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Support Programs / Complementary Care
| “Cancer patients continually remind us of the strength and beauty of the human spirit. I consider it a privilege to be allowed into a patient’s life at such a profoundly personal time.”
Catherine Bailey, MSW, LCSW, Coordinator - Cancer Patient Support Services, Hoag Cancer Center |
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Promoting Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Well-Being
There’s more to world-class cancer care than progressive therapies and state-of-the-art technology.
Although Hoag Cancer Center provides more than its share of both, it also offers something that may enhance the experience of patients who are facing one of life’s most difficult diagnoses.
For more than a decade, as an adjunct to its progressive medical care, Hoag has provided support services and programs designed to address the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of cancer patients and those that support them.
Hoag Cancer Center continues to lead the way.
Dates and Times for Hoag’s support groups, Fitter Image classes, workshops, Brighter Image classes and educational classes are listed in our monthly calendar. Click here to download this month’s calendar.
| “Our support groups provide a warm, caring environment for patients to gather information and strength to overcome their fears.”
Sandy Finestone, PsyD, Coordinator, Breast and Prostate Patient Services |
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Support Groups
Cancer support groups provide mutual support and information for cancer patients and their families. Facilitated by licensed social workers, oncology nurses and psychologist, discussion is geared to the issues that cancer patients and their support network face from day to day.
Brain Tumor Support Group – For adults with brain tumors and their families, designed to assist in the understanding of and coping with brain tumors.
Breast Cancer Support Group – Designed to provide mutual support for coping with the day-to-day issues of treatment and rehabilitation. Hoag offers a day and an evening group.
Bereavement Support Group – Bereavement support for adults who have lost a loved one to cancer.
Family & Friends General Cancer Support Group – Support group for cancer patients and patients’ support persons, focusing on sharing information and mutual support.
Prostate Cancer Education and Support Program – An educational and supportive forum for men facing prostate cancer and their families, which promotes understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options through presentations, written materials and videos.
Recurrent Breast Cancer Support Group – This group addresses the needs of the patient whose breast cancer has recurred.
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group/Women Helping Women – In an environment that encourages a sense of hope, women with gynecological cancers gather together to share information and effective coping strategies.
Lung Cancer Support Group – Day and evening meetings are designed to meet the educational and emotional needs of lung cancer patients and their families.
Young Women’s Cancer Support Group – This group addresses the challenges that are unique to young women who have been diagnosed with cancer. The group meetings provide a place for young women to gather and help one another through their journey.
Fitter Image
Hoag’s Fitter Image program offers a variety of physical activities that are provided in a non-competitive and supportive environment. Each class is designed to promote a sense of well-being and is tailored to each participant’s ability. The program is comprised of the following classes:
Yoga – Stretching and breathing exercises to help patients improve strength and flexibility, calm the mind and soothe the body.
T’ai Chi – The slow, gentle movements of T’ai Chi provide moderate cardiovascular exercise and can help participants reduce stress as well as increase their strength, flexibility and balance.
Qi Gong – A series of physical movements and breathing exercises designed to increase one’s strength, range of motion and feeling of tranquility.
Circuit Training – Exercise classes designed to increase stamina and maintain physical conditioning during and after treatments. The classes are appropriate for a variety of fitness levels. Light weights, step, stability balls and elastic tubing are used to allow for a merging of cardiovascular and resistance training into each class workout.
Workshops
Creative Expressions Art Program – This program is based on the idea that the creative process of art can enhance one’s quality of life. Workshops are held quarterly and utilize different art mediums at each meeting. All workshops are led by Newport Beach artist, Carole Akins.
Meditation for Stress Reduction – A four-week, non-religious based workshop that teaches participants techniques for reducing stress and anxiety which can lead to a greater sense of tranquility, control and well being.
Brighter Image
Image Consulting - A private professional consultation is available to assist Hoag patients with the physical changes that often accompany cancer treatment. Each participant is taught how to use wigs and scarves to enhance physical appearance.
Look Good... Feel Better – Look your best throughout your cancer treatment. Learn make-up and skin care techniques, the use and care of wigs, and other helpful hints that can assist you with appearance changes that might occur during treatments.
Education
Breast Cancer 101 – A six-week educational program for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those seeking information.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Education Series – Experts in the areas of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy give presentations on the use of these modalities in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
Lymphedema Workshops – These workshops provide educational information to patients experiencing lymphedema following lymph node removal.
Resource Library – Well-informed patients are better equipped to partner with their healthcare providers in the journey through treatment and recovery. A myriad of resources, including books, pamphlets, videotapes, listings of services and Internet access are available in this welcome setting.
Counseling
Hoag Cancer Center provides specialized individual, couple and family counseling, on a short-term basis, free of charge, to its patients and their support persons.
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