The Big Thyroid Guard Question

A recent episode of Dr. Oz was all about the risks of thyroid cancer.  One warning given during the show was that doctors rarely use thyroid guards during mammograms and dental x-rays, leaving patients at risk of exposing their thyroid to radiation and potentially increasing their chances for thyroid cancer.  According to the show, thyroid guards are readily available during these procedures, but are rarely used.  The seriousness of this topic caused a lot of confusion and fear among many patients, even causing some to cancel mammograms because of it.  So we did a little research to see what the real story is.

According to the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, the concerns about mammograms significantly increasing the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer are “simply not supported in scientific literature.”  It seems that the amount of radiation that reaches the thyroid during a mammogram is equal to the amount you would receive from natural “background sources” from standing outside for 30 minutes.  Overall, the lifetime risk of developing cancer from the tiny amount of radiation scattered to the thyroid is less than one in 17.1 million.  Further, the tiny risk should be balanced against the much greater risk of a thyroid guard not fitting properly and partially blocking breast imaging or interfering with mammogram results and possible diagnosis.  Therefore, the ACR and SBI don’t recommend using a thyroid guard during a mammogram. If you are still worried, definitely have a conversation with your doctor about the pros and cons to make an individual decision with your own healthcare professional.

As for dental x-rays, the thyroid is located much closer to the jaw – right behind it, in fact.  A full dental panel also requires many more images than a mammogram and potentially more radiation exposure.  It is also possible that in order to capture certain necessary angles, the x-rays may be pointed directly at the thyroid.   With those facts in mind, a thyroid guard for dental x-rays makes more sense.  Again, as with any medical decisions, you should have a conversation with your own doctor about the risks facing you during any x-rays, and feel free to request the thyroid guard as you see fit.

At Gilda’s Club Chicago, we strive to keep our members informed and encourage open discussions on all topics pertaining to your health. 

Member Profile: Haya

Gilda’s Club gave me back my self-confidence, my self-respect, taught me how to look good again and how to feel good about myself. This Club saved me.  I’m saying it with the greatest  conviction. I don’t have family in this country. I’m not the type of person to lean on others. But you can’t do this alone.

After my surgery, a friend gave me a flyer on Gilda’s Club’s support groups. I took to my group like a fish to water. They have embraced me. I could not have made it without their support. I have loved every minute in Gilda’s Club, from the minute I entered the first time through the red door. It has been wonderful. The resource library and the excellent lectures on cancer have taught me a great deal. It’s more than education- it’s an insight into cancer. It helps you adjust to life with cancer. You can put your arms around it and look it square in the eye.

Gilda’s Club is a home. A home away from home. I don’t know how I would have gone through this without Gilda’s Club Chicago.

Happy New Year!!

Welcome back to Gilda’s Blah Blah Blog! We had tons of fun during the holidays and are looking forward to an exciting 2012.

2011 gave us much to celebrate. Members are always our biggest priority, so we’re thrilled to announce an amazing increase in new members – both at the Clubhouse and at hospital sites. A BIG welcome to our new friends!

As our efforts to reach as many people as possible continue, we were able to connect with more area hospitals to expand our program; most notably at the University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center and Advocate Christ Medical Center.

We had a record-breaking year in other ways as well: fundraising, Teen Essay submissions, Noogieland and summer camp program attendance, to name just a few.

We’ve set some incredible goals for 2012. Keep up-to-date on all of the happenings at the Clubhouse and hospital sites through our blog, Facebook, and Twitter. For more information, visit our website at www.gildasclubchicago.org.

“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” - Gilda Radner

Calling all TEENS!!

Even the greatest writers of all time began with just simply sharing a story.  We’d like to hear yours.  It’s time, once again, for the “It’s Always Something” Teen Essay Contest presented by Gilda’s Club Chicago.  We are looking for anyone in 9^th, 10^th, 11^th or 12^th grades to put pen to paper, so to speak, about their experience with cancer – either through a personal diagnosis or that of a family member or friend.  Students have the opportunity to win scholarships and prizes decided by a panel of celebrity judges.  Entry forms and essays must be received electronically by December 12.  All of the details can be found in the flyer and at the links listed below.  Contact Jamie Mazer Wiener with any questions.

To submit your essay online, please click here:

Submit Essay Online

For a printable entry form and contest guidelines in English, please click here: 

Printable Entry Form in English

For a printable entry form and contest guidelines in Spanish, please click here:

Forma de Registracion en Espanol

 

Do you feel that chill in the air?

Autumn is here! Gilda’s Club Chicago gave a warm welcome to the crisp air by celebrating Hispanic Heritage month with a Fall Festival.  The colorful fiesta brought food, music and art together in a cultural tribute to our Hispanic friends and members.  It also marked the seasonal opening of Gilda’s Gallery.  Artists of all ages submitted work to be displayed and showcase their talents to Clubhouse visitors.  Check out all of the art on the 2^nd floor during your next visit. 

We have been out and about this month working with a lot of our friends and partnering organizations in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Among all of the events, we are hosting our own Open House for Allied Professionals to come down to the Clubhouse and get a taste of what GCC has to offer.  This is a great chance for the people we work with in hospitals and through other groups to see us at home, so to speak. 

One last call to action here:  We are looking for High School students with a story to share.  It’s Always Something Teen Essay Contest begins NOW!  Take this opportunity to write about your experience with a diagnosis or that of a friend or family member.  Your narrative could help others and gives you the chance to win an iPad2 or some cold hard cash.  Entries are due by December 12, 2011 and prizes will be awarded by a panel of celebrity judges. For more information, please contact our Noogieland Coordintor at the main clubhouse.

Stay warm as the weather starts to change in the Windy City, and if you’re ever looking for a cozy place to hang out, check out everything we have to offer on the Clubhouse calendar.  Hope to see you soon!

Starting A Family After Cancer

Gilda’s Club Chicago has partnered with the Oncofertility Consortium at Northwestern University (OFCNU) and Patient Navigator, Kristen Smith to host a Networking Group once a month designed for people who want to get together to share stories, ask questions, express concerns and get more information about starting a family after cancer.  

The OFCNU unites professionals to research and study the methods and information important to patients in understanding what to expect looking into fertility options after a cancer diagnosis and/or cancer treatment.  Patients work with a Patient Navigator – someone who works on individual cases with the patients and providers through all aspects of the fertility preservation process to discuss topics including:

• The effects, threats and potentially harmful interactions of life-preserving cancer drugs.
• Methods for freezing, storing and growing human tissue as well as in vitro options.
• Possible communication barriers between cancer patients, their supporters and physicians.
• Outside social influences that may sway individual decisions
• The role of health care practitioners, clergy and counselors in cancer-related decision making.
• Ethical or legal concerns that may arise at any part of the process.
• Fertility-related decisions involving families with a child diagnosed with cancer.

Next week, the OFCNU is hosting a conference to highlight the evolution of the science behind the fertility preservation process.  It will examine the clinical and social sciences, giving patients and their families the best tools to understand what to expect in considering their options for future fertility.  The conference will be held at the Prentice Women’s Hospital on September 12, 13, and 14.  Click HERE for more information.

We’re thrilled to collaborate with the OCFNU, giving everyone the opportunity to have the conversation about oncofertility wellness and making a plan prior to undergoing treatment.  Beginning in October, please join us at the Starting a Family After Cancer Networking Group on the first Tuesday of every month at the Main Clubhouse.  Check out our website or call the Clubhouse for more details.  

Beyond the Clubhouse

Everything we offer at the Clubhouse in Chicago's River North neighborhood is meant to help teach, relax, inspire and bring us together. These activities are so popular and so beneficial, that we decided to expand to some of the local hospital locations where patients may already be receiving treatment.  Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Medical Center are two of those locations where you can enjoy Art as Relaxation or Mind Body techniques while you wait for an appointment or as a more convenient means of participating.

RUSH Hospital includes programs for both outpatient and inpatient care.  Three days a week, our facilitators at RUSH provide the opportunity to get involved in drawing, creating collage art, origami, tai chi, gentle yoga, as well as stress relief practices and guided meditation.  In addition, we have a number of networking groups where you can meet others and share stories of personal experiences through a life touched by cancer.  There are general cancer groups, as well as several cancer and culturally specific groups.  For a full list of activities and groups, please check out our monthly calendar.

The University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) is full of art and relaxation two days out of every week.  Recently, we began two new networking groups co-facilitated by the American Cancer Society.  On the third Thursday of every month is a General Cancer networking group and a group for Women of Color  is offered on the second Wednesday of the month.  This group, in particular, has been well-attended with a collection of very strong and faithful women.  Dian, a frequent participant, shared that, “This is my great stress relief. Coming here is a highlight for me. Being with friends and finding laughter really just helps.”  Please look for our monthly calendar for specific times and activities.

We, too, enjoy the peace and friendship we encounter through these programs.  Whether it’s in a hospital setting or at the Clubhouse, come as you are!

 I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end.  -Gilda Radner