August 2007 eNewsletter

BUT WILL IT KEEP THE MOSQUITOS AWAY?

Laughter beat watching the weather in a Japanese study on the healing power of humor. Skin welts shrank in allergy patients who watched Charlie Chaplin's comedic classic Modern Times, but not in patients who watched a weather video. "The induction of laughter may play some role in alleviating allergic diseases," said Dr. Hajime Kimata of Unitika Central Hospital in Kyoto Prefecture. His findings appear in a research letter published in Journal of the American Medical Association.

If you are having challenges with your skin from radiation or the hot summer sun, come back in September for our new miracle creams with shea butter to get relief immediately.

In the August heat and humidity, the thought of doing yardwork can be overwhelming to most cancer patients. Offer to set up a "pool" of friends to take turns weeding, watering and working in the yard and/or patio area. Plant some brightly colored annuals to bring daily cheer to the cancer patients. Place some decorative yard ornaments and buy a special watering can. The site of a well- manicured yard will not only bring a smile to the patient, but who knows...they may offer to join you in the fun!

To cancer patients:

Prepare a list of tasks in your yard or patio you'd like to have completed of things that seem too overwhelming. Pick out some colors and types of flowers that bring a smile to your face. Then offer to serve the lemonade and cookies as your friends do what they like to do best: help you!

"An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves."

--L.M. Child

While honey has been used as a medicine for millenniums, often rubbed on cuts and wounds to prevent bacteria growth, it may keep cancer from spreading as well. Turkish researchers applied an ointment of honey on instruments used to operate on cancerous tumors in mice, preventing secondary tumors that often grow along the instruments' path in such operations. Early studies hint that substances in the honey may help dissolve the cancer cells. Isn't that the bees' knees?

Dear Cancer Club,

A few weeks after I started chemotherapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma and the very day I lost my hair, my husband Gary and I agreed to go to our health club and work out as planned. I rummaged a box of scarves sent to me by a host of well- wishers and fashioned a turban from one sent to me by my sister Linda. It was electric blue, vibrating with psychedelic fish. I looked like the cover of a "Who" album.

Halfway through my twenty minutes on the treadmill, I took off the bandana. Too hot. I finished my walk and went to the weights. A woman stared at me from a stationary bike. Sweat chilled on top of my head as the air conditioner kicked on.

Downstairs, the locker room clattered with laughter and conversation. There was brushing, blow-drying, styling, and spritzing all around me, but a pained silence settled when I came to the mirror. "Word to the wise," I said ominously. "Stay away from home perms."

They dragged their eyes away, mental wheels spinning. As I settled a straw panama on my naked head, someone started laughing behind us. It was the stationary bike woman. She came around the bank of lockers as I stuffed sweaty Spandex into my duffel. "How long have you been in chemo?" she asked. "Is it that obvious?" Dang. There goes my lawsuit against Dippety Doo.

Joni Rodgers, Spring, TX

Dear Cancer Club,

I was told by a fellow patient to be sure to wear comfortable, elastic-waist pants when going for treatments, as I would be getting pumped full of water to assist in flushing out the chemicals, thus causing bloating and a frequent need for trips to the bathroom. Since I always like to be prepared, as well as presentable, I immediately decided to wear my jogging outfit. It was nice-looking and brightly colored. So when I sat down and promptly slid onto the floor, I decided next time cotton would be better than nylon!

Deb Booher, Langhorne, PA

ABOUT...Chemo Savvy: Headwear for Hard Times? A wonderful collection of hats, caps, headbands, scarves, sleep caps, turbans, wigs and more. (888)599-3560 or visit www. chemosavvy.com

ABOUT...Victoria's Quilts? Handmade quilts made by volunteer quilters are donated to cancer patients or treatment facilities. The purpose of the quilts is to make the cancer patients feel a little warmer and a little more comfortable. Call (310)937-2508 or visit www.victoriasquilts.com

ABOUT...Air Charity Network? This non-profit group of volunteer pilots provides access for people in need seeking free air transporation to specialized health care facilities or distant destinations due to family, community or national crisis. For information, call (877) 621-7177 or visit http://aircharitynetwork.org/

We hope you've enjoyed this edition of The Cancer Club eNewsletter. If you have a humorous or interesting story about cancer, send it to us at: P.O. Box 24747 Edina, MN 55424-0747 or email us at: Christine@cancerclub.com

Visit us online at www.cancerclub.com

Have a fabulous August. Stay cool. Don't forget to laugh!