8 Days til the lobster dinner

 EIGHT DAYS until our lobster dinner fundraiser. Buy your tickets now before we are sold out!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/

Young girl with brain tumour

 We were sad to hear of an elementary school aged girl with a brain tumour. She has two younger siblings and they live together with both parents. Her dad has taken time off work to take care of her and is receiving EI-caregiver benefits, which means a substantial drop in income. Her mom stays at home to care for the little ones. The family is struggling to keep up and have fallen behind on some utility payments. Understandably their main focus has been caring for their sick daughter. She has finished radiation therapy and is starting chemotherapy. This is difficult to go through and more so for a child who may not understand what is happening. Fortunately Cancer Crossing was able to provide financial assistance so they could pay their bills. Thank you for your donations for Manitobans living with cancer. https://cancercrossing.com/

Yummy lobster dinner!

 Only TWO WEEKS until our lobster dinner fundraiser! August 21, 6:30 pm at North Garden Restaurant, 33 University Crescent, Winnipeg. Your $200 ticket gets you a 6 course lobster meal (non lobster option available with prior notice), live entertainment, a 50/50 draw and a $100 charitable donation tax receipt.

Buy your tickets now at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/

Thank you for your continued support for Manitobans living with cancer.

Interlake man with prostate cancer

 Cancer Crossing has recently been pleased to be able to help a man from the interlake area. He is in his early 60s and newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. He must travel to Winnipeg, a total distance of over 2200 km for all the radiation treatments he is scheduled to receive. This gentleman is on CPP disability payments and is not yet eligible for OAS. His wife is also collecting a small CPP pension and is continuing to work to help provide. There is no volunteer driver program in their community. The burden they are both under is considerable, both financially and physically.

You too can help us to help Manitobans with cancer by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/. We are a registered charity and tax receipts are provided.

Lobster dinner August 21

 Doesn't a lobster dinner sound great?! You can get your seafood fix AND support Cancer Crossing at the same time. Please join us for our Lobster Dinner fundraiser at North Garden Restaurant, 33 University Crescent, Winnipeg on Friday August 21 at 6:30 pm.

A six course meal will be served (non-lobster options available with prior notice), there will be live music and a 50/50 draw. Tickets are $200 per person with a $100 charitable tax receipt provided to you.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/

Thank you for your continued support for Manitobans with cancer, in need of financial assistance.

It's the lobster dinner fundraiser!

 The lobster dinner fundraiser is back! Join us on Friday August 21 at 6:30 pm. Enjoy live music and a wonderful lobster dinner (vegetarian and non-lobster options available by advance notice) at North Garden Restaurant, 33 University Crescent, Winnipeg. $200 a plate, with a $100 charitable tax receipt. See you there!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/

Woman with bladder cancer

Cancer Crossing was approached to assist a woman in her 70s, living in Brandon. She was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and must travel to Winnipeg for surgery. Her pension is very small and her budget is very tight. There simply is no way to pay for transport to Winnipeg and for 2 nights in a hotel. She doesn't know anyone in Winnipeg so cannot call on anyone for a place to stay. Fortunately Cancer Crossing was able to provide some relief so that she can get the care that she needs. You too can help cancer patients in need by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/. We are a registered charity and provide tax deductible receipts for your donations.

Lobster dinner fundraiser

 The lobster dinner fundraiser is back! Join us on Friday August 21 at 6:30 pm. Enjoy live music and a wonderful lobster dinner at North Garden Restaurant, 33 University Crescent, Winnipeg. $200 a plate, with a $100 charitable tax receipt. See you there!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/

Surviving childhood cancer

 The Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) is a collaborative group that works together for the childhood cancer community. They have recently made changes and updates to their CAC2 Survivorship Toolkit, supporting survivors of childhood cancer no matter their current age, as well as their families and those providing care for them. They provide information about long term side effects and late effects of the childhood cancer experience for the whole family. Resources are available throughout the six different categories: Educational Guidance and Planning; Insurance and Financial Health; Physical Health and Late Effects; Psychosocial and Emotional Health; Transitioning to Adulthood; and Wellness and Healthy Behaviors.

The Survivor Toolkit is available for free to all, no membership is required.

https://www.cac2.org/

https://www.cac2.org/survivorship-resources/

If you have questions you may send email to survivorship@cac2.org

Lobster dinner fundraiser

Coming soon and back by popular demand! Our lobster dinner fundraiser is on Friday, August 21st at 6:30 pm. It will take place at North Garden Restaurant, 33 University Crescent.

We will have a 6 course meal, live entertainment and 50/50 raffle tickets for sale. $200 per plate, and a $100 per plate tax receipt will be issued. If you prefer a non-lobster or vegetarian meal please give advance notice so that we can accommodate you. Proceeds from the fundraiser help support cancer patients in financial need.

Buy your tickets here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cancer-crossing-inc/events/lobster-reloaded/

Prostate Cancer Screening

 Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer (aside from non-melanoma skin cancers) for men in Canada. While there is no formal screening program in Manitoba, men are encouraged to get a simple blood test each year that can detect prostate cancer. This blood test is for Prostate Specific Antigen and it is recommended for men aged 50 and over, and younger if there is a family history of prostate cancer or if you are of African-Canadian heritage. Most family doctors will suggest this blood test or you can ask for it.

Another option is to bypass your family doctor and go to Manitoba Men's Health Clinic. You can even book an appointment online. https://mhclinic.ca/prostate-cancer-screening/

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate. It is elevated if you have prostate cancer. Unfortunately it is an imperfect test and some men with cancer can have a normal PSA and some men who do not have cancer can have a high PSA. It is important to consider the overall health of the man and not just focus on the PSA result. This is why some doctors will repeat a PSA test after an interval of time to see if the result is higher or lower than before. Additionally doctors will also do a digital rectal exam to determine if the prostate is enlarged. It is particularly important to use the blood test as a screening tool in men who have a longer life expectancy. It is less valuable as a test of men in what is expected to be their last decade of life. The biggest benefit of the blood test is for men in their 50s and 60s as it has lead to a lower mortality rate and better outcomes due to the cancer being detected earlier.

If your results are normal nothing further need to be done, except to repeat the test yearly. If it is abnormal or if a physical exam suggests an enlarged prostate you will be referred to the Dr. Ernest W. Ramsey Manitoba Prostate Centre for further testing. This is the provincial centre for prostate diseases. They have a whole team of professionals that will provide assessments, diagnosis, treatment and support.

Prostate cancer is highly survivable especially with an early diagnosis. Treatments are improving and expanding all the time, giving most men a very good outcome and many more good years with their loved ones. Over 90% of men survive 5 years after diagnosis and almost 100% of men survive if diagnosed in the first 3 stages of prostate cancer. Please ensure a similar outcome by asking your doctor for a PSA blood test. Do not wait!

Letter of thanks

 A gentleman wrote a nice letter of thanks. He said Cancer Crossing helped him at a time when it was needed the most. He was grateful also for all the help from the cancer team and his advice to others is to never give up! Help us to help more Manitobans with cancer, by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/. You will receive a tax deductible receipt.

International student in Winnipeg

 Imagine being in Winnipeg on a student visa, far from home. Your wife and two young children are with you but everything and everyone else that is familiar and comforting to you is far away. Then you are diagnosed with cancer and the floor drops out beneath you. This was the case for a university student here. He is undergoing an intensive treatment program here. Unfortunately the compounded pain medications he needs are not covered by Manitoba Health nor the Home Cancer Drug Program. Fortunately Cancer Care was able to step in and assist with costs so that he can concentrate on his health. Help us to help others that fall through the cracks. Donate at https://cancercrossing.com/, you will receive a tax deductible receipt.

Thank you

 We at Cancer Crossing enjoy reading the letters of thanks sent by grateful recipients. A woman wrote us to tell us how very much she appreciated the swift response and financial assistance that she received. Her advice to others who are diagnosed with cancer is to stay calm and relaxed and stay positive. Please donate so that we can continue to help others, a tax receipt will be given. https://cancercrossing.com/

Woman with two different cancers

 Cancer Crossing was recently approached to help a woman in her mid-70s. She lives in western Manitoba and she has both lymphoma and lung cancer. She lives in a small town and must travel to all her appointments. She had been going to Brandon but must now travel to Winnipeg for treatment for the newly diagnosed lung cancer. What a double blow! She has a lot to deal with by herself, as she lives alone. It's a lot for anyone to cope with and we were happy that we could help lift some of the financial burden she has been experiencing. Your donations help Cancer Crossing to help Manitobans living with cancer. Please give generously at https://cancercrossing.com/. A tax deductible receipt will be given.

Colon cancer screening, part two

 Colon cancer screening - the colonoscopy.

Here is what happens if you are referred for a colonoscopy. You will be asked to not consume corn or seeds like poppy seeds for a week before your procedure. You will be fasting the entire day before your colonoscopy. That means you may have clear broth (no veggies, no rice or noodles, only broth), jell-o except red or purple, popsicles except red or purple, coffee or tea - sweetener or sugar is allowed but milk or cream is not. You may not eat any other foods for this entire day. You will be asked to drink one glass of water every hour.

You will need to buy a "lyte" prep at the pharmacy. Pro tip, if you are over 50 you probably qualify for a discount at the pharmacy, usually one day a week. The prep costs about $50 so if you get your discount you can save about $10. Plan ahead by buying your prep on whatever day your pharmacy gives discounts in order to save a little money. Mix the prep on the morning you will start taking it and refrigerate it. Drinking the prep is the hardest part of this all and if it is cold it will go down easier.

You will start your bowel prep the day before your appointment, at either 4 pm if you have a morning appointment or 6 pm if you have an afternoon appointment for your colonoscopy. Instructions may vary a little but overall you drink one cup of the bowel prep solution every 15 minutes for two hours. This will be a total of 2 liters. Then you take a two hour break. After two hours you will start drinking one cup of prep every 15 minutes for 2 hours, until you finish the entire container of prep solution. It helps to set a timer to keep on track as you must finish 2 liters of prep within 2 hours. Note, if you have an afternoon appointment for your procedure you will wait until the following morning to drink the second course of prep solution. This solution will empty your bowels so plan on staying home and close to the bathroom. It's not uncomfortable but you will have sudden urges to "go".

The day of your procedure you may consume liquids only, up to 4 hours before your appointment. You may not drink anything after that, and of course no solid food this day until after your colonoscopy.

You will arrive at the clinic or hospital one hour before your scheduled appointment. You will be asked to undress and wear a hospital gown. You will have an EKG depending on your age, your blood pressure and heart rate will be taken. Then they will start an IV line so it is ready to be hooked up when you go into the procedure room. Once you are ready you will be taken in for your colonoscopy. The doctor will review your medical history and reason for colonoscopy. The nurses will hook up your IV and give you sedation. Then the procedure starts but you will be unaware of what is happening. This is not a general anaesthetic, it is conscious sedation. You will be able to respond to staff but you will not remember a thing. Next you will wake up back in the recovery room. It takes 20 minutes or so to fully be aware of your surroundings. You will be hooked up to a monitor and nurses will make sure you are ok. They will call your contact person to come pick you up. You may not drive yourself since you had been sedated. The staff will inform your of your colonoscopy results and will give you a printed copy and send a copy to your doctor. Once you are fully awake you may get dressed and go home.

If you are uneasy with the whole idea, remember that colonoscopies save lives! Polyps can be removed during the procedure so they never turn into cancer. If there are any lesions viewed they can be removed in further surgery or can be treated with medications. The worst part of the whole thing is drinking the prep. You will not have any pain from the colonoscopy nor any memory of it.

Colon Cancer Screening

 Your risk of developing cancer in your lifetime is about 45%. A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Some types of cancer are highly survivable and an early diagnosis can help make surviving a reality. Getting screened for cancer can make a huge difference in the outcome, so let's talk about screening tests.

About 69 persons in Canada are diagnosed with colon cancer every single day. Most colon cancer happens to older adults, aged 50 and over but this is trending to more young people being diagnosed now.

In Manitoba, screening for colon cancer for most people starts at age 50. If you have a Manitoba Health number, the Colon Check program will mail you a FIT test for you to do at home. This is a Fecal Immunochemical Test and is sent to you once every two years until age 74. Instructions are in the package, and you collect a small amount of stool on a swab and mail it in. You will receive your results by mail in a week or two, and your doctor will also get results. This is an easy, non invasive screening program. If your result is normal nothing further is needed until the next FIT test is due.

If your FIT result is abnormal you will be referred for a colonoscopy. The wait time is short, about a month. You will have an appointment for a review and then a colonoscopy will be scheduled within a week or two. If you have symptoms that include persistent abdominal pain, change of bowel habits lasting at least 2 weeks, or have visible blood in your stool you should contact your doctor for referral for testing even if you are not due for a FIT test.

If you are under 50 and have a personal history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or Lynch Syndrome, have a sibling, parent or child diagnosed with colon cancer under age 60, or have two or more relatives diagnosed at any age you are at increased risk of developing colon cancer. In this case you should be screened with a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years. Note that Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not increase your risk of colon cancer.

You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by being screened with a FIT test and if necessary by colonoscopy. Also eating healthy by limiting highly processed foods, alcohol and not smoking. The next post will discuss the process of getting a colonoscopy - its not as bad as you think!

Tears of joy

 Do you ever wonder if your donation to Cancer Crossing actually helps anyone? Wonder no more! A recipient of your generosity recently wrote to us to tell us how moved she was when she opened our letter and found our support payment included. She said she sat down and cried - that's how much of a difference your support means to cancer patients in Manitoba. She went on to tell us that her cheque could not have come at a better time. She was feeling very alone, with few friends or family walking her journey alongside her. And the boost she got from knowing that she was not forgotten gave her the strength to continue.

You can continue to help others in need by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/. We are a registered charity, tax receipts will be given.

Interlake man

 An Interlake man with prostate cancer has asked for help to pay for transportation costs to travel to Winnipeg for radiation therapy. His estimated total travel over the course of his treatment is about 10,000 km. As he is on a limited pension he needs help to pay for travel. Cancer Crossing has stepped in to give him a hand up. We rely on your assistance to help others , please donate generously at https://cancercrossing.com/. We are a registered charity and provide tax receipts.

Woman with leukemia

 When you are on CPP, OAS and GIC, have no savings and nothing left over at the end of the month it doesn't take much to put you in a precarious position. This was the case for a women from north-western Manitoba. She is in her early 70s and was diagnosed with leukemia. She had limited assistance from family but couldn't find the money to travel to Winnipeg for testing. Cancer Crossing helped out with a donation to pay for travel costs. We appreciate all your donations to help Manitobans with cancer. Please donate at https://cancercrossing.com/, tax deductible receipts are provided.

Northern man

 Cancer Crossing was approached to assist a man from the far north of Manitoba. He is in his 70s and has prostate cancer. He is without resources and has no family or friends to lean on for help. He gets some CPP and EI benefits but the amount is meager. He is at the end of his options, yet still must pay for accommodations while he is in Winnipeg for treatments. Help us to help Manitobans like him. Please donate at https://cancercrossing.com/, tax deductible receipts are provided.

Riding Mountain area man

 Cancer Crossing was asked to assist a man with prostate cancer. He lives in the Riding Mountain area of Manitoba. As he is self employed he does not have EI benefits, although he is expected to be off work for 8 weeks. The financial crunch was severe and we were pleased to offer some help toward travel for tests, surgery and treatments. We extend our best wishes for a full recovery to this gentleman.

Thanks

 A recent client emailed us to thank Cancer Crossing for the financial support while they had cancer. It eased the shortfall in finances. Their advice to others is to advocate for yourself and delegate that task when you don't have the energy. Donate to Cancer Crossing today and help us help others, tax deductible receipts are provided. http://www.cancercrossing.org/

Thank you

 Everyone wants to know that they make a positive difference in the world. At Cancer Crossing we appreciate the thank you notes we receive. Recently a recipient wrote to thank us, saying that our cheque helped them make the long trip from her treatment in Winnipeg to her home so that she could see her daughter. Both parent and child got a boost from this! Help us to help Manitobans with cancer by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/ Tax receipts will be given.

 When one child in a large family gets cancer it upends everyone's life. A 3-year old child from north-eastern Manitoba is in Winnipeg for treatment of leukemia. His parents and siblings are all with him. Between taking him to treatments and caring for all the children, helping them adjust to a new school and new place, the parents are not able to work. Luckily they are a close, happy family and they can navigate this upheaval together. Money is very tight and due to an accident in their building many of their personal items must be replaced. Cancer Crossing is happy to help this family in such a difficult time and send our best wishes for better days ahead. Donate at https://cancercrossing.com/

Two year old with neuroblastoma

 Cancer Crossing recently learned of a two year old child with neuroblastoma. She lives in northern Manitoba and she, her younger sister and her mother are currently in Winnipeg for the child's chemotherapy treatments. Their housing is provided to them and their only income is $500 a month from social assistance. Buying diapers and wipes and food has become unaffordable and so we were pleased to be able to provide financial assistance to make ends meet. Help us help Manitobans living with cancer. Donations are gratefully received at https://cancercrossing.com/ Tax deductible receipts will be given.

Trouble sleeping?

 There is an exciting new study involving cancer survivors that is being conducted in Dr. Sheila Garland’s Sleep, Health, and Wellness Lab at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). The purpose of the study is to examine the efficacy of smartphone-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in improving sleep among cancer survivors.

We are recruiting cancer survivors across Canada who have problems with sleep and who have either 1. completed active cancer treatment at least three months ago, or 2. who have been considered clinically stable for at least three months.

Sleep is foundational to physical and mental health and quality of life. Despite sleep difficulties being one of the most common challenges experienced by cancer survivors, it remains one of the most undertreated. This research is an important step toward making effective insomnia treatment accessible to cancer survivors.

If you are interested please click on the following links to learn more. You may also email icansleepapp@gmail.com for more information or to determine if you are eligible.

https://www.mun.ca/medicine/faculty-and-staff-resources/faculty-a-z/garland-sheila-n.php

https://drsheilagarland.com/icansleep-app

Donate through payroll deduction

 Did you know that Cancer Crossing is a registered charity in Canada? We are now able to provide you with a tax deductible receipt for your donations.

Employees of the City of Winnipeg are now able to donate through payroll deduction and they made that happen simply by asking the HR department to set it up. You can ask your employer to do the same.

We are an entirely volunteer run charity which means we have low expenses and most of your donation goes directly to cancer patients in Manitoba.

Woman with pancreatic cancer

 A Winnipeg women reached out for help. She has pancreatic cancer, which is a tough cancer with a tough treatment program. She had chemotherapy here before traveling to Toronto for surgery. She is self employed and her earnings were almost non existent, the expenses around travel to Toronto were more than she could absorb. Cancer Crossing gladly gave her a hand up so she could pay this bill. Sometimes just knowing someone is in your corner can help as much as financial help does. We receive your donations gratefully at https://cancercrossing.com/, a tax deductible receipt will be provided.

Man with lung cancer

 Cancer Crossing was contacted regarding a man with lung cancer. He is 64 years old and his income consisted solely of CPP. This meant that he had a shortfall every month and could not pay his bills. He was turning 65 soon and was optimistic that his financial situation would be easier then since he would then qualify to receive OAS. He just needed a little help to bridge that gap so that he could buy the medication and supplements that he needs. We were glad to be there when he needed us! Help us help others by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/, tax receipts will be given.

Woman from south eastern Manitoba

 A woman from south-eastern Manitoba contacted Cancer Crossing for financial assistance. She has had a hysterectomy as part of her cancer treatment. Additionally she has had chemotherapy and will be going for 28 days of radiation treatment. She is unable to work and is receiving EI payments. Their budget is tight. We were pleased to be able to help her with a cheque to pay for gas so she can get to her treatments. Help us to help Manitobans with cancer. Your donations are gratefully received at https://cancercrossing.com/. Tax receipts will be provided.

Thank you from patient's family

 The family of a cancer patient recently sent us thanks for the help they received from Cancer Crossing. They remarked that everyone that is involved in cancer treatment and assistance has gone above and beyond in the level of compassion, understanding and care. They were given help in ways that were unexpected. We are glad that we were part of thegroup that has shown this level of kindness and we couldn't do it without your financial support. Cancer Crossing is entirely volunteer run and we depend on your donations. Please give at https://cancercrossing.com/

Young mom from the Interlake needs support

 Cancer Crossing was approached by a woman from the Interlake. She is in her late 30s and has cervical cancer. There is no volunteer driving program in her community and she must travel to Winnipeg for many of her treatments, including daily radiation therapy. She is awaiting disability benefits and meanwhile her only source of income is child tax benefits. We were glad to be of help to her with a cheque to help pay for transportation. Cancer Crossing gladly accepts your donations so we can help those in need. https://cancercrossing.com/

Young dad receives help

 Cancer Crossing was approached to help a young dad with cancer. He and his wife have two small children. His wife was on maternity leave when he was diagnosed and so she is now caring for him as well as the children. She now has no income and he is on EI benefits. Their expenses exceed their income and so they need help. They must travel to Brandon and to Winnipeg for his treatments which is a financial hardship. Cancer Crossing is pleased to help them and send him best wishes for a return to full health. Help us help others, donate at https://cancercrossing.com/

Cancer patient is grateful for help

 When a parent has cancer it affects the entire family. Such was the case for a young mom and her son, who struggled with family issues and with her diagnosis. This mom asked for nothing for herself, but she did ask us to help her son with costs to play in a sports league. Due to her cancer she was not able to afford his fees. She wrote that she was amazed and her son was so grateful for the generosity that was given them through Cancer Crossing. Your help makes a difference in many lives, please donate at https://cancercrossing.com/. Charitable tax receipts will be given.

Thanks for help buying medications

 A recent client sent us a letter of thanks. She wrote that Cancer Crossing provided financial help so that she was able to pay for two months of medication. Her employer had canceled her extended health insurance after she went on disability and this left her with substantial bills to pay. Her suggestion to other cancer patients was to speak to the social worker that helps you through your cancer and have them assist you to find help. Once again we were pleased to step into the gap and help someone navigate their cancer and to provide some monetary assistance. Help us to help others by donating at https://cancercrossing.com/, charitable tax receipts are available for donations.

Woman with oral cancer

 A woman from western Manitoba has asked Cancer Crossing for financial help. She has an oral cancer and must stay in Winnipeg for many weeks while she undergoes radiation therapy. She would like to travel home on weekends in order to see her teenage child. This is out of reach for her and so we were pleased to offer a cheque to help pay for fuel. There are so many burdens and worries when a person has cancer and we are happy to have helped to lift one of them. Our sincere best wishes for a return to health.