2011-09 Lydia's Style Magazine

CaregiverBasics

Dancing to the Music of Life

w w w . s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m | w w w . m e d i c a l a n d w e l l n e s s . c o mA STYLE MEDIA AND DESIGN, INC. PUBLICATION : : EST. 1984

New Radiation Treatment Options

SepTeMBeR 2011

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LYD

IA D

ODY BREAST CANCER SUPPORT CENTER

Hope Lives! GalaOctober 22, 2011

i hate kids

22 Lydia’s STYLE Magazine

33Style 2011


Richard Alessi, MD Kevin Bachus, MD Douglas Beard, MD Jeffrey Chapman, MD Hans Coester, MD

Beverly Donnelley, MD Christopher Eriksen, MD Warren James, MD Angela King, MD Susan Kozak, MD

Mark Loury, MD Kara Micetich, MD Philip Priebe, MD Brad Runyan, MD Elizabeth Serniak, MD

Bruce Smith, MD J. Bradley Stern, MD Kevin Tool, MD Christopher Tsoi, MD Donn Turner, MD

Maude Vance, MD Tim Wirt, MD

1100 E. Prospect Rd. • Fort Collins, CO 80525 • 970.494.4800

55Style 2011

Richard Alessi, MD Kevin Bachus, MD Douglas Beard, MD Jeffrey Chapman, MD Hans Coester, MD

Beverly Donnelley, MD Christopher Eriksen, MD Warren James, MD Angela King, MD Susan Kozak, MD

Mark Loury, MD Kara Micetich, MD Philip Priebe, MD Brad Runyan, MD Elizabeth Serniak, MD

Bruce Smith, MD J. Bradley Stern, MD Kevin Tool, MD Christopher Tsoi, MD Donn Turner, MD

Maude Vance, MD Tim Wirt, MD

1100 E. Prospect Rd. • Fort Collins, CO 80525 • 970.494.4800


77Style 2011


sty le media and design, inc.| 970.226.6400 |

w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o mw w w. m e d i c a l a n d w e l l n e s s . c o m

Publisher Lydia Dody | [email protected] Angeline Grenz | [email protected]

creative director Scott Prossersenior designer Lisa Gould

digital director Austin Lamb | [email protected] sales eXecutives

Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400

David Knight (970) 619-9846Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932

office Manager/about town editor Ina Szwec | [email protected]

accounting Manager Karla Vigilcirculation Manager Trisha Milton

coPy editor Corey Radman

contributing writersJulie Estlick, Connie Hein, Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer,

Marty Metzger, Corey Radman, Kay Rios, Heather Schichtel, Graciela Sholander,

Carl Simmons, Tracee Sioux

PhotograPhers Marcus Edwards, Brent Yoder

contributing PhotograPher Lydia Dody

affiliationsFort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

Loveland Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center

2011 style MagazinesJanuary-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness

Magazine and DirectoryFebruary-Style

March-Northern Colorado Medical & WellnessApril-Style

May-Northern Colorado Medical & WellnessJune-Style

July-Northern Colorado Medical & WellnessMagazine and Poudre Valley Health System

Physician DirectoryAugust-Style

September-Women’s Health & Breast CancerOctober-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness

November/December-Holiday Style

Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. Elsewhere, a one year subscription is $25/year and a two year subscription is $45/year. Free magazines are available at over 150 locations throughout Northern Colorado.

For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 226-6400. Fax (970) 226-6427. E-Mail: [email protected]

©2011 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.

7


Pleased to be FeaturedLydia,

I just wanted to write to you about how pleased we were being featured and on the cover of the June issue of Style. We have had more people call from being in Style than anything we have ever done. People see it everywhere! And, I’ve got to say that it helps to build our reputation as a quality business. Being in Style has given us more credibility and awareness. We have gotten a lot of compli-ments on the article – more comments than any other article we’ve been in. Thank you very much.

Jim Simpson, co-ownerAffordable RoofingFort Collins Restoration

thank YousDear Lydia and Staff,

My husband, Larry, and I wish to thank you for generously giving the Fort Collins Cat Rescue and Spay Neuter Clinic a pair of vouchers redeemable at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

At our annual Volunteers’ Party, I was lucky to win them as the door prize. I wish to tell you we

have made our reservations. We’ve never been there and are looking forward to our night out.

Thank you for your partnership with FCCR/SN. It’s a very rewarding place to be a volunteer. Sincerely, Jane Seik, Fort Collins

Dear Lydia and Staff,Thank you so much for the lovely ad in your

magazine (August 2011 Style Magazine). I have it out on my desk and everyone stops to browse through it. It’s been a fun gift. Sincerely,

Cheung Cheng Cache Bank & Trust

Editor’s note: Cheng was the recipient of a free ad in a drawing held during our Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet event in June 2011.

ad CamPaign WorkingIna,

We have been busier and just last week met with a woman who had the ad from Style cut out when I met with her. So this is working!

Linda GabelSeniors Helping Seniors

CommunitY invitedStyle,

We so appreciate the write up (“Putting Their Stamp on Northern Colorado,” August 2011 Style Magazine). It was fantastic and a few customers have already told us about seeing it.

We also wanted to share with the commu-nity our Operation Write Home event, where we create and collect handmade greeting cards that are blank inside. These cards are sent to our nation’s armed forces, which they can then use to write home. We have one afternoon class a month and collect cards from our customers continually. To find the details for October’s event, please visit our website at www.artsystamps.com. We thank you all again!

Dianna Boehner & Patsy KralArtsy Stamps & Paper CraftsLoveland

We love to hear From readers. send Your Comments and suggestions to:

[email protected]: 970.226.6400, ext.215

Fax: 970.226.6427www.stylemagazinecolorado.com

1111Style 2011

12

ContentsWomen’s Health & Breast Cancer

on the Cover: mary rutledge celebrates life at our annual breast cancer survivors’ fashion shoot. she is pretty in pink in this faux leather jacket and dark

wash jeans courtesy of lady gaia in Fort Collins. Cover photography by marcus edwards.

16 « Business Profile: GivinG You More TiMe

18 « CreaTinG sMall ThinGs To Make a BiG DifferenCe

« ChaMPions of hoPe2422 « MeeT The MoDels

26 « DanCinG To The MusiC of life

40 « survivors reCeive BeauTY TreaTMenTs

48 « sTaYinG aheaD of BreasT CanCer

54 « new raDiaTion TreaTMenT oPTions

44 « CareGiver BasiCs – a love sTorY

58 « MCkee’s CanCer CenTer Gains new TeChnoloGY

60 « BreasT CanCer Pain ManaGeMenT oPTions

dePartments

10 « froM our reaDers

14 « PuBlisher’s leTTer

82 « aBouT Town

fire hYDranT 5 | realiTies CuPJewels in June | The BiG she BanGParTY for Parkinson’sre/MaX allianCe Golf TournaMenT

64 « anesThesia 101: a BeGinner’s GuiDe

68 « BenefiTs of PelleT horMone TheraPY

70 « DoinG veGeTarian riGhT

7476 « auTuMn fesTivals

« BeeT sTreeT: arTs inCuBaTor CollaBoraTion

Features

« raMsTrenGTh live / lauGh / walk wiTh GraCe

13Style 2011


E ach year Style invites breast cancer survivors to share with us the chal-lenges, heartaches and victories of their diagnosis. These women are all ages, all stages and of all back-

grounds. Despite these differences, they have one thing in common: they have all encountered breast cancer and survived. Grant you, some are still in the fight, some just healing and others are far removed from the disease. But one thing is for sure, each of these women have been changed forever and their lives will never be the same. I don’t know of a more inspiring group of women. They are courageous, strong, positive, inspirational, loving and, most of all, living with a new appreciation for each day and a profound new set of priorities. Thank you to each of these precious women for openly sharing their stories, inspirations and journeys.

The day we gathered for the photo shoot was spent being pampered by salons and make-up artists, toasting mimosa’s to chase away the pre-photography nerves, and cheering each woman on as she was being photographed. We

There was a deep bond we all felt that special day when

20 beautiful women gathered at my home to be photographed and to share their

unique stories.

[email protected]

all celebrated being women, shared stories, sup-ported each other, laughed and offered hope and encouragement. Our special bond was evident and didn’t need to be spoken.

This was a special day, with a very special group of women. May their stories uplift, empower and encourage any newly diagnosed woman and give her courage and hope.

Today, we are fortunate that there are improved treatment protocols soon available in Northern Colorado and survival rates are improving for breast cancer. Read “New Radiation Treatment Options” to learn about the state-of-the-art linear accelerator being installed at PVHS’s Harmony Campus for radiation treatments, which will safely target and destroy tumors previously untreat-able. And read “McKee’s Cancer Center Gains New Technology” to learn about new services and technology available with the expansion of the Cancer Center to improve patient care in Northern Colorado. We are truly fortunate to live in Northern Colorado where we have the best medical care available.

As many of you know, my heart’s work is in helping the non-profit Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center’s mission of helping women in Northern Colorado who are diagnosed with breast cancer. As an 11-year survivor myself, I am passionate about serving these women through the Complementary Care Program which provides free services to improve healing, recovery and quality of life during treatment and for six months after. Since the beginning in 2001, Hope Lives has provided over 12,000 free services to women in Northern Colorado, services such as free wigs, nutritional counseling, acupuncture, lymphedema massage, couples counseling, and lifestyle support such as house cleaning, errand assistance, meal preparation and more. These services are generally not covered by insurance but are extremely important to improve a woman’s healing and recovery during treatment.

Every year, the annual Hope Lives! Gala brings together people from our communities to cel-ebrate life and raise money to provide funds for this important cause. This year the 11th annual Gala will be held on October 22, 2011, at the Hilton Fort Collins. Individual tickets and corporate table sponsorships are still available. I invite you to join us for this inspirational evening of celebration. Email www.hopelives.org, call (970) 225-6200 or log on to www.blacktie.org for tickets.

It takes a community of caring people to sup-port this worthwhile cause and I am very grateful to the many people who contribute as service providers, volunteers, sponsors and donors. I deeply thank each of you for your generous contribution of time, talent and treasure. We will continue to serve these women and support this cause. Together we can make a big difference until a cure is found.

Blessings and gratitude to each of you,

Publisher’s Letter

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, we want you to be

a survivor. Early detection and screening could raise your breast

cancer survival rate to 98% at a local level. In addition to annual

mammography, the American Cancer Society now recommends

MRI screening for the 1.4 million women at unusually high risk

for breast cancer. Offering the most advanced MRI technology

and comprehensive care in the region, The Imaging Center is

privileged to help high risk women of Northern Colorado with

critical MRI screening and early detection of breast cancer.

Please consult with your physician to determined you are at

high risk for breast cancer and to schedule your screening

Breast MRI.

1515Style 2011

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, we want you to be

a survivor. Early detection and screening could raise your breast

cancer survival rate to 98% at a local level. In addition to annual

mammography, the American Cancer Society now recommends

MRI screening for the 1.4 million women at unusually high risk

for breast cancer. Offering the most advanced MRI technology

and comprehensive care in the region, The Imaging Center is

privileged to help high risk women of Northern Colorado with

critical MRI screening and early detection of breast cancer.

Please consult with your physician to determined you are at

high risk for breast cancer and to schedule your screening

Breast MRI.


The person who could manipulate time to their advantage would be wealthy indeed. But for the rest of us, we may have to settle for the next best thing – our very own personal assistant, at least for a couple hours a week, or a day.

This is the service Alacrity Personal Assistants has been offering since 2007. Kirsten Danekind

Giving you More Time

By Angeline Grenz

is the detail oriented, time management queen behind Alacrity. Danekind has a wealth of expe-rience under her belt, from owning a catering and event planning company to working for a travel agency and in financial planning and bookkeeping. These skills are the foundation of Alacrity’s services.

Alacrity offers a variety of services to clients from all over the U.S., including small business organization, custom travel planning, relocation services, event planning, corporate concierge services and personal shopping. She is a one-stop-shop for busy professionals and families who need those few extra hours in their day. “There are a lot of busy people out there that just don’t have the time,” she says. “My goal is to help make life run more smoothly for everyone.”

To that end, many of her clients own small businesses or are busy working parents. On the personal side, Danekind offers household management services, from dinner parties to cleaning out garages. Danekind subcontracts out to many local businesses: housecleaners, handy-man services, web designers, CPAs – whoever might be needed to complete the task.

Danekind has several part-time assistants and recently added a full-time staff member. Her husband, Neil, also joined her as a partner in the business a year ago. Danekind works with corporate clients to offer their executives her concierge services for a couple hours a month – a much appreciated perk for busy professionals.

As a member of the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association, Danekind

has connections across the globe to assist her clients while they travel. On a local level, she cultivates relationships with local service provid-ers. These relationships can often save her clients money, as she negotiates preferred pricing for their services.

Danekind has clients who require her services once a week or once a month; some clients work with Alacrity as much as 20-30 hours a week on a consistent basis. Others come to her for a one-time need, such as waiting on the cable guy so they don’t have to take an afternoon off of work.

Danekind’s services are not strictly for the wealthy. She has worked for college students, single moms, anyone who needs it. She can work for a set hourly fee, or offer contractual and event pricing.

Last year, Danekind found a way to give back to the community by donating two hours of her time to each of the breast cancer survivors who participated in the Hope Lives! Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center annual fashion photo spread and gala event.

“I know how important my time is and how important my family is,” says Danekind. “I think people undervalue themselves and helping them is where my passion lies.”

Alacrity Personal Assistants504 S. College Ave. Fort Collins(970) 222-8033www.alacritypa.com

1717Style 2011


Creating Small Things to Make a

By Marty Metzger

“Me!” “Me!” “No, me!” rise the cries from the wide, wide world of worthy causes. And, like loving but weary maternal ears, potential donors are sometimes over-whelmed. It takes a fresh idea from a creative individual to be heard – and heeded.

Big Difference

Such is the philanthropic brainchild of Eliza-beth Carter. Her fanciful creations stand above the fray: cheerful, pink bows sporting a myriad of themed attachments. But, distinctive and innovative as the charming bows are, more amazing still is the age of their designer. Elizabeth is 9 years old.

In autumn 2010, Elizabeth (then 8-years-old) was inspired by her father, Tom Carter, as he and friends grew mustaches for “Movember,” a November event to raise money for prostate and testicular cancer research.

Elizabeth asked her dad if there are cancers that primarily affect women. The affirmative answer made her ponder a way in which some-one her age could help. She soon reasoned that clip-on bows, a popular hair accessory, just might sell well enough to generate some charitable profit. So Elizabeth gathered materials and immediately began crafting.

As Tom’s group proudly sported Fu Manchu, handlebar and trucker masterpieces above their upper lips, Elizabeth happily marketed her imagi-native bows. “Bowvember” was a great success!

Then, rather than curtail her crafts to an annual November event, she continued bow making, her project being called Bows for Hope all other months. Elizabeth’s motifs include Hello Kitty, camouflage, polka dot, and stripes and lace, each affixed to a basic pink bow. All are attached to barrettes of varying sizes, depending on the customer’s age (babies to adults), hair length and texture.

Elizabeth estimates it takes her 5 to 10 min-utes to complete an item, based on its size and number of layers. Prices are by recommenda-tion and donation, usually ranging from $1 to $20 each.

Men also expressed interest in the benevolent bows, so Elizabeth makes masculine versions (like camouflage) that they can clip on belts, pockets or, in the case of long, male locks, in their coifs.

Word-of-mouth has kept Carter’s clever clips’ market growing. She sets up a stand at events, including “Pretty in Pink.” Professional cyclist Meredith Miller held that fundraiser in late 2010 at Back Country Provisions. Elizabeth presented more pink pretties for sale at the Hope Lives! Pink Boa 5K run/walk this past May. Yet another outlet is Peloton Cycles in south Fort Collins where a flier explains the basket of bows at the cashier station.

Elizabeth’s devotion to her bow making and marketing might preclude many other activities for a less-determined youngster. Energetic Eliza-beth, however, is a study in perpetual motion. She’s a soccer fan and player. The avid reader has gobbled up the entire Harry Potter book series and wants to do it again. She plays basketball and takes knitting, piano and English horseback riding lessons. A pink shelf in her room is home to Elizabeth’s expanding collection of porcelain dolls. Some are contemporary, others antique gifts from her grandmother’s neighbor. Elizabeth loves to sing and dance, especially to pop and


country music. And, when terra firma can no longer contain her boundless energy, she hits the water as a member of the Collindale Pool swim team.

With all her interests, it’s not surprising that she welcomes assistance with Bows for Hope. Sometimes her friends join in the fun. And Eliza-beth emphasizes that Fort Collins High School students enthusiastically champion her cause.

Lambkin Way is a course that requires com-munity involvement. Thus far, about 20 students have chosen to make posters and bows in an after-school program in English teacher Kyla Cart-er’s (Elizabeth’s mother) classroom. Their work earns them community service credits towards a report card grade. Elizabeth says she’s extremely grateful for their help, which enormously aids her efforts to fund cancer research. One more ally is Colin Carter, Elizabeth’s 6-year-old brother, who lends welcome moral support.

To date, Bowvember and Bows for Hope have generated in excess of $450. The recipient of 100 percent of that amount is the Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center.

Tom and Kyla pay for Elizabeth’s materials so that all funds raised can go to the charity instead of deducting for overhead expenses.

Tom stresses that the idea for, and ongoing devotion to, Bowvember and Bows for Hope are totally Elizabeth’s.

“Her mom and I couldn’t be more proud,” he declares. “She came up with the idea on her own. Elizabeth is an incredible little girl!”

The 9-year-old is polite, outgoing and well spoken, displaying vocabulary skills and wisdom far beyond her years. When asked for an overview of her philanthropic endeavors, she adamantly asserts, “Just because you’re little doesn’t mean you can’t make a big difference.”

Call (970) 377-3295 or email Elizabeth at [email protected] to order your Bows for Hope, a great idea from the little girl determined to make that big difference!

Marty Metzger, who lives in Fort Collins, has worked as a freelance writer for 23 years.

Elizabeth’s “Bows for Hope” have raised more than $450 for Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center.


Meet the

Lynda Carlson Lynda is married to Rob and has four grown children:

Erik, Aaron, Nate and Jon. She is an interior designer with Expressions of You Interior Design. She enjoys designing, clothes, gardening, music and her eight grandchildren.

“It was a wonderful experience. I found the perfect dress at David’s Bridal. The hairdresser did a great job making my short hair look amazing. Make-up was so much fun – false eyelashes really helped. It was a fantasy most women would want to experience. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your fun!”

Lisa HelmeLisa is married to Guy and they have two grown

children, Jenny and Laurie. She is an administrative as-sistant at Western Electricity Coordinating Council. She enjoys spending time outdoors, quilting and sewing crafts, reading and enjoying her home.

“It was great fun. I loved having help selecting my clothes and found a new boutique – CLOZ. The make-up staff did wonders. They were so friendly and made me feel special. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of my treatments. The staff at CLOZ in Loveland was so nice and helpful. What a great shop.”

Beverly GastBeverly is married to Dick and they have two chil-

dren, Charlie and Shaeffer. She is a financial coordina-tor at the Lincoln Center. She enjoys hiking, biking and skiing.

“It was such fun to walk into a store and have ac-cess to everything. The clothes were amazing and so was the owner’s generosity. The best part was meeting everyone and sharing the experience. I absolutely loved meeting all the other women who have experienced our similar journey. Thank you, Lydia, for all that you do.”

Julie MonroeJulie is married to Robert and they have two grown

sons, Ryan and Joel. She is a third grade teacher at Bella Romero School in Weld County. She enjoys running, hik-ing, backpacking and quilting.

“What a blast! I felt like a kid again, playing dress up. Choosing what made us comfortable and matched our style was so enjoyable. Barb [Salon DeChelle] was very kind and creative. She made me feel welcome and special. I was very nervous but everyone made it easy. There was no rush and I felt like I was queen for the day.”

Lynn M. DoughmanLynn is married to Greg and they have two children,

Claire and Nash. She is a self-employed educational diag-nostician and therapist. She enjoys family activities, camp-ing, volleyball, golf, watching her children’s theatrical pro-ductions and sports.

“My dress was the only thing I tried on – I loved it immediately. Penny [owner of CLOZ] was gracious and ac-commodating. Having my make-up done was wonderful; Casey showed me how to enhance my features. I used to be more reserved, but the cancer journey has opened me up. For the first time in a very long time, I felt beautiful.”

Lonna JensenLonna is married to Cole and they have one daugh-

ter, Tulla. She is a radiologic technologist at CSU Vet-erinary Teaching Hospital and head volleyball coach at Mountain View High School. She enjoys spending time with family, playing volleyball, anything competitive, knit-ting and other crafts.

“It was great! I had so much fun at Macy’s – they had a great selection. Rachel at le Salon was so nice. She lis-tened and helped me to get the perfect style. The cloth-ing was beautiful. My favorite parts were the make-up and photo shoot. What fun.”

Karen DittmanKaren is married to Kelly. She is a sales associate at

Coldwater Creek. She enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, horseback riding and shopping.

“David’s Bridal was terrific. They found a beautiful dress that made me young and spunky! I loved the ex-perience and the staff was so helpful. I loved Salon De Chelle and Barb. She gave me a great haircut and I plan to see her again! I enjoyed all the courageous women who shared their laughter and tears. Lydia, Lanie, Mary and Debbie put us at ease and made us feel strong and beautiful.”

Jennifer Hollstrom, D.C.Jennifer’s significant other is Nate DenBleyker. She

is a chiropractor and owner of Fluid Chiropractic. When not working with clients for better health, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors and travel.

“There were so many choices at the clothing store but my helpers did great! This was fantastic! I’ve hon-estly never felt so beautiful – ever! Thank you. It was so much fun to be pampered and have the chance to share an experience with women with breast cancer outside of the hospital. So lovely.”

Models

2323Style 2011

Jill RickardsJill is married to Karl Zeller and is mother to Kari

Granger and Tara Zeller. She is a certified public ac-countant and owns Rickards & Co. When not crunching numbers, Jill enjoys skiing, belly dancing, knitting, read-ing, traveling and being with family and friends.

“This was great. My hair and make-up were chic and wonderful. Clayton did a great job with my short hair. I loved the make-up – my eyes were big and beauti-ful. The Designs store was trendy and I found an outfit that looked great on me and bought it.”

Lisa WarnerLisa is married to Houston and they have three children,

Brian, Wade and Randy. She is a waitress at IHOP and in her free time enjoys reading, journaling and playing games and puzzles.

“I was very nervous at first but once I got into it, I had a lot of fun! Make-up was awesome. I have not worn make-up in 20 years. The ladies did a beautiful job. The photogra-pher, Marcus, made me feel very comfortable. The ladies at Designs did a great job of helping me pick out clothes. They made it very easy.”

Nancy SchultzNancy is married to Ray and has two children, An-

gela and Clayton, and four grandchildren. She is a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Broker-age. She enjoys camping, hiking, skiing, scuba diving, weaving, playing the piano and traveling.

“The ladies at Designs were great. They have beau-tiful clothes and were helpful in picking the perfect out-fit. The fixx – both Rondi and Sydnie – were great and made me beautiful. I need them everyday! All of the Style staff was a joy to be around and work with. The other models are truly amazing women!”

Michele WarrenMichele is married to Jeff and they have two chil-

dren, Josh and Kaila, and two grandsons, Logan and Isaac. She is an administrative aide for the City of Fort Collins and enjoys crocheting, camping, reading and gardening.

“I had fun with this bunch of girls turned loose in a department store. I loved Carlee at the Parlour and had a great time – totally outside the box! I don’t usually shop at Macy’s, but I will go back.”

Kiri SaftlerKiri is married to Mark Beck and has two children,

Kiva and Corey. She is self-employed as a spiritual com-panioning/peace circle facilitator. She enjoys peace cir-cles, gardening, hiking and dancing.

“It was fun to find a new store and to be doted over – Susan from Lady Gaia was terrific. Shauna [C&S Workshop] was very sweet. I liked getting dolled up and dancing in front of the camera best; the photographer had a great, comforting presence and smile. I was more nervous to find ‘me’ and it was easier than I expected.”

Hallie WassermanHallie is married to Yuval and mother to Bianca,

Yael, Gilad and Lorena. She is retired and enjoys spend-ing time travelling, hiking and scuba diving.

“It was awesome. I thought going in I would pick a dress but fell in love with a sweater and jeans. Both my hair and make-up were great. I love my blond highlights and over-the-top, 60s-retro eyes with liner and false eyelashes. My favorite part was getting to know all the other models and seeing how amazing everyone looked and felt. I loved my outfit so much, I bought it!”

Mary RutledgeMary is a school director for Knowledge Universe.

Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, shopping, golf and just having a great time!

“What a treat. I quickly found an outfit [at Lady Gaia] that was classy and sassy – just right for me! Thank you for making me glamorous! Kam did an amazing job with my make-up. I had such a great experience with the photographer, and Lydia – you helped me to shine. I have always loved Lady Gaia and was so excited when I heard I would be shopping for my outfit there.”

Pam Vande WallePamela is married to George and is employed as a man-

agement assistant at KeyPoint Government Solutions. In her spare time she enjoys fishing.

“I really felt comfortable in the clothes I chose [from Ma-cy’s]. My hair stylist, Maggie, was great. She had just started at le Salon and volunteered to participate. I love my color, cut and partial highlights. Katie, my make-up artist, did a won-derful job. I love the eyelashes from Sephora. I liked sharing the experience with other survivors. Thanks to the volunteers for all their work. They are amazing!”

Cora NeubergerCora is married to Ken and they have one daughter,

Kendall. She is employed at Melvin Dinner, Attorney at Law. Cora enjoys reading and bowling when she is not at work.

“The fitting process was a fun day, and I was very pleased with my hair and make-up. Thank you to C&S Workshop for cutting and styling my hair. I really enjoyed chatting and socializing with the other models and I loved the clothing that was provided [from David’s Bridal].”

Elisa SneiderElisa is married to Steve and they have a 5-year-old

son, Will. She is currently a stay-at-home mom who loves to garden, read, spend time with her family and girl-friends, and share adventures with her son.

“It was so relaxed and fun. All of the women were so supportive of each other. I was nervous but now I am glad that I was encouraged to be a part of this. I loved my Ralph Lauren dress and the jewelry. Lanie and the Macy’s manager were so kind. My thanks to the Hope Lives crew!”

Cheryl PalumboCheryl is married to Jim and they have four children,

Christopher, Matthew, Bryan and Andrea. Cheryl is owner of Palumbo Dry Cleaners and does clerical work for Target. She enjoys hiking, mountains, photography and spending time with her grandchildren.

“Lydia, Lanie and Debbie knew how to dress us! Mary, owner of Lady Gaia, was incredible. Barb [Salon De Chelle] picked an easy hairstyle for me and Sydnie did wonders with the make-up. The whole experience has been very good, visiting with other women who have gone through this life-altering experience. Getting us to loosen up was great.”

Susan SutherlandSusan is married to David and they have one son,

Shawn. She is a consultant for S2S Solutions and enjoys skiing, gardening and making natural bath products in her free time.

“The fitting went smoothly and the clothing was very stylish – I bought the outfit for the gala! I loved Shauna at C&S Workshop and Kam did a fabulous job with my make-up. I enjoyed the wonderful spirit of Lyd-ia, her volunteers and the thrivers.”

Models


Medical HonoreeJoshua H. Petit, M.D.Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, Poudre Valley Health System

Style Magazine salutes the recipients of Hope Lives! The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center’s 2011 Champions of Hope Awards. We celebrate these tireless individuals for their unceasing commitment and service to the mothers, daughters, wives and sisters of Northern Colorado who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We thank them for their generous support of Hope Lives. Through their efforts, women have been diagnosed earlier, provided exceptional medical care and given the complementary care needed to enhance their physical, mental and emotional recovery.

Champions

Hopeof

2011 Honorees

Medical HonoreeRegina Jeanise Brown, M.D.Cancer Center of the Rockies, Poudre Valley Medical Group

“My inspiration to become involved in Hope Lives starts with my desire to give back. For those who don’t know, Fort Collins is where I grew up. The opportunities that have been afforded to me were nurtured here. My parents were very involved in this community; unfortunately they are both gone now, but Hope Lives is my way of carrying on their

legacy through an organization and mission I truly believe in. “Breast cancer has touched me in so many ways. I was involved with the breast

cancer program as a resident at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. My research focus as a Fellow at Johns Hopkins was breast cancer. I had the privilege of working with some of the top breast cancer clinicians and researchers in the world. I was able to call on them when I was faced with my own breast cancer diagnosis.

“I am inspired everyday by the survivors, and by those who have lost their battle with breast cancer. The stories and courage of these amazing people and their families help to make me a better doctor.”

“Our partnering with Hope Lives over the last several years has not only been rewarding, but incredibly inspiring. The strength and courage of the women we have worked with have changed us forever. We have seen firsthand how much Hope Lives is making a difference in the lives of women in Northern Colorado who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Initially, I became involved with the Hope Lives while working as a practitioner at Inner Health and again while working at the McKee Center for Holistic Medicine. When I started Caring Solutions, a non-medical home care company, I contacted Hope Lives to see how we might be able to help women with services such as light housekeeping, laundry, transportation, etc. after having surgery or while they were undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.

“Over the years, I have had several clients, friends and neighbors with breast cancer who have significantly benefited by the services of the Hope Lives Support Center. So, supporting this organization and their mission wasn’t even an option. Being a Hope Lives provider, we are passionate about helping women and their families in any way we can, but the reality is that our caregivers say they get more back than what they give!

“I am honored to be a Champion of Hope, but the real kudos goes to our fabulous caregivers who dedicate their lives to helping individuals and their families. Their dedication and big hearts are what makes Caring Solutions possible.”

“When my wife passed away in March 2010 from breast cancer that had spread to her spine and pelvis, and ultimately to her brain, I made the commitment to become more involved in the community as a volunteer.

“When a person comes to Hope Lives she has received the devastating news that she has cancer, and she may be recoiling from surgery

and brutally toxic chemotherapy. Her life is shattered. She is psychologically fragile, very vulnerable, and comes to Hope Lives for support.

“When I decided to visit Hope Lives myself, I was carried away imagining someone diagnosed with cancer sitting in front of a ‘boutique’ vanity mirror, trying on wigs, funny hats or scarves, and pushing back her cancer for a while. She feels like a beautiful woman again... for a while. She enjoys being really feminine again... for a while. That is why Hope Lives was created; this is its mission.

“None of us is ever fully prepared to become a caregiver to a loved one; caregiving is on-the-job learning. I wrote a book, Cancer Caregiver Roles: What I have Learned, to help other caregivers improve the quality of their support for their loved one. I believe that caregiving is a sacred calling – the most exhausting, noble, deepest expression of human love.

“Finally, I have been touched by the awareness, appreciation and support the Northern Colorado community has provided to anyone touched by cancer. Hope truly lives in this community.”

“I knew long ago that I wanted to dedicate my career to helping cancer patients. Nearly everyone has a story of how cancer has touched their life. My goal is write a positive chapter in the stories of my patients and their loved ones.

“As for my own story, four months ago my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was frightened and overwhelmed. I personally

spoke with all of her doctors and thankfully she had access to excellent medical care. But what stands out most to me about her journey was the support and advice she received from several friends who were breast cancer survivors. They helped her spiritually, emotionally and physically, and helped turn a difficult experience into a much more manageable one. Their support continues to guide her after her treatment as well.

“Surviving cancer is a lifelong journey. Every cancer survivor benefits from having their needs addressed during and after treatment, and the more complete their care, the more positive their outcome. I am honored to be receiving this award, and am proud to be part of an excellent team of people, both physicians and other providers, as well those whose support makes the services offered through Hope Lives possible.”

Care Provider HonoreeMelanie KeechPresident/CEO, Caring Solutions

Community HonoreeJohn Garnand, Ph.D. Retired from the University of Colorado

2525Style 2011

With the addition Of Dr. Carney, Summit Pathology now has two dermatopathologists and provides skin pathology service that is unbeatable in this region.

www.summitpathology.com

Christopher Bee, MD Richard Halbert, MDCory Dunn, MD Wentzell Hamner, MD

Michael Walts, MDArlene Libby, MD Thomas Neuhauser, MDIngerlisa Mattoch, MD

Maximizing Care Through Accurate Diagnosis

Summit Pathology welcomes board certified pathologist Dr. Heather Carney to our practice.

Heather Carney, MD

Volunteer HonoreeWendy DalyAdministrative Assistant, Bank of Colorado Mortgage

“My passion to volunteer with Hope Lives began in fall 2005. After being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in April, I began a two-year path of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and more chemotherapy. My employer at the time asked me to be a guest at the 2005 Gala. I hesitantly attended, wearing my newly purchased wig in public for the first time.

Although I didn’t have the confidence to take my wig off and throw it up in the air at the end of the Gala, the joyful spirit of the other breast cancer survivors inspired me. I was able to attend the 2006 Gala with my daughter, and was again inspired by what Hope Lives was doing for breast cancer survivors in Northern Colorado.

“In 2007 I had my first opportunity to volunteer for Hope Lives by stuffing massive amounts of invitations for the Gala. This opportunity really sparked my passion to become more involved with the organization. I became acquainted with more women with similar experiences as mine, including Lydia Dody. In 2008 I was asked to be a model at the Gala and had a marvelous time bonding with ‘sisters’ in the struggle, volunteers and the staff at Hope Lives. Feedback from the 2008 Gala uncovered a need for the registration process to be improved and I made a promise to Lydia that I would manage the registration process for the 2009 Gala and that it would improve.

“I was hooked! 2009 Gala, 2010 Pink Boa Run, 2010 Gala, 2011 Pink Boa Run, 2011 Gala… As I continue to volunteer, I continue to bond with the mission of Hope Lives! I feel a need to contribute to a local organization that has helped hundreds of women that are currently experiencing or have experienced the battle for their lives.

“I volunteer for Hope Lives because: “But as for me, I will always have hope…” – Psalm 71:14.”

International Volunteer HonoreeMeredith MillerProfessional Cyclist – California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized

“I am a professional cyclist who rides for a team sponsored by California Giant Berry Farms. In October 2010, the company asked me to wear pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month because the labels on all their berry packaging were going to be pink. I happily agreed. After some thought, I decided I wanted to do

more than raise awareness, I wanted to raise funds. Keeping any donations local was important to me because I knew I wanted to make a difference in my community. In contributing to Lydia Dody’s Hope Lives! Breast Cancer Support Center I know that the complementary care and personal services that they provide to women and their families are making a difference, a very big one.

“Shortly after being asked by Cal Giant to wear pink in Oct, my doctor felt a lump in my breast that he thought I should have checked. While it proved to be nothing of concern, it was enough to open my eyes to the fear that surrounds such a frightening disease. No one in my family has been diagnosed with breast cancer, however I hear stories of how breast cancer has touched the lives of others around me every day.

“While I’m in the position of saying that I personally know few women who have been impacted by breast cancer, being a woman I feel a strong connection to the cause. My travel seems to always take me out of town during the Hope Lives Gala, but I am determined to meet some of the amazing women who have been so courageous in their fight against breast cancer right here in Fort Collins.”

DancingLife

lynda CarlsonI was a 61-year-old wife of a wonderful man for 39 years, a mom of

four amazing sons, and grandma of seven super grandkids, with one more on the way. My life has had many hiccups that families endure, including a head injury to my son when he was five. Each dish of hard times has made me stronger than the incident before. Yes, there were times when you don’t think you can do this anymore, but down deep God gives you strength to go on one more day, one more year. God gives us little things or benefits each and every day and when you look back you see one big God working in your life.

I lost my mom and dad 19 days apart in May 2008. But the day my husband and I collided as I walked by him from the shower was the begin-ning of a battle I never thought would happen to me. The next day I saw my left breast was black and blue and there was a small hematoma. A couple of weeks later, still feeling discomfort, I realized the hematoma had grown very quickly. I called my doctor and went through all the tests and a biopsy.

It was the day before Thanksgiving that a call confirmed I had a very fast growing breast cancer. Twenty-seven people were coming for dinner the next day, and after I shed a tear with a friend, I felt the peace of God that I could do this too. I found myself becoming the encourager to all the people that came or called to tell me that they were praying for me. The power of God was so strong and I was amazed that this was my reaction. I knew the strength God had given me in the past, but looking back at all of the little benefits God had given me from that May until this day, definitely confirmed that God was in control. He was setting me up to walk through a year with a peace only He could give. I didn’t go through all the normal steps you read about when you hear the word cancer. God had given me the assurance that no matter what – I was going to win.

The joy I found in encouraging others was medicine to my body beyond my wildest dreams. They say your attitude is 50 percent of the battle, but this was too easy. To see a smile come on the face of a fellow chemo neigh-bor and hear them say that they felt better compared to when they came in was such an encouragement to me. To see a friend feel better at the end of a phone call because of encouraging words that came so easily was as amazing to me as to them. The Bible says that God gives us strength in times of need. Was this what he has for us? Is it really so easy?

My cancer was still there after 15 chemo sessions with one more to go. This wasn’t what I had envisioned. I remember saying to God that He would have to come through on this one because I knew it was supposed to be gone. On my last chemo/doctor visit, my doctor looked at me and said, “Well, today we can’t measure anything because your tumor is all gone!” My joy was surprisingly contained because this is what I had expected all along. All I could think was “Praise the Lord!” An MRI and surgery con-firmed everything was crystal clear, only the “clear” God’s hand can give.

I had 6.5 weeks of radiation for preventive measure even though I was cancer free. I had 10 months of being tired, but never sick. My journey has been eye opening, but never discouraging. God is amazing and only when we praise Him does He become BIG. It’s so much better than keeping our eyes on our sickness and watching it become big! We have choices on how we handle those tough times and I have found such a peace knowing that if I get out of the way, God can work.

lynda looks spectacular in her shimmering

oxygold fashioned slim cap-sleeved taffeta

cocktail dress with multi-tier skirt and detailed

feminine bodice. Courtesy of David’s Bridal.

Hair design, Virginia Bradley, The Parlour.

Make-up, Sydnie Chapman, fixx hair studio.

Photography by Marcus Edwards | Art Direction by Lydia Dody26

karen dittmanI was diligent. I did what I was supposed to do. I was regular about getting

mammograms, every year since the age of 40 because my mom had breast cancer. Early in 2008 (at age 55), I found a lump in my right breast. I had a mammogram and

ultrasound. It was not anything that concerned the doctors at the time. But, about 10 months later, while reading, I ran my fingers around the edge of my breast. That lump was huge! My gynecologist saw me again and ordered the same tests. I should have been diligent about those monthly self-breast exams.

The ultrasound technician kept going over and over the area. She left the room to review the pictures with the radiologist. They came back in together. They both now went over

that lump, again and again. I thought to myself, “this isn’t good.” Dr. Florant said I needed to come in tomorrow for a biopsy. Wait a minute, wait a minute! I can’t breathe very well. I don’t get time to think this over? It’s urgent. Like so many women say: it’s so unreal, is this actually happening? Everyone is concerned, but won’t say it, can’t say it, but I know it’s cancer. I am so scared.

December 2008 is filled with appointments. Breast surgeon. Oncologist. Navigator. Re-construction surgeon. MRI and CAT scans. This is moving so fast. The pattern is set for 2009.

Weeks of chemotherapy first. I choose a bilateral mastectomy to be safer. I have reconstruction started at the same surgery. More, harder chemo. Tissue expanders are slowly filled and later replaced

by implants.I lived through it. I didn’t know I had the guts to do it. I did everything because I had to, to fight it and kill

it. I surprised myself by becoming a stronger person, later seeing the cancer as the catalyst for personal growth – though I sure wouldn’t have volunteered for it. And I ended up with designer breasts.

I came through this because I had the most wonderful team: Dr. Medgyesy, Dr. Pettine, Dr. Boustred and the chemo nurses – those nurses who would comfort you and cajole you not to give up. My husband, Kelly, who came to the appointments and the chemo sessions – he would run over to Panera Bread for snacks to munch on while I was hooked up. My sister, Kathy, with her daily pep rally calls. My sister-in-law, Ann, for miles of breast cancer

walks with my mom’s and my name on her chest. And my best friend, Erin, she laughed and cried with me.

Cora neubergerI was diagnosed on October 2009 and in the same month had a lumpectomy (DCIS).

Fortunately, I did not require chemo or radiation. My immediate reaction was complete shock and pure disbelief. I quickly relied on my

faith and truly believed that God would help me out as he has done in the past and guide me through my recovery process.

My family and friends have been and continue to be my guiding force and strength. Since my diagnosis, my husband has said that I never complained about having cancer and I never blamed anyone nor had a bad attitude. He has said that I continue to have a positive attitude.

Instead of asking myself, “Why did this happen to me?” I felt the need to reach out and seek help, guidance and support. I knew nothing about cancer. I turned to Breast Friends of Windsor. This support group has been quite monumental in my healing process and these women are truly courageous, fun loving, and their stories of survivorship are truly amazing. They are my inspiration for getting up every morning and embracing the day. My friends at Breast Friends are beautiful women, inside and out. I really enjoy the meetings and the in-formation they have given me in the last 1.5 years. I know I can count on any of them at any time. Though, it does not seem fair that we have these things in common: scars, additional stress about health, family and daily lives.

During the first few days of recovery, my husband bowled a perfect game (300) and I wasn’t there to watch it. He initially wanted to stay home that night, but I insisted he go bowling and not miss his league night. He has been bowling for over 25 years and I missed a very monumental event in his life. Bummer!

My husband, Ken, our daughter, Kendall, and I took a vacation to Kona, Hawaii for our vow renewals in October 2010, which also marked my one year cancer survivorship. This once-in-a-lifetime trip was truly the healing power I needed to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. We had a great time.

I would like to thank my God, family, friends, Breast Friends of Windsor, Dr. Sally Par-sons, my surgeon, Reflections Med Spa, Hope Lives and Lydia Dody. Thank you for the wonderful services you provided.

Cora shows off her flirty organza strapless cocktail

dress with ruched waistband and tiered ruffles, $139.

Courtesy of David’s Bridal. Rhinestone necklace, earrings,

and bracelet add festivesparkle. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Hair design, Shauna Troxell, C&S Workshop. Make-up, Kam

Gentry, Sephora.

CONTINUED ON PG 78


Jennifer hollstrom, d.C.I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed. I found the lump a few months earlier, but it was directly over

my rib and due to past car accidents, my rib cage was not even. I thought it was just my rib but kept checking it. It got to the point that I wanted to cry when I put on my bra. Then I realized it was growing and made an

appointment with my general practitioner. I knew all the red flags for cancer, but seemed to ignore the fact that the lump was dimpling the surface of my breast by the time I saw my doctor. On the Fourth of July 2008, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, lymph negative, 8/8 estrogen positive.

My surgeon kept repeating, “Do you understand? You have cancer.” I reassured him I understood, spoke with a breast cancer nurse about options for one hour and left the hospital. I made a call to my accountant as I was told emphatically that I could not work for one year. The second I opened my mouth to speak to him, I lost it. He couldn’t understand me and I couldn’t speak. I was 33, went to the gym eight hours a week, even learned to cook so I’d be healthy and had no history of breast cancer in my family.

I researched everything. I wanted statistics, percentages and numbers on every type of treat-ment from juicing to chemo. I got second opinions. I asked my doctors about all the research and books. It did not take me long to realize alternative medicine did not have much research and many books misinterpreted the medical research results. I was lucky that I had very good medical training and a network of alternative and medical colleagues to help me.

At some point it dawned on me that another organism was living off me, like a parasite. I thought, “This is my body!” And I wanted it back. It was my body and my life.

I knew the doctors could help me take care of the current problem, but I also knew I had lived cancerously and if I didn’t change the way I lived and make better decisions

then medical intervention would be a temporary measure. I decided to let the medical world focus on killing the cancer, while I focused on healing my body and my life. I

called this ‘East Meets West’.I had two lumpectomies, six months of chemo and five weeks of radiother-

apy to kill the cancer. At the same time I had acupuncture, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Reiki, NSA/SRI (chiropractic techniques), yoga, raw diet, sound healing and

meditation. My chemo nurses told me that they’d never seen anyone look so healthy during chemo. My oncologist told me that I healed in

the top 5 percent. I loved taking charge of my healing, my mental attitude and my choices. I learned so much in that year.

Many people judged my health decisions either because I took the medical route or because I took the alternative route. Everyone had an opinion. But I was the only one having to go through the grueling process and I decided if I was going to go through this two things were go-ing to happen: 1. I was going to live life my way every second from now on beginning with my treatment, and 2. I was going to use this experience to help oth-ers. I chose to tell everyone what was going on, write regular emails and photograph everything so people wouldn’t have to ask and I wouldn’t have to talk.

It was the hardest year of my life. I learned to ask for help, to let go of my ego and to face all my worst

fears. The worst moment, when I really broke down, was when we discussed the effects of chemo on fertility.

The best moment was when I was diagnosed because all the things that had stressed me just didn’t matter. Everything that was

irrelevant and unimportant to my basic well being became heavy and sunk to the ground like a rock. My life, what I wanted, how I wanted to live and who I

wanted to spend my time with became crystal clear. I went bankrupt, I lost all my hair, I lost my relationship, I lived off benefits, I stopped working, I was sick… I made healthy decisions, I got my priorities straight, I rebuilt my health, I moved back to America, I grew my hair, I’m in an amazing relationship, I’m surrounded by family, my business is thriving and I’ve never been happier. If I’m lucky enough to have a family, I will, but I have everything I need already. I am very healthy and very happy.

I have a saying, “It’s my life – I’m going to live it my way.” Being diagnosed at 33 was a blessing. Now I get to live the life I always wanted to live. No excuses, no fears. I had a rebirth and I have a second chance.

I have a huge gratitude for my parents – they never let me quit anything and it made me very mentally strong. And I remember the 300m hurdles in northern Michigan – they were torture, the sleet, ice, wind, snow and hail, all while jumping hurdles during a sprint. I hated the third to last hurdle, but I always told myself I could do it. I’d find the energy, relax my breath and muscles, and push for the finish line with all my power. My coach, Mr. Herman, always said: “You always sprint across the finish. The race isn’t over until the clock stops. You never slow down until you’ve crossed the line.” So there I was, head down against all the medical results, focused on healing, my family and

friends on the sidelines cheering me on, going over the third to last hurdle for an entire year. And then I crossed the finish line! Thank you to everyone that

supported me, especially Dulcie James and family.

Jennifer is joyously celebrating life in a magnificent strapless short satin cocktail dress featuring a gathered skirt, $139. Courtesy of David’s Bridal. Delicate scroll “y” rhinestone necklace, $48, matching earrings, $18, and bracelet, $22, add the perfect sparkle. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Hair design, Kristen Hannem, The Parlour. Make-up, Katy Hetzel, Lancome, Macy’s.

2929Style 2011

susan sutherlandMy breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in-situ or DCIS, was not detected on my mammo-

gram, nor through needle biopsy or self breast exams, but in an unusual way. I had a dis-charge from my left breast for two years prior to my diagnosis in February 2007, when I was 56. I was shocked when my surgeon, Dr. Stephen Johs, called to say that the duct he excised was fine but he had taken a small section of tissue nearby and that it was DCIS. “What is that?” I asked.

DCIS is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. Ductal means that the cancer starts inside the milk ducts, carcinoma refers to any cancer that begins in the skin or other tissues, and in situ means “in its original place.” DCIS is called “non-invasive” because it hasn’t spread beyond the milk duct into any normal surrounding breast tissue. DCIS isn’t life-threatening, but having DCIS can increase the risk of developing an invasive breast cancer later on.

I read everything on DCIS and asked for surgery to increase the margins around the DCIS site to the “gold standard” of 10 mm. After all, it was a fluke that the DCIS was found at all. My medical team agreed and I had surgery in April, with happy results. I started radiation in May for 6.5 weeks, a daily drive from Loveland to Boulder to keep the synergy of my medical team.

Since my DCIS was estrogen receptor positive, I chose to take Tamoxifen for five years, an anticancer drug that plays a substantial role in the fight against the return of breast cancer. I was so fatigued during the radiation and hot as Hades from the radiation burns and the mega hot flashes (since I had to stop my hormones). My husband of 30 years, David, other family and friends, were fabulous and I received a forest of cards and letters of encouragement that I kept lined up on my mantle till I was “back.” I walked with my NOAA colleagues in the National “Race for the Cure” in 2008 in Washington D.C.

Later in 2008, the discharge began again. Again, I had a normal mammogram. My sur-geon recommended that I have a new test called Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI), which he was not sure my insurance would pay for but they did. I was injected with a radioac-tive tracing agent and then my breast was imaged. Due to their increased rate of metabolic activity, cancerous cells in the breast absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent than nor-mal, healthy cells, and generally appear as “hot spots” on the BSGI image.

My results were negative, read on the spot, and I was so thankful for my medical team’s expertise to assure me state-of-the-art testing and treatment. I realize that my results could have been so much worse or not detected at all and how fortunate I am. It is my hope that my nontraditional experience will help you understand this formidable disease better. Thank you to Hope Lives for the many kindnesses to those in the community affected by breast cancer and may God bless all those who need His help.

susan looks simply elegant in her sophisticated deep purple long dress and jacket trimmed in sparkling rhinestones. The stylish skirt has a sexy side slit and side gathers for a flirty look, $199. Courtesy of David’s Bridal. Charter Club rhinestone “v” necklace, $34, drop earrings, $18, and stack of bracelets, $60, add more shine. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Hair design, Shauna Troxell, C&S Workshop. Make-up, Kam Gentry, Sephora.

lynn doughmanMost of us have been in the situation – someone tells us about a friend or family mem-

ber that has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. My first thought after hearing such news had usually been, “Oh that poor woman and her family.” It was in October 2010, while attending a professional conference in Beaver Creek, Colorado, that I received the call that I had become “that poor woman.” The voice on the other end of the line informed me that the biopsy results revealed Invasive (infiltrating) Ductal Carcinoma. Almost immediately I made the conscious decision to do whatever I need to do to combat the disease, take it one day at a time, and accept the diagnosis and whatever God had planned for me, knowing my family and I would get through it by relying on His grace.

I was fortunate that my oncologist and surgeon agreed on the recommended course of treatment. I was also eligible to be in a clinical study for women with HER-2 positive breast can-cer, which I immediately agreed to be a part of. If I could do anything that might help women di-agnosed after me, I was more than willing. Because the Stage 3 cancer, found through a routine mammogram in my right breast, had already moved into the lymph nodes, it was recommended that I begin treatment with chemotherapy to thwart off the further spread of the disease.

From November 2010 through May 2011, I underwent chemotherapy. The nurses at the Poudre Valley Harmony Campus infusion center were amazing. Over my seven months of che-mo I got to know each of them and experience their professional skills, kindness and compas-sion. These wonderful nurses along with my clinical study nurse, Dionne, helped me through the chemo journey by being there for me when I needed to talk, cry, whine, laugh or to just get me a warm blanket, a drink or snack when I needed it.

While I found it relatively easy to accept my diagnosis as the path God had chosen for me, I found it much more difficult to accept the changes that came along with the diagnosis. Cancer changes everything. It took a long time, but I learned to not plan an agenda for each day. A huge lesson that I had no choice in learning was to slow down! I had to listen to my body and only do what it said I was capable of, and some days, that was little or nothing.

It also became clear that my expectations for myself far exceeded those of my family and those around me. Essentially, I had to surrender to the disease and take full advantage of the services available. I am continually grateful for the Hope Lives Foundation from whom I continue to gain support, help and inspiration. I also received great encouragement and inspiration from the other women who were also chosen as models for Style magazine’s September issue. They

lynn dances the night away

in her stretch poly Komarov

dress in a lovely watercolor leaf

pattern in shades of gray. Beautiful

chandelier earrings, $15,

and playful ring, $15, add to the fun. Courtesy of CLOZ to Home,

Loveland.

Make-up, Kay Cee Warren, Sephora.

CONTINUED ON PG 78


kiri saftlerI postponed the inevitable yearly mammogram till after the winter holidays,

my birthday and a spiritual journey to Costa Rica, knowing I had a lump in my left breast. Having not disclosed its appearance to any one, I remember looking in a mirror at myself naked while in Costa Rica and seeing the breast shape different, as I’d heard could happen with cancerous tumors. I felt then I was coming home to deal with reality.

As everyone who has faced cancer or any diagnosis knows, things move quick-ly once diagnosed. So the mammogram turned into a sonogram immediately and two days later the biopsy occurred. My research began and my team began to form. I realized I was feeling swept into a world I never suspected I’d enter, then quickly put a halt on the frenzy of other’s fears and offerings (with good intention) about ways to deal with such a diagnosis.

I took back the reins and my power. Remembering who I am, I needed to focus on what my belief system is and what my lifestyle choices are. Having always been an Earth Momma – consuming and raising organic food, birthing my babies at home, avoiding the American Medical model as much as possible, and living in harmony with nature – I needed to do research to figure out how to proceed. I be-gan gathering resources and consulting with many holistic practitioners. I felt I was on a journey that wasn’t well paved for me, yet discovered lots of nontraditional methods to sort through and find my personal comfort zone.

With amazing support from my local Functional Medicine doctor, Jackie Fields, my incredible husband, Mark Beck, and from my well-established long-term friend-ships in the Fort Collins community of local organic food producers, I began mak-ing choices and improvements to my already very clean lifestyle. I cleaned up my diet and life more than ever and began paving a new path for my journey.

In order to keep my optimistic attitude about taking this holistic approach and stay strong about my choice of “living with” and possibly obliterating the “can-cer death sentence” without the traditional medical model, I knew I needed to listen more closely to my intuition and rely on my spiritual practices. Both got a lot stronger over the past year and a half. My attention was diverted, causing me to focus more inwardly rather than be distracted in the outgoing mode of caregiver and community organizer. My supportive and beloved husband is a quadriplegic. He needs care and attention, so we made some changes in my role as his primary care giver – we got help.

The ability to get quiet and listen for inner guidance is imperative because so many people with great intentions offering so much advice. I selected my healing team based on my beliefs for healing with a non-invasive, life promoting holistic approach. People who could support my choices were those I selected.

I chose to begin my healing process by altering my diet, which required my full time attention. I use nutritional supplementation and exercise to keep my energy and immune system strong. Because there weren’t a lot of pavers of this particular path through the cancer-healing journey, I decided at that point to communicate monthly with about 200 of my closest friends and family relating my process. I cre-ated an email list to share my musings, discoveries and progress to keep my loved ones updated. It was a wonderful way to let folks who care have firsthand informa-tion about me, rather than gossip or miscommunication from others. It provided me a forum to explore how I felt and share what I felt was appropriate to share (a cathartic experience). For those who were interested and wanted me to know, it was a way for them to share their love, thoughts and encouragement. I heard over and over how inspiring my journey has been to others who didn’t feel brave enough to take on a challenge like cancer this way. I couldn’t have done what I am still doing without the amazing support from my community. So many resources and services were offered for my healing journey and I am so grateful to everyone for all they provided on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.

Strength and inspiration were found in my community: my beloved husband, my doctor and a 70-year-old woman who shared her spiral bound, single-sided home produced book she’d written 20 years ago. She wrote the book before the organic movement, is as strong today as when she wrote it, and is a pioneer in her New Mexico town. She healed herself without the “three big guns” that the AMA uses and the cancer has never returned.

I also figured out a way to take two solo month-long retreats to my other favorite place on this planet, the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a place that inspires and heals me on many levels. Having the time to breathe, think my own thoughts and do as I pleased every day for a month was so healing. I came home after the first retreat intuitively knowing I was going to allow the inevitable double mastectomy surgery to be preformed. This was the only medical procedure I’d considered allow-ing when I was originally diagnosed. I worked hard to avoid it the first year. After the mastectomy, I realized I needed my “aloha island healing” again and planned my second journey. It was a very revealing and nurturing time. What a blessing! I feel so grateful I’ve learned to access the support of my inner strength and also rely on my beloved community in the times when I need external support and love.

kiri sways to the beat in her feminine APU cotton beaded top in ‘cowgirl copper brown,’ $45, matching flirty crossover pants, $49.

Handcrafted stone and recycled copper necklace by local artisan, $89, earrings, $45, copper and metal ‘courage’ bracelets by Sergio

Lub, $35-$75. Courtesy of Lady Gaia, Fort Collins.

Hair design, Shauna Troxell, C&S Workshop. Make-up, Shannon Doylen, Lancome, Macy’s.

3131Style 2011

Julie is having fun and looks great in her sparkling ensemble from INC. All over sequined long tank, $45, tops her soft wide leg pull on black pants, $39. Alfani circle necklace, $32, and drop earrings, $28, add a playful touch. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Hair design, Barb Johnson, Salon DeChelle. Make-up, Kam Gentry, Sephora.

Julie MonroeI was diagnosed in late July 2006. My husband and I were living in Tupelo, Mississippi, at the time. We

moved there after living in the Denver area for 12 years. I scheduled my annual mammogram just before heading back to Colorado that summer for a weeklong backpacking trip with girlfriends. Just before leaving I received a phone from the Breast Care Center, but thinking it was an “all clear, see you in a year” phone call, I did not call them back before leaving. When I returned from my trip, a certified letter was waiting for me. It said to call the Breast Care Center immediately. Nervous, I quickly set an appointment.

Then everything happened so fast. Within a few days, after further X-rays and biopsies, my doctor called to say it was the best of the bad news, Stage 1 cancer. Even so, I thought how impossible this could be. I was the healthiest person I knew. I couldn’t be sick, let alone have cancer. No one in my family ever had cancer. Why me?

A lumpectomy was scheduled for that week. Unfortunately, I was a teacher and school was beginning. I missed only one day of work. Surgery was on Friday and I was right back to work on Monday when school began.

I was determined that surgery and six weeks of radiation would do nothing to change my active life-style and work schedule. I went right back to going to the gym as soon as possible, spinning, step classes and weights. I wanted to be tough and let everyone know that cancer doesn’t need to beat you. But there was more. Now life seemed precious. I felt that I needed to experience new things and hold my family and friends close.

My first new experience was to backpack the Appalachian Trail with my Mississippi girlfriends. This was a life celebration trip, one week after my last radiation treatment. I took weightlifting to a new level, working with a personal trainer. Then I accepted a new challenge of running a local race with a friend. I had never seriously run before and really didn’t enjoy it. But that proved to be my biggest life-changing experience. I was ecstatic when I won first place for my age at the Bolder Boulder 10k this year, only four years after I began running.

Nothing but positive changes have come from my experience with breast cancer. These included the physical challenges, but more important the renewed awareness that God blesses everyone. He blessed me over and over. First, with a husband who cares for and understands me. I cannot express my never-ending love for him. Also, by giving me the best care from the wonderful medical team in northeast Mississippi, who caught my cancer early.

My strength has always come from a belief that God will only give you what you can handle. He holds you in his hands through good and bad times. He has given me the gift of a husband who is always there for me, two caring sons and good health.

Other women and families who have experienced the full impact of breast cancer inspire me. I am proud to be a part of their sisterhood. Their brave endurance of pain, suffering and hope for a healthy future stirs my soul.

It is my belief that God has put me in this position to encourage all women to be diligent in getting regular mammograms in order to catch cancer early while it is easily treatable.

Mary sports an adorable feminine faux leather ruffled jacket by Montanaco, $139, paired with stretch low-rise Adiktd

dark wash jeans, $88, and chocolate stretch cami by Bozzolo, $19. Brown leather SSM belt features smashing rhinestones and studs, $89, pink crystal bracelet, necklace and rings add

just the right bling. Courtesy of Lady Gaia, Fort Collins. Make-up, Kam Gentry, Sephora

Mary RutledgeI recall having the world at my fingertips, living life as I planned. Professionalism, leadership and tons of fun were

what I lived for each day. March 25, 2011 the world as I knew it flipped upside down. I noticed a lump in my breast in early February and because of my grandma Grace, who passed away from breast

cancer before I was born, and my aunt Kathy, who has been a survivor for two years, I knew I had better keep a close eye on it. I noticed changes; it was getting bigger, harder, and more disturbing. I was at my desk at work when I picked up the phone and called my doctor. Within a week and a half of that phone call I found out I had breast cancer. My first thought was: How I could be 31 with breast cancer? I had too many people that counted on me everyday, too many people I loved to have this happen. But, it was true. Now what? I was tough and typically found it within myself to overcome challenges. I could conquer this as well and get back that life I once knew. The road ahead would be one I never thought I would travel.

I would like to think I knew everything I needed going into a battle for my life. This wasn’t going to get me. How-ever, the things you are forced to learn about yourself and those you love most are soon to come. This would be an experience that would only make me stronger. Chemo was tough, 16 treatments with Herceptin, a lumpectomy and radiation would be our game plan.

I could not have handled and successfully fought a cancer diagnosis without the support of my mom, dad and brother – my whole world begins and ends with you. It is the three of you I dedicate my fight to. My dear friend Anna Marie, every woman should have a friend with your wisdom, thank you for being there every step of the way. Thank you Anne, Sean and the boys, the years do go flying by and being a part of your family has been the pleasure of my life. Anne having you at almost every chemo treatment will be such a treasured memory. Thank you Aunt Cheryl, for coming to see me. You got us started off with a bang. Eliza, your survivorship was simply inspiring. Marianne, thank you for always knowing when to listen and when to give me advice. Scarlett, your continued support and trips to Fort Collins to cheer me up were perfect. I would also like to thank my director gals: Ms. Cheri, all my friends, my families at school, and all my kids, your smiles and hugs made it better every day. A special thank you to my team of Dr.’s, Dr. Jennifer Hendrick, Dr. Diana Medgyesy, Dr. Jean Paquellet, Dr. Gwen Lisella and Dr. Dickenson.

Today is your day, go for it, fight the fight, and then hold someone’s hand through it. I am now a survivor and life is as I know it. Cheers!


elisa sneiderI was diagnosed with Stage 3-C Breast Cancer in 2003. I was 32 years old and

had married my husband, Steve, five months earlier in a beautiful outdoor wedding in Washington State. Steve and I wanted to have children and my first thought was not whether I would survive, but whether or not I would be able to have a baby. I was devastated.

Throughout my treatment, I kept myself going with the dream of becoming a mother. When I completed treatment – surgery, chemotherapy and radiation – I turned my attention toward reaching that dream. I was so very fortunate that my fertility had not been compromised and that I was able to conceive. Two years and eight months after my initial cancer diagnosis, our son was born. Will had 10 fingers and 10 toes and was a healthy and happy baby. I loved holding him and staring at him for hours, as did his extended family and

friends! Over the next three months, Steve and I settled into our expanded

family of three (plus the dog and the cats). We were both so lucky to be able to stay home from work together to learn how to be-

come parents. Will’s personality emerged and he continued to grow – it was an amazing time. And then I returned to my

oncologist for lab work. My tumor markers were elevated and subsequent scans revealed that the cancer had re-

turned to my liver, lungs, brain and spinal cord. I was devastated, of course, but I also struggled with

feelings of guilt because I was so fearful that I wouldn’t get to raise my son.

Since my initial diagnosis, I have dealt with ongoing depression. At times, this has affected me as severe-ly as any of the surgeries I have had. It also affects

my ability to tolerate stress and pain (I have chronic pain syndrome from all of the cancer treatments and bone metastases that I have had in the past eight years). It has been very difficult to adjust to my physical limitations. I grew up playing sports and played soccer in college. I always imagined that when I had a child I would share this passion through coaching and playing.

Although I’ve never felt that cancer “happens for a reason,” it has confirmed what I hold to be true: we can find strength in ourselves and draw energy from the healthy relationships in our lives. And I certainly didn’t need this diagnosis to realize how grateful I am for my friends and family. In that regard, I have been a very lucky person.

When my cancer returned after Will was born I was terrified that I would not be able to be his mother, to watch him grow or to share life’s experiences with him. Being his mom has given me a strength I never knew I had and I would go through anything (including cancer treatments) to be there for him.

The year following my Stage IV diagnosis, my husband was di-agnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I felt like it was some cruel joke for us both to be diagnosed with life-altering diseases in our 30s, but Steve didn’t allow himself to wallow. Despite all of the injections and infusions that he has had over the years, he has managed to handle himself with such poise and dignity.

I continue to find strength in the love of my family and friends and am inspired by their continued support. I find inspiration among the survivors

that I get to talk to when I go in for chemo. It is a gift for me to hear the differ-ent ways in which people cope. I also have found great strength in my relationship with my oncologist, Dr. Diana Medgyesy. She is a source of incredible knowledge and compassion.

I was misdiagnosed for nearly a year because I was told that I was too young to have cancer. Breast cancer can, and does, strike younger women. Listen to your body, follow through on concerns and be an advocate for yourself. If you are diagnosed with cancer, find an oncologist that is willing to be your partner throughout your treatment.

Lastly, I would like to convey how grateful I am to Lydia Dody and the Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center, along with all of the amazing donors who make

these services available to us survivors. It is a reminder to me that my family is not alone in this journey and that we live in an outstanding community. Thank you!

elisa moves with the music in her smart-looking Ralph Lauren rich chocolate cotton knit dress, $119. Multi strand turquoise seed necklace, $26, drop oblong earrings, $29, carved floral bracelet, $35, and silver bracelet, $32, add color and style.

Hair design, Sheena Coetman, le Salon. Make-up, Kam Gentry, Sephora.

3333Style 2011

hallie is feeling the beat in her Curio roll collar cardigan, $135, Nuco black cotton tank, $20, and great fitting black Not Your Daughter Jeans, $98. Wood necklace with green heart pendant, $24, stone drop earrings, $12, fashion watch, $18, and black/silver bangles, $30, add fun accents. Courtesy of CLOZ, Loveland.

Hair design, Breanne Brost, The Parlour. Make-up, Katy Hetzel, Lancome, Macy’s.

hallie WassermanI was diagnosed in June 2009. We had moved to Fort Collins

from California the previous fall and I was having fun getting to know the area. I had not even had a cold for years so I was not at all concerned about my health. Due to the usual laundry list of reasons – I was busy, we were moving, etc. – I had put off a mam-mogram for over two years. I finally went to a local OB/GYN for a totally unrelated issue and I was quite surprised to find that I had an almost 2 cm tumor sitting right on my rib that no one, including any of my doctors, could feel. Subsequent biopsies indicated that it had spread into at least one lymph node. I immediately went into defense mode, scheduling a lumpectomy as soon as possible.

After the initial shock wore off I was quite mad with myself, because I could have avoided six months of chemotherapy if only I had been more diligent and gone for my mammogram on time. As time went by, I realized I was incredibly lucky because if I had wait-ed another few months, the cancer definitely would have spread and I would be dealing with a much more complicated case. Now I preach to all my women friends to get their annual mammograms.

The diagnosis of breast cancer brought my life to a halt. Can-cer was something I did not want to deal with. We had too many recent cases of cancer in my family and did not need another. Within the previous two years my father passed away from lung cancer, my uncle passed away from lymphoma, and my brother-in-law was in remission following a prolonged case of Hodgkin’s. I had witnessed firsthand the effects of chemotherapy and was not looking forward to it. I was even more nervous about radiation. The location of the tumor meant that the radiation field would extend into my lungs and I had no idea if the exposure could lead to additional complications later in life.

My doctors patiently gave thorough explanations of the treat-ment protocols that helped me allay my fears. I still had to cope with one more unexpected side effect. Even though I was in my early 50s I was still pre-menopausal. Forget the loss of hair, loss of appetite, loss of balance and loss of energy from chemo. Try going through menopause in one month! I didn’t know if I was getting night sweats and joint aches from the drugs or hormonal changes. It’s a miracle I kept my sanity.

My husband, Yuval, was my rock, helping me through all the difficult decisions. He took notes at all the doctor visits when I was too numb to remember what I had heard. He shaved my head when my hair started falling out. Most importantly, he made me laugh a lot and made sure I knew he loved me every single day. We were always a close couple but surviving last year brought us even closer.

Since we moved here for his job, I did not have any other relatives in the area. Our children were busy in college and start-ing their careers so I did not want to interrupt their lives. They kept in constant touch through phone and email and our youngest daughter was able to keep me company during my radiation treat-ments. But I was still in need of more support. I was completely amazed by all the women I had only recently met in Fort Collins. They came together and made sure I had rides to chemo and food when I didn’t want to eat. They sent notes and flowers. Most im-portantly they provided unlimited emotional support and lots of hugs that helped get me through my journey.

Fortunately, with so many great people around me, I made it through treatments and have been cancer-free for a year. I have been blessed to have the strength to enjoy many happy events since last summer. I was able to attend two weddings, one for my oldest stepdaughter (from my first marriage) in California and the other for my stepson in Israel. I went to our youngest daughter’s UCLA graduation in June. I am still working to get back all the en-ergy I had before, but I am getting closer and look forward to each new day with excitement and a new sense of appreciation for life.


lonna keeps time to the music in her INC patterned knit top, $70, magenta scoop neck tank, $11, and boot cut INC jeans. Magenta INC scarf, $10, Alfani bangles, $28, dangle earrings, $24, and pink slides add the perfect accents. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Hair design, Rachel Iberlin, leSalon. Make-up, Sydnie Chapman, fixx hair studio.

lonna Jensen I was diagnosed October 25, 2010 at the age of 32. I was diagnosed with

invasive mammary ductal carcinoma in the right breast. I had five small, multi-focal tumors, a lot of calcification and three potential lymph nodes involved. I was HER2 positive. My total treatment would consist of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (20 weeks), followed by a bi-lateral mastectomy with some immediate reconstruction, 28 rounds of radiation therapy, followed by final reconstruction. I will continue to get Herceptin every three weeks until January of 2012.

My initial reactions were panic, shock, overwhelming feelings, and brain over-load. I had so many questions: What to do first, How to cope with all this, What about my family? I NEEDED information and lots of it, but I could only handle so much. How do you process everything and grasp a full understanding of what is happening?

Initially nothing good came from my diagnosis. From my diagnosis date, and then when chemo started, my attitude, personality, lifestyle, marriage, work and relationships all changed drastically. Life in general had been flipped upside down, twisted, and dragged through the mud! I had been gut punched with the diagnosis and chemo so many times; I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I had NO control. I was told what to do, where to go, when to be there, and how much of whatever I needed. I felt like my life was falling apart. Being only 32 at the time, nothing drastic or this traumatic had happened to me in my life. So adjusting to this major change was difficult and something I did not ask for. There were so many av-enues and directions to think about and take care of. I felt like I was in a nightmare.

Over the days, which led into months, the reality set in and I realized in some way, shape or form I needed to figure out how to cope with all that was happen-ing. First, was to accept there was a “new” normal to my life – forever. Second, was to try to convince myself that this was only temporary, time would pass as always and I would get through this! My husband and my daughter are the most important things in my life and they alone were worth fighting for, among many other things! I will win this battle for me and for them.

The relationships in my life all changed in different ways. But my God remained ever present. I grew much closer to him. His steadfast hand held me tightly, when tidal waves approached and I felt the heavy burden of waves wanting to pull me out to sea, his love, grace and wisdom held strongly and kept me safe. He sur-rounded us with a community of support unlike anything we had ever seen. The amount of blessings we have received over these months has been phenomenal. Understanding God wants me to be a part of this life here on earth, and that there is a purpose for this whole journey of cancer is something that has taken some time to realize. I am now beginning to see this and understand the realm of his plan. Is it always easy? No, but just realizing there is a plan laid is comforting.

As stated above, God has been a huge inspiration and strength throughout this whole process. Without my faith I honestly believe my family would not be making it through this. One of my biggest inspirational verses is Psalm 91:11, “For he will command his angels concerning you…”

My husband, Cole, has been a rock for me; he has given graciously and pa-tiently with this whole experience. He has stood by my side through sickness as vowed and has never let me feel alone in this. He has put aside his time, effort, en-ergy, wants and needs to devote to me and our beautiful daughter. He is amazing!

My daughter, Tulla, who just turned 5, has been my best medicine. She makes me laugh, keeps me young, and keeps me moving. I love her more than anything.

My dad experienced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was 40, and then got prostate cancer when he was 57, and is still dealing with that. My mom was diag-nosed with breast cancer one week after I received my diagnosis. Both have paved the road for me and have been a major inspiration in their fight and determina-tion throughout their own experiences as well as guiding me in my own fight. My father- and mother-in-law have given wisdom, prayed for us and went out of their way to help be in our lives during this time – ever faithful. All parents have loved me unconditionally, cried with me, laughed with me, and have given me strength to fight.

Our siblings and close relatives have been around to support and love us in many ways. They have stayed in our home, taken care of our daughter, driven us places, bought us things, made meals for us, etc. We could not have done this without any of them. Friends, co-workers and neighbors, have made meals, done our laundry, ran errands, cleaned our home, given financially and taken our daugh-ter whenever we needed it.

Humor is the best medicine! Thank you to my mom for keeping me laughing. This journey so far has been quite the experience and without laughter, I truly be-lieve this process could have been a much rougher road.

Thank you to Hope Lives and all the sponsors, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this experience and letting me enjoy this wonderful moment.

3535Style 2011

Pam is tapping a happy tune in her Charter Club black twin sweater set with circle trim, $98, paired with animal print slim skirt, $64. Smart Jones brushed gold flat disk necklace, $65, and bracelet, $48. Courtesy of Macy’s. Miche Mini Bag, the bag with interchangeable outer shells adds pizzazz, and is available through Mary Golbuff, bag representative.

Hair design, Maggie Abbott, leSalon. Make-up, Katy Hetzel, Lancome, Macy’s.

Pam vande Walle After the rush of the holiday season, I finally made the time for my annual mammo-

gram. This routine visit was not nerve-wracking. At the age of 23, I had a benign lump removed from my right breast. Since then, I have had mammogram results that didn’t raise an eyebrow, let alone any concern. After my December 29, 2010 appointment, I had “questionable photos of my left breast” and rescheduled another mammogram on January 3, 2011. After these films were taken, I remember waiting in the Breast Diagnostic Center lobby. Six other women came and went. Why were my results taking so much longer? I knew something was wrong. A nurse called me into an office and a radiologist joined us. He drew a picture of my breasts and told me that I had “multi-focal calcifications.” The recommendation was to have a needle biopsy to test some of the questionable calcifica-tions. On January 6 I had the biopsy done.

A few days later, my primary physician called me at work. I was sitting in my cubicle, trying to listen to my doctor explain the results. He told me that I had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS). I was whispering into my phone, “Could you spell that for me?” I vaguely recall the line, “It’s the best cancer you could have.” I just nodded and choked out a thank you. Ten minutes later, I walked outside and called his nurse back to repeat what I had just heard. It couldn’t be. Were those really my results? I’m only 40 years old. The nurse was very compassionate, telling me how sorry she was, and she warned me not to search it on the Internet. Of course, I returned to my desk and fired up Google.

The Internet search frightened me, so I turned to friends to ask what they knew of DCIS. Friends thought I would most likely have a lumpectomy and radiation. I was com-pletely surprised when my general surgeon recommended a double mastectomy. My hus-band and I took a few days to readjust our focus. I was still stuck on “is this really happen-ing to me?” Now the conversation was about a mastectomy.

I had a staged breast reconstruction with tissue expander and latisimuss dorsi flap bilateral and nipple sparing mastectomies on February 8, 2011. The mastectomies went very well. I was fortunate that my nipples were spared and kept intact. Unfortunately, I had many issues with recurring infections. My infections caused me to become very weak and shiver uncontrollably. In total, I have had seven drains, an intravenous line dropped in to pump antibiotics near my heart, a second surgery to remove and sterilize my expander, and colitis from being on antibiotics for an extended period (which caused an eight hour

nancy is energized in her Dolce Vita print dress,

$183, and ruffled jacket, $108. Pandora accessories

add a feminine touch. Cord lariat in pink and

purple, $20 ea., show off Murano pink glass beads, $40, journey silver bead, $35, and Ladybug bead,

$30. Clasp bracelet, $65, with two Murano glass beads, $40. Post silver earrings by Brighton,

$26. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.

Hair design, Rondi Overholser. Make-up,

Sydnie Chapman,fixx hair studio.

nancy schultz I discovered a lump in my breast the last week in June 2000. After going to my doctor

and having another mammogram, I learned that I had breast cancer on July 3. Six weeks earlier, my annual mammogram had shown nothing unusual, so I was shocked at how quickly cancer had struck. Within five days of diagnosis, I was in surgery. Another surgery, chemo and radiation followed very quickly.

Through the shock and decision-making, my husband and I found comfort and guid-ance coming from the Lord every moment of the day. I hung on to several passages in the Bible that promised to give me the strength to handle anything. As I went through my battle with cancer, my husband, children and the Lord gave me the strength and courage to move through each day with peace, confidence and even joy. Treatment is no picnic, but as I lived each day I realized that the battle could be won and I would come out victori-ous; I was not going to be a victim.

I was very blessed to be accepted into an investigational study for my chemotherapy treatment. Put simply, I was given six months of chemo treatments in four months. The time in treatment was shortened, but there was no recuperation time in between treat-ments. I was in my oncologist’s office every day for four months, seven days a week. Be-fore my last chemo treatment, the study was suspended due to serious complications suf-fered by other participants. Since I had done “so well” with the treatments, it was decided to continue with the same dosage for the last one, followed with three weeks of support treatments. Hallelujah! I was done with that. The day of my last support treatment my fourth grandchild was born. What joy to celebrate the arrival of a new life in the midst of my battle for life! Three weeks later, after a trip to Florida to celebrate a granddaughter’s first birthday, my radiation treatments started. By the end of March 2001, I was done.

My husband, Ray, was my rock. Not only did he take care of me, but he kept the home and his business going. Since we are self-employed, our source of income is dependent on us. I know it was difficult for him to get up each morning, make sure I got to treatment, put a smile and positive attitude on, and go to work. I can’t even express my love and the appreciation I have that the Lord has blessed me with such a wonderful husband.

It’s been 11 years since I was diagnosed and each year has been filled with blessings. As each birthday has come, friends have made comments about getting older. I take joy in each birthday and even the wrinkles that come with the passage of time. I am a stronger person, have a closer relationship with Jesus, and enjoy life more than I did before cancer. I try to use my experience with cancer to bring comfort and confidence to others who are facing this battle.

CONTINUED ON PG 79

Jill taps to the music in her stylish Simon Chang tunic with long sleeve underlay, $240, topping Ronen Chen

black leggings, $57. Brighton ‘Annual Gala’ drop earrings, $56, add a playful touch.

Hair design, Clayton Troxell, C&S Workshop. Make-up, Shannon Doylen, Lancome, Macy’s.

Jill rickards I was diagnosed with breast cancer in

late September 2010. I received a call from my doctor around 4 p.m. on Friday, Septem-ber 24. I was at my office with not a lot of people around as people were leaving the office for the weekend. I cried and was con-soled by one of my co-workers. I was think-ing, “How could this be happening to me? I am in such good health.” I knew no one in my family with breast cancer, with the excep-tion of aunts and my own mother who were all over 80 years old when diagnosed. If I was to get cancer, it should be happening when I am 80 not 60.

For a long time, I wanted to keep it pri-vate and did not tell a lot of people I had the big “C.” It occurred to me that people would treat me different if they knew. It was strange but I had a sense that it was even embarrass-ing to have had the cancer experience. I am just now becoming a little more comfortable talking about having had cancer. By being in this issue of the Style Magazine, it is like I am “coming out of the closet.”

There has not been too much of an im-pact physically, except for the loss of one breast, which I opted to have reconstructed. I felt that I didn’t want to deal with having to compensate for being lop-sided. I was for-tunate enough not to have had the kind of chemotherapy that makes your hair fall out and makes you sick for days.

I did have radiation during tax season; the same time I was dealing with the chal-lenges of starting a new business. It was a big strain on my body physically and emotionally at the time. I would get so tired around 3 p.m. that I just wanted to lay down on the floor in my office for a nap. I would think about it a lot, I even brought in a pillow and a blanket so I could just shut my door and go to sleep. I never did lie down; I just walked around the office complaining about it until it passed. Or I would put my head on my desk

for a few minutes. What I noticed physically is that I do not have the full energy that I had before cancer. I can now do most of the activities I did before, except I haven’t been able to get myself towed up out of the water on one water ski yet. It seems strength in my arms has been compromised. I say to myself that I need to schedule more exercise, espe-cially upper body.

Emotionally, I feel much more vulnerable in life. I am now, for the first time in 17 years since having a hysterectomy, off of estro-gen and officially now in menopause. Being menopausal has me a bit more emotional than I have been used to, and hot flashes are nearly a daily occurrence. I cry easily over just about anything and it doesn’t seem to bother me. I tell my husband that nothing is wrong and I am just crying and that’s what is and nothing more. I think because I allow myself to be vulnerable, I am less concerned about what people think. Life is what it is and things happen to good people. So my daily affirmation is that there is always something to learn and be thankful for.

Spiritually, I have grown a great deal. Our lives are short in this world and for the first time in my life I have a sense that there is something more than our physical life experi-ence. I have treated having cancer as a wake up call and have been on a journey of heal-ing my body, soul and mind. I only eat things that support my body, my soul is searching for a connection to the divine, and I am en-gaged in an inquiry into how neuroscience is altering our belief regarding how we can change our thoughts in a positive way to im-pact our health and well being. I have much excitement for the future and the possibili-ties of new and existing healing modalities that I would never have sought out or known about. I have a strong support system. My husband continues to be there to support my journey as well as the support from my children.

Cheryl is rocking to the music in her Sisters lightweight gray knitted cocoon sweater, $69, worn over French Dressing’s square neckline cami, $69, and accenting Renaur Collection’s flattering low-waist stretch ‘Paris Pant,’ $69. Playful accessories add a touch of bling! Chain necklace, $89, matching dangle earrings, $36, and faux silver, pearl and crystal bangles, $36. Courtesy of Lady Gaia, Fort Collins.

Hair design, Barb Johnson, Salon DeChelle. Make-up, Sydnie Chapman, fixx hair studio.

Cheryl Palumbo I was diagnosed with breast cancer October 1, 2009. I found a lump in my

left breast right above the nipple. I let it go for a couple of weeks, thinking that it would go away, but it didn’t. It hurt when you would massage it, so I lined up a doctor appointment and a mammogram, around September 15. The mam-mogram didn’t show anything, but everyone could feel the lump. The breast diagnostic center had me sit in this small room where I waited as other women kept coming and going. Finally, I was told that they were going to do an ultra-sound on my breasts.

The nurse that did the ultrasound was very thorough. She seemed to go over and over two spots, the lump that I could feel and a spot higher up on my breast. The next day they called me to lineup a biopsy; they were concerned with the lump and spots they could see with the ultrasound. I went in September 29. I couldn’t get a read on the doctor, so I wasn’t sure if he knew that my lump was cancerous or not. Thursday afternoon my doctor called me at work and told me to get my husband and come to her office. We pretty much knew then that it wasn’t going to be good news.

We made it to Dr. Crystal Askew’s office around 5 p.m. and left around 6 p.m. Dr. Askew was so gracious and answered every question we could think of. We all cried together and then started making plans. Dr. Askew had names and numbers of the doctors that she suggested I see. By Friday morning, her office had lined up a meeting with the surgeon that afternoon and with the oncologist on October 14. On October 9, I had surgery and the following Wednesday we met with Dr. Diane Medgyesy to discuss my form of treatment. I was diagnosed with stage 2-B triple negative.

Both Jim and I were pretty scared when we heard the words cancer – Jim’s brother had died of cancer five years earlier. We have never talked about what would happen if this course of treatment didn’t work, probably because we have never thought of that happening. The hardest part of this chapter in our lives was telling our children and family members, even now this is very hard to write about. We try all of our lives to protect the ones that we love and to keep them isolated from hurt and harm but this was something that we couldn’t keep from them. Two of our sons live in town and our other son and daughter live 1,000 miles away.

Physically my journey hasn’t been too bad, yes I lost my hair, eyebrows, eye-lashes and fingernails and toenails. I was pretty achy while going through treat-ment, but I never got sick and overall I did pretty well. Mentally, we made light of what I was going through; we kept our lives as close to normal as possible. We have a grandson that we watch every other weekend and we made sure that happened. I worked as much as I did before cancer, except when I was getting my treatments, then we joked around that I was a slacker! Sure, I am scared that cancer might come back, but I know that we will attack it again. If this experience has changed me, I think that I may let things that bother me go sooner than I did before.

Of course my husband, Jim, has been a tremendous help. He could not go with me to my treatments – we own our own business – but he always made sure that I had a peanut butter sandwich and water. He would pack my “chemo” bag for me every week! We didn’t dwell on the fact that I had cancer; we con-centrated on what our next step was. He didn’t baby me; we just went on with life. Sometimes he would push me to get up and walk or take a hike but that was good for me.

My parents came with me to all of my chemo treatments. This was so hard on them – every time that I was getting a treatment my dad would say that he wished that it was him not me. My friend Danielle came to all of my treatments as well – she kept things light and would get me anything that I needed. One of my sister’s would send me a card every week. She works at a bank in Illinois and she had all of her co-workers write me little notes of inspiration and get well wishes. I am on the Caring Bridge website and I had all kinds of family and friends write me and encourage me. So I guess my inspiration came from everyone and every-where with all the love, prayers and encouragement that I received.

My strength comes from my husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends that love me. I am not a person to put myself first so sometimes the at-tention would bother me, but I was told to “get over it!” I have a lot to live for so that keeps me very motivated to make sure that I make my appointments and keeps me aware of what is going on in my body.

Finally, this experience has made me become more of a thinker. I really try not to judge people the way that maybe I had before. I really try not to be so critical of someone about the way they may look. It’s easy to get caught up on petty things and in the end none of us have the right to judge anyone unless we walk in their shoes, which is not possible. We do not know what someone is going through or has gone through. I’m still trying to I realize that I had cancer. It bothers me a lot to read the obituaries on women who had battled breast cancer and lost, but at the same time I have met a lot of women that have beat this disease.


michele is feeling the music in her flattering animal print cowl neckline top from INC, $37, and great fitting Ralph Lauren straight leg beige denim jeans, $99. Colorful copper and turquoise necklace, $24, hoop earrings, $24, and wide cuff bracelet, $14. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Hair design, Carly Ackerman. Make-up, Kay Cee Warren, Sephora.

michele Warren I was in my 20s when my brother died in a boating accident at age 32 and even younger when I lost

my mother to a staph infection following surgery. As a result, I think I have always had a huge fear of dy-ing young. I was just 34 in July 1994, when I was forced to face my own mortality: a diagnosis of breast cancer. I had a 17-year-old ready and an 11-year-old daughter. It was one of the scariest moments of my life, but through my faith, family and many friends, I got through two lumpectomies and six weeks of radiation. I joined the Loveland After Breast Cancer Support group and began to live my life as a survivor.

As every survivor knows, those annual checkups are so stressful, praying for the doctor to tell you, “All is okay, see you in a year.” For years, I breathed a sigh of relief every time I heard those words. But in November 2007, instead I heard, “We need to do some more tests.” I had a new primary breast cancer on the same side as the previous cancer, and this time I had to have a mastectomy. On New Year’s Eve, I had my first mastectomy and reconstruction, spending three days in the hospital with my sisters, brother, children, husband and friends for support.

I began the new year at home recovering, waiting for the uncomfortable drains to finish their job so they could be removed. Before that could happen, I developed a staph infection. My older sister was with me at the doctor appointment. As the doctor explained the infection, we each heard him differently. While my sister heard ”staph infection” and conjured thoughts of our mother, I refused to relinquish my optimism and only heard him say, “Go to the hospital, check in, start antibiotics and surgery to clean out the infection.”

Chemo was set to begin on February 14, a nice Valentine’s Day treat. Before chemo started I sent out a note to my girlfriends, sisters and sisters-in-law to sign up for one of my scheduled chemo days/weekend and come spend the time with me. Again I realized how wonderful my support system was, as every slot filled almost immediately. I also had a friend who wrapped a small gift and wrote a special note for each treatment day. Each chemo day I had company and a package to look forward to.

At the very beginning, my oncologist, Dr. Sorensen, told me that he could tell I would handle chemo fine. To this day, I don’t know if he really saw something in me, or if it was just a psychological boost, but it worked. I was very fortunate that I did not have the volatile side effects some people have to endure. I arranged my work schedule around my Friday treatments, when I spent time with my “chemo com-panions.” By Sunday, it was time for some rest, spending time with my little dog, Ozzy, having what we called “couch day.”

In April 2010, I experienced another scare with a spot on a mammogram on my right side. Although it was benign, it was also the fifth one on that side, and I made the decision that it was time for the right breast to go also, and had the second mastectomy.

My work family is the greatest a person could ask for. I have worked for the City of Fort Collins for 27 years at the Drake Water Reclamation Facility. I could never thank them enough for all of their support, everything from providing meals after surgery and during chemo weekends to 10 of the guys I work with having a head shaving party at work. For 27 years, I have been truly blessed to be “Mom” to them all.

lisa is having fun in a smartly detailed black

jacket by Simon Chang, $174, Press black capris, $70, and Ana C electric

yellow and black tunic with soft cowl neckline,

$84. Silver dangle earrings from Brighton,

$30. Fun Bravo clutch with chain strap, $77.

Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.

Make-up, Kinga Sowa, Sephora, and Katy Hetzel, Lancome,

Macy’s.

lisa d. Warner I found the lump in my breast on March 12, 2011. I had a mammogram on March

25 and was pretty certain by the way I was being treated that I had cancer. I had a biopsy on March 31 and got the official words “you have cancer” from the doctor on April 4. Between the time I found the lump and I got the biopsy I did a lot of research on the Internet about breast cancer. By the time I got the official diagnoses I was pretty used to the idea. My reaction to the lump was “What the hell?!” But by the time I got the cancer diagnosis, I was pretty calm.

Physically, the chemo has had a huge negative impact on my life. I am one of the unlucky ones whose body does not tolerate chemo very well. I have had every side effect you can think of and have been unable to work due to the fact that my white blood cells do not rebound properly. I just started phase 2 of chemo last week and my doctor and I are optimistic that my body will handle it better. I hope to be able to return to work part time by early August.

Emotionally, that’s a hard one. In a way cancer has made me stronger. It has made me realize what is truly important to me and given me the freedom to stop sweating the little stuff. I have found that I can conquer more than I ever thought possible both physically and emotionally. In another way, cancer has made me weaker. It has stripped from me an innocence that will never be replaced. I have cried more in the three months since my diagnosis than I have in the past three years.

Spiritually, it has brought me close to God and my family. I have relied heavily both on God and my family to get me through those darkest of days.

My family has been my inspiration and strength. My husband has stood by my side every step of the way. He holds me when I cry, he makes me laugh when I am down, he cooks and cleans when I am unable to, he listens to me yell. In short, he is there. Without him, I could not have come this far.

My 16-year-old son has also been a huge help. He drives me to and from my weekly appointments, helps around the house, and helps to take care of me when his dad is at work. He has shown maturity far beyond his 16 years and I commend him for it.

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3939Style 2011

beverly sports a sleek city look in her Simon Chang high-style coat, $465, smartly paired with Spanx leggings and tall boots. Multi colored scarf from Renee, $30, and Brighton fuchsia small shoulder bag, $110, add a splash of color. Brighton dangle crystal earrings, $46, and ‘Bauble Bath’ bracelet, $72, add shine. Courtesy of Designs Boutique, Fort Collins.

Hair design, Jenni Jennings, The Parlour. Make-up, Kay Cee Warren, Sephora.

beverly gast I was diagnosed in May 2010 with Stage 2B breast cancer. As you can imagine,

hearing the three awful words “you have cancer” was devastating and scary. There were millions of thoughts going through my head, wondering what the unknown was bringing to my life, my family and my friends. Now, a year later and having worked through all the unknowns, I can say, “I did it!”

Obviously, the surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments were physically challenging, and I am thankful those are behind me. However, out of those chal-lenges came significant rewards. One such reward has been realizing that at its core, life is about relationships with others – creating new relationships and nurturing and strengthening existing relationships. Another reward has been learning the impor-tance of reaching out to family, friends, neighbors and even strangers who need some-one to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, or who need a hug.

I have drawn inspiration and the message of strength through positive thoughts from my amazing husband and soul mate, Dick. I also have been inspired by the journeys and wisdom of other cancer survivors, particularly my sister-in-law, Anibet. Finally, I have found peace and strength in the beauty of Colorado’s wonderful moun-tains, from crisp mornings in aspen groves surrounded by dew-laden wildflowers to sunsets that spread their warm pink alpine glow across the high peaks.

lisa is dancing to the music in her Topaz

art in clothing multi patch cotton top,

$56, topping boot cut denim Not Your

Daughter’s Jeans, $98. A chunky turquoise necklace, $46, and

orange fashion watch, $18, add playful color.

Courtesy of CLOZ to Home, Loveland.

Make-up, Katy Hetzel Lancome, Macy’s.

lisa helme It was a Thursday in late January 2011 when I found a lump in my left

breast. I had been to the gym during my lunch hour and called to get a doc-tor’s appointment for the next day. I was not concerned as I have always been healthy and so has my family. Then things started to move fast and within a week the lump had been biopsied as an aggressive triple negative cancer.

My husband, Guy, went with me to that appointment and we were in disbe-lief. I just remember looking at each other, saying, “This must be a bad dream.” We said that often in the months to come. That first weekend was the hardest because I needed to tell my family and close friends what was going on. When I told my daughter, Laurie, she was so strong for me. She said, “Mom, this is just a speed bump. It’s going to slow you down but you’re going to get over it. You are going to be fine!”

Initially, I was scheduled for a lumpectomy but a last minute MRI showed that the tumor was bigger than originally thought. So I made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy; I did not want to go through this again. I had surgery within a month, and six weeks later started my eight treatments of chemotherapy. I do want to thank all of my doctors and nurses who I think are the best in Fort Collins – I feel very fortunate to have ended up in their care.

I thought I would be able to handle the treatments with little effect on me, and even work most of time. Wrong! The treatments sapped my energy and my desire to do anything even when I didn’t feel that bad. I just sat in one chair all day and watched TV morning to night. I felt like I was in time out and my life was on hold until my treatments were done. Guy saw me through it all – the surgery and recovery, the chemo treatments, shaving my hair, my meltdowns, the good days and the bad – all of it. I wanted to push on and get through this because of his encouragement.

Laurie, who lives in Florida, called almost every day to check on me and cheered me up with stories of our sweet, adorable granddaughter, Adriana, who is 18 months. I so looked forward to those calls! My sisters in Beta Sigma Phi were a constant support for me and kept the post office busy with get-well cards, way over 100. My best friend, Janice, kept close tabs on me, and knowing that she was close by was a true comfort. There were weekly calls from friends and family from all over the country. I never realized that so many people loved me so much.

I finished my treatments in the middle of July. The last six months seem distant and un

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Beverly was treated to 60 wonderful minutes luxuriating in a full body lymphatic drainage mas-sage. Jahna concentrated on a very gentle and rhythmic technique in the direction of lymphatic flow in areas where lymph nodes are present or have been removed. This technique helps to get rid of toxins, waste products, residual chemo-therapy drugs and improve circulation. “It helps someone feel normal again,” says Jahna. This technique is commonly used on cancer patients.

“I just wanted to thank you and Allura for the wonderful massage. It was incredibly relaxing and just what the doctor ordered!” – Beverly Gast

Jahna brazier,rmt, Clt, Certified Fullbody lymphatic drainage

Mary was treated to a European Hydrating Facial for 60 heavenly minutes. This luxurious facial began with a deep cleansing, followed by a gentle pineapple and papaya exfoliat-ing masque to reveal smooth, glowing skin. A neck, shoulder and head massage using a Hungarian technique relaxed Mary while the moisturizing masque hydrated and protected her skin. The facial lifts, tightens and bright-ens the skin, and the benefits will last several weeks. A monthly schedule is recommended for best results.

“It is evident that Stefanie is passionate about her work. She took such good care of me. I expressed concern about my eyebrows thinning and left the clinic not only relaxed from the best facial I have ever had, but with a new set of eyebrows. She was able to apply makeup to my brows that will last two to three weeks. She took my facial experience to a dif-ferent level by customizing the treatments for my personal needs. Thank you Stefanie, Allura, and Hope Lives for this great rejuvenating ex-perience!” – Mary Rutledge

stefanie hussain, medical aesthetician, Clt

In preparation for her Fractional CO2 Laser treatment, Dr. James Thacker discussed with Cora her expectations and learned she wanted to be able to return to work immediately afterwards; therefore a light treatment was agreed upon. Deeper treatments can easily knock off 10 years, says Dr. Thacker. One 30-minute treatment usually produces satisfying results, significantly improving skin texture, removing brown pigments, softening wrinkles and improving acne scars, and can safely be performed on the face, neck, chest and hands. A reduction of fine lines and wrinkles continue over six months as new collagen is produced.

“Dr. Thacker and his staff made my feel com-fortable during my procedure. I immediately no-ticed fewer wrinkles around my eyes and my skin has never look so good. They gave me detailed instructions on how to care for my skin after the procedure, and under Dr. Thacker’s recommenda-tion, I followed up with microdermabrasion. Thank you, Reflections MedSpa.” - Cora Neuberger

James thacker, m.d.

Yvonne hampson, rnKiri was given a Thermage treatment for her

face, which helped smooth and tighten skin for an overall naturally younger appearance with-out surgery. With Thermage, you can expect smoother, tighter skin with less sagging and a softening of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, eyes and forehead. The treatment uses radiofrequency technology to safely heat the deeper layers of skin, stimulating collagen and promoting new collagen growth. Because Kiri’s skin had significant sun damage, it would require a repeat procedure, but results from this treat-ment continue to improve for up to six months.

There is no special care needed after the proce-dure and no downtime.

“I felt very pampered. Prior to the treatment, I took half a pain pill, but I hardly felt pain (mi-nor heat but no real discomfort). I am grateful for the treatment and being exposed to things I wouldn’t ordinarily do for my skincare. Yvonne was delightful and very generous. She even of-fered to do permanent eyebrows, which I just love. We discussed shape, color and permanen-cy, and she was so sweet, making me feel very cared for, relaxed and very trusting in her compe-tency.” – Kiri Saftler

Survivors Receive Beauty Treatments

2032 Lowe Street, Suite 103Fort Collins, CO 80525

4450 Union St., Suite 2011 mile east of I-25 and Hwy 34

(970) 223-0193www.alluraclinic.com

4026 Timberline Rd., Suite 120Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 372-0307www.reflectionsmedspa.com

4141Style 2011

Survivors Receive Beauty Treatments


Lynn Doughman regained a more youthful ap-pearance with a permanent eyebrow application. Enhancing the angle and shape of the brow not only takes years off the face but the convenience of having brows without applying make-up is a big plus for most women. The three-hour application starts with finding the perfect stencil for shaping, followed by mixing the color for perfect shading and applying a topical anesthetic to eliminate any discomfort before the tattoo process begins.

“Through the years I lost my brows through fading and hair loss. I had given up on looking good. This has now given me the encouragement to start wearing make-up and look my best again.” – Lynn Doughman

abby Charpentier, Permanent make-up artist/esthetician

1625 Foxtrail Dr., Suite 260Loveland, CO 80538(970) 593-3009www.voguelaserclinic.com

1112 Oakridge Drive, Suite 106Fort Collins, CO 80525(970) 482-1889www.xanadumedspa.com

Cheryl was treated to her first microdermabrasion, which is a quick, convenient treatment for early signs of aging, sun exposure and pigmentation. This safe, effective method of deeply exfoliating the skin delivers aluminum oxide crystals to the skin, which exfoliates the thickened epidermis, and then vacuums away the crystals and skin debris to reveal healthier skin. Cheryl enjoyed an enzyme exfoli-ating blueberry masque as the final phase. A series of six treatments are recommended one to three weeks apart for the best results with fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

“It was so very relaxing and Jennifer was delightful. My skin felt very clean and refreshed. The treatment improved and cleaned my skin. The pores around my nose area, especially, needed attention and the result was wonderful. Softer, cleaner skin and a very relaxing massage as a bonus.” – Cheryl Palumbo

Jennifer madrill, licensed aesthetician

Nancy Schultz was pampered with a 90 minutes LumiLift Facial. This process rejuvenates the skin and lifts sagging muscles through the combination of light therapy with micronized currents. A pul-sating light is directed at the skin surface, light passes through the layers of the skin and penetrates into the dermis, stimulating the fibroblast cell to produce more collagen. This increased collagen softens the appearance of wrinkles, reduces the size of pores and improves skin texture. It targets common skin problems such as minor acne, redness and uneven pigmentation.

“I had a wonderful facial at Xanadu. The treatment was very relaxing and enjoyable. My skin felt invigorated and very soft after the treatment.” – Nancy Schultz

Jennifer madrill, licensed aesthetician

Susan Sutherland was excited about permanently removing hair from her legs with the laser hair removal technique. The Cy-nosure Elite MPX laser machine is state-of-the-art and exclusively available at Xanadu. Its technology is more effective, four times faster and less painful than other lasers. Laser hair removal can be applied to all areas of the body and on all types of skin. Susan will have six treatments and can expect 80-90 percent reduction of hair. Xanadu is offering a promotion of six leg treatments for $299, valued at $2,000. Mention Style for this promotion.

“They were thoroughly professional with my laser hair removal treatment. It was quick and almost painless. I am looking forward to the next treatments and the final results!” – Susan Sutherland

Jacqueline brandenburg, rn

4343Style 2011


Caregiver BasicsA Love Story

At a reader’s first, casual glance, John J. Garnand’s book, “Cancer Caregiver Roles – What I Have Learned,” appears to be just a comprehensive collection of essential how-to and what-to-avoid advice. But it is more than that; it is a love story because wrapped within heedful, faithful care is love.

Dr. Garnand’s devotion to his wife, Susan Marie, was sorely tested when the teacher at Colorado University Boulder became her caregiver. He surpassed all challenges and learned many lessons along the way, which he shares in his book. The couple’s story is akin to that of others stricken with the disease. And, like each of those poignant accounts, it’s one-of-a-kind.

Like her husband, Susan was an educator. She taught second through sixth grades for 25 years. The Garnands owned a Longmont farm, also home to Susan’s beloved horses. To bring Colorado history alive for her young, Boulder-area students, the Garnands enjoyed hosting them and their families on the acreage – their way of turning back the hands of time.

At one such rustic event, 300 guests (includ-ing third grade students, siblings and parents) panned for gold, went on hayrides, watched black powder shooting demonstrations and sampled Western grub from the back of a chuckwagon. The large group stood entranced as the fun day was topped off by Susan’s Annie Oakley-type Wild West performance.

She charged up on her horse, fanned her cowgirl hat and shouted, “Thank you all for coming! I’ll see some of you back at school. But for now, it’s time for me to ride off into the sunset!” And with that, she galloped her mount east.

A small child’s voice squeaked up out of the crowd, “Hey lady, you’re going the wrong way!”

That was 1995. Just a handful of years later, the merriment that the Garnands’ provided for vast numbers of visitors was invaded by a singular, cruel trespasser: breast cancer. Susan succumbed after a nine-year battle, during which the disease metastasized to her spine, pelvis and brain.

The lessons Garnand learned and the sacred connection he and his wife shared became the basis for his 96-page book. It’s definitely a must-read for all cancer caregivers as they deal with day-to-day changes and challenges in their loved one’s condition. While the strate-gies are important, readers may find even more value in the suggestions for sustaining their own strength as well.

Garnand prefaces his book by saying that, from the initial diagnosis, two lives change as they assume roles of cancer patient and caregiver. The author notes that expanding expectations will gradually consume larger blocks of the caregiver’s time and energy. Both must learn to accept a new “normalcy.” States Garnand, “Under these new conditions, each person’s life now gives new meaning and new purpose to the other partner, and to the bond between them.”

Also important is the necessity of mastering medical terminology, which will soon become a second language. There are books, courses and online information available on the sub-ject. Garnand’s work itself includes numerous definitions and explanations of terms such as CT scans, fine needle aspiration, PET scans,

By Marty Metzger

John Garnand, Ph.D., wrote his book (below) to help fellow caregivers navigate the challenging process of taking care of a loved one with cancer.

4545Style 2011

endoscopy and tumor markers.Medications and their proper administration

are discussed over several pages. Garnand stresses two critical reasons the caregiving partner needs to be knowledgeable about these. First of all, side effects must be diligently monitored by the caregiver. If the patient is besieged by diarrhea, pounding headaches or nausea, he/she is probably too ill to make decisions about whether or not the severity/duration warrants an emergency room visit or merely a call to the oncologist. Garnand details resources for obtaining side effect information.

The second reason for medication education is to intelligently interact with the oncology team and provide them useful information that will best help the patient. Dosage and medical calendar management are addressed; a lengthier discourse advises how to gauge the levels of, and select appropriate treat-ments for, pain.

Cancer isn’t just a disease; it’s a legal, finan-cial and insurance labyrinth poised to ensnare the uninformed. Garnand presents data and statistics that make sense of the many mazes.

For example, a living will and a Medi-cal Durable Power of Attorney are advance directives required by federal and state laws to protect a patient’s right to make medical decisions, including consent to or refusal of resuscitation. Garnand outlines the documents’ content and workings.

Insurance decisions, says Garnand, deter-mine the financial outcomes of the disease.

Susan Marie Garnand at her Longmont farm. Her nine year battle with breast cancer led to her husband penning his book dedicated to assisting caregivers.


He points to a Harvard Medical School study, which concludes “in 2007, 62.1 percent of all U.S. bankruptcies were attributed to the high cost of medical care – up from about 50 percent in 2001.” He continues, “Of the number who filed bankruptcy in 2007, almost 80 percent had health insurance.”

Garnand considers insurance to be such a monumental matter that he allocates a full 17 pages to the sobering subject. Subhead-ings covered include bankruptcy, monthly costs of cancer-fighting drugs, choosing the proper insurance plan, healthcare reform, Medicare/Medicaid, Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP), hospital foundation assistance, and insurance records/EOBs/claims/denials/challenges.

On the subject of household management, it’s essential that patient and caregiving partner discuss and assign tasks like cleaning, main-tenance, bill paying and money management to outside help if necessary. Personal in-home care topics such as hair loss, modesty, intimacy, hygiene, incontinence and safety issues are dealt with in Garnand’s writings with candor, sensitivity and upbeat exhortations.

Since the caregiver/patient partnership affects both people, Garnand doesn’t shy away from the very real possibility of caregiver burnout. He likens the antidote to that caveat so familiar to airline passengers to “Put on your own oxygen mask first, and then assist others around you who might need help.” In this section, Garnand highlights information about support groups.

One local group, the FRCS Cancer Support Group, reaches out to anyone touched by the illness. This can be patient, caregiver, other family member or concerned friend, says April Christensen, office manager. The small group setting encourages and promotes the sharing of any cancer-related issue. Participants can attend once or as often as they like. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 2315 E. Harmony Rd., Ste. 100. The 5:30 p.m. start time nicely accommodates the light dinner (gratis) that’s served.

“The group helps bring people together through informal networking,” says Chris-tensen. “It’s a learning and sharing opportunity for people with similar experiences.”

Liz Westers, executive administrative assis-tant of Sharing the Cancer Journey (STCJ), a support group at Poudre Valley Hospital, says, “STCJ offers education and support to anyone affected by cancer. It is beneficial for caregivers to attend this group because they get the opportunity to hear other stories and gain perspective. Caregivers have many chal-lenges balancing their regular duties with new responsibilities, all while providing comfort and support; but mostly they have limited control over what is going on with their loved one and that leads to fear, stress and burnout. One of the goals of STCJ is to help people recognize that they can find a new sense of normalcy while on their journey.

“It’s a joy to watch people move from a very worried state of mind to a comfortable place where they can even assist others,”

continues Westers. “This is possible, thanks to the many incredible speakers that share their knowledge and look at the ‘whole person’ and the openness of the participants in the group. It’s a very trusting and caring place to learn, grow and thrive.”

Garnand writes about humor and laughter, assigning them utmost importance. He quotes a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore that found that those two happy, human qualities “provide serious protec-tion of the vascular system, and prevent heart attacks.” Garnand lists laughter’s benefits as physical, mental and social. The tri-fold advan-tages soothe and relax mind and body, boost immunity and strengthen relationships. And, according to William Fry, M.D., of Stanford University, humor works quickly, in less than a half-second after hearing a joke or exposure to some amusing occurrence!

“I have learned that joy – and its expression in laughter or at least a smile – can be the most important guardian of a loving relationship,” Garnand writes. He touts smiles, playfulness and joy as paths to enduring relationships. They give both the patient and caregiver strength to carry on.

Garnand’s treatise concludes with his thoughts on spirituality and, appropriately

for the conclusion of his work, end-of-life preparation, with hope.

Says Garnand, “We became like one soul. And it became very sacred. We saw the hand of God. It was like we both were going to die, together. I can never forget the experience. I had never felt anything like this before.”

After Susan’s passing, a memorial service was held. Garnand relates that she’d writ-ten several journals during her illness about their life together and the many animals she loved. “We told horse stories, dog stories, goat stories, duck stories (at the service),” he reminisces.

“I concluded her memorial service with a brief account of her death – peaceful, serene, beautiful – without fear, without doubt. It was a truly sacred experience for both of us.” John and Susan Garnand’s sacred connection thrived and survived, beyond any doubt – a love story.

For information on how to obtain a copy of “Cancer Caregiver Roles – What I Have Learned,” email John Garnand, PhD., at [email protected].

Marty Metzger, a Fort Collins resident, has worked as a freelance writer for 23 years.

Susan Garnand spending time with two of her precious “friends.” She lovingly gained a measure of peace from her animal companions, including a menagerie of dogs, horses, goats and even ducks.

Sanjay K. Gupta, MD, FACSBoard Certifi ed in Otorhinolaryngology

Recipient of theAmerican Academy of OtorhinolaryngologyBoard of Governors

2010 National Practitioner of Excellence

Sarmad Sabour, MDBoard Certifi ed in Otorhinolaryngology

Otorhinolaryngology Training at theUniversity of Cincinnati

Doctor of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Bachelor of Science, University of Texas

Sunny Park, PA-CBoard Certifi ed Physician Assistant

Training at Midwestern Health Sciences, Glen Dale, ArizonaBachelor of Science, Colorado

University- Colorado Springs Campus

James D. Skordas, AuD, FAAA, CCC-A

Board Certifi ed Doctor of AudiologyClinical Doctorate in Audiology,

University of FloridaMasters of Audiology,

University of Wyoming

6500 29th Street, Suite 106 | Greeley, CO 80634 | 970.330.5555 | www.frontrangeent.com

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Sanjay K. Gupta, MD, FACSBoard Certifi ed in Otorhinolaryngology

Recipient of theAmerican Academy of OtorhinolaryngologyBoard of Governors

2010 National Practitioner of Excellence

Sarmad Sabour, MDBoard Certifi ed in Otorhinolaryngology

Otorhinolaryngology Training at theUniversity of Cincinnati

Doctor of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Bachelor of Science, University of Texas

Sunny Park, PA-CBoard Certifi ed Physician Assistant

Training at Midwestern Health Sciences, Glen Dale, ArizonaBachelor of Science, Colorado

University- Colorado Springs Campus

James D. Skordas, AuD, FAAA, CCC-A

Board Certifi ed Doctor of AudiologyClinical Doctorate in Audiology,

University of FloridaMasters of Audiology,

University of Wyoming

6500 29th Street, Suite 106 | Greeley, CO 80634 | 970.330.5555 | www.frontrangeent.com


Staying Aheadof Breast Cancer By Kay Rios

When Maria Landstrom threw her “Bye-Bye Boobies” party, she wasn’t making light of her decision to have a double prophylactic mastectomy. She was taking charge of her life.

A prophylactic mastectomy, also called pre-ventive mastectomy or risk-reducing mastec-tomy, is a surgery that removes one or both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, prophylactic mastectomy in high-risk women may reduce the risk by 90 percent.

It was a tough decision, she says. “It took me two months to make it. I agonized because it seemed so radical.” But while it felt like a drastic step, Landstrom also knew she was at high risk for breast cancer.

Several factors contribute to the risk, says Ann Stroh, D.O., medical oncologist at the Medical Clinic at Centerra. “Family history plays a role,” she says. “If your mother, sister or a daughter had breast cancer, especially before age 50, that contributes to the risk.”

Genetic testing is a way to confirm the hereditary risk for breast cancer. Testing posi-tive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations also increases risk. “BRCA1” and “BRCA2” are short for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2. They

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belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors. In normal cells, BRAC1 and BRAC2 help ensure the stability of the cell’s DNA and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. Mutation of these genes has been linked to the breast and ovarian cancer development.

Other risk factors include a personal his-tory of breast cancer, a diagnosis of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), radiation therapy to the chest before age 30, and widely spread tiny deposits of calcium in the breast tissue, or dense breasts.

Landstrom hit all the hot buttons. She had kidney cancer in 2002. Her identical twin, Marisa, had breast cancer in both breasts with lymph node involvement. (Presence of breast cancer detected in nearby lymph nodes can indicate a more aggressive or advanced stage of the disease.) The family cancer his-tory extended further. Landstrom’s mother had uterine cancer and an older sister had ovarian cancer. At the urging of her oncolo-gist, Landstrom took the BRCA 1 and 2 tests and, although they were first inconclusive and then, on retesting, negative, the assessment was that it could be another gene mutation that could increase her cancer risk.

“To help me make the decision, I talked to my surgeon,” she recalls. “After he reviewed all the information, he said, ‘If you were my wife, there would be no choice. You’d be getting this done.’”

Landstrom’s medical oncologist, Miho Toi Scott, M.D., at Poudre Valley Medical Group’s Cancer Center of the Rockies, also supported the prophylactic mastectomy as did her plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Boustred.

Landstrom’s husband, Cody, was very sup-portive with her decision, she says. “And once I made it, I was fine with it. It was freeing. It was like lifting a big weight off my shoulders and I’ve never looked back.”

With the prophylactic decision made, Land-strom put a positive spin on it. She had heard about parties given to support the decision and friends from her swim class felt it was the way to go. “They planned it and ran with it and it became the ‘Bye-Bye Boobies’ party,” she says. Seventy-five men and women showed up at the Island Grill to show support. Her sister, in the middle of her cancer treatment, surprised her by coming out from New York. “The two of us made pink ribbon pins for everyone. We had donation cups for breast cancer and all the money was donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.”

In Febuary of 2009, at age 50, Landstrom had her breasts removed and expanders put in place to prepare for reconstruction. The fol-lowing August, the expanders were removed and the implants were inserted. Two years later, Landstrom says she’s still satisfied that it was the right decision.

Karen Searock, 47, has just started down a similar path, in her case opting for a double mastectomy. “My sister had BRCA testing done and her result was positive. She has already gone through the mastectomy and recom-mended I do it. Our mother and maternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer.


When I found out my sister’s results were 90 percent positive, I didn’t want to know if I had the mutation and it took a lot of convincing to get me to take the test. My dad and sister kept calling and it finally soaked in.”

She had a hunch what she would find. “I started getting mammograms when I was 35 and had a lymph node removed. Then the last few years, I had to have mammograms every six months because they were coming back abnormal.”

Searock had BRCA testing in April of this year and saw the same 90 percent result. “I did a lot of talking to my sister and to Dr. Scott. It was very sad. I also needed to have my ovaries removed.” She made the deci-sion and scheduled a double mastectomy for August 15, 2011.

Dr. Scott says that patients receiving prophy-lactic mastectomy will have one of two proce-dures. With the simple or total mastectomy,

the nipple, areola and all of the breast tissue are removed. The under arm lymph nodes are not removed nor are any muscles. With a subcutaneous (“nipple-sparing”) mastectomy, all of the breast tissue is removed, but the nipple is left alone. Subcutaneous mastectomy is performed less often than simple or total mastectomy because more breast tissue is left behind and could later develop cancer. Breast reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy can also result in distortion and a possible numbness of the nipple.

There are alternatives to surgery options for women at high risk for breast cancer, Dr. Stroh says. “There have been trials using Tamoxifen and showing a 40 percent reduction in risk. Some women opt for that.”

Dr. Scott adds that these chemoprophylaxis may not eliminate the fear that some women face over the possibility of having breast and ovarian cancer. “So most will proceed with

prophylactic surgery.” The decision for a mastectomy is not an

easy one, Dr. Stroh says, and it’s not the only decision to be made. Other decisions include: “Will reconstruction be done at the same time as the mastectomy? Will we use flaps or tram flaps for reconstruction? Will you need radia-tion? Do you want implants?”

The considerations continue, Searock says. “Are you going to save your nipples? Or will you have them reconstructed later on or have them tattooed on? That changes the sensitiv-ity and they don’t respond to cold. Should I choose either silicon or saline and what size implants do I want? What I came to realize was that this was about me and what I want, and not what a man might find attractive.”

“It takes a good three to four weeks to make all of these additional decisions and meet with everyone,” Dr. Stroh says. “It’s a multi-disciplinary approach with oncology,

Maria Landstrom celebrates her decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy at her “Bye-Bye Boobies” party in 2009. The celebration was the culmination of the two months Landstrom spent making the difficult decision to have her breasts removed.

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surgery, physical therapy and a social worker.” “Some people think, ‘Oh you get a boob

job,’ but they just don’t understand what that means,” Searock says. “They don’t understand it’s a long process and how extensive it is.”

And there are both physical and emotional repercussions. “I have been a single mom for most of my life so I put my love life on hold,” says Searock. “This was now my time and then I had to make this decision. Plus I’ll go through menopause prematurely and I don’t know what that is going to be like. I lost my mom when I was 19 – she was 52 – so we couldn’t talk about those things.”

But Searock wasn’t one to sit idly by. She began to gather information, talk to her sister and another acquaintance who had been through it. She also read Positive Results by Joi L. Morris and Ora K. Gordon, M.D. “It is an awesome book. It really impacted the way I thought about my body.” The book offers information and advice to help those who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and explains the myths and realities of the breast cancer genes.

The patient needs time to process, Dr. Scott says. “It’s a shock. The various aspects of psychological impacts must be discussed with patients in addition to the medical facts. Psy-chological needs for women with and without children are different.”

Dr. Stroh agrees, “There is so much more that goes into this and it’s scary as hell.”

Marianne Pearson, MSW, LCSW, clinical oncology social worker for Poudre Valley Health System’s cancer network, runs the Fort Collins Breast Cancer Support Group and understands that well. “There are so many things to con-sider when facing this decision. We have to look at the patient’s views on femininity, their identity, intimate relationships and the stage of life that they are in. These are all critical parts of who we are as women. If we discount that and don’t take it into consideration, we may affect levels of grief, loss and trauma that can occur with prophylactic mastectomy. I help women process their options and evaluate what is important to them, and their risks and resources in making that decision. The fact is, as much as your family and friends love you and want to help, they have a subjective view. My role as an oncology social worker is to meet the patients where they are at and go from there.

“Then together we explore all the avail-able options,” continues Pearson. “Ultimately patients have to make the best decision that fits them and then they have to trust that decision.”

Searock says there’s another difficult part to making decisions when you learn you are at high risk for breast cancer. “When you’re diagnosed with BRCA [mutation], you need to let your extended family members know and those are tough calls to make. Cousins, grown nieces and nephews: they need to know so they can get tested. It could save their life.”

Dr. Scott commends women who take the tests. “I have seen courageous women who made their own BRCA testing a personal


mission to educate their family members. Some of them discovered undiagnosed breast cancer and also provided vital information to their families.”

Both Dr. Scott and Dr. Stroh recommend testing for anyone who meets the following:

• Breast cancer in two or more first-degree relatives (mother, daughter or sister).

• Early onset of breast cancer in family members (diagnosed at age 50 or younger).

• History of breast cancer in more than one generation.

• Cancer in both breasts in one or more family members.

• Two or more first-degree relatives diag-nosed with ovarian cancer.

• One or more BRCA positive relatives.

Miho Toi Scott, M.D., Oncologist with Poudre Valley Medical Group’s Cancer Center of the Rockies

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• Eastern and Central European (Ash-kenazi) Jewish ancestry, with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer.

There are benefits to genetic testing whether a person receives a positive or a negative result. A negative result brings a sense of relief and the possibility that special preventive checkups, tests or surgeries may not be needed. A positive result can provide relief from uncertainty and it then allows people to make informed deci-sions and take steps to reduce their cancer risk.

“I’m feeling more positive about it,” Searock says.

Landstrom also has a positive attitude. “I’ve never regretted it. For me, it was the right decision. But,” she adds, “it’s an individual decision. Anyone in this position needs to look at all the options and do the homework.”

Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. She just completed her first Tri for the Cure breast cancer fundraiser as part of a relay team.

Ann Stroh, D.O., Oncologist at the Medical Clinic at Centerra


By Tracee Sioux

Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS) is making strides in high-tech cancer treatment benefitting the Northern Colorado community, with state-of-the-art machines and treatments with the goal to improve quality of life and extend survival for cancer patients, including breast cancer patients.

Partial breast radiationOne emerging treatment for early stage

breast cancer patients is accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). Conventional breast radiation is delivered to the whole breast after breast conserving surgery (also known as lumpectomy) and lasts 3 to 6 weeks. With

APBI, doctors use precise radiation to selectively target the lumpectomy cavity, avoiding much of the remaining healthy breast tissue.

The first comparative study between whole breast radiation and APBI is currently being conducted as a collaborative effort between the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. This national trial is available through the radiation oncology department at the Harmony Campus and is offered to patients who meet the enrollment criteria. The hope is that APBI will be as effective as whole breast radiation in preventing cancer recurrence, while reducing side effects and harm to healthy tissue.

Joshua Petit, M.D., director of PVHS radiation oncology, has been actively participating in the national trial and has treated selected patients with APBI for many years. He says, “We’re hoping this treatment approach turns out to be a good strategy with less side effects and a shorter treatment time. We’d love to reduce treatment for those who can be cured with less intense treatment. It’s an area that we are actively investigating. Up to now, there’s never

been a comparative trial between APBI and whole breast radiation. The study will greatly improve our ability to identify which patients should and should not be treated with APBI.”

One major benefit of APBI is a shorter treat-ment schedule where treatment is completed in one week, as opposed to a conventional radiation treatment program (typically 3 to 6 weeks). At the same time, the area treated with radiation is smaller so there may be fewer side effects. The disadvantage of APBI is that any tumor cells that remain in other parts of the breast or lymph nodes will be missed, which explains the importance of accurately identifying which patients are candidates for this treatment.

XoFt electronic brachytherapy PVHS also has purchased a new machine

that is innovative in breast irradiation, called XOFT Electronic Brachytherapy. This device is a portable radiation machine that can be brought into the operating room and does not require the thick, concrete vault walls that surround a linear accelerator to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to physicians, nurses and

New Radiation Treatment Options

Dr. Joshua Petit stands above the expanding radiation oncology department at Poudre Valley Health System’s Harmony Campus. The construction will accommodate a new $4 million, state-of-the-art TrueBeam STx linear accelerator.

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the patient. Essentially, when a woman has a lumpectomy to remove cancer cells, the surgeon and radiation oncologist work together to position a balloon device in the surgical cavity (where the tumor was located before it was removed). This balloon device is then used to deliver highly localized radiation therapy to the tumor bed at the time of surgery.

According to Dr. Petit, this technique of delivering radiation to the tumor bed at the time of surgery has several advantages. First, when radiation is given at the time of surgery, the treatment team can directly visualize the area at risk for potentially harboring tumor cells after surgery that need to be eradicated by radiation. Second, the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor bed while the balloon is inside the patient, which avoids having to give radiation through all of the breast tissue. After the radiation is administered, the bal-loon is removed before the surgical incision is closed. Third, based on the fact that radiation has already been delivered to the tumor bed while the patient was asleep, patients treated with this approach will require fewer external radiation treatments, which will significantly reduce the overall treatment time.

Dr. Petit cautions that not all patients are candidates for this procedure and it is important for patients to assemble an expert treatment team to counsel them about which option will best suit their goals for treatment.

“I carefully consider every possible option for each of my patients,” says Dr. Petit. “The key to a successful breast cancer outcome is matching the right treatment to the right patient. In my experience, the initial patient evaluation and creation of a comprehensive treatment plan is far more important than any other factor in achieving the best outcome. I recommend that before any patient moves forward with breast cancer treatment they bring together a team of doctors with the highest level of expertise, who will take the time to really get to know them, and who they trust to review all options and work cooperatively with the patient and the rest of the team to pick the best one for them.”

truebeam stx linear acceleratorPVHS is also expanding their radiation oncol-

ogy department, including a new vault to house a $4 million, state-of-the-art TrueBeam STx linear accelerator for radiation treatments. Construc-tion is underway, and the new technology will be installed in late fall at PVHS’s Harmony Campus in Fort Collins. It will be ready to use on patients, after extensive quality assurance testing, in February 2012. The TrueBeam STx will allow patients to remain in Northern Colorado rather than traveling to Denver for the most advanced cancer technology. The technology will be able to safely target and destroy tumors previously untreatable, providing new hope for cancer patients. The technology will be used on a broad scope of cancers including brain, colon, lung, liver, prostate, spine, breast and many others.

The accelerator uses the Novalis Radiosurgery Program, the world’s most advanced radiosur-gery system for safely delivering precise, highly


focused radiation. The system uses sophisti-cated imaging and respiration synchronization tools to visualize the tumor during treatment and allows physicians to actively adjust the treatment to account for tumor movement during treatment. More simply put, the technol-ogy adjusts for tumor movement that occurs with a patient’s normal breathing pattern. With new beam-shaping capabilities using a high-intensity mode, it enables the delivery of larger doses in smaller places. Clinicians can perform radiosurgery procedures with excep-tional ease and speed, with most treatments taking only a few minutes a day.

“The key developments of the TrueBeam are threefold,” explains Dr. Petit. “One, it has the most advanced respiratory tracking system, allowing us to track a tumor while the patient is breathing. It’s a big challenge to target a tumor that moves while the patient breathes, and the accelerator will allow us to target the tumor accurately.

“Two, the machine has the most precise beam shaping and beam control technology available. It truly is the sharpest beam out there, which allows us to avoid hitting things we don’t want to hit with the radiation, which minimizes normal tissue radiation,” continues Dr. Petit.

“Three, and this is a critical piece, it has the most advanced imaging technology for any treatment machine out there,” he finishes. “The same radiation machine that actually gives the treatment can take diagnostic quality images, including a CAT scan or an X-ray, in real time as the treatment is being given so we can literally see the tumor and hit it precisely. That’s a huge benefit of the machine.”

These new high precision treatments will be particularly important for stage four – or advanced stage – breast cancer patients. “The TrueBeam STx will allow us to treat certain complex tumors that we couldn’t treat before,” says Dr. Petit. “This is important for advanced stage cancer patients, who may develop tumors in their lung, brain, or other challenging loca-tions, to precisely target and eliminate those tumors, keeping them free from cancer.”

For Dr. Petit and PVHS, the new technology is an investment in the health of the community. “PVHS came to me and asked me what the best technology for our patients was,” says Dr. Petit. “This is the best radiation technol-ogy out there.”

He continues, “It is also important for the community to know that within the Poudre Valley Health System, we have expertise in stereotactic radiosurgery that is recognized on a national level, which is equally if not more important than the treatment machine. We relate it to music in that anyone can buy the most expensive instrument out there, but at the end of the day, it’s the talent of the person playing it that makes all the difference.”

Tracee Sioux is a freelance writer, the author of Love Distortion: Belle, Battered Codependent & Other Love Stories and can be found at www.thegirlrevolution.com.


McKee’s Cancer CenterGains New Technology

McKee Medical Center is investing more than $9 million to expand the McKee Cancer Center with new services and state-of-the art technology to improve patient care in Northern Colorado.

Not only will the McKee Cancer Center in Loveland be physically expanded, McKee has purchased a new “super” linear accelerator, the Varian TrueBeam STx platform, which redefines image-guided radiotherapy and radiosurgery. Radiotherapy is the treatment of cancer using radiation therapy, and radiosurgery is the use of a very precise, targeted doses of radiation to kill a tumor to remove a lesion. This is the

first fully integrated system designed by Varian from the ground up to treat a moving target with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The acquisition of this equipment also includes the Novalis Exactrac Robotic platform, which enables advanced positioning techniques that will allow physicians to use groundbreaking treatment options for tumors inaccessible in the past.

The Varian TrueBeam Stx, McKee’s second, new and improved linear accelerator, will be piv-otal in the fight against breast cancer, including whole breast radiation and partial breast radiation procedures, according to Dr. Elizabeth Ceilley, medical director of McKee Radiation Oncology.

“The new TrueBeam is one of only 52 in the world,” says Dr. Ceilley, “It has the most state-of-the-art motion management to ensure the most accurate tumor targeting possible. It deliv-ers radiation more quickly, while compensating for any motion of the patient and movement of the tumor.”

During radiation treatment, with breathing motion in the lungs, a tumor can move in all different directions. With the new technology,

physicians will be able to turn the beam off when the breathing motion takes the tumor outside of the targeted area. This spares healthy tissue from unnecessary, potentially harmful radiation.

“When a patient takes a deep breath and the breast moves away from the heart, we can only treat that portion of the breathing cycle, which spares the heart from receiving radiation,” explains Dr. Ceilley.

The TrueBeam will allow McKee to offer Ste-reotactic Radiosurgery, which is a non-invasive way to treat tumors without having to do surgery and having an incision made.

“One of the benefits of the new accelerator will be better imaging which allows for better patient positioning and accounts for patients’ changes in anatomy,” explains Dr. Ceilley. “It’s superior in its ability to provide images of the patient, it’s closer to a diagnostic scanner and allows us to visualize on a daily basis more accurately than ever before.”

The TrueBeam will be used for whole breast radiation and partial breast radiation. “Partial breast radiation is a treatment in which physicians

By Tracee Sioux

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need to be especially accurate,” according to Cindy McBlair, director of McKee Cancer Center. “With partial breast radiation we’re able to reduce the amount of time for patients to come in for treatments, so they can spend more time living their lives and spending time with their families. Typically, six weeks of treatment is the norm, but with the TrueBeam, patients will only need five treatments. It’s a good complement to Brachytherapy, which allows the radiation source to be placed inside the patient.”

Dr. Ceilley also performs brachytherapy treat-ments with an Iridium-192 remote high-dose rate (HDR) after-loading machine at the Cancer Institute at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. “Whenever we can, we want to be more accurate, and these technologies allow us pinpoint accuracies that spare more normal tissue and reduce side effects, thus improving quality of life and providing a better outcome,” says Dr. Ceilley.

The TrueBeam machine is also faster, so patients spend less time on the table. “It’s unique in that it’s a robotic platform that enables us to target any part of the body with unprecedented speed and precision,” explains Dr. Ceilley.

“It’s truly allowing for more innovation as we approach how we treat tumors, especially treating tumors that we couldn’t treat before,” she continues.

New technologies like the TrueBeam are beneficial to the community because it allows patients to be treated in their own communities. This accounts for less time off work and more time spent with families for both patients, rela-tives and caregivers, says McBlair.

Tracee Sioux is a freelance writer, the author of Love Distortion: Belle, Battered Codependent & Other Love Stories and can be found at www.thegirlrevolution.com

Elizabeth Ceilley, M.D., medical director of McKee Radiation Oncology


One in eight women will develop breast cancer. We have seen friends and family battle through this horrible, heart wrenching disease, rationalizing what might happen.

I might lose my hair.I might lose my breasts.I might go into early menopause.

And sadly, one thing seems to be absolute when fighting this disease: I will be in pain.

No one can predict the level of pain, how we cope with that pain and how it might affect our life.

Pain can come from the tumor itself, pressing on nerves, or if it has spread to other organs. Pain can also come from chemotherapy, surgery and, in advanced cases, when cancer has spread to the bones.

The doctors at Front Range Pain Medicine are committed to relieving pain and returning patients to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible. David Columbus, D.O., specializes in pain management and finds there is nothing more rewarding than relieving a patient’s pain. He and George Girardi, M.D., are devoted pain physicians with over 20 years experience in anesthesiology and pain management.

“Pain is the number one reason people see a doctor,” says Dr. Columbus. “If I can help to improve my patients’ quality of life and ease their pain, I have done my job.”

Pain management should be a standard ele-ment to treatment for all breast cancer patients. The goal of pain management is to provide the most pain control with the least amount of side effects, allowing patients to be lucid, productive and able to live their lives.

It is also important for the patient to play an

active role in their pain management, talking to their doctor about the degree and location of the pain, when the pain seems to be worse and the type of pain. When consulting with pain doctor, it’s important to describe what works, what doesn’t and the side effects to pain medication.

“The goal in pain management is to provide the most control of the pain with the least amount of drugs and minimal side effects,” states Dr. Columbus.

When the pain is mild to moderate, the first choice of pain control is an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Although these medications are available without a prescription, it’s important to let your doctor know your frequency and dosage of these drugs – extended use can cause liver damage, slow blood clotting and can cause stomach issues.

If anti-inflammatories no longer provide relief, an oral opioid can be prescribed. Opioids include morphine, oxycodone, methadone, hydromor-phone and fentanyl. Regular use of opioids almost always causes side effects. It is important to com-municate any issues with your care provider so that dosing can be altered, if necessary. When used as prescribed, many patients can take these medications for pain relief without fear of addiction.

Breast Cancer By Heather Schichtel Pain Management Options

David Columbus, D.O., Front Range Pain Medicine

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If these two options no longer work, it may be time to visit the doctors at Front Range Pain Medicine and talk to them about a cancer infu-sion pump or a spine stimulator for chest wall pain. Both of these devices can be used to con-trol chronic pain and are especially useful for breast cancer patients. In the past year alone, Dr. Columbus states that his practice has placed over 100 pain pumps in patients suffering from unceasing pain.

Spinal pumps, or pain pumps, deliver pain medication directly to the space around the spinal cord via an implanted pump. The pump is implanted during a surgical procedure, and medication in the pump is added periodically by injecting medication through the skin into the pump reservoir.

Since the pain pump delivers medication directly into the spinal cord, “patients often need less medication,” states Dr. Columbus. And, “we can change the medication in the pump should a patient develop a tolerance. Once the dose is stabilized, we ask that clients return every 3-6 months to refill the medication. The pump has a battery that can be easily replaced. And patients can go on to lead a life with less pain.”

The future for pain pumps includes more complex microprocessor-based equipment with increased battery life. The first spinal cord stimu-lator was placed in 1971 and since then this technology has advanced rapidly.

For breast cancer patients, the pump may only be placed when undergoing reconstructive surgery and then removed once the pain is con-trolled. In recent study of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery, pain control was twofold less in those who had the pump placed than those who didn’t. It also decreased the need for post-operative narcotics.

“The placement of the pain pump has changed peoples’ lives,” Dr. Columbus continues. “The pump can be placed under the skin so patients can still enjoy water activities. People who were in unbearable pain now find it controlled; they can

golf, hike, bike and do the things they love to do.” A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is another

implanted device that controls pain. An SCS introduces low levels of electrical current to the dorsal portion of the spinal cord to confuse the nerves and block the sensation of pain. The SCS is often implanted in the gluteal region, and patients can use a remote control to change settings on the stimulator and control their pain. With SCS, patients feel a slight tingling sensation, rather than the pain sensation.

The devices are most often used to treat chronic back pain. However, they have been found to help treat cancer neuropathy. Patients generally start with a trial implantation and then, if that is successful, the SCS can be implanted permanently.

The device is implanted during a surgical pro-cedure, and may include a fully implanted system or a system with an external power source. The device can last up to 20 years post-implant.

“I have had great success treating patients with neuropathic pain with spinal cord stimulator technology,” adds Dr. Columbus.

Placement of both devices can be done at the clinic as an outpatient procedure. After placement, the doctor monitors the medication and dosing.

As medications evolve and we learn more about the management of pain, Dr. Columbus sees the medical community developing new medications without neuro-toxicity. “Perhaps we will see a time when we won’t have to use narcotics for pain.”

It is awful to be in this fight for your life, to undergo chemotherapy and the effects of radiation, to worry about the effect this has on your family. And it is awful to be in pain. With pain under control, we can focus a little more on the fight.

Heather Schichtel is a freelance writer and market-ing professional living in Loveland. You can find her at her daily blog: www.samsmom-heathers.blogspot.com.

Spinal pumps, or pain pumps, deliver pain medication directly to the space around the spinal cord.

The pain pump reservoir, inserted under the skin, controls the amount of medication admin-istered through the spinal pump.

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Anesthesia 101: A Beginner’s Guide By Carl Simmons

Many wonder what exactly anesthesia is, how it works and who provides it. The word anesthesia literally means “without sensation,” and modern anesthesia allows patients to undergo medical and surgical procedures without the sense of pain, consciousness or both.

“If a doctor is performing a colonoscopy, it’s not that painful but it’s nerve wracking; therefore, the goal is to reduce consciousness,” explains Judson Standard, MBA, MSHA, FACHE, chief executive officer for Northern Colorado Anes-thesia Professional Consultants. “On the other hand, if I need stitches in my finger, that’s not scary but it’s going to hurt. Therefore, I want a way to block the pain.”

“It’s similar to a Chinese menu – we can combine techniques from all three categories to achieve the right combination of benefits for the situation at hand,” adds Julio Salimbeni, M.D., partner with Northern Colorado Anesthesia Professional Consultants and anesthesia medi-cal director at Poudre Valley Hospital. “Shoulder surgery, for example, can be very painful for the first few days afterward. Therefore, we’ll often use general anesthesia for the operation, and to help manage the pain that comes afterward we’ll combine it with a peripheral nerve block.”

Here are the high-level descriptions of each type of anesthesia:

• General anesthesia is a complete loss of consciousness as well as complete loss of sensation to pain, accomplished through the administration of anesthesia medications. Gen-eral anesthesia is performed for more invasive surgical procedures ranging from appendectomy to open-heart procedures, where it may not be possible to make the patient comfortable without complete unconsciousness. During general anes-thesia, an anesthesia professional administers the medications and monitors and cares for the patient during the procedure. This can include physiologic monitoring such as blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature management, as well as managing proper breathing and other bodily functions.

• Regional anesthesia is intended to numb major parts of the body like an arm, leg or even the entire lower half of the body. “We often choose a regional anesthetic when we want to avoid having to put the patient under general anesthesia either because of patient preference,

Anesthesia can be applied locally, regionally or generally – it all depends on the procedure being performed and the preferences of both patient and surgeon.

Dr. Julio Salimbeni stands before the main system that administers inhalation anesthetics and monitors body systems.

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or because their medical condition may not allow them to tolerate a general anesthetic,” Dr. Salim-beni says.

An example of regional anesthesia is the “epi-dural,” often given to women in painful labor. In this case, the anesthesia provider places a tiny flexible catheter in the lower back to allow the administration of pain-relieving medications into the epidural space, blocking pain and sensation in the lower half of the body. “An epidural is often chosen when pain control will be required for a longer or more indefinite period of time.” Dr. Salimbeni says. “A woman can be in labor for many hours or even days, and an epidural allows us to keep her comfortable the entire time with a relatively small amount of medication administered through the catheter.”

Whereas epidurals involve placement of a cath-eter, spinal anesthesia is generally administered through a single injection. “Spinal anesthesia is often used when the anesthesia needs to last for a relatively short period of time, anywhere from one to three or four hours,” according to Dr. Salimbeni.

Another example of regional anesthesia is a peripheral nerve block, which is used to numb either all or part of an extremity such as an arm or leg. “Peripheral nerve blocks are more selective than spinals or epidurals,” Salimbeni explains. “We can numb part of a limb by using a peripheral nerve block, allowing major surgery to that extremity without the need for general anesthesia.”

• Sedation is yet another type of anesthesia, used to relieve anxiety or make the patient less aware of his or her surroundings. Sedation can be adjusted, depending on the patient’s level of anxiety. This is sometimes referred to as “conscious sedation” or “monitored anesthesia care,” and it is commonly used in combination with a regional anesthetic or local anesthetic injection. Sedat-ing medications are good for relieving anxiety or making the patient drowsy, but are not as effective at relieving intense pain. Therefore, the combination of sedation and local anesthesia can allow an otherwise painful and stressful procedure to be performed with the patient completely at ease and pain free.

Whatever technique is used, it is a carefully considered decision made by the anesthesia pro-vider in consultation with the patient and physi-cian and/or surgeon. While modern anesthesia is extremely safe, each technique has its own unique side effects and potential risks that weigh into the decision. Other factors include the patient’s pre-existing health conditions, past experiences with anesthesia, and even whether the patient has an empty stomach at the time.

The ways to deliver anesthesia are constantly improving. Pharmaceutical research has led to medications that are not only fast acting, but also wear off quickly and produce fewer side effects. Another recent advance, says Dr. Salimbeni, “is to place catheters near peripheral nerves for longer-term pain relief after surgery to extremities – for example, major ankle or knee surgery. Studies show that [with these techniques] patients are more comfortable, with earlier hospital discharge, compared to general anesthesia or single-shot

peripheral nerve blocks.“Another benefit of the improvement in anes-

thetic medications and techniques is that an increasing variety of surgical procedures can now be performed in less intensive environments,” Salimbeni continues. “Thirty years ago, most sur-geries that required a major anesthetic were done in hospitals. Today, as a result of improvements in anesthetic agents as well as surgical technique, more than half of all procedures are performed safely and efficiently in less stressful outpatient settings such as a hospital day-surgery unit, an outpatient surgery center or even a specially equipped medical or dental office.”

Patients often ask how much training an anes-thesia professional has. There are actually three types of anesthesia providers who, through special training and practice, are licensed to administer major anesthesia:

• Anesthesiologists are physicians who have completed four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school and four additional years of anesthesia residency. In addition, Stan-dard points out, there are several board-certified subspecialties within the field of anesthesiology, such as cardiac, pediatric and pain management, each of which require an additional year of fel-lowship training. Upon completing their residency, anesthesiologists must pass both a written and an oral examination administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology to become board certified in Anesthesiology. If they pursue an additional subspecialty, they must also pass an additional set of board examinations for that certification.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) have completed a four-year undergradu-ate nursing degree, plus a two-year master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia, and are licensed by the Board of Nursing. CRNAs can perform all the technical aspects of administering and monitor-ing anesthetics. They are licensed to administer general, regional and local anesthetics as well as sedation services, either independently or under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or other physician.

• Anesthesia Assistants (AA) are physician’s assistants who have completed four years of col-lege plus a master’s degree through an accredited Anesthesia Assistant program, and are licensed by the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants. AAs can also perform all the technical aspects of administering and monitoring anesthet-ics but are always required to work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

All this specialized training and certification, and the increasing number of options available, helps assure that patients can rest easy during their surgical or invasive procedure, and that their anesthesia provider will safely guide them through that stressful time.

Carl Simmons is a freelance writer and editor in Loveland and author of the six-book Bible-study series Growing Out: From Disciples to Disciplers (Group Publishing). You can learn more about Carl at carlsimmonslive.com.

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Benefits of

By Connie Hein

“I felt like I was going through each day of my life just surviving,” says Robyn Davis, 49-year-old orthodontic assistant and cellulite-reducing massage therapist. She was active and hardworking, in occupations that encourage the good health and well being of her clients, but had not been feeling well herself. “Every day was an uphill climb that took every bit of energy I had,” she says.

Pellet Hormone Therapy

She had been on hormone replacements for several years with no relief from menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms. “I was not sleeping, lacked energy and the mental clarity needed to make basic everyday decisions.”

About 10 months ago, Davis’ life changed dramatically when her physician recommended that a friend make an appointment with Rebecca de la Torre, M.D., at Allura Skin and Laser Clinic to try Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy using pellets placed under the skin, a method known as subcutaneous pellet therapy (SPT).

Davis did some research on pellets and went with her friend to his first consultation and was so impressed with the therapy and Dr. de la Torre, that she decided she would try it.

Now Davis is able to sleep soundly, wakes up refreshed and full of energy, has better mental focus and is more emotionally stable. “I have a renewed sense of confidence and well being,” she says.

Dr. de la Torre had an equally successful experi-ence since starting SPT herself about three years

ago, which is why she became so passionate about offering it to her clients. Dr. de la Torre heard about SPT from a client who asked if she was certified to insert the pellets prescribed for her by her doctor in Arizona. “She told me that since having the pellets injected, she felt great – better than she had in years.” Her client was so enthusiastic about the success she had on the hormones that Dr. de la Torre decided to research hormone replacement with subcutaneous pellets using the SottoPelle method.

She learned that SPT is a safe, bio-identical plant-based hormone replacement that has been used in Europe since 1935 with great success and in the United States since 1939. Since it is not part of the traditional residency training for physicians in this country, most doctors have not heard of it, says Dr. de la Torre.

Dr. de la Torre was on the typical capsule, patch and cream bio-identical hormones pre-scribed by most physicians but was experiencing no relief. “I was definitely not feeling great,” she says, “So I decided to try SPT.” After expe-riencing the same improvement in health as her enthusiastic client, she trained with SottoPelle Therapy founder Dr. Gino Tutera so that she would be able to offer STP to her clients. Because of the great improvement she witnessed, SPT is now one of the main services in her clinics. She is the only SottoPelle trained physician offering it in Colorado.

So what makes this form of hormone replace-ment therapy so much more effective than traditional hormone replacements?

Dr. de la Torre believes the key difference is the unique delivery method. A small incision is made on the upper right buttocks area, with a small tunnel made for placement of the pellets. “There is no downtime from work and only a two or three day reduction of vigorous activities after the procedure,” she says. “No stitches are required as the edges of the skin are closed with steri-strips. A pressure dressing is then placed on top of the incision site and is removed 2-3 days later.” Men must decrease their activity for 4-5 days. The site may be tender for a couple of days, but most clients report minimal discomfort.

A follow-up visit and blood tests are then scheduled with the patient in four to six weeks to recheck hormone levels. Dr. de la Torre evaluates the test results and the patient’s relief and/or reduction of symptoms to determine the booster dose. “During that visit I give a booster injection if necessary,” she says “then the client can go for three to six months between injections.” She says most clients know their bodies and can tell when they need to have the hormones reinserted.

Unlike other modalities of treatment (creams, pills, patches and injections), the hormone pellets deliver a constant flow of hormones into your blood stream to give strong a baseline level that keeps you feeling healthy and well. Additionally, when there is an increase in exercise, activity or stress in your life, causing a change in blood-flow, the pellets release more hormones into the blood system. When the stress or activity decreases, the level of hormones returns to its baseline.

The cost for the consultation and therapy is often less than paying for creams and

Dr. Rebecca de la Torre consults with patient Robyn Davis about pellet hormone therapy.

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compounded capsules every month, says Dr. de la Torre. Allura does not accept insurance at the clinic, but they will send insurance claims on behalf of their clients.

Dr. de la Torre has many patients, men and women from ages 28 to 75, that are benefiting from SPT. Men often notice similar symptoms as women such as fatigue, loss of strength and energy, diminished libido, problem losing weight (even with diet and exercise) or lack of mental focus, and they can benefit greatly from the therapy. She stresses it is not just for women who are in menopause, but for anyone with these symptoms.

As for Robyn Davis, she is experiencing improvement she never expected with hormone replacement. Her vision is clearer and crisper; aches and pains she was experiencing are gone; she is sleeping deeply and feeling rested when she wakes up. She says she started feeling the difference the first week after her injection, and had no negative side effects or problems. She now has her energy back and a new zest for life.

“I’m so grateful to Dr. de la Torre for giving me my life back,” she says. “I can now enjoy and appreciate every moment of it. I am thriving, not just surviving.”

Bio-identical hormones do not cause or increase the risk or reoccurrence of breast cancer. However, it is advisable to discuss the use of

bio-identical hormones with Dr. de la Torre and your treating physician.

Dr. de la Torre has clinics in Fort Collins and Johnstown (just east of I-25 and Highway 34). For more information readers may call (970) 223-0193 or visit alluraclinic.com.

Connie Hein is a freelance writer living in Windsor.

Dr. de la Torre demonstrates how bio-identical hormone replacement therapy pellets are

inserted under the skin. Women today are find-ing relief from hormone related health problems

with the subcutaneous pellet therapy method.


Doing

RightWhat do Paul McCartney, Ellen

DeGeneres, Forest Whitaker and Chelsea Clinton have in common? They’re either vegetarian (consuming no kinds of meat whatsoever) or vegan (consuming no meat, eggs, dairy or other animal products).

You’ll find vegans and vegetarians in the world of sports, too, including these fit athletes: champion tennis player Chris Evert, track and field Olympic gold medalists Edwin Moses and Carl Lewis, and ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek. Even many renowned historical figures turned to vegetarianism, including Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein.

By Graciela Sholander

Today’s vegans and vegetarians choose this lifestyle for a variety of reasons. Many make the transition because of a commitment to cruelty-free eating. Others want a healthier diet. Some have an aversion to animal-derived foods. A number of people go meatless for spiritual or religious reasons, and for many it’s as simple as making a personal choice that somehow feels right. Whatever the motivation, the key to being a healthy vegan or vegetarian is to know what you’re doing and to do it right.

health benefitsHundreds of studies reveal the benefits of plant-based eating. An article

published in the scientific journal, Nutrition Reviews, in January 2005 shows a correlation between a plant-based diet and healthy blood pressure levels. Writ-ten by Dr. Susan E. Berkow and Dr. Neal D. Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, “Blood Pressure Regulation and Vegetarian Diets” presents evidence that well-balanced vegetarian diets can lower blood pressure, independent of other lifestyle factors.

Dr. Mary Rondeau, ND, RH, naturopathic doctor with the Wholeness Center in Fort Collins, notes several other benefits from plant-based foods: “A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been linked to lower rates of numerous types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, allergies and asthma.” In particular, she cites American Journal of Clinical Nutrition articles showing that high consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and other plant-based foods generates protective effects against coronary artery disease and stroke.

Finally, people on a low-fat, low-sugar vegan diet were able to lower their blood sugar more and lose more weight than people on a standard American Diabetes Association diet (2007 report published in Diabetes Care). A 16-year study in the United Kingdom revealed lower cholesterol levels in vegetarians.

Vegetarian

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Other studies indicate lower obesity rates within vegetarian and vegan populations as well as reduced risk of certain cancers, including lung and stomach.

avoid PitfallsDespite benefits associated with healthy

vegetarian and vegan practices, there are many potential pitfalls you need to avoid. One is overreliance on processed products marketed to vegetarians. “Don’t fall into the processed realm of fake bacon, fake sausage and so on,” cautions Dr. Rondeau. “These foods provide little nutritional content and a whole lot of ingredients. Focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables and enjoying the plant-based pro-teins as they are, rather than trying to transform them into some animal counterpart.”

A number of vegetarians and vegans negate the healthy side of plant eating by taking in too much junk food like pastries, sodas and potato chips. Overconsumption of sugars, syrups, artificial sweeteners, oils, cheeses, refined flours, dyes and chemical additives can lead

Some of Northern Colorado’s Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants

Some of Northern Colorado’s Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants

Arte Pizzeria, Lovelandwww.artepizzeria.com

East Moon Asian Bistro, Fort Collinswww.eastmoonfcs.com

Mt. Everest Café, Fort Collinswww.mteverestcafe.com

Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine, Fort Collinswww.nyalafc.com

Rainbow Restaurant, Fort Collinswww.rainbowfortcollins.com

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Ft. Collinswww.riograndemexican.com

Sri Thai, Fort Collinswww.srithairestaurant.com

Star of India, Fort Collinswww.starofindiafortcollins.com

Taj Mahal, Fort Collinswww.tajmahalfortcollins.com

Tasty Harmony, Fort Collinswww.tastyharmony.com


to health issues regardless of whether or not you eat animal products. The best approach is a balanced diet with a variety of fresh produce along with fiber-rich legumes such as beans, peas and peanuts, and grains like brown rice, oats, barley and millet.

Another obstacle new vegans and vegetar-ians face is not knowing where to find protein. Because we tend to associate protein with meat, we overlook the many plant sources available, including grains and beans, according to Leah Barrett, MS, LCSW, nutritionist and owner of Fort Collins’ Become Fit.

“The biggest source comes from some ver-sion of beans,” Barrett notes. “Tempeh and tofu are derived from soybeans. Other beans also contain a concentrated source of plant protein.” Barrett provides a helpful table (located on this page) to help you determine the best sources of plant-based proteins.

Whole grains supply protein along with important nutrients like niacin, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. Protein can also be found in surprising places, from bananas to potatoes to avocadoes or mushrooms. Nuts and seeds offer protein as well.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans published jointly by the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Depart-ment of Health and Human Services (HHS), a woman needs 46 grams of protein a day, while a man needs 56 grams daily. Children require less. A bowl of oatmeal with a banana and a tablespoon of chopped almonds supplies about 7 to 9 grams of protein, and a medium bean and rice burrito with your favorite salsa and veggies provides approximately 12 to 14 grams of protein. Over the course of a day, protein from a variety of plant-based sources adds up, so getting enough protein is rarely an issue for vegans or vegetarians once they know where to find it.

Will You need to take supplements?But what about other nutrients like calcium

and iron – do plant-based eaters get enough of these? It depends on the person’s physiol-ogy and what’s consumed. For vegans, Barrett notes that, “Avoiding all dairy will make it difficult to get the RDA for calcium, especially for women. Plant sources of calcium are green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprout and bok choy.

“Bottom line on supplements?” recom-mends Barrett. “It’s possible to avoid taking them if you are very mindful about making healthy vegan choices to ensure you are get-ting enough calcium, vitamin D, and iron from food sources. I do recommend taking a generic multivitamin/mineral supplement as an insurance policy.”

Dr. Rondeau feels that a healthy vegetarian individual with no major medical concerns can get all the required nutrients from a nutritious, balanced diet. But she does caution that, “Dietary supplementation is determined by individual need and the current health status of the individual. For vegans, due to additional restrictions from a vegetarian diet, I recommend taking at least a vitamin B12 supplement.”

High-protein Plant-based Sources

tips For healthy eatingIf you’re considering adopting a vegetarian

or vegan lifestyle, consider following the advice of experts to help you make the switch in a healthful manner.

“Start slow in the transition to veganism or vegetarianism,” recommends Barrett. “You can’t go wrong increasing your fruit, vegetable and whole-grain intake. Try choosing meals that are completely plant-based a few days a week and, once that feels normal, go a week without eating meat-based meals or snacks. Once you are able to eat meatless for a week, you are on your way to being able to say you are a vegetarian.”

Dr. Rondeau adds, “Knowing some basic cooking techniques like steaming, sautéing, and blanching can really make your transition and new lifestyle something that will contribute to your health rather than become a detriment. Take a cooking class focused on cooking veg-etables, or ask a friend to show you how. And try a new vegetable or fruit every week. There are so many different vegetables and fruits available – let this be a time to become more open and adventurous with food choices.”

For additional information on how to become vegetarian or vegan without sacrificing a bal-anced diet, here is a listing of resources for healthy plant-based eating, provided by Nancy Stilson-Herzog, Certified Wellness Coach at The Other Club. These books contain science-based information regarding health and wellness, and all include fabulous recipes that are easy for anyone to prepare.

• Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease

by Caldwell B Esselstyn, Jr., M.D.

• The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss by John A McDougall, M.D.

• Breaking the Food Seduction by Neal Barnard, M.D.

• Eat for Health by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

• The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn - Caldwell Esselstyn’s son

• The China Study by Colin Campbell PhD., no recipes but information regard-ing Weight Loss and Long-Term Health and the science behind it

Graciela Sholander is a local freelance writer and vegetarian. Contact her at www.ghost-writingplus.com.

Tempeh, 1 cup 41g

Seitan, 3 ounces 31g

Soybeans, cooked, 1 cup 29g

Lentils, cooked, 1 cup 18g

Black beans, cooked, 1 cup 15g

Kidney beans, cooked, 1 cup 13g

Veggie burger, 1 patty 13g

Chickpeas, cooked, 1 cup 12g

Vegetarian baked beans, 1 cup 12g

Pinto beans, cooked, 1 cup 12g

Black-eyed peas, cooked, 1 cup 11g

Tofu, firm, 4 ounces 11g

Lima beans, cooked, 1 cup 10g

Quinoa, cooked, 1 cup 9g

High-protein Plant-based Sources

(Provided by nutritionist Leah Barrett.)

Grams of Protein

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Last year, Mary’s husband, Ron Baretta, and his team became associated with the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, out of California, and organized their first memorial walk for Mary. The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation focuses on raising money for further research, new medical advances and educating the public about lung cancer. Their main objective is to turn the current low survival rate of lung cancer patients into a ‘manageable chronic disease.’

“The Addario Foundation was a main source of relaying helpful information to us while Mary battled non-smokers lung cancer, so we felt they were a great resource to start working with to raise awareness in this community,” says Baretta. The walk last year was a first for Baretta. “We

had a lot of support from people [in Fort Collins] driving all the way to Boulder for the walk, but we wanted this type of awareness and memorial event to be more local this year,” he says. “We also felt like it would be an even greater thing for all of the money to be going right back into our community this year.”

Baretta recently teamed up with two women in the community who have been deeply affected by cancer: Michelle Boyle, whose brother was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, and Terri Johnson, who is a two-time childhood cancer survivor herself. Boyle and Johnson make up the team at RamStrength, which will be the beneficiary of this year’s walk to remember Mary and raise awareness.

RamStrength is a local non-profit organization

It’s been two years since the passing of Mary Baretta and her family is still active in Northern Colorado diligently raising awareness and financial aid for families like them who have been affected by cancer.

RamStrength Live/Laugh/Walk with Grace

(In memory of Mary Baretta) By Erica Pauly

Participants from last year’s Mary Baretta “Grace” Fund walk.

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that provides financial assistance to individuals and families affected by cancer in all of Northern Colorado. The foundation covers basic needs for families such as mortgage and rent pay-ments, car payments, unforeseen auto repairs, transportation and counseling services. They also offer scholarships for CSU students personally affected by cancer and sponsorships to children with cancer and their siblings to attend summer camp. Their vision is to be a leading force in changing the face of survivorship, where no one has to decide between cancer treatments and their basic needs. In 2010 alone, RamStrength raised more than $330,000 in gifts and funds.

Boyle founded RamStrength in 2006. “I did this because five years ago, my younger brother, Marc Lubick, was diagnosed with a rare form of children’s cancer,” she says. “I saw firsthand how devastating a cancer diagnosis is on a family, not only emotionally but financially as well. I have seen so many families coping with cancer who are under such financial pressures that sometimes they would forgo a treatment, prescription, test or scan because they could not afford it. No one should have to decide between cancer treatment and his or her basic needs. That is why I do it. Plus, it was healing for me. I wish I could have taken a chemo treatment for my brother. You feel so helpless watching your loved one go through treatment after treatment. I felt like I needed to do something to show my support and for my brother, thus RamStrength was born.”

For the first time, Baretta decided to join forces with Boyle, who serves as RamStrength execu-tive director, and Johnson, RamStrength events coordinator, to serve a mutual purpose. Johnson has known Baretta for more than 25 years. “I met Ron and Mary over 25 years ago when I was a student at their gymnastics center,” she recalls. “I was going through cancer treatment

while I was participating in gymnastics there, so my family and I had a pretty special bond with Mary and still have a deep bond with Ron.”

Boyle met Baretta at the RamStrength Valen-tine’s Day Fundraiser in 2009. They spoke about RamStrength and Baretta’s recent loss and a new dream was born. Baretta approached Johnson the beginning of this year about partnering together for another walk and the planning began.

“Ron’s biggest concern is to have all the money raised stay in our community,” says Boyle. “RamStrength appealed to him because all the money we raise stays local and really helps people at the very basic level. This is the first partnership we’ve done with Ron so it’s going to be a great learning experience to see who gets involved and excited about it. But our main goal is awareness. We really want to educate the community on who we are and that we are there to help serve Northern Colorado.”

Baretta’s expectations mirror those of Boyle and Johnson. “Last year’s goal was to just raise awareness about non-smokers lung cancer and to remember Mary and her influence in our community,” he says. “This year we want to remember Mary again, but to also support the families in our community and help out people locally that are dealing with cancer.” By working with RamStrength, Baretta, Boyle and John-son hope to see more involvement from local community members because all proceeds will stay in Northern Colorado. And there’s another positive change this year; the walk is right here in Fort Collins!

Erica Pauly lives in Loveland with her husband, Brent and their four-month-old Great Dane, Beau. She is also the Marketing Director at GrowSecure Inc. Insurance and Financial Services in Loveland.

Lung Cancer at a GlanceThe American Cancer Society’s

most recent estimates for lung cancer in the United States for 2011:

• Approximately 221,130 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year

• About 156,940 deaths from lung cancer will occur this year

• The average lifetime chance that a man will develop lung cancer is 1:13 and the average lifetime chance that a woman will develop lung cancer is 1:16. These statistics include both smokers and non-smokers

Walk with Grace DetailsWhen: September 24th

Where: The walk will begin at Mountain Kids Gym, proceed to Edora Park on the Spring Creek Trail and end back at the gym.

time: 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $25 per person for pre-registration and $10 for each additional person with them. Children 5 and under are free. Registration is $30 per person and $10 for each additional person with them. Walk participants will receive a t-shirt, food and drinks, and entertainment at the After Race Celebration at Mountain Kids.

Registration: Visit www.ramstrength.org to register. Individual, family and team reg-istration options are available. This will not be a timed race or a qualifying race.

“We want to get everyone together to remember Mary and all her influence here,” says Bar-etta. “She was owner of Moun-tain Kids, she taught several of the classes and she touched the lives of so many people here. We also want to get everyone together to raise funds and awareness for our community.”

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This year the Mary Baretta “Grace” Fund will partner with RamStrength for the Walk with Grace fundraising walk.

Last year’s walk was in partnership with the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.


Arts Incubator Collaboration

Art, entertainment and creative expression are impor-tant aspects of every community. Our own arts and culture community is a driving force and an economic engine that needs support and commitment from Fort Collins arts organizations, leaders and citizens to succeed.

Beet Street will be collaborating with the City of Fort Collins Cultural Services Department and Colorado State University School of the Arts in a revolutionary partnership to create the Arts Incubator of the Rockies. To ensure the continued success of the arts and culture community in Fort Collins, Arts Incubator of the Rockies will encourage the education, growth and professional development of our arts and culture students, professionals and industry. AIR will build the visual arts, performing arts, music, entertainment and creative industries in Fort Collins and the Rocky Mountain West by offering:

• Innovative educational courses on the business of art, music and entertainment

• Internship programs focusing on real world career paths for students in the arts

• Continuing education for professional artists and arts organizations

AIR will be housed in the city-owned Carnegie Library Building (current home of the Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center). The Carnegie Library Building is a historic, downtown landmark that will provide space for the Beet Street offices, a black box theatre, gallery space, classrooms, workshop and event space, and more.

AIR will provide services to a wide range of careers in the arts, entertainment and the broader creative industries that are reflective of the unique arts and culture scene in Fort Collins. Arts Incubator of the Rockies will play a strategic role in building the arts and culture community as an economic engine, and helping to develop Fort Collins into a nationally recognized arts and culture community by:

• Increasing the growth and professional develop-ment of our existing arts and culture industry

• Attracting artists, businesses and art students with unique educational programs attached to real world career paths, internship opportunities and a strong creative workforce

• Creating a regional identity that draws artists, visitors, art patrons and funders to Fort Collins

• Fostering local pride that encourages participa-tion in arts and culture programming

AIR was recently awarded a $100,000 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant to plan and develop curriculum, services, programs and a business plan. As the only full-service arts incubator in the Rocky Mountain West, AIR will be a priceless resource for inde-pendent artists, degree-seeking arts students, working professionals, non-profit arts organizations and creative industry businesses.

Beet Street’s

Colorado is an ideal place for people who love seasons. Winter brings snow to the mountains, spring turns the state into a green wonder-land, summer is hot and dry, and then there is fall. As the air turns crisp, and the leaves began to change from green to yellow to gold, it’s time for hot apple cider, pumpkin pie and fall festivals.

time for harvestCultures around the world have celebrated the

harvesting of crops for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations often partied for days or even weeks at the end of a successful growing season. From Africa to Holland, the harvest is a time to give thanks for the bounty that has been gathered. Dancing, drinking and especially eating were a big part of each of these celebrations.

In the United States, autumn is the time for celebrating the harvest and communities across Colorado participate in the tradition. From the Western Slope to Pueblo, from the tiny towns of southeastern Colorado to the eastern plains, harvest festivals will be popping up everywhere over the next couple of months.

There are a couple Northern Colorado harvest events to mark on your calendar. First off, listen to the elk bugle at Estes Park’s Autumn Gold Festival. Running September 24-25, this is a mountain style harvest festival celebrating music instead of crops. Enjoy two days of bluegrass, folk, western and rock music along with beer, brats and hot cider. Visit www.estesparkcvb.com for more information.

Grant Family Farms in Wellington will hold their 4th Annual Harvestival on October 1. Celebrate the bounty of organic produce and free-range meat produced at this 31-year-old farm with music, seminars and family fun. Go to www.grantfarms.com for details.

Oktoberfests AboundColoradoans love beer, so perhaps it isn’t

surprising that towns across the state have embraced the celebration of Oktoberfest. The

original Oktoberfest is held each year in Munich, Germany, where 1.5 million gallons of beer is consumed during the 16-day event that starts in September and ends in October.

The tradition started in 1810, as a celebration of a royal wedding, but quickly grew into much more. The introduction of beer happened in 1800s when the city began allowing beer stands to be erected on festival grounds. These small white tents evolved into the large white tents we associate with Oktoberfest in Munich today.

Three of Colorado’s largest Oktoberfests take place in downtown Denver (September 16-18 and 23-25), Breckenridge (September 16-18) and Greeley (September 23-24). Greeley’s two-day festival is free and features non-stop family fun. There are also several smaller Oktoberfest scat-tered around Northern Colorado, and two are being planned for October 1, including festivals in Windsor and Berthoud.

The Windsor event will be family-friendly fun, with a classic rock band, activities for the kids, a dachshund race, an annual dance competition, food and beer. The venue for the fest has been relocated to the attractive Boardwalk Park just north of historic downtown Windsor.

The Berthoud Oktoberfest will be a celebration of the town’s rich German heritage underneath the trees in Fickel Park on Mountain Ave. The Berthoud Historical Society, along with the Ameri-can Historical Society of Germans from Russia will host an educational booth with items from the Berthoud Pioneer Museum’s recent Germans from Russia exhibit. The library is planning cultural activities for children, and there will be polka music, German food and German-style beer from Grimm Brothers Brewhouse.

other Fall eventsNovember will mark the start of Winter Markets

across the Front Range, including the one in Fort Collins at the Opera Galleria at 123 N. College. Winter Markets feature late season vegetables, homemade breads and cheeses, craft wines and non-edible items such as handmade soaps and candles.

Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a journalist and freelance writer from Northern Colorado.

AutumnF e s t i v a l s

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She sat through chemo. She (and others) fixed us meals. She wouldn’t let me give up. Thank you for all of it, Erin. I love you so much.

I had Stage 3, Her2 Positive, estrogen positive breast cancer. You can make it through. Some-times I didn’t think I could go to one more doc-tor’s appointment or one more treatment yet it was my husband, and my best friend, and mostly my faith in Jehovah God that got me there. It was when I was all done that I could reflect on my breast cancer journey.

You know, as a regular reader of Style Maga-zine, I kept the breast cancer issue of 2008 in my office. So many resources, I said to myself, in case I ever needed them. Oh boy, did I need them.

Thank you, Lydia, for what you do, for all of us.

are all truly strong and remarkable women. My oncology social worker, Marianne Pearson,

had to continuously remind me of all I was going through, and that accepting the help I needed from others was only temporary, and that one day I would be the person paying it forward. After a couple of months, I gave myself permission to tem-porarily go on hiatus from my private practice as an educational therapist. This was a difficult but necessary step for me during my recovery and my clients were very understanding of my decision. I was fortunate to have qualified, wonderful and understanding colleagues who were willing to tem-porarily take on my duties and clients without a second thought.

After sharing my diagnosis with my husband, and with more difficulty, my children, the first people I spoke with were friends who were breast cancer survivors. They had all been through it and became closer friends. My friend, Donna, shared a valuable lesson. She shared that while she essen-tially chose to “go it alone” in her battle, ultimately she felt this is a selfish decision. She said by not allowing people who love and care about me to provide their help and support was denying them the grace and feelings of usefulness that come with helping someone in need. As a result of her advice, I chose to accept help from anyone who offered.

I had another friend, Monica, who offered to take over the “volunteer coordination” part of my recovery, for which I will be forever grateful. While so many people want to help, it’s a huge task to keep all of these people coordinated and informed. While it may seem selfish to accept help from oth-ers, the satisfaction I’ve seen in the faces and words of those who sign up to be a part of my tangible support team has brought obvious joy to them and me.

The next phase of my treatment included a bi-lateral mastectomy and the removal of 18 lymph nodes on July 6, 2011, along with the beginning of reconstruction. Unfortunately, I developed an infec-tion under my left side three weeks post- mastec-tomy. Everything that had been begun in regards to reconstruction on that side had to be removed. I am currently continuing reconstruction on the right side with expansion until it reaches the desired size.

After the reconstruction on the right side, I will endure six weeks of radiation. Following that, my plastic surgeon should be able to begin reconstruc-tion again on the left side. When I get down emo-

KAREN DITTMAN CONT. FROM PG 27

LYNN DOUGHMAN CONT. FROM PG 29

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visit to the emergency room). Through it all, there has been much sup-

port. I am thankful my husband was by my side every step of the way. My family, near and far, came to take care of me. Friends brought food and prayed with me. Some showed support by walking laps on the track in the Relay for Life by my side. My employer, KeyPoint Government So-lutions, provided a generous short-term disability and allowed me to work from home as I eased back to work. I’ve met courageous survivors in the local support groups (Sharing the Cancer Journey, Fort Collins Breast Cancer Support Group and the B&B Club) that provided more insight than any Internet site ever could.

Survivorship, to me, means adapting. I could not deny the news I didn’t want to hear, the sur-geries I didn’t want to have, or the infections that lengthened my healing process. Adapting to the circumstances that unfolded in my life allowed me to survive and to continue to thrive.

I have found that feeling like you are making a difference is one of the most positive things that can come from living through cancer. For years since my first diagnosis, I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, each year doing what we can to raise money to fight not only breast cancer but all cancers.

I had a niece recently go through follow-up for a lump she found (negative, thankfully). She said she was embarrassed that she did not fully realize everything I went through. But I feel that if I am the only one in our family that has to go through it, I’m glad it was me. I pray all my family and friends are immune and the cure is found.

Now I live my life as a two-time survivor with my husband of 25 years, Jeff. My son, Josh, daughter-in-law, Laurie, daughter, Kaila, son-in-law, Chris, and my awesome two grandsons Logan and Isaac, live nearby and they are my ev-erything. I thank God, first and foremost, and my family, friends and caregivers for blessing me with their time, love and devotion.

tionally or disappointed with the setback and freak-ish look of my lopsided chest and numerous incision marks due to the infection, I must remind myself that in the words of Dr. Boustred – I am a work in progress and still under construction. The important thing is that as far as my pathology report can tell, I am cancer-free. I plan to live a long and productive live having won this battle. I’ve learned to set van-ity aside and remember because of this challenging journey, that I have become a better person overall.

While I won’t say that this has been an easy journey (that isn’t over yet), I am proud to say that I have endured and will continue! The cancer jour-ney has brought me closer to my family, my friends and my God, gifts I most likely would have never received without having been through this battle. I have hope that one day, a newly diagnosed woman can read my story and know that she too can get through the breast cancer journey and come out the other side feeling stronger as a woman, more confident in herself and her abilities, and a more beautiful woman overall as a result.

PAM VANDE WALLE CONT. FROM PG 35

MICHELLE WARREN CONT. FROM PG 38


real. I have had my time out, gone over that speed bump, and I am ready to enjoy life again. As you so often hear, this has been a life-chang-ing event. I have come to better understand the people in my life and reconnected with friends. I am not sure what is in my future, especially with regard to this disease, but I plan on stay-ing positive, enjoying every day, everyone and all the little things that you take for granted. I received so much support during this journey and I hope to do the same for someone else one day.

My mom and sister both live out of state, yet I feel closer to them than I have in a long tome. We talk more often and get along much bet-ter.

I have also found a much deeper strength in myself than I ever knew I had. Sometimes when I cry the tears actually help to strength-en me. They give me the ability to let go of the negative feelings and empower me to feel the positives. I am strong and I can do this. Many times my tears remind me of that.

I never anticipated in my wildest dreams that I would get breast cancer. I have no fam-ily history and I was only 39 when diagnosed. The ironic part is I quit smoking exactly three months before I found the lump in an effort to get healthier! (I just celebrated seven months as a non-smoker!)

I am a waitress and my husband is self-employed. Therefore we have no health insur-ance. So when I first found the lump, I was terrified and did not know where to turn. Planned Parenthood did a low cost breast exam and gave me a voucher to get a free mammogram. From there, I applied for and qualified for CICP. Through my patient naviga-tor, I applied for and qualified for Susan G. Komen funds, which are paying the brunt of my medical bills. I am extremely grateful for this, otherwise I would probably be leaving this cancer untreated. I want women from all walks of life to realize that there is help out there. Cancer does not care about your financial status. And if you are like me, unin-sured and living at the poverty level, there is help out there. You do not have to suffer with breast cancer.

Once this is all behind me, I fully plan on giving back. I am thinking about volunteering at Poudre Valley Hospital because every single person there has treated me with kindness, dignity and respect every time I am there. And I am there upwards of three times a week.

I walk around bald headed and one breast-ed so that maybe I can be a silent inspiration to someone along the way. My hope is that without ever saying a word I have inspired an-other woman going trough tragedy and have given her strength by my willingness to show the world what cancer has done to me. Hope-fully someone along the way has thought “If she can do it, I can do it.”

While this cancer journey has been long and difficult it has brought me closer to my God and my family, and I would not trade that in for anything.

LISA WARNER CONT. FROM PG 38

LISA HELME CONT. FROM PG 39

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June 11 :: edora Park :: Fort CollinsMore than 850 people and 500 canines paved the

way to help the nearly 12,000 homeless, injured,

ill and orphaned wild and domestic animals

Larimer Humane Society cares for each year at

its annual Fire Hydrant 5, 5K Walk/Run & Pet

Expo. The family event included a 5K walk/run,

pet- and family-friendly booths, paw paintings,

Fido photos, agility demonstrations and more.

The event not only saw record participation, but

also raised a record $58,000 for Larimer Humane

Society, making it the most successful Fire Hydrant

5 to date.

F IRE HYDRANT 5

Courtney Baier, Molly Weiller from Countryside Animal Hospital, Winners of Largest

Team Award with 30 participants

Jim Ferguson, 1st place for Male 60 and Over

Julie Monroe, 1st Place for Women 50-59

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F IRE HYDRANT 5

Volunteer Brittany Schapanski with an adoption dog

Tia Raamot with Tonka

Andrew Hensen, Susan Shattuck

Susan Shattuck, Judy Calhoun, Cindy Lee


REALITIES CUP INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

JEWELS IN JUNE

June 24 :: marriott :: Fort CollinsFrom novelty jewelry to estate pieces to semi precious gems, this one-of-a-kind ‘bling’ event was a hit among the over 300 women who attended. The energetic event saw every age group, from young teenagers to grandmothers in their 90s, all eyeing thousands of colorful jewelry pieces and purses while enjoying live music, beverages and appetizers. Over $16,000 was raised at the event

July 11 :: Ptarmigan Country Club :: Fort CollinsMore than 150 golfers and sponsors convened under perfect Colorado skies for a day of camaraderie

and friendly competition at the 2011 Realities Cup. An international food banquet and awards ceremony

greeted golfers after play and provided the top four placing teams great prizes. The exciting day of golf

helped to raise over $37,000 for the Realities For Children Emergency Fund, which provides services

and assistance to abused and neglected children in Larimer County when all other resources have been

exhausted. Photos courtesy of Angela Kay Photography.

Dan Schwartz, Bobby Hill, Chris Schwartz, Steve StoltzEclipse Energy Team-2nd Place Finishers

Levi Sattler-Golden Tee Recipient, Craig Secher

Team Fry - 2011 Realities Cup Winners Bill Game, Dave Fry, Todd Harding, Tim Martinez, Tanya Horn, Jason Preeo, Craig Secher

Kathy Dietz, Heidi Habbinga, Kristi Rae Cloud and Penelope, Laura Crew, MacKenzie Daley, Megan Pierce

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Ted & Jennifer Ray, Jenny & Rich ShultzGreat Western Bank Team

Kathleen George, Jaye Flack, Becky Holloway, Jennifer Trimble-Comcast Spotlight Team

Dan Kinney, Dean Hoag, Alan Patterson, Curt RichardsonRocky Mountain Battery Team-3rd Place Finishers

and afterhours sale. Proceeds will benefit Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, ‘Women Build,’ building The Guanaros Family home. Photos courtesy of Meghan Scott Molin Photography.

Kelly Richardson, Barb Pursley, Peggy Elkins, Carly Ackerman


SHE SHE, THE BIG SHE BANG!

TEAMFOX PRESENTS PARTY FOR PARKINSON’S

July 8 :: hilton :: Fort CollinsMore than 225 guests gathered to celebrate the ultimate girls’ night out at the first-annual She She, The Big She Bang event, which raised support and awareness for two area non-profit agencies: SAVA and Animal House. Attendees enjoyed using “Passports to Beauty” and received free beauty services provided by the staff of She She and Studio Be Salon as well as shopping at vendor booths, feasting on an array of desserts, specialty drinks, and champagne, bidding on silent auctions and dancing into the evening. Photos courtesy of Jess Apostle Photography.

Laura Halpin, Jenny Schultz, Cat Cross Rachel Griffin, Kate ApostleJason Hay

Susan Skog, Jo Cunningham, Ava Diamond Stacy Stolen

Susan Byrum, Dawn Duncan

Marci Lautzenheiser

Louanne DeCoursey, Heidi Cornell

Rochelle Reynolds, June Macon, Amanda Ericson, Carley Gaede, Jory Haslett

Sandy Turner, Kaley Montanari

July 21 :: murray home :: Fort CollinsA beautiful evening greeted 250 guests at this benefit for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and for the Parkinson’s Support Group in Larimer County. Hosted by TeamFox members Jim and Beth Murray, the outdoor event helped to raise awareness, support and funding for research for Parkinson’sdisease. Guests enjoyed catered hors d’oeuvres, live music, posing by a DeLorean for photos and helped to raise more than $30,000 for research and local support. Photos courtesy of Marcus Edwards, Neil Hanawalt and Tim Hardy.

Debra Smith, Lydia DodyDebbie & Ken Cavender Deb Hulting, Carol Cordsen, Ben Cordsen, Linda Aiken

Nancy & Curt RichardsonBeth & Jim Murray Chris & Pat Hardy Ann Cross, Maureen Seville, Holli Milenski, Stacy Stolen, Colleen Laub

Bill West

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RE/MAX ALLIANCE GOLF TOURNAMENT

august 8 :: riverdale dunes & knolls golf Course :: brightonRE/MAX Alliance’s annual fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network drew in more than 400 golfers, including golfers from Re/Max offices along Northern Colorado, sponsors and volunteers to this 18th annual fundraiser. Hot air balloon rides on the RE/MAX balloon kicked off the morning followed by a shotgun start of play. The highlight of the day included Golf Ball Drop, a dinner following play and awards presentation. The golf tournament raised a record $70,000 and will directly benefit local Children’s Hospitals. RE/MAX has been a corporate sponsor since 1992, raising over $100 million for the Children’s Miracle Network. Photos courtesy

of Rob Larsen Photography. Jennifer Kelly, Michelle Nelson, Joan Woodruff-Owens

Standing: Trish & Chuck Ochsner Seated: Chad & Becca Ochsner, Gene & Carol Vaughan Adrienne Ruckle, Teri Rogers, Kathy Beadell, Sarah Long

Francie Martinez, Pamela Cass, Marnie Long, Jeff Montgomery

Carol Canfield, John Dewitt

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2011-09 Lydia's Style Magazine