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Alaska Cancer Care Alliance
April 2011 Bulletin
Sleep and Disease by Markian Babij, ND, FABNO
Volume 2, Issue 2 Many chronically ill patients Sleep: Behind the Scenes while we sleep. Reduced
have insomnia, or lack of While you sleep, your body and melatonin has been linked to
April-June 2011 quality sleep. Insomnia has mind participate in many increased rates of cancer.
been associated with many healing and restorative Studies have demonstrated
chronic health conditions. processes. Cytokines, that melatonin is beneficial as
Inside this issue: With an initial diagnosis of any messengers of our immune part of treatment for several
type of cancer insomnia often systems, are busy promoting types of cancer. In addition,
follows simply due to the immune communication while there are studies showing
Sleep and Disease 1 increased stress levels we sleep. Lack of sleep has increased rates of breast
associated with such a life been shown to decrease cancer in night shift nurses.
change. According to the important immune cells thereby Cortisol is a hormone we
Survivor Spotlight 1 National Sleep Foundation, allowing susceptibility to produce at peak levels when
seven out of 10 Americans illness. Growth hormone is we are waking up and when
report frequent sleep problems, responsible for physical we feel stress. These levels
PET Technology 2
however most are not restoration and maintenance in are often affected in night
diagnosed. So why is there so shift workers. Chronically
Support Groups 3 much insomnia? There are high levels of cortisol and
many reasons, however, associated stress impair
insomnia can be addressed sleep, and are not uncommon
Calendar 4 naturally with appropriate in chronic illness. There are
sleep hygiene and relaxation. If many factors involved,
sleep problems persist, follow people of all ages. Our bodies however the simple truth is
Volunteer Opportuni- 5 up with a physician to rule out produce the greatest amount of obvious, humans do better
ties other underlying causes. There growth hormone while we with consistent sleep.
are many creative strategies sleep. Melatonin is produced
Convenient Ways to 5 and secreted by the pineal gland How will your Immune
that can be used for restoring
Get Informed sleep patterns, but often as it becomes dark. This System benefit from
supplements and medicines are hormone is largely involved sleep?
necessary. It really comes with inducing our sleep cycle Poor sleep results in a total
down to finding what fits best and coordinating various reduction in restorative
for your particular set of immune functions that occur (Continued on page 6)
problems.
Survivor Spotlight: Nikki on Exercise
A Powerful Network Before I was diagnosed taking in all that fresh
again after being bed ridden
of Hope.... with cancer, I was an avid air. for almost a month, thinking
athlete spending much of After being diagnosed ―wow I used to be so strong…
my time during the week with stage four leukemia and now I have to use a
working out and of and lymphoma, things walker to get around.‖ It was
course playing all went downhill for me pretty frustrating, being such
weekend. My week pretty rapidly and I soon an independent person prior
consisted of running and found myself so sick and
2801 DeBarr Road to treatment, already giving
climbing a few days a weak from all the up so much control to
Suite 3000 week and climbing, chemotherapy that it doctors, nurses and family
Anchorage, AK 99508 mountain biking and/or seemed the days of was hard enough but not
skiing on the weekends exercise were long gone.
907-264-1501 phone being able to move about on
depending on the The focus changed to my own – this is when I
907-264-1502 fax weather. It is amazing just trying to survive as made up my mind that I
Www.alaskacancercarealliance.org how those endorphins there was a time when needed to do what I could to
make you feel fantastic and they didn’t think that I do the things I loved again…
nothing beats being outside, would. I remember the first and to feel ―normal‖.
soaking up the sun’s rays and time I attempted to walk (Continued on page 2)
Page 2
Alaska Cancer Care Alliance
Nikki On Exercise Cont’d...
(Continued from page 1)
Several recent studies have also patients and survivors, contact the
I was fortunate to have a very shown that exercise can help Alaska Cancer Care Alliance for
good friend who was a physical keep cancer from reoccurring. more information (907) 264-1501
therapist’s assistant and my rock Now, this doesn’t mean that you and join us for the New Norm
climbing partner. She helped me have to start training for an ultra Survivorship Series Workshop on
with all sorts of little exercises marathon (unless you feel that Exercise: May 19th with Cynthia
which gave me the opportunity to this is the direction for you) but Decker, RN of Providence’s
work on my muscular strength. you can start taking those baby Oncology Rehabilitation Program.
Slowly but surely, it came back steps towards taking some
and soon I moved that IV pole control of your life. Start with a
around with me like Fred Astaire simple workout plan of walking
in Royal Wedding! Some days around the block or on a Save the Date!!!!
were still hard especially after a treadmill a few times a week and August 13th, 2011
week’s round of chemo but I building from there. LIVESTRONG Texas 4000
continued on. About the fourth Forwarding to the present, I will AlaskaLIVE
month into my chemo is when I be 6 years out this June…and yes, Summit
remember begging my mom to I still get around like Fred did in Celebrate the amazing
let me go to the rock gym and the movies and continue to get accomplishment of 50 University
climb with my friends. In my out and do the things I love. of Texas students who ride their
mind I was ready and I really Now is your chance to take some bicycles from Austin, Texas to
needed to do something that control and get that body moving Anchorage, Alaska in a
made me feel ―normal‖, the best you can, all you have to LIVESTRONG event for the fight
something that I was passionate do is put one foot in front of the against cancer! Join our
about and something which took other! community for a day of
my mind off of the fact that I was
celebration, awareness,
a 30 year old woman fighting Nikki is a young survivor and an education and fun at Kincaid
cancer. inspiration to even those who Park from 11am-2pm. Help us
Exercise is just as important if have not experienced cancer. Her give a warm welcome to Doug
not more important for those positive attitude, determination Ulman, CEO of the Lance
who are fighting cancer as well as and vibrant energy shines Armstrong Foundation and
survivors. Sure, exercise releases through everything she does. The amazing cancer survivor! Mark
endorphins and endorphins Alaska Cancer Care Alliance is your calendars– this is one event
make you happy; everyone knows organizing a women survivor’s you won’t want to miss! Stay
that we all need as much adventure in which Nikki will be tuned for details, but in the mean
happiness in our lives as possible assisting with and leading. To time, read all about the riders at
as we fight this disease! There spend some time in an amazing
are other reasons: exercise can www.texas4000.org.
Alaskan environment and with
help you cope, giving you the amazing women survivors like
opportunity to take your mind off Nikki, contact the Alaska Cancer
of your present situation. It also Care Alliance at (907) 264-1501.
helps to keep you fit, allows you
to strengthen your muscles and To find out more about exercise
helps you watch your waistline. programs geared toward cancer
Alaska Regional Announces New PET -CT Technology
COMING – MAY 2011 biopsy sampling error, improve
therapy planning, and assess
PET-CT Fusion Imaging services at response to chemotherapy and
Alaska Regional Hospital radiation treatment. It is also
valuable in evaluation of Alz-
PET-CT delivers superior specificity heimer’s disease.
and cuts patient’s imaging time in To learn more about how PET/
half. Integrated information allows CT can be a benefit, contact:
pinpoint accuracy in detection and Dennis Cherry, Imaging Director,
localization of many cancers, in- at 907-264-1249.
cluding breast, esophageal, cervical, Alaska Regional Hospital
melanoma, lymphoma, lung, colo- 2801 DeBarr Road
rectal, head and neck, and ovarian Anchorage, AK 99508
cancer. PET_CT is used to reduce
Alaska Cancer Care Alliance Bulletin
Mark Your Calendar!! Page 3
April 2011 June 2011
● May 12: New Norm Cancer Survi-
S M T W T F S vorship Series: Workshop #2: In- S M T W T F S
somnia and Cancer. Join the Alaska 1 2 3 4
1 2
Cancer Care Alliance and Norman Wilder,
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
MD for a discussion of insomnia and man-
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 aging it during/after cancer treatment.264 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 -1501 to RSVP. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
● May 13-14: American Cancer Soci-
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30
ety’s Relay for Life: Eagle River. Re-
● April 12: Look Good Feel Better: AK lay around Gruening Middle School to ● June 2: New Norm Cancer Survi-
Native Medical Center. 2-4pm. 277-8610 celebrate the lives of people who have bat- vorship Series: Workshop #5:
to Register. tled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and Mind/Body Connection. Join the
● April 20: Lymphedema Education fight back against the disease. 7pm-3pm. Alaska Cancer Care Alliance and Ginny
Class: Learn about lymphedema, your 907-273-2068. Cress, counselor to discuss the mind/
risks and prevention/treatment. Provi- ● May 18: I Can Cope: Nutrition Dur- body connection and tools to use in-
dence Cancer Center , 2nd Floor 1-2pm. ing Cancer Treatment: Providence cluding meditation, relaxation and
212-6872. Cancer Center from 2-3:30pm. 277-8696. guided meditation techniques. 264-
● April 20: I Can Cope: Nutrition ● May 18: Lymphedema Education 1501 to RSVP.
During Cancer Treatment: Provi- Class: Learn about lymphedema, your ● June 3rd-4th: American Cancer
dence Cancer Center from 2-3:30pm. risks and prevention/treatment. Provi- Society’s Relay for Life: Anchor-
277-8696. dence Cancer Center , 2nd Floor 1-2pm. age. Relay around Delaney Parkstrip
● April 26: Look Good Feel Better: 212-6872. to celebrate the lives of people who
Providence Cancer Center from 6-8pm. ● May 19: New Norm Cancer Survi- have battled cancer, remember loved
212-6870. vorship Series: Workshop #3: Exer- ones lost, and fight back against the
cise. Join the Alaska Cancer Care Alliance disease. 6pm-6pm. 907-273-2066.
It’s A Wrap- Scarf Tying Class. FREE scarf and Cindy Decker, RN to discuss exercise ● June 3rd-4th: American Cancer
tying techniques class- leave with a beautiful and its importance in survivorship. 264- Society’s Relay for Life: Fair-
scarf! Open to women in cancer treatment. Every 1501 to RSVP. banks. Relay around West Valley High
2nd Wednesday of the month from 5-6:30pm. ● May 20-21: Fairbanks Breast Health School to celebrate the lives of people
Providence Cancer Center. 212-6886. Symposium. 20th for providers (RN’s, who have battled cancer, remember
RT’s, SW, MD’s, PA’s, NP’s, etc.) and 21st loved ones lost, and fight back against
May 2011 for community. (907) 458-6985. the disease. 6pm-6pm.
S M T W T F S ● May 20-21: American Cancer Soci- hmbs65@gmail.com.
ety’s Relay for Life: Mat-Su. Relay ● June 12: Look Good Feel Better:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
around Wasilla High School to celebrate AK Regional Hospital from 11am-1pm.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 the lives of people who have battled can- 264-1431 to register.
cer, remember loved ones lost, and fight ● June 15: I Can Cope: Nutrition
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
back against the disease. 7pm-3pm. 907- During Cancer Treat-
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 273-2075. ment: Providence Cancer
29 30 31 ● May 26: New Norm Cancer Survi- Center from 2-3:30pm. 277
vorship Series: Workshop #4: Long -8696
● May 5: New Norm Cancer Survivor-
Term Physical Side-Effects of Can- ● June 15: Lymphedema
ship Series: Workshop #1: Nutrition.
cer Treatment. Join the Alaska Cancer Education Class: Learn about lym-
Join the Alaska Cancer Care Alliance and
Care Alliance for a discussion on the vari- phedema, your risks and prevention/
Markian Babij, NDFABNO for a walk-
ous types of cancer treatment and what to treatment. Providence Cancer Center ,
through at the Natural Pantry to discuss
expect for side-effects in the long term. 2nd Floor 1-2pm. 212-6872.
healthy choices for you during and after
264-1501 to RSVP. ● June 28: Look Good Feel Better:
treatment.264-1501 to RSVP.
● May 31: Look Good Feel Providence Cancer Center from 6-8pm.
● May 6: Breast Cancer Focus Inc
Better: Providence Cancer 212-6870.
Luncheon. 19th Annual Luncheon
Center from 6-8pm. 212-
(noon) educational seminars 9, 9:45 and
6870.
10:30am) and fundraiser.
Www.breastcancerfocus.org .
● May 13: Look Good Feel Better: AK
Regional Hospital from 11am-1pm. 264-
1431 to register.
Alaska Cancer Care Alliance Bulletin
Page 4 Anchorage Cancer Support Groups
Alaska Native Medical Center Cancer Support Group (907) 729-1179
For the Kids! Every Thursday for Native Alaskan’s only at ANMC from 4:5:30pm
American Cancer Society (907) 277-8696 or www.cancer.org
Camp Erin Anchorage
is a weekend grief Has a weekly support group for cancer patients, survivors, family and caregivers, every Tuesday, 7:00p
camp offered at no – 8:30p, at Wells Fargo Bank, 301 W. Northern Lights, second floor conference room, 273-2077. ACS
charge for children and also has many other cancer support programs and information.
teens ages 6-17 who
have experienced the Anchorage Breast Cancer Support Group (907) 261-3607
death of someone close
For women and men at any stage of surviving breast cancer. Meets the fourth Wednesday of the month,
to them. Camp Erin
combines 7:00pm – 9:00pm, at Providence Alaska Medical Center Cancer Center, Room 2281 (Meets 3rd Wed.
traditional Nov. & Dec.)
camp fun
camp Cancer’s Intimate Partners (907) 212-6870
activities This support group is for the spouse or partner of the cancer patient. Meets the first & third Sunday of
with grief support and every month, 9:00a – 10:30a, Providence Cancer Center Meditation Room
education. Hospice of
Anchorage’s Forget Me Forget Me Not: For children, teens and adults who love them! (907) 561-5322
Not Grief Program is Grief support meets twice a month on Thursdays from 6:20-8:00pm at the Hospice of Anchorage.
proud to offer Camp
Erin in partnership Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group. (907) 212-6872
with The Moyer
A supportive, healing session for people with advanced/metastatic cancer incorporating gentle
Foundation. The Moyer
Foundation partners movement, discussion, education and relaxation techniques. 12:30-2:30pm. Providence Cancer Center.
with healthcare and Music is Therapy and Fun! (907) 264-1501 or shelleyromer@acsalaska.net
bereavement
organizations in local Calling all cancer survivor, patient, provider and caregiver musicians to gather together with your
communities to help common passion for playing music. Join the Alaska Cancer Care Alliance for great times with music
fund, manage, and based on attendees schedules.
grow Camp Erin
nationwide. For more The Well: A Cancer Caregiver Support Group (907) 212-6870
information, contact For any caregiver who wants to learn strategies to set realistic expectations for yourself in order to
Jane @ HOA, 561-
5322; jane@hospiceof ―restore, reset and rejuvenate‖ during a loved one’s cancer journey. Meets every Thursday (April 7th –
anchorage.org. May 26th) for facilitated conversation topics from 2-3pm and ―Tea for the Soul‖ meets from 2-3:30pm
on April 25th and May 23rd at the Providence Cancer Center. Telephone caregiver support group call-in
on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (starting April 5th) of every month from noon-1 and 7-8pm. Advance
registration requested.
Us Too Prostate Cancer Support Group (907) 23-0311 or 248-9104 or www.ustoo.ak.org
For prostate cancer patients, family, friends and caregivers. Third Thursday of each month 7-8:30 pm
Providence Cancer Center. See Website for more info.
Women LISTEN Support Group (907) 333-4894 or www.womenlisten.org
Any woman with any type of cancer is invited to attend. Weekly support group meetings every Friday
10:00am—11:30 Café Felix in the Metro Mall. Retreats every October and May .
Support Around Southeast Kenai Peninsula Interior
Soldotna Prostate Cancer Support Group: 3rd Fairbanks Breast Cancer
the State Petersburg Cancer Support Thursday of every month at the Central Peninsula Support Group meets the 4th
1st and 3rd Friday of the General Hospital in Soldotna. 7-8:30pm. (907) 283- Thursday of every month @
month. 12pm in the library 9206 7pm in the Fairbanks Cancer
conference room. Contact The Southern Peninsula Hospital and the American Treatment Center Conference
907-518-0799 Cancer Society have partnered and trained over 20 Room. Contact (907)457-3430.
Juneau Cancer Connection people in the greater Homer area in Patient Fairbanks Prostate Cancer
3rd Tuesday each month. Navigation: contact 1-800-478-9335 for info on Support Group meets the 2nd
6:30 p.m.; 3225 Hospital professional and peer support with the Reach to Monday of every month from
Dr. 907-796-2273. Recovery, Look Good Feel Better and Road to 5:30-7:30. (907) 452-8181
Recovery Programs in this area.
Alaska Cancer Care Alliance Bulletin
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 5
Volunteer Opportunities
Cancer Coaching offered to the newly diagnosed the grief process and the skills
Fighting cancer is a journey. As twice a week and trainings for vol- necessary to become a facilita-
a cancer survivor, you have unteers to come up in May so get tor for child, teen and adult
travelled this journey and have signed up for the next training! peer support groups at the
learned many valuable lessons. If Forget Me Not Grief Program
you would like to help others The Alaska Cancer Care Alliance (meets twice a month for 3
through productive workshops will also hold trainings periodically hours each, year-round); for
with newly diagnosed cancer to become a mentor (1 on 1 infor- more information, contact Jane
patients. Be a source of mal discussions) and/or a coach. @ HOA, 561-5322;
strength, provide tools to cope ACCA requires a background jane@hospiceofanchorage.org
with the journey through what check. Call (907)264-1501 to sign-
you’ve experienced, be an em- up or for more information.
pathetic ear and share words of Lend a Helping Hand
encouragement with a newly- Forget Me Not Grief Program
diagnosed cancer patient, join Volunteer facilitator training begin-
our Cancer Coaching Program ning on April 14, 2011: learn about
today! Cancer Coaching will be
Convenient Ways to Get Informed
CancerCare's free Connect® Education Workshops are a way for people to
learn about cancer-related issues from the convenience of their home or of-
fice. Leading experts in oncology provide the most up-to-date information on
the telephone or computer. These are interactive educational programs to
help you and your loved ones better understand and cope with your diagnosis, treatment options, quality-of-
life concerns, treatment side effects, pain management, doctor-patient communication and other important
topics. You can register online by going to www.cancercare.org/get_help/tew_calendar.php or by calling 1-
800-813-4673. You can also listen as a group in the Alaska Regional Hospital’s Cancer Care Center (2801
DeBarr Road), Medical Office Building C, Suite 414. Here’s the schedule for the following 3 months, all of
which are at 9:30-10:30am:
Wed, Apr 6, 2011: A Guide for Coping With Childhood Lymphoma Part I: Understanding Child-
hood Lymphoma
Thu, Apr 7, 2011: Update on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) from the 2010 American Soci-
ety of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting
Tue, Apr 12, 2011: The Ninth Annual Cancer Survivorship Series: Living With, Through and
Beyond Cancer Part I: Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and
Attention
Thu, Apr 14, 2011: Progress in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Fri, Apr 15, 2011: Medical Update on Pancreatic Cancer
Tue, Apr 19, 2011: Medical Update on Metastatic Lung Cancer
Wed, Apr 20, 2011: Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has
Cancer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011: Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral
Mucositis.
Thu, Apr 28, 2011: Progress in the Treatment of Renal Cell Cancer
Tue, May 10, 2011: The Ninth Annual Cancer Survivorship Series: Living With, Through and
Beyond Cancer Part II: Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and
What Can I Do About It
Thu, May 12, 2011: Understanding the Importance of Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know
Wed, May 18, 2011: A Guide for Coping With Childhood Lymphoma Part II: Survivorship Care for
Childhood Lymphoma Survivors
Wed, Jun 1, 2011: The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems
Tue, Jun 14, 2011: The Ninth Annual Cancer Survivorship Series: Living With, Through and
Beyond Cancer Part III: Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and
Emotionally.
Alaska Cancer Care Alliance Bulletin
Alaska Cancer Care Alliance
2801 DeBarr Road
Suite 3000
Anchorage, AK 99508
Sleep cont’d...
(Continued from page 1) bring some ―pep‖ to your day temperature on waking. specific agent that fits your
and give your body and mind Simply put, relaxation of the particular set of issues is
immune processes, resulting in improved ability to wind down mind and body are key for optimal. Many ―health tools‖
less efficient immune for sleep. Sticking to a routine effective sleep. Turning the can build the immune system,
functioning while we are will set additional ―cues‖ for temperature down at night can and sleep is one of them.
awake. The immune system transition to sleep. Simple also be helpful, I recommend Remember what we all
protects us from foreign details such as soft nightlights between 63-67 F depending on inherently know is good for us
invaders that cause disease. As in the bathroom, and bedrooms what type of blankets you are – plenty of clean water, oxygen,
we sleep, many repair after dark can augment using. Too many blankets will whole foods, exercise, and
processes occur. This is the physiological processes that result in overheating at some restful sleep habits.
time to ―clean up‖ after the ready the body for sleep. If point in the night, therefore it
trillions of cellular tasks that there are already noises in your is best to start with less and Dr. Babij is a Doctor of
have occurred throughout the sleep environment that are a add warmth accordingly. Naturopathic Medicine at Avante
―physiological day‖. Many of problem, the addition of ―white Lastly, we create stress for the Medical Center and will be leading
our systems take time to noise‖ that is neutral or body if we go to bed hungry. the New Norm Workshop on
replenish and restore during relaxing and low volume to the Have dinner 2-3 hours before Nutrition for
ACCA on May 5th.
our ―physiological night‖. The ear can help create the right bed and stick to an earlier
bottom line is that efficient sleep environment. If you have schedule to reduce the desire
Join ACCA for
clean up during the night been lying in bed for 20 for night snacking. If you are
another New
makes way for a total increase minutes, get out of bed and try hungry choose a small healthy
Norm discussion
in our available energy to to do something relaxing other protein snack like nut butter on “Insomnia
maintain a healthy immune than watching TV or reading. with high fiber crackers or and Cancer” with
system. The point here- is that you celery 20-30 minutes before Norman Wilder, Save the
should not associate your bed. M.D. on May 12th. dates !!
How to Improve Your bedroom with poor sleep. The There is a solution to most Contact ACCA for
Sleep and Immunity bedroom should be for sleep sleep issues, and the immune more info and to RSVP at 907-264-
Daily exercise and setting a and intimacy only! The system will work more 1501
night routine are great ways to optimal ratio of REM sleep to effectively if sleep is restored.
start. Early or daily total sleep is associated with Natural agents can solve
cardiovascular exercise will lower average pulse and insomnia; however, using a
