october 2015 - absolutely memorial magazine

OCTOBER 2015

MonstrousMUSEUMMayhem

ASK ALEX: All About FallFriendships Among Survivors

BreastCancerAwareness

Memorial City, the city-within-a-city, is a 265-acre mixed-use development located in the heart

of the thriving West Houston market. Owned and managed by MetroNational, Memorial City

contains 8.2 million square feet of developed real estate and is a unique blend of Class A office

space, retail, luxury midrise apartments, chef-inspired restaurants, upscale hotel accommodations

including The Westin Memorial City and the Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, the

second-largest medical campus in the Houston metropolitan area.

Additional information can be found by visitingMEMORIALCITY.COM

much more than a mall

Were excited! says Chef Greg Lowry about the newly opened gastropub Pour Society. This is about being able to cook stuff we like, and giving people a space to hang out, like you would over a weekend with your friends, eating good food and drinking good beer.

The newest addition to Gateway Memorial City is the brainchild of Lowry and his longtime collaborator Matthew Lovelace. The 7,000-square-foot space joins neighbors KUU, Vallones and Churrascos, punching up the areas food scene, and bringing with it an entirely different vibe on dining out. The dramatic and industrial leaning, light-filled space with soaring ceilings effortlessly blends bar, ballgames and bites for one of Houstons best looking and tasting sports-oriented eateries to date. Clever custom interior elements bring intimacy and purpose to every nook, while 17 TVs deliver clear sightlines to every cranny.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO COME IN AND FEEL LIKE THEY CAN

BE THEMSELVES, RELAX, SAYS LOWRY. NOTHING HERE

IS OVER-FANCIFIED.

That said, the menu is much more than burgers and bites. Reimagined Southern favorites dominate, with items such as seven layer with crab, shrimp, guacamole, pinto beans,

sour cream, corn, pico and radish; fried oysters with bacon aioli, toasted bread, arugula and micro cilantro; the Pourk Burger with a ground chuck and bacon-jam patty, beer cheese and a chile-cheddar bun topped with traditional garnish; Mexican fried chicken thighs with elote mashed potatoes, white cheddar, green chili sauce and egg; and the Pour Mans Filet with teres major, smashed potatoes, green bean pecadine and ancho-whiskey butter. Guests looking for vegetarian-friendly options will enjoy options such as chilled cucumber and avocado soup; Kim Cheese Sandwich with house made kimchee, pimento and redneck cheddar and Texas toast; and the Non-Texan Sandwich with broccoli rabe, scamorza, tomatoes, fried egg, seasonal greens and seedful toast.

In addition, Lowry promises an assortment of bottled beer, with 42 on tap, as well as myriad wine and beer cocktails selections.

Weve been so welcomed by this community, says Lowry, who felt the area was ripe for an independent, craft restaurant like this one, and hes looking forward to sharing his passion for food with his new neighbors. Weve been having a good time with it. Were ready to go.

Located at 947 North Gessner, Suite B190 | 832.831.0950

POUR SOCIETY opens its doors

October kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all over the country, women, men, organizations and corporations are promoting pink in the hope of saving lives. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity and its the second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American women.

Theres no way to prevent breast cancer, but early detection of the disease has proven to save thousands of lives. Thanks to advances in early detection and in cancer treatment, more and more women are able to courageously battle this disease and survive. One of them is Donna Vallone, whose husband, iconic Houston restaurateur, Tony Vallone, is the owner of Vallones at Gateway Memorial City. Donna is the honorary chair of this months Sixth Annual Razzle Dazzle The Power of Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. Proceeds benefit the Bobetta Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, itself a force in saving the lives of women in our area and beyond.

We profile Donna for her extraordinary advocacy on behalf of early detection, her passion for helping women and for sharing her powerful story. She is an inspiring, warm and encouraging figure, with an urgent message for women everywhere: Get your mammogram.

Life Saver DONNA VALLONE ADVOCATE FOR WOMENS HEALTH

MEMORIALCITY.COM

Breast Cancer Awareness | IN THIS ISSUE


GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM WHEN ITS TIME, Donna Vallone says adamantly, her cheerful voice ringing with urgency. If theres one message I want to get across, its that.

Vallone speaks from a place of experience, and is determined to use her warm, rich personality to help ensure every woman understands the importance of the early detection of breast cancer and that it can save lives. After all, it saved hers. At the time I was diagnosed, I didnt realize that I am in the minority for those getting breast cancer. Although it can be a hereditary disease, the majority of women who get breast cancer dont have breast cancer in their families. And thats why Im such an advocate of mammograms.

Breast cancer ran in Vallones family, so she readily admits that it wasnt a case of if, but when, in terms of knowing it was something shed likely confront. Still, when she got the diagnosis in May of 2007, it was life-altering.

I was sad, she recalls. But not necessarily surprised.

She went on for treatment and is now eight years cancer free. And shes doing all she can to make sure other women can have the same sort of success story.

Vallone is the honorary chair of this years Razzle Dazzle The Power of Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser, held every October in Memorial City, with proceeds from the luncheon benefiting early detection programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Breast Care with Memorial Hermann at the Bobetta Lindig Breast Care Center.

Whats so wonderful about the Breast Center is you can go there and get a complete work-up, says Vallone. If your doctor is someplace else, theyll send the results. When you walk in, its like a spa, I tell you. She laughs the kind of conspiratorial laugh girlfriends trade across tables of champagne brunch, eager to share her love for this place and this cause. Youre given a nice, warm robe. Really, youre treated as warmly as you can be when youre going to get a mammogram.

Lest her passion sound too light for such a heavy cause, Vallone emphasizes that the Bobetta Lindig Breast Center is also on the cutting edge of breast cancer detection. It offers everything from MRIs to DEXA bone scans, biopsies and diagnostics.

The Breast Center and its technology saves the lives of many women like Vallone. The woman whose favorite color is pink has become a powerhouse for this cause and she isnt afraid to share details about her own history or offer advice to women on how to ask questions of their doctors and about their treatments. Most of all though, she wants women to understand breast cancers no joke.

AIR LIQUIDE RELOCATES TO MEMORIAL CITY

It was a definite coup for Memorial City when Air Liquide, a world leader in gases and technologies, moved its U.S. and Americas Zone corporate headquarters from the Galleria to Memorial City. Nearly 1,000 employees will take up residence in the companys new spaces at 9811 and 9807 Katy Freeway. The move signals growth not only for Air Liquide, but for Memorial City and MetroNational as well.

We had outgrown our space in the Galleria, says Heather Browne, director of corporate communications for Air Liquide. And while we looked all over the city in downtown, other Galleria areas and other locations around the city the combination of space allocation and amenities here in Memorial City not only made sense, it was the right fit.

Air Liquide is a multi-national powerhouse, specializing in gases for industry, health and the environment. The company focuses on renewable energies, medical gases, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide; propellants used to launches rockets; gases used in auto manufacturing; and oxygen used to preserve food. The organizations administrative and industrial operations will initially occupy the upper six floors of the 20-story tower in addition to the first floor lobby and office space, totaling 155,000 square feet, with options to expand floor space. Its Engineering & Construction operations will occupy two floors of the second building, totaling 67,000 square feet. Both Class A office buildings are LEED Silver and connect to a network of skywalks providing access to Memorial City Mall and other neighboring amenities within Memorial City.

IM A SURVIVOR, BUT WOMEN YOUNGER THAN ME HAVE

BEEN LOST TO THIS DISEASE. THATS WHY I AM SUCH AN

ADVOCATE FOR EARLY DETECTION. IF I CAN SAVE EVEN

ONE LIFE, THATS WORTH IT.

This move marks an exciting new chapter in Air Liquides history as our business continues to rapidly grow and evolve, said Michael Graff, Chairman & CEO, American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and Air Liquide Senior Vice President for the Americas. We are investing in our future, ensuring the right environment, space and resources to support our talented workforce and continue to enable the highest level of innovation and service for our customers.

Air Liquide is excited to call the Memorial City area its new home. This move marks an exciting chapter in Air Liquides history and is in many ways a new beginning for us, said John Buckley, CEO Air Liquide USA LLC. On behalf of myself and our Houston based employees, we look forward to working in and contributing to the Memorial City area. We are proud to be Memorial Citys newest resident!

Browne says that the new Memorial City address is somewhat centrally located for the organizations team members. Theres also another key factor she says helped the company seal the deal.

Besides the dining and entertainment amenities, having close access to so many highly regarded schools and healthcare offerings was another factor that we took into account as we explored the area. Were excited about this new chapter in our corporate history, and were looking forward to being part of the neighborhood.

Air Liquide should be fully moved in by the end of October.

WELCOME to the neighborhoodTHE BOBETTA LINDIG BREAST CENTER MEMORIAL CITY

Every two minutes a new case of breast cancer is diagnosed in the U.S. One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lives.* The American Cancer Society says that doctors believe thousands of lives are saved every year thanks to the early detection of breast cancer.

Thats where the Memorial Hermann Bobetta Lindig Breast Care Center comes in. Its welcoming, spa-like environment provides an inviting atmosphere with the latest screening technologies, designed to help women get the best diagnosis and assist them and their health providers with determining the right course of treatment. Patients are greeted with warmed robes, coffee, tea and snacks. The center offers the latest imaging technology, including 3D mammograms.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Get a mammogram. Encourage your friends to do the same. You could be saving a life.

To make an appointment call 877-40-MAMMO.

*http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics

much more than a mall MEMORIALCITY.COM MEMORIALCITY.COM much more than a mall

Memorial City, the city-within-a-city, is a 265-acre mixed-use development located in the heart

of the thriving West Houston market. Owned and managed by MetroNational, Memorial City

contains 8.2 million square feet of developed real estate and is a unique blend of Class A office

space, retail, luxury midrise apartments, chef-inspired restaurants, upscale hotel accommodations

including The Westin Memorial City and the Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, the

second-largest medical campus in the Houston metropolitan area.

Additional information can be found by visitingMEMORIALCITY.COM


Were excited! says Chef Greg Lowry about the newly opened gastropub Pour Society. This is about being able to cook stuff we like, and giving people a space to hang out, like you would over a weekend with your friends, eating good food and drinking good beer.

The newest addition to Gateway Memorial City is the brainchild of Lowry and his longtime collaborator Matthew Lovelace. The 7,000-square-foot space joins neighbors KUU, Vallones and Churrascos, punching up the areas food scene, and bringing with it an entirely different vibe on dining out. The dramatic and industrial leaning, light-filled space with soaring ceilings effortlessly blends bar, ballgames and bites for one of Houstons best looking and tasting sports-oriented eateries to date. Clever custom interior elements bring intimacy and purpose to every nook, while 17 TVs deliver clear sightlines to every cranny.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO COME IN AND FEEL LIKE THEY CAN

BE THEMSELVES, RELAX, SAYS LOWRY. NOTHING HERE

IS OVER-FANCIFIED.

That said, the menu is much more than burgers and bites. Reimagined Southern favorites dominate, with items such as seven layer with crab, shrimp, guacamole, pinto beans,

sour cream, corn, pico and radish; fried oysters with bacon aioli, toasted bread, arugula and micro cilantro; the Pourk Burger with a ground chuck and bacon-jam patty, beer cheese and a chile-cheddar bun topped with traditional garnish; Mexican fried chicken thighs with elote mashed potatoes, white cheddar, green chili sauce and egg; and the Pour Mans Filet with teres major, smashed potatoes, green bean pecadine and ancho-whiskey butter. Guests looking for vegetarian-friendly options will enjoy options such as chilled cucumber and avocado soup; Kim Cheese Sandwich with house made kimchee, pimento and redneck cheddar and Texas toast; and the Non-Texan Sandwich with broccoli rabe, scamorza, tomatoes, fried egg, seasonal greens and seedful toast.

In addition, Lowry promises an assortment of bottled beer, with 42 on tap, as well as myriad wine and beer cocktails selections.

Weve been so welcomed by this community, says Lowry, who felt the area was ripe for an independent, craft restaurant like this one, and hes looking forward to sharing his passion for food with his new neighbors. Weve been having a good time with it. Were ready to go.

Located at 947 North Gessner, Suite B190 | 832.831.0950

POUR SOCIETY opens its doors

October kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all over the country, women, men, organizations and corporations are promoting pink in the hope of saving lives. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity and its the second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American women.

Theres no way to prevent breast cancer, but early detection of the disease has proven to save thousands of lives. Thanks to advances in early detection and in cancer treatment, more and more women are able to courageously battle this disease and survive. One of them is Donna Vallone, whose husband, iconic Houston restaurateur, Tony Vallone, is the owner of Vallones at Gateway Memorial City. Donna is the honorary chair of this months Sixth Annual Razzle Dazzle The Power of Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. Proceeds benefit the Bobetta Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, itself a force in saving the lives of women in our area and beyond.

We profile Donna for her extraordinary advocacy on behalf of early detection, her passion for helping women and for sharing her powerful story. She is an inspiring, warm and encouraging figure, with an urgent message for women everywhere: Get your mammogram.

Life Saver DONNA VALLONE ADVOCATE FOR WOMENS HEALTH

MEMORIALCITY.COM

Breast Cancer Awareness | IN THIS ISSUE


BACK

BACK

THE FUTURE HAS NEVER

LOOKED BETTER.

As we prepare for our 40th Anniversary, were proud to introduce

the exciting new look of Heritage Texas Properties.

A reflection of our innovation, diversity and unrivaled commitment

to personalized service, our future has never looked better.

heritagetexas.com

Lacey Cannon281.582.3992

Patty Jackson281.582.3960

Sharyn Short281.582.3922

Jo Cochran281.582.3961

Vicki Jackson713.899.5221

Rebecque Demark& Nancy Scott713.252.8899

Christine Duncan281.582.3959

Scott Landreth281.582.3925

Trisha Fletcher281.582.3915

Karen Martin281.582.3910

Marge Hopkins281.582.3951

Clarann McCoy281.582.3907

Carol Waldrop281.582.3962

Martha White281.582.3956

Betty Wearing281.582.3928

Lynn Zarr, Jr.713.341.1667

Robin MueckPresident/CEO

Janice Ireland281.620.8427

Donna Pierce281.582.3903

Memorial: 14340 Memorial Drive, 281.493.3880 | Post Oak Park: 1177 West Loop South, 12th Floor, 713.965.0812

INSIDE FRONT

INSIDE FRONT

Visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care to learn more or schedule your mammogram online.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. And 85

percent of those women have no family history of the disease. At Houston

Methodist, we know the numbers may be scary, so were here to help you.

We encourage all women to talk with their doctors about scheduling a

mammogram online at one of our convenient locations.

TAKING A LITTLE TIME IN YOUR DAYMAY ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE.SO WE MAKE SCHEDULING A MAMMOGRAM EASIER.

Central Texas Medical Center

East San Jacinto

Northwest Willowbrook

Southeast St. John

Southwest Sugar Land

West Katy

North The Woodlands (coming in 2016)

Houston Methodist West offers 3-D mammograms, using the latest technology in detecting breast cancer.

Howdypartner.

2015 Texas Childrens Hospital. All rights reserved. Texas Childrens Hospital is the only childrens hospital in Texas on U.S.News & World Reports 2015-2016 Honor Roll. WC540r1_090115

Texas Childrens Hospital West Campus

18200 Katy FreewayHouston, TX 77094832-227-1000

Located right here in West Houston,

were ready to partner with you in the

health care of your child.

With a dedicated pediatric emergency

room, pediatric intensive care unit and

more than 20 pediatric subspecialties

conveniently located on site, we offer top

care for kids, close to home. From sports

medicine to gastroenterology to ENT, our

specialty clinics are staffed by experts

in their fields using the most advanced

technology, in facilities designed specifically

for children.

Texas Childrens is ranked #4 in the nation

by U.S.News & World Report and is thehighest ranked childrens hospital in the

southwest. The next time your child needs

medical care, come to us. Were all about

kids. For maps and information, visit

westcampus.texaschildrens.org.

Texas Childrens Urgent Care is now

in your area.To learn more, visit

urgentcare.texaschildrens.org.

WC540_ad_WC_HowdyPartner_AbsKatyMem_Layout 1 9/3/15 1:07 PM Page 1

OCTOBER 2015 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com4

BEYOND BUTTERFLIES: A GROWN-UP METAMORPHOSISFour Memorial residents Tamara LeFevre, Vanessa Vance, Amy Waltz and Ginny Endecott found common ground in their experiences as breast cancer survivors and became fast friends. While each of their experiences was different, each found hope in embracing the change and each other.

12

Vanessa Vance Tamara LeFevre and Amy Waltz.Photography by Hallie Keller.

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5

C O V E R S T O R Y

FEATURES

22 FROM MEMORIAL TO AFRICA The Baird family spent one week in Zambia through Camp Life sharing their faith and building friendships to last a lifetime.

24 WHEN WORRY BECOMES WORRISOME:

The Difference Between Normal Stress and Anxiety Disorders

27 FOCUS ON THE CURE Educate yourself and your loved ones about breast cancer awareness and detection.

34 CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH PUMPKIN Make the most of autumns versatile fruit with these facts and tips.

COLUMNS

16 absolutely! FABULOUS FINDS

20 ASK ALEXAll About Fall

36 KIDS CORNERThe Importance of Failure

38 JAN GLENNS PAWSITIVELY PURRFECT Scary Creatures

45 FAMILY LAWYours, Mine or Ours? The Enigma

of Property in a Family Law Case

53 SPRING BRANCH SPORTS SPOTLIGHT


OCTOB E R 2 0 1 5 | V O LUME 1 1 | N UMBER 1 0

abso lu te l y ! AUTO REV IEW

42 2016 FORD FUSION

abso lu te l y ! HEALTHY L IV ING

52 absolutely! Q & A Texas Childrens Hospital West Campus Answers Your Questions About Allergy and Immunology

abso lu te l y ! DEL IC IOUS

58 HOW TO HOSTA Mad Scientist Halloween Party

61 absolutely! DELICIOUSWith Tony Vallone

62 absolutely! DELICIOUS LISTING

IN EVERY ISSUE

8 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

40 OUT & ABOUT IN THE HEART OF MEMORIAL

48 COMMUNITY EVENTS

50 MEMORIAL MENTIONS

64 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY

CONTRIBUTORS

38

Jan Glenn Journalist Page 38

36

Patrick BironBirons Youth Sports Center Page 36

Nancy L. Rommelmann Family Law Attorney Page 45

45

Kerstin Brown TMS Serenity CenterPage 24

24

Stephanie ValtasarosContributor Page 48

48

Steve KursarAuto Enthusiast Page 42

42

Suzanne Stiles Memorial Mentions Page 50

50

Tammy HamptonContributor Page 53

53

Tony Vallone Vallones Page 61

61

Tamara LeFevre ContributorPage 12

12

16

Debbie Clemensabsolutely! Fabulous FindsPage 16

Alex BeltSilly Silly Girls Page 20

20

NEWSWORTHY

21 CITY ARTWORKS Presents Art of Conversation

26 SPRING BRANCH EDUCATION FOUNDATION Announces New Board Members

35 LOCAL ORCHESTRA KICKS OFF SECOND SEASON With Music and Sweets

37 JAMIES HOPE Presents Fourth Annual Masquerade for a Cure Gala

44 BENDWOOD SCHOOL TEACHER Attends Space Camp to Improve Skills

46 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HOUSTONNames New Senior Minister

MEMORIAL RESIDENTS Star in Bonnie & Clyde

54 THE PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOWS What to Wear to that Equestrian Affaire

SPRING BRANCH-MEMORIAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONPresents 2015 Sporting Clays Tournament

55 MONSTROUS MAYHEMAt the Childrens Museum of Houston

BUS INESS BR IEFS

49 WOMEN DRIVING BUSINESS SERIESProvides High Heel Connections

56 MEMORIAL CITY MALLWelcomes Maggianos Little Italy to West End

ON THE COVER:Amy Waltz,Tamara LeFevre and Vanessa Vance.Photography by Hallie Keller.

MEET THE FACES OF NEUROSCIENCE

Offering advanced neurology, neurosurgery, pain management, and neuro-oncology services.

Innovative, comprehensive and convenient care. Thats what you can expect from the neuroscience experts affiliated with UTHealth Medical School and Memorial Hermann. Were part of Mischer Neuroscience Associates, which means all of our patients are treated by some of Greater Houstons brightest neuroscience minds. From neuro- oncology to complex spine and intracranial medicine to rehabilitation and beyond, were advancing health right here in West Houston at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.

Mischer Neuroscience Associates- Memorial City929 Gessner Road, Suite 2410Houston, TX 77024

Mischer Neuroscience Associates-KatyMedical Plaza 123920 Katy Freeway, Suite 240Katy, TX 77494

Call 713.242.4410 to book an appointment or visit

neuro.memorialhermann.org to learn more.


EXCLAMATION POINTS!THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOPAssociate Publisher, LARA BELL

The month of October always evokes shades of pink fluttering in my mind for Breast Can-cer Awareness month. Every year, we celebrate those who are on the forefront fighting this illness through a diagnosis, as well as family members caring for their loved ones and the doctors, nurses and researchers looking for a cure. On the cover, we have three very brave Memorial ladies who have battled this horrible disease.

Also in the month of October, we look forward to Halloween. Turn to page 34 for a cute pumpkin decoration to make, and Jan Glenn shows us some spooky animals on page 38 and they are spooky! When Jan was my producer, around Halloween, she used to book guests to come on the show with bats, snakes and spiders. I think she did it so she could watch me squirm on television! She loves her animals, no matter what type!

Youll also meet the Bairds, a family who spent some time in Africa helping forgotten children, and some Memorial kids who are on their way to Broadway via the new TUTS production of Bonnie & Clyde!

As I close, please remember to get tickets to the Spring Branch Education Foun-dation Luncheon on October 8th at Royal Sonesta. Elaine Turner and Chloe Dao are the featured designers, and Patty Busmire and I are co-chairing. I can promise it is going to be a great time! For tickets, visit sbef.ejoinme.org/styleshow.

Absolutely! yours,

LaraLara [email protected]

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700STAFFORD , TX 77477

281-690-4242

WWW.ABSOLUTELYMEMORIAL.COM

absolutely! MemorialTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright 2015 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. abso-lutely! MemorialTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. abso-lutely! MemorialTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

Vol. 11 No. 10 October 2015

Subscription requests are free to all Memorial and Galleria addresses. Annual paid subscription of $25 required outside the Memorial/Galleria area.

Publishedby

PUBLISHEREDITOR-IN-CHIEFPatti Parish-Kaminski

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERLara Bell

MANAGING EDITORSarah Bearden

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEJessica Kij

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESJennifer ElliottMolly Ellis Kay Garrett

Andrea Rigamonti Suzanne Stiles

ART DIRECTORGrace Belleza

WEB DESIGNERJoey Belleza

OFFICE ADMINISTRATORAdrienne Boring

PHOTOGRAPHYHallie Keller

CONTRIBUTORSAlex Belt

Patrick BironKerstin BrownDebbie Clemens

Jan GlennTammy HamptonSteve Kursar

Tamara LeFevreNancy L. Rommelmann

Suzanne StilesTony Vallone

Stephanie Valtasaros

INTERN Santiago Ceballos

INQUIRIES281-690-4242

EDITORIAL [email protected]

Brooks and Dylan Milam at the pumpkin patch.

READER FEEDBACK

@larabell

Lara,

I always look forward to my edition of absolutely! Memorial and cant thank you enough for the spotlight this month! Thank you for all you do for our local community.

Wendy DawsonFounder, Social Motion Skills

Thanks to absolutely! Memorial Magazine for the note! It really was a great pride to be part of the honorees of Legends of the Future: Celebrating Heroines and Heroes Gala.

Carmina Zamorano

Thanks to absolutely! Memorial Magazine and Lara Bell for choosing us as a Labor Day weekend getaway pick!

Hyatt Market Street - The Woodlands

Amazing article. God bless Noah! Thank you absolutely! Memorial!

Dolores Rosales

The goal for Noah was to feel good about himself and have fun! Glad to hear the mission was accomplished. Love your magazine!

Robert Prazak

Nes

ossi

Stud

ios

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The first thing I thought was, Me? Im so healthy! I never smoked, was never overweight, barely drank, exercised and ate pretty healthily except for a major addiction to sugar. There was no history of cancer in my family either. Never-theless, it chose me, and the whirlwind began.

It was Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the right breast. My gynecologist detected a lump, even though I had just had my annual mammogram and a follow up ultrasound six months earlier. Needless to say, I was no longer feeling 50 and fabulous. I had certainly experienced challenges be-fore, but this felt much bigger. I repeatedly reminded myself that so many women go through this and survive, yet I also worried about my job and above all, my son, who was starting his freshman year in high school.

For me, moving quickly was the answer. But depending on the type of cancer, stage and tumor size, there are a lot of

I n retrospect, it was like a grown-up game of Freeze Tag. Remember playing that game as a child? Whoever was it chased the other players around, freezing them in place by tagging them. Once you were tagged, you couldnt move until another player saved you by tagging you again.

COVER STORYBy Tamara LeFevre

Beyond Butterf lies: A Grown-Up

Metamorphosis

Vanessa Vance, Tamara LeFevre and Amy Waltz.Photo by Hallie Keller.

In the game I found myself in, breast cancer was it, and it had already tagged two people very close to me in the pre-vious 12 months. I kind of knew deep down even before my doctor walked in with her eyes all soft and apologetic: It was cancer. And now, it had gotten me too on July 14, 2014.


Vanessa and I were introduced by a mutual friend who thought we might be helpful to one another. She was right. Vanessa invited me over for lunch, and as we sat at her kitchen table and began to talk about our stories, our kids, our fears and the many challenges of treatment, it was more like reconnecting with an old friend I hadnt seen in a few years than meeting someone new. We soon learned that we were the Kevin Bacon of Memorial. You know, six degrees of separation? We marveled at the fact that we somehow man-aged not to meet sooner. Every other day, we discovered yet another mutual friend from all corners of our lives. One such friend was Amy Waltz.

Amy was the first person to humble me with the kindness of a stranger. She is my neighbor, but we had only briefly met once before. After another neighbor told her about my situa-tion, Amy lovingly left the book Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life on my doorstep and a card in which she wrote that she would be honored to walk with me through the journey, and she did.

decisions to be made, often without delay or any guaranteed outcomes. What facility will I go to? Lumpectomy or mastec-tomy? Single or double? Which doctors do I choose? Recon-struction? What kind? If the tumor analysis puts me in only the intermediate zone of risk for recurrence, will I do chemo or not?

Within two and a half weeks of my diagnosis, in the same space of time one might spend on a memorable family vaca-tion, I had met with seven doctors, had multiple tests, talked to CanCare volunteers, as well as family and friends, con-ducted speed-dating style research and scheduled my first surgery a mastectomy. I was blessed not to need radiation and opted to forego chemo after determining that the poten-tial complications outweighed the likely benefits for my situ-ation.

So, I had three surgeries in just over four months and be-gan the ever-so-delightful five-year course of Tamoxifen, an oral medication prescribed to pre-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive cancers to decrease the chance of recurrence. I entered 2015 with hope, optimism and grati-tude, along with some adjustments. Cancer affects a persons self-image and relationships with others. Some relationships get stronger, while some may not survive.

What surprised me the most was the support I received from people I didnt expect it from and the lack of support from certain people I did expect it from, said Vanessa Vance. Married with two boys, Vanessa was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) of the right breast on March 11, 2014 at the age of 45. Fortunately, however, there was far more support than lack of support, especially within the Memorial community.

Vanessa noticed something the month before while in the shower, but like many, wrote it off as a likely cyst, com-mon for women with dense breast tissue. A month later, she decided to get it checked out. Vanessas treatment required chemo first to shrink the tumors. Since she had a family his-tory of breast cancer, Vanessa chose to have a double mastec-tomy and a hysterectomy. She also underwent radiation and later, reconstruction.

Stephen Laney, Jake V. Sandoval, Jack V. Laney and Vanessa Vance.

Tamara LeFevre and son Grayson Hart.

Isabella, Amy, Julia, Brett and Jacob Waltz. Photo by Elisabeth Purdy.


Amy invited me to yoga, took me out for coffee when I couldnt drive and left me care packages. As it turns out, Amy knew a lot about cancer. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 IDC on March 20, 2008, when she was 35 with three young children under the age of six. Amy endured chemo, radiation, a double mastectomy and many reconstructive surgeries. A stay-at-home mom, Amy quickly put to use her social worker training to focus on becoming healthy.

I was desperate to know why I had been given such a dreadful diagnosis, said Amy. The more I read, the more I learned that lifestyle choices, including our food choices, are directly related to most cancers, more so than genetics. Like me, Amy had no history of cancer in her family and was an otherwise healthy woman.

After Amys diagnosis, her husband and friends put to-gether a team, Waltz Warriors, to run in the Komen Race for the Cure. They raised $25,000 and didnt stop there. Every year, Waltz Warriors raises funds for the Pink Ribbons Proj-ect, an organization that uses the arts to heal those touched by cancer. Not surprisingly, Amy continues to be a source of information and support to many women going through cancer.

Like Amy, learning more about cancer and its prevention gave me the resolve to move through it and into a healthier future. Vanessa agreed, My adherence to an informed, inte-grative practice helped me maintain optimism and a rational sense about my remission.

So, my new breast friends and I share information while reminding each other of the importance of attitude and the amazing power of our minds to shape our realities. We all have a renewed commitment to visualize health, express gratitude daily, practice stillness, pray and nourish our souls. As a single mom with a demanding job, my life is busy and gets out of balance fairly easily. Cancer tagged me and whispered a message in my ear.

With cancer comes the gift of new friendships among sur-vivors who lift each other up in a way that no one else can. And, its a gift that keeps on giving. Last summer, I happened to see a Facebook post about a woman in our area who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I hesitated briefly, then remembered how helpful the CanCare volunteers had been to me, so I sent her a message offering to talk. A couple of months later, that same woman was standing at my door to purchase something I had posted for sale on Memorial Area Trading. She had tears in her eyes when she realized I was the person who had sent her the previous message. That was a good time to talk.

Ginny Endecott was diagnosed on June 9, 2015 with Stage 3 IDC and is undergoing six months of chemo before having surgery and radiation. When I met her, she was wearing a scarf and hat to cover her bare head and had just dropped off her 12 year-old daughter for the first day of school. Ginny was recovering from the jolt of having just faced the other

parents and kids at school with her dramatically changed appearance, aware of averted eyes and conscious of the fact that not everyone can be immediately comfortable with the change. Its an adjustment for everyone.

Three weeks before her diagnosis, Ginny and her husband fulfilled their dream of buying a rental property in Florida along Highway 30-A. Their plans to refurbish the property were temporarily put on hold after the diagnosis, but Ginny kept moving ahead. I dont know what is wrong with me! Ginny said. Focusing on home improvement is my new ob-session! Its a way of making sure I have something to plan for, and hunting for deals when I feel well enough has been a nice diversion.

I shared with Ginny that I had done something similar after my diagnosis. I wanted everything in order. I wanted my bedroom fixed up to feel fresh and new. Any update I had ever been considering I suddenly wanted to do. I realized that it was a way of taking control of what I could and also creat-ing something beautiful in the eye of an ugly storm. I told Ginny that I thought her obsession was normal and thera-peutic. I also introduced Ginny to Amy and Vanessa.

The ultimate metamorphosis can be beautiful, just like the proverbial butterfly, if allowed. We just have to embrace the change and each other. Tamara LeFevre

Jason, Ginny and Maddy Endecott with their dog Cookie.Photo by Diana Waguespack.

Going through cancer is a major renovation of the body and soul, but the demolition and reconstruction happen si-multaneously. Chemo attacks a persons system, while at the same time they try to eat healthily to restore and improve their immune system. Parts of the body are literally stripped away, while new parts are added. Medications change a per-sons chemistry and personality, while prayer and reflection may expand their heart and appreciation for life. Grief and hope co-exist.

While this experience is painful and leaves scars both physically and emotionally the ultimate metamorphosis can be beautiful, just like the proverbial butterfly, if allowed. We just have to embrace the change and each other.

WE GETCHILDRENBETTER

Specialized care. Extra-special attention.At Childrens Memorial Hermann Hospital, children are our specialty. Our expertise spans all ages and conditions, from fetal surgery in the womb to the grade-schooler with epilepsy or the young athlete with a sports injury. In fact, the a liated team of pediatric specialists from UTHealth Medical School brings the latest advances in dozens of specialties from neuroscience to orthopedics to cardiology all in one very special hospital.

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Advertorial

O n May 22nd at 7 AM, when Verna Schoen turned and slipped

on a roly-poly, lemon-sized Magnolia tree seed pod, she was airborne for a split second, then came crashing down

forearm first, shattering it to smithereens. She didnt dream this was going to be one of her lucky days. This was the day she would land Barbara Wilson as her surgeon.

Barbara J. Wilson, MD, FACS:

Gifted Hand Surgeon

Over dinner at the Ristorante Cavour, Barbara J. Wilson, MD, FACS (center) discusses options for anony-mous Houston entrepreneur (left) referred by grateful patient Verna Schoen (right). Dr. Wilson is a clinical instructor for the Baylor University Hand Surgery Fellowship Training program and an active member of the American Society of Surgery of the Hand.

Barbara J. Wilson, MD, FACS

Many more people have afflictions below the elbow than you might at first imagine. Arthritis of the thumb joint is the most common form of arthritis among women. The good news is this can be treated surgically. Many men have what is known as trig-ger finger that can be very disfiguring and inconvenient. Trigger finger is a condition whereby the fingers or thumb catch or lock when bent. It happens when tendons in the finger or thumb be-come inflamed, usually as the result of repeated movement or forceful use of the digit. Some people have never been diagnosed and simply work around the affliction. Happily, non-surgical remedies for this condition can produce almost im-mediate relief.

By 7:20 AM, Verna was in the near-est emergency clinic, where she was referred to Houston Hand Surgeon Dr. Barbara Wilson. Miracle #1: When a friend called for an appointment, Ver-na explained, Dr. Wilson answered the phone, because her reception-ist was out. Miracle #2: Dr. Wilson worked me in for a 1 pm appointment and then as an add-on surgery at 4 pm on a Friday.

Vernas radius X-ray looked like a jigsaw puzzle, so the only option was a four and a half-inch by two-inch ti-tanium plate screwed into place to fuse the bone fragments. Miracle #3:

Rather than suffering through the Memorial Day weekend with a badly broken arm, marveled Verna, I was already healing. Miracle #4: Less than a day after the surgery, I could bend my swollen fingers into a fist and almost cross my thumb to my little finger. It was amazing. In my opinion, she is not just a physician, shes a ma-gician.

One of the people who inquired about Vernas injury is a well-known Houston business owner. He preferred to remain anonymous for purposes of this article, but referring to Dr. Wil-son, he said, From what Ive seen and

heard, I wouldnt have anyone else op-erate on my hand. Some people just have God-given talent.

Wilson Hand Surgery 6550 Fannin Street, Ste. 2321 Houston, TX 77030 832-530-4081

Verna Corriveau-Schoen, CLU, ChFC, MSFS is a Wealth Advisor, COO and Partner at Robertson Wealth Management. Member Insured Retirement Institute. Securities offered through First Allied Securities Inc. A Registered Broker/Dealer Member: FiNRA/SiPC


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Q Do you have a favorite place to buy unique Halloween costumes?A I absolutely love Chasing Fireflies. Almost all of our costumes have come from this fabulous website, www.chasing-fireflies.com. My girls start looking at the catalog in July when the Halloween costumes start appearing and circle the ones they want. I like these costumes because they are not the same old costumes that everyone else will have. The quality is worth the price. I go all out on our Halloween costumes, because I store them once they are worn and will keep them forever. With three girls, I have been able to pull a costume out of a box for many last-minute costume changes.

Alex Belt is a Memorial mom, business owner and all around in the know kind of gal. Friends call on her relentlessly for advice on how to plan a party and what trend is in. Now that fall has arrived and Halloween is just around the corner, its time to prepare. So, were doing what everyone else does asking Alex!

Q I have purchased some of your hand-painted Halloween door decorations in the past.

Do you still sell artwork for the holidays?

A My family still loves painting our holiday door decorations! This is how we got started, after all. The Silly Silly Girls Gift Boutique offers many different designs, from hand-painted to manufactured. We sell out of our hand-painted door decorations quickly, so call early for a custom piece. If we dont have any hand-painted door decorations left, we offer tons of other door dcor that can be personalized to make your door very whimsical! Visit www.sillysillygirls.com.

Hannah and Hollyn Bothe, Jeannette Belt and Jessica Youngblood all dressed up for Halloween.

Rio Wade

The corn maze at Dewberry Farms.

Photo from http://dew

berryfarm.com

Q Do you have a list of really good pumpkin patches in the area, so I can get aphoto with my little one?

A Yes! The top three places that I recommend are Memorial Drive United Methodist Church (UMC), Dewberry Farms and Blessington Farms.

Q I am looking for some fun activities for my kids during the fall. What are somethings that you are looking

forward to this season?

A I am so excited that Dewberry Farms has teamed up with Blue Bell for the 2015 fall season. Their corn maze is comprised of the Blue Bell logo cut into the corn stalks. With miles of trails cut into the maze, kids are sure to have a great time trying to navigate the twists and turns in search of the exit. When they find their way out, they can head over to the parlor for some wonderful Blue Bell ice cream.

Ask Alex: All About Fall



City ArtWorksPresents

Art of Conversation

As art education in schools declines, the need for a creative visual art out-let for children becomes increasingly important. Memorial residents Denise Bush Bahr, Deborah Colton and Olga Bush, along with River Oaks resident Evelyn Leightman, have come together for Art of Conversation, a fundraiser for the Spring Branch-based non-profit City ArtWorks set for noon on November 2nd at the Junior League of Houston.

Chaired by Colton and Leightman and honoring Bahr and Bush, the event will feature over 30 celebrity conversational-ists. Proceeds will provide a significant percentage of the funds necessary to support City ArtWorks childrens visual arts enrichment programs. In addition to offering programs that benefit low-income children, City ArtWorks features an Art After School program for elemen-tary and middle school students and Art Smart for younger children.

Tickets to the luncheon are available for $175 each, and tables may be pur-chased for $1,750 to $5,000. For more information, contact Reyes Ramirez at 713-681-1331 or visit www.cityartworks.org.

NEWSWORTHY

Denise Bush Bahr and Olga Bush.


cation Bible School day camp on the Family Legacy compound, which is lo-cated outside Zambias capital city of Lusaka.

For seven weeks of the summer, Family Legacy bused in nearly 1,000 Zambian orphans for a fun-filled camp centered on teaching them the amaz-ing grace of Jesus Christ. Most of these children had never played on play-ground equipment or colored a picture with crayons. Camp Life gave them the opportunity to do this and so much more. Most importantly, the orphans were given a chance to be a child, un-tethered and allowed the freedom to experience the simple joys of childhood.

Each Baird family member was responsible for shepherding a group of 10 Zambian orphans through the week. According to the Bairds, one of their favorite days was toward the end of the week when the Americans went into the neighborhoods where the or-phans lived. On this day, the orphans shepherded the Americans, leading them through their villages, as they unashamedly shared the Gospel with the locals in their community. These communities, located on the outskirts of Lusaka, have no running water or

R aising a family in the Memo-rial area is a dreamy scenario for most parents with its beau-tiful neighborhoods, excellent schools and thriving church communities. However, it can provide a very nar-row view of what the rest of the world looks like. For many parents, there is a common struggle of providing their children with all of the material com-forts of America while impressing upon them the real struggles of extreme pov-erty in other parts of the world.

It is hard for a child to comprehend what it means to live on a dirt floor and eat one meal a day when they have no standard of comparison, nor do they understand what it means to be a dou-ble orphan to have lost both parents and to live as a burden to other family members or neighbors.

The Bible states in James 1:27, Re-ligion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for or-phans and widows in their distress. The Baird family chose to step out of their comfort zone this past summer and to live out their Christian faith. They traveled to Zambia, Africa to min-ister to orphans through an organiza-tion called Family Legacy.

On July 23rd, Mark, Gwen, Lil-lie, Charlie and John Baird boarded a plane in Houston. Two days later, they arrived in Zambia with a simple mission: to share the Gospel of Jesus with orphans and to love them without reservation. They spent a week doing exactly that through Camp Life, a Va-

From Memorial to Africa

Lillie, Gwen, Mark, Charlie and John Baird with their Zambia family at Camp Life in Zambia, Africa.

Charlie Baird with a new friend in Zambia.

electricity. The median age in Zambia is 16, so there are many children roam-ing the streets and alleyways. Of the 13 million people living in that country, one million are orphan children.

Family Legacy impacts children not only through Camp Life but by also of-fering them the opportunity to get an education through a Legacy school, where they receive a top-notch Chris-tian education, a warm nutritious meal each day and a school uniform. These programs are paid for through sponsor-ships, which mostly come from Ameri-cans who attend Camp Life, as well as their family and friends. It is a small, monthly sacrifice that changes the life of a Zambian child forever. Currently, the Bairds sponsor two orphans, and they spent the week at Camp Life with both of them.

The Bairds week in Zambia may be over, but the friendships they built with the Zambian orphans will forever be a part of who they are. We think about them every day and cant wait to see them again next year, said Gwen. The experience was so meaningful for the entire family that they are already making plans for their return trip next summer.

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TAKE THE FIRST STEP

IN ELIMINATING

functional, stated Dr. Cress. You feel like its affecting your relationships, work and ability to enjoy yourself. You cant turn it off.

How do you know whether this is typical stress or worry or if you have GAD? Dr. Cress noted some major dif-ferences:

Normal Worry: Worrying does not interfere with

your relationships, job or social life.

You feel that your concerns are controllable and can be dealt with at a later time.

Your worries cause only mild distress.

A specific cause initiated your worrying.

Worry only lasts for a brief period with a beginning and an end.

Worry isnt usually accompa-nied by physical or psychological symptoms.

GAD: Worrying significantly interferes

with work or social activities. You feel that your worrying is out

of your control. Your worries are very distressing

and pervasive. Worrying began for no reason. Three or more physical or psycho-

logical symptoms occur with your worrying, such as sleep prob-lems, irritability, tense muscles, problems concentrating, fatigue or restlessness.

Chronic worry and stress can also trigger a host of health issues. The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying and anxiety. The fight or flight response causes the bodys sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones, such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the

Y oure worried about X, Y and Z. You obsess about them for hours every day, maybe for weeks. Its safe to assume that most of us have experienced stress in one form or another, whether its a deadline at work, a family conflict or an important decision. But, contrary to popular be-lief, there is a difference between nor-mal stress and anxiety.

Dr. Kimberly Cress, Medical Direc-tor at the TMS Serenity Center, says the main difference between worry and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is that the symptoms start to cause dys-function and are more frequent with GAD. Excessive stress and worry about a variety of everyday problems that is disproportionate to the events and that linger six months or more can indicate GAD. One recent study found that people without GAD tended to worry an average of 55 minutes a day, while those with GAD worried for 310 min-utes each day. Thats one hour of worry compared to five.

Stress and worry are the bodys reactions to a circumstance or situa-tion that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response. While people typically associate stress with negative responses, it can be caused by any change even positive ones.

Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause nervous-ness, fear, apprehension and worry. Anxiety disorders are the most com-mon mental illnesses in America, af-fecting around 18 percent of the United States population in any given year and almost 30 percent of American adults across their lifespan. The aver-age age of onset is 31 years-old and af-fects twice as many women as men.

Anxiety can become a problem when your worry flip switch gets stuck to the on position. It starts to become dys-

body for fuel. The hormones also cause physical reactions such as:

Difficulty swallowing Dizziness Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) Fast heartbeat Fatigue Headaches Irritable bowel with diarrhea

and/or constipation Irritability Muscle aches Muscle tension Nausea, knots in the stomach Nervous energy Rapid breathing Shortness of breath Sweating Trembling and twitchingWhen to Get Help:Many will see their general physi-

cian numerous times to address their physical complaints, but they are not aware that GAD is the cause. When in-dividuals struggle with multiple physi-cal symptoms throughout the body, the common denominator is anxiety.

GAD is typically treated with psycho-therapy, medications or both. However, when an individual cannot tolerate medications due to side effects, or they continue to suffer from anxiety despite numerous medications, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy is a great treatment option.

If youre struggling with overwhelm-ing anxiety, dont hesitate to seek help. Contact a mental health professional if you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, excessive worry or if you feel stress is affecting your health. Weve had great success treating patients who suffer from anxiety with TMS Therapy, Dr. Cress stated. Were able to turn the worry switch off and get patients back to enjoying their lives again.

By Kerstin Brown

When Worry Becomes Worrisome: The Difference Between

Normal Stress and Anxiety Disorders



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Meet Stephan PastisSunday, October 18th

Spring BranchEducation Foundation

Announces New Board Members

The Spring Branch Education Foun-dation (SBEF) recently named new members to its board of directors for the 2015-2016 term. SBEF provides a vehi-cle for donors to make tax-deductible gifts to benefit Spring Branch Independ-ent School District to enhance the edu-cation of its 35,000 students.

Lisa Schwartz, co-owner of Balfour Yearbooks, Houston/European office, is the boards chair and J. Carter Breed, owner of REMAX Memorial Town and Country, is secretary and treasurer. Both are completing two-year terms.

New members to the SBEF board of directors, serving three-year terms, in-clude Jennifer Cobb, Becky Fenn, Sheri Leigh-Gross, Tamma Howell, Daniel Irv-ing, Marc Magness, DDS, Jeff Majew-ski, Vincent Montalbano, Dr. Scott Muri, Kristi Robishaw, Warren Sloan, Laura Stein and Dmel Tatum.

SBEF is a 501(c)(3) organization com-mitted to supporting Spring Branch ISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund pro-grams that enhance education and pre-pare students for the future.

For more information, visit www.springbranchisd.com/sbef.

NEWSWORTHY

Lisa Schwartz

Educate yourself and your loved ones about awareness and detection.Learn about treatment options available in our community.

October is

Breast CancerAwarenessMonth


FOCUS ON THE CURE

Common Breast Cancer Myths:The Truth About Breast Cancer

W hile early detection and advances in treatment have created millions of breast cancer survivors, it remains the second-deadliest cancer affecting American women. As oncologists, we often hear misconceptions about the disease from patients. Its important to have the facts and dispel common myths surrounding breast cancer.

Myth No. 1:Youll only get breast cancerif you have a family history.

A higher risk of developing breast cancer can be inherited through gene mutations. Only five to 10 percent of cancers are from inherited gene mutations, and many women diag-nosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, said Dr. Michelina Cairo, medical oncologist, Texas OncologyHouston Memorial City.

If you have a strong family history of cancer, genetic test-ing can identify your risk for certain cancer types, including breast and ovarian. Reducing risk and detecting cancer early are the most important things people can do to protect their health.

Myth No. 2: If you are diagnosed with breast cancer,

you must have your breasts removed.

A breast cancer diagnosis does not automatically result in a mastectomy. The type and stage of the cancer will im-pact the need for a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Treatment

options, often used in combination, can include radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, bone-directed therapy or hormone therapy.

A clinical trial may offer the best approach to fighting can-cer. Texas Oncology, through its affiliation with US Oncology Research, has contributed to the approval of more than 50 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date.

Patients interested in participating in a trial should con-sult with their oncologist to determine eligibility, benefits and risks, said Dr. Frankie Ann Holmes, medical oncologist, Texas OncologyHouston Memorial City.

Myth No. 3: Lumps in your breasts

mean you have breast cancer.

Many conditions may cause breast lumps, including be-nign conditions. Its important to pay attention to other less-known symptoms of breast cancer, including change in breast size or shape; thickening of breast or underarm; nipple retraction or discharge; dimpled skin near the breast; ten-derness or pain in breast or nipple; a lump under your arm or around the collarbone or irritation, redness, scaliness or swelling on the breast, nipple or skin near the nipple.

While these are symptoms of breast cancer, changes in your breasts can also indicate non-cancerous conditions. Consult your physician immediately if you experience any of the symptoms above, said Dr. Holmes.

Myth No. 4: Breast cancer only affects women.

Breast cancer is more common in women; however, men can also be diagnosed. About one in 1,000 men will be diag-nosed with breast cancer in his lifetime. Breast cancer can have a huge impact on the lives of those diagnosed and their families. While it cannot be completely prevented, there are steps women can take to decrease their risk.

Regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake and maintain-ing a healthy body weight may reduce your breast cancer risk, said Dr. Cairo. With regular screenings and advanced technology and treatments, more people than ever are sur-viving this disease.

Dr. Michelina CairoTexas Oncology

Sugar Land

Dr. Frankie Ann HolmesTexas Oncology

Sugar Land


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TEXAS ONCOLOGYHOUSTON MEMORIAL CITY 925 Gessner Road, Suites 100, 310 and 550Houston, TX 77024 713-467-1722

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FOCUS ON THE CURE

Cancer Doesnt Mean We Have to Stop Living:Regain Your Energy and Vitality!

T oday, there are 14 million cancer survivors in the United States. Many continue to suffer from the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments as long as 10 years after completing treatment. These patients are looking for help to restore and maintain their health. Oncologists are focused on pa-thology and destroying cancer cells but are not usually the source of strate-gies to restore and maintain healthy function. There are natural solutions to help survivors regain their energy, vitality and quality of life after cancer.

Nutritional Testingand IV Therapy

Having the proper balance of essen-tial nutrients is important to feel well, have energy and help prevent the re-occurrence of cancer. This is especially important for cancer patients, since the treatments for cancer can deplete the body of key nutrients. Nutritional Defi-ciencies Testing is a means to identify which vitamins, minerals, amino acids

and antioxidants a person is deficient in so that they can supplement appro-priately.

IV Therapy is a method of deliver-ing important nutrients directly into the bloodstream. By bypassing the di-gestive system, a person can get the benefit of 100 percent of the nutrients, since they do not have to bypass the digestive system. Some of the most important nutrients that are vital for the prevention of cancer include glutathione, which is the bodys master antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps re-duce inflammation in the body and the Myers Cocktail, which can help with energy and overall wellness.

Supplementation with high quality, medical grade supplements are also important. Some of the more important supplements for breast cancer survi-vors are DIM, which is important in helping to remove unhealthy estrogen metabolites, and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), which helps the body produce more of the antioxidant glutathione.

Inflammation, Gut Healthand Food Sensitivities

Inflammation is one of the primary causes of cancer and all diseases, for that matter. Inflammation in the body originates from the gut. One of the pri-mary causes of an unhealthy gut is the overgrowth of a yeast called candida albicans. Candida overgrowth can com-monly occur due to the overuse of anti-biotics that kill off the good bacteria in the gut that are essential to keep the candida from taking over.

Another common cause of gut in-

flammation is food sensitivities. Most people are aware of food allergies, but food sensitivities are much more com-mon and commonly go overlooked, since they do not cause an anaphylac-tic reaction. The most common food sensitivities are corn, wheat, dairy, soy and eggs. Food Sensitivities Testing is an important part of identifying food sensitivities so that a person can avoid foods causing inflammation in their body.

MonaLisa Touchfor Vaginal Atrophy

A womans sexual wellbeing is also an important part of a life of vitality. Unfortunately, a condition called Vulvo Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) can commonly occur in women after undergoing can-cer treatments. Breast cancer treat-ment increases the prevalence of VVA, because the surgical and chemothera-peutic agents used in its treatment can cause or exacerbate VVA. A revolution-ary treatment for VVA called Mona-Lisa Touch can restore the vagina to a healthy state and greatly reduce the symptoms associated with VVA, which can include vaginal dryness, irritation and painful intercourse. This proce-dure is highly effective, fast, painless and completely safe for breast cancer survivors.

Restoring a life full of health, ener-gy and vitality can be achieved with a combination of these natural solutions. Be your own health advocate, and edu-cate yourself on integrative treatments to ensure long-term health that is can-cer free!

Dr. Shelena C. LaljiDr. Shel Wellness

& Medical Spa


FOCUS ON THE CURE

929 Gessner, Suite 1300 13th Floor Houston, Texas 77024 Memorial Hermann Medical Tower Garage 5

UT Physicians Womens Centerat Memorial City

UT Physicians Womens Center at Memorial City offers Comprehensive Care for Women of all ages with a personalized touch at our premier location in Memorial City. Our OB/Gyns, Dr. Barbara Schroeder, Dr. Tiffany Tarrant and Dr. Jenny Van Winkle are affiliated with UT Health and are able to provide the most comprehensive medical care available in a private, personal and compassionate environment.

For your first gynecologic exam through childbirth, for complex gynecologic issues, for easing the transition through menopause and for staying healthy whatever your age, UT Physicians Womens Center at Memorial City is uniquely poised to be with you every step of the way.

Well Woman Care and Preventative Health Screening

General & Complex Obstetrics & Gynecology

Adult & Adolescent Gynecology

Minimally Invasive Surgery/Robotic Surgery

Reproductive and Pelvic Health Issues

713-486-6600 for Appointmentswww.UTPhysicians.com

UT Physicians Womens Center at Memorial City

Left to Right: Barbara Schroeder, MD; Tiffany Tarrant, MD; Jenny Van Winkle, MD and Jenna Mury, NP

DidYou Know?


B reast cancer can affect both men and women and is one of the most common forms of cancer. Thanks to increased awareness and screenings, many cases are di-agnosed early and treated success-fully. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common form of breast cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all breast cancers. Although IDC can affect women of any age, it is most common among women age 55 or older. The good news is that this type of cancer is highly curable, provided it has not spread outside of the ducts to other breast tissue. Survival rates for any breast cancers diagnosed in the early stages are excellent.

W hen a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, tests are then conducted to study the cancer cells. According to the Na-tional Cancer Institute, such tests are used to determine how quickly the cancer may grow and the like-lihood that the cancer will spread throughout the body. These tests also may help doctors determine a course of treatment and if a patient is likely to experience a recurrence of the cancer down the road.

One such test is the estrogen and progesterone receptor test, which measures the amount of es-trogen and progesterone receptors in cancer tissue. The cancer may grow more quickly in patients who have more of these receptors than normal. In addition to measuring the amount of these hormones in the cancer tissue, an estrogen and progesterone test can determine if a treatment aimed at blocking es-trogen and progesterone may pre-vent the cancer from growing.

Source: metrocreativeconnection.com

FOCUS ON THE CURE

Breast Reconstruction

John T. Nguyen, MD, FICSPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery

B reast reconstruction is one or more operations performed to restore all components of the breast of women who have undergone mastectomy or removal of the entire breast. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy has evolved over the last century to become an integral component in the therapy for many women with breast cancer. A complete breast reconstruction in-cludes recreating the breast mound, the nipple and areola complex so that the breasts are symmetric with regard to pigmentation, shape, size, projection and position.

The Goals of Breast Reconstruction:

To provide permanent breast contour.

To make the breasts look balanced. To give the convenience of not

requiring an external prosthesis. Breast Reconstruction

Can Be Performed Using: Artificial material (a silicone shell

filled with either silicone gel or sa-line) placed under the skin.

The womans own tissues (skin, muscle, fat) from another part of the body (flap reconstruction).

Pedicled flap: In this type of flap reconstruction, the tissues remain connected to the area of the body from which they are taken. Specifi-cally, the blood supply to the trans-planted tissues is not interrupted.

Free flap: In this type of flap reconstruction, the tissues are cut

buttock, to the chest area, where it is shaped to form a new breast mound. Like the implant surgery, this opera-tion can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, or it can be delayed.

Advantages of Flap Reconstruction:

May eliminate the use of foreign material in the body.

Reconstructed breast usually looksand feels more natural.

Will last the womans life span. When successful, requires minimal

touch-up or redo operations throughout a womans lifetime.

Disadvantages of Flap Reconstruction:

Increased complexity and length of the surgery.

May require a longer recoveryperiod if muscle is included in thereconstruction.

Additional donor site scars.Some women may require an im-

plant, in addition to the flap recon-struction, for recreating the breast. If flap reconstruction is the selected op-tion for reconstructive surgery, then the surgeon must decide from which part of the body the required tissues are taken. The tissues for breast recon-struction can be taken from the back, abdomen, buttock or thigh.

Reconstruction of theNipple and Areola

Once the breast mound has been re-constructed, the nipple and areola (pig-mented area around the nipple) can be recreated approximately two to three months after the first breast reconstruc-tive surgery. A nipple can be created us-ing skin from the inner thigh, behind the ear, reconstructed breast or labia.

The skin can be tattooed to match the other nipple and areola. The recon-structed nipple and areola have very little sensation. Women who decide not to have nipple and areola reconstruc-tion performed can consider the option of nipple prosthesis.

off from the original area and graft-ed to the chest, and a new blood supply is created for the grafted tissues.

A combination of artificial material and the womans own tissues.

Timing of Breast Reconstruction: Immediate Versus Delayed

Immediate breast reconstruction is reconstruction that is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Delayed breast reconstruction is reconstruction that is performed weeks, months or years after the mastectomy.

Surgeons differ in their opinions about when breast reconstruction should be performed. If radiation therapy needs to be administered after mastectomy, then breast reconstruc-tion is generally delayed until the skin in the treated area has healed. Excel-lent results can usu

october 2015 - absolutely memorial magazine

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