Update from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference

On Wednesday, January 31, Dr. Nicholas Robert will provide an update on some of the latest research findings from the major annual breast cancer conference held earlier in January. Join us for this special opportunity. Light refreshments will be served.

Time and Location: Wednesday, January 31 5:30 - 7 p.m. FC, Rm. 1B

Please register by Monday, January 29.

Follow this link to register on-line or call 703-776-2841.

Cyberspace Support in an MMP Environment

How would you like to join a support group in a magic place - like a dream - where you can fly and hang out in an environment that looks like this:



Second Life is a massively multi-player (MMP) environment. Anyone can create an "avatar" there for free and participate in the many activities available in the fantasy world created by the 350,000+ members from all over the world. It's a world where you can fly, dance, create, and play - all without all the hassles from your first life.

There is a very active Survivors group in Second Life - SL's Cancer Survivors - which includes people in treatment as well. Last summer the group sponsored a cyberspace Relay for Life that raised $11M in Second Life currency - that's $42,000 US!

The relay track starts at the Survivors Center - which you can see in the picture above. The Center has a waterslide, campfire circle and lots of other fun virtual things to do.

Most amazing of all is the extensive relay track built for the Relay for Life. Imagine walking a track that takes you through a dozen different foreign countries, past the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. You can stop off at an Irish pub, a Canadian ice skating rink and a ferris wheel. Even though the relay is over, the track is still there for all to enjoy.

If you are interested in gettting your own avatar - who you can make look however you like - and joining the virtual support group with members all over the world, join at this link. Once you learn the basics of moving around, IM one of the leaders of the support group - Fayandra Foley, Jade Lily or RC Mars. You'll be welcomed in a way that is out of this world!

Early Onset Breast Cancer among Black Women

Sarah Gehlert at the University of Chicago is researching why black women are more susceptible to breast cancer at an early age - and why it is more deadly for them. Listen to her description of the problem and her research.

Dealing With Nausea

Do you have any special ways you deal with the nausea that often goes with chemo?

Here's some tips from Life With Cancer:

• Make sure you take your anti-nausea meds. It might help to take some more of them half an hour before you eat.
• Try eating a lot of small meals or frequent snacks instead of trying to eat 3 large meals.
• Try cold or room temperature foods.
• Try different foods to see what really appeals to you.
• Let foods cool off and "air" for a while before you try to eat them. Often, it's the smell that triggers the nausea, so reducing the amount of smell associated with food can help.