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A cancer diagnosis propels many people into a world of unfamiliar
and perhaps frightening emotions. It is not unusual to experience
fear, confusion, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and anger. At
times, some people may find it difficult to sleep, eat, concentrate
or even make decisions. These emotions, as well as a myriad
of others, are common and normal. They may come and go. They
may be experienced mildly or intensely. Because there are
many ways to cope with these feelings, The Cancer Center of Saint
Barnabas offers many services designed to help patients and their
loved ones cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ask an Oncology Counselor
Support Groups
Individual Counseling
Special Events and Lecture Series
Our Commitment to the Community
Many people benefit from individual counseling with a trained
professional. The Cancer Programs staff is experienced in
helping patients and their families adjust to the many challenges
they may face following a cancer diagnosis. Those interested
in meeting with one of our counselors should contact Angela McCabe,
L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C., Director of Psychosocial Support Services
and Community Outreach, at (973) 322-2668.
Support groups offer an opportunity for individuals to meet with
others who are coping with cancer in their lives. Many patients
and their family members find it beneficial to share their experiences
in a support group environment, because group members readily understand
the challenges cancer presents. The shared cancer experience
allows the group members to share their feelings in an open and
healthy way.
The Cancer Centers of Saint Barnabas offers a number of support
groups, free of charge, designed to address the needs of individuals
with various forms of cancer at different stages of illness. Because
a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, groups are available
for patients, their adult family and friends. Groups are led
by trained professionals.
Information regarding each of our support groups follows. Please
call the number indicated for each group for further information,
including the date, time and location of meetings. For additional
information about coping with the stress of cancer, please call
Angela McCabe, L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C., Director of Psychosocial Support
Services and Community Outreach at (973) 322-2668.
By engaging in a variety of creative endeavors such as painting,
drawing, and collage, participants are helped to understand
and cope with the many feelings they may be experiencing. Many
workshop participants enjoy having an opportunity to express
themselves creatively, discovering new strengths, and developing
new patterns of coping to enrich daily living. Prior
experience in art is not necessary. For dates, times,
and locations, please call Donna Dandrilli, MA, ATR,
Art Therapist, at (973) 322-2171.
When breast cancer returns, or spreads beyond the primary site,
women can often feel sad, anxious, isolated angry or confused.
Come and join other women in sharing these experiences with others
who understand. For information and registration, please call
Angela McCabe, L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C., at (973) 322-2668.
When cancer returns, or spreads, beyond the primary site, people
feel sad, anxious, angry or confused. Some feel as though
no one understands their experience, not even others with cancer. This
group offers individuals an opportunity to share their experiences
with others who also have metastatic disease. For information
and registration, please call Angela McCabe, L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C.,
at (973) 322-2668.
Sponsored by The American Cancer Society in partnership with
the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Look Good...Feel
Better is a program to help women cope with the appearance-related
side effects of cancer treatment. Demonstrations include the
use of make-up, wigs and accessories. Pre-registration is required
for this program, as class size is limited. To register, contact
the American Cancer Society directly at 1(800) 227-2345. For
general questions, please call Angela McCabe, L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C.,
at (973) 322-2668.
This support group is designed for women who have been diagnosed
with primary breast cancer. Participants have the opportunity
to share their experiences with other women facing the same illness
and treatments. Topics of discussion may include coping
with feelings of sadness, fear and loss; communicating your concerns
to the people in your life; adjusting to the changes in your
body; managing side effects of treatment; and integrating your
illness into your life. For dates, times and location, please
call Angela McCabe, L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C., at (973) 322-2668.
This program provides an opportunity for men with prostate cancer
and their families to share their concerns and experiences with
others in the same situation. Meetings include formal presentations
by specialists in the field, as well as opportunities for small
informal discussion groups. Lecture and discussion topics
include: treatment modalities and choices, understanding
prostate cancer, sexual functioning concerns, healthy coping
strategies, and managing lifestyle changes. Registration
for these monthly meetings is recommended. For information,
including the date, time and location of meetings, please call
Angela McCabe, L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C., at (973) 322-2668.
The Cancer Center of Saint Barnabas is committed to empowering
cancer patients and their families through ongoing educational
programs. Most of these programs are free of charge and enable
individuals to gain a range of relevant, up-to-date information
about cancer-related topics.
The Coping With Cancer lecture series provides
an array of free workshops and programs on a host of topics related
to a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Most sessions are small,
allowing ample time for questions and answers. Registration
materials are usually mailed to patients directly. For further
information, please call Angela McCabe, L.C.S.W., O.S.W.-C.,
at (973) 322-2668.
Annual Cancer Symposia are offered throughout the year to recognize
and highlight a particular aspect of cancer research, diagnosis,
or treatment. Special guest speakers are often invited to
share their experiences with cancer. These events are publicized
in local newspapers, on flyers available throughout the hospital,
and through Horizons, the biannual newsletter of The Cancer
Center of Saint Barnabas. Specialized programming is also
frequently planned in September to recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month and in October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness
Month.
Every year, The Cancer Centers of Saint Barnabas and Valerie Fund
Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Saint Barnabas
Medical Center sponsor an afternoon of festivities in honor of
cancer survivors.
For further information, please call (973) 322-2668.
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