Marcia Richwine Moen lives to serve

Donor Profile: Cheerful Heart operates totally on donations. This is the first in a series of profiles of donors who have made sizable donations to Cheerful Heart. When deciding to feature donors in the newsletter, Marcia Richwine Moen seemed like a good place to begin.  

Marcia Richwine Moen 

Marcia is welcoming and open to serving, and not just        hamburgers. Marcia has a huge heart full of a giving spirit, especially for those who are touched by cancer. She knows the pain and loss of a cancer diagnoses. Three of her
family members have been diagnosed with cancer, proving fatal for two. 

“Burgers, Fries and Family Ties,” is a title given to a film created by David W. King in 2019.  Cancer could be added to the title as it has affected the Richwine family deeply.  Marcia’s brother, Shane, died in 2009 and her mother, Lucy, died in 2015.
 
In 2010 Marcia started the Bernie Berger Fund in honor of her brother Shane whose nickname was “Bernie Burger.”  With the purchase of a Bernie Burger, a cheese deluxe with ham, a portion of the sale is dropped into a bag. At the end of the year whatever is in the bag is donated to the American Cancer Society, or to community members who are currently fighting cancer or to a family affected by cancer.  

 
A variety of Marcia quotes perfectly describe how she lives her life… “My job is be a servant by being a helping hand … Our job as human beings is to take care of one another. If I can help someone in need monetarily then that’s what I’m here for… It’s important to take care of the people who take care of you. Everyday is a gift … unwrap it.  I am blessed that  I GET to come to work at my family’s restaurant .”
 
Marcia imbues the Richwine spirit of working hard, being loyal to family and community, showing empathy and kindness to all. She believes that being a role model and teaching young employees a strong work ethic and good customer skills will help them lead a successful life.  It seems that everything Marcia does is based on “what can I do to make a difference.”
 
Marcia’s parents Enoch and Lucy Richwine purchased a small burger hut in 1962 when Marcia was born premature and the family incurred huge medical bills. Enoch bought the property that it currently sits on in 1965. The Richwine’s had four kids, three boys, Mason, Corey  and Shane, and one daughter, Marcia. The entire family worked at Burgerville. Enoch retired in 1985 and Lucy in 1989 but both kept their fingers in the business. Shane took over in 1989 until his death in 2009. Marcia retired from her job as a district manager for Western Montana H&R Block after 26 years to take over when Shane needed help during his cancer struggle. Marcia began operating Burgerville in 2010.
 
It was Marcia’s goal to keep the restaurant in the family which allowed her mother to keep coming in until she passed. Family members have continued to step up but as of yet no one is willing or able to give themselves to the tough job of keeping Burgerville thriving. Another Marcia quote in a recent feature article: “As much as I love this place, and am so emotionally attached to it, and would love to operate it until the day I die, my body is tired.”

Thank you, Marcia and the Richwine family, for 62 years of love and service to your hometown … and to cancer patients.

Benefits of breath work for cancer patients

by Sharon McGuire, 500 RYT 

 (Registered Yoga Teacher with 500+ hours of yoga training) 

As a follow-up on my previous article (Cheerful Heart Newsletter August 2022) about the benefits of yoga for cancer patients, I would like to discuss the benefits of breath work for cancer patients. Breath work is an integral part of yoga, but even if you do not have a personal yoga practice, you can still benefit from the powerful healing energy of the breath. When the breath is exercised, it will move the body into deeper states of relaxation allowing the body’s natural healing abilities to arise; it will calm the mind and reduce anxiety; it will lower cortisol levels, the stress producing hormone; it will assist with falling asleep; and lastly, it will help minimize the discomfort of pain. 

Many people take the act of breathing for granted. Since it is part of the autonomic system of the body (meaning it occurs involuntarily or spontaneously), we do not have to “think” about breathing. The key to using the breath to our benefit is to become aware of the breath as it moves in and out of the body. I’m going to talk you through a couple of beginning exercises to start you on your journey of exploring the power of breath that we have right in our own bodies. 

• Start with a simple exercise to bring your awareness to the breath. To begin, find a comfortable position for the body (either sitting up or laying down), you can also do this first thing in the morning when you wake up. 
• Bring your attention to the breath, observing the chest and abdomen rise and fall with each inhale and exhale. Not trying to control your breath, just witness it in its natural state. Notice if the breath is fast or slow, shallow or deep, or if there are any hitches or congestion in the breath. 
• Notice what you may be thinking about the breath, and just accept the breath as it is in this moment without judgement. 
• Stay focused on your breath for at least three minutes working your way up to five as you get more comfortable and I would encourage you to do this several times throughout the day. 

Once you become comfortable witnessing the breath, you can add-on the following exercise of extending the exhalation that will activate the parasympathetic nervous system. 

• Begin by emptying the lungs completely and inhale with a count of two.
• Pausing briefly before you begin to exhale with a count of four. You can also repeat a word instead of counting (i.e. inhale saying peace, peace; exhale saying peace, peace, peace, peace). 
• Continue to breathe following this pattern for two minutes. As you get accustomed to this exercise, you can deepen your breath by increasing the count, maintaining a 1:2 ratio (i.e. inhale for four, exhale for eight). 
• Notice how the body begins to relax and let go of tension. If you are feeling restless, this helps the body relax and will assist you to fall asleep, it is also beneficial for reducing anxiety.

I use this exercise to help minimize the discomfort of pain by focusing on the pain during my exhalation. It is the nature of the mind to wander, so if you find you have lost your focus, just gently bring your attention back to the breath without judgement. 

Sharon McGuire…cell 812-345-0639

Cancer Support Group Welcomes All

A cancer support group comes together from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center. The Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group is for anyone affected by cancer and is led by Pastor Matthew Connally of the Ronan/Polson Nazarene Church. The Chapel is located inside the front entrance to the hospital.

The group welcomes those recently diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, and/or family members. The group aims is to provide a safe place
for members to share, learn, support, and encourage members after a cancer diagnosis; and, to conquer the fear in themselves and others. Confidentiality is practiced, anything spoken in group stays with the group.

Gatherings are informal allowing folks to drop-in when schedules and life permits. Folks can bring a brown bag lunch.

Cheerful Heart, an organization of volunteers who provide non-medical services for cancer patients in Lake County since 2002, sponsors the support group.
Questions can be directed to Cheerful Heart message line at 883-3070. Please leave the best time and day to receive a return call in the message. Check out the Cheerful Heart web site at www.cheerfulheart.org or email cheartinc@gmail.com. Mailing address is Cheerful Heart, P.O. Box 688, Polson, MT 59860.

Yoga Can Help Cancer Patients Cut the Risk of Disease Spreading or Returning: Study

Having a twice-a-week yoga practice has recently been shown to be effective at reducing symptoms of fatigue in people with cancer, as well as reducing the likelihood of a beaten cancer from returning.

18 million people around the world develop various forms of cancer every year, and it’s well known that physical inactivity increases the risk of getting cancer.

On top of that, it’s known that most forms of exercise prevent it—the same is true for yoga, which was just the subject of an investigation by what the Guardian newspaper called “the world’s leading cancer researchers.”

Three studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the world’s largest cancer conference, together suggest that prescribing rest for a patient suffering from low energy levels or fatigue is not the best health measure. (Read)

Keeping You Informed: Chemotherapeutic Medication Shortages

 

Providence distributed this information during the week of June 5, 2023

The below information is intended to inform you about shortages with certain chemotherapy agents and other oncology-related medications.

Why are we raising this concern?

• There is a critical shortage of about 300 drugs affecting hospitals and care facilities across the U.S. right now, including Providence St. Patrick Hospital and Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

• Chemotherapy and oncology-related medications are especially impaed by these shortages.

• Medications such as Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, Abiraterone, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Fludarabine, Methotrexate, Vincristine, and many others have been or may become affected. 

How are we responding to these medication shortages?

• Providing you with safe, high-quality care is our top priority. Making you aware of this issue is important as we work with you and the rest of the care team on possible alternatives.

• Providence Montana and our partners are exploring strategies to secure additional supply of these medications. We are also engaged in advocacy efforts to find long-term solutions and prevent recurrences in the future.

• Treatment plans may be modified after careful review by the care team and discussion with you. These modifications will be individualized to you and will only be made if it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so.

• We are committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all our patients. Only medical factors such as disease type, stage, and prior treatment are being considered in the selection of which patient’s regimen may be impacted.

• Options for modifications in the treatment plan may include a decrease from the usual dosage or substitution of an alternative agent, when possible. 

• Our care team will reach out to you if your treatment plan may need to be modified.

• We will be with you every step of the way and will work to ensure you continue to receive the best care.

Cancer Doctors Rethink Aggressive Treatments

A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, not just because the disease is life-threatening but also because treatments — chemotherapy, radiation and surgery — are often brutal to endure. But doctors are now rethinking those aggressive methods, The Wall Street Journal reported. They're increasingly looking to "de-escalation," an approach of "cutting back on some therapies to improve a patient's quality of life without hurting their odds of survival."

One new study shows that more than 10,000 rectal cancer patients a year could forgo radiation therapy and do just as well, The New York Times reported, though they would still need chemotherapy and surgery. Dr. Eric Winer, the president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), said researchers "are asking if there are elements of successful treatments that can be eliminated to provide patients with a better quality of life." A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, not just because the disease is life-threatening but also because treatments — chemotherapy, radiation and surgery — are often brutal to endure. But doctors are now rethinking those aggressive methods, The Wall Street Journal reported. They're increasingly looking to "de-escalation," an approach of "cutting back on some therapies to improve a patient's quality of life without hurting their odds of survival." (Read more)

Christopher Williams joins St. Joe’s staff

 Surgeon specializes in breast care    

Calvin, Christopher, Anna and Otis

Christopher Williams is a man of many interests. He earned his undergraduate degree in music from University of Georgia in 2003. He taught elementary school music  in Gainesville, gave saxophone lessons and played various gigs around town.

As an outdoor enthusiast he was guiding adventure trips in Alaska in 2007. He was required to be an EMT, his first exposure to medicine, and it stirred his interest. During 2007-2008 he took prerequisites at University of Georgia to qualify for medical school.

Christopher was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force in 2009. He spent four years at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia before moving to Salt Lake City where he completed his surgical internship and residency at the University of Utah Hospital between 2013 and 2018. He found the program in Utah to be a good blend of excellent surgical training and research opportunities. 




As an active duty Air Force general surgeon Christopher worked at David Grant Medical Center on the Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California from 2018 to 2022. He was deployed to Afghanistan from March of 2021 to October of 2021. He completed his service commitment in June of 2022, was discharged from the Air Force and hired as a general surgeon at St. Joseph Medical Center.




As an Air Force general surgeon thirty percent of his surgeries involved breast care for both benign breast diseases and breast cancer. His patients included retirees and VA patients. He has significant experience with breast conservation surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, mastectomy and axillary dissections. 




Christopher has deep experience in breast cancer management. He feels comfortable taking care of surgical patients here in Polson without sending them to Missoula or Kalispell. His goal is to become a solid trustworthy healthcare provider in our community. He is quick to say, however, that he will refer if necessary.




In addition to breast care, his professional interests include trauma, complex laparoscopy, endoscopy, hernia repair, reflux, diseases of the abdomen and alimentary tract including the colon and small intestine, as well as skin and soft tissue surgical diseases. 




He enjoys spending time with his family. He married Anna Ruminer in 2015 and their two boys are Calvin, 4, and Otis, 2.  Christopher loves trail running, skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, and anything else that gets him outside. At home, he likes listening to music and cooking.

Landon Godfrey joins Cheerful Heart Board of Directors

Photos: Cheerful Heart Board of Directors top photo from left Valerie Lindstrom, Teri Warford, Barbara Morin, Sarah Teaff and Landon Godfrey. Bottom from left Jeanne Doepke and Leah Emerson. 

. . . . . . .

Landon Godfrey joined the Cheerful Heart Board of Directors in June of 2022. Landon says, “I decided to join the Cheerful Heart board as I am inspired by the commitment provided to our patients through the humble service of our volunteers. Like many others, cancer has affected my family greatly and I appreciate how much we can heal others through something as simple as holding a hand to something more complicated such as arranging transportation for an appointment.”

Landon grew up in Roundup, Montana. This upbringing inspired him to seek out small town living where “humility and kindness overpowers the prestige and speed of city life.”  He lived with his grandparents, even though in their mid-80’s, they remained active. He met their friends as they gathered to enjoy the dance floor in their home. Landon’s grandfather was a drummer with the dance band.

He attended college at Montana State University pursuing a  Computer Science degree, but after a year decided he needed more interaction with people. He switched to Doctor of Pharmacy to help people like his grandparents.

Pharmacy provided him with an opportunity to better understand health care. His plan changed when he was approached about the Director of Operations position at St. Joseph Medical Center, a position he has held for 10 years.

Yoga to Support Your Mind/Body

By Sharon McGuire
500 RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher with 500+ hours of yoga training) 

My mom was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma six years ago. I remember that day in the hospital as if it were yesterday. My siblings, our dad and I sat in stunned silence as the doctor gave us the news. Shock, worry, anger and fear flooded my body with hormones that overwhelmed my emotions, and I couldn’t even begin to imagine what my mother was feeling. 

    

A week later, I attended my first Yoga Nidra (sleep-based                    meditation) class. My spirit was overwhelmed with grief from the        possibility of losing my mother as I lay down on my yoga mat to            enter this practice. That class shifted the course of my life.      Afterwards, I left with a deep sense of peace and relaxation I had never experienced. 

I attended yoga classes for about a year when “it” happened. I didn’t understand much about yoga and the benefits. It was just a nice exercise class where I met some lovely ladies who would become life-long friends. After my experience with Yoga Nidra, I was determined to deepen my yoga practice and pass along what I learned to support my mom in her journey with cancer.

When trauma occurs, whether it’s physical such as an accident, or emotional such as being given a cancer diagnosis, it becomes “an undigested, undischarged energy event that continues to affect the body/mind complex at all levels, physical, mental, emotional and perceptual, after the event has actually passed,” (Kamani Desai, PhD, author of Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep). Our bodies move into a fight, flight or freeze response which hijacks the body systems and floods the body with stress hormones adversely affecting the immune system and lowering the body’s inflammation response. 

Yoga/Yoga Nidra supports bringing the body systems back into balance by releasing calming substances such as GABA, serotonin, oxytocin, DHEA, endorphins and melatonin into the body accompanying the feelings of relaxation and well-being. This balance is important to support immune health, improve sleep and reduce worry, anxiety and depression. After practicing Yoga Nidra with my mother, she told me she was sleeping better and had improvements in her digestive system. 

. . . . . . . . .

The following restorative yoga poses and breath practices are an excellent way to begin exploring how yoga can support your journey with cancer. As with any yoga practice, hear my words, but listen to your body. If any of these instructions bring a source of pain, modify the instructions, or do not do the pose.

Lying down meditation supports the immune system and allows the body to release good hormones: Lying on the floor on your back you may want to support your knees with a pillow or rolled up blanket or towel. if laying on the floor is not comfortable, finding a comfortable seated position in a chair will work as well. Use blankets or pillows to support any part of the body that may need it. The goal is to be completely relaxed.Rest your hands gently on your abdomen or chest whatever feels the most comfortable. Closing your eyes or having a soft gaze so you are not focused on any one thing, begin to bring your attention to the breath. Notice how the chest and abdomen rise and fall with each inhale and exhale. Continue to notice any sensations  that may arise in the body as you continue to focus on the breath.Without effort, slowly begin to lengthen your exhalation so it takes the breath longer to leave the body than it did to come in. Continue for a few breaths and then allow the breath to return to normal. 

Seated spinal twist supports the digestive system: Sitting on the floor with the legs crossed or stretched out in front of you. Breathe deeply and feel your sit bones connected to the floor. Inhale, and as you exhale slowly twist the torso to the right, placing your left hand on the right knee and the right hand behind the back looking over the right shoulder. Hold the pose for three deep breaths, return to the center position and repeat on the left. Do 3-5 rounds on each side.                                     

Reclined bound-angle pose helps to reduce stress and fatigue: Sitting on the floor, draw the bottoms of the feet together to create a diamond shape. The feet can be closer or further from the body depending on your comfort level. If the knees are resting up in the air, you can support them by using yoga blocks (if you have them) or by simply placing pillows or rolled up blankets or towels under the knees. Slowly begin to lie back using the support of your arms until your body reaches the floor. Rest your arms a comfortable distance from the body. Once in the pose, begin to breathe deeply, following the breath practice for the lying down meditation. Stay in the posture for at least five deep breaths or as long as your body feels comfortable.                                        

Legs up the wall combats fatigue: Sitting with your left side next the wall. Turning to the left, slowly bring your legs up the wall as you lower your body to the floor. Scoot your buttocks next to the wall and allow the head and shoulders to rest on the floor. If you feel your legs are going to open too wide, you can place a strap, belt, or tied scarf above the knees so you can let the legs relax. You can also modify this posture by placing the legs on a chair with the knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Breathe deeply as in the first pose. 

Sharon McGuire with the Brahman Priest at the 

Krupalu Maharaj Ashram in Malav, Gurjurat, India in 2020.

Sharon McGuire, a Certified Advanced Yoga Nidra Facilitator, 

teaches at YogaHeart Home, 

208 Ridgewater Drive, Polson. 

Contact info: (812) 345-0639, sharonmcguireyoga@gmail.com.

Cheerful Heart Changes Email Address

 Cheerful Heart, Inc. has a new email address: cheerfulheart46@gmail.com.

Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

The Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group for anyone affected by cancer will meet from noon to 1 p.m.,  on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, in the Leahy Conference Room on the third floor at St. Joseph Medical Center. Rev. John Payne will lead the group.

The group welcomes those recently diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, and/or family members. The group aims is to provide a safe place for members to share, learn, support, and encourage members after a cancer diagnosis; and, to conquer the fear in themselves and others. Confidentiality is practiced, anything spoken in group stays with the group.

Gatherings are informal allowing folks to drop-in when schedules and life permits. Brown-bag lunches are welcome.

The Support Group originated in 2009 and met regularly for 11 years before a pandemic hiatus. Questions about the group can be directed to Valerie 406-261-3304.

Cheerful Heart, an organization of volunteers that has provided non-medical services to cancer patients in Lake County since 2002, sponsors the support group. Cheerful Heart does not charge for the services that it provides. For general questions about Cheerful Heart call 883-3070 or email cheerfulheart46@gmail.com.

Nutrition and Cancer: Where to Start?

by Lauren Galush, Dietetic Intern St. Luke Community Healthcare 

Lauren Galush

Nutrition is important for everyone, but especially those living with cancer. Cancer treatments can cause symptoms that make eating difficult, such as nausea, loss of appetite, change in taste, or a sore mouth. If these symptoms develop people often lose weight without trying. For this reason this is not a time for dieting or trying to lose weight. Paying special attention to your nutrition is key to keeping your body strong and healthy during and after treatment. If one is available to you, speaking with a Registered Dietitian (RD) can ensure you’re getting enough of the right things. If you find yourself with any complications that make eating difficult, following some of the suggestions below may help. 

Loss of Appetite (anorexia):

• Focus on foods that are high in protein and calories. Even if you are only able to eat a few bites, this will ensure you get more “bang for your buck.” 
• Sneak protein and calorie sources in where you can. This may look like adding protein powder to oatmeal or having full-fat dairy products
• Eat protein portions of your meal first to ensure you’re getting enough protein 
• Eat foods that smell good to you 
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals during the day, such as three small meals and three snacks. 
• If solid foods don’t sound appetizing, drink milkshakes, smoothies, or nutrition drinks/shakes
• Have your favorite foods on hand so they are ready to eat when you’re hungry 
• Be active if you’re able. Even a 15-minute walk can stimulate your appetite 

Nausea or Vomiting: 

• Eat foods that sound good to you- don’t force yourself to eat foods that make you feel sick
• Avoid eating your favorite foods when you feel sick, so you don’t associate them with sickness
• Eat foods that are soft, bland, and easy on your stomach (ex: white toast, plain yogurt, broth)
• Avoid food or drinks with strong smells
• Eat five to six small meals in a day rather than three large meals 
• Sit upright for an hour after eating
• Wear clothes that are loose and comfortable

Dry Mouth: 

• Eat foods that are easy to swallow. Moisten them with sauces, gravies, or salad dressings if you need.
• Have foods/drinks that are very sweet or tart (ex: lemonade)- this will help make more saliva
• Chew gum or suck on hard candy, ice chips, or popsicles 
• Avoid foods that hurt your mouth, such as spicy, sour, salty, hard, or crunchy foods. 

Mouth Sores: 

• Eat softer foods, such as milkshakes, pudding, or scrambled eggs
• Suck on ice chips or popsicles to numb your mouth 
• Avoid foods that may irritate your mouth: 
• Acidic foods- tomatoes, oranges, lemons, limes
• Spicy foods
• Salty foods
• Raw vegetables
• Sharp or crunchy foods
• Alcoholic beverages 

Taste Changes: 

• Try poultry, eggs, and cheese instead of red meat. Sometimes eating meat with something sweet can help
• Add spices and sauces to foods
• Use sugar-free lemon drops, gum drops, or mints if there is a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth
• Use plastic utensils instead of metal ones

Cheerful Heart offers personal care services for Lake County cancer patients

Cheerful Heart reaches out to Lake County cancer patients by offering personal care in the form of massages, skin, nail and hair care, at no charge to the patient. The personal care program, Cheerful Touch, includes local cosmetologists and massage therapists. Patients should consult with their doctors before using these services. Massage therapists may be able to travel to the patient’s home if necessary.

Cheerful Heart, Inc. has served cancer patients in Lake County since 2002. Those with questions or needs can call 883-3070. Check out the Cheerful Heart web site at www.cheerfulheart.org or email cheerfulheart@centurytel.net. Mailing address for the organization is Cheerful Heart, P.O. Box 688, Polson, MT 59860.

"Where Everyone Belongs" (W.E.B.)

W.E.B. (Where Everyone Belongs) is a middle school program that welcomes 5-8th graders and makes them feel comfortable throughout their middle school years. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, the program trains 8th grade mentors to be W.E.B. leaders who give support and act as positive role models for younger students in the school.  W.E.B. provides the structure for students to receive support and guidance from 8th graders who have been through the challenges that middle school poses and understand that the transition to a different school can sometimes be overwhelming. 

W.E.B. students donated 25 hand-tied quilts for oncology patients.. Class teacher, Nicole Dubuque Camel, has a connection with Cheerful Heart and the oncology clinic. Her father, Don Dubuque, was a vital cancer thriver who felt strongly about supporting fellow cancer patients until his death in April of 2010. He was a constant presence at the clinic for years whether he was in or out of treatment.

The class meets five days a week and  students rotate involvement in the community as well as in school. Prior to COVID restrictions at the clinic the students made soup bags and connected with clinic patients. The students still provide bags for the clinic. 

Update: Cheerful Heart services

Cheerful Heart Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara Morin, receives two of the quilts crafted by Polson Middle School students, Wica Brown and Julia Barnard.    “I am not sure who was happier, Cheerful Heart volunteers or Oncology staff and patients, when volunteers were welcomed back to the clinic in April.” Volunteer Coordinator Barbara Morin continued, “ I guess you could say it was mutual. There are many familiar faces, as well as new ones. CH is thrilled to provide our services to the patients once again.” Cheerful Heart’s 15 active volunteers serve soup, snacks and drinks at the clinic, provide transportation, run errands, fix meals, etc.   Cheerful Touch was established in 2012 to help cancer patients with hair loss and skin problems. Renee, owner of Salon Envy in Polson, has worked hard to give back and help patients feel better with a hair cut and style, wig styling, skin care and new make up. Renee will help patients with head coverings of all kinds. Massage therapists joined the program to offer massages either in their business or in-home. Cheerful Touch services are subsidized by Cheerful Heart. Support Group organizers, Coy Theobalt and Charlie Davis, connected with several group members throughout the summer. They will restart the Support Group when COVID cases decrease in Lake County and vaccinations increase. For more information or assistance requests on any of the services provided by Cheerful Heart, call 883-3070 and leave a message or email cheerfulheart@centurytel.net. 

Four Cancer-Treatment Developments Worth Celebrating

Findings shared at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting bring hope of tackling cancer at earlier stages, with better treatments and at lower cost. 

When it comes to health breakthroughs, Covid-19 vaccines have received the lion’s share of recent attention – and rightly so, as they are key to ending a global pandemic that has killed millions and disrupted the lives of almost everyone on the planet. But there have also been big advancements in the field of cancer treatments. The American Society of Clinical Oncology held its annual meeting earlier this month, giving drugmakers and researchers the chance to share their findings on the latest developments in cancer research and drug research. There was much to celebrate. Here are four particularly promising takeaways: . . . (Read article)

Local hospitals offer COVID-19 vaccinations

St. Luke is now offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination for anyone 18 years of age and older. Those interested in getting the vaccine can register on our website (https://stlukehealthcare.org/) or call our COVID-10 vaccine scheduling line at  582-5331. Since this line is not staffed 25/7, please leave a message and one of our friendly staff members will get back to you.

If we continue at the current vaccination rate, we expect that 50 percent of Lake County Residents will be vaccinated by mid-May! And, to date, over 160, 000 Montanans have been vaccinated!

Visitation is still limited at this time. Visit our https://stlukehealthcare.org/  for the latest visitation policy updates.

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As of April 1, St. Joseph Medical Center is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination to anyone 18 years of age and older. Please call 406-883-8400 to register for an appointment to receive a vaccine. 

The number of active COVID cases continues to decline.  Mass immunization clinics are being held for all Montana residents on Saturdays in April at the Salish Kootenai College Gymnasium.  Sign up for vaccinations at https://www.mtreadyclinic.org/ or call 745-3525.

Update: Cancer Support Group & Cheerful Touch

Coy Theobalt and Charlie Davis, Cancer Support Group organizers, are currently out of town until May. Their plan is to restart the Support Group in June depending on case numbers remaining low and if participants are fully vaccinated.

Cheerful Touch was established in 2012 to help cancer patients with hair loss and skin problems. Renee, owner of Salon Envy in Polson, has worked hard to give back and help patients feel better with a hair cut and style, wig styling, skin care and new make up. Renee will help patients with head coverings of all kinds.

Massage therapists joined the program to offer massages either in their business or in-home.  To take advantage of Cheerful Touch  services, which are subsidized by Cheerful Heart, call 883-3070 with questions or to make an appointment.