Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Making Their Cancer Care Complete

Cancer Services continued our Survivorship Events, marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with a luncheon for our Digestive and Urinary Support Group this past Monday.

At the luncheon, attending survivors and their loved ones shared their stories as well as talked their concerns and asked questions about their colorectal, bladder, liver, testicular or prostate cancer. Several of the survivors emphasized the importance of getting tested regularly and urged everyone at the luncheon to encourage their family and friends to forgo the embarrassment and get colonoscopies and exams.

Also at the luncheon, Cindy Schneider was introduced as a new aspect of the support group. Cindy is an ostomy nurse who will attend the monthly meetings and be available to provide support and answer questions needed by the survivors. This is made possible through a grant from Get Your Rear in Gear and the Colon Cancer Coalition. (The next Get Your Rear in Gear 5K is coming up on April 28. Click here to register and support local colorectal cancer initiatives!)

The survivorship luncheon and support groups are a great way to share experiences from cancer treatment and to find encouragement and hope. One survivor spoke about how great it was to see a fellow liver cancer survivor who is about to have a 10 year anniversary since diagnosis. Another survivor stressed the importance of having a positive attitude during treatment.

Cancer Services fully recognizes the importance of support as part of our clients’ cancer care and we offer over 15 support groups that meet monthly; our Digestive and Urinary Group that meets every third Monday of the month at noon at Cancer Services. For more information on this support group or other services offered by Cancer Services please visit our website or call Esther at 225-927-2273.