Interview Series: Dr. Hua-Bing Wen on Eastern Medicine and Finding the Perfect Combination for You

Dr. Wen's 3-part Lunch and Learn series is beginning on Monday, February 2nd at 12pm. RSVP now to save your spot!

Q&A with Dr. Hua-Bing Wen

Dr. Hua-Bing Wen, B. Med., MS, L.Ac. (licensed acupuncturist) returns this month to the CSC Benjamin Center in a 3-part series which will explore the benefits of Eastern (Traditional) medicine in cancer care and treatment. Continue reading to find out more about Dr. Wen and Eastern (Traditional) Medicine and sign up for what will surely be a fascinating, informative workshop!

Dr. Wen, thank you for speaking with us today. Please tell readers a bit about yourself. How long have you been practicing Eastern medicine? 

I received my medical degree in 1987 from Beijing University, where they offered a 6-year program that trained us in both “Conventional” Western medicine as well as “Traditional” Eastern medicine or what we refer to today as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I continued on to do research while gaining extensive clinical experience through my residency in an integrative program that combined Eastern and Western medicine. Thereafter, I moved to the United States and have been practicing in Los Angeles for over 20 years. I also teach in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey.

I've been very interested in cancer and in helping patients battle cancer right from the very beginning. The ideal treatment, in my experience, has been for patients with cancer to combine traditional methods, such as acupuncture, herbs, and qi gong with Western medicine. The patients seem to benefit most from an integrative approach. For the past 2 years, we've been running an acupuncture clinic specifically for cancer patients and a large percentage of my patients are fighting cancers of many types.

Due to my training in both Eastern and Western medicine, as well my extensive clinical experience utilizing the approaches of both disciplines, I believe I provide a unique perspective and a more comprehensive understanding of how to treat cancer. My practice incorporates methods to strengthen the immune system, which is a major part of cancer care. 

What are 3 things you hope community members will learn from your three workshops? 

1. The benefits of acupuncture with cancer treatment 

2. How to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine with cancer treatment

3. Nutrition and cancer prevention

There’s really a lot that can be done if you combine Eastern and Western ideas in the right way. In fact, the two often work hand in hand. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as acupuncture and taking the right herbal formulations, can alleviate side effects of chemotherapy and boost the immune system, which strengthens the body and speeds up recovery. When it comes to cancer prevention, there are some basic principles and approaches that I would like to share, which will be very useful to this community.

I also want members to come in with questions, as I am always happy to try to answer and provide as much knowledge and information as I can. I bring a different perspective, which I hope will be valuable to this group. 

What are some advantages of incorporating Eastern Medicine into a treatment plan, particularly for those affected by cancer? 

Let me give an example. I have a patient who was diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasized (spread) to the brain. She was given 3 months to live. She began acupuncture and started taking herbs in conjunction with a light dose of chemotherapy. She is in her seventies today, cancer free and recently competed on the show "Dancing with the Stars.” It's amazing what finding the right combination between Eastern and Western medicine can do. 

** Update: If you have any questions for Dr. Wen, please comment below and we will forward them on to him to be answered in his upcoming workshops on Feb. 9 and Feb. 23. Thank you!

Cancer Support, Education, & Hope: Living and Dressing Beyond the Pink

Cancer Support, Education, & Hope: Living and Dressing Beyond the Pink: Pink and White Jacket with Pink Breast Cancer Scarf    On my last day of chemo I was both elated and anxious. Why? Because ...

Living and Dressing Beyond the Pink

Pink and White Jacket with Pink Breast Cancer Scarf

   On my last day of chemo I was both elated and anxious. Why? Because I was finally going to leave behind my breast cancer struggle and re-enter the world as a survivor and a warrior, with a new set of skills. I had learned how to live with an inhumane amount of pain and discomfort and my physical appearance had changed in ways I'd have to adjust to. I also had learned how to survive, in a world, where I was now considered disabled.

    Little did I realize when I left the safety, security and support of the environments where others helped me get through this chapter of my life, I'd be entering a world where I was reacquainted with racism because I'm African-American, ageism, and a negative onslaught from my own race and other minorities because of the way I dress and present myself. The worst has been on my job search and through my continued educational pursuits. As an African-American female I'm used to prejudice, obstacles and a general ignorance about my abilities, but I have to admit the vitriol I've encountered during this phase of my post-cancer journey has surprised even an experienced "target" like myself.In a way I see it as another form of cancer, but this time it's outside of my body.

    Initially, and also during the worst moments, when so-called experts told me to "tone down my appearance" and "dumb myself down" to get a job, I experienced so much anger and shock the stress took a toll on my body and I became physically ill. I had to figure out a way to confront and combat this negativity and continue striving to be the best person I could be now that I was on the other side of chemo.

     One solution was to complain about the way I was being treated, to the right people, and seek advice on how to deal with these problems. When I told a career counselor, who works with cancer patients, about the job-related comments regarding my personal style, educational and high skill level, she agreed with me that it was racist, inappropriate and unprofessional. Most importantly she reminded me, "The next time anyone tries to hold you down think about what Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and other strong black women would do in your situation, and do what they'd do."

     This advice helped me immeasurably and made me realize I shouldn't be trying to fit into an environment where my best self wasn't accepted and couldn't thrive, I should be searching for a more positive fit and situation. During this revelation I was also struggling to deal with my altered physique following my reconstruction. The plastic surgeon had rejuvenated me by fixing what cancer altered, but now that I could wear regular (non-mastectomy) bras and was a little larger I had to change how I dressed yet again. This time, however, I thoroughly embraced and accepted my inner fashionista and proudly wore the clothes I wanted to. Do you know what happened because of this approach? I started to feel good about myself again and enjoy dressing up in nice things, especially pink ones.

    In addition to being associated with breast cancer, because of the pink ribbon, pink has been my favorite color ever since I changed it from red. Long "associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, childhood, the feminine, and the romantic," last October I was very pleased to see a rack of pink clothes at one of my favorite thrift stores, Council Thrift Store, celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I selected a lovely pink and white checked blazer from it and bought it immediately. Structured, and slightly retro, it represented exactly how I felt at the time.

     Over these past months, where I've continued to suffer from crushing racism and employment obstacles, I've continuously turned to the color pink and worn it when I need to feel strong. For the day I had to go to my ECE 11 class at Santa Monica College, after a particularly grueling weekend of homework, I decided to try out a new look accented with pink. Using my pink breast cancer socks as a starting point I coordinated my pink and white floral blazer with an off-white lacy sleeveless top worn over a short-sleeved t-shirt, grey harem pants, then accessorized the outfit with a pink knit Betsey Johnson scarf, a pink and gold bow bracelet and flowered sneakers.Buoyed by the bright shade and unusual combination I was able to get through the day despite my exhaustion.

    After going through so much hardship and revelation throughout my life, before, during and after cancer I'm not sure whether the color pink has special healing powers for me or not, but I do think it has the ability to make me feel happy, beautiful and resilient regardless, which is good enough for me.

Interesting Facts About the Color Pink:

1. The prime era for pink was during the Rococo Period (1720-1777) in the 18th century.
2. The name was initially used in the 17th century.
3. Pink was known as a "masculine color" in the 19th century.
4. Italian fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) "created a new variety of the color, called Shocking Pink in 1931.
5. In the 1960's, Jacqueline Kennedy made pink a popular "high-fashion color".

CSC Benjamin Center Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Judy Silk

This month, we wanted to provide a "behind-the-scenes" look at one of the CSC Benjamin Center's extraordinary volunteers! Judy Silk has been volunteering and bringing positive energy to the community for more than a year. Quick fun fact to get us started: Judy started doing stand-up comedy at the age of 55! 

To learn more about ways to help, please visit our homepage. New Volunteer Orientation is held every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 3pm with the next one scheduled for January 13, 2015. For more information on volunteering opportunities, please visit the CSC Benjamin Center home page and fill out the volunteer form, here. 

Hi Judy! Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? What is your favorite YouTube video? What is your day job?

I am from Anaheim, CA. I grew up by Disneyland! We went at least once a year and I worked there in High School. I went to college in northern California, in Santa Cruz. 

My favorite YouTube video? It's mean, but also hilarious: 

I am a freelance writer and a performer at the Story Salons. I am a writer/storyteller. 

How long have you been volunteering with the CSC? 

For about a year. 

What made you want to get involved? 

I was in the caregiver's support group and after my husband passed, I began volunteering and helping give orientations. I have a real fervor about getting the word out about the Community. It's incredible what the offerings are and how incredibly helpful it is to people. When I was in the caregiver's group, I really came in kind of stumbling because I was so afraid of everything that was happening and it helped me ease my fears and cope with everything that I had to cope with. 

There were people who really understood what I was going through. Collectively, we all supported each other. 

As a volunteer and member, what resources have been particularly useful for you?

I got so much out of the support groups. Other highlights: lunch and learns, open mic night. There are many more activities I would like to participate in, though!

Describe your typical day here at the CSC Benjamin Center?

I volunteer on Friday mornings, and I also lead orientation. Twice a month, I set up a table at the UCLA Cancer Comprehensive Care Center department to provide information about the various support groups offered here at the CSC. There's been a lot of interest in our Kid Support groups, so I provide information about that as well as answer any general questions about our programs.

What has been your favorite experience as a volunteer, so far? 

Leading orientation has been my favorite experience. When people first come in, you can sense their hesitation and fear and then they visibly relax when they learn there is somebody out there that can understand the scope of what they are going through. Even though we always say the orientation is not a support group, it almost functions as that - it feels so nice to know that they're going to have some camaraderie as they face the challenges that a cancer diagnosis brings. 

I love it when I see familiar faces coming back. When I see people who were in my orientation and they come to yoga or a lunch and learn - that always feels good. 

Do you have any advice for prospective volunteers interested in getting involved? 

Just jump in! It's a guaranteed gratifying experience. Time spent volunteering is such an important contribution to people who are going through so much stress and anxiety - even the smallest gestures that we make have an impact and you can sense the bit of relief that they get through talking and sharing with you. It feels good to help somebody else. 

Finally, if you're thinking about visiting the CSC at all, just remember that: 1) you're not alone, and 2) it's free! Let me state that one more time - all of the programming offered here at the CSC is free! It's a truly wonderful organization. 

--

Thank you to Judy Silk for her continued involvement and support. Next up: staff spotlight! Who will it be? Comment below with names and/or suggestions!

What about the kids (and young adults)?

Earlier this year, the Cancer Support Community Benjamin Center began its Kid Support program, a free program for families with children ages 5-17 who have a parent, grandparent, other family member or friend with cancer, or for children who have cancer themselves. Kid Support offers children and teens an opportunity to make friends and learn skills to help them cope with the impact of cancer. The group meets each Thursday from 6-8pm, and parents/caregivers are welcome to join (RSVP required to register: 310-314-2555). To learn more about Kid Support offered at the CSC each week, please visit the CSC Benjamin Center website. 

   Kid Support: 

 WHO: For kids ages 5-17 affected by cancer

 WHAT: Children, Teen & Family  programs

 WHERE: CSC Benjamin Center (1990 S. Bundy  Drive)

 WHEN: Every Thursday from 6-8pm 

 WHY:

 - learn new skills for living with stressors of  cancer

 - get questions answered

 - learn helpful ways to communicate

 - learn relaxation techniques

 - have fun! (art, games, activities, etc.)

In addition to Kid Support, the CSC Benjamin Center offers dedicated support groups for young adults facing cancer, every Wednesday from 6-8pm. Over 70,000 AYAs are newly diagnosed each year. Last year, I attended an adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology symposium, where adolescents and survivors discussed the unique challenges facing this group, given that AYAs are old enough to understand the realities of a cancer diagnosis and yet, still young enough that they have the majority of their lives left ahead. 

YOUNG ADULT SUPPORT:

WHO: For young adults with cancer ages 18-40
WHAT: Support group
WHERE: CSC Benjamin Center (1990 S. Bundy Drive)
WHEN: Every Wednesday from 6-8pm
WHY: Los Angeles has a growing population of young adult survivors; this is an opportunity to come together in a trusting environment to share concerns and information. For more information, please click here. 

In addition to in-person group support, please check out further online resources below that may be helpful in navigating cancer as a young adult. 

• seventyK
• Resources for age-appropriate treatment including a Wellness Network for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals
• Critical Mass
• Provides a voice for the AYA cancer movement
• Journal of Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO)
• First cancer journal dedicated to the AYA population; provides a central forum for peer-reviewed articles, reviews and research in the field 
• Young Survival Coalition 
• Community of resources and support for young women with breast cancer
• Vital Options
• Provides video and radio content for everyone touched by cancer
• Stupid Cancer
• Community behind The Stupid Cancer Radio Show and the OMG! Cancer Summit for Young Adults
• Planet Cancer (now part of LIVEStrong)
• Support, resources and "cancertainment" for young adults with cancer

When my grandmother was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma

My grandmother, in her white coat, with my father in Japan

When my grandmother was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, I felt far away and helpless in my ability to help. My grandmother was in Japan, where she had just recently retired after more than 55 years in practice as an ob-gyn. I was in America, completing my first year at Stanford University, where I was just embarking on my own journey towards becoming a doctor. Despite the generational, cultural and linguistic gaps, I had always felt a special tie to my grandmother, who - like myself - had grown up between worlds (she, between China and Japan; myself, between Japan and America). She was a trailblazer and an inspiration, and it was a shock for anyone who knew her to learn that she had cancer.

After her initial diagnosis, my father (also a doctor) and I delved into the literature surrounding mesothelioma. The incidence of peritoneal (affecting the abdomen) as opposed to pleural (the lungs) is quite low - even today, only 10-15% of the ~3300 cases in the U.S. each year are peritoneal (source). In Japan, where my grandmother lived, those figures are even lower. There hadn't been much research into this type of cancer, as it's pleural form is more common; however, its only known cause is through exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was heavily used in industry before being banned in the late eighties (in the US). As I poured through the articles, I started to realize her prognosis may not be good.

When I finally made it back to Japan to visit my grandmother, however, I could no longer hide behind my facts and research - I had to face the emotional truth that my grandmother was passing. Over her CT scans and test results, I suppressed the growing sensation that she might not get better. Looking frail sitting up in her bed, I wanted to urge her to not give up. At the same time, I wanted to let her know she could relax. So, I sat by her bedside, playing the role of cheerful granddaughter, reciting recently acquired Mandarin phrases. I remember that there was a lot of silence those days, and yet that the air was thick - full of unspoken thoughts, memories and, always, hope that maybe this would not be the end. As time passed, my grandmother laid out careful instructions for my father regarding a funeral, her house and my grandparent's finances (my grandmother took care of everything, it seemed). Watching her choreograph her own funeral, I let my mind wander to images of her at a more vibrant period in life: my grandmother, rushing to the hospital in the middle of the night. Her furrowed brow as she poured over her patient's paperwork. Her gentle smile and rolling laughter as she taught my brother and I the art of making gyoza (dumplings). She had worked so hard her entire life - she had been one of the only women in her medical school and had left her home country due to the war to establish life in a new country. And she had never once complained. Someone coughed, dissipating my little revery and I looked up at the much older-looking, less energetic woman sitting up in bed.

My grandmother passed away in the spring of 2008, less than one year after she received an initial diagnosis. I think about her often. I think about the conversations we would have as I study for the MCAT, when I am in medical school and when I finally become a doctor.

Losing my grandmother was difficult, but the impact she left will continue to inspire me for as long as I live. It is comforting to know that as long as we continue to remember and take joy in the memories of those who have passed, they continue on. I am honored to "carry the torch" so to speak, as my grandmother devoted her life towards improving the health and well-being of so many others. I can only hope to leave the same kind of legacy.

The Punishing Cost of Cancer Care

By Mikkael A. Sekeres, M.D.

“I think it’s time to switch therapies,” I told my patient, as he and his wife sat next to each other by the wall of my exam room.

He stared at me, unblinking, through his chipped, wire-rimmed glasses as his wife looked quickly down at the medication list she clutched in her hands. Her worn purse sat on the floor by her chair. “Switching therapies” was a euphemism for “your cancer is progressing,” a point I didn’t need to hammer home with them – they both knew the score.

“O.K.” he said, taking a deep breath. “What’s next?”

We had been navigating his cancer together for a year-and-a-half, balancing the most effective treatments we could devise with what his health insurance would cover, and what he could afford. The 90-mile drive to Cleveland was itself an economic strain, gas prices being what they were and their aging car becoming increasingly more finicky, particularly during the cold winter months.... Read the full post on NYT's Well Blog.