Meet with us — online!

Dear Friends and Members,

We’re pleased to announce that the Women LISTEN cancer support group has successfully shifted our support group meetings online to the Zoom videoconferencing platform. To protect everyone’s health, our meetings are now being conducted by video only, online, Friday mornings at 10-11:30 a.m. Alaska time.

In order to protect the privacy of the meeting, we just ask that new participants email news@womenlisten.org (or message us via Facebook) to obtain the invite link to our meeting. This link will contain all the info needed to take part, including information on how to download the Zoom app.

We look forward to seeing you at 10 a.m. Fridays! 

Women LISTEN is an Anchorage-based nonprofit serving women diagnosed with cancer. Since 2002, the core of our services has been our weekly support group, an informal group of women cancer survivors who meet to Laugh, Inform, Support, Talk, Empower and Network (LISTEN). All women are welcome–from the newly diagnosed, to longtime survivors of any type of cancer. 

Everything You Wish You Had Known…about traveling to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

This continues our series of tip sheets about various aspects of cancer treatment. These sheets are based upon discussions and tips from our support group participants and facilitators.

Because Seattle is the nearest of the major cancer centers, many Alaskans travel down there for consults or care with specialists in their specific cancer type. This sheet includes basic travel notes and pointers to SCCA resources.

Download the tip sheet with this link: “Everything You Wish You Had Known…about traveling to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance“

Everything You Wish You Had Known…about lymphedema

This continues our series of tip sheets about various aspects of cancer treatment. These sheets are based upon discussions and tips from our support group participants and facilitators.

Lymphedema is a circulatory drainage issue that can be caused by damage or loss of lymph nodes from surgery or radiation. It can occur immediately during treatment or at any time during the rest of our lives. There’s no way to predict who will develop it, so it’s important that we recognize it and know what to do should that happen. The sheet also covers precautions to avoid developing lymphedema and tips on managing it if it does happen.

Download the tip sheet with this link: “Everything You Wish You Had Known…about lymphedema“

Everything You Wish You Had Known…about mastectomy

This continues our series of tip sheets about various aspects of cancer treatment. These sheets are based upon discussions and tips from our support group participants and facilitators.

Good recovery from a mastectomy is more complicated than just sitting and waiting for some incisions to heal. This sheet covers those needs with tips on how to manage them.

Download the tip sheet with this link: “Everything You Wish You Had Known…about mastectomy“

Everything You Wish You Had Known…about recovery from treatment

This continues our series of tip sheets about various aspects of cancer treatment. These sheets are based upon discussions and tips from our support group participants and facilitators.

Even once our active treatment is over, we still need some recovery and healing time. This tip sheet also covers ongoing treatment, “scanxiety” during followup surveillance, and survivorship plans that help map out your future needs based upon your treatment.

Download the tip sheet with this link: “Everything You Wish You Had Known…about recovery from treatment“

Everything You Wish You Had Known…about radiation

This continues our series of tip sheets about various aspects of cancer treatment. These sheets are based upon discussions and tips from our support group participants and facilitators.

As with chemo, we should get some specific teaching before we actually begin treatment that covers what we can expect more accurately. But this sheets covers some of the basics along with some of the things that women were surprised that no one ever warned them about.

Download the tip sheet with this link: “Everything You Wish You Had Known…about radiation“

Everything You Wish You Had Known…about chemo

This continues our series of tip sheets about various aspects of cancer treatment. These sheets are based upon discussions and tips from our support group participants and facilitators.

While we should get specific teaching about our own specific chemo from our oncologist or infusion lab staff before our treatment actually begins, there are still a lot of common experiences that come up with many kinds of chemo. Plus, it’s just nice to prepare for what’s ahead in a general way, before we actually get there.

Download the tip sheet with this link: “Everything You Wish You Had Known…about chemo“

Everything You Wish You Had Known…about beginning cancer treatment

This begins our series of tip sheets about various aspects of cancer treatment. These sheets are based upon discussions and tips from our support group participants and facilitators.

In this tip sheet, we cover that daunting period between getting a diagnosis and beginning treatment. How do we pick a doctor and should we get a second opinion? How do I handle the anxiety? Where do I go to research? How do I get ready for treatment? Should I go Outside to a big cancer center?

Download the tip sheet with this link: “Everything You Wish You Had Known…about beginning cancer treatment“

Sharing the AK Cancer Resource Partnership newsletter

PARTNERSHIP EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Quarterly meeting dates are now set for the next several months. Contact Josh Hemsath if you need an invitation or would like to be added to the agenda.

  • Upcoming PREVENTION Work Group quarterly meetings (Chair, Ali Tolman):
    • Thursday 10/7/21, 1:00-2:30pm
    • Thursday 1/6/22, 1:00-2:30pm
    • Thursday 4/7/22, 1:00-2:30pm
  • Upcoming DETECTION Work Group quarterly meetings (Chair, Abby Struffert):
    • Tuesday 10/26/21, 1:00-2:30pm
    • Tuesday 1/25/22, 1:00-2:30pm
    • Tuesday 4/26/22, 1:00-2:30pm
  • Upcoming SURVIVORSHIP Work Group quarterly meetings (Chair, Chris Savarese):
    • Thursday 10/28/21, 1:00-2:30pm
    • Thursday 1/27/22, 1:00-2:30pm
    • Thursday 4/28/22, 1:00-2:30pm

 

RESOURCES:

  • See attached flyer for the upcoming Palliative Care Alaska Network’s annual Symposium
  • See attached Alaska Cancer Resource Newsletter from Anchorage & Valley Radiation Treatment Centers
  • See attached flyer for an upcoming Oncology Cooking Class from Providence Cancer Center

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

  • SEARHC is seeking a full-time Data & Evaluation Specialist for our CDC Breast & Cervical Cancer & WISEWOMAN (cardiovascular) grants. Position is listed in Juneau but it could be located at any SEARHC site (Sitka, Haines, Wrangell, Klawock, etc.). Full-time benefitted position.
  • Providence Cancer Center is seeking Social Worker (MSW) Oncology *5K sign bonus for eligible candidates*
  • Providence Alaska Medical Center is seeking a Community Health Worker RN

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:

NEWS:

Breast Cancer      

9/16/21       Research breakthrough could protect against breast cancer progression

9/13/21       Your State’s Laws Might Save Your Life If Breast Cancer Strikes

Colorectal Cancer 

9/15/21       Having Even a Cousin or Grandparent With Colon Cancer Raises Your Risk: Study

Liver Cancer

9/16/21       Rates of the most common form of liver cancer are rising in rural areas

Lung Cancer      

9/15/21       Immunotherapy Offers Certain Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer A ‘Ray of Hope’, Expert Says

Prostate Cancer 

9/13/21       A Smart Bomb for Prostate Cancer

Health Equity and Disparities

9/16/21       Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Cancer Survivors Experiencing More Challenges in Survivorship Than Heterosexuals        

9/16/21       Inuit cancer patients often face difficult decisions without support far from home

9/16/21       Studies biased toward white genomes still predict cancer risk in diverse groups

Survivorship

9/16/21       Experiencing Post Traumatic Stress After Cancer

9/15/21       Cancer Survivors Are Tired of Being Afraid

Smoking, Vaping or E-Cigarettes        

9/16/21       Study finds vaping common among people diagnosed with eating disorders

General Cancer Research and News   

9/16/21       Seeing a Promising Future for Progress against Childhood Cancer

9/16/21       Real-time tumor tracking delivers high cure rates, decreased side effects for cancer patients

9/16/21       Scientists identify new targets for cancer vaccines

9/16/21       Increasing Diversity In Cancer Clinical Trials

9/13/21       The American Cancer Society Awards 2 Million Dollars in Grants to Provide Transportation to Treatment for Cancer Patients

9/13/21       Children of cancer patients are too often excluded from the disease journey, research shows

9/11/21       Child Cancers Are Rare, But Here Are Signs to Look For

9/9/21         American Cancer Society & American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Statement Regarding Sen. Amy Klobuchar Breast Cancer Diagnosis

{{Please email jessica.quinn@alaska.gov if you would like to include the opportunities your organization is offering.}}

JESSICA QUINN, MS | Public Health Specialist

(pronouns: she/her)

Alaska Cancer Partnership Manager

Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Manager

State of Alaska | Division of Public Health

Section of Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion

jessica.quinn@alaska.gov

2nd Video support meeting goes well!

4/3/20 Our 2nd Zoom Friday group meeting and we are starting to work out how to make it work smoothly. Today three board members attended for additional assistance if necessary. We had 13 women online (including 3 board members and myself). One of our members was able to attend from Seattle! It was great to see her! Another checked in from Girdwood where she is in isolation.
Every attendee has an option of participating without a video camera, but everyone wanted video conferencing today. We really try to end on time and give everyone time to check-in. We had one new member and two members who attended 5 years ago and were checking to see how everyone was doing with the pandemic isolation.
We celebrated a birthday and someone finishing chemotherapy. We discussed some of the challenges of eating during a pandemic. Some suggestions were:
Alaskadinnerfactory.com – A meal delivery service
Costco, Fred Meyers, Walmart all have delivery. Also a number of restaurants have take out. Check their websites.
One woman is on Keytruda and another woman is considering it and they were able to discuss potential side effects.
We discussed funny books and movies. Muff will look for a list that was compiled previously. We need laughter!
Oncology Rehab (you still need a doctors order) is available on Zoom. Please let me know if you know of other resources we should include for exercise, meditation, yoga, groceries, etc. We all will get through these challenging times!! We have to support each other!
Muff

Alaska Dinner Factory delivers a great meal without all of the preparation and cleanup. Save time, money and stress for a new way to get a home cooked meal.

Support group meetings have resumed–online!

Dear Friends and Members,

We’re pleased to announce that the Women LISTEN cancer support group has successfully shifted our support group meetings online to a videoconferencing platform. To protect everyone’s health, our meetings are now being conducted by video only, online, Friday mornings at 10-11:30 a.m. Alaska time.

In order to protect the privacy of the meeting, we just ask that new participants email news@womenlisten.org (or message us via Facebook) to obtain the invite link to our meeting. This link will contain all the info needed to take part, including information on how to download the appropriate app.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Women LISTEN is an Anchorage-based nonprofit serving women diagnosed with cancer. Since 2002, the core of our services has been our weekly support group, an informal group of women cancer survivors who meet to Laugh, Inform, Support, Talk, Empower and Network (LISTEN). All women are welcome–from the newly diagnosed, to longtime survivors of any type of cancer. 

Find an Online Class and Yoga Community During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Yoga Journal wants to encourage you to take this time to build a strong practice, find a virtual community for support, and use your yoga off the mat to help those in need. Here, your resource guide for practicing at home, staying balanced, boosting immunity, and keeping local teachers employed and families healthy.

And from Anchorage Healing Chair Yoga instructor Margo Sorum comes these suggestions:

Please continue to take time to rest, restore and recharge everyday!
Here is a link to a beautiful Yoga Nidra Practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfIikxpis9s.
Please continue to enjoy nourishing cardio everyday: https://youtu.be/ysdXNrnz6mo.
Please continue to feed your mind with healthy thoughts, here is a link to our Metta Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQZCsoy4V2I&t=35s.

May we all be happy, healthy, safe and at ease during this time and always.
Love and light,
Margo Sorum

Coronavirus and Cancer Resources for Survivors

We’ve been hoping to find one high-quality news source for women with cancer, and today the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship launched their resource page that provides just that:

NCCS has heard from many survivors who feel uniquely vulnerable due to their history of cancer treatments. And we have heard from people currently in treatment, who are worried about delays in care and navigating a stressed health care system.

We’re partnering and consulting with several cancer organizations and experts to address the questions and concerns survivors have shared. Please bookmark this page, as it will be updated frequently.

As noted, this information comes from highly-respected and authoritative sources, going far beyond the basic CDC guidelines for the non-cancer population. Even so, if you’re in doubt about how any specific piece of information pertains to your own situation, it’s best to call your own oncologist or family practitioner.

Things to do while you’re stuck at home

We posted yesterday about a free yoga resource, in addition to the resources we’ve included before on meditative yoga nidra practices.

We’ve also assembled some free entertainment options—books and audiobooks and videos and music—available through the Anchorage Public Library system. Additionally, the Internet Archive offers a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more.

But many organizations and individuals are pitching in to identify other options. For example, the Metropolitan Opera is offering free online opera performances:

The Metropolitan Opera announced that it would stream encore presentations from the award-winning Live in HD series of cinema transmissions on the company website for the duration of the closure. The new offering will begin in Monday March 16 with…performance of Bizet’s Carmen.

All “Nightly Met Opera Streams” will begin at 7:30pm and will remain available via the homepage of metopera.org for 20 hours. (source)

Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with 500 museums and galleries worldwide to offer virtual tours and online exhibits.

Finally, Twitter user LoveIsLikeJazz is assembling a list of places and attractions you can tour online that includes things like the San Diego Zoo, Mongerey Bay Aquarium, The Sistine Chapel, Stonehenge, and many more.

Yoga & Qigong cancelled

From Anchorage & Valley Radiation Therapy Center (AVRT) comes notice today that their free Qigong and healing chair yoga classes are cancelled until further notice. Yes, that’s the yoga practice at Regional with Margo Sorum.

Deha Yoga, which also offers free chair yoga, has not cancelled their sessions but does have a new list of precautions posted on their website.

AVRT also shared the free resource DoYogaWithMe, which offers a wide variety of online practices at all levels. They announced Friday in response to the pandemic that:

To do our part, we are offering all current free members and new visitors 2 months of free access to our premium content.

Women LISTEN urges every woman with cancer to carefully evaluate both her own risk, speaking with her oncologists if necessary, and the risks to society posed by attending group functions during the pandemic.