We hope this finds everyone staying cool and enjoying our beautiful summer in New England! We are excited to share Lee’s story this quarter, as you’ll soon learn in his words why it sure beats the alternative! We’re also sharing information about acupuncture, dragon boating and forest therapy for cancer survivors in this edition. If you would like to share your story, or have ideas for content, please feel free to reach out to amy.litterini@mainehealth.org. Happy summer!
By Lee Rose
Until Steve M. arrived midway through my Sophomore year in high school, I was the shortest kid in the class. As a result, when choosing up sides for sports, I was more often than not picked last by the more “traditionally” sized athletes. As someone with an ego that outsized my physical form, that didn’t sit well with me. Even at the tender age of 12, I realized the only way to get out of this predicament was to become a better athlete than some of the kids ahead of me in the “pecking order.”
At the time, basketball seemed out to me, and one would think other competitive team sports would have been, too. We happened to have a superior teaching and therefore coaching staff at my high school (still rated as one of the top public schools in the country) so in competitive sports, I soon discovered positions were usually specialized according to particular skills. Some were even differentiated into weight classes where I’d only be competing with other, similarly sized opponents. Throughout my high school years, I played football as a wide receiver, wrestled in the 139-pound weight class, and ran track as a sprinter, and even though Mike R. never stopped joking about how fast my legs had to move to keep up with him, my days of getting picked last were finally over.
When I arrived at college in 1972 and began to think of what direction my life would ultimately take, I soon realized that even as an established athlete I really wasn’t “built” for competitive intercollegiate sports. As I still enjoyed playing on a team, I focused that attention on intramural softball (and eventually afternoon games in New York City’s Central Park as a member of the Broadway Show League). More importantly, still retaining that competitive spirit, I eventually turned most of my attention to individual sports where I could compete against myself, the clock, and it turned out, any mountain I found myself skiing down. Today at the age of 70, I’m a Nationally Certified Ski Instructor and in the off season, a trail-riding mountain biker, and an Assistant Park Ranger at Reid State Park.
We’re not all athletes, though, and I must admit that a few years ago I couldn’t count myself as one anymore. I’d only skied three times in the past twenty years, had given up running, biking, and even softball. The rigors of rural life, child rearing, and trying to survive in the challenging world of higher education overtook me. My only workouts became carrying kids and their accouterments, push-mowing our yard, and the various household jobs that required upper body strength, particularly cutting, hauling, and stacking wood. One day as he watched me hurl a log from one pile to another, my young son commented, “Wow! You’re really ripped… under a few layers of fat.” At 5’5” and 209 lbs, I couldn’t argue with him, but it was the first time I thought to myself, “Well, that sure beats the alternative!” (of just the layers of fat). Who could have known how important that phrase would become to me when I was diagnosed in June of 2023 with esophageal cancer.
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At the time, I had absolutely no idea of exactly how aggressive a form of cancer I had, and that was probably a good thing. Too, believe it or not, we had just come off my son’s diagnosis and subsequent treatment and surgery for testicular cancer (he, too, thankfully is in remission now). My wife, Jody, and I had done quite a bit of research to help him through that, so when we hardly had a chance to breathe before embarking on my cancer journey, we’d had a bit of knowledge under our belts. We’d always been good “medical consumers” and knew the first thing to do was to find a care team we’d feel comfortable with. This was the first time I recalled my mantra of “sure beats the alternative”. Before moving to Midcoast Maine in 2021, we lived Downeast for twenty-three years, and I mean the real Downeast: Washington County, one of the poorest counties in America and a place I subsequently discovered that is considered a medical desert. I know now that many of the friends I’d lost to cancer during my time there probably did not have to die. Misdiagnosis, lack of specialized care, and difficulty in finding or reaching that care was commonplace and I count my blessings to have now found myself with a choice of practitioners open to me and covered through the medical insurance I was lucky enough to have. Had I still lived there, the alternative would have given me a much smaller choice of practitioners and have included increased travel time for everything I had to do for my treatment that included Trimodal Therapy: a month of weekly chemo and daily radiation, then a month or so of healing from that, and finally an esophagogastrectomy. I remember sitting in my surgeon’s office as he described what he’d be doing to accomplish this technique, sectioning the bottom portion of my esophagus and the top of my stomach, and pulling my remaining stomach upwards and reforming it into a replacement esophagus. I sank into my chair as he drew a quick sketch of the surgery and told me there were some great videos of the procedure on YouTube if I cared to see it (no, thank you). “I guess laparoscopic is out,” I said to him as I imagined myself splayed open on the operating table for him to conduct such a complicated procedure. “Oh, no,” he replied. “It’s all robots and cameras. You’ll end up with two tiny scars in your abdomen, one on your back, and a small scar at your neck from which we’ll remove the cancerous organs. In a year you’ll be eating whatever you want, just smaller quantities.” And that was the next time I thought, “Well, that sure beats the alternative!” Having gone through it before serving as the caregivers for my son, we also understood exactly how important having help around oneself is. Once again, counting my blessings to have my saint of a wife who dedicated herself to watching out for me. That son and his brother, too, became my wife’s caregivers, as I also knew that this would be even harder for her than it was for me. I’ve found that when given the opportunity, people rise to the occasion when life demands if they’re simply asked to do so. I did and they did.
Previous page: Lee and Jody in Bath; at left: Jody and sons preparing a meal together.
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Help comes in many forms if you keep your mind open to it. My sister-in-law (a marathon runner) also contributed, but not with any commitment of time or effort, really. A simple comment she made put things in perspective and made us realize this most important concept I’ll share with you. “Lee’s approaching this challenge like an athlete,” she said. It was true. Once I knew the path that lay ahead of me, I began my training. It would involve research, changes in my diet and physical capabilities, and figuring out just who could help me. When asked, my coworkers were happy to join that club: My boss allowed me to spread out my sick time across days to shorten workdays and I noticed that folks of their own accord would kind of “watch out” for me in small ways I can’t even remember or describe now. I just knew they were doing it, and I do remember the often-delivered words of encouragement they’d offer about my seeming strength and resilience. The dietary changes were challenging. Due to the constriction in my lower esophagus, no solid food would pass. By the way, this constriction is exactly what saved my life in the first place, and this is where my athletic background is so relevant. When I noticed difficulty swallowing just about anything, I knew something was wrong. Like many men, I am not one to run to the doctor at the first sign of trouble, but I could tell this was different. Even if one falls out of shape, body awareness is something that never leaves you.
April 1, 2025
The Maine Medical Center Thoracic Oncology team hosted a day of esophageal cancer awareness at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland on April 1st where they connected with over 70 visitors to their information table. Many people, including medical staff, expressed sincere concern and surprise when they learned that Maine has the highest per capita rate of esophageal cancer in the US. Two people with Barrett’s Esophagus, a condition that increases the risk
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of esophageal cancer, thanked the team for highlighting their disease. Several others were thankful for the team highlighting esophageal cancer awareness as they had family members who had the disease.
April 26, 2025, Portland, Maine
The 3rd annual Runway for Hope runway show featuring breast cancer survivors as models took place in April in downtown Portland. Survivors wore creative costumes styled and crafted by local artists and designers with this year’s theme of candy. Proceeds go to the New England Breast Cancer Alliance (NEBCA), a Maine-based nonprofit supporting local survivors and funding research. Members of the Breast Care Center were
in attendance to support the cause for the fun evening. For more information about Runway for Hope and NEBCA, click here.
May 3, 2025, Portland, Maine
The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) hosted their 2025 Walk to End Bladder Cancer around the Back Cove in May, bladder cancer awareness month. This year’s theme was No One Walks Alone.
Funds raised by the walk help BCAN increase awareness about bladder cancer, provides resources for people living with this disease, and supports muchneeded bladder cancer research. Local teams raised over $4,500. For more information about BCAN, click here.
April 9, 2025, Scarborough, Maine
The first annual head and neck cancer screening clinic was hosted at MaineHealth Ear, Nose and Throat Care on the Scarborough campus in April, head and neck cancer awareness month. The free evening clinic, staffed by members of the head and neck cancer care team, was fully booked. Several community members examined by the providers were recommended for follow-up care. The event was held with support from the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. Thanks to the care team providing the service, and the patients who attended.
Head and neck cancers are among the ten most common cancers Mainers face, and yet many people don’t know the signs. NEWS CENTER Maine spoke to MaineHealth surgeon William Reed, MD, about the leading causes of these cancers. Click here to view clip.
By Amy Litterini
The Maine Dragon Boat Club (MDBC) hosted a special day of paddling dedicated to cancer survivors on June 21, during Cancer Survivors Month. The beautiful day on Pennesseewassee Lake in Norway saw the 20person dragon boat paddled by two groups of survivors with members of the MDBC as coaches.
Dragon Boating, which originated in the Pearl River Delta region of China over 2,000 years ago, came first to North America in the 1980’s to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Some of the first cities in the US to embrace dragon boat racing in the 80’s were Philadelphia, PA, and Boston, MA, while the initiation of paddling for the benefit of breast cancer survivors is first credited to researchers at the University of British Columbia in 1996. Since exercise is beneficial to all cancer survivors, there are now dragon boat clubs across the globe with cancer survivor paddlers.
Stephens Hospital is a proud sponsor of the MDBC. If you’re interested in a community paddle with the club, all are welcome! For more information, please contact Sherri at mainedragonboatclub@gmail.com.
Embrace nature’s incredible powers to heal, restore, and breathe life into your body, mind and spirit as you navigate your cancer journey. Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Constance Woodworth, will support you in reconnecting with yourself and the natural world through silent observation, mindful breathing and reflection. While a gentle walk is often part of the experience, forest therapy is not a form of physical exercise like hiking; its focus is being in nature and connecting with it through your sense of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. Forest therapy has been shown to boost immune system function, reduce stress, improve sleep and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Open to all cancer survivors and caregivers. Space is limited.
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
Location: Viles Arboretum, Augusta
Instructor: Constance Woodworth
Contact: Call 872-4102 or email PHL@mainegeneral.org
Register: Click HERE
Unable to make it out into the woods? Try Maine Woodland Walks on YouTube
By Donald Charlson, M.S., M.B.A., R.N., L. Ac.
Acupuncture, which originated in China, is the oldest continuously practiced form of medicine in the world with a history spanning over 3,000 years. Initially, sharpened pieces of bone and stone were used before the advent of metal needles. Over time, acupuncture theories and practices have evolved, leading to the development of today’s acupuncture needles, which are between 0.18mm and 0.35mm in thickness. Various acupuncture traditions have emerged, influenced by both Asian and non-Asian cultures.
In the United States, there are more than 33,000 Licensed Acupuncturists who administer over ten million acupuncture treatments annually. Over the past two decades, numerous clinical trials have demonstrated acupuncture’s efficacy (effectiveness) in supporting cancer treatment and improving patients’ quality of life. Research has shown that acupuncture outperforms usual care for cancer-related fatigue, especially when combined with counseling, and is statistically significant in addressing cancerrelated pain.
The Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO) was formed in 2003 by healthcare providers passionate about incorporating evidence-based integrative therapies into mainstream oncology care. The SIO’s vision is that standard cancer care will include integrative oncology. Within the SIO, several special interest groups focus on specific areas of integrative oncology. One such group is the Acupuncture Special Interest Group, which comprises dedicated acupuncturists compiling the most effective acupuncture points and protocols for supporting cancer treatment and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors. I am one of the contributing acupuncturists and I practice acupuncture in Scarborough, Maine, at Family Chiropractic Associates. I have been a Registered Nurse since 1994 and a Licensed Acupuncturist since 1998.
Cancer-related fatigue affects more than 24% of cancer survivors. It is the second most common complaint among cancer-related symptoms, it can present as severe, and may not be relieved by rest. There have been several studies demonstrating acupuncture’s effectiveness in addressing cancer-related fatigue. A study with 302 participants found that acupuncture outperformed usual care for cancerrelated fatigue. A three-armed randomized clinical trial that included three groups: 1) a treatment group; 2) a waitlist; and 3) a sham acupuncture group (meaning those in the sham group did not receive acupuncture), found that acupuncture was effective not only for fatigue, was also statistically significant in its positive effect for insomnia and depression. Finally, a recent meta-analysis of ten randomized clinical trials with 1,327 participants found that acupuncture was statistically significant in its treatment of cancer-related fatigue. Continued next
Almost one in three cancer survivors experience cancer-related pain, and for some it can become chronic. Although opioids are necessary and appropriate for some patients with moderate to severe pain, many patients are concerned about the side effects of pain medications and the risk of opioid addiction. Some patients on pain medications look to find non-drug options to help address their pain.
Research into acupuncture’s efficacy in managing cancer-related pain has shown promise. A large-scale study published in 2021 demonstrated acupuncture’s effectiveness in managing pain in cancer survivors. In 2025, a meta-analysis of 111 studies involving 9,549 patients confirmed acupuncture’s efficacy in managing cancer-related pain. The Society of Integrative Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommend acupuncture for aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain and suggest it may be beneficial for general cancer or musculoskeletal pain.
As we advance into the 21st century with numerous medical innovations for cancer treatment, it is crucial to remember the timeless wisdom and practice of acupuncture in enhancing the quality of life for cancer survivors. For those interested in acupuncture in cancer survivorship, please discuss local options with your care team.
Donald Charlson, M.S., M.B.A., R.N., L. Ac., is the Lead Acupuncturist at Scarborough Family Chiropractic Associates. He has been licensed as a Registered Nurse since 1994 and as a Licensed Acupuncturist since 1998. He is also a certified Balance Method Acupuncturist, nationally board certified in acupuncture and a member of the Society of Integrative Oncology. For any questions, he can be contacted at dcharlson@mainefamilychiro.com or (207) 8859415.
By Amy Litterini, PT, DPT
A recent publication created a practical graphic highlighting the individual nature of physical activity. Everyone is different, so there is no cookie cutter method to a sustainable exercise program. As illustrated below, the variability of activity opportunities at home or work, or during leisure time or transit, makes it easier to visualize how we can incorporate activity into our daily lives. Different forms of exercise are also beneficial for cancer survivors, including: strength (resistance training); mobility (flexibility); aerobic (cardiovascular); and stability (balance/core). A gym membership is not necessary, and expensive equipment is not required…often simply getting more steps in per day can show results. Simple and fun are key.
Exercise is beneficial in several ways for survivors of all cancer types and stages, so finding what works for you is important in survivorship. For ideas, support or resources, please talk to your providers. Supervision in a community program can get you started. Let’s move!
Figure: My Physical Activity Plate is a visual guide designed to promote an inclusive approach to physical activity emphasizing personal choice and variety in movement with behavior modification strategies to support adherence. Current Sports Medicine Reports24(6):137-139, June 2025.
Source: From Hierarchy to Harmony: Transforming the Activity Pyramid into My Physical Activity Plate
Nutrition Education Services Center | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Balancing Work and Cancer Webinar series offers a targeted lineup of sessions on topics critical to patients, survivors, and their care teams with no cost to join. We hope you will join us for one, or all, of these conversations!
Wednesday, July 9th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Balancing Work & Cancer Wednesday, August 6th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Communicating Effectively: Part 1 Wednesday, September 10th, 1PM ET/10 AM PT
Communicating Effectively: Part 2 Wednesday, October 8th, 1PM ET/10 AM PT
Balancing Work & Caregiving Wednesday, November 5th, 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
Self-Care: Practical Approaches at Work and Beyond Wednesday, December 3rd, 1 PM ET/10 AM PT
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When facing breast cancer, connecting with someone who knows what you’re going through can be a crucial form of support. Some challenges can only be understood by someone who has been there. The American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery® program connects you with a trained volunteer who is a breast cancer survivor. Our volunteers provide one-on-one support to help you cope with treatment, side effects, and more. With a convenient mobile app and website, you can connect and chat wherever and whenever.
“Cancer is not just physical, it’s emotional and psychological. You have moments where you wonder if your feelings, thoughts or emotions are normal. Speaking to survivors validates these feelings.”
–
Meagan F., Survivor & volunteer
Create a profile on reach.cancer.org or our mobile app, ACS Reach.
See volunteers who faced a similar diagnosis
Chat, call, or message for one-on-one support
To learn more, visit reach.cancer.org or search for ACS Reach To Recovery on Google Play or the App Store.
Volunteers do not provide medical advice. Reach To Recovery is a free program.
3rd Tuesday every other month
5:30 - 6:30 pm
100 Campus Drive
Scarborough,ME Conference Rooms 1&2 behind the cafe
Email: nnengland@bcan.org
Please join us for our Bladder Cancer support group. If you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, family member… all are welcome! July 15th, 2025 September 15th, 2025
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86063821211? pwd=MDVuTThkNStsUVpHTU9PK0JCWXVpdz09 Meeting ID: 860 6382 1211 Passcode: 028474
Learn more about all the services you can access as a cancer patient, survivor, care partner, family, or friend here at the Dempsey Center.
Counseling
Integrative Therapies
Movement and Fitness
Nutrition
Support Groups
July:
Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month
Tri for a Cure…7/20/25
August:
Appendix Cancer Awareness Month
September:
GYN Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Purple for a Purpose…9/27/25
