Volume 5, Issue 1 /
Angel Care Newsletter ~ Spring 2006
As we move into spring it gives us a reminder of yet another season, bringing about changes, positive changes. Not so focused on surgeries and treatments, rather on the importance of getting outside to exercise with a brisk walk, perhaps gardening, and just taking in the new flowers in bloom, fresh air after a winter of spending time inside, etc. We need to enjoy the beauty of nature, also our special friendships - people who have made a positive difference in our lives. Les focus on cancer and more importance on people who have been there for us at a difficult time. Put a spring into your step as you move forward - that could be about making plans for a summer vacation, a drive to the mountains, spending quality time with those important in your life. As the new spring flowers begin to come into bloom, what are you doing to create new growth for yourself? We must continue to grow; mentally and physically, taking care of ourselves in a very healthy manner. Good health comes with a price and it's not all about dollars. It includes a healthy attitude, exercise, and good eating habits, lowering stress and adding more laughter. And don't put off another day to make your appointment for your mammogram. Doing those self exams should also be a part of your routine.
At Angel Care we always have new growth. Additional volunteers continue to join our program - many bringing some great ideas with them. New activities continue to happen - you can read about them in this newsletter. And new patients - that's our main focus; helping those newly diagnosed. People have fears about their future, what's it like to live with the disease and the ongoing worry of reoccurrence. They want to know how we responded to chemo and radiation. We are so grateful to the new patients who allow us into their lives at a very devastating time. Oh, how so many of them help to enrich us. Being able to help them with hope and encouragement, providing emotional care, only reinforces our resolve to continue to strive for research for a cure.
A big thank you to everyone who purchased our new 2006 calendar. Many of you bought a calendar for yourself, others bought calendars for gifts. Some orders arrived with touching notes, indicating the calendar was for a friend or relative who was a survivor. We truly enjoyed meeting so many of you at Borders Books in Washington and Idaho. Yes, we do know what it's like to be diagnosed, have surgery, go through treatments. Living with cancer has changed so many of us - and most will say for the better. We often hear "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." We thank you for your support of our fundraising efforts, and our foundation. Emotional care is so important for a cancer person just diagnosed. Breast cancer carries it's own emotional issues as well.
Women are turning out in record numbers for plastic surgery. Our calendar volunteers are showing their wings and happy to be healthy and alive after going thru surgery and treatments for breast cancer. The goal of our calendar is to help survivors feel better about their bodies. We know the importance of humor and feeling good about ourselves. Our calendar is meant as a reflection of positive feelings about ourselves, our body image - not letting a scar or two deter us from living life to the fullest. Each day is meant to be a gift of life. We hope survivors will feel the strength and positive feelings from our "calendar girls" as they go through life after breast cancer. Adding a little fun to our life is a positive thing and that's what our volunteers feel when participating in the calendar.
Your support for our annual calendar made it an easy decision to continue with this project. Soon we'll start shooting for the new calendar, which will once again go on sale in October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some of you are now giving us ideas for the next calendar so don't be surprised to see some of your suggestions in the coming pictures. We've found over the years the calendar project seems to take on a whole life of its own. Our volunteers also find it a hoot to be involved in this project. As in the past, you'll see some new faces along with some familiar ones too.
Even though postage has increased, we are keeping our pricing the same. Click here and you will find an order form. As in the past, pre orders, prior to August 15th will sell for $12 each with postage remaining the same at $2.50 per order. No, it's not too early for your calendar order. Save some money and order your 2007 calendar now.
As Angel Care continues to grow and spread our wings, we are pleased to welcome our newest volunteers to the foundation:
Rebecca Caron - Olympia
Mary Lou Clemes - Yelm
Candi Hart - Tacoma
Laura Miller - Woodinville
Damaris Park - Bothell
Alberta Sinclair - Enumclaw
Marta Trimble - Brier
We are so appreciative of our volunteers - all survivors of breast cancer. Their commitment is so important and enables us to reach out to those newly diagnosed. As all newly diagnosed know, having emotional support can make a positive difference in getting thru surgery and treatments.
If any of our newsletter readers are interested in becoming a volunteer, please phone or eamil:
Angel Care at 425-861-5655 toll free 877-861-5655
Or www.angelcarefoundation.org
We do require that all volunteers be out of treatment for a year, have positive people skills and dependable transportation. We also ask for a one year commitment. Please review our web site at:
www.angelcarefoundation.org
If you know someone newly diagnosed, please contact Angel Care so we may connect that person with a volunteer in their community. All services are free. We also provide helpful reading material.
Eating healthy through treatments, and the rest of your life, can make a tremendous impact on your overall health. Ask your doctor if your clinic or hospital has a nutritionist on staff. Check out free classes put on by other hospitals or health care providers in your community. Check out the yellow pages of your phone book and look at the health calendar in your newspapers for other helpful free classes.
In a recent survey, results showed that complementary medicines are used by an estimated 48 to 80 percent of people with cancer in the United States. There is increasing recognition that vitamins and herbs do have a place in the treatment of cancer. If adding supplements, please inform your doctor if you are receiving chemo or radiation. You don't want to take something that could interfere with your treatment plan. Many patients do use complementary (supplements) medicine along side their conventional treatments. They feel such supplements help to boost the immune systems, increase hope and give them a better sense of control.
If adding supplements, please check with reliable sources first. Information can be gathered from reputable web sites such as the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resounces at www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer ; the National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine at www.cancer.gov/cam and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/44.cfm or Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database at www.naturaldatabase.com
Having a diet high in fruits and vegetables, especially the green veggies, will help you feel better, and you may find added energy too. Drink lots of water, especially in the days following chemotherapy. Most people find that taking on a full stomach versus an empty stomach helps.
Care for a fun short break? Come join us on a 3 night cruise, sailing round trip out of Seattle, leaving on Friday, Sept. 29, 2006. Yes, you can bring along friends, family, etc. This will be the perfect way to end summer - on a fun, happy note. We'll sail on the "Mercury" with Celebrity Cruises. All day stops will be in Victoria, Canada and another full day at Campbell River, also on Vancouver Island. Prices begin at $351 per person for an inside cabin. Port charges and taxes are additional. For those who have never cruised, this is a great way to experience cruising at its best - no lines at the airport, no flying time, not to mention the added cost of flights. Walk on and off the ship in Seattle. Pricing includes all meals - which are four star quality. Nightly entertainment is also included, including use of the pools, full gym facilities, a casino, golf simulator to practice your swing, and more. A deposit of $100 per person is due at time of booking. Don't wait - this ship will be sold out as only a limited number of 3 night sailings are available. Phone Jan at Angel Care to make your reservation now!
Angel Care 425-861-5655
Toll Free 877-861-5655
