Newsletter: Spring Issue 2024
County Sweethearts raises $318,000!
On behalf of everyone at CBCF, we are once again humbled by the generosity of this community and are so thankful for it’s commitment to our cause! Your contributions will make such a meaningful difference in the lives of the cancer clients we serve – thank you for your kindness and on going support. We couldn’t do what we do without YOU!
Because of the support from this incredible community, CBCF will continue providing support, services, encouragement, and meal programs and so much more to patients and families. Currently we give out over $8,500 monthly to clients in need.
Average Monthly Cancer Categories of CBCF Clients
Did you know..?
Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation is 100% locally supported by people and businesses in this community. If you weren’t able to attend Country Sweethearts but would still love to donate to help local neighbors with cancer in the Grant and Adams Counties, there are 3 easy ways:
1. Call our office at 509.764.4644
2. Email info@columbiabasincancerfoundation.org
3. Make a donation with Venmo by visiting this link, venmo.com/u/CBCancerFoundation, or scanning the QR Code
Upcoming Events:
Celebrate Life! | May 16th Celebrating cancer survivors and the heroes that support them. Join us at The Garden from 5-7pm. Open to CBCF clients, caregivers, and survivors. RSVP required.
White out to wipe out| Aug 15th Join us as we kick off the ML Round-Up Rodeo at their Cancer Awareness Night! Wear white to help us honor those we've lost to cancer and celebrate with those who have won their fight!
Cancer Chronicles with Cynthia Dano
“You are going to need chemo.”
Those words strike fear and terror in the hearts of most people. And for good reason. Many chemotherapies are not a walk in the park. I took that walk twice and even though it was the same chemical cocktail both times, my reaction to it was vastly different the second time.
I have a rare type of ovarian cancer and chemo is not very effective most of the time, but there are limited options and so it is part of the recommended regiment...Carboplatin and Paclitaxol.
Both are used in the treatment of a variety of cancers, so some of you may have heard or been given one or both of these. I was prepped with a “chemo class” both times and felt like I was prepared for it. From what I remember, the first time I experienced sleeplessness, acid reflux, impaired vision, bone pain, constipation, “chemo brain” (brain fog) neuropathy and hair loss. A lot of bothersome nuisances but nothing that stopped me doing my daily life. So, when I experienced soul jarring nausea the second time, it stopped me in my tracks. There was still all the stuff from before and now add the nausea, some explosive diarrhea and headaches...good times...NOT! I was warned that the second time around could be different and it sure was- much more debilitating. AND I was fine by day 5 post chemo-almost as if it never happened, well except for my bald head. And so that was the routine. I felt very tired during the treatment and the day of. Second day felt pretty good but then a downhill slide on day three, horrid on day four and pretty much back to normal by day five-ish.
As I stressed in my earlier columns, it is important to remember everyone is different and how each of us will react or tolerate chemo is different and each chemotherapy has a different set of standard side effects.
The first time around, I was determined not to let chemo get in my way or slow me down. Of course, I was eight years younger too. After the more recent venture with it, I learned to be gentle with myself, have no expectations from myself for the first week following chemo and listen to my body better. What did it need and how can I best mitigate the negative side effects? The anti-nausea medicine caused extreme constipation, so I couldn’t continue with that. I tried to drink a lot of water the first two days following chemo and counter intuitively, eating actually helped with the nausea. Also, ginger chews were helpful.
I would take some glutamine, vitamin E and vitamins B6 and B12 a day or two prior to chemo that were to help with the neuropathy. It didn’t help much this time around. We actually had to reduce the strength of the chemo on my last round due to the neuropathy. The effects of chemo are cumulative, so even though this time was eight years later, it wasn’t like starting from scratch- my body remembered the time before and had a lower tolerance.
I knew all of my side effects were normal, so even though I didn’t like them, there was comfort in knowing it was part of the deal.
Here are some tips...
Ask questions and understand the standard side effects of your chemo and try to be proactive in reducing the effects. Ask your healthcare professional if there are supplements or other remedies that can be helpful while also being gentle and not cause more problems.
Drink lots of water. It can really help with the side effects.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear for chemo. If you have a port, wear clothes with buttons or zippers so there is easy access.
Here are some ideas for a “Chemo Bag”:
A soft throw/blanket-I got cold just sitting for hours
Your cell phone/tablet and charger
Books, music and/or games such as Soduko or crossword puzzles
Knitting/crochet/crosstitch projects, etc.
Journal and pen
Earbuds/Headphones for listening to audio books or music are really useful and the sound cancelling ones are even better!
Light, healthy snacks, especially with some protein. Greasy or sugary foods are not recommended.
Patience and a positive attitude are always good.
Consider wearing a mask when in public. Your immune system is highly compromised during
chemo so avoid large groups of people and those who are sick.
Chemo can be tough AND most of the side effects are temporary! Knowing that can help make it much more tolerable. Need to talk to someone? We have a wonderful support group and I am available to talk/answer questions.
I would love to hear some of your stories of your chemo experience. Was it easy or hard for you and why? What advice would you give to someone?
Wishing you a healthy and happy Spring!
cynthiadano@gmail.com
cynthiadano.com