Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly

Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove • Page 3A OCTOBER 2014 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Reduce Inflammation increase mobility ease pain ACCELERATE TISSUE REPAIR Complimentary Laser Consultation MLS CLASS 4 LASER Mention this ad when scheduling your appointment. Here is what you need to do now. Call our office at (262) 785-5515 to set up your FREE CONSULTATION to see if the MLS Class 4 Laser Therapy is right for you. . Evans Chiropractic & Pain Laser Clinic 15720 W. National Avenue • New Berlin, WI 53151 • 262-785-5515 HOURS: Open 6 Days A Week To Serve You Better. For More Info: newberlinmlslaser.com Or contact: relief@newberlinchiro.com Dr. Evans is committed to: • providing pain relief for a wide variety of spinal and extra spinal problems and injuries. • delivering state of the art patient centered care. • helping you achieve and maintain a higher quality of life. Relief 240362003 Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and a serious side effect resulting from chemotherapy drug treatments. Most commonly, patients suffer symptoms of burning, stabbing, numbness, tingling, and tem- perature sensitivity in the hands and feet. Left untreated, this painful problem progresses into the patient's arms and legs. Patient's report difficultly performing even basic day-to day tasks like button- ing a shirt, picking things up, and walking due to the resulting weakness from the damage to their nerves. What Causes the Neuropathy? Why does this happen? Nerves have a protective covering called the myelin sheath which pro- tects your nerves from damage and ensures that they work properly. According to researchers at Integrative Oncology, most physicians agree that (CIPN) develops as a result of drug-induced free radical production in and around the nerves. Nerves with damaged myelin can't send signals out to the skin and the muscles properly. Your nervous system in the region becomes inflamed and overloaded and the tissues in the feet and hands become very painful. More Drugs Aren't a Good Option The pharmaceutical industry has not been able to develop a drug that has been proven to work all that well for CIPN and they too have side effects that cause more problems for patients. Adding more drugs to your already stressed out immune system doesn't make sense. Revolutionary New Therapy Accelerates Nerve Tissue Healing Dr. Eliesha Evans, has been helping people recover from the pain and dys- function of CIPN by using a revolution- ary new MLS Class 4 Robotic Laser in her New Berlin Chiropractic & Pain Laser Clinic. Because Class 4 lasers emit both an 808 and a 905 wave form the treatment effectiveness is much greater than the Class 3 Lasers on the market today. As the laser penetrates the injured nerve tissues, the 808 wave form delivers an anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect while the 905 wave form delivers an analgesia or pain relieving effect. The MLS or Multi-Lock system creates a synergy between the two wave forms thus increasing the lasers effectiveness. In addition to the multi-lock system the continuously moving robotic head satu- rates the tissues more completely and evenly than any other laser on the market today making it much more effective at accelerating the tissue healing response. "Injured nerve tissue is relatively unre- sponsive to external stimuli and therefore heals slowly at a rate of about 1-2mm per day. The MLS Class 4 laser light is like flipping a switch on the nerve cell wall making it much more responsive to taking in nutrients and thus the nerves heal faster," Dr. Evans said. All-Natural –Painless -- No Dangerous Side Effects—FDA Approved Cancer survivors can rest assured that MLS Class 4 Laser therapy will not harm them in anyway. The MLS Class 4 Laser has been used in numerous University research facilities since its approval by the FDA. "We have an epidemic on our hands of people who are addicted to pain killing medicines, researchers are scrambling for natural alternatives to narcotics for pain relief," Dr. Evans said. Over and over research studies of all kinds are validating the effectiveness of the MLS Class 4 Laser and this is what I am see- ing in my office every day," said Dr.Evans. Patient Testimonial September 2014 "Before seeing Dr. Evans for the neuropathy in my feet that started after I received chemotherapy for breast cancer, I was miserable. I had done every- thing they told me to do when I was sick and when I came down with CIPN, I tried pain killers, acupunc- ture, massage, TENS and nothing worked. The MLS Laser at Dr Evans office made the difference. Today I am back to all the activities I enjoyed before I got breast cancer! I definitely recommend Dr Evans' MLS Class 4 Laser to anyone suffering from Chemo related neuropathy." Pam O. Are You or a Loved One Experiencing the Pain and Disability of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy? Expires 11/15/14 Get Rid of Peri phe ral N eur opathy wit hout Drug s and Sur gery By Christopher Bennett Special to The Freeman Aug. 20 did not go well. I cannot think of a day in my life that went worse. I got a speeding ticket. I discovered a leak in the roof of my house. The starting running back on my three fantasy football teams got arrested for possession of marijuana. On Aug. 20 my wife, Rachel, learned she has breast cancer. She went through her first round of chemotherapy on Sept. 11. She noticed the beginning of her hair loss on Sept. 25, the day of her sec- ond chemotherapy treat- ment. Her stylist shaved Rachel's head on Sept. 27. The time since Aug. 20 is a blur. It is more than a month since confirmation of the diagnosis. It feels like years. We caught it early. It is localized and hormone receptive. The cancer is not in her bones, brain or vital organs. Our insurance is excellent. We are young enough that we will work long enough to handle any financial hardship and come out ahead in the end, though we would both feel better if my post-graduate school job search soon ended. I know all will be well in the end. According to the American Cancer Society, Rachel stands a 72 percent chance of being alive in five years, unless her cancer is in Stage 5. It is not, as best as we know. Getting to that positive end is my concern. Uncertainty and a life with cancer is our new normal, until it is not. I will tell you we are pre- pared with as much convic- tion as I can muster. My primary focus is Rachel's com- fort and well- being and that of my chil- dren. Our three daughters — Amelie, 15; Margaret, 12; and Eleanor, 2 — must know as little disruption as possible. I told the oldest two to keep on keeping on. Go to school, go to ballet, pray for Mom. I asked them to be patient with their 2-year-old sister. I told them to talk to me if something is on their mind. We are growing closer. My perspective and think- ing are also changing. For the first time in years, all other troubles feel like small change. They are. My wife is in a battle for her life. That battle is bringing us closer. Telling people became a continuous, emotional gut- punch. I felt relieved to tell my barber, Nick, at the New Berlin Barber Shop, because it could just be two guys talk- ing. Rachel is intent on singing Oct. 18 during Homecoming at the Carroll University alumni performance of the Choirs and Wind Symphony. We are each proud Carroll alums, and married at the university. Her hair will be gone by that point, and we will see old friends, some unaware of her condition. My hope is the day is not too taxing, mental- ly and emotionally and phys- ically. Rachel knows I penned this column. I told her she could read it in print, as you are doing. She is modest. You are not going to see my wife bald on the front of "People," like Joan Lunden. My wife's can- cer will not become a series of eye-opening news stories, which happened with Robin Roberts. This is by no means my first column, but it is one with which I am uneasy. The opportunity to spread aware- ness and open eyes trumps any trepidation, or so I tell myself. At the time in my marriage when I feel most helpless, this is what I can do. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, one in eight women will be diag- nosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Think of the eight women closest to you. You may connect the dots on your own. Cancer is largely blind to color, creed, race, gender — any of the markers by which society is parsed. You would not know Rachel is fighting such a wicked foe if tomor- row the two of you meet. Typical of most women, she is overwhelmingly con- cerned for others. She is con- cerned for her students — she teaches kindergarten — her children, her parents and for me seemingly more than she is concerned for herself. Please be concerned for her. Please keep in mind my wife and all others who rise each morning, don their bravest face and go forth in defiance of their cancer, breast or otherwise. Uncertainty and a life with cancer is my family's new normal, until it is not. By Christopher Bennett Special to The Freeman NEW BERLIN — If you look good, you feel good. The age-old mantra is especially true for those dealing with the effects of cancer treat- ment. If the patient looks good and can maintain a sem- blance of normalcy during an otherwise trying time, then treatment might feel exponentially easier. Dry and sensitive skin, decreased energy, increased stress and hair loss are a few of the more prominent side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for can- cer patients. Outlets exist in southeast Wisconsin and Waukesha County to address the emo- tional and wellness needs of cancer patients. One that opened in late 2013 is Small Stones Wellness Center at Moorland Reserve Health Center, 4805 S. Moor- land Road in New Berlin. The New Berlin site is one of three Small Stones in southeast Wisconsin operat- ed by Froedtert & The Medi- cal College of Wisconsin. Small Stones Wellness Cen- ters are also located in West Bend and Wauwatosa. Ser- vices vary by location. Maggie Lausten, aesthetic wellness coordinator at Froedtert, said the sites sup- port the healing process by helping people look and feel their best. Kristina Chap- man is the aesthetic wellness coordinator in New Berlin. "I think when you don't look good that changes how you cope with your illness and your treatment," Lausten said. Small Stones features wig specialists and also an arrangement of hats and scarves for those losing their hair during cancer treat- ment. The sites offer advice on wearing wigs and hats and scarves, and also compli- mentary hair shaving. Small Stones also offers advice on applying and wearing make- up during treatment. The change in appearance adds to the trauma of cancer for some, especially women. "I think it's extremely dev- astating for a lot of women," Lausten said. "Some women take it like a champ, but I think that's rare. I think most women are really con- cerned with how they look." Changing course Concern for appearance in time of physical crisis led to a career shift for one cancer survivor. Lisa Brzezinski endured what she called "an awful wig experience" while battling breast cancer. Brzezinski was diagnosed in 1998. Brzezinski is a trained hair stylist, and owns a salon in Menomonee Falls. She found her skills in demand by those dealing with the effects of cancer treatment. "I realized I found my niche after working with other women who found out I was going through my expe- rience and wearing wigs," Brzezinski said. Wearing a wig is not as simple as it may sound. It must be cared for as one cares for her hair if it is too look good and be worth wear- ing. Brzezinski offers her experience as part of the Small Stones experience, and works for Froedtert in Wauwatosa as a hair and wig consultant. Small Stones is not all hair and makeup. The holistic approach the centers cham- pion also involves spiritual healing. Lausten said yoga is a popular offering. "I have so many people that have tried it and contin- ued it and loved it," Lausten said. "It often mirrors what is being done in physical therapy." Reiki, a Japanese form of energy therapy, is also offered. Information on art and music therapy, nutrition advice and relaxation tech- niques also is available. The offerings at each of Froedtert's Small Stones cen- ters focus on addressing a patient's appearance and mental and spiritual states while doctors address physi- cal needs through treatment. The Small Stones centers are believed to be the only sites of their kind in southeast Wisconsin. Look good, feel better The American Cancer Society also works to address patient needs during treat- ment for breast and other cancers, according to Alecka Weber, a patient navigator with the ACS in Milwaukee. The ACS also does wig fit- ting and facilitates compli- mentary head shaving for those in treatment as part of its "Look Good Feel Better" program. "I think it is a good thing to do before treatment," Weber said. "It is one less thing to worry about come that time." The program also offers hair and wig care advice and skin and nail sessions taught by a licensed cosmetologist. "It's always a good follow- up with wig fitting," Weber said. "I like ladies to do it once they start treatment. I always consider it a nice ladies' day out." The ACS also helps facili- tate patient transportation needs through a program staffed by volunteers. "We need a four-day notice," Weber said. "It's not completely last-minute." Through a grant from Kohl's Cares, the ACS also offers the Breast Cancer Per- sonal Health Manager. The tabbed folder is an organiz- ing tool for patients, and helps them keep track of information they receive about their treatment. The tool is useful in that it offers patients a tool to keep track of the intricacies of their ordeal. "You sometimes do feel lost, and you're getting all this stuff thrown at you," said Weber, who added that folder's breast cancer dictio- nary is an extremely useful tool. More information on ACS offerings is available at http://www.cancer.org/ or by calling 414-291-1548. More information on Froedtert's & The Medical College of Wis- consin's Small Stones Well- ness Centers is available at http://www.froedtert.com/c ancer/small-stones. By Christopher Bennett Special to The Freeman Unlike many illnesses and other forms of cancer, breast cancer is easily detected by one simple test. The single most important step in breast cancer detection is getting a mammo- gram. "It's the best defense for the early detection of breast cancer," said Dr. Gary Beyer, a radi- ologist at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. "A mammogram images the breast and shows us signs of early cancer." The ideal age for a mammogram is 40, Beyer said. Forty is the age recommended by both the American College of Radiology and the National Cancer Institute. After an initial mammogram at age 40, women are recommended to get annual screening mammograms. The mammogram is, in simplest terms, an X-ray of the breast. "It's taking an X-ray of your breast in two dimensions," Beyer said. "Two views are obtained of the breast, and the radiologist reviews the images." Beyer said the radiologist, who reviews the results of the mammogram, is looking specif- ically for signs of cancer. Beyer started at Waukesha Memorial in 1992, and is the first doctor in Wisconsin to use three-dimensional mammography. Waukesha Memorial is the first hospital in Wisconsin to utilize 3-D mammography, and one of the first 50 nationwide. "We started (screening) patients in 2012," Beyer said. "We were early adapters." A game-changer In an endeavor where time and accurate information are prized commodities, 3-D mammography is a game-changer. "As soon as we saw our first images, we knew this was going to be something special," Beyer said. A 3-D mammogram allows the radiologist to view the breast in sections 1 mm thick. It enhances detail and gives the radiologist more information than is obtained in a 2-D mammogram. Beyer used viewing a pond as an example of how 3-D mammography differs from its 2-D counterpart. Beyer said a 2-D view of a pond shows murky water, weeds and other dark, nondescript matter. "If you cut through that water at 1-millime- ter-thick sections, you start to see fish, weeds, turtles," Beyer said. Beyer said a 2013 study from Norway cited a 40 percent higher detection rate of cancer using 3-D mammography. "We have plenty of examples where we've only seen the cancer on 3-D," Beyer said. "We didn't even detect it on the 2-D. Those cases are mounting." At Waukesha Memorial, Beyer said the pro- cess will typically start with a 2-D mammo- gram and move to a 3-D mammogram, if needed. In addition to detecting cancer at a higher rate, the 3-D mammogram also allows a radi- ologist to determine sooner if cancer is not present. Beyer said if radiologists saw abnormali- ties after a 2-D mammogram they would run additional tests using spot films and ultra- sounds. They would schedule close-interval follow-up appointments where the patient returned in six months, and the patient would continually be in doubt. "Now, with 3-D technology, we're able to answer those questions the same day," Beyer said. "Additional images call-backs and fol- low-up studies decreased by 40 percent." Beyer said all mammograms will likely be done in 3-D within the next five years. Pro- Health Care offers 3-D mammography at Waukesha Memorial, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital and ProHealth Care Medical Associ- ates in Pewaukee. Call 262-928-3000 to sched- ule an appointment. "A mammography department will not be complete without offering that, and its getting close," Beyer said. Help for those who need it Judy Pelt, a volunteer leader in Waukesha County with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, cannot stress enough the importance of breast screening and mammograms. "Early detection saves lives," Pelt said. Pelt is a volunteer leader for the Kohl's Con- versation for the Cure, a Komen initiative. "What we encourage is that women between the age of 20 and 39 get a clinical breast exam every three years," Pelt said. "We are really trying to encourage women that are over 40 to get a mammogram every year." Pelt said Komen will work to ensure women in need can get a mammogram if they do not have insurance. "If you do not have health insurance, call," Pelt said. "All they have to do is call and ask for help. We will find a health care provider so they can get a mammogram. "There is no reason not to get one if you're a woman over 40." Pelt, who has never suffered from breast cancer, said a dear friend of hers endured through breast cancer 12 years ago. Her friend's experiences spurred Pelt, a retired Waukesha County Technical College instruc- tor, to get involved. "I'm always amazed women don't take the time for themselves," Pelt said. "They're so busy taking care of their families and work- ing. They don't take the time to get screened." Pelt delivers a roughly 45-minute presenta- tion in which she discusses screening and mammograms. The participant receives a card. After receiving either a screening or mammogram, the doctor must sign the card. The card is then mailed to Komen, and the participant receives a $20 Kohl's gift card. For more information, contact Pelt at 262-255-0339 or the Southeast Wisconsin branch of Susan G. Komen for the Cure at 414-389-4888. Bennett Breast cancer diagnosis means new normal for family Healing the body, mind and spirit Appearance key part of patient well-being Upcoming classes at Small Stones Wisdom Tree — A night of art and reflection, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 Your hearts delight ... the benefits of power foods, 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 4 The blue tattoo club: A breast cancer sisterhood, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 5 Advance directives: Legal documents to assure future health care choices, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 20 Classes are held at Small Stones in Moorland Reserve Health Center, 4805 S. Moor- land Road, New Berlin. For more information or to reg- ister, contact Small Stones at 262-798-7440 Submitted photo Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Net- work has three Small Stones Wellness Centers to help cancer patients look and feel their best during treatment.The location inside Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa is pictured, but there are also locations in New Berlin at the Moorland Reserve Health Center and in West Bend at the St. Joseph's Hospital Kraemer Cancer Center. A leap forward in fight against breast cancer 3-D mammography improves cancer detection http://www.froedtert.com/cancer/ small-stones

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