EnCourage Support Group
Encourage
Support Group on
WWL-TV Morning News
NEW ORLEANS
(5:30pm – 7:30pm cst)
The Center for Restorative
Breast Surgery
1717 St. Charles Ave,
New Orleans, LA
To reserve space please call
504-899-2800 or email
katie@breastcenter.com
INDIANAPOLIS
(6:30pm – 8:30pm est)
The Wellness Community-
Central Indiana
5150 W. 71st St,
Indianapolis, IN
To reserve space please call
317-257-1505 or email
nelsonsissy@sbcglobal.net
LOS ANGELES
(South Bay / Torrance)
(3:30pm – 5:30pm pst)
To reserve space please call
310-924-7454 or email
sandykeller01@aol.com
EnCourage provides a forum for breast cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers to join with others to encourage emotional and social support and educate one another on the healing journey. Our meetings are free and open to the public and take place every second Wednesday of the month. Reservations are required since space is limited. Unless otherwise noted, the schedule for each meeting is:
Please see below for past and current EnCourage topics.
Check back regularly for updated information as the schedule is subject to change.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A GIRLS “BREAST” FRIEND
The right undergarments can uplift
anyone’s spirits
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is presenting a fashionable and very personal seminar for all breast cancer survivors at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting in March. Basics Underneath Fine Lingerie will share with guests the best possible products, styles and solutions for your personal style, your lifestyle and your post-mastectomy body. A woman’s femininity is paramount to her self-esteem and we wish to create a foundation that boosts spirits and self confidence while maintaining an individual style, states Desiree Petitbon, Basics co-owner. We want to ensure every woman successfully finds fine lingerie that makes her feel good about herself. Liz Markey, Patient Relations Coordinator for CRBS, explains that after a mastectomy many women learn to see themselves differently. They discover their own inner beauty and see their new skin as a sign of their beauty and womanhood. We have found that when a woman feels good about what is close to her skin, like beautiful undergarments, she begins to feel beautiful on the outside, states Juliette Hainkel, Basics co-owner. Feeling beautiful on the outside makes it easier to feel good on the inside. Basics Underneath will preview the new Spring fashions for lingerie, gowns and sleepwear, as well as swim wear, and a special new selection of sports bras.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
CORE RECOVERY
Pilates program offers strength,
self-esteem and quality of life to
breast cancer survivors
Watch the video from this session
Pilates is a gentle restorative exercise regimen perfectly suited for women as they recover and work to rebuild their bodies. It can help women achieve muscle balance necessary to recover from side effects of breast cancer treatment, as well as alleviate pain associated with breast cancer operative procedures. In January the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery welcomed Kim Munoz, RN and owner of Nola Pilates, at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Munoz demonstrated the exercises used in the Pink Ribbon Program, which is a “Post-Operative Workout Enhancing Recovery” for breast cancer survivors. “Our goal is to help women regain control, strength and mobility, not only of their affected muscles but also of their mind, all while maintaining a level of fitness that will improve their overall health and mind,” states Munoz. The Pink Ribbon Program is a series of 30 pilates exercises for post-operative breast cancer survivors to improve their range of motion and strengthen their shoulder, chest, back and abdominal muscles. “A growing body of research strongly suggests that exercise can help promote psychological and physical well-being among women being treated for breast cancer,” states Liz Markey, CRBS New Patient Contact & Educator. “We encourage all of our patients to engage in some type of physical activity to help them regain their strength and mobility; it vastly improves their quality of life.”
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
KNOWING YOUR RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS
GIVES BEST OUTCOMES
Physicians at the Center for Restorative
Breast Surgery detail all options
According to a recently published report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) a staggering 70% of women who are eligible for reconstructive procedures following mastectomy are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them. That means 7 out of 10 women are not told all of their options to replace a lost breast. In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month world-renowned micro-surgeons, Dr. Scott Sullivan and Dr. Frank DellaCroce of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS), will address participants of the October EnCourage Support Group meeting. Drs. Sullivan and DellaCroce will detail the numerous options available to women facing breast cancer surgery, with a specific focus on immediate breast reconstruction techniques. “Many doctors do not tell their patients about the full spectrum of options simply because they may not be familiar with them,” states Dr. Sullivan. “Dr. DellaCroce and I are dedicated to developing cutting-edge techniques for breast reconstruction, in order to provide the best options for each woman.” Sullivan and DellaCroce are the world leaders in breast reconstruction, and develop and perform all revolutionary procedures at the St. Charles Surgical Hospital, including DIEP, SIEA, Hip Flap and GAP flap procedures, as well as the groundbreaking nipple-sparing mastectomy. DellaCroce states, “By giving each woman the full scope of choices, it puts the decision making back into her hands. She is the only one who can decide which, if any, reconstruction is right for her.” The CRBS physicians work in tandem with the patient’s general surgeon from the initial point of diagnosis for a better overall outcome.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
UNLOCK THE DOORS TO A HEALTHIER YOU
Support group talks about the key healing effects of juicing and colonic therapy
Watch the video from this session
Autointoxication can be the cause of many symptoms of poor health in modern society and scientific studies show that cancer, among other ailments, could be prevented, or minimized, if fresh fruits and vegetables are consumed in ones diet and colon health is given higher priority. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will offer a discussion on the healthfulness of juicing and the benefits of colon cleansing for overall better health, particularly while battling cancer, at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Rebecca Bertetti, owner of Raw Beauty NOLA, and Deb Pettitt, licensed RN and operator of Uptown Colon Hydrotherapy will talk about natural ways to achieve better health. “Consuming fresh, raw vegetable and fruit juices is an incredibly beneficial way to boost the health and overall function and performance of your body,” states Bertetti. Raw juices of fruits and vegetables are extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and natural sugars. They exercise beneficial effect in normalizing all the body functions. They supply needed elements for the body’s own healing activity and cell regeneration, thereby speeding the recovery after breast cancer surgery. Bertetti will demonstrate best juicing practices and offer samples to guests. Colon Hydrotherapy, the gentlest and most effective treatment for many illnesses and conditions, is especially useful in treating cancer patients. Colonics improve circulatory functions, and similar to juicing they stimulate the immune system, remove toxic waste, stimulate appetite, eliminate headaches, and boost energy. “Because Colon Hydrotherapy is so gentle, it is highly recommended for people with cancer,” states Pettitt. “People with cancer may choose to undergo frequent Colon Hydrotherapy procedures to ensure that the colon's toxic burden is kept at a minimum while the body heals.” A colonic flushes away what is left over, cleaning the body of waste and toxins that can build up and promote the growth of cancer cells.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Dr. Marga Massey to Address the use of
Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer
for the Treatment of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a debilitating condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. It is most frequently seen after breast cancer treatments such as lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, which can damage the lymphatic system of the arm. The National Cancer Institute has established that 25% to 30% of breast cancer surgery patients with lymph node removal and radiation therapy develop lymphedema. Chronic swelling, discomfort, and skin infections are among the symptoms that may be improved with proper therapy and in some cases, microsurgical repair. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting with invited speaker Dr, Marga Massey, MD, FACS, who will share the most current information on the revolutionary Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNTx) procedure for lymphedema. As a nationally recognized leader of the groundbreaking VLNTx technique Dr. Massey is world renowned for her expertise and dedication to women’s health issues. Marga F. Massey, MD, FACS is a double-board certified Plastic Surgeon/General Surgeon with a commitment to women who are beginning their journey in the world of breast cancer.
Wednesday, June 10, 2008
VOICES OF BREAST CANCER RECOVERY
Four Women Share Personal Stories at Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Support Group
Watch the video from this session
Support groups share a common goal — the bringing together of people with similar experiences who, by sharing, can gain strength and support from each other. Peer support groups have been shown to aid in recovery and in turn help patients live longer. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting this month. Four women will tell their stories of different stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery: newly diagnosed, in treatment, post treatment, and survivor. From emotional ups and downs, to medication side effects, to caring for their families, to living with a changed body—every aspect of the journey will be discussed. Each guest patient will also have an opportunity to share their own personal story with the group.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
CANCER IN THE FAMILY
How to talk to your kids about cancer
Cancer is not uncommon among women who are at the age where they are raising their children. The American Cancer Society reports that one in seven women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, and roughly a quarter of them will do so while they still have children living at home. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will host an important support group meeting to discuss how to talk about cancer care and treatment with your children. The monthly Encourage meeting will host Barbara LeBlanc, MSW, LCSW, Director of The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital. “Parents often struggle with what to tell their children when they are diagnosed with cancer,” states LeBlanc. “How much they need to know and can handle depends on the children’s age and level of maturity. Even small children will figure out that something is wrong, even if you don't tell them."
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
JOURNALING GETS RECOVERY OFF ON THE “WRITE” FOOT
Support group talks about powerful tool toward healing
Journaling in its various forms is a means for recording personal thoughts, daily experiences, and evolving insights. The process often evokes conversations with self, another person, or even an imagined other person. Recent scientific studies have concluded that the practice of journaling has a significant impact on the status of chronic disease and provides both a sense of well-being and health benefits that include pain reduction; immune function improvement, including raised T-cell counts; resistance to minor illnesses such as colds and flu; relief of physical stress shown by lowered blood pressure and heart rate and generally improved physical health. Sharon Henry, a licensed clinical social worker, will speak about the healing effects of journaling during cancer treatment and beyond. Margaret Jones from Scriptura stationary store will join Henry to talk about how to begin your journaling experience.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
GENETIC TESTING MAY SAVE FUTURE FAMILIES
EnCourage Support Group Focused on Genetic Testing
Watch the video from this session
You have your father’s eyes, your mother’s smile and your grandmother’s sense of humor, but you may have inherited more from your family than you realize. Knowing your family’s health history can help in the prevention and detection of many diseases. In particular, some cancers can be hereditary, such as breast and ovarian cancer. This March, The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will offer a special breast cancer support group meeting focused on Genetic Testing. “BRCA1, located on chromosome 17 and BRCA 2 located on chromosome 13 are the genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer. With the ability to now assess a woman’s risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer there is no doubt that genetic testing saves lives,” comments Dr. Alan Stolier MD, Surgical Oncologist who specializes in diseases of the breast, and who will lead this month’s group.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
SEXUALITY AND CANCER TREATMENT
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will present the topic of sexuality and cancer treatment
Watch the video from this session
Susan Cooley, PhD will discuss many aspects of this subject, such as coping with an altered body image, changes in sexual desire, and side effects of treatment. “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we want to open up the lines of communication between partners,” states Cooley. “We will discuss some of the issues which may concern the patient or her partner, including sexual changes, relationship issues, and the overall impact of cancer treatment on sexuality, and provide a starting point for discussion of these concerns.” Liz Markey, CRBS New Patient Contact & Educator, says “Sexuality after breast cancer is an often neglected issue, as many women feel uncomfortable raising the issue with their partner or doctor. We encourage all our patients to talk to their doctor about potential sexual changes. By knowing what may happen, you may be more knowledgeable and better prepared for what’s ahead.”
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
FLEX IT FOR LIFE
Reflexologist to share how technique gives breast cancer patients relief
Watch the video from this session
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery will present the topic of reflexology as a complementary therapy along side traditional breast cancer treatment at its monthly EnCourage support group meeting. Rob Gray, reflexologist with Belladonna Day Spa, will explain how reflexology can be used to support patients through treatment such as chemotherapy or for enhancing the well-being for cancer-free individuals. Gray, along with Belladonna’s lead therapist Christine Mencken, will offer a hands-on demonstration of the techniques used in reflexology. “Relaxation with the removal of stress is the first priority followed by enhanced circulation,” states Gray. “The results allow the body to experience physiological changes that will incorporate the automatic process of the body to begin healing. Patients utilizing the science of reflexology adjust better to treatment and have a more positive outlook with a decrease in depression and anxiety, and improvements in emotional quality of life.” With the removal of stress the body’s parasympathetic response enables the blockages to be released by a physiological change in the body. With stress removed and the circulation enhanced, the body is allowed to return to a state of homeostasis, the automatic process that the body incorporates to bring it back to the "normal" state.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
MAINTAIN, DON’T GAIN
Nationally recognized nutritionist to speak at local support group meeting
Watch the video from this session
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery presents Nutritionist Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD at the December EnCourage Support Group meeting. Kimball will focus on the best tips for maintaining a healthy weight, and not gaining throughout the holiday season. “Eating without regret is still possible while going through breast cancer treatment,” states Kimball. “And managing your weight does not have to be a daunting task.” At this meeting Kimball will discuss simple ways to maintain a healthy weight during and after breast cancer treatment and offer suggestions on how to optimize nutritious eating, especially during the holidays, while still enjoying this indulgent time of year. “Mocktails” and hors d’oeuvres will be served offering good alternatives to the traditionally rich and opulent foods served at holiday parties.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
SEEING THE LIGHT ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Research shows hormone melatonin slows breast cancer
Watch the video from this session
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host its monthly EnCourage Support Group meeting, focusing on environmental influences affecting the development of breast cancer. Dr. Steven Hill will speak specifically about the possible connection of melatonin and breast cancer. His research shows that the pineal hormone melatonin has significant inhibitory effects on the development and growth of human breast cancer. “Research has made it clear that breast cancer and other cancers result from a complex web of causation in which multiple factors interact,” states Hill. “By sharing our studies, and those of other scientists, we hope to set women on a path to better understanding and enlightenment, Hill continued.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH EXCLUSIVE SCREENING OF P.O.V. IN THE FAMILY
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting in October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. An exclusive screening of P.O.V.** In the Family will take place at the Center. The film, which intimately explores the lives of the women Joanna Rudnick met through FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), an organization that helps those with the BRCA mutation, is an eloquently moving tribute to those facing the question of whether to find out their risk and what to do afterward. This October, CRBS will exclusively underwrite the airing of P.O.V. In the Family on WYES. Visit www.wyes.org for airdate.
The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery was established to serve as a dedicated resource for women seeking the most advanced methods of breast reconstruction utilizing the body’s own tissue. Founded by Frank J. DellaCroce, M.D., FACS and Scott K. Sullivan, M.D., FACS, the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery specializes exclusively in state-of-the-art breast surgery techniques (DIEP, SIEA and GAP flap procedures) that allow for breast reconstruction without sacrifice of important functional muscles.
