Part 1: Why we believe in research studies

At Providence Regional Cancer System we participate in clinical research for many reasons. Clinical trials are vital in finding and establishing improved, less toxic ways to treat cancer. It is our hope that participation in a clinical trial will improve our patient’s quality of life and/or extend life.

We are always striving to:

• Help find an improved cancer treatment with better outcomes for our patients
• Help gather statistics for future generations who will be looking for better treatment
• Help our physicians stay on the forefront of new treatment options
• And of course, the ultimate goal, help discover a cure for cancer

You may or may not have followed the journey of the late Elizabeth Edwards, attorney, best-selling author and health care activist, she lost her fight with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 61.

Regardless of how you feel about her as a person she was a champion for medical research, participating in numerous clinical trials, speaking of the women who came before her,

"I knew I could not repay those women -- most much braver than I, many of whom had taken a chance with their own treatment in order to help find the best treatment for all of us -- except by helping the women who would come after me.”

The decision to participate in a clinical trial is a personal one. That’s why; throughout the whole process we always put you, the patient, first. If at any time you want to remove yourself you can. Doing so will never affect the care you receive from your treatment team.

Be sure to check back on Wednesday when we post, "Part 2: How a patient becomes part of a clinical trial"

Book Excerpt: Saving Graces: Finding solace and strength from friends and strangers by Elizabeth Edwards

It was a beautiful evening ...

Thank you to everyone who came out for Harmony and Hope: A musical celebration to recognize our patients and their families.  

It's nice to take the time to enjoy a little piece of beauty in our day to day lives. We so enjoyed seeing you.

Of course the highlights were probably our performing doctors!

Please pardon the shaky camera, we were filming from the floor, without a tripod. But we think this song is really very pretty and best appreciated with your eyes closed.



If you haven't met Dr. Robertson he's the handsome gentleman on the far left.



But there was also dancing!



We can't say thank you enough to Andrea Beaton & Glenn Graham, Cape Breton fiddlers we convinced to come perform for us even though they're really here for a big performance at Benaroya Hall this next weekend.

And unfortunately the video we took of local treasure, Colin Gemmell, bagpiper extraordinaire didn't turn out (we're not professional videographers, if you hadn't already noticed, and the sound was just terrible, didn't do the pipes justice at all!) But he was just lovely, along with Dr. Lechner's wife who is also a piper.

Did you get a chance to join us? Did you enjoy the event? Would you like to see more of these in the future? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Free resource: Living with and beyond cancer

Cancer can take a toll physically. It can also shake up 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 all people at all points along the cancer journey.

Patients, family members and friends are all welcome.

Mark your calendars! All events run from 6:30-8 p.m.

• Wed. March 16, Mason General Hospital
• Tues. May 10, PRCS - Centralia
• Wed. June 15, PRCS - Lacey
• Wed. Sept. 14,  Mason General Hospital
• Wed. Nov. 9, PRCS - Centralia
• Wed. Dec. 7, PRCS - Lacey

Already know you can't make it but have a question? Consider submitting a question for a future blog topic!

Look Good...Feel Better

Makeup is as old as the pyramids—literally. Archaeologists have found makeup jars in the Egyptian tombs, and of course, one look at the tomb painting reveals the heavy appreciation for eye liner both men and women seemed to have.

Chalk was used in Roman times to whiten complexions and women in Elizabethan England wore egg whites on their faces to provide some shine. Even the Victorians, who believed makeup was for those of ill-repute, used natural products of oatmeal and honey to cleanse their face.

Regardless of how or why you use makeup or keep your face clean it’s hard not to argue, when we look good we feel better!

The Look Good…Feel Better was developed in 1989 (read the full story here) and is both non-medical and brand neutral. Those who come receive a free kit with everything you need to cleanse, tone, moisturize, blot, dab and apply products for your face.

Some things we learned in the most recent class at Providence Regional Cancer System, Lacey, taught by Madelin KolbWhite, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics and Look Good…Feel Better Instructor for over 20 years.

• Cleanse your face twice a day … did you know the average household collects 40 pounds of dust a year?
• Always follow your cleanser with a toner. Toner removes the residue left behind with cleanser. Madelin did a test in her store and found that you would have to rinse your face 37 times in order to accomplish what toner does in 1 swipe.
• Once you open and use mascara you must throw it away in 3-4 months, regardless of whether it’s finished as it is growing bacteria.
• If your under eye is purple use a concealer with a yellow base, if it’s red use a concealer with a green base (but careful, using to much could make you look grey).
• If you are going through chemotherapy do not stay in the sun for more than a few minutes, always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (even in the Pacific Northwest!)

Want more? Check out Look Good…Feel Better’s brand new re-designed website which includes:

• 12-Step Beauty Guide
• Hair and wig tips
• Video Library
• Online makeover application

Want to find a class near you? They are offered through all three of our PRCS locations in Aberdeen, Centralia and Lacey. To register today call 1.800.227.2345.  

You might also like:

• Free comfort cap pattern
• Soup ladies warm hearts of cancer patients
• What happens in a yoga class for cancer survivors?

Take a minute, and just breathe

From the moment of diagnosis, some patients have often told me “I feel like I have a weight on my shoulders, I just want to curl up.”

This urge to “curl up” is a normal self protective response that can lead to problems with functional movement down the road. Individuals can often hold a protective posture, after many types of surgery and then again during recovery and adjuvant treatment.

Most often my patients hug themselves as a way to protect the body or limb from injury causing the head to come forward and down—picture a turtle hunkering in. If this posture is held for to long, our bodies begin to think of the position as “normal.” Over time reaching for a coat out of the closet or turning to look behind you while driving suddenly becomes a challenging activity.

1. Take a slow deep breath, lifting from the belly to the chest and easing the head back.
2. Exhale slowly, allowing the shoulders to fall gently down, rolling back.

Learning to find and incorporate a healthy posture goes beyond simple body positioning. It takes time and practice but it’s worth it! Several survivors have reported “I feel taller” and “my entire body moves better.”

Cancer treatment is a tremendous journey, be kind to yourself and protect yourself with a proud posture.

You might also like:

• Dealing with a bad day
• A 2011 resolution: Exercise more to help your cancer treatment