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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 2016)
6A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL January 6, 2016 COMMUNITY BRIEFS The Chatterbox Flashbak in Drain My mammogram surprise BY BETTY KAISER For the Sentinel Prepare the umbrella before it rains Life is full of surprises! — Author unknown I n addition to protection from the rain, there are many other kinds of umbrellas. And as I count my blessings going into this New Year, I would like to share with you an um- brella procedure that may have saved my life. It was a mammogram that launched me on an unexpected medi- cal journey for the last 14 months. On Nov. 5, 2014, I blithely zipped into our local mammography lab for my annual mammogram. I was feeling fi ne and never dreamed that anything was wrong. I have had one of these every year since I turned 40 with nary a problem. The machinery for this procedure is state-of-the-art and only momentarily uncomfort- able. I chat with the technician, get smashed, dressed and leave. At home I waited for the report that says: “Everything is normal. See you next year.” It didn’t happen. Instead, I received a report that said a small mass had been detected and additional evaluation was recom- mended. That included diagnostic mammography, spot compression fi lms and ultrasonography. I was shocked. Blindsided. I couldn’t believe it. One minute I was fi ne. The next minute I wasn’t. What had gone wrong? I’d like to tell you that my Pollyanna side was preach- ing “Don’t worry, you’re okay,” but it wasn’t. Deep down, I just knew that a little cell had gone haywire. My husband and I were leaving town the following week and I didn’t want to go without knowing more about this small mass. Was it malig- nant or benign? I needed to know. As more appointments were piled on, my heart would pound and I felt light-headed. I was overwhelmed by endless information and procedures. This was really happening to me, and it was scary. More mammograms and ultra- sounds were performed, and I could tell by the quiet in the room that something wasn’t right. After I got dressed, the radiologist put two sets of images up to compare. The previ- ous mammograms were clear. This time there was a small glowing spot in the tissue. Cancer? A biopsy was the next step. Another umbrella. I was given a tour of the room and the machine that would do the rec- ommended stereo-tactical biopsy. Then, the machine had a time-out (break down) and the procedure was cancelled. Next I was informed that the radiologists had “a difference of opinion.” They were now recom- mending an ultrasound guided bi- opsy and the insertion of a clip in my tissue—right after another couple of mammograms. “Cancer” and how to treat it be- came the word of the day. By then my vocabulary had expanded. Pathology reports used words and phrases like “a DCIS Solid with comedo necrosis (plugged by cancer cells); interme- diate grade with estrogen receptor possibility. “ I added more vocabu- lary after I saw the surgeon! He was another umbrella. Finally, after all the bad news, there was good news. Defi nitive sur- gical management was recommend- ed but only a partial mastectomy. Among other things, the mass was “in situ” (confi ned to the breast duct) and hadn’t spread itself around. That was good. But unfortunately, even with the clip in place the small mass wasn’t easily found. Later a metal hook had to be attached to mark the spot for the surgeon to fi nd. Ouch! As word of my diagnosis got around, friends, neighbors and per- fect strangers started calling me with their stories. That was both helpful and overwhelming. But by the time I got to the hospital I had an idea of what was going to happen from the female perspective. One of my friends told me about the search for the Sentinel Node in Nuclear Medi- cine in such detail that I actually knew what was going on when I got there. Prior to that I had (again!) been squished by mammography, injected with anesthetic, squirted, the mass located and the previously mentioned guide injected for the surgeon. I will tell you that it was the most painful part of the process. Tears ran down my cheeks as a sweet nurse rubbed my back. Covered with marks and bandages, I was wheeled into sur- gery and came home that night. In my case, follow-up treatment was a little dicey. Tissue samples revealed that although the cancer was contained, its nuclear grade was Intermediate/High. That made a re- currence more likely. A decision was made to treat it with an anti-estrogen drug and a medication to strengthen my bones. I am happy to report that as of Dec. 18, 2015 my one-year diag- nostic mammogram was clear. I’m on a fi ve-year treatment plan like many other breast cancer survivors. The medication is tolerable but not pleasant. However, I have one year down with only four more years to go. Another umbrella. I’m a grateful woman. Now here’s the bottom line and the reason why age-appropriate women must get a mammogram ev- ery year—a mass the size of mine cannot be seen or felt. It can only be detected by mammography. And the mass is always cancer at 70 years old! Think about that. If I had waited another year or two the mass would have grown and spread. Timing is everything. My advice to you is simple: if you are a 40, 60 or 70-plus-year old female, make an appointment for a mammogram! Stop procrastinating. Get your mammogram scheduled and done. Do it this year and every year. I don’t care what the so-called experts say — you’re never too old for this procedure. I’m a good ex- ample. Have a happy, healthy New Year! Betty Kaiser’s Chatterbox is about people, places, family, and other matters of the heart. Contact her at 942-1317 or via e-mail — bchatty@bettykaiser.com The North Douglas Performing Arts Council will present the music of Flash- bak on Friday, Jan. 22 at the Drain Civ- ic Center, 205 West A Street in Drain, from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $5 per per- son. The band, which includes keys, two guitars, bass and drums, formed in 2007 and showcases classic rock and music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Spiritual discussions Rev. Bobby Lee of the Center for Spiritual Living in Cottage Grove will be holding informal gatherings 2-3 times per month to meet Cottage Grove residents and lead spirited discussions on a wide range of subjects of a spiritual nature. The fi rst “Coffee and Conversation” will be held Monday, Jan. 11 at the Backstage Bakery from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The topic will be “What is the Science of Mind and Spirit and What Can It Do for Me?” There is no charge, and every- one is welcome. Those seeking more information can call Rev. Lee at (907) 230-5070 or check the Center’s Facebook page at “CSLCottageGrove”. The Center for Spiritual Living — Cottage Grove is one of the newest churches in town and has been meeting for the past 1 1/2 years at the Cottage Grove Community Center at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Open mic Habitat for Humanity of Cottage Grove will host an open mic night at the Axe & Fiddle Pub on Tuesday, Jan. 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Librarians sought The Cottage Grove Historical Society is seeking members to be future vol- unteer librarians. Those who can com- mit to one week of training and at least two days a month could be useful to the Society as a research librarian. Current coverage needs will begin in spring and are needed for Friday and Saturday shifts from 1-4 p.m. No library experi- ence is required and friends are encour- aged to sign up together. Training will take place in March and April for spring library re-opening. Those interested can email cghistoricalsoc@gmail.com and their name will be put on a list. Commercial crab price set, excellent quality expected O regon Dungeness crab fi shermen and seafood processor represen- tatives participating in state-supervised crab price negotiations have agreed on an opening price of $2.90 per pound for the 2016 Dungeness crab season along the Oregon coast, which began this week. The agreement has been reviewed and approved by Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba. The state-supervised negotiations, which involved representatives from six seafood processors and fi ve marketing associations from Brookings to Asto- ria, came to a successful conclusion last week at a meeting in Newport. Pre-season “meat fi ll” tests used by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure that quality and con- dition standards for the crab are met indicate that the quality of the crab this year will be excellent, according to an announcement from the Oregon Depart- ment of Agriculture. In addition, testing of crab samples conducted by the Oregon Department of Agriculture show that any detections of the marine toxin domoic acid are below the level of concern. Dungeness crab harvested from the Oregon Coast and sold in retail markets and restaurants are safe and wholesome for consumers. Crabbers began placing their pots on Friday, Jan. 1 in preparation for the Jan. 4 opening. Dungeness crab is the most valuable commercial fi shery on the Oregon coast. Last season’s harvest produced landings of 8.3 million pounds and an ‘ex-vessel’ value of $33 million dollars. This year’s harvest of Oregon Dungeness crab is ex- pected to be good, which will once again allow consumers locally and nationwide to enjoy the offi cial “State Crustacean” of Oregon. NEW: Digital X-Rays (use less radiation) Implants •Teeth Whitening • Extractions Lumineers (no prep veneers as seen on TV) Cottage Grove Dental 541.942.9580 Dr. Brent Bitner, DDS 350 Washington, Cottage Grove (behind Better Bodies) 1133 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove 541.942.7934 www.curves.com W orship D irectory 6th & Gibbs Church of Christ 195 N. 6th St. • 541-942-3822 Pastor: Aaron Earlywine Youth & Families Pastor: Seth Bailey Services: 9am and 10:30am Christian Education Nursery for pre-k - 3rd Grade www.6thandgibbs.com Calvary Baptist Church 77873 S 6th St • 541-942-4290 Pastor: Riley Hendricks Sunday School: 9:45am Worship: 11:00am The Journey: Sunday 5:00pm Praying Thru Life: Wednesday 6:00pm Calvary Chapel Cottage Grove 1447 Hwy 99 (Village Plaza) 541-942-6842 Pastor: Jeff Smith Two Services on Sun: 9am & 10:45am Wednesday Service 6:45 pm Child Care 10:45am Service Only Youth Group Bible Study: Wed. 6:45 pm & Sat. 6 pm www.cgcalvary.org Cottage Grove Bible Church 1200 East Quincy Avenue 541-942-4771 Pastor:Bob Singer Worship 11am Sunday School:9:45am AWANA age 3-8th Grade, Wednesdays Sept-May, 6:30pm www.cgbible.org First Presbyterian Church 3rd and Adams St • 541-942-4479 Pastor: Karen Hill Worship: 10:00am Sunday School: 10:00am www.cgpresbynews.com Grove Community Church 77820 Mosby Creek Rd. Cottage Grove, OR 97424 541-942-0123 Cottage Grove Faith Center Pastor: Bryan Parsons 33761 Row River Rd. • 541-942-4851 Worship: 10:30 a.m. Lead Pastor: Isaac Hovet www.cg4.tv Nursery: Infant - Pre-K Dec. 24th - Candlelight Services 4 & 8pm Kidʼs Church: K to 5th grade Dec. 27 - 10am service only Hope Fellowship United Pentecostal Church Covered Bridge Nazarene Church 100 S. Gateway Blvd. • 541-942-2061 152 S. M St. Pastor: Dave Bragg 541-942-4422 Worship: 11:00am Sunday Pastor: Cindy Slaymaker Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Sunday School: 9:30am www.hopefellowshipupc.com Worship 10:30am “FINDING HOPE IN YOUR LIFE” Delight Valley Church of Christ 33087 Saginaw Rd. East Center for Spiritual Living Cottage 541-942-7711 Grove Pastor: Bob Friend 700 Gibbs Ave (Community Center) Two Services: Rev. Bobby Lee 9am - Classic in the Chapel Meets Sunday 3:00 p.m. 10:30am - Contemporary in the (907) 230-5070 Auditorium www.facebook.com/CSLCottageGrove First Baptist Church Church of Christ 301 S 6th St 541-942-8242 420 Monroe St • 541-942-8565 Pastor: Steve Johnson Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Worship: 11:00am Come Worship with us Living Faith Assembly 467 S. 10th St. • 541-942-2612 Pastor Rulon Combs Sunday School All Ages 9am Worship & Childrenʼs Church 10:30 am “The Bridge” Sat Evening Service 6:00pm Youth 180 Mondays 5:30-8pm Childrenʼs Breakout Class: Wed. 6:30pm Non-Denominational Church of Christ 1041 Pennoyer Ave * 541-767-0447 Preachers: Tony Martin & Robert Evans Sunday Bible Study:10:00am Sunday Worship:10:50am & 5:30pm www.pennoyeravecoc.com Old Time Gospel Fellowship 103 S. 5th Street • 541-942-4999 Pastor: Herb Carson Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Bible Study: 6:00pm We sing the old time hymns. Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Philip Benizi Catholic Churches 1025 N. 19th St. 541-942-3420 / 541-942-4712 Pastor: Roy L. Antunez, S.J. Euch. Liturgies; Sat. 5:30pm Sun. 10:30am St. Philip Benizi, Creswell: 552 Holbrock Lane • 541-895-8686 Sunday: 8:30am St. Andrews Episcopal Church 1301 W. Main • 541-767-9050 Rev. Lawrence Crumb “Church with the fl ags.” Worship: Sunday 10:30am All Welcome Seventh-day Adventist Church 820 South 10th Street 541-942-5213 Pastor: Kevin Miller Bible Study: Saturday, 9:15 am Worship Service: Saturday, 10:40 am Mid-week Service: Wednesday, 1:00 pm Trinity Lutheran Church 6th & Quincy • 541-942-2373 Pastor: James L. Markus Sunday School & Adult Education 9:15am Sundway Worship 10:30 am Comm. Kitchen Free Meal Tue & Thur 5:00pm TLC Groups tlccg.com United Methodist Church 334 Washington • 541-942-3033 Pastor:Lura Kidner-Miesen Worship: 10:30am Adult Sunday School: 9:30am Comm. Dinner (Adults $5, Kids Free) 2nd & 3rd Monday 5-6:00pm cottagegroveumc.org “VICTORY” Country Church 913 S. 6th Street • 541-942-5913 Pastor: Barbara Dockery Worship Service: 10:00am Message: 11:00am “WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES” Our Worship Directory is a weekly feature in the newspaper. If your congregation would like to be a part of this directory, please contact the Cottage Grove Sentinel at 541-942-3325.