FEEL TEAL CLUBMAGAZINE

November 2011

Raising awareness to ovarian cancer

7 days a week52 weeks a year

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In This Issue

• From My Desk

• Music Scene

• Teal Rants

• Awareness Events/News

• Article of the Month

• Upcoming Events

• Health

• Talking Teal

see inside for much more...

Issue #5 November 2011

FROM MY DESK

This month certainly caught me by surprise and as I try to gather all the news & events of recent days, (to which there is plenty) for publishing I don't mind admitting, I'm in a spin! How will I find the time?This is what happens when you decide to juggle a job, a family and create projects to raise awareness! Ha-ha

Not complaining, I wouldn't trade this life for all the tea in China....I love encouraging others to be 'vocal' about ovarian cancer, so the moment I spot another enthusiastic individual, it usually means more to come...and THAT leads me to discuss our current awareness adventure!Thanks to some (gentle) prodding and heaps of inspiration from newly-signed 'titan', Lisa Kaster, we quickly began planning something which would help unite forces in our quest for further awareness... An exchange of friendly introductions made-up the first part of our interaction....but then the conversations took an about-face with us discussing our hopes and goals for ovarian cancer awareness.Here was another woman hell-bent on being heard!Lisa shared her admiration for friend and fellow WFLAG(we fight like a girl) member, Tammy Wiley and Ruth Helton...an incredible young ovarian cancer SURVIVOR! Lisa's passion is raw and explosive....she doesn't mince words when it comes to telling other women

about the disease, and I guess that's what grabbed my attention...the next thing I knew, we were making our first Feel Teal quilt to show the world just how serious we are, about ovarian cancer and awareness!Lisa's group of contacts are no strangers to quilts, you only need to visit the Facebook page of https://www.facebook.com/groups/outlawquiltersguild/docs/ to understand the gravity of their work....they rock!

This project has allowed us to step outside our comfort zones and challenged our craft-abilities....originally I nominated 2 blocks mainly because I had so many other commitments....as I type, I have just begun my 4th!! Did I mention it was fun??

Enjoy the photo's!

Cheers,Deb Stevens

Note....we are still accepting names if you wish to make your own block, but be warned, we only have until the 2nd week of December to submit!

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FEEL TEAL CLUBMAGAZINE

MUSIC SCENEwith Flip Side To Musicwww.flipsidetomusic.com

Joe Paulson is on a mission. He wants his audience to walk away from his shows thinking, “That song just expressed how I’ve always felt.”

An Indianapolis native, Paulson first began ticklin’ the ivories at the tender age of 6. It wasn’t until he was 18 years old and on the cusp of enrolling at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana that he started delivering his soulful, introspective melodies as piano pop-rock artist. In the fall of 2007, he released The Neverending EP, a collection of seven piano driven ballads showcasing his songwriting virtuosity. Shortly after that release, he began

touring at venues and festivals in countless cities all over Indiana.

Paulson brings in all aspects of his life into his writing. As you listen to one of his songs, you might hear his morning run, or him sitting down to read the newspaper, or maybe the clicks of his keyboard at work, but what ever you hear will be a part of his life. One of the songs that best encompasses this message as a whole is “Expectations”, in which Paulson sings “Life lacks consistency; change always gets the best of me, so why do we always give in”.

While never having studied music as a subject, Paulson is definitely a novice of music. With every artist he listens to, he gains knowledge. While Paulson’s music is rich in technicality and showmanship, the lyrics are crafted specifically for the sake of expressing the most profound aspects of life in a manner that connects with the listener. Music, to him, is a passion, and he intends on expressing it to the fullest. His debut, full-length album, This Fine Evening is now available on iTunes and Amazon.

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Find out more about Joe Paulson at:

JoePaulsonMusic.com

TEAL RANTS....direct from the heart of a housewife!

With our fellow-resident titan, Anne Marie- What is it about some people that can walk into a room and with in 60 seconds, bring your confidence levels dropping to an all time low?How is it we can be in our calm happy place one minute, the next the self doubting teen... unsure of our place in this world because of a few sentences from them? More the the point, how is it that the people we have given this power to, are usually loved ones!

Have you ever found you have spent days, weeks, even months building up yourself esteem, telling yourself that no one has the power to hurt you if you dont give them the power? Have you ever reached a point where you actually started to believe it? Now have you ever had a person (that claims to love you) walk into your 'happy place' and within seconds you have found you have given them complete power over your happiness? You Have? Join the club!

What is it that allows ourselves to do this, time and time again? It's been happening to me lately and I dont like the angry person that is left behind when they waltz back out of my 'happy place'. Afterward I think of all the witty things I could of said at the time. I lay in bed and wonder how on earth I lost that calm center I had worked so hard to cultivate.

Why is it if a complete stranger spoke to me (or said the things to me that a loved one does) I would feel nothing but a little bit of pity at how sad their lives must be, yet time and time again I allow someone I used to admire and look up to tear me down continuously? More to the point why would someone that claims to care, do this?! Simple answer is they wouldn't. The complex answer is they are family. (says it all really doesnt it)

Family are the biggest strain on our sanity in life. Job and finances sometimes jump in the lead (from time to time), but some family members are a consistent drama and a stress for us. I am talking extended family mostly. We all have at least one uncle, aunt, sibling, perhaps even a parent that fits into the "try to keep contact to a minimum for our own sanity" category. Unfortunately, in this day and age we find keeping the contact and privacy harder to juggle with the age of social networking. Politics play a part too, if you dont speak to one family member it makes other family members flounder. So we still smile because we dont want to upset anyone else. We keep the peace even though we are dying inside, because it goes against who we are to make them feel how they have just made us feel.

In the mean time we are slowly going round the twist and each time we let them drag us back down again little scenarios begin playing in our head, at their best we envision all the witty things we would say. At their worst this could include a shovel and a lonely forrest. :-)I guess the main thing is to remind ourselves when they walk back out that door to turn the music up really loud, dance a silly dance, sing a silly tune and waltz our way back into our 'happy place', as quickly as possible... not giving them a second thought. Perhaps if we do this enough, each time we will mentally be singing a silly tune and dancing a silly dance and hopefully each time we get back to our happy zen place quicker. Soon enough we will be teflon baby, nothing sticks to us!☺

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We keep the peace even though we are dying inside, because it goes against who we are to make them feel how they have just made us feel.

WHAT'S ON

I'd like to acknowledge the following information came to me courtesy of my cousin....her sister-in-law is one of many who will be participating in this incredible event! GO NICKI!

CYCLE ALONG THE CARIBBEAN COAST OF CUBA – EXPLORE THE CAPTIVATING CITY OF HAVANA – FINISH YOUR CHALLENGE AT THE CHE GUEVARA MONUMENT ….and raise funds/awareness for charity!

Raise funds to fight cancer by joining the third Big Cycle Challenge – a breathtaking ride through the Caribbean’s largest yet least commercialised island of Cuba. Following the huge success of two previous Big Cycle Challenge rides in India, we travel to one of the world’s last bastions of communism for the next fundraising ride to support the work of four cancer charities – Children with Leukaemia, Lymphoma Association, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Ovarian Cancer Action. It will be a wonderful 350kms journey over five days through spectacular scenery and towns and villages which seem frozen in time. The friendship and fun of the challenge will be something to remember forever.

To take part you need to pay a registration fee of £250 and raise minimum sponsorship of £3,200 for the Big Cycle Challenge charities. Funds raised will be divided equally between the four charities and used to support their important and varied work in the cancer field.

Raising Funds for:

Children with LeukaemiaLymphoma Association Marie Curie Cancer Care Ovarian Cancer Action

When

20 - 28 November 2011

Minimum Sponsorship

£3200

Registration fee

£250

What's Supplied

flightsfood & accommodationuse of bikesguidea & medical support

Current event situation

NOW BOOKING

Extra information

http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2.asp/urlsearch/Big-Cycle-Challenge-in-Cuba

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www.ovarian.org.uk

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Introducing:Assistant to the EditorVicki Thornton

It is with much pleasure I take this moment to introduce you to the magazine's newly assigned assistant....Vicki and I met whilst networking with different health organisations and have remained good friends since.Her generosity & willingness to promote the “awareness” message are just some of her wonderful attributes and for all her contributions, I am truly grateful.

What is Grief?

Vicki Thornton

Grief is defined in so many ways. Grief through a loss of a loved one or a friend or even a pet. It can also be through a relationship that has gone wrong, or even a career.

Having watched family & friends go through grief, I learned so much from them, and it is something that has imprinted on me greatly.

I myself have done a few courses on grief, which I found extremely helpful. One of these courses was conducted at a small hospital which deals with many issues that people face.I did loss, grief, & bereavement & palliative care. Again I learned a great deal from doing this course, which was some years ago, but I still remember 'till this day.

Whilst doing this course, I was learning how to deal with grief myself. My mother was seriously ill with cancer, & doing this course helped deal with her emotions & helped to see where she was during her journey. It also helped me realize that there is a difference between empathy & sympathy. The difference to me is that empathy is what you have for a person, not showing concern for your own emotions. Sympathy is where your own emotions are, from your own perspective. Not sure if these are correct definitions, but that’s just where I see it. I also learned a great deal about 'anticipatory grief' which as the title suggests, is preparing a person for what is to come.

I have also been involved in other courses dealing with grief, which came from a different perspective, also of which I found extremely helpful.

My mother passed away seven years ago and I really found that I dealt with all of my emotions & even with some family members far better than I would have otherwise.

People dealing with grief can reach out to someone that they trust; a family member or a friend, or even a counselor. Some people might just close themselves in, not wanting to talk or

communicate in any way. A little like a cocoon. But we are all individuals. We need to respect each other especially in times like these.

There are many counselors to reach out to, either by phone or face to face. For instance Lifeline phone number: 13-11-14. This number is available in Australia. Salvation Army Care Line: 1300 363 622. There are chaplains & social workers available in most public hospitals.

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ARTICLE OF THE MONTH

Life as a volunteer...a learning experience!

Vicki Thornton

My volunteer story started at the Cancer Council, on 14th February 2000. During my time at the Cancer Council, I learned & experienced many things.I participated in various events, including Biggest Morning Teas & probably lots of other events, I can’t recall right now.But I do remember giving talks to many people, at a major hospital, a club & a few other places. I became very confident doing these talks & actually enjoyed them. But I do distinctly recall getting very nervous at one particular talk, in which all of my overheads (films) had become totally mixed up! But after all of that, I just tried to make light of it! If I am not mistaken, it all worked out in the end.I was even asked to do research into local support groups. That was something I especially enjoyed. I learned so much from this research, one thing I remember that the various cancers, need their own support group. Because

these people can relate to their own journey. I was even able to design a pamphlet with the groups listed with the contact details. I also, along with an experienced staff member, organized a meeting of all the people that I had contacted. All went very well. But for reasons I can’t understand, the whole project came to nothing. But I will say, despite this, I gained so much knowledge & gained confidence that I didn’t know I had! I also have had the opportunity to participate in various surveys conducted by the Cancer Council, to assist them in further research and helping patients along their journey.I had the chance to become an advocate for the Cancer Council, I attended a course, but didn’t take that further. Another opportunity came when I was able to attend a symposium, which was very well attended.Since leaving the Cancer Council, I have done many other things, but haven’t forgotten my journey & the people I met along the way.

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Upcoming Events

It's Time to "run for her”

Nov 2011

Runners will fill the streets surrounding The Grove on Sunday, November 15th for The Fifth Annual run for her™ 5K Run and Friendship Walk.

run for her™ was created to increase awareness of ovarian cancer and raise much-needed funds for research. Proceeds benefit the Cedars-Sinai Women's Cancer Research Institute (WCRI) at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

Dr. Beth Y. Karlan, MD, Director, WCRI, states, “Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths among women and is responsible for more deaths than the other gynecologic cancers. Raising both awareness and research funding is essential, and I consider all the participants to be true heroes."

To get ready for the run for her™ event, Nike at the Grove is offering free training runs on Wednesday nights for the next three weeks. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome. Participants can choose a 3 or 5 mile run or walk. Bring your driver’s license and you can try out a pair of Nike + shoes and an iPod nano. After the training runs, Nike will serve light refreshments and every run for her™ trainee is eligible to win great Nike prizes.

The 3500 runners who participated in last year’s run for her™ raised just shy of one million dollars, funds that will hopefully not only raise awareness of ovarian cancer, but will also educate women about the benefits of early detection.

Come out this year and help raise even more money for this worthy cause.

WHAT: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center5th Annual run for her™ 5K Run and Friendship Walk

WHEN: Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:30 AM to Noon

WHERE: The run starts at 9:30 am at Pan Pacific Park, located at 7600 Beverly Blvd. , Los Angeles .

WHY: To raise awareness about ovarian cancer and generate support for the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Research Institute at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

INFO: Entry fee is $35 online or mail in by November 11th and $40 thereafter. Event proceeds support ovarian cancer research and awareness. For additional information and a downloadable registration form, visit www.runforher.com or call 310-423-4586.

Immediately after the race, an exciting finish line festival featuring music, prizes, t-shirts, goodie bags and giveaways begins.

7:30AM - 9AM: Warm-Up..... 9:30AM: Race Begins....10:30AM - Noon: After Race FestivitiesFor more information about run for her™ and the Nike training runs, go to www.runforher.com.

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SPOTLIGHT ON A TITAN

Each month we will be highlighting our terrific titans!Meet Tracy Lewis

When I met Deb Stevens, I knew right away that I admired her strength,determination andher total devotion to this worthy cause.

When I got involved with the Feel Teal Club in 2009, my reasons were because I feel thatwhen people join together there is POWER in numbers!

The more people are involved with something, the more the public becomes aware.That's why I started doing Flip Side to Music.......to join with musicians and get their music out to the world. So many don't have the support or financial means to put their name andtalent out there, so by my doing so, I'm supporting the talent of tomorrow, TODAY!

Little did I know that later that my Feel Teal connection would become more personal....coming much closer to home when I too had to face this dreaded disease.Luckily it was caught early and I had a great doctor who took the needed measures to assuremy health and well being for the future!I am very honored (in many ways) to not only call Deb Stevens my friend, but to also be partof her onward battle to get the info out there to others!Rock on, and raise awareness with the Feel Teal Club!!Tracy LewisFlip Side to Musichttp://flipsidetomusic.co m

“I am honoured to be a Titan!”

Be sure to catch all the latest music news and “goss” over at Flip Side To Music's website!

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IN THE NEWS

A Mayo Clinic study to determine why measles spread so quickly may also offer a new tool in the fight against breast, ovarian and lung cancers.“The measles virus has developed a strategy of diabolic elegance,” Dr. Roberto Cattaneo, principal investigator of the study and Mayo Clinic molecular biologist, said in a news release. “It first hijacks immune cells patrolling the lungs to get into the host. It then travels within other immune cells everywhere in the body.

“However, the infected immune cells deliver their cargo specifically to those cells that express the protein nectin-4, the new receptor," he added. "Remarkably, those cells are located in the trachea. Thus, the virus emerges from the host exactly where needed to facilitate contagion.”

The measles, though controlled with a vaccine, still affects more than 10 million children worldwide each year and kills about 120,000, according to the clinic.

Cattaneo said measles, like other quickly-spreading viruses, uses a protein called nectin-4 to infect th host and then leave from the throat by provoking a cough that spreads particles through the air, ready to infect another host.

Nectin-4 is also a biomarker of ovarian, breast and lung cancer. Measles targets nectin-4, so this therapy may be more successful to treat cancers that express nectin-4. The Mayo Clinic is currently conducting trials to use measles and other viruses to attack cancer such as ovarian, glioma and myeloma. Modified viruses may be a less toxic treatment than chemotherapy and radiation.

The study appeared Nov. 2 in the journal Nature: http://www.nature.com/

FEELING TEAL.........

You have been feeling ill for too long, with vague, persistent, easily dismissed symptoms like bloating, pressure in the abdomen, difficulty eating, frequent urination, and/or constipation or diarrhea, and your family urges you to get checked out. OK, this time it WAS something you weren’t counting on. The dreaded words of ovarian cancer have been spoken.Emotions come into play and you turn to those you love and love you back, be it family or just good friends. Someone hands you a ribbon –it’s TEAL.

What does that mean? It means you joined a fight club that 1 in 71 American women unwillingly join each year, to kick ovarian cancer square in the chops. Welcome to We Fight Like A Girl.Realization sometimes comes at the most odd times. When a loved one is stricken with any ailment it is our natural instinct to offer comfort and nurturing. At some point we find ourselves saying “what next” and begin a journey to fight off the attack. At We Fight Like A Girl, our mission is just that, education and awareness equals empowerment. We Fight Like A Girl strives to find new avenues to present information about Ovarian Cancer to women, those who love them, and medical personnel. We Fight Like A Girl is comprised of ladies and gentleman who believe in finding unique methods of bringing information, awareness, and knowledge to the public. Look for us at motorcycle rallies, home and garden shows, high schools, colleges, the next 5k, the swimming pool, the grocery store, and just about anywhere people gather. Colbie Callait says it best: "Realize that I'm on your side because, remember, NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE"! Please find us at our website www.wefightlikeagirl.com be sure to check out our sponsors page.

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HEALTHResearchers exploring important new insight into ovarian cancer

Researchers from the Harper Cancer Research Institute, a partnership between the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, have uncovered a key element that plays a role in the spread of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death due to gynecologic cancers. Annually, more than 20,000 women die from the disease, usually as the result of spread, or metastasis, of the primary tumor. The five-year survival for women diagnosed with primary tumors is 95 percent, which is a stark contrast to the less than 30 percent survival of women diagnosed with metastatic lesions.

“Understanding the reasons that ovarian cancer spreads is of the utmost importance and it is a focus of our research in the Stack Laboratory,” said Sharon Stack, Anne F. and Elizabeth Riley Science Director of the Harper Cancer Research Institute.

Unlike many solid tumors, such as those of the breast, prostate or liver, ovarian tumors very rarely spread through blood and lymphatic vessels. Instead, the tumor cells grow on the surface of the ovary or fallopian tube and eventually slough off of that surface. In order for such an atypical event to occur, the tumor cells must undergo changes.

“They float in the abdominal cavity in a fluid called ‘ascites’ that accumulates during ovarian cancer progression,” Stack said. “This fluid provides nutrients to the spreading cells to prevent them from dying, which is typical of normal cells if they were disrupted or floating. Eventually, these cells adhere to other organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the colon or omentum, which requires another change in cell behavior.”

These types of changes are also characteristic of embryonic cells, which must change between cells that grow in place and cells that migrate several times during development.

“Recently, we found that a cell signaling process called ‘Wnt signaling,’ which is active during development and typically switched off in adult cells, also plays a role in ovarian cancer,” said Rebecca Burkhalter, a visiting scientist at the Harper Institute and graduate student at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. “In colon cancer, it has been shown that proteins in the Wnt signaling pathway have mutations in their genes and these mutations lead to cancer. Interestingly, we find that Wnt signaling is improperly active in ovarian carcinoma, even in the absence of mutations.

“As a matter of fact, the protein that helps a cell decide to remain attached to the ovary or an abdominal organ or detach, as in the sloughing step, regulates this aberrant activation.”

The research results suggest that this abnormal signaling is, in part, what allows the ovarian cancer cells to survive the many changes required to spread in the abdomen.

“Especially exciting is the fact that there are already drugs in development for other disease states that regulate the Wnt signaling pathway,” Stack said. “With more investigation, we may identify a member of the Wnt pathway as drug targets in ovarian cancer.”

The research paper describing the finding appeared in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Provided by University of Notre Dame

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Hospital to offer new ovarian cancer treatmentDUBAI: Two new services, which will reform the treatment of ovarian cancer and blood-related disorders in the UAE, were announced by the City Hospital in a ceremony to mark the facility’s third anniversary. The CVac therapy programme is new to the Middle East and will be available for the first time at the hospital. CVac uses the patient’s own immune cells that are collected in the hospital and prepares them to attack a cancer protein. When the treated patient cells are injected back into the body, they start a chain reaction that results in the body’s own immune killer cells targeting and killing the cancer.

The treatment aims to bring forward the fight against a disease, which is the fifth largest cause of cancer deaths among women globally.

“The approval for the provision of CVac is a huge milestone for cancer care not only in Dubai but the region as a whole. This treatment offers hope to thousands of women living in the Middle East who are suffering from ovarian cancer.” Dr. Fadi Mikhael, who will lead the programme at The City Hospital said.

New unit

The hospital also announced the launch of a new unit for Therapeutic Aphaeresis, a general term for treatments that remove harmful proteins, chemicals or cells in the blood that contribute to disease.

This is the first time this service will be offered in Dubai.

Dr Musa Mbahi, specialist anatomical and clinical pathologist and fellow of blood banking and transfusion from the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Centre in the USA will lead the unit.

He explained: “Therapeutic Aphaeresis can radically transform the lives of people suffering from blood disorders, kidney problems, metabolic diseases, neurological disorders and autoimmune conditions.”

A fat stomach may fuel spread of ovarian and other cancers

Turns out that a fat stomach is a breeding ground for the spread of ovarian cancer, according to a report in Nature Medicine, published yesterday. A large pad of fat across the stomach, covering the intestines, apparently nourishes the growth of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women, tends to spread within the abdominal cavity rather than to distant organs. By the time this cancer is diagnosed, it has already spread to these fat cells in a majority of women, causing growth beyond the original ovarian cancer.

"This fatty tissue, which is extraordinarily rich in energy-dense lipids, acts as a launching pad and energy source for the likely lethal spread of ovarian cancer," said Ernst Lengyel, MD, PhD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Chicago and primary researcher. "The cells that make up the [fatty tissue] contain the biological equivalent of jet fuel. They feed the cancer cells, enabling them to multiply rapidly. Gaining a better understanding of this process could help us learn how to disrupt it."

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TALKING TEAL

Shelly Ryan

I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since I joined forces with the Feel Teal Club by sharing my “witty and heartfelt” gift of humor. Since then the growth and dynamics of this organization have been an incredible inspiration. The 2011 Titans of Teal Campaign has affirmed the passion all of my “sisters” and I have for shouting out the awareness message to the world! A titan "thrives on creative ideas, no task too big or too hard!" Oh yes, and she "loves to talk!" Naturally, I can't wait to get the word out there even MORE.In addition to my Comedylove being broadcast all over the globe and appearing as a guest on numerous radio programs, I’ve had the opportunity to fulfill my dream of riding the airwaves by producing a weekend virtual comedy club and hosting my own variety talk show.After some soul-searching and the awesome encouragement of Deb Stevens, I’m excited to announce “Talking Teal”, a podcast that will be devoted to endeavors of those whose lives have been touched by ovarian cancer and are making a tremendous difference on behalf of the cause. At the time of publication of the November Feel Teal Magazine (updates, stories and people of which will also be featured on my new program), I’m diligently working on the details and look forward to connecting with more Titans who are devoted to save lives of women and girls around the globe. Stay tuned for more information on the Feel Teal Club website!

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FYIMy decision to close the Feel Teal Club forum was a tough one....I had spent many hours setting-up the design/colours and topics, matching colours for a particular "theme" (can be tricky) then decide what order you want them to sit in... you have to set-up boards & categories, step-by-step.... This was not as easy as it sound and at times, I would spend more than a couple of hours adding things, sorting the codes in html etc etc...So,after recently returning to the workforce, I knew I needed to gain some perspective of how much "online" time had been consuming my "personal" time....with that in mind, I took a pro/con outlook and could see the areas that were NOT working.Sadly, the forum was top of my list....simply not enough activity to warrant the extra workload!The following articles are all posts from various rooms of the forum, seemed a shame to waste!

FORUM PAGES>OVARIAN CANCER

Gilda Radner

Radner was one of the great comic geniuses of the 20th century, ranked up with Lucille Ball and other comedy legends of the highest caliber

She was born on June 28, 1946, in Detroit, the younger of two children. Her parents were Herman and Henrietta Radner, and she had an older brother named Michael. She grew up with a nanny she always called Dibby, on whom she based her famous "Saturday Night Live" (1975) character, hard-of-hearing news correspondent Emily Litella. She was very close to her father, not as close to her mother, and tragically, her father died when she was 12, leaving her heartbroken.She was very overweight as a child, and because of this, she suffered from anorexia and bulimia and became very thin. She overcame these disorders by 16 and was normal weight, yet if you watch some of her episodes of "Saturday Night Live" (1975) you can see that her weight sometimes goes down very low and she looks anorexic again. She graduated from the Liggett school for Girls and enrolled at the University of Michigan but dropped

out and followed a boyfriend to Canada, where she made her stage debut in Godspell.In 1975, Gilda was the first person ever cast for "Saturday Night Live" (1975), the show that would make her famous. She stayed on SNL for 5 years, from 1975 to 1980 and had a brief marriage to the SNL band guitarist G.E. Smith. On this show, she created characters like Emily Litella, loudmouthed Roseanne Roseannadanna, nerd Lisa Loopner, and Baba Wawa, a talk show host with a speech impediment. Gilda left the show in 1980 and married actor Gene Wilder, whom she met on a movie set and fell in love with nearly on the spot. A short while after, Gilda started having pains in her upper legs, and she was eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

She went through lots of chemotherapy and treatment, and finally her doctors told her that she was in remission. In this period of time, Gilda wrote her autobiography, called "It's Always Something," about her battles with cancer. However, cancer was found in her liver and her lungs after a more comprehensive check a while later. Now it was too late to do anything.Gilda died in her sleep on May 20, 1989.

Heed Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

DID YOU KNOW…

The American Cancer Society currently funds 61 research grants totaling nearly $30 million into ovarian cancer. We have funded 292 grants totaling more than $96 million related to ovarian cancer over the past 10 years.

In the past few years, we launched two new professorships into ovarian cancer, funding two of the top experts in this area: a $500,000 Barbara Thomason Ovarian Cancer Professorship to Andrew Berchuck, MD at Duke University Medical School, and a $300,000 early detection fellowship to Beth Karlan, MD, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The American Cancer Society was one of three

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originating organizations of the first nationwide consensus statement on ovarian cancer symptoms in 2007. This first consensus statement on ovarian cancer symptoms was created to raise awareness that a certain subset of abdominal and other symptoms are more common in women with ovarian cancer than in women in the general population.

Historically, ovarian cancer has been called the "silent killer" because symptoms often become apparent only when the cancer has spread and is harder to treat.

However, recent medical studies show symptoms often do exist for ovarian cancer, even in its early stages. The most common include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms, such as the need to go urgently or frequently.

Trouble is, these symptoms are relatively common and associated with a number of different health problems, from irritable bowel syndrome to urinary tract infections. They are more likely to be due to other, less serious problems.

But if you have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks, report them to your health care professional right away.

When ovarian cancer is found early, while it is still confined to the ovary, about 93% of patients live longer than 5 years after diagnosis. Unfortunately, only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found at this early stage.

See a doctor if you have persistent symptoms like the ones described above, and get regular women’s health exams. While most early ovarian tumors are difficult for even the most skilled doctor to feel during a pelvic exam, an exam may help identify other cancers or gynecologic conditions. Women should discuss the need for these exams with their doctor.

In addition to paying attention to symptoms and getting regular exams, there are steps women can take to protect themselves from ovarian cancer:

* Know your family history. About 10% to 15% of ovarian cancers result from an inherited genetic

tendency to develop the disease. Have candid conversations with your relatives about the health problems that run in your family (especially breast, ovarian, and colon cancers), and discuss your family history with your doctor. You may need closer follow-up, depending on your situation.

* Eat a healthy diet to help control weight, since being very overweight (obese) may raise ovarian cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends eating a variety of healthful foods, with an emphasis on plant sources. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, as well as several servings of whole grain foods from plant sources such as breads, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta, or beans. Limit the intake of red meat and processed meats.

* Get regular physical activity as another way to help control your weight. The American Cancer Society recommends 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week. Forty-five to 60 minutes a day is even better.

* Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 1 drink per day. Alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of a certain type of ovarian cancer.

* Don't smoke. Some studies have linked smoking to one type of ovarian cancer. Smoking also raises your risk of many other types of cancer, as well as other health problems.

Courtesy http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ovariancancer.html

Ovarian cancer-Understanding your diagnosis

If a woman has symptoms of ovarian cancer that are persistent and unusual for her, there are a number of tests that doctors may use to find out whether the symptoms are due to ovarian cancer.The only definite way to make sure of the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer is with an operation and a biopsy of the tumour.

This means that treatment for ovarian cancer begins

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at the time of this diagnostic operation. It’s important that women understand as much about the operation as possible before having surgery.

Tests used to investigate changes that may be due to ovarian cancer include:Physical examinationA physical examination for ovarian cancer involves checking for any lumps or masses by feeling the abdomen and doing an internal examination.

If the doctor thinks a woman’s symptoms should be investigated further, she will be referred for imaging and a blood test.

Imaging

Various methods are used to provide images of the ovaries that can be seen on a screen. These images can show possible signs of ovarian cancer in and around the ovaries.

Imaging tests to look for ovarian cancer usually involve ultrasound. The ultrasound is usually done internally ( transvaginal ultrasound) by inserting a small probe into the vagina. An ultrasound is used to check for cysts, tumours or other changes that might or might not be ovarian cancer. Ultrasound results cannot be used to give a definite diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Imaging of the chest and abdomen (tummy) may also be done to look for spread of the cancer. This usually involves ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or X-rays may sometimes be used.Blood tests

If a transvaginal ultrasound shows a cyst or tumour on the ovary, a CA125 blood test might be used to find out whether ovarian cancer may be present.

CA125 is a protein found in the blood. CA125 can be produced by ovarian cancer cells. Increased levels of CA125 may indicate that ovarian cancer is present.

There are many other causes for raised CA125 levels such as ovulation, menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids or benign ovarian cysts. Illnesses such as liver or kidney disease can also

cause an increase in CA125 levels. For these reasons, a CA125 test alone cannot be used to diagnose ovarian cancer.

A CA125 test is more helpful in diagnosing ovarian cancer in post-menopausal women than in pre-menopausal women. About half of all women with early-stage ovarian cancer have normal CA125 levels.If your CA125 blood test results are normal but your symptoms persist or get worse, go back to your doctor.

Paracentesis

If there’s a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, a fluid sample can be taken by paracentesis (through a needle passed through the skin). The fluid is checked under a microscope for cancer cells.

Biopsy

The only way to definitely find out whether a woman has ovarian cancer is with an operation and a biopsy of the tumour or cyst.

If the other test results show that a woman might have ovarian cancer, she should be referred to a gynaecological oncologist who will be responsible for her surgical care. Research shows survival for women with ovarian cancer is improved when their surgical care is directed by a gynaecological oncologist.

Treatment for ovarian cancer begins with this surgery. It’s therefore important that women find out as much as they can about the operation before having it.

Courtesy: http://nbocc.org.au/ovarian-cancer/under....agnosis#imaging

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LINKS

Okay I have been busy over at the American site...became a member of the Ovarian cancer support group and suggest anyone interested here, to do likewise...I've also posted a message about "us", so hoping to see a few more faces in time ;)

Here is the direct link: http://www.mdjunction.com/ovarian-cancer

Thanks again, to Vicki, for taking time [especially as I have so much going on] to post here for us.

GILDA'S QUOTES

"I'd much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they are the first to be rescued off of sinking ships."

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity."

Shelly Ryan says: My favorite quote (also the title of her book) that pretty much sums up life: "It's Always Something."

SOUL SISTERS FOUNDATION

Soul Sisters Foundation annual Turkey TrotSoul Sisters target ovarian cancer, food needs

The death of Paula Cazeault to ovarian cancer in August 2010 inspires these Soul Sisters to raise money for the hospital where their friend was treated before succombing to the disease after a three-year fight.

This year the Soul Sisters Foundation will donate the proceeds from its annual road race and walk to ovarian cancer research and awareness through the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as to the Careworks Ministries Food Pantry in Kingston, with so many local families continuing to struggle in a difficult economy.

The Fourth Annual Soul Sister 5K Turkey Trot is being put on in founding member Cazeault’s memory. It will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Hilltop Athletic Club at 65 Pottle St. in Kingston. Registration is from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. To pre-register for the race, visit www.soulsisterfoundation.org. Register by Nov. 7 to receive a long-sleeve race T-shirt. A Kids Mad Dash for 2- to 8-year-olds will follow the race.

Participants are also asked to take along a clothing item, household item or canned good to contribute to the food pantry, which is located at 41 Pottle St. Winter clothing is particularly needed, including coats, hats, gloves and mittens. For each coat donated, the donor’s name will be entered into a raffle to win a year’s supply of bagels from Panera Bread.

Soul Sisters Foundation member Jill Daly said ovarian cancer can easily evade detection, with symptoms often pointing to the disease at an advanced stage. A founding member of the Soul Sisters, Cazeault fought the disease for three years.

“They call it the silent killer,” Daly said. “It truly is.”

In August, another founding member’s mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“Once again, it hits pretty close to home with what we do,” Daly said.

Last year there more than 1,000 runners and

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walkers participated in the Turkey Trot, and Daly expects more participants this year. She said teams of runners participate in honor of a loved one who lost a battle with ovarian cancer or on behalf of someone who is battling ovarian cancer.

“At the beginning of the race we will read their names, and we have a wall of hope where people can place names,” she said.

In the last four years, the Turkey Trot has raised approximately $100,000 for ovarian cancer research and awareness, as well as for a community organization so the Foundation can give back to the community.

Daly said Foundation members were astonished at how little money Careworks Ministries takes in to support what they do for people. The food pantry hours of operation 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, or by appointment.

The work of the Soul Sisters could not be done, Daly said, without the support of the more than 20 sponsors. Many sponsors, including title sponsors Girls on the Go and Solstice restaurant, commit to doing so each year.

kkoch@wickedlocal.com

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/kingston/news/education/x2128841626/Soul-Sisters-Foundation-annual-Turkey-Trot-Nov-19#ixzz1cul95300

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Sharing Experiences

Sharing our "experiences" is all part of the latest campaign aimed at lifting the profile of ovarian cancer.During my personal moments of "grief", having somewhere to tell my story to another, gave me so much comfort and created many new "relationships" which ultimately helped me to "grow"....through every discussion, posting, chats and more, I learned a great deal more about the road I was on, and found the strength to keep going. One thing I realised (after years of awareness campaigning & events), is that it was just as important to hear from those who had survived, as it was from folk who were dealing with a "loss"....finding a "balance" meant I was able to make more steps towards "healing", so that today, rather than dwelling on what I had to lose, I can focus on what I have....and that includes numerous new friendships with OC "survivors" ;) These women give new meaning to the word "hope", and each story offers inspiration while educating.....it is largely due to their strengths, that this year's campaign was forged.It gives me great pleasure in introducing each TITAN as they go about their lives committed to helping others diagnosed with Ovarian cancer whilst fighting their own battles!The emphasis (again) is for the world to sit-up and take notice of our battle/s, and to recognise the disease AND the colour that represents it!For more about this campaign, and how you can be actively involved (without really doing anything), please check-out the website I have set-up at http://www.titansofteal.yolasite.comYou can also find details at the Feel Teal Club's website!

Gardening ideas

Plant perennial petunias for long lasting garden colour.

Yellowing of older gardenia leaves is a sign of short-term magnesium deficiency. Water with a weak solution of epsom salts.Spread snail bait amongst vulnerable plants, especially during damp weather.Sow sunflower seeds for cheerful summer blooms.Sow corn into warm (more than 20 C) soil.Lift bulbs after foliage has died down.As spring-flowering annuals finish, clean up beds, fertilise, and build up soil for summer plantings.Divide and re-pot cymbidium orchids into good quality orchis mix..When planting out tomatoes, choose a spot that has not grown tomatoes for at least five years.Feed potted plants with Hortico Organic Plant Food.Apply Hortico Soil Wetter around established plants and shrubs.Seeds to Sow: Phlox, Ageratum, Dahlia, Impatiens, Capsicums, Cucumbers, Tomatoes

What Plants Grow Best in Pots

Some plants grow better than others in pots. Even with the best care, some plants won’t grow as well in a pot as they would in the ground.

To get the most out of your pot plants, you need to understand how conditions in a pot can be different to growing in the ground. Then you look for plants that do well in those conditions.

What’s different about growing a plant in a pot compared to in the ground?

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In the confined environment of a pot, the soil/potting mix dries out faster, and heats up and cools down faster. Nutrients leach out quicker, and root growth is confined.In the short term this means that the plant needs more frequent watering and feeding than a plant in the ground. In the longer term as the plant grows, the roots can become coiled and potbound and the plant begins to deteriorate. Growth can become spindly, the leaves may be pale and the plant may be prone to wilting. To prevent this occurring, repot the plant into fresh mix and/or into a larger pot as soon as roots start appearing in the drainage holes.The advantages of growing in a pot often outweigh any disadvantages:

· you can often give the plants better quality soil

· they can be shown off to their best advantage

· it can be more convenient, eg. potted herbs in the kitchen or near the back door

· in a small garden, pots may be the only way you can grow large plants

The easiest plants to grow in pots are those that don’t require much water (such as cactus and succulents), or that only grow for one season (such as annuals) – because you can throw them away when they’re past their best.

Plants that Grow Best in Pots

All kinds of different plants grow well in pots, ranging from annuals to woody shrubs and small trees. They all have very different requirements so it’s important to choose the right type of pot and potting mix to maximise their growth.

Cactus and succulents – These are the easiest to grow of all pot plants because they don’t need much attention – excellent for children and beginners!

Flowering annuals – These are fast-growing and will reward you with a quick, colourful display. They need frequent watering so choose a pot that can hold a reasonable amount of soil. For the best effect, plant them in a massed display – a wide tub, large hanging basket or a long trough are ideal. The hardiest annuals for pots include petunias, pansies and violas, primulas (in cooler areas) and marigolds.

Vegetables – Grow deep-rooted vegetables such as carrots in a deep pot (maybe a trough). Vegetables with fibrous roots such as lettuce can be mass planted in broad tubs or troughs.

Herbs – Plant rampant spreading herbs such as mint in individual pots. Mixed plantings can be grown in troughs and tubs.

Bulbs – These need a very well-drained mix or bulb-growing fibre. Broad bowls and tubs are good for massed displays. After they’ve flowered and the leaves have died back, plant them out in the ground and buy fresh bulbs next season for your pot display.

Shrubs and Trees – Many types of shrubs and small trees can be grown in pots but it’s really important to choose a deep, broad pot with that holds plenty of mix. As a general rule, choose hardy shrubs and small trees that can be relied upon to look good in a pot. Feed them with slow-release fertiliser and lightly prune after flowering to maintain their shape.

What potting mix to buy?

When it comes to potting mix, what you pay for is what you get. The more expensive potting mixes will include more nutrients and contain additives that help retain soil moisture, preventing the pot from drying out. There are also specialist mixes for plants with special requirements such as bulbs and orchids.

Even good quality potting mix will not contain enough nutrients for more than a few months of plant growth. Improve potting mixes by adding a slow release fertiliser and with regular applications of liquid fertiliser.

What Not to Grow in Pots

• Deep-rooted plants in shallow pots• ‘Fussy’, tender plants• Water-hungry plants• Plants that only look good when they

flower

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Deliberately Debbie

Poetry by Debbie Stevens©

Sister o Sister

I know each thought you thinkSister o SisterI taste the salt that you drink

Together we share the blood of our motherTwo sisters, one loveFor her, no other

Do you feel we have drifted?Two ships lost out at seaNo anchor now holds usWe both sail aimlessly

Let’s not float further apartKnow that I need youI speak from my heart

We cannot discard all we were taughtSuch wisdom and much loveAre gifts given, not bought

I too feel frightenedWhat rules come with ‘grief?’Simply follow your heartThat is my true belief

Sister o SisterMum was brave to the endHer murmurs kept silentSo broken hearts would mend

Sister o SisterLet us never lose touchSister o SisterWe owe her that much!

Verses from Vicki

In the Stillness

I felt something,a gentle touch,I could see,a glow, light shining,I heard a whisper,soft & gentle,I could feela gentle breeze,wrapping itselfaround me,purple reflections,imprinted inside,sounds hardly heard,in the stillness....

http://lostinlilac.blogspot.com© Vicki Thornton

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TWIN QUILTS

FEEL TEAL CLUB-Titans go global!

The twins - Feel Teal Quilts(COURTESY THE OUTLAW QUILTERS GUILD FACEBOOK)

Timeline: each outlaw and titan will do one 12' block and send it to Giddy (Bridgette Stein) no later than December 15, 2011. AND we have to stick to a strict timeline so that Turbo (Leona) has it at the right time in her schedule. I will have until the last week of January to put the two quilt tops together and get them to Turbo. Then Turbo has until March 1, 2012 to get them back to me and Lisa Kaster and I can get photographs and such and send the one off to Australia and have the other ready for the bike rally. Sound good? Now - December 15,2001 - One (or more if you like) 12' finished block

Bridgette Stein

160 Thomas Road

Shepherd, Tx 77371

December 15 - January 15, 2012 - Giddy completes both quilt

tops

January 15, 2012d - February 28, 2012 - Turbo quilts the tops

DEADLINE - March 1, 2012 - have quilts back in Houston to ship to Australia and auction in Houston.

Now for some photos!

The project begins!

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MORE QUILT BLOCKS

For Vicki Thornton – supporter

For Pamela Daly – In memory

For Jo Foster - survivor

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MORE QUILT BLOCKS

Deb Stevens....for Judy (mum)-In memory

Betty Weikum....for Marie Devgan

Julie Aldridge....for Sarah - survivor

Sydney Tibbetts...for Pam - survivor

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Peggy Alderman for.. Julie Mashburn – In memory &for mother in law Sharon Miller - Survivor

Julie Aldridge....for Sarah - survivor

Two countries came together for one Quilt.....the results have been tremendous!

I'd like to take this moment to acknowledge each and everyone involved....can't wait to see the finished productFor my “titans” and the “outlaws”.....fighting and rallying for ovarian cancer!

NOTE: If you have been touched by ovarian cancer, why not consider being part of this project?There's still a couple of weeks remaining which will allow your contribution to make the deadline of December 25th, 2011.

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ONE LAST CHANCE

Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.An accurate description of "how" one feels about music, and this was just one reason why it was agreed we find a song to promote the Feel Teal campaign.Having worked with various musicians along our journey, we relied on some past contacts in the business to assist us with our ideas. The end result being a collaboration between a couple of professional music engineers/producers/writers who allowed us to use a previously recorded song from their studio. This song, “One Last Chance” will be the chorus & the harmony to help all our 'teal' supporters....worldwide!The sole purpose and intention is to show the many faces of ovarian cancer....those who have been touched directly or indirectly,along with the people that give us strength, courage and the hope to carry on fighting.What if this is our 'one last chance?' We can't get these moments and 'chances' back - let's work together daily as "Titans of Teal" to raise awareness and support for Ovarian Cancer research. Let's honor those we've lost and give hope to those still fighting.Just follow this link: http://youtu.be/1jFCxj3foGI

THIS ISSUE:PAGES

2 From My Desk

3 Music Scene

4 Teal rants

5 What's on

6 'Ad'

7 INTRODUCING/ What is grief?

8 Article of the month -Vicki Thornton

9 Upcoming events

11 Spotlight on a titan- Tracy Lewis

12 In the news/Feeling Teal

13 Health

14New treatment for ovarian cancer/fat stomach and cancer

16 Talking teal-with Shelly Ryan

17/18/19 FYI/Ovarian cancer information

20/21 Gilda's quotes/Soul Sisters Foundation

22/23Sharing Experiences/Gardening Ideas

24 Deliberately Debbie/ Verses from Vicki

25/26/27/28TWIN QUILTS-Feel Teal Club

30 Announcement/ INDEX

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