Summer-revised:Layout 1.qxd - Regional West Medical Center

Guilt free pleasure
Although this newsletter does not endorse specific products, we strive to provide informational material which pertains to our readers. If you have information about clothing, wigs,
prosthetics, or other tips that worked for you and you would like to share, please call Teresa Clark at (308) 630-1687.
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
69361
Permit No. 30
Live dangerously-- glob on that
ketchup! According to a recent
study in the Journal of The
National Cancer Institute, just
two tablespoons of this sweet
and salty condiment is better
than a whole fresh tomato for
getting Lycopene, a powerful
antioxidant shown to lower
the risk of lung, cervical, colon
and breast cancer. And no
need to feel guilty: it's only
15 calories per tablespoon.
— Source: The Cancer Club eNewsletter
www.cancerclub.com
Mark your calendars
FOR THE
2008
Camp Hope
WEEKEND
A camp for cancer survivors
and their support persons--
take part in a wonderful,
invigorating experience
August 22 to 24
Trails West
YMCA Camp
in Scottsbluff
Call 308.630.1535
for more information!
3911 Avenue B, Suite G100
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
B B
NETWORK
Check us out!
on the web
www.rwhs.org
Click on ‘Departments & Services’
then click on ‘Cancer Treatment
Center’
this issue
Time to stop and
smell the roses
Enjoying the simple,
summery joys of life
Survivor’s story
From a spouse’s point of view
A pocket keeper’s
prayer
Positive thoughts for
those on the go
The Pink Rose
Celebrating the staff at
the Dorwart Care Center
Board members: Katy Hawkins,
Cathie McRoberts, Ellen Ramig, Marletta
Warner and Rae Whitney
Editor: Teresa Clark
Regional West Marketing & Public Relations
The Bosom Buddy Network newsletter is written by
cancer survivors - this is your newsletter. We value your
input and appreciate feedback and articles relating to
your breast cancer experience. To submit ideas and articles,
please call Teresa Clark, Regional West Marketing
and Public Relations Department, (308)
630-1687 or e-mail ttclark@charter.net.
Bosom
Buddy Network
As I am sitting and writing this article on this
afternoon in March, it is another “wintry” day.
It seems we have had a lot of these dark, cold,
snowy and breezy days this past winter. As I
look outside, there is snow on the ground,
there is no sun peeking through the clouds,
and there is a breeze blowing. I keep thinking I
am soooooo ready for sun,
warmth and green!
Our life’s journey takes us all
through some “wintry” days.
These are the challenges we
face. My cancer experience (if
I may call it that) was to me
“wintry” days in my life. It felt
very dark and cold. As we
journey through our “wintry”
days, we can learn to bring
more sun, warmth and green!!!!
How can we do this? I would
like to suggest that we go out
and look for it. Below is a list
of “experiences” we might try:
~ How about driving to the
top of the Scotts Bluff
Monument, parking the car,
and just sitting and enjoying
the view.
~ Have you ever driven down
Stage Hill at night—wow
what a sight! The valley
looks like a big city.
~ Sunrises and sunsets. It is
quite a feeling to experience
a sunrise or sunset. If you
are able, make a cup of hot
tea and then just sit and
watch!!!! How can you not
believe in someone majestic
when you witness that!
Summer 2008
When I took the leap I had faith I would find a net;
instead I learned I could fly.”
— John Calvi
Taking some time toenjoy the view
Make Your
Own List
I would like to challenge
you to add to this list.
Take this newsletter and
write suggestions
in the margins.
Also, jot down notes
in the margins about
the sum, warmth
and green that you
have gone out and looked
for each week!!
Let the margins
of this newsletter become
the journal of your
journey from “wintry”
days to “sunny” days!
—Ellen Ramig
There are some mornings
when I walk to work
and see the sunrise that I just
have to just stop and breathe. It is so awesome!
~ As children, we use to sit on the front step
of our porch in the evening. Sometimes we
would visit and sometimes we would sit
with out saying a word for
long periods of time. It was
so relaxing, comforting and
quiet. Why don’t we do that
anymore?
~The Wildcat hills are a very
unique setting. Take a drive
out there, go to the visitor’s
center, sit and enjoy the view.
If you feel up to it, take a
little walk.
~Lake Minatare has many
beautiful areas—of course
you will need a park permit.
How about a walk on the
beach, just sitting and
watching the water and all
the activity, or even taking
out a fishing pole and trying
your luck.
~Chimney Rock also has a
beautiful view—go to the
visitor center. It is a great
drive and visit. and then go
out to experience the world
in which we live. There are
so many things we normally
do not notice.
Take yourtime &enjoy!
— Ellen Ramig
Mitchell, Nebraska

I have never had cancer but am a two
time co-survivor of partners: my first
experience started in November 1994.
My wife, Sue, was diagnosed with
inoperable brain cancer. We had two
sons, 15 and 16. The news literally
rocked our world. Sue went through
chemo and radiation, losing hair and
being very sick. It was extremely hard
on the boys. What do you tell your
sons who are watching their mother
go through something like this when
you do not even have the answers?
You let them ask questions and
answer them as honestly as you
can. Their mother passed away
July of the next year.
Time for a rebuilding period.
Graduation, college—how
was I ever going to do it by
myself?
Our home caught fire and was destroyed
on March 15, 1995, which
just happened to be Sue’s birthday.
Another time to pull up our boot
straps and start to rebuild again.
This time I didn’t do so well. I got depressed
and wouldn’t admit it.
I started drinking to feel better; didn’t
work. It almost destroyed the two
most precious things I had left in my
life—my boys. If not for them I would
a survivor’s story
from a spouse’s perspective
not be here writing this story. They are
the ones who brought their dad
out of the depths of hell and back to
the life I have now.
I love you boys.
I married my new wife, the
second love of my life, Kristi,
in October 1997. In 2004, during
a check-up the doctor said that
she felt a lump and we needed
to have it looked into. So a mammogram
was done in Sidney. We finally
got the test results saying that it was
positive; Kristi had breast cancer. It
was like living through it all over
again. We had some pretty intense
talks over the next few days. It was a
hard thing to call everybody and tell
them that we were going down that
dusty road again.
We all pulled together, kept being a
positive force and tried to think positive
thoughts. It was hard to do but
we made it happen. Luckily she didn’t
get very sick from the treatments. Kristi
wanted to continue to live her life. I’m
not saying it was easy, it
wasn’t, but we made it happen and
we did it together. My wife is now
four years cancer free and still has
doctor appointments every
three months and the big
check up once a year.
It is still always in the back
of your mind—will it come
back—but you have to step up
and remain positive.
I think if there is one thing I would like
everybody to take from my experience,
it would be this – Your partner is
your partner, so do everything that
you can to let them know you support
them, are behind them and will give
110 percent for how ever long it takes.
— Craig Bruner
Sidney, Nebraska
Heard from a breast cancer survivor:
“When my doctor recently told me that I had breast cancer
and would need a bilateral mastectomy, my husband hugged me
and said, “Now when we hug, our hearts will be closer!”
the pink rose Dorwart Cancer Care Center staff
dorwartSTAFF
Dorwart Cancer Care Center staff:
Gloria Wilson, Leslie Biggs, RN, OCN, Jayme Hawk B.S. RT (R)(T),
Jennifer Stanley, B.S. RT (R)(T)
Pocket Charms that offer:
“A Heart, to remind you
that you are loved,
A Peace Sign, for hope,
An Acorn, for your
continued strength,
An Angel, to watch over
you, The World, because
you make it a better place.”
Editors note: We received the following nomination and are
happy to honor the Dorwart Cancer Care Center staff.
“The Dorwart Cancer Care Center in Sidney
opened its doors in April 2001. The center sees approximately
80 to 100 new patients a year and
has provided a much needed service to this area of
the Nebraska panhandle. The center is staffed by
four full-time employees with support services being
provided by the Cancer Treatment Center
in Scottsbluff. The care provided at the center is
second to none. We are able to offer state-of-theart
care with a personal touch that larger centers
often can not offer. The staff participates regularly
in events like Night of Hope, Cattleman’s Ball and
area health fairs. The Dorwart Center staff provides
exceptional one-on-one care, truly fulfilling the
center’s motto of treating “the whole person personally.”
Lasting friendships are often made between
patients and staff as is evident with the amount of goodies that are
readily left at the center upon a patient’s return visit. It is the constant
professionalism, attention to detail and love for what they do
that makes the staff at the Dorwart Cancer Care Center special.
Thanks to all of you for your commitment to our patients and
community.”
People rely on many factors
to feel secure, protected and encouraged
that all is well.
A ring, a rabbit’s foot, a lucky
penny or my favorite, a cross, either
in my pocket or on a necklace…
is a private feeling and
belief. Having peace of mind is
so vital in living with and conquering
cancer!
The above little organza bag with
its pewter charms is a
great start in accomplishing
this. I have added several of
my personal trinkets to my bag
and just knowing that it is on
my person makes me feel better.
What a grand idea to put items
on the Internet that are helpful
to people healing from all types
— Jeff Kriewald, B.S., R.T. (R) (T)
Director, Regional West Cancer Services
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
More than words ...
Pocket charms
of hurts…unique gifts to make
anyone feel special. The site also
offers some wonderful tips on
how to handle certain situations
that may be awkward for some
people in dealing with a cancer
patient, as well as good suggestions
on how to make life more
pleasant for them.
This little bag is a “thumbs-up”
and reasonably priced. Please
check out this most original site!
To order your own
pocket charms, go to
www.healingbaskets.com.
(Note: Click on “search” in the right hand column
and type in “pocket charms” then select
“to keep in your pocket.”
— Katy Hawkins
Gering, Nebraska