Support Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Research

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.

This year, an estimated 43,920 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and approximately 37,390 will die from the disease.

Pancreatic cancer is easily concealed; it may cause only vague symptoms that could be mistaken for many different conditions within the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, there are no detection tools to diagnose the disease in its early stages when it the tumor can be surgically removed, this is one of the main reasons pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer death.

 

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Walk in Philadelphia

Building awareness for pancreatic cancer builds hope.

Join us November 3, 2012, for Purple Stride Philadelphia, at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park.
Not only will you help support the fight against pancreatic cancer, but being active will personally help you fight against pancreatic cancer as well.

So grab your family, friends or dog and join our team, Together We Can Make Strides!

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Focus On: Neuroendocrine Tumors

Join the Abramson Cancer Center and Caring for Carcinoid Friday, November 2 for a free conference about neuroendocrine tumors.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) form from cells that release hormones in response to a signal from the nervous system. Some examples of neuroendocrine tumors are carcinoid tumors, islet cell tumors, phechromocytomas and Merkel cell cancers.

Neuroendocrine tumors are often small and can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Patients with NETs are treated at Penn by a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists who see more patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in one year than many doctors see in their careers.

In addition, the Neuroendocrine Tumor Center at Penn offers patients:

• A tumor board: A treatment planning approach in which the NET team reviews and discusses the medical condition and treatment options of a patient.
• Nurse navigators: Specialty nurses available to guide patients through the appointment and treatment process.
• A single point of contact.

Who Should Attend the NET Conference?

The Focus On Neuroendocrine Tumors conference is for people who are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment or long-term survivor of:

Gastrointestinal Tract NETs including:

• Pancreatic NETs (hereditary or sporadic)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrinomas)
• Insulinomas
• Alimentary tract NETs (foregut, midgut or hindgut)
• Functional (carcinoid syndrome)
• Non-functional

Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas including hereditary and sporadic forms
Bronchial and Thymic Carcinoids
Hereditary Syndromes including:

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)
• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
• von Hippel–Lindau (VHL)
• SDHB and SDHD mutations

Register for the Focus On Neuroendocrine Tumors Conference

The Focus on NET Conference is free, and open to the public.

Date: Friday, November 2, 2012
Time: 7:30 am to 3:15 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Line Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Register here for the conference

Can’t Attend In Person?

If you can’t attend in person, view the Livestream of the event, at PennMedicine.org/Abramson/NETsLIVE , follow @PennMedicine on Twitter with the hashtag #NETsACC, or join Oncolink from 12:30 to 1:30 pm for a Webchat about NETs. 

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Life Worth Living: My BRCA Story

Carlette Knox is a BRCA-positive, breast cancer survivor. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy in 2010 as part of her breast cancer treatment. In 2011, she had a prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of her ovaries), to decrease her ovarian cancer risk. She founded the website Life Worth Living, where she shares her experience with breast cancer.  In this blog post, she talks about her journey.

In December of 2009, at the age of 34, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer, unfortunately, had been a topic of discussion in our family for many years. My mother was diagnosed at the age of 35 and she experienced the devastating loss of her mother to this disease while growing up. We also witnessed 2 of my aunts lose their battles with cancer. I knew firsthand the impact this disease had on the women in my family; the need to attack this diagnosis head on was evident. I was introduced to the risk assessment program and with the help of a genetic counsellor underwent testing to determine my cancer risks. Receiving a positive BRCA result armed with me the knowledge needed to make informed treatment decisions, this is when my journey began.

It was March of 2010 when I had my bilateral mastectomy, learning about BRCA put into perspective my risk of breast cancer recurrence and ovarian cancer. My decision to remove the non-impacted breast tissue was supported by clinical trial data as well as my personal experience. Seeing the effects of this disease throughout generations of women in my family was not a tradition I was willing to keep.

It took me about 6 weeks recover from the surgery. It was not a comfortable experience, but what kept me going was the resilience to save my life! I started chemotherapy, undergoing 16 cycles, with the support of a great clinical team. When I felt like giving up they would encourage me to keep on going. The doctors and nurses along with the support of my immediate family and church members helped me to remain hopeful and full of faith which ultimately kept me going through this journey. After chemotherapy it was recommended that I also have radiation therapy since so many of my lymph nodes were positive, this was a walk in the park compared to the chemo. I finished up my treatment at the end of 2010 right before the New Year which was a blessing since my birthday is January 1st!

Research has shown that BRCA positive patients also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. My gynecologic oncologist recommended an oophorectomy (prophylactic removal of the ovaries to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer). This was a very simplistic procedure done laparoscopically February 2011. While the procedure itself was minimally invasive the decision was not without much emotional turmoil on the inside. In my mind, this would change my landscape as a woman and at such a young age. Ultimately, after researching the effects of ovarian cancer, I embraced this option as a blessing not a curse.

Today, I am physically and emotionally better than I could have ever imagined. I don’t look or feel like any of what I went through. It may sound a bit crazy, but I’m grateful for the journey. My faith is stronger and as a result of this life changing experience I’ve been able to embark upon yet another journey.

“Life Worth Living” is the realization of my passion to raise awareness, empower and support those impacted by cancer and to broadcast the message of hope aspiring them to live.

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Cancer-fighting Recipe: Not Your Mama’s Apple

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.
There are many things I look forward to with the start of fall, most notably is the arrival of the Honeycrisp apple.

The Honeycrisp was developed by the University of Minnesota from a Macoun and Honeygold cross (the Honeygold itself a cross between the Golden Delicious and Haralson), the new apple variety was introduced in 1991. Unlike the Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples that are made available all year long the Honeycrisp only appears in our markets from September until November. However, its unavailability is not the reason I get excited, it’s in the snap of this apple when you take a bite and its sweet-tart taste, that I look forward to as the days start to cool down.

Apples such as the Honeycrisp make a satisfying snack, but apples can also be baked for dessert, used in a sauce or soup or can even be part of the main dish. They are an excellent source of both insoluble and soluble fiber which has been shown to decrease risk of heart.

Apples are a rich source of phytochemicals which may play a role in fighting cancer, providing proof to the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Honeycrisp Apple Stuffing

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
1/3 cup diced onion
1/3 cup diced celery
2 cups dried bread cubes (or small croutons)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup diced Honeycrisp apple
1/4 cup golden raisins (or dried cherries), optional
2 tablespoons fresh chopped sage leaves or 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1/4 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth

Directions

To make the stuffing: In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Scrape into a bowl and add the bread cubes, salt and pepper, apple, raisins if using, and sage. Lightly moisten with the broth, mix thoroughly and set aside.
Recipe obtained from KingOrchards.com

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How to Help a Friend Going Through Treatment for Cancer

Author and breast cancer survivor, Wendy Neilsen

Wendy Nielsen is a mom, a blogger and a breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, Wendy initially underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment that year, followed by a prophylactic oopherectomy in 2010. She currently takes a daily aromatase inhibitor and remains NED.

Wendy blogs at Wendy Nielsen and is the weekly health and wellness contributor at The Trend Tribe.

Do you need ideas on how to help a friend going through treatment for cancer? I’ve put together a list of things that helped me while I underwent treatment for breast cancer.

Babysitting

Knowing that your child is well taken care of in your absence is worth its weight in gold. When I was going through radiation treatment, I had to be at the hospital daily for a matter of twenty minutes. I’d get undressed, get zapped, get dressed, and go home. But, I couldn’t take my daughter with me to my appointment. She couldn’t be in the treatment room and I obviously couldn’t leave her alone in the waiting room. Offer up your babysitting services!

Food Delivery

Meals are important. I wasn’t so concerned with what I was eating but I worried about my husband and daughter going without a proper meal. There are so many awesome options, such as: 1) dropping off prepared meals from places like Dream Dinner that can be frozen and served later in the week or month. 2) recruit other friends and family to bring over homemade meals – including breakfast and snacks. Care Calendar is a great web-based system to help organize this effort. 3) grab a couple of extra pre-made salads, ingredients for simple dishes, fresh fruit and veggies, and some kid friendly snacks at your next grocery store trip and drop them on her porch.
Tip: Before purchasing or making food, consult with your friend to find out if there are any special dietary needs or restrictions.

Care Packages

It is really important to stay hydrated during chemotherapy treatment. I gulped down drinks like Gatorade and bottled water mixed with Emergen-C. A cute care package with a reusable bottle and a box of Emergen-C is a great gift idea. Throw in some trashy tabloid magazines – if that’s her thing – and you’re golden. Note: chemotherapy wrecks a person’s taste buds and certain thing – even bottled water – can taste really awful. You might ask first if your friend has any specific aversions.
House Chores

Both chemotherapy and radiation treatment can seriously wipe out a person physically. Walking up the stairs in my own home was extremely trying somedays. Offer up your services to vacuum their house, do a couple loads of laundry, walk the family dog, take their kids to the park, or take out the trash cans. Everyday chores can become quite overwhelming – don’t let them be.

Write it Out

A simple, well-written card is always appreciated. But what do you say? Tell her she is strong, that she is a fighter, and that her hair coming out means the drugs are working! Encourage her to believe in her treatments and the education of their doctors. Remind her of the support system she has and the love that surrounds them. Cheer her on, especially as she get closer to finishing treatment. Tell her that having a positive mental attitude makes a difference. These simple words work wonders! Still tongue-tied? Hallmark stores have cancer specific cards. Serious, religious, and funny ones. Believe it or not, there is one that suits your needs.

Expect Less and Don’t be Offended

Lower your expectations – at least temporarily. I was hardly myself going through treatment for cancer. The chemotherapy drugs zap all your brain power. It’s a phenomenon called “chemo brain” and it’s very real. I didn’t care about anything other than surviving until my next treatment. Try not to be offended if your friend doesn’t make the effort they once did.

Be a Friend

Offer to go to her chemo sessions – and do it. I didn’t always engage in conversation during treatment but it was always great to know I had someone there by my side. Especially the first time because it was the scariest and definitely the last because it should be a celebration!

Encourage them to find a support group of patients also being treated for the same cancer. There are so many fantastic online support groups and many hospitals offer group services. It helps immensely to discuss thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone also going through the same thing.

Twitter is another fantastic source for finding current patients and survivors. I highly recommend the weekly #BCSM Twitter chat on Monday at 9pm/EST.

A simple phone call, voicemail, or email just letting them know you are thinking of them. A potted plant, flowers, or a homemade card left on their porch step is always a sweet surprise.

On a very personal note: While I was going through treatment I insisted to everyone, including my closest friends, my parents, and other loved ones, that everything was fine and that I was managing. This was not always true. I didn’t want to burden others with my needs. I didn’t want to make them feel uncomfortable with my disease. I wanted to ease their worries and fears and pretend all was fine. Really pay attention, she might need your help but is afraid or uncomfortable to ask for it.

From this cancer survivor’s perspective, you just want to feel like you aren’t alone. Like you haven’t been forgotten. Cancer and its treatment can be very isolating because your peers aren’t experiencing the same thing.

If you have any questions or worry about what may or may not be acceptable – please email me at wendy@wendy-nielsen.com.

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Shoe Shop to Benefit Breast Cancer Research at Penn

On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, from 5 to 8 PM (ET), QVC© will air the 19th Annual QVC© Presents “FFANY Shoes on Sale®,” a charitable shoe sale to benefit breast cancer research and education.

This October, the multimedia retailer will once again join the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) to offer more than 125,000 pairs of shoes from over 90 brands at half the manufacturer’s suggested retail price* with net proceeds benefitting breast cancer research and education institutions, including the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

Since its first broadcast in 1995, QVC Presents “FFANY Shoes on Sale” has sold over one million pairs of shoes and has donated more than $38 million to the cause. Of that money, $3.7 million has gone to breast cancer research at Penn Medicine.

"The QVC funds have enabled investigators within the breast cancer program to develop new initiatives and projects that build upon the outstanding research already underway within the program,” says Angela DeMichele, MD, MSCE, associate professor of medicine and breast cancer researcher at Penn. “These initiatives include both specific research projects, and more recently, development of resources that facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration between basic scientists and clinical researchers within the Program, with the goal of bringing basic discoveries to the clinic."

In addition to the scheduled broadcast on October 24, shoppers can contribute to the cause by purchasing the “Shoe of the Day,” offered each weekday from 7 to 9 AM (ET) on QVC during the month of October. They can also shop the online collection offered on QVC.com where additional styles can be found, beginning October 1 and continuing throughout the month, while supplies last.

Breast Cancer Research at Penn Medicine

Penn’s Breast Cancer Research Program brings together investigators from diverse disciplines and focuses their collective energies on understanding, preventing and treating breast cancer.

The breast cancer research program features a broad cross-section of interactive investigators involved in many areas of breast cancer-related research.

Learn about breast cancer research at Penn in the following areas:

• Rena Rowan Breast Center
• Basser Research Center for BRCA
• MacDonald Women’s Cancer Risk Evaluation Center
• Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
• 2-PREVENT TCE

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Penn Medicine.

*Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is based upon supplier’s representation of value. No sales may have been made at this price.

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Eat Healthy and Save Money With This Harvest Recipe

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.
The standard American diet is made up of 62% processed foods; these are packaged foods that are convenient to eat, inexpensive and have a very long shelf life.

However, there are hidden costs to lifetime of eating this way, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. One of the first obstacles we face in trying to help our clients to eat healthier is cost, especially for someone who receives food stamps. It is understandable to see why someone might opt to use their food stamps on a frozen dinner or peanut butter and jelly over fresh carrots, spinach, and broccoli.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has recognized that many Philadelphia families struggle to put food on the table, regardless, if it is healthy or not. In an effort to help these families eat healthier, they have initiated the program Get Fit Philly. One of their goals is to ensure that all Philadelphians live within 1/4 mile of a supermarket, farmers' market, or healthy corner store.

Many farmers’ markets accept Access cards/food stamps and one way that this program is incentivizing people to use their food stamps at their visit their local farmers’ market is by offering Philly Food Bucks; these are coupons that can be redeemed for $2 worth of fruits and vegetables for every $5 you spend at a participating farmer’s market.

Taking time to plan your meals and make and stick to that grocery list is a great way to start saving money.

Here is a favorite fall recipe to get you started.

Harvest Millet Recipe

This recipe is full of cancer fighting ingredients. It contains millet, a small yellow grain with a sweet, mild flavor. It is a good source of fiber and protein, which will keep you fuller on fewer calories. Just one cup of dry millet yields 3 cooked cups; it comes packaged as well as in bulk. Butternut Squash is more than decoration; it is an excellent source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Walnuts contain omega 3 fatty acids, which fight against heart disease and are abundant in Gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that may help fight against breast, prostate and lung cancer.

Ingredients:

1 cup of millet
3 cups of water
2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into ½ inch pieces
1 med. onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp. olive oil
¼ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
1/3 cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 Tb. dried parsley

Directions

Place 1 cup of millet and 3 cups of water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover pan and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the millet is tender. Drain off any remaining liquid.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large roasting pan, combine butternut squash, onion, olive oil, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Stir well so all vegetables are coated. Roast until vegetables are slightly browned (around 25 minutes) stirring occasionally. Add vegetables and cranberries to the saucepan with the millet and reheat. Stir in pecans, parsley, salt and pepper to taste.

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