31 Days of Pink

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31 Days of Pink by touroinfirmary Welcome to 31 Days of Pink, Touro Infirmary’s movement to raise breast health awareness every day during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Touro will share daily education on our blog and social media sites designed to inform, educate, inspire and provide helpful resources. Today, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States during her lifetime. In Louisiana, the rate of breast cancer is 123.4 per 100,000 women, which is on average for the nation. However, Louisiana has one of the highest rates of mortality in the nation. We can change this by educating our community and encouraging to life saving screenings. When detected early, breast cancer is most treatable. Together we are fighting to beat this disease. We hope that you will join the conversation. Visit http://www.31DaysofPink.com to read our blog daily, and share your story with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtags #31DaysofPink #StrongerTogether. Race for the Cure

Join Team Touro on October 20^th for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. Click here to register as a member of Team Touro.

Date: Saturday, October 20, 2018

Location: City Park, Practice Track Facility

Times:          

8:00am – Survivor Program
8:30am – Kids Dash
8:45am – 1mile walk or run
9:30am – 5k walk or run

Be Social

Find Touro on our social media platforms and tell us why you pink on social media! Use the hashtags #31DaysofPink and #Stronger Together to connect with us.

PaPampered and Pink: A Women’s Health Celebration

Thursday, October 18
6pm to 8pm
Audubon Zoo Tea Room

Enjoy festive fare at our gourmet food and beverage stations, meet our panel of experts and ask questions during our women’s health round table, visit with Susan G Komen and the American Cancer Society, pamper yourself with mini manicures, chair massage, hair styling, makeup and more! You’ll also be able to Shop for a Cause with Kendra Scott and take photos to share with friends and family in our pink photo booth.

Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100.

This event is made possible with support from The Heebe Family Fund at the Touro Infirmary Foundation.
>> Click here to register

touroinfirmary | October 1, 2018 at 1:00 am | Categories: 31 Days of Pink | URL: https://wp.me/p3U9Kg-xP

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Learning to Share

In the nanosecond in October 2017 after I received my diagnosis—Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a very rare form of cancer in adults—my emotional defense switch activated.

I didn’t want or need to be the focus of morbid chatter or even well-intended conversation. I wanted to avoid the awkwardness that often accompanies interactions with people who learn you have cancer and fear uttering the wrong word.

I was going to avoid all of that. I was 57 years old. Cancer was going to be my secret, my fight.

I would, of course, tell a small group of close family and friends. I was going to need logistical help getting my son, Harry, to and from school, hockey practices and games.

But Harry didn’t need to know about the cancer, I told myself. He was just a 12-year-old kid. He should be enjoying his childhood, not fretting over an obscure cancer his dad had. I wanted to protect him. The decision was made.

Read More: Learning to Share: 

The-Blurry-Lines-of-Cancer

The line separating cancer and cancer-free isn't always thick and dark.

BY Stacie Chevrier

PUBLISHED September 30, 2018

Stacie Chevrier is a recovering type-A, corporate climber who made a big life change after being diagnosed with cancer in September 2014. She now spends her days focusing on writing, fitness and healthy living. Outside of these passions, Stacie can be found practicing yoga, enjoying anything outdoors, traveling and defying the odds as a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor survivor.

Those of us in cancerland know that cancer isn't always black or white, and the line separating cancer and cancer-free isn't always thick and dark. We know that the word remission is a bit taboo, so the goal of this post is to educate the cancer muggles on the gray area where this disease can sometimes rest.

After being diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in September 2014, I underwent surgeries and treatments until my body showed no evidence of disease (a favorite term among oncologists). I went along for a yeacrossing my fingers the illness would leave my life, but also knowing the statistics behind this cancer and that it would probably make an appearance again.

During those months, I was free of any signs of disease, when a questionable spot popped up in my liver. Radiologists debated whether it was contrast build up, a new tumor, but even the tumor board (an oversight committee) couldn't come up with a definitive conclusion. My (usually very sensitive) tumor marker remained normal, so they threw me into a dreaded strategy of, "watch and wait."

Read the full post:

Cancer doesn’t discriminate between the sinners and the saints

June 13, 2017 by The Presbyterian Outlook

“In life and in death we belong to God.  And life is a gift to be received with gratitude and a task to be pursued with courage.”

I quote these declarations from A Brief Statement of Faith and the Confession of 1967 multiple times a day. Sometimes as a pep talk. Sometimes as affirmation. Sometimes as an exhausted last resort. Sometimes as the only hope-filled truths.

As a pediatric oncology chaplain, I meet kids and their families when they are first diagnosed with cancer. I’m there when the scans show no changes. I’m there when tumors shrink after radiation. I’m there when scans show tumors are growing even with chemotherapy. I’m there when remission is declared. I’m there when relapses occur. I’m there to bless stem cells before transplant.

Families are appropriately in shock at the time of diagnosis. Partly because the day before, life as they knew it was some version of normal and their child didn’t have cancer. And partly because their child has cancer. Cancer is enough of a beast for adults, but for it to invade infants, kids and teens is an added layer of cruel and unusual rudeness.

Read the complete article

Breast Cancer Prevention: Lifestyle Changes & Early Detection - Living Well with Touro

The National Cancer Institute reports as many as 80% of all cancers are caused by identified factors that are potentially preventable. Join Registered Dietitian Liz Cabrera as she explains the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices and having a regular breast cancer screening to reduce your risk.

The seminar will take place in Touro’s Foucher Room on the 2nd Floor of the hospital.

Lunch will be provided. 

Parking in the Prytania and Delachaise Street garages will be validated.

>>Click here to register. 

Additional Information:

• date
• Wednesday, 10/10/2018

• time
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

• address
• Foucher Room
  1401 Foucher Street,
  2nd Floor,
  New Orleans, LA 70115
  

• contact information
• (504) 897-8500
  
  healthevents@touro.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Learning My Limits the Hard Way

One problem for all of us cancer patients is just when we think we have learned our limits, they change.

BY Jane Biehl, Ph.D.

PUBLISHED September 29, 2018

Jane has earned three advanced degrees and had several fulfilling careers as a librarian, rehabilitation counselor and college teacher. Presently she does freelance writing. Her articles include the subjects of hearing loss and deafness, service dogs and struggling with cancer. She has been a cancer survivor since 2010.
She has myelodysplastic syndrome, which is rare, and would love to communicate with others who have MDS.

I am on a wonderful vacation cruising through Canada and ready to have the time of my life. My oncologist took me off chemo, so I would not experience the nasty side effects. I had been eagerly anticipating this vacation for months.

Step by painful step, I am walking through picturesque Quebec City. All around me are historical old buildings, dozens of art galleries, unusual old cathedrals and several museums. It is truly one of the quaintest and most beautiful cities I have ever visited.

The problem is I can’t enjoy it one little bit. The rain is pouring down in the hazy mist, the walking is treacherous and every single muscle in my legs is tightening up in spasms, screaming in protest.

Read the full post

An October Perspective

October is breast cancer awareness month, but each survivor has their own perspective on the matter.

BY BONNIE ANNIS

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.

The months of the year help us prepare for the seasons. There's a familiarity and significance to almost every month of the year. In January, we feel the chill of winter, February causes us to focus on the emotion of love, March is the blustery month and on and on it goes until we reach the month of October.

For many, October is all about cooler temperatures, pumpkins and fall leaves, but for the breast cancer survivor, October means so much more.

October, in recent years, has come to be known as the month set aside for breast cancer awareness. Weeks before the month arrives, there's an "in-your-face" campaign of festive pink ribbons. Many have become complacent as pink ribbons pop up everywhere while others hone in on the symbolism and embrace it.

Read the Complete Post

Event Details - Touro Infirmary

Pampered & Pink: A women’s health celebration

Join Touro for a fun and informative evening where we celebrate all things women!

Enjoy festive fare at our gourmet food and beverage stations, meet our panel of experts and ask questions during our women’s health round table, visit with Susan G Komen and the American Cancer Society, pamper yourself with mini manicures, chair massage, hair styling, makeup and more! You’ll also be able to Shop for a Cause with Kendra Scott and take photos to share with friends and family in our pink photo booth.

Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100.

This event is made possible with support from The Heebe Family Fund at the Touro Infirmary Foundation.

Event Details - Touro Infirmary

Tip of the Day: Start your day with a savory meal

Tip of the Day: September 28, 2018

Start your day with a savory meal. Frittatas and omelets are a great way to enjoy veggies in the morning. Try adding mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or onions!  Spinach Frittata Spanish Omelet Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Stop the Cancer Excuses

Don't let the excuse of cancer run your life or stop you from doing all that you want.

BY Dana Stewart

PUBLISHED September 25, 2018

Dana Stewart was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 at the age of 32. She is the co-founder of a cancer survivorship organization called The Dragonfly Angel Society. She volunteers as an advocate and mentor, focusing on young adults surviving cancer. She enjoys writing about life as a cancer survivor, as well as connecting survivors to the resources, inspirations and stories that have helped her continue to live her best life, available at www.dragonflyangelsociety.com .

If you or someone you know went through cancer, you know how tough it is. You know how quickly it can change the direction of your life, destroy the plans you had in place, and I could go on and on. Trust me, I know it first-hand. I was 32 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was a single woman focused on my career and thought nothing would stop me. Then that lump in my breast stopped me in my tracks and everything changed. I no longer felt powerful; I gave up on my career and forget about a personal life. How was I supposed to date or think about my future when I didn't even think I had a future? Yes, I know this all sounds negative, but that's how I felt. No need to sugarcoat it.

The good news is that was eight years ago, and I feel better now than I did then

Read the full post