WINTER 2020 swedish.org/cancer

Recipe: Coconut Chicken Curry ________________ 9

Creative Expression Programs _________________ 10

Classes and Support Programs ________________ 11

Bereavement Support Services ________________ 12

Community Resources ______________________ 12

Quick Reference ___________________________ 14

LTTF Survey ______________________________ 16

Word Scramble ___________________________ 16

Welcome Letter ____________________________ 2

Volunteer to Patient: Living the Lives ____________ 3

CAR-T Cell Therapy _________________________ 4

Fear and Cancer ___________________________ 5

A Pilot Study Exploring the Effects of Music Medicine During Bone Marrow Biopsy __________ 6

Swedish Foundation Story ____________________ 6

Infection Control __________________________ 7

Building Community Partnerships: Chemo Bags of Hope ______________________ 8

SCI Spotlight: Melita Lynch, Health Education Specialist _________________ 8

Welcome to the Winter 2020 issue of Life to the Fullest, the newsletter from the Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) dedicated to cancer patients, survivors, their family members and caregivers.

What’s inside:

ENTERTOWIN!

Enter to Win: $50 Gift Card to PCC Natural Markets — See back cover

Hello Readers!

Life to the Fullest » Winter 2020

Contributors

Jennifer Baxter, President, Chemo Bags of Hope

Judith H Delismon, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Hematology/Oncology

Betsy Hartman, MT-CB

Cameron Hazzard, Health Education Intern

Julie Herbst, RDN, CD

Marjorie Hillson, Swedish Cancer Institute Patient/Cancer Education Center Volunteer

Patti Kwok, Class Facilitator

Melita Lynch, Health Education Specialist

Stevie Moran, Health Education Intern

Dr. Gregory Rudolf, M.D.

Kristen Sanders, Senior Director Development Communications

Swedish Cancer Institute

Since 1932, the Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) has balanced advanced technology with thoughtful, compassionate patient services. The SCI has long been at the forefront of cancer research and is a leader in the development, early adoption and clinical implementation of the latest tools to treat cancer. Our goal in cancer care is to offer each patient the best available personalized options for diagnosis and treatment, and to provide complementary services that enhance quality of life and make each individual’s cancer experience as free of stress as possible.

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As we start 2020 together, I wish you boundless joy, hope and light to new beginnings and new chances. Happy New Year!

Welcome to the Winter 2020 edition of the Swedish Cancer Institute’s Life to the Fullest newsletter. As with every edition, we make it a priority to address topics from cancer prevention to survivorship, and everything in-between. For this edition, we are happy to feature the following:

• Introduction to a new team member

• Presenting CAR-T cell therapy

• The impact of a new music therapy program

• Recommendations on infection control

• A Community Partner Highlight

• A volunteer’s perspective as a patient

• Book and nutrition recommendations

I hope you find a sense of ease and comfort in knowing that you can rely on the Swedish Cancer Institute for navigation during your individual journey through cancer.

With the start of every year, it is important to us that we stay true to our goal to continuously improving the health of our patients and community. This leads to us hosting our fifth annual Cancer Control Symposium: Personalized Approaches in Cancer Prevention & Screening to Improve Health. We will review the most current research and evidence-based interventions, to help guide our community in efforts to increasing screening rates, and to lessen the impact of risk-factors for cancer. It will be held on March 13th, 2020. To learn more about it, please visit: http://tiny.cc/zppcjz

I am incredibly thankful to our contributors, who shared their knowledge and expertise in supporting the integration of services for the mind, body and spirit. Their input was invaluable, and I want to take a moment to recognize them for all their passion and effort in improving cancer care. As we move forward, I hope to welcome more new voices for the newsletter!

Warmly, Senji Lama, MPH, CHES Cancer Education Center

“ Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” VIVIAN GREENE

swedish.org/cancer

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Volunteer to Patient: Living the LivesBy: Marjorie Hillson

Two and a half years ago, when I began volunteering in the Cancer Education Center at Swedish First Hill, I identified as a cancer survivor. In November 2019, I switched roles, ending my volunteer assignment and becoming a patient enrolled in a drug trial managed by Dr. Philip Gold at Swedish First Hill.

In 1991, I’d had a lumpectomy and radiation to treat an early stage breast cancer. In 2007, my annual mammogram led to a diagnosis of lobular cancer in both breasts. I had bi-lateral mastectomy, and a kind of chemo that made me lose sleep and interest in food but didn’t cause me to lose my hair (more on that later).

My other big reason for volunteering to work with cancer patients was that my immediate family had been a breeding ground for various types of the disease. My mother had lung cancer. My older brother survived prostate cancer and lung cancer, and my youngest brother, who’d had testicular cancer, died from colon cancer in 2009. My middle brother has thankfully been spared the disease to-date.

Given all this, I was always aware that having had one kind of cancer makes you more vulnerable to others, and whenever I had a medical issue—nothing serious for many years—I was a bit anxious. All the same, I was as stunned as anyone is when I recently received a new cancer diagnosis.

In September 2019, I scheduled a physical with my primary care physician. I had 40 minutes to talk with her, and together we came up with a comprehensive list of my medical concerns, including some random, intermittent stomach pain that was second on my list after: “Get better sleep!”

Later, this astute doctor said that the way I spoke about the stomach pain alerted her to the fact that it was a change for me. She ordered labs that were not routine, but both she and I were gobsmacked when these tests came back with clearly abnormal results. There followed a series of consults with different docs, scans, procedures, and more tests. Finally, in October I received a definitive diagnosis of stage IV gall bladder (or biliary tract) cancer. The news was devastating, of course. Early on a doctor (not an oncologist) told me on the phone that I had only a short time to live.

Meanwhile, my older brother, a retired research scientist with some medical training, began looking for relevant drug trials, as did my nephew-in-law, who is a doctor and an epidemiologist. These two members of my extended family don’t know each other, live on different coasts, and are 35 years apart in age, but both homed in on a trial that Swedish First Hill was participating in.

After my husband and I jumped through several medical coverage hoops, Dr. Philip Gold accepted me for the trial,

and I was fortunately “randomized” into the group receiving both the traditional chemo drugs for my cancer, and a third “study” drug.

Having transitioned from volunteer to patient, I couldn’t be more grateful for my past experience, which introduced me to many patients facing advanced cancer with grace, humor and resilience. Because of them I was familiar with the chemo units, and I’d met people who had long outlived their initial

prognoses, so I felt like it was reasonable to hold out hope.

I also met patients and family members who were isolated in their personal lives and unfamiliar with how medical systems work. In my case, my husband has taken on a lot of challenges on my behalf, and as I’ve already mentioned, so have other family members. Volunteering familiarized me with the many support resources here at Swedish and in the community. Seeing the difference in my situation and some patients’ circumstances magnifies the importance of the roles played by social workers and other staff, including those in the CEC, who often are resource connectors for patients that otherwise might not know where to turn, or how to interpret the new vocabulary that enters your life when you’re diagnosed with cancer.

One of my favorite things as a volunteer was fitting women with wigs. American Cancer Society receives new wigs from manufacturers and supplies them to the education center. For some women, wig fittings were a disturbing, even tearful, part of the process of confronting their disease, as hair loss was such a visible illustration that life had changed. Others accepted the change with humor, trying on a series of wholly unsuitable styles, crazy curly, silver with purple highlights, grandma’s perm, and laughing throughout. Sometimes they texted pics to family members, who responded with equal humor. Then they’d put on the one wig from our supply that absolutely suited them and study their own reflected images with sighs of satisfaction.

A few weeks ago, Senji Lama, one of the wonderful staff people in the CEC, came up to the fourth floor at Swedish First Hill, and fitted me with a wig. I still had hair, but it was coming out in handfuls and clumps when I ran my hand over it, and stray hair was appearing everywhere in our house, so I was ready to get rid of what was left. As so often happened when I worked with patients, I tried on wigs that didn’t work—my husband labeled one of them “Justin Bieber”—but there was one that suited me. It’s not like my exceptionally thick, curly hair at all, but it’s the right color, and it has bangs that won’t simultaneously expand and retract at the slightest hint of humidity, as my real hair annoyingly did.

(continued on page 9)

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Life to the Fullest » Winter 2020

G

Swedish Cancer Institute is proud to offer Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy to qualifying patients, one of the newest forms of immunotherapy that has produced widespread patient remission since its approval in 2017. Immunotherapy is a form of cancer treatment which helps your immune system fight cancer. Since most cancers are smart enough to hide themselves, and have the ability to remain undetected by our bodies’ immune system, often radiation and chemotherapy are the only treatment options. However, recent advances have allowed scientists to modify the cells of our immune system to recognize and destroy cancerous cells.

CAR-T cell treatment is a type of immunotherapy in which a patient’s T-cells are modified and the CARs are manufactured in a laboratory, utilizing immune cells to bind to cancerous cells and destroy them. T-cells are a type of white blood cell, which are hugely important to the way our immune system responds to intruders.

The treatment begins with the removal of the patient’s T-cells using a centrifuge. Once the T-cells are removed, they are sent to a laboratory where they are genetically engineered, by modifying their DNA, and attaching them to receptor proteins. This process creates Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR). These modified cells have the ability to multiply which in turns help to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Prior to the reinfusion of the CAR-T cells, the patient will undergo low dose chemotherapy to deplete cells and provide space for the new CAR-T cells. Currently, one CAR-T product requires the patients to stay both inpatient and outpatient so that they can be monitored closely for the first 30 days.

The standout advantage of CAR-T cell treatment is that the patient will have less active treatment days than undergoing traditional therapy. The treatment potentially can help get a patient into complete remission for many years. Its effectiveness and the short recovery period makes this an attractive option. In addition, the treatment is considered a “living drug”, meaning that the infused T-cells can persist in the patient’s body long term, and can continue to fight the treated cancer. Finally, the idea behind this treatment is exciting; nearly 50% of patients treated with the current CAR-T cell therapy find success.

CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Promising and Innovative TreatmentBy: Cameron Hazzard, Health Education Intern & Judy H Delismon, Clinical Nurse Specialist

The side effects of CAR-T cell therapy can be serious in some cases. The most prominent side effect is the activation of an inflammatory condition referred to as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Symptoms are similar to those of the flu; high fever, chills and low blood pressure, but as CRS can potentially be life threatening, it is also highly manageable. During treatment, patients are closely monitored for temporary neurological effects, such as confusion and slurred speech as well. It is also possible that a patient will experience low levels of red blood cells, and white blood cells in response to the therapy. It is encouraged to refer to your Doctor for any questions regarding side effects.

As this form of treatment was only recently approved for application in April of 2017, insurance providers are still working on preparing policies for FDA approved therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy. Currently, coverage will be determined on a case to case basis, but we will work with the patient and associated insurers to seek coverage for eligible patients.

To learn more about the CAR-T cell treatment, please call or consult with your medical oncologist at Swedish Cancer Institute, or call 1-(855)-XCANCER (1-855-922-6237).

References --------------------------------------------------------------------------------• DeMarco, C. (2018, February 26). 9 things to know about CAR

T-cell therapy. Retrieved from https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/cancerwise/car-t-cell-therapy--9-things-to-know.h00-159221778.html

• Advantages of CAR T-Cell Therapy: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cinj.org/patient-care/advantages-car-t-cell-therapy

• CAR T-Cell Therapy Risks / Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17726-car-t-cell-therapy/risks--benefits

• LaRussaA. (2015, September 10). Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.lls.org/treatment/ types-of-treatment/immunotherapy/chimeric-antigen-receptor- car-t-cell-therapy

• Cellular Therapies Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dana-farber.org/cellular-therapies-program/car-t-cell-therapy/faq-about-car-t-cell-therapy/

• CAR T-Cells: Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/car-t-cells

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swedish.org/cancer

Fear and Cancer: What’s Next after Treatment Ends?By: Patti Kwok, ARNP, PhD

You may feel relieved and fortunate when cancer therapy is over. However, this transition can also leave patients feeling vulnerable, worried and undeniably anxious. Many people are struggling with lingering symptoms from the cancer treatment, in addition to worry or anxiety that the cancer

might come back. This leads to constantly fighting unseen dangers which can leave one physically and emotionally exhausted, less able to focus or access creativity.

Fear and anxiety are normal human emotions that are not only related to cancer. Neuroscience has shown us that we are hard-wired to escape or resist things that are fearful. This basic physiologic reaction to fearful events is called the “fight or flight” response. Activations of this fear center are often unconscious or can be triggered just by a reminder of a previous difficult or traumatic event. When activated, a cascade of stress hormones and nerve impulses can increase the blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen intake. Over time, persistent or uncontrolled fear and anxiety can cause irreversible physiological changes.

In a ground-breaking book called The Body Keeps Score, psychiatrist Bessel VanDeKolk, describes in layman’s language using vivid diagrams, how grief, trauma, and loss are remembered and stored in the body. Based on past experiences, people are triggered or reminded in different ways leading to different reactions and levels of anxiety or depression. The key is to discover ongoing sustainable practices that can help re-wire this sense of fear or anxiety often provoked in deeper regions in the brain beyond our conscious control.

SignsThe more obvious signs of fear or anxiety that might be interfering with day to day living may include:

• An inability to focus

• Insomnia—waking up in the middle of the night worried about the cancer

• Crying easily

• Feeling depressed

• Getting easily irritated with yourself and others

• Addictions/substance abuse

• Social isolation

Coping StrategiesKaren Hartman, a social worker at Memorial Sloan Kettering, has identified helpful tips for managing and lessening this fear of recurrence. She recommends the following strategies:

• Identify triggers and have a plan for how to cope with them. For example, anticipate how you’re going to get through the day of a follow up appointment and possibly the days leading up to it.

• Plan distracting activities and remember how you’ve dealt with stress in the past

• Talk about your fear with others who can validate how you feel

• Focus on wellness (learn new activity or exercise routine)

• Consider counseling, group therapy or mindfulness classes

• Cultivate a sense of self-compassion and patience with yourself

• Journaling

References --------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Napolitano, E. (2014, March 24). Six Tips for managing fear of cancer

recurrence. Retrieved May 27, 27, from https://www.mskcc.org/blog/six-tips-managing-fear-recurrence

• Lerner, H. (2004). The Dance of Fear. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

• Herring, L. (2007). Writing begins with the breath: Embodying your authentic voice. Boston: Shambhala.

• DeSalvo, L. A. (1999). Writing as a way of healing: How telling our stories transforms our lives. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.

• The Body Keeps the Score. Bessel Van Der Kolk. (2014).

(continued on page 10)

A Pilot Study Exploring the Effects of Music Medicine During Bone Marrow BiopsyBy: Betsy Hartman

The Hematology/Oncology clinic at First Hill launched an exciting 6-month pilot study this past April, Heme/Onc Experience Music Project (HEMP).

This interdisciplinary, non-pharmacological approach to procedural support has proven to be effective, efficient, noninvasive, and inexpensive.

The purpose of this study was to offer a non-pharma-cological intervention and to determine if the use of music medicine interventions would moderate distress, anxiety, or pain during Bone Marrow Biopsies.

Eligible patients were provided a clinic iPad which was loaded with 6 different pre-recorded music tracks created by SCI’s Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) specifically designed to decrease heart rate and muscle tension. Patients self-selected their desired music track and were instructed by the RN to begin listening prior to the procedure to allow time to entrain to the music and relaxation cues. The music track played throughout the procedure.

61 patients participated in HEMP, 21 completed data collection surveys. The surveys indicated that 57.1% of the participants experienced a decrease in distress, 71.4% of the participants experienced a decrease in anxiety, and 19% of the participants experienced a decrease in pain.

Additionally, 76.2% of the participants indicated that listening to the provided music impacted their procedure. 90.5% of participants indicated that it is important to them that SCI offers alternative methods to help reduce distress, anxiety, and pain and they would be willing to use this service again.

Currently, HEMP continues to be offered to patients at First Hill with plans to expand to other SMC clinics in 2020. This service truly allows SCI to live into its values of providing “care that’s personalized for you” by having a “team [that] works in a collaborative environment to focus on you – not your disease” and by fighting cancer “using every available tool”.

In addition to Music Medicine interventions (pre-recorded music offered by a medical personnel for symptom management), SCI offers Music Therapy services (clinical use of evidenced-based music interventions, provided by a MT-BC, addressing therapeutic goals) free of charge to all patients, families, and caregivers.

To find out more about HEMP please contact Sharon Mast, MSW, LSWAIC at 206-386-6329, Judy Delismon, MN, RN, OCN at 206-386-2295, or Betsy Hartman, MT-BC at 206-386-6711.

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Life to the Fullest » Winter 2020

Susan Tusa’s inspiration for giving to Swedish dates back more than a century. She was born here; so was her father. Her mother was an RN. So when Susan’s brother was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer, they turned to Swedish for his care.

“The care was excellent,” Susan says. “We knew he was getting the very best.”

What stands out to Susan most is the compassionate, comprehensive care her brother received—from psychiatric care that addressed his mental health needs to our leading-edge treatments and exceptional medical teams to the caring support of our social workers.

Join Susan with your gift to compassionate cancer care

“There was never any question that he would get whatever treatment was available,” she says. The doctors and nurses were all so kind and responsive,”

This extraordinary care is what inspires Susan to give back.

“I wanted to honor my brother’s memory and the two oncologists who treated him—and help ensure that others receive the same outstanding care,” she shares. “Growing up, my family instilled in me the importance of contributing to the community—whether monetarily or through community service.”

You can read more of Susan’s story and make a gift to support innovative and compassionate cancer care at www.Swedishfoundation.org/Susan.

Effects of Music Medicine Intervention on Distress, Anxiety and Pain (mean results)

Post-Procedure Pre-Procedure6

4

2

0DISTRESS ANXIETY PAIN

Post-Procedure Results (%) Participants Report100

80

60

40

20

0Decrease distress

Decrease anxiety

Decrease pain

Positive impact on procedure

Would like more

non-pharm support

Would use this service

again

51.771.4

19

76.290.5 90.5

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swedish.org/cancer

White blood cells (WBCs) are an important part of the body’s immune system because they fight infections in the body and heal damaged tissues. The normal range for WBCs is between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. To know your WBC range, please consult with your doctor or care team.

Certain types of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and stem cell or bone marrow transplant will lower your WBC count. It can take months to get the WBC count back into the normal range after treatment. Thankfully, there are precautions patients with weakened immune systems can take to help prevent infections.

*Note that the following guidelines are specifically for patients with a WBC count of 500-4,000 per ml blood. Try the following five guidelines to protect a weakened immune system:

1 Good Hand Hygiene: Always wash hands after using the restroom, before eating, and after touching animals to remove germs from the hands. People often touch their mouth, eyes and nose without even realizing it, making it easy for germs to enter the body. Have hand sanitizer with you at all times to make hand washing a habit!

2 Practice Food Safety: Keep hot foods hot (warmer than 140°F), and cold foods cold (cooler than 40°F). Bacteria can quickly multiply between 40-140°F, so it is best to keep food outside of this temperature range. Eating certain raw foods increase the risk of getting sick from a foodborne illness. Avoid raw or lightly-cooked meats and eggs. Cook meat until it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear, and if eating out, avoid buffets, fountain drinks and salad bars.

3 Get help to quit smoking: Do not take up smoking when undergoing cancer treatment. If you were smoking prior to a cancer diagnosis, try to quit or to limit it. Cigarette and e-cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can further weaken the immune system, making the body more prone to infections. Contact the Swedish Cancer Institute Smoking Cessation Program at (206) 386-6800 for more information.

The Five Essential Guidelines to Control InfectionBy: Stevie Moran, Health Education Intern

4 Limit exposure to pets and plants: Wash your hands immediately after petting any animals. Pets can have germs on them that might not make them sick, but can make a person with a weakened immune system ill. If you have a pet, avoid contact with pet urine and feces as illnesses can be spread through them. Plants also have fungi and bacteria on them that can be harmful to patients with weakened immune systems. Avoid activities that will put you in direct contact with soil and plants, such as gardening or mowing.

5 Vaccinate: Consider getting a flu shot, but talk to your care team before getting any vaccines. Generally, vaccines are not recommended for patients during cancer treatment because vaccines need an immune response to work, and a patient’s immune response may be weakened during treatment. However, the flu shot is often recommended to cancer patients because the flu is a common illness that can cause very serious complications in patients with weakened immune systems. Those in close contact with a patient are encouraged to get their flu shot.

For questions regarding any of these steps, please contact your care team. Consider the following reputable resources for more information on these topics:

American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov/ about-cancer/treatment/types/

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.lls.org

Chemo and Nutritional Education: www.chemocare.com

References --------------------------------------------------------------------------------• American Cancer Society (n.d.). Food safety during cancer treatment.

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/staying-active/nutrition/nutrition-during-treatment/weak-immune-system.html

• American Cancer Society (n.d.). “Is it safe to keep my pet while I’m being treated for cancer?” https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/can-i-keep-my-pet-during-chemotherapy.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (n.d.). Vaccination during treatment. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/vaccination-during-cancer-treatment.html

Building Community Partnership: Chemo Bags of Hope By: Jennifer Baxter, President of Chemo Bags of Hope

What do we do? We provide a “Chemo Bag” to cancer patients facing chemotherapy and radiation. The bag is filled with helpful items for both the patient and caregiver, and designed to carry with them to treatment. Each bag is lovingly filled with a variety of items such as a lap blanket, coloring book, puzzle, lip balm, notecards, stress ball, hand sanitizer and more for its recipient.

Who receives the bags? Bags are delivered to patients upon request, as well as to 22 infusion centers and cancer resource centers around the PNW. We have bags designed for men, women and children. One of our bag recipients, Edith Mannick shared with us, “I enjoyed the bag and it was very helpful to have the notebook and pen for me to use to write down my questions for my oncologist. I also enjoyed the coloring book to keep me calm. It warmed my heart knowing someone cared!”

Why we do it? While battling cancer, our founder, Janis Cupp, wanted to give back to others facing cancer. She was so grateful for the gifts and support she had received that she decided she wanted to give back to others facing a similar battle. When asked why she wanted to start making bags of hope she said, “It just occurred to me that there are people out there just starting chemo that could use an act of kindness in their lives. I just wanted to be able to give the bags freely to those in need.” Since starting Chemo Bags of Hope in 2016, we have given away thousands of bags in her memory.

What can you do to help? We are always accepting donations of items to fill the bags. Items include fleece blankets, unscented sanitizer, colored pencils, puzzle books, journals, stress balls and more. Several times a year we hold a bag stuffing event and everyone is welcome to help! To donate,

volunteer and attend events, check out our website at www.chemobagsofhope.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Chemo Bags of Hope.

Chemo Bags of Hope is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Auburn, WA. We are a group of volunteers that come together four times a year to assemble “Chemo Bags” to donate to cancer patients around the Pacific Northwest.

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Life to the Fullest » Winter 2020

SCI Spotlight: Melita Lynch, Health Education SpecialistMelita Lynch joined us in Mid-November of 2019 as the new Health Education Specialist at the Cancer Educator Center. In her role she will be focusing on developing health education materials, coordinating

and collaborating with community partners for patient-centered classes and support groups, and engaging with staff members to further promote the resources to patients, caregivers and families. She is very excited to join the Swedish Cancer Institute team and to impact patients and their families in a meaningful way.

The Cancer Education Center is located at our Swedish Cancer Institute First Hill campus, in the Arnold Pavilion on the A-Floor (basement floor). The center is staffed with health education specialists and volunteers to offer a safe environment for patients and their caregivers to learn about their specific cancer and about available support resources. Services at the Education Centers include:

• Educational materials and literature

• Complimentary American Cancer Society (ACS) Patient Navigator services include: Wigs, Transportation

assistance, Hotel Partners Program and Cancer related community resources

• Computer and internet access

• Loan library for rent

• iPad’s for rent

• Assistance with registering for patient education classes

• Retail items designed to support the needs of cancer patients, such as hats, scarves, sleepwear, skin-care products and more

To learn more about resources and services available through the Cancer Education Center network, please call 206-386-3200, email SCI.Education@Swedish.org, or visit us at our four locations:

Swedish Ballard: Medical Oncology and Treatment Center, 2 East; 5300 Tallman Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107

Swedish Edmonds: Medical Oncology Building, 2nd Floor, Suite 217; 21632 Highway 99, Edmonds, WA 98026

Swedish First Hill: Arnold Building, A-Floor West and Suite 500; 1221 Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98104

Swedish Issaquah: Medical Office Building, 1st Floor, Suite 1090; 751 N.E. Blakely Dr., Issaquah, WA 98029

Winter Recipe: Coconut Chicken Curry

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swedish.org/cancer

My son and my husband came with me to my hairdresser for moral support when I got my head shaved, and my wig trimmed. My hair has been long, short and in-between and has had plenty of bad days, but I’d been loving the way it was recently. Still, I shed it without tears. Nyesha, my kind hairdresser, left me with a little skull cap of salt and pepper hair and I felt oddly liberated. Now I wear the wig on occasion, but also rely on berets, chemo beanies, and at home, or among close friends, I go bare headed, amping up the eye make-up and earrings.

I remember all the things I said to women during wig fittings, without really understanding, about how hair loss could be a difficult experience, and all the things I learned about them during that relatively intimate experience. They talked about their illnesses, their emotions, their families, their professions, their fears, somehow freed under cover of the activity we were engaged in. I realize now that because of having shared some small part of their lives, I am free to handle my own loss in my own way.

The same applies to other things I often said when working with patients. One common phrase was “You’re living the life you have now,” with the emphasis on continuing to live, even with the alterations mandated by illness and treatment. In my own life, I recently lost a good friend to colon cancer. Patty was a model of living the time she had—during the last year plus of her life she took her only trip to Europe, rented a beach front house because she always wanted to live on the water, saw Hamilton on Broadway, visited family in other parts of the U.S. and threw herself a dance-crazy 65th disco party, among many things. She made a plan for her final days, and they went just as she had intended. When she found out about my diagnosis, she said her best advice was to do at least one thing you truly enjoy every day.

Now, I keep the patients I met—sometimes once, sometimes repeatedly—and my friend Patty in mind as I live through the rough days and the good ones. Just yesterday, I got very good news about the results of my first post-chemo scan. I have incredible support from family, friends, and the staff here at Swedish. I have hope, and I have the many examples of courage, humor, strength and grace, that I encountered in my volunteer work. I know that a time may come when I stop making progress and I’ll have to think about things differently. Like Patty and so many patients at Swedish, I’ll do my best to face whatever future I have with purpose and with gratitude for the adventure and the love that has been part of my life, along with the challenges that for all of us are part of being human.

Volunteer to Patient(continued from page 2)

A favorite Asian soup, the taste is sweet and spicy with aromatic curry notes. Weight is medium but can be balanced with lemongrass. Texture is soupy. Good for people with low to moderate treatment side effects. Best categorized as south East Asian.

Please enjoy this recipe Prep Time: 15 mins Servings: 6 people Cook Time: 45 mins Author: Chef Ryan Callahan

Equipment

Cutting board, Chef’s knife and Slow cooker

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breast• 3 red potatoes chunked• 1 small bag of carrots

chunked• 1 onion red yellow or white• 1/2 celery bunch chopped• 1 can coconut milk• 2 c. cow’s milk• 32 oz. chicken stock/

broth low sodium

Cooking Directions

Chunk up all vegetables and meat. Place in slow cooker on high for 4 hours. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with jasmine rice on side.

Notes

Lemon grass adds a nice, clean finish, especially for people who are having trouble with flavors. This curry should be sweet. Add sugar as needed, especially to combat metallic tastes. For metallic tastes, add 1/2 a lime sliced into cocktail wedges with juice. Remove limes before serving.

Adapted from cookingforchemo.org

Flavor Balancers• kosher salt to taste• black pepper to taste

Aromatics• 1 tsp. ground ginger• 2 tsp. cinnamon• 1 tbsp. lemongrass

pureed• 2 bay leaves• 3 tbsp. red curry

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Life to the Fullest » Winter 2020

Coping & Creative Expression ProgramsArt & Wellness GroupJoin our Art Therapists and experience the healing benefits of making art in a supportive and non-judgmental setting. These drop-in art therapy groups are open to all oncology patients, family members and caregivers. No art experience or skill is necessary to join. The groups and materials are provided free of charge. For more info, call 206-215-6178.

SCI Edmonds – Medical Oncology Fridays, 10-11:30am

SCI First Hill – 5th Floor, Healing Forum Tuesdays, 10am-Noon

SCI Issaquah – Cancer Education Center 2nd & 4th Wednesday/Month, 2-4pm

Knit For LifeThis drop-in group uses knitting as a healing experience to enhance the lives of cancer patients, their family members and caregivers during treatment and recovery. It provides a supportive environment

for beginners and experienced knitters. All materials are provided. For more info, call 206-386-3200.

Swedish Issaquah – 1st Floor, Main Lobby Mondays, 1-3pm

SCI First Hill – 1st Floor, Lobby Thursdays, 1-3pm

SCI Edmonds – Medical Oncology Tuesdays, 10am-Noon

SCI First Hill – 5th Floor Healing Forum Wednesdays, 10am-Noon

Mindfulness Meditation Weekly drop-in sessions open to all. For more info visit: http://fryemuseum.org/program/meditation.

Frye Art Museum – Auditorium Select Wednesdays, 12:30-1pm

Music & Wellness GroupExperience the healing benefits of music through activities such as listening to music, instrument playing, songwriting, and singing. This group is open to all oncology patients, family members and caregivers. No music experience or confidence required. Drop-ins welcome. For more info, call 206-386-6711.

SCI First Hill – 5th Floor, Healing Forum Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm

Ukulele Club Experience how playing the ukulele can improve your mood while reducing stress and anxiety. No prior music experience required. This drop-in group is open to patients, family members, and caregivers. For more info, call 206-386-6711.

SCI First Hill – 5th Floor Healing Forum Wednesdays, 2-3pm

Fear and Cancer: What’s Next after Treatment Ends(continued from page 4)

Swedish resources

• Survivorship Clinic. Call to schedule an appointment at 206-320-8266 or 425-313-4200

• Swedish Cancer Institute Patient Support Resources (Classes and Support Groups): www.swedish.org/services/cancer-institute/patient-support-resources

• Naturopathic Medicine. For more information, call 206-386-3015

• To register for mindfulness classes, call 206 320-2404 or contact Carolyn.McManus@swedish.org.

• Dr. Shamim Nejad, Oncology Psychiatrist - Ask for referral.

Other resources

• Team Survivor Northwest: Provides fitness and health programs, enabling women cancer survivors to take an active role in ongoing healing. For more info, call 206-732-8350.

• Cancer Lifeline: Provides free classes and support groups for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. For more info, call 206-397-2100.

• Harmony Hill: Provides three-day cancer retreats. For more info, call 360-898-2363.

• Susan G. Komen Foundation: Provides breast cancer resources. For more info, visit ww5.komen.org

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Active Women, Healthy WomenWomen of all fitness levels are encouraged to join this certified instructor led class exclusively for cancer patients and survivors. Co-sponsored by Team Survivor Northwest. To register, call 206-732-8350.

Swedish Issaquah – 1st Floor, Flex Space Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm

Swedish Edmonds – Auditorium B Mondays, 7-8pm

After Breast Cancer, What’s Next?Make peace with impacts of cancer treatment, reduce stress cancer places on relationships, overcome fear of recurrence, renew hope and increase resilience. This series is for women who have already both completed treatment or are in active treatment. To register, call 206-386-2895 or email SCI.Education@swedish.org.

SCI First Hill – 5th Floor Conference Room, Room 504 Mondays, Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 24, 6-8pm

SCI Issaquah – Leadership Room Mondays, Mar 16, 23, 30, April 6, 6-8pm

SCI Edmonds – 4th Floor Conference Room Mondays, April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 6-8pm

Gentle Yoga & Wellness Skills Introductory class appropriate for all mobility levels and those who are new to yoga. Transitioning to the floor is optional; wheelchairs are welcome. To register, call 206-991-2099.

Swedish Cherry Hill – MS Center Tuesdays, 1-2:15pm, 2:30-3:45pm

Classes for Patients and the CommunityThe Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) offers free programs to assist patients, family, friends and caregivers to help the mind, body, and spirit to heal. For questions or feedback, please contact the Cancer Education Center at 206-386-3200 or SCI.Education@Swedish.org.

Patients in active cancer treatment have a weakened immune system. If you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, please do not attend the program until all symptoms are gone.

For more programs and information, visit: https://www.swedish.org/classes.

Get Fit! Staying Active During & After Cancer Exercise class and fitness consults for patients who have finished cancer treatment. To register, email tosh3aramaki@yahoo.com.

Swedish Cherry Hill – Center for Health and Wellness Saturdays, 10-11am

Hawaiian Hula Learn the basics of Hula dancing and storytelling (standing or seated) while working your core, arms, and legs. No experience required. To register, email SCI.Education@swedish.org or call 206-386-3200.

SCI Edmonds – Radiation Oncology Thursdays, Noon-1pm

Tools For Healing This class offers a holistic perspective on healing that includes body, mind, and spirit regardless of the treatment phase or stage of cancer. We offer methods and tools to help reduce fear and anxiety for better well-being over a life-time. To register, email SCI.Education@swedish.org or call 206-386-3200. For more info, call Patti at 206-215-6558.

Swedish Issaquah – Leadership Room Thursday, Jan 16, 6-8pm

Online Webinar Thursday, Feb 6, April 2, 6-8pm

Swedish Edmonds – 3rd Floor Leadership Room Thursday, March 5, 6-8pm

Swedish First Hill – 5th floor, Room 504 Thursday, May 7, 6-8pm

CLIMB ProgramChildren’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB) is a special support program providing emotional support for children who have a parent or primary caregiver with cancer. To learn about the CLIMB program or to enroll, please contact the Oncology Social Work referral line at 206-386-3228. Registration is required.

SCI First Hill – Arnold Pavilion Thursdays, March 5th to April 2nd, 5:30-7:30pm

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Life to the Fullest » Winter 2020

Community ResourcesThe Swedish Cancer Institute partners with local and national organizations to offer services, classes and emotional support for cancer patients, their families and caregivers.

Bereavement Services

American Cancer SocietyThe American Cancer Society is a national health organization that provides local cancer education and services. Call the ACS Patient Navigator at 206-215-6557 for more information.

• A complimentary wig bank

• Around-the-clock support at a toll-free number, 1-800-ACS-2345

• Hotel Partners Program, providing complimentary lodging for cancer patients who live 50 miles or further from their treatment facility

• Patient Navigator at Swedish, a service that links patients and caregivers to cancer-related resources available in the community and Swedish

• Reach to Recovery, a peer-to-peer support program for women who have had breast cancer

• Transportation Assistance for cancer patients traveling to and from cancer treatment appointments

• Volunteers at Swedish, trained on American Cancer Society, Swedish Cancer Institute, and community resources

Bereavement Support – EdmondsIf you have any questions about the below programs or would like to register for a group, please call 425-640-4404 or email bereavement@swedish.org.

Cancer LifelineCancer Lifeline is a local organization that provides free services to cancer patients, family members, caregivers, coworkers and friends. Cancer Lifeline offers a toll-free, 24-hour telephone counseling service for emotional support, information and community resource referrals. Other services include a family support program, workplace consultation, movement awareness workshops, relaxation and stress reduction programs, pain management and nutrition classes. To register for classes or to get more information, call 206-297-2500 or toll-free at 1-800-255-5505, or visit CancerLifeline.org.

Cancer PathwaysCancer Pathways provides education, support and community resources for adults, teens and children with cancer, as well as for their families and friends. Activities are held in Seattle and other areas of the state in locations such as hospitals, community centers and schools. For information, call 206-709-1400 or visit CancerPathways.org.

The Early Days of Grief: This monthly drop-in group is for those who are in the first year of their mourning after the death of a loved one. It will provide an overview of grief responses and coping ideas. Registration not required.

Bereavement Support – Seattle & IssaquahFor a current list of grief support services, or to register for a group, call 206-749-7702 or visit www.providence.org/grief-support-seattle.

Diving Into Grief: A new drop-in group for general loss. New topics in grief to explore each month. Registration not required.

Growing Through Grief: A six-week support group for adults coping with the death of a loved one. Registration required.

Partner/Spouse Loss: A monthly drop-in group for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner in the past 15 months. Call for more information.

(continued on page 13)

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CENTSConsumer Education and Training Services (CENTS) is a non-profit organization formed to help people protect their financial situation. Cancer patients and their family members can meet 1 to 3 times for an hour with a volunteer Certified Financial Planner in-person, over the phone, or electronically, to discuss how to protect your finances during cancer treatment. For more information or to request your free and confidential appointment, contact tony@centsprogram.org or 206-267-7017.

Harmony Hill Retreat CenterHarmony Hill is a nonprofit organization that focuses on transforming the lives of those affected by cancer and inspiring healthy living for all. Harmony Hill offers:

• Three-day, on-site residential retreats, which offer group and community support, guided imagery, yoga and meditation, expressive arts, nutrition education, healthy organic meals, comfortable lodging and a spectacular natural setting over¬looking Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains

• Off-site workshops on various topics, offering resources, inspiration and tools for supporting those on the cancer journey

• Webinars on nutrition and other topics of interest

For more information, call 360-898-2363 or visit HarmonyHill.org.

Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyThe Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Washington/Alaska Chapter was founded in 1984 to serve residents who have been touched by one of the blood cancers: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The chapter serves patients and families throughout Alaska and Washington with a wide range of free educational and support programs for patients, their families, caregivers and healthcare professionals. For more information call (206) 628-0777 or (888) 345-4572, or visit lls.org/washingtonalaska.

Komen Puget Sound Founded in 1993, Komen Puget Sound has been a part of the Western Washington community for more than 20 years, raising money to fund:

• Local breast health education programs

• Breast cancer screening

• Treatment support

• Research, to better diagnose, treat and ultimately cure breast cancer

Community Resources(continued from page 12)

Komen Puget Sound now ranks as the fifth largest out of 120 Komen affiliates nationwide. To learn more about local breast health education, screening opportunities and treatment support, call 206-633-0303 or visit komenpugetsound.org/grants/community-grants/.

Northwest Hope & HealingNorthwest Hope & Healing is a nonprofit organization that supports women in the Puget Sound area who are battling breast and gynecological cancers. The group provides financial assistance to women who need help with everyday living expenses, such as child care, groceries, transportation and rent. Northwest Hope & Healing also assembles and delivers special healing baskets to Swedish Cancer Institute for newly diagnosed patients. To learn more, visit NWHopeAndHealing.org.

Team Survivor NorthwestTeam Survivor Northwest provides fitness and health education programs for women diagnosed with any type of cancer. These programs help with physical and emotional healing and are for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. The majority of programs are free to members and scholarships are available. To join Team Survivor Northwest or to get more information, call 206-732-8350, email info@teamsurvivornw.org or visit TeamSurvivorNW.org.

ThrivorshipThe mission of Thrivorship is to help women navigate the hidden challenges of recovering from cancer and thrive! The Thrivorship curriculum was born from many years of listening to the needs of women struggling to overcome cancer treatment. This organization recognizes that the completion of urgent clinical care is just the beginning of a long process of recovery—one that is little recognized or supported. Thrivorship wants to change that by providing Thrivors, Providers and Supporters a way to structure a personalized recovery plan and create a sustainable way forward into the optimal quality of life. To learn more, visit livethrivorship.com.

Young Survival CoalitionYoung Survival Coalition provides support for the unique issues young women face when they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Young Survival Coalition offers resources, outreach and education to empower young women affected by breast cancer and to provide hope. For more information, visit YoungSurvival.org.

C

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"

Patient Education and Support ServicesThe Cancer Education centers at the Swedish Ballard, Edmonds, First Hill and Issaquah campuses are unique resources that provide patient education to the public free of charge. The centers offer a wide variety of brochures, books, videos and audiotapes about cancer, and an expansive computer database that can be used to search for and print information about specific types of cancer.

Locations:

Ballard ....................................................... 206-386-3200 First Hill ..................................................... 206-386-3200

Edmonds ................................................. 425-673-8319 Issaquah ................................................... 425-313-4485

Classes The Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) offers programs and classes to assist patients and their families and caregivers making treatment decisions, managing symptoms and accessing complementary programs.

Contact the Cancer Education Center to learn more at SCI.Education@Swedish.org or 206-386-3200.

Counseling, Social Work Services, Support, Financial Counselingwww.swedish.org/counseling-support

The Swedish Cancer Institute offers a variety of support services. Support groups at SCI are led by experienced support group facilitators and are open to anyone in the community. Individual and group counseling sessions are also available at SCI. These sessions help patients and their family members and caregivers cope with treatment, improve communication, manage depression or anxiety, and connect with community agencies and services. They also provide resources for relaxation techniques and stress management.

Locations:Ballard ....................................................... 206-386-3228 First Hill ..................................................... 206-386-3228

Edmonds. ................................................ 425-673-8328 Issaquah ................................................... 425-313-4224

Palliative Care & Symptom Management Palliative care is a service which helps people define their goals for their care with a focus on improving their quality of life during or following a serious illness. This service provides support as long as people need it, focusing on each person’s unique experience in order to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of living with serious illness.

Locations:

First Hill .................................................... 206-386-2126 Edmonds & Cherry Hill. ...................... 425-640-4636

Survivorship ClinicSurvivorship services are available to enhance and complement the care provided by our oncologists. The Survivorship Program, led by qualified, experienced oncology advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), is a valuable service. This program is designed to be an additional resource to supplement the care you will continue to receive and to bridge the gap between oncology specialty care and your primary care provider.

Locations:

First Hill .................................................... 206-320-8266 Issaquah ................................................... 425-313-7124

Edmonds ................................................. 425-673-8300

Quick Reference

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We comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Swedish does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Swedish:

(1) Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as: (a) Qualified sign language interpreters; and (b) Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats).

(2) Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as: (a) Qualified interpreters; and (b) Information written in other languages.

If you need any of the above services, please contact the appropriate civil rights coordinator below. If you need Telecommunications Relay Services, please call 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.

If you believe that Swedish has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with Swedish by contacting the civil rights coordinator for your service location as listed below:

Service location

Civil rights coordinator

All locations except Swedish Edmonds

Civil rights coordinator, 101 W. 8th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204Telephone: 1-844-469-1775; Interpreter line: 1-888-311-9127Email: Nondiscrimination.WA@providence.org

Swedish Edmonds

Civil rights coordinator (Bed Control), 21601 76th Ave. W. Edmonds, WA 98026Telephone: 1-844-469-1775; Interpreter line: 1-888-311-9178Email: Nondiscrimation.SHS@providence.org

Senior Services

Civil rights coordinator, 2811 S. 102nd St., Suite 220, Tukwila, WA 98168Telephone: 1-844-469-1775; Interpreter line: 1-888-311-9127; Email: Nondiscrimination.pscs@providence.org

Notice of Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Rights

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in our health programs and activities.

1717763 Swedish 01/17

You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax or email. If you need help filing a grievance, one of the above-noted civil rights coordinators is available to help you.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Ave. SWRoom 509F, HHH Building Washington, DC 202011-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD).

Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.

SWEDISH HEALTH SERVICESArnold Medical Pavilion1221 Madison St., A-Floor West Seattle, WA 98104

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In order to improve Life to the Fullest newsletter, we need your feedback. Our readers are the reason we produce this newsletter and we want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our online survey at https://tinyurl.com/y4nbdtsp. Thank you for being an integral part of this newsletter. We hope to hear from you!

If you have any comments, questions or concerns about the Life to the Fullest newsletter, please email us at SCI.Education@Swedish.org or call the Cancer Education Center at 206-386-3200.

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