February 2008 eNewsletter 

Visual stimulation can go a long way toward improving our outlook on life. If someone you know is having cancer surgery, bring some brightly colored or decorated sheets to cover their hospital bed. Disney sheets or animated cartoon characters can cheer anyone's spirit. Bring some pictures of loved ones to put by the bedside along with a beautifully painted water vase and cup. The bright colors and unusual decor will not only bring a smile to the patient, but the staff at the hospital may make themselves at home, too!

To cancer patients:

As long as you are going to be in the hospital for a few days (or weeks, as the case may be) make yourself at home. Ask friends or loved ones to bring some of your favorites things from home (a special stuffed animal, pillow or blanket). The familiar atmosphere will cheer you up and remind you that soon you will be back at "home sweet home"!

"A keen sense of humor helps us overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected and outlast the unbearable."

--Billy Graham

Think caffeine's only purpose is to keep you awake or start your day? Rutgers University scientists believe topically applied caffeine may protect against sun- induced skin cancer. In a study using mice, one of three solutions was applied to their exposed skin. The solutions containing caffeine and a chemical in green tea called EGCG reduced benign tumors by 44% and malignant ones by 72%. Dr. Alan Coney states, "Both ingredients may have increased the body's ability to destroy cells that contain damaged DNA." So next time you spill coffee on yourself, don't wipe it up... slather it on! It may save your life!

Dear Cancer Club,

As my first morning at the radiation treatment center progressed, I was measured for my protective lead alloy molds, experienced a simulation run-through, and had a Computerized Tomography scan. I tried valiantly to absorb the new terminology and technology and to lie perfectly still during the various procedures.

I forgot about my husband's Valentine's Day request until I noticed that the right side of my chest had acquired an array of ugly, black felt-tip pen markings. The 30-something male technician was placing wide strips of transparent tape over the marks and explaining, "These markings are made with permanent marker, but I'm putting tape over them to make sure they don't wash off before your next appointment." He must have read the dismay in my eyes, because he continued, "You don't have a problem with that, do you?"

Feeling a bit vulnerable and foolish lying on the table, bare from the waist up except for my black marks and transparent tape strips, I blurted out my husband's Valentine's Day request. "If this was any day but Valentine's Day, I wouldn't care. But I don't think my husband had black marks and tape strips in mind when he said he hoped I'd wear my transparent negligee tonight."

Blushing a rosier rose than my soon-to-be worn negligee, the technician walked to a cabinent and returned with a handful of small packets. Handing them to me, he said with a wink, "It's too long to expect you to keep these marks intact anyway. Just peel the tape off and use these cleaning pads to remove the marks. I'll re-mark when you come in for your next appointment." As I left the room, he smiled and said, "You two have a great Valentine's Day!"

Sharon Callister, Cannon Falls, MN

Dear Cancer Club,

I have had several laughs through the last few months. They told my three-year-old grandson that my hair might come back in a different color. He called me one night and said, "Mammy, will God let your hair come back in green?" (His favorite color). One Sunday in church, I was playing the organ, and I had just happened to wear my wig that day. He looked up and noticed it, and hollered, "Mamm! You got your hair back!"

The preacher had to quit his sermon right there. I have just finished eight months of chemo and in August I had a bone marrow transplant. Keep up the good work!

Carolyn Watson, Astoria, IL

Dear Cancer Club,

I have just read your newsletter, and I laughed when I read that your son's reaction to losing your hair was that you'd look like Captain Picard on Star Trek. When my friend got her diagnosis and she and her husband told their children about it, one of her sons reacted, "Yes, Mummy. Now you can be a member of the rock group called "Skin Heads". My friend answered, very cool: "Yes, and when my breast is gone, I can be a man and a woman at the same time!"

How many of your friend's children can say that about their mummy's? Her children were six and ten at the time. A kiss from a friend.

Sanne Quvang Christensen, Haderslev, Denmark

ABOUT...KIMMIE CARES DOLLS: To Help Children Cope with Cancer™ ? Made of 100% polyester and completely machine washable, these dolls and the Mommy and Me book are powerful tools that can help you explain the monumental changes taking place in your lives. Several ethnic categories available. Call (888)542-5425 or visit www.kimmiecare s.com.

ABOUT...ANY DAY WITH HAIR IS A GOOD HAIR DAY: How to Get Through CANCER and Get On with Your Life (Trust Me, I've Been There)™ ? by Michelle Rapkin. This easy-to-use book-- infused with laughter, hope and advice from hundreds of cancer survivors-- equips you with all the tools and tips you need to make it through cancer treatments successfully. To order visit www.centerstreet.com.

Greeting cancer patients with, "Hey, you're looking well!" may not be all bad. According to a recent study in Health Psychology, researchers in New Jersey conducted in-depth interviews with 851 men and women over age 50. The subjects' appearance was rated from 1 (sick) to 5 (very healthy), and the subjects rated their own health from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).

Ten years later, those who were accessed to appear sick or less healthy were three times likelier to have passed away than those rated healthy. So next time you look in the mirror, tell yourself, "I'm lookin' goooood!"

"I didn't come here to be told that I'm burning the candle at both ends," complained the patient to his doctor. "I came for more wax."

The Cancer Club™, based in Minneapolis, MN, was created by Christine Clifford in 1995 in response to her diagnosis of Stage III metastatic breast cancer at the age of 40 in 1994. Christine, whose mother died of breast cancer at 42, found during her own treatments that while family and friends were supportive, noone ever gave her anything to make her laugh.

Needing a lift, Christine began to search for signs of humor in herself and her predicament. She found them daily. The more she laughed, the stronger she grew, and The Cancer Club™ was born.

The critically acclaimed Cancer Club™ is the first organization to offer hope and support to cancer patients, their families and friends through the healing power of humor. A dynamic speaker, Christine has traveled the globe with her keynote presentations and seminars on using humor to get through life's adversities.

Christine is married to speaker/author Harry Beckwith (co-authors of You, Inc. The Art of Selling Yourself) and is the mother of five boys: Harry, Jr., Tim, Walter, Brooks & Cole; a daughter Cooper, a cat Simone and grandmother to a Siberian Husky named Skylar. Call The Cancer Club™ today or email us to book Christine for your next event. Don't forget to laugh! ™

We hope you've enjoyed this edition of The Cancer Club™ eNewsletter. We'd like to thank our FABulous illustrator Jack Lindstrom of FAB Artists!

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

See you next month! Don't forget to laugh!™