Mesothelioma Prevention and Treatment Conference at Penn in Philadelphia

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership for a day of information about mesothelioma and pleural disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention as well as a chance to meet others  at the 4th Annual Focus On Mesothelioma Conference.

Get information about mesothelioma and these topics:

• Ask the experts
• Diagnosis
• Chemo and personalized therapies
• Coping
• Integrative medicine and wellness
• Nutrition
• Radiation therapy for mesothelioma
• Research and clinical trials
• Risk, screening and prevention
• Robotic surgery
• Symptom management

Who should attend?

Anyone who is facing a mesothelioma or pleural disease diagnosis as well as their loved ones, are invited to attend this conference.

Register for the Focus On Mesothelioma Conference at Penn

Date: Friday, October 12
Time: 7:30 am to 3 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Register: Registration is free.
Register for the 4th Annual Focus On Mesothelioma Conference here.

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Chemo In Louboutins

Susan L. Schwartz is a writer from London who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1996, and Hodgkin lymphoma in 2012. She is currently undergoing treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma at the Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia. You can find her blogging at Chemo in Louboutins.

Nobody wants to go through chemo. It’s not on anyone’s bucket, to-do or wish list. In fact, I was never supposed to even have chemo…but then suddenly, I woke up with an IV in my arm.

I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1996. It can grow very slowly and I was never treated. Then in 2012, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma as well – just lucky, I guess. Hodgkin lymphoma is curable…so here I am now.

I live in London but I chose to have my treatment at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital under the care of Stephen Schuster, MD. My family lives in Philadelphia and my father is a breast cancer surgeon here. Needless to say, when it came time to find an oncologist, I looked for the best…finding one each in Philly, New York and in London (I like opinions!).

As my situation changed from “watch and wait” to “treat immediately,” I chose to have my chemo in Philadelphia. This was going to be almost six months of “fun” and it only made sense to be not only under the watchful care of Dr. Schuster but also the daily care of my father and mother.

Even with a doctor in the house, I was totally overwhelmed as I’m sure everyone is. I did a Google search and found tons of info - all going on about the negatives of chemo. No one mentioned the positives. The positives of chemo? Yes, these drugs were going to save my life. That to me is a big POSITIVE. Yes, my hair might fall out, I would feel sick to my stomach but that would be par for the course.

Still, I was filled with fear – of death, of missing out on the future, scared for my parents, my boyfriend, myself. Did this mean I would never get to Machu Picchu, never see my wedding, never get home to London? Beneath the surface was a miasma of destructive thoughts bringing me to the point of insanity. There had to be a way to deal with it. But how?

Susan Schwartz in Louboutins

Mine was my shoe collection. I am a shoe person. There are bag fetishists, clotheshorses, jewelry hounds. I scrimp and save to buy works of art from the world’s top cordwainer: Mr. Louboutin. The silly thing is I don’t wear them! I always joke that I wish I had the life my shoes deserve…cocktail parties, dinners, soirees that get you photographed in Tatler, Vogue, Bazaar. They sit there in my closet, little statues gathering dust, looking beautiful without ever tripping any light fantastic.

As I packed my bags in London to come Stateside, I looked at those gorgeous, untouched gems and knew they had to come with me. If I were going to a cocktail party every two weeks, then damn it, I was going to dress for one. No sweats, elastic waistband or “comfortable” clothes, I was going to look and feel glamorous. This party was invitation only and the dress code was glam.

Now I understand that not everyone has a Louboutin obsession, but I do know that everyone must have a Louboutin equivalent – a something special that makes you feel fabulous inside and out. It could be the Target scarf you love to tie around your hair Jackie O style or the pair of earrings you wore at your wedding. Whatever it is, this is the time to get them out and feel your best – even when you want to throw up. Don’t wait.

Will this really help me conquer all those fears? I don’t know. I am just beginning this journey and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel – at least not just yet. Please stick with me and let’s get through it together.

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Multiple Myeloma Awareness Walk October 6, 2012

Carly Roop RD, CSO, is a registered dietitian at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center (JKCC). She provides nutrition education and support to patients while addressing nutrition-related side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. Dietitians at JKCC provide educational nutrition programs that are open to patients as well as the community.

Staying active is key to the prevention of chronic diseases and it also plays a role in the prevention of cancer. Exercise can take many forms, this month I’m encouraging walking, especially for a cause! If you live in Philadelphia you can attest that there seems to be walk around the Philadelphia Art Museum, almost every weekend from April through November. These walks are a great way to be supportive and active at the same time, maybe even have some fun.

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is hosting a 5K walk in Fairmount Park, October 6. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the white blood cells, which are part of the body’s immune system. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates 21,700 new cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed in the United States in 2012. Multiple Myeloma constitutes as 1% of all cancers in caucasians and 2% of all cancers in African-Americans. It is more commonly diagnosed in men, and is a cancer that affects adults over the age of 65 years. This is not a curable cancer, but it can be treated. An impressive 90% of the total MMRF budget goes directly to research and related programming for multiple myeloma. Through research new treatments are being developed to allow individuals who have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma to live longer and more fulfilling lives.

Join Team Victory, the team’s founder has been an advocate for multiple myeloma since his diagnosis and received a transplant at Pennsylvania Hospital.

Sign up today!

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A Survivor's Perspective: Rearview Mirror

Donna-Lee Lista

Donna-Lee Lista is a lung cancer survivor and an advocate for lung cancer research. In this blog, she talks about lung cancer research, and her hope for lung cancer research and treatment in the future.

When I see all that has transpired in the last few years regarding lung cancer research, I can’t help but hope that maybe all the work the advocates are doing has something to do with it. I want to believe we are making a difference and want to hope if we keep it up, we can see it through. Maybe it is a dream that doctors will completely cure lung cancer, maybe it is more realistic to strive for treatments that make it a chronic disease, but why not reach for the sun and if we have to settle on the stars that will be ok for a short while too? Once we get there, we re-group and keep on going.

My wish is that people will start feeling hopeful when all the latest research and development in lung cancer becomes common knowledge. I know that any cancer diagnosis is awful and not a club anyone wants to willingly join, but let’s face it, there are some cancers that offer a lot more hope than lung. But now, it won’t be so hard to find survivors to hold your hand through the ordeal because more are living longer and more are being cured. I recognize we have a lot to still accomplish, but compared to where we were, the train has really started to leave the station.

I know we are only at the threshold of a new world order for lung cancer, a precipice of sorts, and I understand there is a lot more to do. But, there is finally something to see in the rearview mirror, because we are moving ahead and that my friend is exhilarating!

Learn More About Lung Cancer Treatment at Penn

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership for a day of information about lung cancer treatment and research, as well as, a chance to network with others at the 5th Annual Focus On Lung Cancer Conference.

Get information about lung cancer and these topics:

• Ask the Experts
• Diagnosis
• Chemo and Personalized Therapies
• Coping
• Integrative Medicine and Wellness
• Nutrition
• Proton and Radiation Therapy
• Research and Clinical Trials
• Risk, Screening and Prevention
• Robotic Surgery
• Symptom Management

Register for the Focus On Lung Cancer Conference at Penn

Date: Friday, October 12
Time: 7:30 am to 3:15 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Register: Registration is free. Register for the 5th Annual Focus On Lung Cancer Conference here.

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Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment Conference at Penn in Philadelphia

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership for a day of information about lung cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention as well as a chance to meet others at the 5th Annual Focus On Lung Cancer Conference.

Get information about lung cancer and these topics:

• Ask the experts
• Diagnosis
• Chemo and personalized therapies
• Coping
• Integrative medicine and wellness
• Nutrition
• Proton therapy for lung cancer
• Radiation therapy for lung cancer
• Research and clinical trials
• Risk, screening and prevention
• Robotic surgery
• Symptom management

The day will feature:

5th Annual Focus On Lung Cancer: A conference for those diagnosed with lung cancer and their loved ones that focuses on treatment, and coping with lung cancer.
2nd Annual CANPrevent Lung Cancer: A cancer prevention series that focuses on lung cancer risk, prevention and screening.

Who should attend?

Anyone who is facing a lung cancer diagnosis as well as their loved ones, are invited to attend these conferences.

Those who are at risk, or who want to learn about preventing lung cancers are also invited.

Register for the Focus On Lung Cancer Conference at Penn

Date: Friday, October 12
Time: 7:30 am to 3:15 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Register: Registration is free.
Register for the 5th Annual Focus On Lung Cancer Conference here.

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LiveSTRONG - It's More than Lance

In celebration of LiveSTRONG Day, Penn is highlighting the LiveSTRONG team at Penn Medicine. 

Sue Anne Clark physician liaison at Penn Medicine. An avid triathlete, she is the captain for the LiveSTRONG team at Penn Medicine. In this article, she discusses Lance Armstrong, cancer survivorship and her experience as team leader for the Team Penn Medicine/ The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia LiveSTRONG team.

This is the third year I have participated in Philly LiveSTRONG Challenge. This year, thousands of people came to support the foundation LiveSTRONG, founded by Lance Armstrong, a testicular cancer (seminoma) survivor. I was privileged to lead the 2012 Penn Medicine/ The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia team. Our team consisted of pediatricians, cancer researchers leading some of the most promising trials in cancer today, cancer survivors, families, friends, obesity battlers, and people who are there to take on the “challenge” and support survivorship. It’s such an honor to have these people on our team, and I am always inspired with their stories. Some of the programs that benefit from LiveSTRONG include programs for patients at CHOP. The Philly LiveSTRONG Center of Excellence is housed inside of the Abramson Cancer Center (UPENN).

“Pick a Fight” was the LiveSTRONG Challenge theme this year, as it was worn by more than 300 volunteers who donated their time to support many survivors and their families.

Team members can run or walk the 5k or 10k on Saturday. A teammate, who is not a cancer survivor but a survivor of another battle, obesity; started running and chose the LiveSTRONG challenge to be her first race. She lost 100 pounds in the past year with the help of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program.

Another team member challenged herself to the 10k. She finished with her son and mother giving her hugs and kisses, a common scene at the finish line at the LiveSTRONG. Another teammate (survivor) looked really good at the challenge. Her sister explained to us how she was giving a short time to live when first diagnosed, and now more than four years later, she is participating in the challenge to support a foundation that has always been near and dear to her heart, LiveSTRONG.  She chimed in “it really matters where you are treated, thanks to Penn."

Don’t “Pick a Fight” with our cycling team. On Sunday the cycling team took to some of the most challenging hills of Pennsylvania. The bike challenge was to take on 10, 20, 45, 50, 75, or 100 miles of Philly's countryside.

Their stories are all inspirational:

“I am a three-time cancer survivor, I figure if I stay upright and fit- I can let Penn Medicine take care of the rest!”

“I have my check-up at the cancer center this week, and I am hoping once I tell my doctor that I just rode 45 miles with my 14-year-old son. He can tell me not to come back for another five to10 years because everything looks great.”

“Proton therapy saved my dear friend’s life, and we are so honored to be a part of this team.”
“My mom had breast cancer and my dad had prostate cancer. They were both treated at Penn and I work at CHOP. This is the team I can represent the best.”

The Abramson Cancer Center Power Stop on mile 10 or mile 88 (on the way back), was sort of a homecoming for the team. Colleagues, friends, and family volunteers were there to support the riders along the route. They offered Reiki massages, food, medical assistance, bike mechanics, personal cheerleaders, and a DJ spinning the tunes! It was their support that kept the riders going to complete the challenge!

Lance Armstrong’s Visit to Penn Medicine

In 2010,  Lance Armstrong visited Penn Medicine to take a tour and meet some of the patients. I had always been indifferent regarding Mr. Armstrong but curious and was happy to take part of the visit.  I saw him in the moment of connecting with other cancer survivors. I was fascinated with his emotional intelligence, more so than his athletic feats.

I believe Lance Armstrong has helped change the way people look at someone with a cancer diagnosis and he has made a “huge difference in the lives of millions of cancer patients.”

I am a committed supporter of LiveSTRONG and its mission. I am consistently inspired by the courage of my LiveSTRONG teammates and I am really looking forward to seeing them again at the 2013 LiveSTRONG Philly Challenge and we invite you to join our 2013 team!

Watch Lance Armstrong’s visit to Penn Medicine in 2010 and see how he interacts with patients at Penn Medicine.

Check out photos from the LiveSTRONG Philly challenge. 

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10 Must-know Facts About Breast Cancer

October is breast cancer awareness month, and it is a great time to support breast cancer research, and those women who are breast cancer survivors. It’s also a great time to remember to schedule your yearly mammogram.

Here are some more facts about breast cancer to keep in mind this month. 

1. One in 8 women will develop breast cancer – or 12% of women.
2. A gene mutation called BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the likelihood of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. However, most breast cancer cases are sporadic, or have no known genetic cause.
3. Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer. That’s because estrogen is carried in fat cells. The more fat cells that are present, the more estrogen is in the body. Women with high lifetime exposure to estrogen may have increased breast cancer risk.
4. The mammogram remains the most important screening device in the detection of breast cancer and it probably saves thousands of lives every year.
5. Immunotherapy, or personalized medicine at Penn uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Clinical trials at Penn for immunotherapy and breast cancer are promising.
6. Women with cancer in one breast have a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast.
7. Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer.
8. Men can also develop breast cancer. About 1 out of 5 men with breast cancer have close male or female relatives with the disease.
9. Symptoms of breast cancer can include anything from a change in the look or feel of the breast to spontaneous nipple discharge, or a lump. Know the symptoms of breast cancer.
10. Wear pink proudly! The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. The first known use of a pink ribbon in connection with breast cancer awareness was in the fall of 1991, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center

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