Good News – More People Surviving Cancer!

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Good News – More People Are Surviving Cancer!

 The Boston Globe reported January 8th that “cancer deaths have fallen to their lowest rated since the numbers peaked in 1991,” based on a study done by the American Cancer Society.
Cancer Survivorship is a growing field offering education and specific programs addressing the long-term physical, mental-emotional, psychosocial, and financial, needs of those living with and living beyond cancer.
Cancer survivorship-graphic1
The Biennial Cancer Survivorship Symposium: Advancing Care and Research is taking place this weekend in San Francisco, CA. Sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO,) the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP,) and American College of Physicians (ACP) information is presented on treatment, research and support for patients with a cancer diagnosis and beyond.
Dana-Farber Institute Adult and Pediatric Survivorship* programs provide clinical care and services for cancer survivors, including research focused on finding solutions to key issues survivors may face after cancer treatment.

Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Tufts* Medical Center is for patients in this AYA age group who have been diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. The clinic is also available to patients that are survivors of pediatric cancers and now, as adolescents and young adults, need to transition their follow-up to a facility specifically designed for them. Tufts AYA Cancer Program offers age-appropriate, comprehensive care using a team-based approach for a personalized Survivorship Care Plan.

*You do not need to have been treated at Dana-Farber or Tufts in order to be seen in their Adult, Pediatric, and AYA Survivorship Programs. 

HOPE

HOLD ONTO HOPE

Friends of Mel Foundation holds an annual conference, The Art of Living; Life Beyond Cancer in Quincy MA, offering support and education for survivors and caregivers.

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Catch the Wave and Join in Reid’s Ride this Sunday!

Riding for Reid

Riding for Reid

Catch the Wave – Over 500 riders and 42 teams this year!  Still time to Register.  2 days until Reid’s Ride – Sunday. July 19th!! 

Where – Lynnfield to Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, Massachusetts. 

How You Can Support Reid’s Ride

  • Buy a Raffle Ticket on Sunday–  lots of prizes, including Red Sox Tickets and a ‘Basket of Wellness.’
  • Come out to Stage Fort Park, overlooking beautiful Gloucester Harbor, and share your support on Sunday!

Reid's Ride TIna Kethopulos and Lahey/AGH Staff

In memory – This year we dedicate the ‘Wellness Tent’ in honor and memory of Tina Ketchopulos, FOB and beloved friend, loved by many and missed by all who knew her. Tina first invited me to take part in this fundraiser in 2011, for which I am most grateful. Tina was a ‘daily breath of fresh air and sunshine,’ always smiling and ready to lend an ear or a hand, supporting many community events and charities.

‘Motivated by Love. Guided by Spirit.’  Why They Ride – to continue Reid’s Dream to end cancer.

AYA Facts:

  • Every 7 minutes an AYA is diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.
  • Cancer is the #1 disease related cause of death among AYA
  • Clinical trials are one of the most important tools for bringing improved and new therapies to cancer patients, but there haven’t been enough clinical trials for AYA cancer patients to make any meaningful progress in survival rate.

You Can Make a Difference! Join the Wave!

Catch the Wave - Reid's Ride

Catch the Wave – Reid’s Ride

Cancer Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults – Through this funding, the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program​ opened the first of its kind in New England – Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) cancer program and clinic at Tufts Medical Center and at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, providing directed care and treatment to AYA cancer patients.

For more info – http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezBp92AHnEM

~ Remembering those we’ve lost. Honoring and supporting those in treatment. 

Commemorating survivors. With Gratitude. ~   

May your generous ‘gifts of abundance’ return 10-fold, and may these gifts of abundance be used to help many.  

~ Karen Pischke, BSN, RN

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™  Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

 

 

 

Get Exercise and Bicycle for a Great Cause – ‘Reid’s Ride!’ Sunday. July 19th!

reid_sacco_life_is_like_sailing

Reid Sacco – “Life is Life Sailing”

‘Reid’s Ride’ Fundraiser and the Reid R. Sacco Foundation. Reid died from cancer at the young age of 20. Reid inspired many during his treatment with his courage and motivation to help others. Reid’s dream was to start a movement that would help find better treatment and find a cure for cancer. While I never met Reid, his courage, strength and inspiration live on through his family, friends and Reid’s foundation. http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/about-the-alliance/

In its 11th year, Reid’s Ride take’s place Sunday. July 19th. A 28 miles Bicycle ride through beautiful sea-side communities from Lynnfield to Gloucester, MA. To Register to Ride or Learn How You Can Donate – http://www.firstgiving.com/Reidsride

Riding for Reid

Reid’s Ride

The energy behind Reid’s Ride. Reid’s Family organize and are the energy behind Reid’s Ride. ‘Motivated by love’ and ‘guided by spirit!’ Raising money to support the Reid R. Sacco Foundation so that Reid’s legacy endures, they have raised enough money to support research and treatment for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer at medical centers in 3 states – CT, MA and ME.

The Reid R. Sacco Foundation Objectives –

  • To raise funds to support clinical research directed at finding better treatments and cures for cancers predominantly striking young adults
  • To grant scholarships to high school seniors demonstrating academic excellence, the pursuit of good health and physical fitness, excellent peer leadership, and outstanding character.

For more information on Resources for AYA – http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/resources/

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Reiki Share to Benefit ‘Reid’s Ride’ – Raising Funds for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

July 7th. ‘Community Reiki Share’ to Benefit ‘Reid’s Ride.’ 

‘Community Reiki Share.’ 5:15 pm – 8:15 pm at the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea. On the MBTA Train line; wheelchair accessible. Reiki Sessions ‘By Donation.’ $20.00 suggested donation. ($10.00 for Seniors.) Make Checks Payable to ‘Reid’s Ride.’

To find out more about Reid’s Ride and how you can participate and donate – http://www.firstgiving.com/Reidsride/2015-11th-annual-reids-ride. Join Lorraine and Deb Sacco and their wonderful group of organizers and participants!  Just being there is energizing!

Each month a local charity is designated to receive a portion of the proceeds. Using ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ to select which charity to team with, the first step being – Basic Physiological Needs (Air, Water, Food, Shelter.) The steps to ‘Realizing One’s Full Potential!’ 

Maslows Hierarchy Of Needs.svg

Charities we have partnered with include – Open Door Food Pantry, Beverly Boot Straps, (January,) Wellspring House (February,) Action Inc. (March,) Cape Ann Animal Aid (April,) SeniorCare, Inc. (May,) Relay for Life, Cape Ann (June,) and for July – Reid’s Ride. 

July 19. Teams participate and bicycle from Lynnfield to Stage Fort Park Gloucester MA to raise money to support the Reid R. Sacco Foundation for Adolescents and Young Adults – http://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/about-the-alliance/

Too many lives…, my family, friends, neighbors, and patients have been touched by this disease. Join us and help raise money for this important cause while enjoying some ‘peace, comfort and calm’ at the July 7th Community Reiki Share! 

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NSMC Cancer Walk – Celebration of Life, Hope and Courage. This is Worth Going Over the Bridge For!

NSMC 25th-Logo
A Celebration of Life, Hope and Courage. NSMC Cancer Walk. Sunday. June 28th. 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.  At the Salem Willows.
This Year is the 25th Anniversary of the North Shore Medical Center’s Cancer Walk. Money raised from the North Shore Cancer WALK/RUN will support the construction of the new inpatient oncology unit at North Shore Medical Center as well as wellness services and support programs at the Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center in Danvers, MA.
This event is worth going ‘over the bridge’ for! Cape Ann/Gloucester has a wonderful oncology department at Addison Gilbert, but many Cape Ann and north shore residents also use the facilities at MGH/NS Cancer Center in Danvers for cancer treatment and follow-up.
For information on this event, to participate or donate –
 Sample Reiki Sessions from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the ‘Wellness Tent.’  Free to participants of the Relay. ‘By Donation’ for others. (100% of Donations to Benefit the NSMC Cancer Walk.) Come and enjoy a sample of Reiki for ‘relaxation, rest and renewal.’ (Massage Therapists will be there too!) Dreamtime Wellness™ will be there, along with nurse Nancy Earabino, a Reiki Teacher and Reiki Provider for NSMC Wellness.
Reiki – (ray-kee) is a Japanese Healing Method/Art that began in 1922 with founder, Mikao Usui Sensei. Reiki sessions are offered through light (or non) touch and without manipulation. Generally considered safe, Reiki is offered in the oncology settings as part of comprehensive integrative medicine departments. Preliminary studies indicate a potential for relief of anxiety and pain with Reiki. More rigorous, larger studies are needed.
Reiki at NSMC FB

Reiki in Hospitals and Healthcare

Integrative Healthcare – Key words – Collaborative, Comprehensive, Safe, Effective, Care.  In the oncology setting, complementary integrative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, Reiki and yoga are offered primarily as supportive care for symptom management, such as:
  • Relief of anxiety,
  • Improved sleep,
  • Improved comfort,
  • Improved quality of life,
  • Greater sense of wellbeing.
Note – Reiki and other Complementary Therapies are not meant to replace or ‘take the place of” conventional (western/mainstream) medicine, but are best offered ‘in combination’ and after rigorous studies have been done to verify safety and effectiveness. “Integrative medicine“combines mainstream medical therapies and Complementary and Integrative medicine (IM) therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.”
Ask your physician/oncologist beforehand about using CAM. Start the conversation – If you are using CAM therapies, let your physician/oncologist know. **Some supplements/herbs/over the counter medications may interact with and/or negatively affect your treatment. ‘When in doubt, check it out’ and talk to your physician! Trust, rapport and open communication are important for safe, effective care. 
Sources and more information on Reiki Therapy and other Complementary & Integrative Therapies for patients undergoing treatment for cancer and how to choose a qualified provider  –
Having offered Reiki as the RN/Reiki Provider at NSMC for 12 years and the MGH Cancer Center for 9 years, this event is especially close to my heart. During that time, I saw many of my friends, neighbors and their families when they were there for cancer treatment. It was an honor and a privilege to help support them through their care and hopefully make their treatment more bearable, and their lives a little more comfortable.  ~ Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Reiki Provider & Teacher
Patients receiving Reiki while undergoing treatment for cancer have often relayed “a greater sense of HOPE.”   

“Hope is the thing with feathers– That perches in the soul– And sings the tune without words– And never stops–at all…” – Emily Dickinson

Bird feather on water surface with free space for text

HOPE Never Stops

~ Remembering those we’ve lost. ~ Honoring and supporting those in treatment. ~
~ Commemorating survivors. ~  With Gratitude. ~

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Teacher/Shihan, Tobacco Treatment Specialist. In addition to a private wellness business, Karen has been employed as the RN/Reiki Provider and Hypnotherapist at NSMC, RN/Reiki Provider at Mass General Cancer Center (Danvers and Boston,) and currently is the RN/Reiki Provider at Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center/for the Pain Management Integrative Healthcare. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Since 2000. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit. More information can be found at –www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.