American Cancer Society insert for San Antonio Woman magazine

A special section for San Antonio Woman

A special section for San Antonio Woman

A special section for San Antonio Woman

look good feel better H E L P I N G

W O M E N

W I T H

®

C A N C E R

Having cancer is hard enough but dealing with the side effects of

Each patient receives a gift bag of totally donated products that

treatment and what happens to your appearance can be devas-

match their skin type. The facilitators, who are all licensed cos-

tating to a patient.

metologists donating their time, then show each patient how to apply the products to reduce the risk of infection and teaches ®

Look Good…Feel Better is a free program offered throughout

them tricks with wigs, turbans and hats to cover their hair loss.

the United States designed for women undergoing chemother-

Mary has a great trick for those new to treatment and just start-

apy, radiation and other forms of cancer treatment. Founded in

ing to lose their hair: “No one wears panty hose anymore, but

1989, it was developed in collaboration between the Personal

if you take the top band off an old pair and tie it around your

Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society

head at night, in the morning just take it off and throw it away.

and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology

That way the patient doesn’t have the pain of seeing the lost

Association. Look Good…Feel Better offers instructions and ad-

hair in the morning.”

vice on dealing with the temporary appearance changes of cancer treatment.

Another tip she gives is to use old T-shirts as turbans.

That gives them a new look on their head every day.

Mary Seward, (pictured above) a Look Good…Feel Better Sunrise Award winner and a facilitator and trainer for San Antonio and

The patient feels empowerment after a session of Look Good…

surrounding areas, was the first person to bring Look Good…Feel

Feel Better! They are given the tools to control their appearance,

Better to Texas. The first time she went to a session at a hospital

and that makes it easier to look at themselves in the mirror dur-

in Dallas she panicked. “What will I do with a room full of people

ing the difficult time of treatment and recovery. The best cancer

with cancer?” she said. Once she got in there and started their

treatments aren’t always prescribed by a medical professional!

session, she said she felt so comfortable and that each one was like a best friend. The sessions are all product neutral, non-med-

How can someone newly diagnosed, someone undergoing treat-

ical and appearance related. Each cancer patient arrives for a

ment or even someone who has finished their treatment get to

hands-on 2 hour session with 6-10 other patients in the room. It

Look Good…Feel Better? www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

is a welcome respite for their family member/caregiver as well.

The facilitator wants only the patients in the room so that they

The local American Cancer Society office can refer patients to

are the focus so the family member/caregiver can have some free

Look Good…Feel Better throughout San Antonio and nation-

time while the session is going on.

wide. Just call 210-614-4212 or 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Contact the American Cancer Society online at cancer.org or call our toll-free number 1.800.227.2345

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A special section for San Antonio Woman

A special section for San Antonio Woman

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volunteer spotlight V I C K I

G O E B E L

American Cancer Society is a volunteer-driven organization. Fundraising activities all over the US, including Relay for Life, Making Strides against Breast Cancer and Cattle Baron’s Galas, are successfully driven through many hours of dedicated volunteers. One local volunteer, Vicki Goebel, has been part of the American Cancer Society family for over 30 years! Her story began back in Michigan, where she was a chair of Daffodil Days while working for a hospital in the Oncology Department.

Vicki moved to San Antonio in 1987. Through her job doing marketing at the Texas Headache Institute she attended multiple Health Fairs and met staff from the American Cancer Society. This encouraged her to start volunteering again with American Cancer Society here in San Antonio. In 1999 Vicki became the chair for Relay for Life. ”Boy was that a challenge! I took over and in three months, put a Relay together,” said Vicki. “My commitment was for two years because I knew it could be better if we had more time to plan it!” Her second year was a huge success and for the next 10 years she stayed involved with Relay for Life. During that time she was on the Texas Task Force for Relay for Life. “That was so fun – meeting and getting to know so many volunteers from around the state.

While on the Task Force I chaired the State Committee for Awards.

The most exciting part was announcing at the State meeting that Texas won the Gordon Klatt National Award. It went to Leaky, Texas for the most money raised per capita. While on the State Task Force Vicki was also nominated to attend the Celebration on the Hill Project where volunteers went to Washington DC to meet with Senators and the House of Representatives to lobby for money to continue cancer research.

During that time, there was a local board for the American Cancer Society and Vicki served on the ACS Board. While a board member she became involved with the Cattle Baron’s Gala and has been for the past 11 events. Her life took a turn during that time when Vicki became a cancer patient herself. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and quickly became a part of the American Cancer Society in a very different way — as a patient and a survivor.

“My story with being diagnosed is interesting. I remember being at a Cattle Baron’s Gala and having fun, knowing I was going to go in for surgery the following week. I had my thyroid removed and when I was discharged from the hospital, I was told there was no cancer. Well, I work for a group of pathologists who wanted to see the slides. Not knowing what was going on, they sent it to another specialist to confirm what they had found — cancer. I received a call from my treating physician wanting to see me in his office as soon as possible. When I asked why, he told me that there was a mistake and that cancer was found. I immediately called the doctors I worked for to find out what was going on and they told me they could not talk to me until I talked to my treating physician. When I told them I had, they told me what they found and it was confirmed by another specialist.

“I consider myself very lucky that the pathologists I work for care about me so much. I went through the radiation therapy and have been cancer-free now for five years. I have a sister who also had thyroid cancer and is a two-time breast cancer survivor, so that puts me in a very high-risk category. I am watched very carefully by all of my doctors including the pathologists I work for.“ Four years ago a staff partner from the American Cancer Society approached Vicki and asked her to chair the Childhood Cancer Art Project. The Art Project would be used as a Live Auction item at the

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Cattle Baron’s Gala in the fall.

“I took on the project not knowing much about it, and to my surprise it was the best job ever! Working with the kids at Camp Discovery was the best!”

This also put her back in touch with cancer survivor David James Trujillo, whom she met when he was 10 years old and post bone marrow transplant, at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. David James became a camp counselor working with other kids who are cancer survivors, and has since graduated from college and teaching elementary school. He volunteers with these kids because he wants to give back to the American Cancer Society and all the help they gave his family during his treatment.

The first art project Vicki was in charge of was a bench made of ceramic tiles painted by the kids. “It was a fantastic day with the kids.” After the tiles were complete Vicki took on the job of finding someone to create the bench. “I turned it over to Mr. Gabe Rodriguez at Dollar Tile and he created an incredible bench that sold at the Live Auction for an all-time high of $42,000!” That bench is now in a memory garden and touches people’s hearts every day.

The next year the bench was repeated along with a table. The bench is housed at a resort in the Hill Country.

The 2013 Art Project was a new creation. Vicki worked with artist Faryl Greller to have the kids create “Hearts of Hope”. This painting is a mural of hearts painted by the kids that was an expression of what hope and love meant to them. The kids were also asked to write their thoughts about what “hope and love” meant to them and they wrote incredible things. Art Inc. took those thoughts and etched them into plexiglass and created an incredible frame for the mural and turned the piece into a work of art that sold at the 2013 Cattle Baron’s Gala for a record $50,000! It now hangs in the lobby of the Methodist Children’s Hospital Lobby thanks to the generosity of a donor.

This year, the American Cancer Society is happy to start a new program for the kids called “Wrangler Day at the Rio Cibolo Ranch.” Vicki took this new project on and hopes it will become an annual event. This day is to give kids a chance to come out and be on a working ranch and have fun while helping us create another beautiful art project. This year it is a chandelier and the theme is “Shine the Light on a Cure.” “My dream for this project is to raise more than the “Hearts of Hope” and that it will be hanging someplace where everyone can see it and know we are working to find a cure for cancer.“ “One of the most rewarding things about volunteering with the ACS has been meeting so many incredible people and survivors. I have a fantastic boss who supports my volunteer work and a group of friends that have been pulled into many of my volunteer projects. You can ask a few and they will tell you the same thing and how rewarding it has been for them. I also find it rewarding when an art project touches so many people and how they take it upon themselves to help others. That is what it’s all about.“ Vicki Goebel, volunteer extraordinaire and cancer survivor, is the Director of Marketing for Precision Pathology.

Contact the American Cancer Society online at cancer.org or call our toll-free number 1.800.227.2345

A special section for San Antonio Woman

T

he initial diagnosis “You’ve got cancer” are hard words to hear. Once the “Road to Recovery” begins, there are many obstacles that each patient comes to.

Sometimes, the most difficult one can be how to get to treatment.

A male patient, 68, spent more than 30 years in the car-hauling industry. His life was filled with late-night truck stops, cheap motels, greasy food and many miles of steering 18-wheelers down blacktop highways as America streaked by.

He was nearing retirement in 2005 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. By 2007, when he did retire, the cancer had spread and was punching pain through his left leg. Within six months, his leg was paralyzed and he was relying on a scooter to get him around. Suddenly driving, the way he made his living all of his life, was out of the question. How would he get to his treatment at the Cancer Care Center on

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Loop 410? A taxi would cost $30 each way, and that expense would eat through his savings. It also upset him that his wife would have to take off work twice a week to drive him to his appointments.

A chat at the center changed things.

While talking with someone at the center before an appointment, he explained his predicament. They immediately referred him to a patient navigator at the American Cancer Society who arranged rides from Le Fleur Transportation. Now he calls the service whenever he needs rides to and from his appointments. “Without this service, my wife would have taken off of work.

They went out of their way to make sure I was taken care of. The American Cancer Society transportation service has been a lifesaver for me,” he says.

Transportation to and from appointments is a free service offered by the American Cancer Society here in San Antonio.

A special section for San Antonio Woman

There are many patients who simply cannot get to their cancer treatments.

Even if they have a car patients can’t drive after many treatments because of aftereffects of the treatments.

Another patient contacted the American Cancer Society for transportation as she does not drive. All of her family members work and have very busy schedules.

Her husband is the sole provider to her and their 3 children. The transportation service has allowed the family to maintain some financial stability since the patient’s husband can continue to work full-time. Without this free service, she may not have made it to treatment on a regular basis.

This service is just one of many free services that American Cancer Society provides patients on a daily basis. In 2013 American Cancer Society provided 7256 rides to 555 patients in the San Antonio area, which includes 12 counties.

Do you need a ride to treatment?

Please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and speak to a patient navigator. Or visit our website at www.cancer.org.

When I first heard that I had cancer 25 years ago, I was in shock and disbelief and scared to the very core of my being. The feelings of fear, powerlessness, and loss of control were overwhelming and I could think of nothing else. There were just so many feelings swirling around in my head that whatever assurances my doctor gave me were not heard.

The word cancer was louder than anything else I could hear, it was all I could think about.

When I was hospitalized recovering from a mastectomy, a young woman came to see me and identified herself as a volunteer with the Reach to Recovery (RTR) program of the American Cancer Society (ACS). She brought information about breast cancer and the services provided by ACS, but more importantly she brought me hope because she herself was a breast cancer survivor. Her visit was very powerful and provided me with the hope, perseverance, and optimism I needed to fight cancer.

Once I was finished with my cancer treatments, I thought I could also help other women who were going through what I

ROSE ORSBORN

had gone through. I wanted to give them the hope that survival was possible and life could go back to normal. I became an ACS

ask those questions that deal with their fears and emotions, questions that they

volunteer in 1990, and I’m still very much

want to shield from their loved ones. They see us as powerful examples of how we

an active volunteer. I firmly believe in the

have survived and continue to reach to recovery.

tremendous impact that the ACS has on patients, their families and the community. I,

I find much fulfillment as a volunteer with ACS. My personal goal is to continue to

along with other volunteers in the RTR pro-

assure that patients who have received a cancer diagnosis have easy access to ACS

gram, visit women who receive an initial di-

services. I especially want to reach those patients who do not have easy access to serv-

agnosis of breast cancer. We bring accurate

ices due to barriers such as poverty, isolation, and language problems. I am grateful

and timely information about breast cancer

to ACS for being there when I desperately needed a lifeline to lift me from hopeless-

as well as information about ACS services.

ness to hopefulness.

More importantly, we bring hope and encouragement to these patients. We quickly form a bond with them since they realize that we have been there, we have heard the words “you have cancer“, we have felt that initial paralyzing fear, we have had radiation, we have experienced the side effects of chemotherapy. They feel they can

Contact the American Cancer Society online at cancer.org or call our toll-free number 1.800.227.2345.

A special section for San Antonio Woman

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A special section for San Antonio Woman

recoveryitems LORNA WONG

On any given day at the San Antonio American Cancer Society office located at 8115 Datapoint, there are patients waiting to be fitted for a wig. This is a free service that is key to many women’s rehabilitation. Having cancer is hard enough, dealing with the loss of hair makes it even tougher for a patient.

Lorna Wong, a cancer survivor and retired teacher, has been volunteering at the American Cancer Society for the past two years fitting patients. “It is a way to give back from my own cancer experience, I feel lucky to be a survivor!”

Each patient is entitled to one wig per diagnosis and an alternative head covering to use when the wig doesn’t feel comfortable. There are turbans and caps made by volunteers, crocheted and hand decorated to choose from. “The wigs are synthetic and not human hair because they are so much easier to care for! These women have enough to think about without needing to worry about caring for their wigs!” says Lorna.

“Since it is sometimes awkward for women without hair to go out in public, they feel better when they leave here and they love how they look!”

Pillows are also available, made by volunteers, that patients can use as a cushion under their seat belt to protect their port while going through treatment.

If you need a wig or head covering, please contact the American Cancer Society office to set an appointment 210-614-4212 or for more information call 1-800-223-7345 or visit www.cancer.org.

A special section for San Antonio Woman

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a story of hope “We can never tell what is in store for us.”– Harry S. Truman

PATIA SANDIFER Cancer has not defined my life. My life has so many prisms. I

My story begins seventeen years ago, eight days after celebrat-

work for the American Cancer Society in Austin and have the priv-

ing my 21st birthday. I had not been feeling well the months prior

ilege to raise funds for cancer research and assistance for cancer pa-

to my birthday and did not think much of it. Why would I? I was a

tients and their families. I volunteer with the Junior League and

college student without a care in the world, so I ignored the not-

have had placements in a Neonatal ICU hospital as a “Cuddler” and

so-great feeling and went on with my life. I have been blessed with

as a play therapy volunteer at a children’s behavioral hospital. I love

a loving family comfortable “walking in my shoes” with me. I am

to cook and travel, have fabulous friends who call and take me fun

not exceptional, just ordinary. Two caring brothers, a father always

places, a caring, praying community and an unconditionally loving

there for me, and loving mother and stepfather make up my im-

family. I felt I had paid my dues to cancer the first time. How could

mediate family! A fifth-generation Dallasite, my life has been that

this happen again? How will this diagnosis impact my career? How

of the classic all-American girl enjoying life.

as a single person will I survive? Well, hope comes from the people

In March of 1997 my life changed. I felt a lump above my collar

that have surrounded me. How blessed could I be!

bone about the size of a large marble. It was alarming because

The American Cancer Society has been a supportive cushion in

there was no pain, just an unexplainable lump. I was immediately

my healing journey. The research in the past 17 years has signifi-

taken to the doctor by my mother and underwent extensive tests.

cantly changed for the better all of the devastating side effects of

Waiting has always been difficult for me. A few days later, I received

chemotherapy treatment. Information and education offered

the news. I received a diagnosis of stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

through the American Cancer Society provides answers to the treat-

Life from that moment on was put on hold for both me and my

ment and healing process and gives hope to cancer survivors and

family, but in reality life went on and had to. I came home from the

their families. The American Cancer Society has resources within

doctor’s office, looked in the mirror with tears in my eyes and said

every community throughout the healing journey with transporta-

to myself things will be a lot different.

tion assistance through Road to Recovery, wigs and assistance with

A new normal had to be established immediately, and I had to

personal grooming tips for great appearance through Look Good

stay strong. A rollercoaster of ups and downs, twists and turns of

Feel Better, personal organization files that keep me on track when

emotions challenged me daily, compounded with twelve rounds of

the “chemo brain” jumps into my world, and temporary hotel

chemotherapy. Two months of daily radiation changed daily rou-

rooms as known as Guest Room arranged for the out-of-town pa-

tine, sleep patterns, some relationships, and considerations about

tient before treatment. Almost all of these services I witness first-

my future. The support I received from my family, church, friends

hand not only as an American Cancer Society employee but also as

and strangers brought me so much closer in my faith in God and

a patient. They are lifesaving!

the realization that healing was possible. Each day I received a

For all of us there is that moment when you choose to ground

serendipity (a providential surprise) that gave me strength to meet

yourself and live each day with authenticity and gratitude for all of

the daily challenge. I realized that I was too young to feel sorry for

those life lessons, conversations and teachable moments that have

myself and had to fight to the finish. I was not going to let cancer

come your way. I owe a big thank you to everyone who has given

win. Finally, seven years later I was released from my oncologist and

me a smile, said “we are praying for you,” brought a casserole over

declared cured. The fight was finished, and I had won!

at the end of the day, taken me on trips far and near, allowed me

Well, we never know what is going to happen! In late August

to rest and take a nap, and stayed my friend.

in 2013, I discovered a lump in my left breast. I was praying that I

My story is not unique. Everyone has someone in their life that

was going to be fine, because my health has been great for YEARS.

needs encouragement and a sense of hope. What have I learned

Nothing is going to stop all the good I have going in my life.

from this experience? All of us have challenges that can bring doubt

Tests determined a diagnosis of stage 2 invasive ductal carci-

into our lives. Look for positive people in your life. Have faith that

noma breast cancer. The dreaded second malignancy nightmare

you are not alone and in God’s providence and grace. You are in

which had been looming in the back of my head for years had come

the palm of His hand to comfort and guide you. Live a life of grat-

true. Anger, denial, confusion, fear and finally acceptance were my

itude for the big but especially the small

emotions. How long did it take me to work through these emo-

things. Don’t give up. Have hope, as each

tions? Time was not on my side, so in about a week I came to accept

day brings the opportunity to love and be

the fact that this was my new reality and a new way of life. In Oc-

in relationship with others. I have hope

tober a double mastectomy was performed with Deip Flap recon-

that I will finish the fight!

structive surgery using my own abdominal tissue followed by four rounds of chemotherapy. I was and am blessed to have fabulous

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Patia Stirling Sandifer works for the

professional medical treatment in San Antonio. My doctors and

American Cancer Society in Austin. She is

nurses are some of the miracles in my life.

a graduate of Schreiner University.

A special section for San Antonio Woman