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By Angela Rankin

Angela Rankin is a three-time primary cancer survivor, who attributes her positive attitude and "fighting" stamina to her faith, family and friends. The excellent care received at MD Anderson gave her "healing confidence."

She continues to fight as she also deals with Parkinson's disease and severe back problems. She's been an active member of MD Anderson's Celebration Singers, a singing group made up of cancer survivors and caregivers, and has no doubt that music heals.

When I was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in 2005, I knew I had a long road ahead of me. Then, the "road" took a series of unexpected turns when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, melanoma and Parkinson's disease within the next three years.

I was being treated at the No. 1 cancer hospital in the country, but I also needed medicine for my mind. That's when I decided to focus on music. "He who sings scares away his woes." (Cervantes)

Continue reading "Tuned" for healing.

By Toni Franciosi, Department of Social Work

Receiving a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness like cancer may be one of the greatest agents of change that exists -- a change that can lead to the pursuit of healing, not only for the body, but also for the mind and spirit.

For cancer patients and their caregivers alike, diagnosis and treatment may become an all-consuming, anxiety-provoking game of survival.

The mind and body connection
The strain of undergoing treatment and caretaking may seem relentless at times.  But it's important to remember that our own thoughts and perceptions about what's happening can fuel an even greater "stress response," that can compromise healing. Under stress, the body experiences an increase in cortisol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol and heart rate, as well as lowered immune response.  

The mind and spirit suffer the consequences of stress as well. When the mind judges a situation, specifically as "good" or "bad," we are vulnerable to feeling isolated and separate.

Attitude is everything
Stressors in life cannot be eliminated, but they can be better managed. 

The Greek philosopher, Epictetus, reminds us that "it is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." Attitude is everything. Learning to relax the body and mind furthers the healing process by fostering greater levels of healthy biological markers, compassion, emotional stability, immune response and overall well-being. 

Continue reading Patient and Caregiver, Heal Thyself.

By Lucy Richardson, MD Anderson Staff Writer

Yes, it happens.

But when MD Anderson patients have a complaint, need assistance or encounter a problem with scheduling, there's someone on their side -- a patient advocate in the Department of Patient Advocacy and Guest Relations.

On their first visit to the hospital, MD Anderson patients are assigned a patient advocate in their disease center. This person will be available to them throughout their care.

"MD Anderson is such a large place. Patients need to know they have a person to call if they have concerns or questions. And that their confidentiality will be honored," says Barbara Bowman, vice president for patient services.

Advocates are available all day, every day. Whether it's about troubling side effects or customer service.

"We're here to help make any situation better," says Chris Hernandez, director of the department. "We want patients to bring issues to us. We're here to help. We'll do everything we can, as quickly as possible, to make a patient's experience a positive one."

Continue reading Patient Advocacy: How We Work to Improve the Patient Experience.

By Tena Gardiner, Department of Social Work

Mindful meditation might sound like a foreign concept to many people, but it's actually a much more common and simple practice than you might realize.  In fact, there are two different forms of mindful meditation: informal and formal.

Informal meditation

Informal mindfulness can be a really helpful way to figure out if this is something you will enjoy and works for you because it allows you to integrate mindfulness skills into your everyday life.

Examples include:

• Directing attention to and focusing on your breathing to calm yourself right before making a difficult phone call
• Listening to ambient sounds in the environment while walking or driving
• Mentally labeling feelings or thoughts during an intense or stressful conversation
• Focusing on the effect that eating an orange has on all five of your senses
  

Formal meditation

Formal mindfulness practice takes the informal practice a step further and refers to the actual practice of mindfulness meditation.

It includes the following:

• Sustained, disciplined introspection
• Allowing one to learn how the mind works
• Allowing one to observe the mind's contents
• Development through sitting and walking meditations, yoga and tai chi

Micki Fine, who teaches meditation at MD Anderson addressed the benefits of mindfulness last year at TEDEX Houston. 

Continue reading Calm and Coping Through Mindful Meditation.

By Marisa Minor, Department of Social Work

A cancer diagnosis can create a variety of questions for patients who have children. The first question many parents ask is, "How do I talk to my child about cancer?"

Whether you're wondering how to tell your child about your diagnosis, treatment, progression or recurrence, there are quite a few things to consider before beginning these important discussions.

To start, consider your child's age and developmental stage. Some children are too young to verbalize questions and others may be too afraid to ask. Also, what does your child already know about cancer?  

What is the best approach?
It's common for parents to protect their children by withholding information that may be upsetting, but research shows the following:

1. A parent's cancer diagnosis affects a child whether or not the child is informed of the condition. 1
2. Anxiety levels are higher in children who aren't informed about their parent's condition, compared to children where the issue is discussed. 2 
3. For parents of teenagers, an important aspect of coping is ongoing communication between the teens and their parents during the course of the illness. 2
   

Continue reading Talking to Your Child About Cancer.

By Mindy Loya, MD Anderson Staff Writer

According to the National Cancer Institute's Office of Survivorship, your journey as a cancer survivor begins the day you're diagnosed with the disease. Since the 1980s, cancer survivors and their doctors have tried to describe the stages that cancer survivors typically experience.

Bill Baun, a wellness coach and patient at MD Anderson, says the journey through survivorship starts with an attitude.

"My journey began when I decided cancer wasn't going to rule my life," Baun says. "It's very personal because it's a state of mind that no one else can give to you."

Baun was diagnosed five years ago with stage III prostate cancer. He had a Gleason score of nine and his prostate specific antigen (PSA) test result was a 14. He had open surgery, 33 radiation treatments and spent two years on hormone therapy.

Living with cancer
Baun says he'd been preparing for his cancer journey his whole life. His mother died of colon cancer when he was 18 and his father died of prostate cancer in 1992. After receiving his diagnosis, his first concerns were to calm his wife and go for a walk.

"The first lap, I cried and thought 'why me.' The second lap, the fear set in and I thought, 'what if I never see my grandkids.' Finally, on the third and fourth laps, I thought about my mother and her strength."

Continue reading The Road to Becoming a Cancer Survivor.

By Stephen Collazo, Department of Social Work

March is National Social Work Month. While we could toot our own horn, I think the best way to celebrate is to do what social work counselors at MD Anderson do best -- help patients enhance their quality of life and cope with their disease.

What sorts of things might get in the way of patients and families having the best quality of life possible while going through a disease like cancer? 

Often times, it's figuring out how to deal with all the stress, fears, feelings of helplessness and constant change of emotions that accompany the cancer experience on a daily basis. 

While it's certainly natural to focus on the future and what happens down the road as you or your loved one move through treatment, staying focused on just making it through the day or even the next hour can sometimes help you maintain your sanity.

Getting by "one day at a time" is going to look different to each person. 

While I might be more expressive and prefer to talk about my feelings, for others, having to rehash what they've been feeling and experience the stress over again is anxiety inducing in and of itself. 

The important thing is figuring out what works for you, how you cope best, and then using those coping tools when needed.

Continue reading Celebrating Social Work Month: Coping With the Day to Day.

When Mary Belle Wooddy began volunteering at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, the five-year survival rate for children with cancer was less than 60%. Wooddy, who has volunteered in the pediatric playroom for 35 years, has seen that survival rate rise to 80% along with a lot of other changes at the hospital.

Now, the 83-year-old resident of the Memorial area in Houston has hung up her blue volunteer jacket at MD Anderson. She's leaving behind hundreds of smiles she has brought to young patients' faces and is taking with her as many memories.

"I don't see myself as anybody special," Wooddy says. "I just hope I have helped the patients and parents a little along the way."

Making a difference
When Wooddy moved to Houston in the 1970s, she was looking for a way to contribute. She soon found that opportunity with her Tri Delta sorority alumni chapter, which had begun a pediatric volunteer program at the Children's Cancer Hospital.

Wooddy recalls that initially when she volunteered, the Children's Cancer Hospital didn't have a playroom designated for children.

"We would purchase toys as a sorority and play with children in the hospital stairwell, while they were waiting on doctor appointments or treatment," she says.

Since then, the importance of play has become a central focus for the children's hospital. With support from MD Anderson Children's Art Project, the Child Life Program was launched and a playroom was built in the pediatric outpatient clinic. Wooddy continued to volunteer and worked alongside child life specialists playing board games and making arts and crafts with the children.

Continue reading Volunteer Mary Belle Wooddy -- 'It's been a wonderful ride'.

By Carla Fallick

Carla Fallick is the daughter of patient at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy. She works and lives in New York City and when her father was diagnosed with oral cancer, she came up with creative ways to help him get through cancer treatment.

About a month ago, when life seemed to be going as perfect, as it could for a carefree 23-year-old living in New York City, my dad was diagnosed with oral cancer.

Initially, I was shocked. I just couldn't believe it. My dad, my hero, my rock and the strongest, kindest, most intelligent man I know has cancer. How could this be?

I had never been so scared.

The only way I can describe my emotions, since that day, is like riding on a roller coaster. I have my ups and downs that all depend on how my dad is feeling that day.

One of the hardest things about having a loved one with cancer is feeling helpless. You know you can't do anything to change his diagnosis and you wish you that you could receive the treatment for him so he wouldn't have to go through it.

Tips to make the journey easier
Here are some suggestions, based on my experience, for helping a loved one cope with cancer:
1. Offer support. Whether it's a quick phone call or a home- cooked meal, figure out what that person needs and offer it to him.

Continue reading Helping My Dad Get Through Cancer Treatment.

By Donna Suckow, Department of Social Work

Patients living with cancer often feel worried, anxious and scared about doctor's visits, follow-up exams or treatment. For some, these feelings can translate into physical symptoms, such as sweaty palms, a racing heart or shortness of breath.

Distressing events in our past sometimes lead to worry about similar events in our future. This is called anticipatory anxiety.

However, by employing coping strategies, seeking helpful support and facing -- not avoiding -- worrisome events, you can overcome your fears.

In fact, many people report finding a renewed sense of strength and a deeper belief in themselves after facing these challenges head on.

Distraction and attraction
Research has shown that many adults and especially children have found "distracting techniques" helpful when facing an anxiety-provoking event. Finding something "attractive" to do helps take the mind off an "unattractive" event, such as chemotherapy or lab work.

The distraction differs from person to person because of activity levels and interests. For example, you may want to listen to a special playlist on an MP3 player, read a good book, watch a movie or play a favorite video game.

Talk to your medical team to see if it's OK to do the activity during your appointment. If so, you will most likely find that you are more relaxed.

Continue reading Been There, Done That ... Tips on How to Do It Again.

By Isaac Van Sligtenhorst

Isaac van Sligtenhorst is a physician-in-training in the Texas Medical Center. He blogs about his training, as well as battling cancer from the perspective of a caregiver. Read more about his approach to grief, hope and life in general at heartofalonelyhunter.blogspot.com. 

Fifteenth floor, leukemia and lymphoma ward. My dad was admitted here twice, the second time the same day my brother died.

I knew the floor well.

I had just finished with my patient and was waiting for the elevator. A phenomenal case. History of four different cancers, pulmonary embolism, triple coronary bypass, a stroke 80 years young, still alive and kicking.

Truly a touching experience.

Connecting with compassion
While waiting for the elevator, a young guy walks up slowly with his IV pole. He's big and broad shouldered. I'm not exactly slight of frame, but he towers over me. Probably in his early 20s, he sports a baldness that could easily be fashionable. But his absence of eyebrows says the lack of hair is due to far more grim reasons.

Below his eyebrows, his eyes catch me. There is a yearning in them. Something so elementally human, which desired contact.

Continue reading Strength in Weakness .

By Sarah Cook, Department of Social Work

An acute leukemia diagnosis can make you feel as if the world has stopped -- for you, the patient, and for your loved ones.  

Before diagnosis there was grocery shopping, work, coffee dates and laundry. Now, suddenly, life is lab work, test results and an endless stream of medical professionals --many of whom you can't identify by name.  

The information comes fast and furious: "you have leukemia," "we're running tests," "you're being admitted" and "we're placing a PICC line."

A PICC line? What's a PICC line? Will my insurance pay for this? Will I lose my job? What the heck is a stem cell transplant? Is that the same as a bone marrow transplant?  

To say that a new leukemia diagnosis can be overwhelming would be putting it mildly.  

If this has been your experience, please know that you're not alone. Also, know that there's support to help you and your loved ones cope with your diagnosis and treatment. MD Anderson social work counselors are available to offer emotional support and to help link you with helpful resources.  

If you or your loved one has recently been diagnosed with leukemia, there are a few things you need to remember as you begin to cope with this new situation.

Three things to remember:

Continue reading Learning to Cope With Leukemia.