Welcome to Pellegrino Integrative Cancer Center’s first-ever quarterly newsletter. Our goal is to provide patients and their loved ones with educational resources, information on our services, details about community events, and inspiration to stay emotionally well. This newsletter is a helpful resource for you, whether you are currently on a cancer journey or navigating survivorship. |
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“Cancer is only going to be a chapter in your life, not the whole story". Joe Wasser |
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In this edition: Who We Are: An Introduction to Pellegrino Integrative Cancer Center New Blog: 3 Reasons To Practice Meditation & Breathwork Throughout Your Cancer Journey Team Update: Catherine Cusumano, M.S., L.Ac Receives Certification in Oncology Acupuncture Beneficial Services: High Dose Vitamin C Therapy & IV Vitamin Infusions for Cancer Care Reduce Swelling & Other Symptoms: Learn How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Can Help Cancer Patients Eat Well: Healthy Chinese Chicken & Broccoli Recipe From Our Health & Lifestyle Coach On The Horizon: More Services Coming Soon |
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We pride ourselves on the level of care and compassion we provide to our patients. While our origin sister company Pellegrino Healing Center has always had a strong cancer care program, the increased demand for our holistic services is what led to the creation of Pellegrino Integrative Cancer Center. We are a collaboration of healthcare practitioners dedicated to delivering the highest standard of conventional, complementary, and alternative medicine. We nurture intrinsic healing in the whole person using a personalized approach and an extensive array of integrative modalities. At Pellegrino Integrative Cancer Center you will: ● Have a powerhouse of conventional and complementary care on your side ● Work together with a team of professionals experienced in the field of Oncology Care ● Experience a personalized and holistic approach ● Receive quality care in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere |
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"Expanding my healing center to encompass more integrative cancer care has been a dream of mine for a long time. Now that I have built my dedicated team, cancer patients and their families will finally be able to receive the specialized and compassionate cancer care that they deserve." Christine Pellegrino, M.S., L.Ac, Owner, Director & Lead Acupuncturist |
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"Christine Pellegrino and I have very similar stories and connections to breast cancer. I knew the day I met her, our paths had crossed for a purpose. Not only for my health and healing, but to bring something even greater to the people of the Hudson Valley." Diana L. Silverman, D.O., Breast Surgical Oncologist, Integrative Specialist |
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We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about how we got started. |
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3 Reasons To Practice Meditation & Breathwork Throughout Your Cancer Journey Every cancer journey comes with its own unique experience, but no matter what stage or level of health, meditation and breathwork can help support you and your needs. More and more scientific research is coming out to showcase how meditation and breathwork can help cancer patients with a number of physical and emotional challenges. Read our latest blog to find out how meditation and breathwork can be helpful throughout your cancer journey. |
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“Supporting people through their cancer journey has been one of the most profound experiences of my professional and personal life. My contributions to my patients’ relief and recovery have brought comfort into their lives at very difficult times. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with and help this community." Catherine Cusumano, M.S., L.Ac |
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Catherine Cusumano, M.S., L.Ac Receives Certification in Oncology Acupuncture. We are pleased to announce that we have added an acupuncturist to our integrative cancer center team. Catherine Cusumano, M.S., L.Ac brings over 20 years of experience in health and human services to Pellegrino Integrative Cancer Center. Catherine is what can be referred to as a well-balanced, alternative medicine practitioner. Her past experience includes receiving certifications in reiki, massage, and nutrition. Catherine has worked with cancer patients for a number of years, working collaboratively with breast surgeon Dr. Hannah Brooks and the charity Breast Cancer Options. In 2004, Catherine received her Master of Science in acupuncture from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in NYC, studying Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Japanese and trigger point release style. Catherine has successfully helped cancer patients in treatment and remission with pain, lymphedema, nausea due to chemotherapy, premature menopause and hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, anxiety, depression, and a wide range of other cancer-related mental and physical issues. Catherine received her Certification in Fundamentals of Oncology Acupuncture from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. To learn more about our Oncology Acupuncture program, visit our website page here. |
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Now Offering High Dose Vitamin C Therapy |
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Our High Dose IV Vitamin C therapy sessions are used to help reduce stress and combat side effects of chemotherapy and radiation like fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C has also been shown to help the body fight cancer cells directly. While lower doses of Vitamin C are beneficial for your immune system, you need high doses of IV Vitamin C to produce hydrogen peroxide in the blood, which is shown to kill cancer cells. High Dose IV Vitamin C undergoes a profound change and becomes an oxidant, not an anti-oxidant; while our cells thrive and benefit from some oxidation, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells are damaged from oxidation. Support your immune system, lessen the severity of cancer treatment side effects, and help improve your emotional health with our High Dose Vitamin C therapy. High Dose Vitamin C therapy sessions require a consultation with Dr. Diana Silverman prior to scheduling the infusions. Pricing: Consultation with Dr. Silverman $150
25g High Dose Vit. C $150
50g High Dose Vit. C $200
75g High Dose Vit. C $275
100gHigh Dose Vit. C $300 |
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IV Vitamin Infusions for Cancer Care |
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Did you know that IV Vitamin Infusions allow for the absorption of 99.9% of vitamins, for maximum impact? Our very own Dr. Diana Silverman has spent the past few years dedicating her time researching treatments from world-renowned experts to help combat many diseases including cancer and improve patient quality of life. One of the most intriguing discoveries she found was the impact of vitamins and nutrition on the body. Over time our agriculture has severely depleted essential vitamins and nutrients in our diet. This has led to many inflammatory conditions, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. With IV Vitamin therapy, you can help replenish essential vitamins and minerals. Oral vitamins have to travel through your digestive system, and they metabolize before your body can use them. Nutrients from IV Vitamin infusions go straight into the bloodstream. This allows for better absorption of these nutrients, giving you extra support and nourishment when you need it. Most cancer patients can receive IV Vitamin Infusions as long as they are not in active IV chemotherapy. The majority of cancer patients can benefit from IV Vitamin Infusions because they help combat symptoms and help the body fight cancer. Many types of cancer and cancer treatments can lead to nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. IV Vitamin Infusions can help replenish & restore: - Vitamins
- Electrolytes
- Body Equilibrium
Our IV infusions are not pre-packaged or frozen mixtures that are loaded with preservatives. Instead, each IV is custom blended and mixed on-site to provide each patient with exactly what their body needs to assist in the health and healing process. IV fluids without vitamins (IV Hydration) can be given during chemotherapy which dramatically improves side effects, including helping with nausea, fatigue, and body aches. Prices vary per IV Infusion. |
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage |
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Reduce inflammation and experience relief from the side effects of cancer treatments with Manual Lymphatic Drainage. When you are going through cancer treatment you may experience swollen limbs, unpleasant physical side effects, or issues with the lymphatic system. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD can help. The lymph is connected to immunity, digestive health and even brain health. Manual lymphatic drainage circulates immune cells through your body and increases the absorption and transportation of excess fluid, which flushes toxins from your tissues, helps prevent inflammation, and balances your nervous system. MLD may benefit you if you are: - Post-chemotherapy
- Post-radiation
- Pre-surgery
- Post-surgery
Our licensed massage therapist Cathie Grzeczka, LMT., MLD-C is specially trained and certified to use her hands to properly assist the lymphatic system to clear any excess fluid accumulation. Read what Cathie has to say about how MLD can help you. |
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"Manual Lymphatic Drainage is beneficial for all cancer patients because it reduces pain, alleviates stress, relieves nausea, helps reduce anxiety and depression, improves sleep, prevents chemo induced peripheral neuropathy, and relieves lymphedema. It decongests the body and brings an overall calming effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being." Cathie Grzeczka, LMT., MLD-C | | |
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If you want to learn more about how Manual Lymphatic Drainage can help you visit our website. |
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Remember to eat nutritious food and keep active during your cancer journey and into survivorship. Gentle to moderate exercise supports the physical body by reducing inflammation and providing your body with mood-boosting happy hormones that can support you emotionally and aid the healing process. Eating well can taste good and feel good, as incorporating whole, unprocessed foods into your diet gives your body and your mind needed nourishment and sustenance. |
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Enjoy this healthy recipe from Debbie Justs, CHC, AADP, our Health & Lifestyle Coach. Debbie's sessions focus on helping her clients make changes regarding their mindset, motivation, exercise, and daily routine. Debbie's sessions provide accountability, recipes, resources, and support. |
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Healthy Chinese Chicken with Broccoli By Debbie Justs, CHC, AADP |
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Ingredients: 2 pounds of chicken tenders (cut into bite-sized pieces) ¼ cup of flour (gluten free preferred) 3 Tbsps of avocado oil 3-4 cloves of garlic (finely minced) A pinch of red pepper flakes (to your taste) A sprinkle of ginger (powdered or real) 2-3 cups of broccoli 3 Tbsps of liquid aminos Sesame oil (to your liking) Brown rice for serving |
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Directions: - Put all of your ingredients into your work area and read the recipe before beginning.
- Mix your ginger into the flour. (If you eat gluten-free, you can use oat flour or coconut flour)
- Dredge your chicken in the flour mixture.
- In a pan, sauté avocado oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until aromatic.
- Add your chicken to the pan and sauté until browned.
- While that’s cooking, steam or boil the broccoli until al dente.
- Once done, drain the broccoli and reserve about 1/4 cup of water.
- When the chicken is browned, add 3 Tbsps of liquid aminos (or to your liking), a couple of drops of sesame oil, and the broccoli to the pan.
- Add the broccoli water to the pan and mix until the sauce is as thick as you want. (You can use chicken or bone broth instead of broccoli water if needed).
- Let this all combine together and serve over brown rice.
This recipe is delicious, healing, and packed with lots of cancer-fighting nutrients, such as: - Garlic: Garlic is packed with phytochemicals which are shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Learn more about the cancer-fighting properties of garlic here.
- Broccoli: Broccoli has a compound called sulforaphane that helps our bodies fight cancer. Sulforaphane actively kills cancer stem cells, slowing tumor growth. Learn more about Broccoli’s cancer-combating properties here.
- Ginger: Ginger can add lots of flavor to your meal while also helping with a range of digestive issues. Learn more about ginger here.
Enjoy! |
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We have upcoming services that we are looking forward to providing to our patients. COMING SOON: Stay tuned for more announcements, resources, and support. |
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Thank You For Journeying With Us |
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We are honored to be able to serve our community with our services, our dedicated team members, and our vision of helping bring hope and healing to cancer patients and their loved ones. We are here to support you, no matter what. With Love & Care, The Pellegrino Integrative Cancer Center Team |
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