Taking care of the emotional side of cancer

We have an event occuring, just two weeks from now, in Lewis County. I often encourage my patients to attend these events because many of them are juggling work, families, financial stress, and on top of it all, have a cancer diagnosis. Many patients do not have the time to join a monthly support group. This one night is another way that we can provide an evening of support without the monthly commitment.

I know that you are continually reminded to take care of the physical side of cancer, but, we need to also focus on the emotional side.

If you know anyone who will benefit from this free event (including yourself or a loved one) please share this post and invite them.

Living with and beyond cancer: An evening of resources, support and connection

Cancer can take a toll physically. It can also shake up your emotions, relationships, spiritual beliefs, finances and more. Providence Regional Cancer System invites you to a free information session to help you cope with the many aspects of cancer. Cobie Whitten, PhD, has extensive experience working with cancer patients. As the session leader, she’ll provide information, resources and support for people at all points along the cancer journey. Patients, family members and friends are all welcome. View Flyer >>

• Tuesday, May 7, 6:30-8 p.m. Providence Centralia Hospital, Basement Classroom
• Tuesday, June 11, 6:30-8 pm. Providence St. Peter Hospital, 200 Rooms
• Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6:30-8 p.m. Providence Centralia Hospital, Basement Classroom
• Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Providence St. Peter Hospital, 200 Rooms

Call (360) 493-7576 to register or visit www.provregister.org for one of these free events.

It was a Sunday morning...

Editor's Note: We are honored to have A.W. Gryphon share her story of diagnosis with us.
Allison W. Gryphon is an Author, Filmmaker, Creator of The Why? Foundation and a Breast Cancer Survivor. You can also find her on facebook >>

It was a Sunday morning. I’d been up early for a pilates class and I was just out of the shower. I had brunch with my friend Joaquim and a matinée with my standing weekend movie buddy, Elissa.

Getting dressed, I went to put my bra on and it didn’t quite fit right. I re-adjusted and then I froze. I was standing in front of my closet in a small room that suddenly seemed massive and empty… and painfully quiet. I think when someone feels a lump for the first time and they know in their gut what it is, the world does truly stop spinning, just for a moment. Just long enough for you to hear your own heart beating, to feel what it means to take a breath and to know not only the full weight of your body, but of your being.

It was Sunday morning so there were no doctors to call or appointments to be had. It would be something to be taken care of the next day. Everything would change. I knew that. So I got myself dressed and went out for a lovely brunch with Joaquim then off to see Julian Schnabel’s new movie with Elissa. I said nothing to my friends and it was a wonderful. The presence of the lump was never far from my thoughts, but I wanted a day of love and friendship, not fear and concern.

My Monday began with a trip to an Urgent Care Clinic, the fastest way I could get the referral for a mammogram. I was at a highly recommended breast center at 7am Tuesday morning. First there was the mammogram, during which the technician suggested we take a few extra views for the doctor, then came the ultra sound, then the doctor, then the second ultra sound and then the smile. That smile of hope and encouragement and knowing how much trouble I was in that I will never forget. “We’re going to do a needle biopsy.” The wonderful doctor said kindly taking my hand and meeting my eyes to hers.

I don’t know how to describe what was going through my head at that moment. Everything. Nothing. I knew what it was and I knew it was happening, but I hadn’t connected those thoughts. It was like I was watching a movie, but it was me.

The following day, I went to work. I went to normal. That’s what I needed to do. Just before lunch my phone rang. It was the same lovely doctor who’d done the needle biopsy the day before. “We were all pulling for you.” She said… And then she told me what I already knew was coming.

It’s one thing to know what’s coming, it’s another matter all together to hear someone say it out loud. Someone you don’t know, but who in one instant will have changed your life forever. I know that what followed were words of support and encouragement. I don’t remember them. I do remember hanging up the phone and looking at the buttons, not quite sure what to do with them. The room was heavy and there were people on the other side of my closed door waiting. People who had assured me that everything would be ok, not just for me, but for themselves. There were friends, colleagues, people I cared about and people I didn’t know out there. Everyone who the explosion was going to hit once I opened the door.

It took almost a half hour. I looked at the door for a long time. It was real for me, but once I opened that door it would be real outside of that room.

The first person I saw was Jude. She was sitting in a chair right outside wide-eyed and steady. I’m not sure if they were all there already or if they heard me come over, but within a moment Shannon, Mary Beth and Jackie were looking back at me amongst a busy office full of people who were about to find out.

I don’t know if the assault of the cancer on me or of the news on everyone else was more jarring. What I do know is that’s the day where I found out what I was made of and when I found out who all of the people on the other side of that door really were.

It was the most devastating and beautiful day of my life. And that is how my battle with stage IIIa breast cancer began on Wednesday April 13, 2011.

Join me for an evening of answers and support

Free Community Event: Living With and Beyond Cancer
May 16, 2012, 6:30-8 pm
Providence Centralia Hospital, basement classroom
Call 360.493.7247 to register or visit www.provregister.org

We are offering this program three more time this year, click here to view all our free resources >>

A diagnosis of cancer can shake your world. Coping with the disease, its treatment, and the aftermath can make you question your identity, decisions, relationships, etc.

What is "normal"? How should I be coping? Why do some people make such unhelpful comments?

Join me (pictured to the left, at a recent survivorship event in Lewis County) for an evening of support, resources and connections whether you are newly diagnosed, in the midst of treatment or a long-term survivor.

Need more information? Here’s what past participants are saying about the program:

"You provided us with hope and good materials, for which I have always been thankful."

"I want to thank you for shedding such a bright light on the emotional, feeling side of this disease. I am so much better equipped to deal with my breast cancer now that I have your information."

"Cobie, your talk was wonderful – enlightening, informative and supportive."

"Thank you for your inspiring presentation. Your comments regarding completing treatment and being pushed from the perceived safety of the infusion/hospital environment truly touched me. Moving from a state of actively treating my disease to watchful waiting is still, a year later, very difficult for me."

"Thanks again for coming to Longview to speak to our group. I have to tell you that during the sharing time they all reflected on what you said and were so grateful for the words of wisdom. You have a gift for sharing such truly remarkable insights that can benefit anyone regardless of their situation. They all loved you!"

Breast cancer patient navigator achieves nationwide status

Andrea receives her certification at the NCBC Conference as a breast navigator in Imaging and Cancer Care. Pictured with Karry Trout of Mason General Hospital, who is the Diagnostic Imaging Breast Navigator and who also received her certification.Editor's Note: We are excited to announce that Andrea Potter, our breast cancer patient navigator, has earned certification through the National Consortium of Breast Centers in the fields of Imaging and Cancer Care.

The Breast Patient Navigator Certification Program is a certification that has been developed by a peer review team of the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). The purpose of this certification is to set standards of achievement and the professional's role; enhance patient safety, quality of care and delivery of services; and recognize professionals who advance beyond basic knowledge in a field of specialty.

What does that mean for me, the patient?
Moving a patient through a breast care/cancer continuum is a complex and highly individualized process. The complexity is significantly reduced with the assistance of an individual who is trained to navigate a patient through the processes of care, often referred to as a breast patient navigator. However, just as the breast care/cancer diagnosis and treatment process may differ from facility to facility, so do the definitions, activities, knowledge and job descriptions of a breast patient navigator. These disparities can adversely affect the breast care/cancer treatment provided to women across the nation and around the world. In an effort to minimize and eventually eliminate the variances in a breast patient's continuum of care and the definition/function of a breast patient navigator providing care within that continuum, the NCBC created this program.

In plain terms:

• I was able to network directly with Breast Navigators all over the country meaning I learned about new information for Breast Cancer patients. From radiology equipment, lab testing, treatments, and more!
• New information brought back from the conference has allowed me to build and re-outline my program so that I may be able to navigate more patients than previously done so that less women may "fall through the cracks".
• I am now a member of the NCBC which will allow me to continue networking with other navigators from a distance.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please call at 360.493.4746.

2nd Annual Cancer Survivor Celebration

Join us! If you currently have cancer or had it in the past, you and a guest are invited to attend our second annual cancer survivor celebration. This free event will feature a keynote speaker plus informative presentations about wellness, survivorship and more. Breakfast and lunch included.

2^nd annual Cancer Survivor Celebration
June 2, 2012, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Heritage Room, 604 Water Street, Olympia
Register>>

Keynote Speaker: Cancer Survivorship and Quality FOR Life: Shaken, Stirred, Movin’ On! - Brad Zebrack, PhD, MSW, MPH

Presentations and speakers

• What’s New in Diagnosis and Treatment - medical oncologist Jim Lechner, MD; radiation oncologist Jim Raymond, MD; pathologist Rich Whitten, MD
• Natural Therapies for Post-Chemo and Radiation Symptoms - Chad Aschtgen, ND, FABNO
• Family conversations about legal concerns - Jonathan Sprouffske, JD
• Living Well with Cancer – palliative care physician Gregg Vandekieft, MD; psycho-oncologist Cobie Whitten, PhD
• New! Patient Panel