Welcome to the first edition of the SOS Porch Light for the new 2007 - 2008 meeting season! We trust you all had a happy and healthy summer as we look forward to the holidays and coming months ahead.
It was great sharing meals with so many of you during June, July & August at our no-host gatherings. Let's see, we enjoyed burgers at Johnny Rockets, seafood at Fish City Grill and gelato at the Black Walnut Cafe....Not too shabby!
As we welcome all members to the first meeting of the new season, you'll notice a few changes have taken place. And as a reflection of these changes, the SOS Porch Light has a new look as well. Not only has the newsletter been converted into an online blogspot, but it is also interactive and reader friendly. We encourage all members to leave comments, suggestions and feedback via the new format, in addition to any suggestions to help improve the lines of communication among members. We can also post pictures, so don't be camera-shy!
At this time we would like to share the following words from Marsha Yeager, former writer and editor of the SOS Porch Light:
"As I leave the position of editor of the 'Porch Light,’ I am reminded of lessons from my past. After graduating from college, I did an internship in medical technology in a Catholic hospital in Portland, Oregon. For the unfamiliar this curricula pertains to the various departments in a hospital laboratory – serology, urinalysis, hematology, bacteriology, chemistry, histology, cytology and blood bank.
As students during this exciting time, we were expected to learn the automated method of testing as well as to keep one foot in the past by being able to perform a test or procedure the original, manual, old-fashioned way. This distrust of automation by our teacher nuns served me well. In the medical profession there is an adage: 'See one; do one; teach one.' This is a reference to the method of teaching and passing on of knowledge.
See one. Sister Mary Patrick in drill sergeant precision would instruct the 'newbies,' (that would be me and my fellow classmates) to read the instructions on how to do blood sugars. She would say, 'Think of it as a recipe. Thoroughly read the instructions. Assemble all the ingredients and equipment and perform the test.' We would watch her deftly assemble pipettes, beakers, Folin-Wu tubes, chemicals, filter paper and the patients’ blood, never duplicating any movement and never losing her place as she recited aloud. As she performed the test, she explained each step and each chemical reaction that was going to take place. 'Next add the sodium hydroxide so that the reaction shuts down. Put the specimen into the colorimeter and read the percent concentration. That number we will convert into milligrams percent.'
Ta da. And remember it is always better to serve God than yourself,' which was a constant theme professed by all of our teachers during our internship.
Do one. It was my turn at the lab bench. Trying to remember the locations of all of the equipment and to have economy of steps, I set about to replicate my teacher. She made it seem so simple. As I poured chemicals, filtered, and spun things down in the centrifuge, she kept a close eye on my every move. I passed chemistry under her tutelage.
Teach one. Later when we were assigned lab partners, I got to play Sister Mary Patrick. Sweet revenge.
Long before my internship in medical technology, I had a splendid English teacher in high school. Mary Parker was her name. See one. She guided the class through the classics –Beowulf, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Moliere. 'See how the author has woven the parts of the story together from beginning to end. What is the author trying to teach us?' she would ask.
Do one. Write from the heart. Color the story so the reader can visualize what you are seeing. One day Mrs. Parker put a rock on her desk and told us to write a short story in 50 minutes about the rock. So began my interest in creative writing. Fast forward nearly 40 years. At this time I am a breast cancer survivor, and I wanted to help my support group stay together as a cohesive unit. I decided that an email newsletter would be good way of keeping in touch, and since I possess this untamed bursting-at-the-seams raw talent to write (Are you laughing?), I found my niche as a self-appointed newsletter editor. 'And remember it is always better to serve God than yourself.'
Teach one. This is one segment of the circuit I do not have to fulfill. Josie Sethi, SOS member and author of the pictorial essay, The Faces behind Breast Cancer, will be my successor. Josie has stated that she would like to take a more interactive approach to the newsletter via a blog spot (web log), and she hopes that everyone will come to enjoy the new format. One of the advantages of having a blog spot is that members can leave comments and provide updates throughout the month. I hope you will provide Josie with the same support and enthusiasm that you have shown me throughout my 3-year tenure."
Blessings,
Marsha Yeager
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SOS PROFILE
The mission statement of SOS is "to ensure through information, empowerment, and peer support that no one faces breast cancer alone."
For newcomers to the group, here is a brief history of SOS:
Survivors Offering Support (SOS) was formed in 2002 after New Territory residents Janet Ely, Sara Plant, and (the late) Ronda Goodier met each other while being treated for breast cancer (BRCA). They had been driving to Katy to participate in a support group and soon realized that they were not alone in their diagnosis of BRCA within Sugar Land. They saw a need for a support group closer to their home.
SOS is a peer support group and is not affiliated with a hospital or cancer counseling organization. SOS's sole purpose is to provide emotional support to individuals currently undergoing treatment as well as cancer survivors. The group initially met on a monthly basis in the homes of its members. Due to increased interest in the support services offered, it has outgrown the original meeting arrangement.
Today, SOS has a permanent home within the education campus of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, where members meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Holy Cross Episcopal Church is located at 5653 West River Park Drive in the New Territory area of Sugar Land. (Directions below)
The SOS program does not have officers and is volunteer-based. We encourage all members to take an active role in helping to develop, define and organize monthly meetings in addition to mentoring, public relations and establishing new member contact.
Please note that formal meetings will continue to be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month between October through February. We will skip March due to Spring Break and resume our scheduled meetings in April and May. June, July and August are reserved for our informal no-host luncheons and/or dinners at neighboring restaurants.
There are no stated dues, however a "Love Donation" is always welcome to help defray occasional expenses.
Newsletters are posted on a monthly basis with revisions updated on a weekly basis. Written contributions are encouraged and welcomed.
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SOS SISTER UPDATE
Marcia Williamson
We wish fellow SOS Sister, Marcia Williamson a speedy recovery following her surgery last Friday morning and pray for good test results. Please send get-well wishes to: williamsontx@alltel.net
MARCIA's RESPONSE 9/24/2007
Hello Friends,
I am home recuperating from my surgery on Friday. It was a crazy few days leading up to it as they decided to cancel it, then it was back on again…I think that I was lost in the “system” and they had forgotten to schedule the pre op appointments. Long story short I accomplished them all in 9 hours the day before surgery!!!
The surgery was about 3 hours because they had to go back in for more clean margins. Even though the spots were small, they were harder to get to. They have cautioned me that there is a 20% chance they did not get everything which would indicate a mastectomy. Other than that news, I feel well and have a great deal of movement back. They took one lymph node and its being tested for cells.Please pray that it is clean, I don’t want to face chemo again.
Thanks for your prayers,
Love,Marcia
Julia Kerner
We also send get-well wishes to SOS sister and book participant, Julia Kerner who is on the mend after undergoing hand surgery. You can forward your sentiments to Julia at: shifter33t@comcast.net
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FYI
From Emily Snyder:
I was wondering if any of us were planning to do the walk this year. Perhaps we could meet somewhere and walk together. Emily Snyder Emily.Snyder@fortbend.k12.tx.us
From Rosemary Herron:
Dear Breast Cancer Sisters,
It is not too late to register for this year's Race For The Cure on October 6th.
Visit my personal page and read my message. You can set up your own page - if I can do it, anyone can!!!!! I wish you all the best in your own personal race to beat this disease!
Blessings, Rosemary
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1020&px=1026621
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Around and About Houston - Mark Your Calendars!
PINK PLATTER 2007 KICK OFF PARTY
You are invited to an appetizer and dessert reception introducing our new selection of
Artist Platters exclusively designed for Pink Platter 2007!
We would be honored to have you and your friends attend.
What: Pink Platter Kick-Off Party
When: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Olio… 2414 Sunset – Valet Parking Available
Hors d'oeuvres are graciously provided by Abuso Catering Co.
Please RSVP to 713.524.PINK(7465) if you can attend.
We hope to see you there!
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase your copy of the book and have it signed by the author, photographer and participants in the book. September 27, 2007
from 2 - 4:00 pm and 6 - 8:00 pm,
at be.lie.ve Breast Care Boutique,
7301 Fannin Street, Houston. See you then!
OLIO FUND RAISING EVENT
Olio, a design menagerie invites you to "tip your hat" in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Houston Affiliate. The DARE is on! Don your fanciest fedora and let the good times roll for a very good cause.A portion of the days sales will be donated back to Komen Houston.Thursday, September 27, Doors open at 10am - 8 pm Refreshments & Door Prizes!2414 Sunset Blvd.Houston, TX 77005
713-522-8816
SUSAN G. KOMEN 2007 HOUSTON RACE FOR THE CURE
The 2007 Susan G. Komen for the Cure Houston Affiliate
Saturday, October 6, 2007 Sam Houston Park - Downtown
For more Information: 713-783-9188
Fax: 713-783-9187
http://www.komen-houston.org/
email: info@komen-houston.org
THE JANET ELY TENNIS INVITATIONAL
Thursday, October 11, 2007
SOS members are invited to attend the
Raffle drawing at 9:00 pm
Sweetwater Country Club Outdoor Courts
Sugar Land, TX
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase your copy and have itsigned by the author, photographer and many of the book's participants.Friday, October 12, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria location, Houston.Sponsored by Cellcosmet of Cellap Switzerland, in conjuntion with SAKS. 12:00 - 4:00 pm
GREATER HOUSTON AREA BREAST HEALTH SUMMIT
Sponsors: Houston Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure
and The Rose
Thursday, October 18, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
United Way Community Resource Center
50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk
Saturday, October 20, 2007 Registration 8:00 am
Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston.
Walk begins at 9:00 am
For Information: www.cancer.org/stridesonline
Email: strides_houston@cancer.org
Phone: 877-606-WALK
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building,6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview) at 7:00pm.
The final 2007 meeting is November 20th.
For weekly updates and additional events, please refer to:
http://pinkcrusader.blogspot.com/
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Directions to Holy Cross Episcopal Church:
From the corner intersection of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59: Continue South on Hwy 59. Exit at Grand Parkway-Texas 99. You will go by an H.E.B. grocery store on the right as you turn right at a traffic light to get on the Grand Parkway. Proceed to the next traffic light (River Park Drive). Turn left. You will be facing the church. Go through the next intersection (traffic light at Texas 99) and park in the church parking lot. The address is 5653 West River Park Drive. If coming from New Territory: Go to the intersection of New Territory Blvd. and Texas 99. Turn South on to Texas 99. River Park Drive is one intersection (traffic light) past New Territory Blvd. Turn right at that intersection. If coming from 90A: Turn at intersection of 90A and Texas 99 (Grand Parkway). Go South on Grand Parkway, passing Sand Hill Blvd. and New Territory Blvd. Next intersection is River Park Drive. Turn right. Church is right there.
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This concludes this month's issue of the SOS Porch Light. We encourage you to share your thoughts, suggestions, photographs and topics of interest with all members for future editions of the newsletter. Comments may be posted directly to the blog or by email to JosieSethi@aol.com
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"God brings men into deep waters, not to drown them, but to cleanse them."
- John Aughey
Until next month, take care and stay well!
Josie Sethi, Editor & Survivor
JosieSethi@aol.com
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