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CELEBRATE LIFE Ladies Cancer Support Group Carol Davidson , 941-575-0956, dcdavidson@earthlink.net

We were very
pleased to have
Dr. Lubiner, DO,
make his annual
visit to ‘Celebrate
Life’ for our
November
meeting. We were
happy to have
some male guests
hear his talk and
participate in
questions and
answers. Dr.
Lubiner shared information he had gained at a
Medical Seminar on Cancer he just attended in
Orlando. He said that many physicians made
presentations on the latest trials and treatments for cancer. The most promising advancement is the use of
immunotherapy. This treatment stimulates the immune system to attack the cancer. Immunotherapy is a treatment that
uses the body's own natural defenses to fight cancer. White blood cells (T cells) that make up the immune system can
be stimulated in several ways by specially designed drugs that allow them to recognize and kill cancer cells. Treatment
with Immunotherapy began with Melanomas, with good results. Now, it has been adapted and applied to many other
types of cancer. Immunotherapy is more cancer specific than chemotherapy, so there are usually fewer side effects than
‘conventional’ chemotherapy.

It is so encouraging to know that progress is being made in
prevention, earlier diagnosis, better treatments and even cures
for cancer. This is why the Celebrate Life ladies are so thankful
this Thanksgiving.

As women cancer survivors, we have a team for ‘Relay for Life’
to support the American Cancer Society in their efforts to
diagnose, treat and eliminate cancers. We try to stay informed
to help ourselves and others in the fight against Cancer. We
are continuing to sell chances for our quilt to raise money for
Relay for Life.

Our next meeting will be our Christmas Party on December 6 at
St. Andrews South Country Club. We will bring guests and, I
suspect, Santa will visit with gifts for all.

Our meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month and
we love to have ladies visit and enjoy the meeting and then join
us for lunch at a local restaurant. November 1 we went to the Elks and shared lots of stories and laughs. January 3 will
be our next regular meeting at 10 a.m. at the Civic Association. Join us.

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