Cancer Institute: Support Services
At the Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Program, we
understand that the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can often
be as hard to deal with as the physical side. Recent studies have shown
that people being treated for cancer who participate in support groups
often report having a better quality of life than those who don’t
participate.
We encourage patients with cancer, as well as their support network of family
and friends, to consider taking part in one of our cancer support groups. We
also offer pastoral care through affiliated clergy of many faiths, as well as
a psychological-liaison nurse within the cancer care unit trained to provide
options for social and psychological support.
Holy Cross offers a full range of support groups for patients with cancer and
their families and friends, at the hospital and in locations within the Silver
Spring community. At these groups, people can discuss their feelings, share their
fears and learn how to cope better with their condition.
Survivors Offering Support
Survivors Offering Support, better known as
SOS, is a support program that pairs breast cancer survivor volunteers
with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. SOS volunteer mentors
are matched with new patients by their similarities in age, lifestyle
and stage of breast cancer. SOS volunteer mentors offer emotional support,
understanding, encouragement and insight like no one else can to the
newly diagnosed breast cancer patient.
 |
To
learn more about the program, become an SOS volunteer mentor or
be assigned a mentor, contact Denise O’Neill, SOS coordinator,
at oneillde@holycrosshealth.org or 301.754.8502. |
Breast Cancer Support Group
For patients and survivors looking for support, information and hope. This group
meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the
Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center.
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For
more information, please call 301.754.7537. |
Hematology Support Group
People with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or other blood cancers, as
well as their families, will get information, help and hope at this
monthly support group meeting led by an oncology nurse and social worker.
This group meets the third Thursday of each month, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
at Holy Cross Hospital.
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For
more details or to register, contact the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society at 703.960.1100 ext 291 or email arlyn.elizee@lls.org. |
Look Good...Feel Better
If you have started a course of radiation or chemotherapy treatment,
you may experience temporary changes in the appearance of your skin
and hair. With Look Good...Feel Better, you will learn about
new hairstyles, skin care, cosmetics tips and nail care.
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For
more information, please call 301.754.7537. |
THYCA: Thyroid Cancer Support Group
ThyCa Washington, D.C., is a mutual-help support
group open to all thyroid cancer survivors and families. This group is
affiliated with Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. (ThyCa).
Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients
The Holy Cross Hospital Cancer
Institute & Caregiver Resource Center are launching a course for cancer
caregivers and patients who would like to come along. Our goal is to
explore coping skills and strategies for taking care of yourself while
you are taking care of your friend and/or loved one who has cancer. We
will examine physical, emotional, social and financial issues.
This six-session course
will meet on the first and third Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at
the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver
Spring, Maryland 20901. (half mile from Holy Cross Hospital).
Session
Dates:
- October 7 & 21
- November 4 & 18
- December 2 & 16
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To
register or to request more information, call Sister Kathy Weber
with the Caregiver Resource Center at 301.754.7152 or Pat Malik
with the Cancer Institute at 301.754.7543. Registration is required. |
Ovarian and Gynecological Cancer Support Group
This group is for patients and survivors looking
for support, information and hope. This group meets on the third Wednesday
of each month at the Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education
Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 2008 Dates: September 17, October 15, November
19, December 17.
|
For
more information, please call 301.754.7537. |
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