Meet New Members of Our Comprehensive Gastrointestinal TeamJennifer Gnerlich, MD, joined AMITA Health Cancer Institute. She is board certified in complex general surgical oncology and general surgery. Her focus is on upper gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreato-biliary (liver, pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder) disease. She joins Sam Pappas, MD, and Gerard Abood, MD, in the surgical management of these diseases.
Dr. Gnerlich specializes in the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomies) for pancreatic cancer and minimally invasive surgeries for gastric and esophageal cancer. She also operates on complex intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal sarcomas. Dr. Gnerlich is trained in HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) procedures for carcinomatosis from colon cancer, appendiceal cancer or peritoneal mesothelioma.
Dr. Gnerlich graduated from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine and completed a seven-year general surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis (Barnes-Jewish Hospital). She then completed a three-year fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She has been extensively involved in research during her training.
Chunchu Hsu, PharmD, also joined the team as the oncology pharmacist. She earned her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Pharmacy and is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist. Dr. Hsu has five years of oncology pharmacy experience.We are AMITA Health.
Two great health systems have joined together, Adventist Midwest Health and Alexian Brothers Health System. A new beginning, with opportunity that treasures and respects our faith traditions, past accomplishments and more profoundly realizes our sacred missions.
1.844.952.HOPE (4673)
An integrated network program of the American College of Surgeons
CARING FOR CANCERWINTER 2016
Going GreenIf you would like to go green and sign up to receive Caring for Cancer in an electronic PDF, please send your full name, home address, and email address to [email protected]. You will receive a confirmation email.
AMITAhealth.org/cancer
IN THIS ISSUE:
Boutique Receives a Makeover .......... 2
Groups Lend More Than an Ear ......... 2
Survivor Focus ........................................ 3
Gift Bags ................................................... 3
New PET/CT Scanner ............................ 3
Fit Club ...................................................... 4
New Ambassadors ................................. 4
January – April Calendars .................... 5-8
Cancer Institute Programs ................... 9& 10
Healing Touch ......................................... 11
A Life Enriched ........................................ 11
2 AMITA Health Cancer Institute
Mary R. Faraci Boutique Receives a MakeoverLast fall, AMITA Health Cancer Institute Boutique, Elk Grove Village got a new look. The Mary R. Faraci Boutique offers private consultations and fittings for wigs, post-surgical garments and prostheses.
The Faraci’s, other family members and friends donated their time, money and resources to install new quartz counter tops, a wall covering, curtains, rug and other furnishings.
Mary R. Faraci (pictured right) was a breast cancer patient in 2006 and a survivor for nearly seven years. The Boutique continues her dream of helping breast cancer patients feel beautiful, confident and strong.
The Boutique is open by appointment. Call 844.952.HOPE (4673) for more information.
Networking/Support Groups Lend More Than an Ear
These are just a few of the things our Cancer Institute support group participants have said. Studies have shown that patients who participate in a support group have greater decreases in perceived risk of recurrence, emotional suppression and anxiety than patients who are not in a support group (Cameron, LD, et al. PsychoOncology. 2007;16:171). Patients also tend to have better stress management skills (Penedo, FJ, et al. Ann Behav Med. 2006;31:261).
Our groups focus on education, support and positive coping. Licensed professionals facilitate the sessions, which are designed to provide an open, safe and encouraging environment for the sharing of common experiences, tips and laughter.
“I enjoy coming for the social aspect. I learn a lot from just listening to the other members. We are
a very close group.”
“This group was my source of information and empathy…
It was nice to feel that I was not alone.”
“Sometimes it just helps to talk to people who get what it’s like. Someone who makes you feel less alone...it’s like
girl talk, just with cancer as the connection. It’s quite enjoyable.”
ALL CANCER NETWORKING GROUPNo matter what type of cancer, there are similar experiences and concerns. Patients gain valuable information, tips and advice to maintain a positive focus. Families and/or caregivers are also welcome.
BRAIN CANCER SURVIVORS GROUPThis group is for patients, survivors, family members and caregivers to learn more about brain tumors, share experiences and receive support.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPConnecting with others provides an outlet to learn helpful tips for coping with treatment side effects and share laughter and encouragement. This group is for anyone affected by breast cancer, from a new diagnosis through survivorship.
LUNG CANCER NETWORKING GROUPBy networking, we focus on helping each other cope with the ways lung cancer has affected our lives. Patients and loved ones often find it helpful to talk with others who understand the feelings that come with this particular diagnosis.
YOUNG WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP (50 & YOUNGER)In this phase of life, women’s roles include being single young women, young wives, mothers, and beginning or solidifying their careers. In this group, women receive emotional support from other women who can share their past experiences.
See the Calendars on pages 7–10 for dates and times, or call 844.952.HOPE (4673) for more information.
3Caring for Cancer Newsletter | Winter 2016
Cancer Patients Receive Gift Bags
In September, AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates cancer patients received a gift from Madelynn Brossard, a Thirty One consultant, during chemotherapy treatments.
Thirty One challenges their consultants to give back. Madelynn wanted to let patients know that someone besides family and friends was thinking of them. She asked family and friends to purchase Thirty One bags as a donation, and they responded with enthusiasm within minutes. She filled all 26 bags with hand lotion, mints, pencils, gum, crackers and other items. Another donation is coming to provide more bags for AMITA Health Hoffman Estates patients.
New PET/CT Scanner Means Improved Patient Care A new state-of-the-art PET/CT scanner was installed on October 27, 2015, at AMITA Health Cancer Institute, Elk Grove Village. This improved technology delivers excellent image quality, along with a lower radiation dose to the patient. It will help improve diagnoses, staging, depth of disease and treatment planning for our oncology patients.
Our scanner is also equipped with the newest brain imaging software available. This imaging technique will help our neurologists identify beta amyloid plaque. This is critical in the workup of complex neurodegenerative diseases, especially diseases that may impact a patient’s cognitive function.
The improved quantitation software equipped in this new technology will ensure that we remain consistent with our mission to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes.
SURVIVOR FOCUS
Learning to Live as a Survivor It is just over nine years since my endometrial cancer diagnosis. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy followed by radiation treatments at the then brand new cancer center at AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates. After treatment, I expected that life would go back to normal, and I was very surprised and frustrated when it didn’t. It just isn’t that simple. My husband encouraged me to seek a support group. What I found was the best support group ever – Fit Club!
While walking with Fit Club and talking with Kathleen Baronello, RN, CN-BN, about my extensive family history of cancer, it was suggested that I speak to Tinamarie Bauman, RN, MSN, APNG, the genetic counselor, and possibly get genetic testing. After discussing my family history with Tinamarie, it was pretty clear my cancer was very likely genetic. My results were no surprise to me. I tested positive for Lynch syndrome or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), which increases the risk of colon cancer, as well as several other cancers. I started having yearly colonoscopies to reduce my risk of colon cancer. Genetic counseling coupled with genetic testing is so important; it can save your life.
Cancer changes every part of your life forever, in some ways bad but also in some ways good. I have attended some conferences and have met really awesome, brave and courageous people fighting this beast. One of the people who made a difference was my radiation oncologist Dr. Martin Boyer; he is so
caring and compassionate. I am so thankful to Kathleen Baronello and Sue Rodig, RD, CSO, LDN, for their dedication and commitment to Fit Club.
One of the ways I cope and celebrate my way through cancer survivorship is with Fit Club and the wonderful friendships I have because of my cancer diagnosis. I can and do celebrate, because I am still here! Cancer has enhanced my gratitude and appreciation for life.
— Barbara McCann-Cantrell, Cancer Survivor
4 AMITA Health Cancer Institute
On the beautiful, cool, crisp day of June 6, 2015, several Fit Club members gathered at the Morton Arboretum for a day of walking, lunch and tram ride. Then on an equally beautiful day, September 26, a number of Fit Club members enjoyed walking and perusing the Botanic Gardens, with lunch afterwards.
Doing active, healthy activities together is the thrust of the Fit Club. It is a support group for our cancer survivors that started in April 2007.
Every Wednesday evening, Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates generously welcomes the Fit Club to use their facility from 6 – 8 pm, free of charge. Organized classes include a water fit class and a muscle pump class. The track, work-out equipment and pool for lap swimming are all available to us as well.
Fit Clubbers also have the option of walking around Volkening Lake in Schaumburg with other survivors from 4:45 – 5:30 pm Wednesday evenings (weather permitting). If you are interested in joining us for either option, please call to register at 844.952.HOPE (4673).
New AMITA Health Breast Cancer AmbassadorsIn June 2015, AMITA Health Breast Cancer Ambassadors welcomed three more women as ambassadors.
These women join the 2012 founding members Joyce, Julie, Katherine, Linda, Loren, and Maria.
Diane was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, with mixed invasive breast cancer, in February 2014. “I feel very fortunate to have gone through the process at AMITA Health with the wonderful ladies in the mammogram department, as well as the excellent care received from my doctor and surgeons. It is an honor and privilege to be a breast cancer ambassador, and I welcome the opportunity to be involved with community outreach to help and inform women.”
Jane is a retired registered nurse with extensive experience in clinical information systems and technology and hospital operations. “I am grateful for the excellent care I received from the AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates physicians, nurses, and technicians during my diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. I look forward to representing AMITA Health as an ambassador to the community.” Jane lives with her husband Ted in Schaumburg.
Annie is a four-year breast cancer survivor and very excited to begin working with the ambassadors. “I had been looking for a way to reach out to other survivors, and the ambassadors provide the perfect opportunity to provide care and information to members of the AMITA Health family.” Annie is a preschool teacher in Schaumburg and has five sons, two grandsons, and a wonderful husband Jim.
Get Your Walking Shoes on With Fit Club
AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Cancer Institute Programs
Brain Cancer Survivors AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 2nd Mondays | 6:30 – 8 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group AMITA Health Elk Grove Village 1st and 3rd Tuesdays | 6:30 – 8 pm
AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 4th Wednesdays | 1 – 2:30 pm
Young Women’s Support Group Young women under age 50 with cancer have unique concerns. Connect with others who understand common experiences. AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 3rd Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7 pm
Lung Cancer Networking Group AMITA Health Elk Grove Village 2nd Mondays | 10 – 11:30 am
AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 1st Fridays | 10 – 11:30 am
All Cancer Networking Group AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 4th Thursdays | 6:30 – 8 pm
No registration required. All groups are provided at no cost and focus on education, support and coping. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have completed treatment, patients share many similar experiences and concerns from diagnosis to survivorship. Connecting with others provides an outlet where you can learn helpful tips for coping with side effects, receive encouragement and share laughter.
Facilitated by professional staff. For information about programs call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673). Please check individual listings to verify programs that require appointment or registration.
AMITA HEALTH CANCER INSTITUTE, HOFFMAN ESTATES (HE) AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates Doctor Building 3, Ste. 1400 1555 Barrington Rd. | Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 1.844.952.HOPE (4673)
AMITA HEALTH CANCER INSTITUTE, ELK GROVE VILLAGE (EGV) AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village 800 Biesterfield Rd. | Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 1.844.952.HOPE (4673)
Express Yourself! A monthly workshop using various art materials (mixed media, paper crafting, jewelry, collage) to create beautiful symbols of strength and vitality. No special skills needed other than a desire to express yourself – a sense of humor also helps! Just for fun and no charge! Registration preferred, but feel free to drop in! For information, call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673). AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 1st Wednesdays | 10 – 11:30 am
Yarn Buddies A casual get-together while you work on your own project. Knitting instruction offered and some supplies available. AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 2nd Wednesdays | 1 – 3 pm
5Caring for Cancer Newsletter | Winter 2016
*Fit Club to Fight Cancer Through fitness, you can fight cancer as well as improve your health. All levels of athletes are welcome. Volkening Lake 900 W. Schaumburg Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60194 (weather permitting) Wednesdays | 4:45 – 5:30 pm
Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center 5050 Sedge Blvd. Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 Wednesdays | 6 pm
To register, call 1.847.755.8603.
*Tai Chi-Qigong Meditation Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation are taught to strengthen the health of body, mind and spirit. These traditional Chinese methods are used to balance the body’s systems and to unlock the flow of energy, or “chi” throughout the body, restoring health and well-being. AMITA Health Hoffman Estates Tuesdays | 6 – 7:45 pm
Healing Touch Research has shown that Healing Touch therapy can help alleviate cancer treatment’s pain, stress and side effects. Private sessions, fully clothed. For daytime appointments at AMITA Health Hoffman Estates (1st, 3rd or 5th Tuesdays) and AMITA Health Elk Grove Village (2nd and 4th Tuesdays), call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673).
Evening sessions at AMITA Health Elk Grove Village, call: Heart 2 Heart Healing, Linda Lemke, 1.630.207.4052, or Karolyn Howard, 1.630.418.7239.
Energy Therapy Ease fatigue, pain and stress with a 45-minute session with a certified Reike therapist. For an AMITA Health Elk Grove Village (3rd Mondays) or AMITA Health Hoffman Estates (1st Mondays) appointment, call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673)
NOTE: Check with your physician before undertaking any exercise class, including those listed below.*
Relax and Feel Great Experience the benefits of hypnosis and learn relaxation techniques in a weekly group session led by a certified hypnotherapist. AMITA Health Elk Grove Village Call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673) 2nd & 4th Thursdays | 6 – 7 :45 pm
AMITA Health Hoffman Estates Call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673) 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursdays | 6 – 7:45 pm
Massage Therapy For current AMITA Health cancer patients. Call for 30-minute (fully clothed) appointments with a certified massage therapist. AMITA Health Elk Grove Village or AMITA Health Hoffman Estates. Call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673).
*Gentle Yoga This introduction to Yoga’s therapeutic benefits is appropriate for all cancer patients who can practice from a mat or chair. Each class will focus on breath and body awareness while helping you to improve mental clarity, strength and flexibility.
AMITA Health Hoffman Estates 4th Floor Conference Center – Room D Mondays | 4:45 pm
AMITA Health Elk Grove Village Wednesdays | 3 pm
For information, call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673)
Look Good...Feel Better® Join other women and learn from volunteer beauty professionals how to deal with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. You will receive a complimentary bag of make-up and skin care products so get ready for two fun hours of pampering! Registration required.
Choose one session: AMITA Health Elk Grove Village: To register, call 1.844.952.HOPE (4673) January 12 or March 8 | 10 am
AMITA Health Hoffman Estates: To register, call 1.847.755.8400 February 8 or April 11 | 9:30 am
Breast Self-Exam Community or One-on-One Sessions – MammaCare® Most women find their own breast lumps or changes. Learn breast self-exam (BSE) using the MammaCare® method in either a community setting with other women or in a one-on-one session. MammaCare® is the only research-based of BSE and is more thorough and efficient than other methods. You will learn by practicing on life-like breast models that teach the difference between normal breast tissue and lumps. Bring a friend.
For information or to schedule a one-on-one session, call 1.847.755.8108. To register for a community session, call 1.866.MyAMITA (692.6482). Community classes are held at AMITA Health Elk Grove Village. 2nd Tuesdays | 7 pm
6 AMITA Health Cancer Institute
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
7Caring for Cancer Newsletter | Winter 2016
JANUARY 2016
31
HE Energy Therapy
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
HE Massage
HE Express Yourself 10 am
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
EGV Massage
HE Bereavement Group 10 am
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Lung Networking Group 10 am
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Brain Cancer Survivors 6:30 pm
Martin Luther King Day
NO CLASSES
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Massage
HE Yarn Buddies 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
EGV Yoga 3 pm
HE Young Women’s Support Group 5:30 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
HE Breast Support Group 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
EGV Look Good Feel Better 10 am
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV MammaCare Class 7 pm
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
EGV Massage
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Bereavement Group 6:30 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
HE All Cancer Networking Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
New Year’s Day
NO CLASSES
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
HE AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates EGV AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove VillagePSS Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates
8 AMITA Health Cancer Institute
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29
FEBRUARY 2016
HE Look Good Feel Better 9:30 am
EGV Lung Cancer Networking Group 10 am
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Brain Cancer Survivors 6:30 pm
HE Energy Therapy
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV MammaCare Class 7 pm
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
HE Massage
HE Yarn Buddies 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
HE Express Yourself 10 am
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Bereavement Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
EGV Massage
HE Bereavement Group 10 am
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Energy Therapy
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Massage
EGV Yoga 3 pm
HE Young Women’s Support Group 5:30 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
HE Breast Support Group 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Massage
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Bereavement Group 6:30 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
HE All Cancer Networking Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
HE Lung Cancer Networking Group 10 am
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
HE AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates EGV AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove VillagePSS Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates
9Caring for Cancer Newsletter | Winter 2016
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
MARCH 2016
HE Energy Therapy
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
EGV Look Good Feel Better 10 am
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV MammaCare Class 7 pm
HE Massage
HE Yarn Buddies 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
EGV Lung Cancer Networking Group 10 am
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Brain Cancer Survivors 6:30 pm
EGV Energy Therapy
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Massage
EGV Yoga 3 pm
HE Young Women’s Support Group 5:30 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
HE Breast Support Group 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Massage
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Bereavement Group 6:30 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
HE All Cancer Networking Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
EGV Massage
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
HE Lung Cancer Networking Group 10 am
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
HE Massage
HE Express Yourself 10 am
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
EGV Massage
HE Bereavement Group 10 am
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
HE AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates EGV AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove VillagePSS Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates
10 AMITA Health Cancer Institute
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
APRIL 2016
HE AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates EGV AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove VillagePSS Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates
HE Energy Therapy
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
HE Massage
HE Express Yourself 10 am
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
EGV Massage
HE Bereavement Group 10 am
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
HE Look Good Feel Better 9:30 am
EGV Lung Cancer Networking Group 10 am
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Brain Cancer Survivors 6:30 pm
EGV Energy Therapy
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Yoga 4:45 pm 4th Floor/Rm D
HE Massage
HE Yarn Buddies 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
EGV Yoga 3 pm
HE Young Women’s Support Group 5:30 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
HE Massage
HE Breast Support Group 1 pm
EGV Yoga 3 pm
PSS Fit Club to Fight Cancer 6 pm
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV MammaCare Class 7 pm
HE Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Breast Support Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch
HE Tai Chi/Qigong 6 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
EGV Massage
HE Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
EGV Bereavement Group 6:30 pm
EGV Massage
EGV Relax & Feel Great 6 pm
HE All Cancer Networking Group 6:30 pm
EGV Healing Touch 7 pm
HE Lung Cancer Networking Group 10 am
11Caring for Cancer Newsletter | Winter 2016
A Life Enriched Happy New Year! It’s the season of resolutions; beginning a new. I am struck by the irony that the time when the highest percentage of people resolve to spring into action is in the dead of winter! Looking outside gives us no incentive of the new growth we hope for. Yet, I am proof “everything old is new again!”
I was diagnosed with cancer on June 12, 1998. I have rung in many New Years since then and, while I haven’t achieved those diet resolutions, I continue to remain resolute in the blessings I have received as a result of having cancer. I began contributing to the AMITA Health Cancer Institute newsletter in 2003 and did so for approximately 10 years in a column I referred to as “A Life Enriched” (homage to the Life Enrichment Center). It was a humbling invitation to be able to share the blessings of this journey and I am grateful to have the opportunity once again. The greatest of all my blessings is my daughter, Colleen. Little did I know in 1998 the impact my cancer would have on her life! Today, Colleen is a nurse on the oncology/hospice floor of a nearby hospital, and together we hope to share with you that which inspires, educates and enriches all of us as we navigate–life.
After being inspired by watching my mom’s oncology team in 1998, I knew there was no other job for me. Now I am nurse. We as nurses wear our stethoscopes proudly. We access your ports, review your labs and explain your medications, but we are also humans. As a daughter of “the patient” and now as “the caregiver” of patients, I can honestly say we share in your journey. I don’t define my patients by their disease, just like a stethoscope is not used only by a doctor. I know when I see a mom coming in for treatment that she doesn’t want to have to stay overnight and miss her son’s first day of school, or that a dad would much rather be with his daughter than staring at the picture she made for him on the wall. However, my mom and I are a living example that life will one day improve. I encourage each of my patients and I encourage you: start today fresh, complete each test or treatment, and believe that each of these “sick days” is one piece in the journey of your life becoming enriched. [Colleen]
Certainly I did not resolve 17 years ago to nurture my daughter as a future nurse nor did that future nurse resolve to allow her childlike joy at age five to “nurse” me back to health. Yet, Resolution Achieved! Our life is enriched when we are able to see blessings in each situation–when we can look back with gratitude and look forward with hope. This year I resolve to make each day “anew.” What if the breath we took when we woke up was already the accomplishment and everything else was just icing on the cake? That doesn’t sound like it would make those diet resolutions very successful but–yummy! May the obstacles, failures and disappointments at the end of the day be the cake you eat for breakfast tomorrow!
– Bonnie Dhamer, Cancer Survivor, and Colleen Dhamer, BSN, RN, Daughter
The Power of Healing Touch Healing Touch, a complimentary and compassionate integrative energy therapy, made all the difference in my cancer treatment protocol. Relief from the side effects of my cancer treatment gave me the support and physical strength to navigate to recovery. Now, as a Healing Touch certified practitioner/instructor who has been cancer free since 1998, I am proud to supervise the Healing Touch Clinic at AMITA Health Cancer Institute, Elk Grove Village to offer the same kind of support during others’ journeys through illness, surgery and cancer.
— Karolyn Howard, MS, LPC, CADC, HTCP/I
How does it work and what can you expect? Healing Touch facilitates a deep sense of calm and relaxation, and responses for body-mind-spirit healing. You may feel nurtured, balanced and energized. A practitioner will greet you in the waiting room and show you to the treatment room. S/he will access your current needs then have you lie, fully dressed, on a treatment table. She will clear and balance your energy centers with off body or gentle, still touch over various areas of the body.
Research suggests that Healing Touch greatly benefits patients by reducing pain and anxiety, relieving stress and depression, providing support during chemotherapy, strengthening the immune system and creating a sense of well-being. It has also been found to enhance recovery from surgery and reduce the effects of trauma and chronic pain.
Healing Touch has been endorsed by American Holistic Nurses Association and is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by American Nurses Credentialing Center and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. For more information, visit HealingTouchResearch.com.
HE AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates EGV AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove VillagePSS Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center in Hoffman Estates
DONATE ONLINE TO AMITA HEALTH CANCER INSTITUTE In memory/honor of a special someone or in celebration of an event, your donation will help a cancer patient. Simply visit alexianbrothershealth.org/foundation and click “Make a Gift” in the upper right-hand corner. Fill out the donation form and select “Cancer Institute” as the designation. Thank you for your support in the fight against cancer.
SAVE THE DATE
Cocktail Party, Silent & Live Auction
Friday, March 4 | 7 pm Maggiano’s
1901 E. Woodfield Rd. | Schaumburg, IL 60173
Supports Trisha Lynn Simon Foundation for colon cancer screening and AMITA Health Cancer Institute
in partnership with VNA Health Care to provide colonoscopy screening to those unable to afford this live-saving procedure.
Interested in supporting the event? Call Brian Muska, MD, at 847.502.5626.
What Would You Like to See in
Caring for Cancer?We’ve made it easy.
Answer one question at: surveymonkey.com/r/BLWCDSR
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK.
AMITA Health Cancer Institute800 Biesterfield Rd., Ste. 120Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-3397
We work very hard to maintain an accurate mailing list. If you do not wish to receive future mailings, please email us your name and the publication name (or type of mailing) you wish to be removed from at [email protected].
Non Profit Org.US PostagePAIDPalatine P&DC, ILPermit No. 7052
ONE CALL BEGINS IT ALLConnect with an AMITA Health Cancer Institute Associate ready to assist you today.
Toll Free: 1.844.952.HOPE (4673)
© 2016 AMITA Health 151130
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Three
AMITA Health Hospitals Among Best in Chicago
Metropolitan AreaAMITA Health
St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates
Ranked #8
AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center,
Elk Grove Village Ranked #10
AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center,
Hinsdale Ranked #16
Learn more at AMITAhealth.org
