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.