REVISED 11/25/2007From Cat Ello:
We are thankful for your support this year going through cancer, chemo and radiation!
God bless your family,
Mike and Cat Ello
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From Kimberly Powell:
be-lie-ve Lifestyle Boutique
(Formerly OPAm Breastcare Boutique)
Happy Holidays!!
As the holiday season is here I know the stress of the perfect gift for the ones we love is often on our minds and impossible to find!! This year give a gift that gives back!!! Watch, record, or view online (www.greatdayhouston.com) the Tuesday (11/27) show of Great Day Houston where I will showcase some gifts that truly give back!!!
The show airs live on channel 13 at 9am!!
Have a happy and blessed holiday!!!
~Kimberly 713.843.7714
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From Marsha Yeager:
Hi, ladies,
Many of you have already responded to our Christmas plans of having dinner and an ornament exchange at Serenitea on Dec. 11. We have extended the deadline for RSVP-ing until Dec. 1. To those of you who were undecided, you now have another opportunity to let me know by Dec. 1 by calling me (281 431 0700) or emailing me at marshayeager@yahoo.com. This is the first time we have had our Christmas fun at a restaurant. This cute, quaint restaurant will close its doors to the general public so the SOS gang will have the "run of the place." The cost of the meal is $15 and includes tea, a main course and dessert.
If you have previously responded, then you do not have to respond again.
I hope you will join us for this fun evening.
Blessings,
Marsha
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From Marsha Williamson:
Ladies,
I am beginning my third week of radiation and things are going well..So far no bad side affects
Just an increase in learning patience with traffic and waiting when the machine breaks down.
Truly I am Blessed to have state of the art treatment !
Blessings,Marcia
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From Debbie Schultz:
Deadline for Hope Award Nominations
This year I am encouraging you to nominate someone you know for the HOPE Award. I want to get the word out to as many as possible. Please think about all the wonderful potential nominees that sit next to you everyday, not to mention those you know through all of your community connections. Feel free to share this e-mail with anyone interested throughout the United States. Deadline for nominations is November 30.
The Intercultural Cancer Council is currently accepting nominations for the HOPE Award. The HOPE (Helping Other People Endure) Awards are presented to community-based volunteers and organizations in recognition of exceptional service in cancer prevention, cancer control, patient support and survivorship in minority or medically underserved communities. Four awards will be given in the categories of Faith-Based, Individual, Organization, and Survivor. Awardees will receive $1,000, a plaque and an all-expense paid trip to the Intercultural Cancer Council's 11th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved and Cancer, at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C., April 3-6, 2008.
This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the outstanding volunteers who contribute selflessly to your organization. Nominations must be received by 6:00 PM CST, Friday, November 30, 2007. For more information, go to www.iccnetwork.org/symposium, or contact me at LHNguyen@mdanderson.org or 713-745-1284. Thank you for all you do to reduce the burden of cancer in all communities. Debbie Schultz, M.Ed., CPHQ Assistant DirectorVolunteer Services-Anderson NetworkThe University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center713-745-9208 Officedschultz@mdanderson.org
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ORIGINAL POST BEGINS HERE
Welcome to the November edition of the SOS Porch Light newsletter!
As the year rolls to an end and the holidays are upon us, it is the perfect time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. It is a time to be grateful and give thanks for our families, our friends, our freedoms, our jobs and, above all, our health.
Individually, we all have our unique ways of ushering in the season, but collectively we are mindful of how the fragility of our physical well-being can have a huge impact on what is typically a very joyful time of year.
One year ago, I had the displeasure of undergoing treatment during the holidays and "wilted" when I should have "sparkled." Many of you also know the frustration of not being able to partake in family traditions, travel to holiday destinations or indulge in the decadent foods you crave simply because ongoing treatment prevented you from doing so.
This season, as we venture in and out of grocery stores, department stores and toy stores, let us not take for granted that it is by the grace of God that we continue to make memories with our loved ones not only during the holidays, but all year round. And, after endless hours in the kitchen putting together a very ambitious Thanksgiving meal, let us say a silent prayer of thanks for the opportunity to know, love and serve with a sense of purpose, for another season of giving....and another year of life.
May you and your loved ones have a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
BIG HUG - Josie
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HOLIDAY TIPS & TREATS
From Evite online: Stress-Free Thanksgiving
http://www.evite.com/app/cms/ideas/thanksgiving?src=newsletter_20071106_6
Don't stress if you don't have enough matching place settings for all your guests. Mix and match dishes, silverware and linens to give your table an eclectic vibe that's sure to make everyone feel at home.
Feel like you're cooking on a wing and a prayer? Check out our Turkey Tips for a primer on turkey terminology, what to do with leftovers and everything you need to know to serve up a delicious bird.
If you're planning a potluck, be sure to use the "Ask Guests to Bring Something" feature in your Evite invitation (you'll find it in Invitation Options). It's the simplest way to make sure you've got everything you need for your feast.
HOLIDAY BAKING:
This cookie recipe comes from the St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital site, in conjunction with the
Mrs. Claus' Cookbook. It is definitely worth sharing!
For more yummy cookie treats visit: http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
2 cups flour
4 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
1 small can pumpkin
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Icing:
3 ounces soft cream cheese
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 package powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:Beat eggs and pumpkin. Add oil, sugar, butter and mix well. Add dry ingredients, mix well. Grease and flour a large cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. For icing; mix cream cheese butter, powdered sugar milk and vanilla. Spread on cooled bars. *****************************************************
MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION:
This month's contribution comes from Marsha Yeager. It is an article first published in the Wall Street Journal on 9/18/07 and has been submitted in follow-up to a recent discussion at a previous SOS meeting. The following is a summary, but the full article can be read in its entirety at: http://www.today.com/view/novartis-drug-curbs-repeat-hip-fractures-wall-street-journal/id-424623/
Novartis Drug Curbs Repeat Hip Fractures
by David Armstrong
A variation of a drug commonly given to cancer patients with bone damage appears to be an effective tool for preventing repeat hip fractures in elderly patients, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The study results, which were to be presented yesterday in Hawaii, have potentially big implications because hip fractures are a common and debilitating injury for older people. Most of the 300,000 hip fractures each year in the U.S. are related to osteoporosis in older people, as well as falls, according to an editorial accompanying the study. Older people who fracture their hips are more likely to have second fractures and repeat fractures.
.....The rate of new fractures in the Reclast group was lower than that of the placebo group...The Reclast group also lived longer...The risk of death was reduced 28% in the Reclast group, where 101 people died, compared with 141 in the placebo group. The study tracked 187 patients for nearly two years and the average age of the study participants was 74.
...In the accompanying editorial, pharmacists from the National Institute of Health and the University of Maryland called the study results 'powerful and compelling.'
Reclast is a bisphosphonate, a class of drug that includes Fosamax, which is made by Merck & Co. and has the active ingredient zoledronic acid, which is the same active ingredient in Zomeda, another drug from Novartis...Zomeda is given to cancer patients with bone damage and works by increasing bone mass. ....Reclast was approved by the FDA this year to treat osteoporosis in women.
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SOS SURVIVOR UPDATE
From Josie Sethi:
As the book tour for The Faces behind Breast Cancer comes to a close, I must thank all of you one more time for the love and support you have extended to me during the past few months. In the end, please know that your contributions have helped ease the minds of many people going through treatment as well as offer them much hope and encouragement. You have many grateful "fans" from coast to coast.
The book was recently featured in the following publications. Enjoy! - Josie
Fort Bend Sun - October 24, 2007 - Feature Story
http://www.hcnonline.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18975484&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532207&rfi=8
CureXtra Online - Fall, 2007 - Book Review
http://www.curetoday.com/cureXtra/currentissue/book.html
Jayne's Breast Cancer Blog - October 26, 2007 - Book Reviewhttp://www.jaynesbreastcancerblog.com/
Paper City - Pending Press Date - Pictorial
Houston Magazine - November 2007 - Pictorial
Faces in the Crowd - Out Now
Online Review from November 15th Book Event at The Book Woman, Austin, TX
Written by Author & Survivor, Robin Hunt(Hang on to Me Mary)
http://monodalefarms.blogspot.com/2007/11/faces-behind-breast-cancer.html
Keep an eye out for Paper City, a free, high-gloss newspaper found in various retail shops and restaurants in the city. There should be a pictorial with the participants who attended the group book event at Saks on October 12th.
From JoAnne Gulliver:
Many thanks for the reminder about the meeting. Sorry to say I won't be there as I'm taking a sailing class--classroom class--on Tuesday evenings at the Lakewood Yacht Club. Will be tied up there through the end of February, so will also have to miss the Christmas party.
The first class was last night. I told my husband that the class will be very good for my psyche as I will be in a marina, near sailboats, thinking about boats every Tuesday evening.
Please give my greetings to all. Fondly, JoAnne
From Janet Ely:
Happy News to report! We raised $5200.00 last month at the Fourth Annual Janet Ely Tennis Invitational! All goes to Susan G. Komen! We exceeded my expectations and to top it all off, we had SO much Fun!! Hope all is well and exciting with you!
Blessings, Janet
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FYI:
Proposition 15 Update
From Diane Balma, Managing Director
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance
As Texans, we have taken the fight against cancer into our own hands. With the overwhelming passage of Proposition 15, Texas is poised to become the leader in cancer research.
With the passage of Prop 15, Texas will create $3 billion in General Obligation bonds over 10 years for cancer prevention and research in our state. This is double the funding Texas receives from the Federal government each year for cancer research. It will also help ensure that the research funded will be made available to patients in the most efficient manner possible.
The passage of this unique and significant measure is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the support of people like you. It is also a result of bipartisan support among policymakers and partnership among advocacy organizations, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, American Cancer Society, the Texas Medical Association and others.
A huge "thank you" to each of you for your part in making the dream of a cure one step closer to a reality. Your help in spreading the word and getting the message out to voters made this happen!
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AROUND & ABOUT HOUSTON - Mark Your Calendars!
SOS SURVIVOR GROUP MONTHLY MEETING
Tuesday, November 13th, 7:00pm - 9:00 pm
Holy Cross Episcopol Church (Directions Below)
CAP HOLIDAY CARD SALES at MAYS CLINIC
Volunteer Services and The Children's Art Project (CAP) collaborate to better the lives of patients at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. For more than twenty-five years volunteers have assisted with Card Sales. Proceeds benefit M. D. Anderson's Pediatric and Adult Patient Programs. Volunteer Services is asking for volunteer assistance with the upcoming 2007
CAP - Holiday Card Sale at the Mays Clinic. Please contact Cindy Shursen, Program Coordinator - Volunteer Services, if you are available to assist during the below sale days / times. Dates: November 5th -16th Times frame: 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.Contact: Cindy ShursenPhone: 713-745-0266Email: cshursen@mdanderson.org
THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
Thur. November 15 - Austin, TX
The Book Woman
918 West 12th Street
Reception: 6:30pm Book Event: 7pm
Participants are invited to sign.
512-472-2785
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER NETWORK
Managing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Present and New Treatment Options
November 17 - 18, 2007 Metastatic Breast Cancer Network 2nd Annual National Conference, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Hickey Auditorium/R11.1400
Sponsored by Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, Chairman of the Department of Breast Medical Oncology. For more information or to register, phone: 888-500-0370
or visit: http://www.mbcnetwork.org/ Email: mbcnet@gmail.com
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.
SOS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY/ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
The SOS Christmas Party/Ornament Exchange will take place at Serenitea Tea Room on Tuesday, Dec, 11th , 7-9pm, located in the Sugar Creek shopping center (where Gerland's is located) by the SW Freeway. The cost is $15 per person and includes ice tea, a meal, and dessert (includes gratuitity). Visit the website http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/ to learn more about this pleasant restaurant.
If you have not sent your RSVP, please do so today with Marsha Yeager at (marshayeager@yahoo.com) or call 281 431 0700 to respond. It should be a lovely gathering and we hope you will plan to attend.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY TEA EVENTS!
Sat. December 15th & Sat. December 22nd
at Serenitea Tea Room and Gift Shop.
13889 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX
Share the joy of the holiday season over a cup of steaming hot wassail and spiced pecans along with a delicate assortment of finger sandwiches; gingerbread with honey nut cream cheese, egg salad with watercress,spinach and pimento stack-up, ham and pear with walnuts, and the classic cucumber sandwich.
You will also enjoy classic English scones with a twist, chocolate chips and orange. And for dessert try the mini traditional rum fruitcake,chocolate-dipped shortbread biscuits and grapes. A pot of tea...your choice from the Tea Selections menu. Plus, a special gift for everyone...compliments of Serenitea!
By Reservation Only. Phone: 281-491-4588
Cost is $30 per person + Tax and Gratuity
www.SereniteaTeaRoom.com
For weekly updates and additional events, please refer to: http://pinkcrusader.blogspot.com/ ********************************************************
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 *********************************************************
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH:
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Until next month, take care, stay well, and remember to give thanks for all the blessings in your lives. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
Josie Sethi
Editor & Survivor
JosieSethi@aol.com
