you’re the friend or family member,” ing pink throughout October, but it’s
Beckman from • Celebrating recovery milestones cancer. We are said Kerri. “In our family, we’ve made really the message about breast cancer
Mercy Emergency proof of that.” some really big life decisions since my that is important. Whether it’s your
Department’s life Peggy’s cancer mom learned she had breast cancer. My mom, your wife, your sister or your
has been personally touched by cancer. was a non-genetic form, which means brother started his family; he said he girlfriend, remind all the women in
So when Kerri goes Passionately Pink it doesn’t automatically increase wanted to make sure his children had a your life about the importance of regu-
it will be in support and honor of her Kerri’s odds of getting breast cancer, chance to know their grandma. And lar breast self-exams and mammo-
mom, Peggy Huntley-Thornhill, a as a genetic form might. after being a caretaker for so long, I grams.
breast cancer survivor. “But like with my mom, you just decided I really wanted to go back to Because, as Kerri said, “It’s true
Nearly five years ago, Peggy learned never know,” said Kerri. “I’m commit- school and this spring I will graduate what they say — the best protection
she had an aggressive form of breast ted to taking good care of myself, from UCC’s nursing school as a regis- really is early detection.”

5 of TOTAL SALES
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 Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness
Carlson: Only missed one day of work during treatment
Continued from page 2
leader) and visit Austin at OSU when we
could.
I started radiation treatment Feb. 21, 2002.
I continued to work every day; I continued to
run and exercise each day.
Everything was going well until about
three weeks into my treatment. I was on a
treadmill at the YMCA and it felt like I hit a
brick wall. I had no energy and became very
emotional. My husband and daughter came to
get me and bring me home. The next day was
the only day I missed work throughout my
treatment. I stayed in bed all day and slept
and then began to again feel like “bring it
on.”
On the day I hit that wall, I said to my fam-
ily, “OK guys, you can treat me a little spe-
cial.”
I wanted my children to learn that with any
adversity in life, it’s about attitude. You can
overcome anything in life with the right atti-
tude. After that experience, I did slow down a
little bit.
My last day of treatment was April 15,
2002. I remember it well. It was a day for cel-
ebration. My daughter was inducted into the
National Honor Society at Roseburg High. It
Shields: Friends, family helped her cope
Continued from page 11
Creek. We take care of our own here. Chloe
and Anya (breast cancer survivors) encour-
aged me and gave me a shoulder to cry on.
Day or night. My singing sisters, Yvonne,
Janis, Gloria, and Carol provided the perfect
therapy for me by singing with me anytime I
wanted that summer.
My friend Sharon S. would count ahead
every 21 days (chemo schedule), and then
send out Bob with a huge bowl of custard,
the only thing that tasted good to me. Old
friends, Marilyn and Allan, hired a house-
keeper for me. I was included on most of the
church prayer chains in town. My own
church family at Tri City Presbyterian
Church cheered me on. My older sister, Mar-
garet, offered to have her own hair cut off
and made into a wig for me. Mardena, Ski,
and Betty acted as my private cheerleaders.
Considering what I was going through I
thought I was doing pretty well. It was then
that we were told that my baby sister had
bladder cancer, and had about six weeks to
live. Before my second chemo, my beloved
sister, Tessie Kay, passed away. Yes, it was
earthquake number three. Imagine the love I
felt in my soul to see the Kuslers, the Scher-
ers, the Theisses and the Becherers at her
memorial service in Klamath Falls.
How could I heal and also grieve for my
sister? Enter our relatives, Patty and Gary.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
“
I was so lucky
the cancer was
caught very early.
Sharon Carlson
Breast cancer survivor
”
was tax day and we were getting a tax refund,
and it was my last day of treatment. Through
it all and on this day, I recall the induction of
our daughter into the honor society as the
most emotional.
I was in excellent hands through my treat-
ments: Dr. Yeo, Cynthia Keyes, and Dr.
Sylvia Gosline and Dianna Fraser at the
Community Cancer Center. They assured me
my cancer was self contained and hadn’t
spread. I remember at the midway point of
treatment when I had hit the wall, Dianna
held my hand and told me everything was
Gary is a psychologist, and I call Patty my
sister-in-love. It feels as if a warm blanket is
wrapped around me whenever I’m in their
presence. My dear old friend, Barbara S. of
Roseburg, went to Eugene and stayed several
days with my 91-year-old mother, and then
came to Myrtle Creek and took care of me
and my family for a whole day.
I did finish my treatment, both chemo and
radiation. I slowly, but surely, began to feel
like a survivor. Through it all, I was never,
ever forsaken.
The gift? The gift is that with the help of
my faith, my family and my friends I no
longer live my life in fear. The old me didn’t
go down unknown paths. The transformation
took place because of my journey through
the gift of breast cancer. In the beginning I
could never, ever have said this.
I continue to have mountains and valleys
in my life. My older sister, Margaret, passed
away within a year. My husband, Lloyd, has
had aggressive prostate cancer. Lloyd’s sis-
ter, Dorothy, is just finishing her journey
through the valley of breast cancer.
My 96-year-old mother and I are all that
are left of our nuclear family, so we hang on
to each other just a little tighter. I have adopt-
ed the philosophy of my friend, Shirley: The
Lord is not yet finished with me.
Our children have given us the two most
wonderful and beautiful grandchildren in the
world, Olivia Eva Ann and Sebastian Lloyd
Oliver. And life is good.
going to be OK. She was so kind and under-
standing, as were my husband and children.
After five years of remission, you’re con-
sidered cured. April 15, 2007, was my five-
year milestone. I was so lucky the cancer was
caught very early.
With no cancer history in my family until
my sister, I wondered why me? Why her? I
encourage men and women to conduct self
breast examinations and get annual check-
ups and mammograms every year, especial-
ly if your family has a history of cancer.
Don’t feel insecure about asking questions.
If you find something suspicious, something
that just doesn’t seem right, go to the doctor
and have it checked. What better feeling is
there than to be told it’s nothing.
If the time comes that it is something, rely
on family, faith, friends and co-workers, and
again on your own attitude. Your own attitude
can set the tone for yourself and your family
in dealing with whatever comes your way.
I haven’t looked back. I’m just moving for-
ward.
Sharon Carlson, 52, is the staff assistant to
the Director at the Veterans Affairs Roseburg
Healthcare System. She’s worked for the VA
for 30 years, the last 23 in Roseburg, after
transferring from Fargo, N.D.
Karen Roberson, CNM
Paul Axford, M.D.
William Hollander, M.D.
Roseburg Oregon, Page 13
Dewing: Side
effects to biopsy
usually temporary
Continued from page 10
(swelling caused by excess fluid build-
up), numbness, a persistent burning sen-
sation, infection and difficulty moving
the affected body area.
Side effects of SLN biopsy can include
pain or bruising at the biopsy site and the
rare possibility of an allergic reaction to
the blue dye used to find the sentinel
node. Patients may find that their urine is
discolored or that their skin has been
stained the same color as the dye. Some-
times, a patient’s facial coloring is slight-
ly grayish the first night after surgery.
These problems are usually temporary
and resolved without further intervention.
Dr. Michelle DeWing is a general and
thoracic surgeon. She specializes in
breast and lung cancer surgery, benign
and malignant Esophageal disease,
Mediastinal Tumors and complex reflux
disease.
Integrated
Womens
Healthcare
Quality health care
for women –
Our practice
Supports
Breast Cancer
Awareness
Our practice welcomes new patients.
Please call for more information or to
schedule an appointment
1813 W. Harvard
Suite 436
Roseburg, OR
464-6464
 Page 14–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Focus on health needed to fight cancer to increase individual and community

Women’s Health Care has awareness of breast cancer risk factors, and
become more of a priority at VA early detection. If you visit the VA during
October, all clinical areas have large Breast
because of more female veterans Cancer Awareness informational displays
MARCIA HALL and personal breast health items to enhance
For The News-Review awareness. Hosting opportunities such as
brown bag Lunch and Learn for staff and

B
eing an active participant in your
own health is the crucial compo-
nent of managing breast health.
Breast cancer will strike one in
every eight women in the United States.
There are few fears more pervasive among
women than the fear of having breast can-
cer, losing a breast and ultimately losing
your life. Understanding the fear of breast
cancer is understanding a serious barrier to
engaging women — and men — in vigilant
involvement with breast health.
As the Women Veteran Program Manag-
er at the VA Roseburg Healthcare System, I
understand this fear personally and profes-
sionally. At 39, I was diagnosed with inva-
sive breast cancer and underwent three sur-
geries, including a radical mastectomy, six
months of chemotherapy and seven weeks
of daily chest wall radiation.
My life has never been the same, but I
am alive and I am thankful every day that I
am still here. I believe I have survived
breast cancer because of my active partici-
pation in being healthy and a tenacious pur-
suit of treatment.
My position at the VA has broad over-
sight of women’s health services at the
main Roseburg Hospital, two Community
Outpatient clinics in Eugene and North
Bend, and an ambulatory care clinic in
Brookings. In this capacity, I have
advanced a multi-pronged approach to
breast health and breast cancer manage-
ment.
There is a tendency to focus narrowly on
mammograms to identify early stage breast
cancer. While mammography is a crucial
component of breast cancer detection, it is
Julie Norton, left, and Marcia, both of the Women Veterans Health Program, show
off the Breast Cancer Awareness education display at the VA Roseburg Healthcare
System.
only one component of overall breast can-
cer identification and treatment. As the
country struggles with the larger issue of
how to provide health care to its citizenry,
we are focusing on how to engage female
veterans and empower them to enhance
partnerships with their primary care
providers to improve all dimensions of
breast health; awareness of breast cancer,
prevention, early detection, and disease
management.
During the past year, Women’s Health
Care within the VA has become a priority.
The number of female veterans will double
in the next five years, presenting the VA
with new challenges and opportunities. The
increasing numbers of women serving in
large numbers in Iraq and Afghanistan
mean that women accessing VA services
will be younger and using these services
for many years to come.
Courtesy photo
Historically, women have constituted an
extreme minority within the VA. Too often
their care has been fragmented, receiving
primary care from one provider and
“women’s health” services, i.e. breast and
cervical cancer screening, from another
provider.
We know that there are better health care
outcomes and higher patient satisfaction
when comprehensive care comes from one
provider who is proficient and interested in
women’s health over a woman’s lifetime.
Developing robust primary care services for
veterans is the key to improving health
services and vitally important to early
detection and management of breast cancer.
In addition to making significant changes
in how women veterans’ health care is
delivered, breast cancer services at the
Roseburg VA include:
• Outreach and education activities
veterans is also offered.
• Advocacy for breast cancer
awareness. I’m actively engaged (and
encourage others to be engaged) in local
and national campaigns such as the annual
breast cancer fashion show at Seven Feath-
ers Hotel and Casino Resort and the Susan
B. Komen Foundation that support research
and increased social awareness of Breast
Cancer. Numerous staff members and vet-
erans are also engaged in diverse efforts in
our communities and within the VA.
• Breast cancer coordination and
management through a primary care
provider in collaboration with community
specialists, the Portland VA Medical Center
and Oregon Health and Sciences Breast
Cancer specialists.
• Clinical breast exams are clinically
important in early detection of breast can-
cer. Education and training in breast health
management for health care providers is an
ongoing effort within the VA. Research has
found that health care professionals with
specific and recurring education on such
exams have higher rates of detecting breast
cancer. It requires three to five minutes per
breast for a thorough exam.
• Mammography services for eligible
female and male veterans at an accredited/
certified community mammography facili-
ty. Because the VA does not offer on-site
mammography services, any veteran who
requires screening or diagnostic mammog-
raphy services can choose a nearby facility
Turn to HEALTH CARE, page 15

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 Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Page 15

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Health care: Women must realize they’re the best advocates for their bodies
Continued from page 14
and the VA will pay for this service.
• BRCA genetic testing. The
BRCA gene test is a blood test that
uses DNA analysis to identify changes
(mutations) in either one of two breast
cancer susceptibility genes — known
as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Genetic coun-
seling also is part of the BRCA gene
test process and both are available to
veterans. After having a BRCA gene
test performed, you learn whether you
carry an inherited BRCA gene muta-
tion and receive an estimate of your
personal risk of breast cancer and
ovarian cancer. BRCA testing is
offered only to women who are at very
high risk of breast cancer and ovarian
cancer based on personal or family
history. The BRCA gene test isn’t rou-
tinely performed on women at average
risk of these cancers. Having a BRCA
gene mutation is rare. BRCA gene
mutations are responsible for less than
5 to 10 percent of breast cancers.
• Quality assurance through
tracking and follow-up of all abnor- women’s health care more of a priority because and excessive alcohol use directly
mal mammograms is completed to
ensure treatment is timely and accessi-
ble. In addition, the VA has a quality
assurance program of external peer review
choose to smoke, drink to excess,
avoid exercise, eat unhealthy food
and/or too much food, you increase
your risk of breast cancer and other
cancers.
Develop a partnership with your
health care provider. Your health is
largely determined by the behaviors
you choose every day. Your health care
provider is not there to fix you, but
rather to work with you to promote
and manage your optimal health.
Breast cancer can strike anyone,
female or male, with or without a fam-
ily history, and even those who have
no risk factors and choose healthy
behaviors. When breast cancer does
occur, early detection is crucial to sur-
viving and minimizing the often diffi-
cult treatment regimens.
For those women who do get breast
cancer, there are steps to take to
reduce chances of recurrence. Accord-
ing to Dr. Christopher I. Li, all it takes
is to “stay at a normal weight, don’t
smoke and drink in moderation.”
Illustration courtesy of VA That’s because estrogen can fuel these
The Veterans Affairs system has made tumors’ growth, and both fat tissue
of an increasing number of women veterans. increase estrogen levels in the body.
Fighting breast cancer requires an
In general, the advice to prevent breast
cancer is the same advice given to live a
healthy life. As women we need to be vig-
ilant about those things we can do and not
worry excessively about those things we
cannot change.
Pay attention to your body, make a com-
mitment to take care of yourself and under-
stand you are your best advocate in prevent-
ing and surviving breast cancer. Remind
yourself to complete monthly breast self
exams and encourage friends and family to
do the same. Develop a relationship with
your primary care doctor to help maintain a
healthy lifestyle and make sure you spend
time every day doing something you love to
do. Breast cancer can change your life, but
it also can be survived.
October is the month that we focus our
attention and efforts at fighting breast can-
cer as individuals, communities, health
systems and societies. We have made
much progress, but too many women still
lose their lives to this disease. As the
Susan B. Komen Foundation states, “erad-
ication of breast cancer is our goal.”
Marcia Hall is the Women Veterans Pro-
gram Manager at the VA Roseburg
Healthcare System.

Baby
in which a number of health measures are active, not passive commitment to manag-
reviewed to meet performance targets. ing your health. As with other life-threat-
With screening mammography the target ening diseases and more specifically can-

Your
is 72 percent. This year to date the Rose- cer, individuals can influence their risk of
burg VA is at 83 percent. Comparison of getting the disease and improve their odds
community Medicare and Medicaid rates of surviving. As women we can be educat-

Baby
of screening mammography are 67 per- ed and make choices of the do’s and
cent and 50 percent respectively. don’t’s.
• Hospice care. The VA provides hos- Educate yourself about the risk factors
Publishes
pice care to those veterans who are suffer- for breast cancer. Most women who are The News Review:
ing from late-stage breast cancer. These diagnosed with breast cancer have no fam- Sunday, Nov 1st
services are provided in our Community ily history of the disease. Having a close The Umpqua Shopper
Living Center by a multidisciplinary team relative with the disease, however, does
increase your risk.
GREEN ALTERNATIVES Tuesday, November 3rd
including a specially trained hospice Fuel efficiency, incentives, models The Internet at nrtoday.com
nurse. Choose to manage your health. If you
THE NEW AUTO MARKET
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Fuel efficiency, incentives, 2010 models
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ARTICLE FOR
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section, you may submit
When You Need It FALL MAINTENANCE an article by email to:
ttalton@nrtoday.com
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Acupuncture • Massage Therapy
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Natural Medicine

464-0808 541-957-4207
www.pacificcrestchiro.com 2270 NW Troost St. (Garden Valley & Troost) no later than Thursday, October 22nd
 Page 16–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Survivors honored at annual
Tea and Fashion Show
The News-Review
“Putting On The Ritz” is the theme of
this year’s Tea and Fashion Show.
That’s the fun part of this annual event
that is presented by Douglas County Can-
cer Services. On a more serious note, the
show honors breast cancer survivors, and
features their strength and energy. Five
survivors will walk the runway and model
clothes from JC Penney.
The 10th annual show, hosted by the
Seven Feathers Convention Center in
Canyonville, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Satur-
day. Tickets are $10 each and are available
at Douglas County Cancer Services in the
Community Cancer Center in Roseburg,
the Seven Feathers box office, Sutherlin
Drug in Sutherlin and Trueblood Real
Estate in Myrtle Creek.
All proceeds will be used to aid Douglas
County breast cancer survivors through
Douglas County Cancer Services, an all-
volunteer organization that provides nutri-
tion, prosthesis, support and financial aid
to cancer patients in the county. Last year’s
show, that drew about 500 people, raised
about $7,000 through ticket sales and
donations.
It wasn’t too many years ago that such
public support didn’t even exist as “breast”
and “cancer” weren’t commonly used in
general conversation, especially together.
“When you heard cancer, there was a
feeling of hopelessness,” said Ann Shields,
a breast cancer survivor and one of the
models. “Hopefully, with a show like this,
we’re giving hope to other women who are
facing it. It’s personally satisfying for me
to help other women deal with it.”
The tea and fashion show has raised
money to provide services for cancer
patients. But just as important, it’s brought
the disease into the open and made it easi-
er to discuss in public. Rather than being
taboo, breast cancer has resulted in form-
ing a sisterhood of those who have had it.
“We’re there for each other,” Shields
said.
Tea and Fashion Show information: 440-
9409.

Douglas County Cancer Services

Presents
“Puttin On The Ritz”

10th Annual
Tea and Fashion Show
Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors
October 24, 2009, 1 p.m.
Seven Feathers Convention Center
Canyonville, OR
nt
Ladies are enco
uraged Entertainme
fa vo rite hat
to wear their

Tickets $10.00
$
Available at: Douglas County Cancer Services in Roseburg
Seven Feathers Box Office in Canyonville
Sutherlin Drug in Sutherlin
Clothing b
y Trueblood Real Estate in Myrtle Creek
Door Prizes!
JC Penney
(advanced ticket purchase recommended)

For More Information call 430-3253

All proceeds to aid Douglas County Breast Cancer Survivors
This event made possible by Seven Feathers Casino Resort and
Komen for The Cure, Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate.
 Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness
Clinic helps ease fears of cancer survivors
The News-Review
F
or many cancer patients, the
conclusion of weeks- or months-
long treatment isn’t as exciting
and freeing as one might think.
Instead, patients completing treatment
may experience anxiety and fear about
the future and about their health.
In a videotape circulated among hos-
pitals and clinics, one cancer survivor
remarks, “When the treatment ended, I
felt like a warrior without a war.”
Radiation oncologist Sylvia Gosline
and oncology nurse Dianna Fraser hope
a Roseburg clinic will ease the fears of
cancer survivors in Roseburg.
The Moving Forward Cancer Sur-
vivorship Clinic opened in July on the
second floor of the new Community
Cancer Center. Gosline and Fraser are
both cancer center employees.
The survivorship clinic will help peo-
ple transition from being cancer patients
to cancer survivors. The providers at the
clinic will work to improve each
patient’s physical, social, psychological
and spiritual well-being.
The clinic will serve as a resource for
people — providing referrals to other
resources, such as alternative therapies
and counseling — as well as a place to
access follow-up care.
Patients can also turn to the clinic
staff to develop an individualized fol-
low-up care plan that details the
patient’s health care needs after com-
pleting cancer treatment, Gosline said.
Patients can either return to their pri-
mary care physicians for follow-up care
Mercy Community Education
presents breast cancer seminar
The News-Review
If you shun the sun, suffer from milk
allergies and/or adhere to a strict vegetari-
an diet, you may be at risk for a Vitamin D
deficiency with increased risk of develop-
ing breast cancer.
New research, while not conclusive, is
suggesting a strong connection between a
Vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer
(www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/), and a
deficiency may also raise the risk of cancer
spreading (www.webmd.com/cancer/).
Join local physicians Eric Soder and
Roby Bennett from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Oct.
29 in Mercy’s Conference Rooms A/B for
a discussion about new findings in breast
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Oncology nurse Dianna Fraser, left, Dr. Sylvia Gosline and volunteer Bunny John-
son, a retired nurse, are pictured in the water garden at the Community Cancer
Center in Roseburg. The three women help patients in the Moving Forward Clinic.
or receive the care at the survivorship
clinic, she said.
For many patients, the concern goes
beyond where to receive physical fol-
low-up care, though.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation, a
nonprofit group aimed at inspiring and
empowering people who have cancer,
conducted a study of cancer survivors.
The study revealed that cancer
patients face an array of obstacles dur-
cancer research and breast cancer detec-
tion.
Topics discussed will include the link of
a Vitamin D deficiency and new technolo-
gies in breast imaging, including breast
MRIs, ultrasound and digital mammogra-
phy.
In addition to the presentation, a mini-
health fair will be held in the same confer-
ence rooms from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., with
representatives from the Community Can-
cer Center, Mercy’s Outpatient Imaging
Center, Mercy’s Inpatient Imaging services
and breast cancer survivors.
Mercy Community Education sessions
are free and open to the community.
Information: Mercy Communication,
677-4308.
CRAIG REED/The News-Review
We Support Breast Cancer Awarness Month
Dr. Sarah Agsten, DO
Family Practice Physician
Family Tree
Medical Clinic
2579 NW Edenbower Blvd., Roseburg
Roseburg Oregon, Page 5
ing and after treatment, from depression
and secondary health problems to losing
income and battling debt.
“One of the hardest parts of my job is
watching a patient walk out of the doors
for the last time and wondering in my
heart what they’re going home to,” Fras-
er said at a recent presentation about the
clinic.
The clinic will help ensure that
patients are leaving cancer treatment
with the resources they need, she said.
The Community Cancer Center board
of directors and Executive Director Mel
Cheney have supported the two in their
efforts to start the clinic and provided
the clinic with $10,000 in seed money,
Fraser said. The clinic also has a couple
of pending grants that would cover the
$190,000 in operational costs for the
first year, she said.
In the beginning, the clinic will be
open one day per week, but as need
increases it will open additional days,
Fraser said.
“We want to have these services avail-
able to any patient who needs them,
regardless of their ability to pay,”
Gosline said. “That’s our goal.”
To schedule
an appoinntment with
Dr. Agsten or Karen
please call
673-5225
Karen McClish, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
 Page 6–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

THE TREVA HOFFMAN FOUNDATION
Program helps battle costs of cancer Willy
KELLY COOK
For The News-Review LaRoque, left,
and her

W
hen Treva LaRoque-Hoffman daughter Kelly
was faced with the devastat- Cook have
ing diagnosis of breast can- worked to
cer, I watched as my sister develop the
struggled to handle the heavy financial and Treva Hoffman
emotional burden the diagnosis had Foundation in
brought. memory of
Not always being able to personally pro- their daughter
vide the care or financial support Treva and sister who
needed, I set out to find alternatives but was a cancer
there were very few to be found. What I victim. The
did find available had foundation
too many restrictions, recently made
eliminating my sister a $2,500
from eligibility. I was donation to
then set to start an Douglas
organization to raise County Cancer
funds to help Treva and Services, an
others in the same situ- organization
ation. that has wigs
At the same time, available for
Treva had her own patients in
ideas. Holding true to treatment.
Hoffman form, she sought to
help others while mak- ROBIN
ing a difference in the fight against breast LOZNAK/The
News-Review
cancer. During treatment, Treva had heard
about the lack of availability of tissue sam-
ples to do vital cancer research. She also
found out that every day, excess tissue
advance breast cancer research and provide of income. We realize that patients who directly at the DCCS office on Wednesday
being harvested through medical proce-
educational and financial assistance to have no insurance, or who have coverage afternoons.
dures for cancer diagnosis was being
breast cancer patients for the care and treat- gaps in their commercial health benefit Assistance from the foundation is not
thrown away.
ment of breast cancer. plans, have few places to turn to pay for limited to the program provided through
Treva knew immediately she had to do
Our financial assistance program is health-related services. DCCS. If you would like to apply directly
something to change the situation. This
designed to support the concept of provid- When the choice is food, a roof over to the foundation, visit our Web site at
change would become her purpose, and the
ing access to services that have the poten- your head, electricity for your home or www.trevahoffmanfoundation.com to sub-
goals of the two sisters would become the
tial to significantly enhance either the clini- medication, more often the choice is to mit your written request via e-mail; a foun-
mission of The Treva Hoffman Foundation.
cal condition or the quality of life of the forego the treatment or medication. When dation representative will contact you to
The Treva Hoffman Foundation is a non-
patient. It is our goal to help ease the care is received, families often assume a complete the application process. Once
profit volunteer organization dedicated to
incredible financial burden that a cancer large amount of debt, which becomes a your application is complete, the founda-
raising funds through organized charitable
diagnosis often causes. Frequently our heavy and worrisome burden during the tion board will assess whether or not you
activities to fulfill its mission to aid and
level of care is directly related to our level care and recovery process. The foundation qualify for our financial assistance pro-
understands these needs and is willing to gram.
help fill this void. Our goal is to make sure Qualifying for assistance does not guar-

Supporting there are no boundaries to the treatment

and recovery from breast cancer.
Locally, The Treva Hoffman Foundation
antee your request will be funded. Priority
will be given to applicants we determine
are at the highest risk for not receiving

Breast Cancer has partnered with Douglas County Cancer

Services located in the new Community
Cancer Center in Roseburg to aid commu-
medical care based on financial circum-
stances. It is our hope to provide assistance
for every qualifying request we receive.
Research and Awareness nity access to our financial assistance pro-
gram. On Sept. 19, The Treva Hoffman
Foundation presented DCCS with a $2,500
Should funding be limited at the time of
application, applicants will be placed on a
waiting list for future consideration. If you
In Memory of grant to provide assistance to community
breast cancer patients.
have additional questions regarding our
financial assistance program, you can sub-
Judy Allen Community members affected by this mit your questions online or contact us
disease can contact DCCS directly to apply direct at 680-8178.

Del’s
for assistance through this program. You
can also visit with a volunteer representa- Kelly LaRoque-Cook is the president of
Building Supply 102 S. Old Pacific Hwy • Myrtle Creek • 863-3127 tive from The Treva Hoffman Foundation the Treva Hoffman Foundation.
 Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Page 7

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Karen Hull

Volunteer work, faith of Roseburg

drew extra
strength from
the Bible

keep her energized and God

during her
treatment for
breast
Karen Hull is ‘blessed’ through recommended a lumpectomy with six cancer. She
weeks of radiation and then chemotherapy is now an
her work with others who if the lymph nodes were involved. 11-year
are dealing with cancer My surgery was done in May of ’98 by survivor.
a breast cancer specialist. After a long
week of post-surgery anticipation, I was ROBIN
KAREN HULL thankful to learn the nodes were not LOZNAK/The
News-Review
For The News-Review involved. I started radiation treatments in
June here at the cancer center. We are so

E
veryone’s cancer story is a little
different, and the outcome may
vary, but all have the same fears,
anxiety and anticipation.
My cancer was discovered by a mam-
mogram. A biopsy was taken, and three
days later the doctor called me and said,
“We got the results from the biopsy, and
you have cancer.”
I remember feeling weak and light-
headed, as if all the blood was draining
out of me. As I sat down, I thought this
must be what they call fear.
After discussing it with my family, I
decided to get a second opinion on how to
proceed with the treatment. Both doctors
fortunate to have such an excellent cancer
center with a fantastic and caring staff
here in Roseburg. I was so encouraged as
a patient there that I recently became one
of their volunteers.
My daughter had done a lot of research
on breast cancer, which helped me make
informed decisions. She gave me a special
planner with scripture in the front, “I can
do all things through Christ who strength-
ens me” – Philippians 4:13.
It was a great comfort and gave me
something to do by keeping a journal of
my doctor appointments, radiation treat-
ments and even the names of the techs. It family and friends and of their prayers and name just a few, who give so much of
was also a record of cards and calls from encouragements. their time and energy helping in some way
Cancer patients and their support people those who are battling this horrible dis-
learn to cope with pain, fears, trials and ease.

Breast Cancer Awareness sometimes heartbreak. There are a lot of

different emotions most cancer patients
experience. For me it was guilt. Guilt for
getting cancer, guilt for putting my family
In the spotlight: The Vitamin D Connection through this and even guilt for not having
New and Improved Imaging Options it as bad as other cancer patients.
One day I was reading a book on cancer
If you shun the sun, suffer from milk allergies, and/or adhere to a strict that had stories of other cancer patients
vegetarian diet, you may be at risk for a Vitamin D deficiency with increased with these same feelings of guilt. I was so
risk of developing breast cancer. New research, while not conclusive, is relieved when I realized this was normal.
suggesting a strong connection between a Vitamin D deficiency and breast I started volunteering at Douglas Coun-
ty Cancer Services several years ago. I
cancer; and a deficiency may also raise the risk of cancer spreading. wanted to get involved with cancer
Join local physicians Eric Soder, MD, and Roby Bennett, MD, on Thursday, patients to try to help and encourage them,
Oct. 29 in Mercy's Con. Rooms A/B from 6:15-7:30 p.m. for an engaging and but I am the one being blessed. Through
DCCS and our support group which meets
informative discussion about new findings in breast cancer research and
monthly, I have had the opportunity to
breast cancer detection. Topics discussed will include Vitamin D deficiencies meet many amazing people. I have a dear
and new technologies in breast imaging, including breast MRIs, friend with terminal lung cancer. She is
ultrasound and digital mammography. one of the most courageous people I
know. She has a positive attitude and
In addition to the presentation, a mini-health fair will be held in the same
encourages others.
conference rooms from 5:30-6:15 p.m., featuring representatives from the I’ve also had the privilege of meeting
Community Cancer Center, Mercy's Outpatient Imaging Center, Mercy's other volunteers, such as Jackie Barnett,
Inpatient Imaging services and breast cancer survivors. Dodie Blessing and Maudine Perry, to
One of the activities DCCS spearheads
is a Survivor’s Day Luncheon. The event
is designed to encourage cancer patients.
It is a celebration of life for cancer sur-
vivors. I was surprised and humbled to
have been awarded the Badge Of Courage
at the 2003 Survivor’s Day Luncheon.
The Tea and Fashion Show is another
fun way for breast cancer survivors and
others to celebrate life and at the same
time raise money to help with breast can-
cer in Douglas County. I am honored to
have a part in it as well.
In my battle with cancer, I drew
strength from the Lord along with tremen-
dous support from my fantastic and loving
husband, family and friends. By the grace
of God, I am now an 11-year breast cancer
survivor!
Karen Hull, 69, of Roseburg is retired
from a life of raising kids. She and her
husband Ken have three grown children.
The mother of three grown children, she is
an 11-year survivor of breast cancer.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Mercy Medical Center
Conference Rooms A and B Mercy Medical Center
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Refreshments will be served. 677-4308 | www.mercyrose.org
Page 8–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

So Proud off We honor We honor In Memory

y off

Jennifer North Beverly Davis Tammy Woolbright Tom Bissonnette

Thank you for never God bless. Keep up your good So proud to have you as
giving up! You’re my Beverly we love you. walk for breast our Husband, Dad, & Papa
hero mom! Our prayers are with you. cancer. God bless. Love,
Love, Love, Love Irleen, Scott, Marian,
Daisy Ruby and Dave Dad and Rudy Mike & G-Kids

IIn Loving
g Memory
y IIn Loving
g Memory
y IIn Loving
g Memory
y In Memory
y off

Michael John Ann Yraguen Arlene Darla Norris

Harwood Rynearson
8/19/64 - 3/22/08 We admired your
What a courageous fighter
you were! We miss you more
courage and
determination.
Truly an awesome
lady. I’ll love you We miss
each day
Till we meet again, We miss you. forever you
Your loving family Your Family ~Don
Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Page 9

Honoring
g In Memory
y off In Memory
y off

Vicki Johnston Irene Johnston Pauline Knapp

Your courage is an We miss your Your laughter
inspiration to all of us! smiling face was contagious
Love, We miss you,
The News-Review Love,
Rick Knapp, Vicki
Staff The Johnston Families Johnston & Families

So Proud off IIn Loving

g Memory
y Honoring
g Right
g Beside y
you

Lori Mesa Tracey Telford Treva Julie Snider

LaRoque-Hoffman
Making 7 years All our love
really count Treva, You do not walk
Phillip, Calla, Cael, you are always with this path alone.
YOU GO GIRL! Caitlynn,
Love mom us. All our love, I love you,
& Chloe Mom & Dad Your brother David

In Memory
y off In Memory
y off So Proud off In Memory
y off

Edna Darling Michael L. Fortner Beverly Davis Patty Rifenbark

Michael, when we fell in To the sweetest, kindest, 1934 - 1997
We miss love I became the luckiest most caring person we
you! woman in the world
Remembering “us”... I still am
know. Keep fighting! FOREVER IN
All my heart,
Love you OUR HEARTS
The Darling Gang Helen Norm, Corry, & Austin
 Page 10–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness
Community has tools for early detection
DR. GARY HOLT
For The News-Review
October is here and you may have
noticed a profusion of pink. No, the flow-
ers haven’t returned to your garden; the
pink comes on ribbons and T-shirts pro-
moting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the American Cancer Soci-
ety, more than 2,600 new cases of invasive
breast cancer will occur among women in
Oregon in 2009, and more than 500 will
die from the disease. Along with the chari-
ty events and outreach, this is a great
opportunity to learn about the latest
screening techniques for early detection of
this deadly form of cancer — in you or the
women you love.
Like many forms of cancer, when
tumors of the breast are detected early,
patients have much better odds of success-
SLN biopsy can be easier procedure for patients
Dr. MICHELLE DEWING
For The News-Review
The sentinel lymph node is the first
lumph node to which cancer is likely to
spread from the primary tumor. Cancer
cells may appear in the sentinel node
before spreading to other lymph nodes.
In some cases, there can be more than
one sentinel lymph node. For most breast
cancers, tumor cells first spread to the
lymph nodes under the arm.
SLN biopsy is a procedure in which the
sentinel lymph node is removed and exam-
ined under a microscope to determine
whether cancer cells are present. SLN
biopsy is based on the idea that cancer
cells spread (metastasize) in an orderly
way from the primary tumor to the sentinel
lymph node(s), then to other nearby lymph
nodes.
Remember Your
We
pp
Su
ort
Br
ea s
t Ca
nc
er
A wa
ren
Sip for the
Cure!
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
fully treating the dis-
ease. The American
Cancer Society recom-
mends clinical breast
exams every three
years for women in
their 20s and 30s,
while women older
than 40 should have a
screening mammogram
every year.
Holt In recent years,
advances in screening
techniques such as digital mammography
have led to improvements in image storage
and transmission. They may even detect
some cancers that film would have missed.
For patients who may be at high risk for
developing breast cancer, many doctors
recommend breast MRI as a useful tool to
use in addition to digital mammography.
A negative SLN
biopsy result suggests
that cancer has not
spread to the lymph
nodes. A positive result
indicates that cancer is
present in the SLN and
may be present in other
lymph nodes in the
same area (regional
lymph nodes). This
Dewing information may help
the doctor determine
the stage of cancer (extent of the disease
within the body) and develop an appropri-
ate treatment plan.
In SLN biopsy, one or a few lymph
nodes (the sentinel node or nodes) are
removed. To identify the sentinel lymph
node(s), the surgeon or radiologist injects a
radioactive substance, blue dye, or both
Self-Exam
Every Month! For the Cure:
Banners, Note Cards,
Pens, and Jewelry
ess
Mo
nth
1175 W. Harvard Ave. • 672-1961
Mon.-Fri. 9 am-7 pm • Sat. 9 am-6 pm
www.harvardavedrugs.com
The good news for residents of Douglas
County is that you don’t need to leave
Roseburg to receive the highest quality
care in radiology screening. Back in July
2005, Roseburg Radiologists, in conjunc-
tion with Mercy Medical Center, brought
advanced imaging techniques to its facili-
ties, pioneering digital mammography
before the technology showed up in
Eugene clinics.
Similarly, this year Roseburg Radiolo-
gists brought breast MRI and MR-guided
breast biopsy to our community, cutting-
edge tools that place our facilities among
the best in the state. In addition to the lat-
est developments in breast cancer screen-
ing technology, Roseburg Radiologists has
begun a coronary artery Computed
Tomography Angiogram (CTA) program
allowing physicians to diagnose coronary
artery disease without the use of a catheter.
near the tumor. In the operating room, the
surgeon then uses a scanner to find the
sentinel lymph node(s) containing the
radioactive substance or looks for the
lymph node(s) stained with blue dye. Once
the SLN is located, the surgeon makes a
small incision in the skin overlying the
SLN and removes the lymph node(s).
The sentinel node(s) is checked for the
presence of cancer cells by a pathologist (a
doctor who identifies diseases by studying
cells and tissue under a microscope). If
cancer is found, the surgeon will usually
remove more lymph nodes during the
biopsy procedure or during a follow-up
surgical procedure. SLN biopsy is usually
done on an outpatient basis.
To understand the possible benefits of
SLN biopsy, it helps to know about stan-
dard lymph node removal. Standard lymph
node removal involves surgery to remove
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WELCH
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thru 11-15-09
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Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009
The center also retained Dr. Dianna Bardo,
the chief of cardiac radiology at Oregon
Health & Science University, as a consult-
ant for its CTA program.
As you notice the pink ribbons and pub-
licity this month, remember how breast
cancer has touched so many lives and be
sure you and the women in your life have
your recommended breast cancer screen-
ings. You can take comfort in knowing our
radiology services in Roseburg are among
the best in the industry.
To learn more about breast cancer and
screening, visit www.dcipa.com.
If you are unsure whether you have been
screened or are afraid you may be at high
risk for breast cancer, talk to your doctor.
Dr. R. Gary Holt is a local radiology
specialist and member of DCIPA, The
Physicians of Douglas County.
most of the lymph nodes in the area of the
tumor (regonal lymph nodes). For exam-
ple, breast cancer surgery may include
removing most of the axillary lymph
nodes, the group of lymph nodes under the
arm. This is called axillary lymph node
dissection (ALND). If an axillary lymph
node dissection is performed, then the
patient will go home with a drain in place
at that time.
If SLN biopsy is done and the sentinel
node does not contain cancer cells, the rest
of the regional lymph nodes may not need
to be removed. Because fewer lymph
nodes are removed, there may be fewer
side effects. When multiple regional lymph
nodes are removed, the patient may experi-
ence side effects such as lymphedema
Turn to DEWING, page 13
Umpqua Valley
Urgent Care
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
673-2388
1813 W. Harvard Ste. 110
 Sunday, October 18, 2009–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Page 11

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Earthquakes, earth angels and finding a gift

ANN SHIELDS Roland came over, and we spent the charge of your own health. Never, ever
For The News-Review evening crying together. The rest is a blur depend on someone or something else to
… make the decisions concerning your body.

M
y journey into the life-altering Our children, Melissa and Tyson, live in Most people know that having cancer in
subject of breast cancer began the Seattle area. They had been anxiously a lymph node makes the diagnosis/progno-
in August of 2003. awaiting the news. Cancer or benign? sis a whole new ball game. I was blessed
I was taking a shower when I It was difficult to tell them the news. to have my very own earth angel, my hus-
discovered something in the three o’clock Now, our children are not shrinking vio- band, Lloyd, who has always protected me
area of my left breast. It wasn’t a lump, lets. In fact, they are both attorneys, and and cared for me. However, he was not
probably more like a thickening. good ones at that. They did what persistent home when I received the phone call about
I told myself, “Oh, well, I‘ll find out people do: They arranged an appointment they lymph node. I was alone at home, and
soon enough since I’ve just had a mammo- with the breast cancer surgeon in Bellevue I began walking around and wailing, “How
gram.” I quickly filed it in the deep recess- that all other doctors had voted to be the can you abandon me, God?”
es of my mind. Nevertheless, I kept feeling best in the Seattle area. Not only an That was when He sent me my second
it. appointment, but in three days! earth angel. My phone rang, and it was my
Several months went by, and then my My doctor turned out to be exactly the friend, Sandy. When I asked her that ques-
gynecologist sent a letter informing all of right fit for me. I found out that my lump tion she reminded me of the season (East-
his patients that he would be closing his was small and slow-growing (yes!). My er) and also the question Jesus asked on
office. It was a shock to all of his patients, breast cancer had been missed on the the cross. And it was comforting to me to
and so most of us scrambled to find a new mammogram, and it was estrogen/proges- be reminded.
local doctor. Because we patients were all terone receptive, which meant that there Oh yes, I have another earth angel. Her
searching at the same time, the soonest I was an effective drug for my type of can- name is Sharon L. All of my earth angels
could get in was March. cer. The surgery went well, and my doctor just seem to know when I need them. I
OK, that’s fine ... my mammogram was told me he didn’t expect any surprises. don’t even have to call out their names.
normal or someone would have informed However, it was a week later that I They are just there. I started chemotherapy
me. Right? received the phone call that bore the dread- with a quivering heart.
My initial meeting with my new doctor ed news: the cancer was found in one You should know that I live in Myrtle
was uneventful. I liked her, and we had a lymph node. Earthquake number two.
good discussion about my health. I was It is important to me, at this point, to
just opening the door to leave when I said, emphasize my firm belief: Always take Turn to SHIELDS, page 13

Custom Finishes
“Well, there is one more thing … ”
My doctor felt the area and declared that News-Review file photo
I needed a biopsy. A biopsy! It took my
breath away. But when I tried to schedule Ann Shields models a dress in prepa-

to transform your home!

the procedure, I was told I would have to ration for a past Tea and Fashion Show,
wait for two weeks. Two weeks? an event that is a fundraiser for Douglas
Now, having had two breast biopsies, I County Cancer Services. Shields of
knew I would not even still be breathing in Myrtle Creek is a breast cancer survivor.
WALL
TREATMENTS
two weeks, much less waiting for another
week after that to find out the results. thermore, the doctor who did the needle-
What some medical people do not under- core biopsy answered all of my questions,
stand is how barbaric the wait is to the none of the words, “Oh, you’ll have to ask • wallglazing
human body and psyche. your doctor. I’m not allowed to say.” • decorative plaster
Fortunately, I was talking to a kind It was the next day, March 17, 2004, that
receptionist who did understand. She said
she would call Eugene and see how soon I
the first earthquake occurred. It was defi-
nite: I had breast cancer. My husband, CABINET &
would be able to schedule an appointment.
They could take me that same day. Fur-
Lloyd, and I held each other and cried.
That night our old friends, Margie and WOOD
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 Page 12–The News-Review, Breast Cancer Awareness Roseburg Oregon, Sunday, October 18, 2009

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Fashion show salutes women of courage

JACKIE BARNETT breast cancer survivors throughout Douglas Marcia Hall
For The News-Review County. Myself and a small committee of walks the
four (with a lot of help from our friends and runway during

I
am a proud board member and treasurer family) coordinate this event, which has
the 2008 Tea
of Douglas County Cancer Services grown from 80-plus attendees the first year and Fashion
(DCCS), which is an all-volunteer, non- to more than 500 in 2008. This is a labor of
Show, a
profit organization dedicated to provid- love for me, as my introduction to breast fundraiser for
ing support and services to Douglas County cancer came through working with numer- the Douglas
residents dealing with a cancer diagnosis. ous recently diagnosed women who were County
We at DCCS have been serving Douglas always so focused on survival. Their atti- Cancer
County since 1989 and are a sole entity gov- tude in dealing with this disease was consis-
Services. This
erned only by a volunteer board of directors. tent: “I’m going to beat this.” I remain in
year’s event
DCCS recently moved to the new Commu- awe of breast cancer survivors. with a theme
nity Cancer Center building on Stewart This year the event marks its 10th of ‘Puttin’ On
Parkway. The center’s staff is an important anniversary, and the theme is “Puttin’ On The Ritz’ is
community partner of our organi- The Ritz.” This event focuses on scheduled for
zation. Being housed at the new early detection education, courage 1 p.m. Oct. 24
center makes DCCS more accessi- and perseverance in surviving at the Seven
ble to cancer patients who are breast cancer. The models of the Feathers Con-
undergoing treatment or attending clothing are all breast cancer sur- vention Center
appointments at one of the vivors. The escorts of the models in Canyonville.
providers also located in the center. are local gentlemen who show their
Some of the programs our support by participating in this Courtesy photo
organization offers are patient event. Entertainment is provided
mileage reimbursement to and by local talent; local merchants
from cancer treatment facilities, donate door prizes for this upbeat
patient lodging for patients and and positive event.
their families while receiving treat- Barnett
In 1995, I met a woman named
ment, nutritional support, phone Marj Miller who was diagnosed
buddies, wigs, turbans, bras and prosthesis. with breast cancer and eventually suc-
We also offer support group monthly meet- cumbed to the disease. While receiving
ings for all cancer patients. All of the servic- chemotherapy treatment, she was not able to
es offered are free to cancer patients. work and did not have resources to pay for
Observance of the National Cancer Sur- necessities such as rent and food. I tried to J.C. Penney, which is a strong supporter of encouraged to wear hats to add a touch of
vivor Day event is held annually in June as a find resources for financial aid; nothing was breast cancer awareness. The models and elegance to an otherwise light-hearted and
celebration of life. Everyone from the available. After Marj’s passing, the decision participating staff members are all volun- informal affair. A Best Hat contest is also
newly diagnosed to the long-term survivor is was made with the consent of her family to teers. Also Seven Feathers Hotel and Casi- held, with three of the donated door prizes
welcome to attend. DCCS also provides a earmark all funds raised from the tea and no Resort has been a consistent generous utilized as the first-, second- and third-place
complete Christmas dinner plus many fashion show to the Marj Miller Fund. For supporter of this event. The focus of the tea prizes.
extras, which are boxed and delivered to the past 10 years this fund has provided and fashion show is the importance of early For more information, contact Douglas
cancer patients and their families. financial aid to many Douglas County detection. County Cancer Services at 440-9409 or
DCCS is funded solely through donations, women undergoing treatment for breast can- As the emcee, I present each model’s visit the web site at www.dccancerser-
grants and several fundraisers conducted cer. In 1999 the event raised $800. In 2008 journey from diagnosis to treatment as she vices.com.
throughout the year. All of the services more than $8,000 was added to the Marj displays fashions on the runway. Providing
offered depend upon available funding. Miller fund, due to the generosity of those positive messages surrounding breast can- Jackie Barnett is a volunteer and board
One of the events DCCS presents is the who attend this worthwhile event. cer is part of the education we present. member of the Douglas County Cancer
annual Tea and Fashion Show, which honors The fashions this year are provided by Women who attend the show are highly Services Committee.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE HEALTHCARE

ONE MUG AT A TIME! for
Women, PC
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with a 50¢ of Every Mug Sold
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ink! Daphne Schalau M.D. FACOG
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Quantities are limited 1813 W. Harvard Ave., Suite 542, Roseburg, Oregon 97471