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By Marilyn S. Brier, LICSW, oncology social worker,
and Regina Holdstock, BCOP, oncology pharmacist
Gillette Center Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 1, June, 2004
Finishing cancer treatment is good news!
Finally, a break from juggling doctor appointments, treatment
visits or scan schedules!
Now you're ready to pick up just where you left off!
Right???
When cancer treatment finishes, patients and their families
face new challenges. Although they want to move ahead with
their lives, they need to balance that desire with the fear
that the cancer might return. This period is one in which
patients and families need to take the time to recover both
physically and emotionally from their cancer experiences.
Living with Cancer… Moving Forward After Treatment
is a new workshop where you can discuss issues and concerns
around the completion of cancer treatment, including helpful
resources for this transition. It is part of the Massachusetts
General Hospital Cancer Center’s HOPES Program that
offers patients with cancer, their families and friends, free
education and support workshops plus wellness services.
Oncology nurses and oncology social workers run this workshop
together to meet both the physical and emotional challenges
that people are facing. Some of the topics we discuss at the
workshop include:
- No longer having the daily support from caregivers who
became such an intimate part of your life during treatment
- Challenges you may face in your relationships and resources
that are available for support
- Taking care of yourself by learning to relax with things
like massages, soothing baths and meditation
- Handling physical aspects of recovery like fatigue, sleep
changes, pain, appetite changes, skin and hair
The HOPES Program can help you understand your cancer experience,
cope with your symptoms and stress, and feel better. The small,
comfortable sessions are free and are held in the Cancer Resource
Room on the first floor of the Cox Building. They are given
on a drop-in basis, so you do not need to sign up ahead of
time.
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