The healing power of writing, or journaling, has long been shown to boost the spirits of cancer patients. Next time you come for a visit, bring a brightly colored journal or notepad to help your friend or loved one get started documenting their journey. A beautiful pen and pencil set along with an instamatic camera can be just the tools to help get that diary "off the ground." It may not seem funny right now to be losing your hair, for example, but months from now when its all grown back, you will both be able to look back and laugh!

To cancer patients:

It can be a stress reliever and "mind organizer" to write down your emotions, feelings, frustrations and successes as you journey on the road to recovery. Get a "writing buddy" who can help you document your story and take pictures along the way. One day soon, it will all be behind you, and you'll be glad you took the time to record the events that led to your recovery. And years from now, your posterity will be glad you took the time to share your story with all of them.

"There are some things so serious, you have to laugh at them."

-- Niels Henrik David Bohr Danish physicist, chemist

CONTEST: BE THE 15TH PERSON (in celebration of my 15 year anniversary) TO EMAIL THE CANCER CLUB REGARDING JOURNALING, AND YOU WILL WIN A FREE JOURNAL FROM THE CANCER CLUB! Email us at christine@cancerclub.com.

Blueberries, already known to contain potent antioxidants, have been found to be packed with yet another disease-fighting powerhouse: resveratrol. USDA chemist Agnes Rimando has found the berries are brimming with this phytochemical, also found in grapes and wine. It has been linked in lab tests and other studies to reduced rates of cancer. Lesser amounts of resveratrol have also been found in cranberries and huckleberries. Berry interesting...

Dear Cancer Club,

Amazing that you are writing about journaling this month. When I entered the hospital for cancer surgery, my friends presented me with a book of limericks they had written. We've been adding to it ever since.

To the hosital you go when you're sick. In your arms, the needles they stick. You don't get good rest. The food's not the best. Get well and get out of there quick!(Dr. Laurie Goldsticker)

After surgery, the nurses tried to get me to have a bowel movement, but I hadn't eaten in nearly 7 days!

Leslie was a sweet young lass Whom the nurses did certainly harass. "It takes more than soup, to make someone poop. We can't send you home with just gas!" (Dr. Laurie Goldsticker)

During chemotherapy, I couldn't eat a thing and couldn't eat meat at all.

My mother keeps offering treats. But taxol's too taxing for eats. When three hours are up, I'll be ready to sup On veggies and fruit, but not meats. (Jeanne Marcus)

Finally, one friend asked if there was anything off limits for our collection. "Hair is not a funny subject." I lightened up toward the end.

I looked under the wig that I wear And I said to myself, "I declare, Much to my surprise, With my very own eyes, I see 1.3" of hair!

Leslie Marcus Norfolk, VA

Dear Cancer Club,

During my Mary Kay meetings, we often talk about clothing being "warm, cool or neutral" in color. Once, I tossed my wig (I went Red) to my Director to demonstrate warm. Everyone laughed! It's not everyone who can share their hair. Thanks for your encouraging words.

Sue Erickson Lake Orion, MI

Dear Cancer Club,

My husband and I were watching one of those news magazines on TV, and they had a segment about alien sightings. My husband (of 31 years) said it was too bad I didn't meet one of these aliens. With my bald head, they would think I was one of them and immediately come in peace! Marti Martin Martinez, CA

ABOUT... FIVE LESSONS I DIDN'T LEARN FROM BREAST CANCER (and One Big One I Did)? by Shelley Lewis.$14.00. Available at bookstores everywhere.

ABOUT...PROTANDIM™ ? . If you knew for sure that it was possible to slow down the cellular aging of an 80-year-old to that of a 20-year-old, that was affordable, would that be of interest to you? Recommended by Christine Clifford. To learn more about Protandim, or an exciting business opportunity, please call The Cancer Club at (952)944-0639. Visit www.LifeVantage.com/LiveYoung and watch the ABC Prime Time video.

ABOUT...BRIGHT PINK? A unique nonprofit that provides education, support and a sense of community to young women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 2007 by Lindsay Avner, Bright Pink was born out her passion and dedication toward inspiring young women to be proactive with their health. Visit www.BeBrightPink.

Last month, The Cancer Club told you about an exciting new all natural supplement that is helping people like me~ Christine Clifford Beckwith~ improve my energy level, helping me sleep better and giving me more focus and clarity instead of "chemo brain." This month, I have another exciting new product that has helped me with my skin.

TrueScience skincare lotion was just launched only two months ago. And I have become the Poster Child for the company's advertising campaign, thanks to the incredible results I've experienced.

When I went through ten months of high-dose chemotherapy almost fifteen years ago, I was forced in to menopause at the age of 40. With no estrogen to support my skin tone, combined with growing up in southern California (and spending every waking moment of my childhood in the sun), my skin was damaged.

Only two months of using TrueScience have improved my collagen, removed sun and age spots, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and helped me feel the best I've felt in years about my appearance. I invite you to preview my "Before & After" photos and to call us today

I would personally like to encourage all of you to visit www.LifeVantage.com/LiveYoung, watch the ABC Prime Time video, and call me personally to tell you how you can improve your health starting today.

The Cancer Club™, based in Minneapolis, MN, was created by Christine Clifford following her diagnosis of breast cancer in 1994.

Needing a lift, Christine began to search for signs of humor in herself and her predicament. She found them daily. The more she laughed, the stronger she grew, and The Cancer Club™ was born.

The critically acclaimed Cancer Club™ is the first organization to offer hope and support to cancer patients, their families and friends through the healing power of humor. A dynamic speaker, Christine has traveled the globe with her presentations on the healing power of laughter.

Christine is the mother of two sons,Tim (25) and Brooks (22) and is grandmother to a Siberian Husky named Skylar. Call The Cancer Club™ today or email us to book Christine for your next event. Don't forget to laugh! ™

We hope you've enjoyed this edition of The Cancer Club™ eNewsletter. We'd like to thank our FABulous illustrator Jack Lindstrom of FAB Artists!

If you have a humorous or interesting story about cancer, send it to us at: P.O. Box 24747 Edina, MN 55424-0747 or email us at: Christine@cancerclub.com

Visit us online at www.cancerclub.com

Have a very merry and happy holiday season. Don't forget to laugh!™