The Cancer Center at UM Shore Regional Health has announced a series of special programs that provide information and support for patients dealing with cancer diagnosis and treatment and their family members and/or caretakers. According to Patti Plaskon, oncology social worker at the Cancer Center, these program are designed to expand the Center’s outreach in the wider community and encourage patients and their loved ones to take advantage of educational and support services.
Upcoming programs during June are as follows:
- Caregiver’s Coffee – Saturday, June 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Cancer Center, Easton. Open to family members, friends and others providing care and support for a patient dealing with a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Topics of discussion include financial concerns, community resources, stress management, self-care and much more. RSVP: Patty Plaskon, 410-820-6800, ext. 5361.
- US TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group – Tuesday, June 12, Cancer Center, Easton. Presenter: Andrew Riggin, MD, UM Community Medical Group – Urology. Open to men with prostate cancer and their partners. RSVP to Sharon Richter, 443-994-5792.
- Presentation: Sleep Disturbance – How to Deal with this Common Cancer Side Effect – Wednesday, June 13, 4 pm, Cancer Center, Easton. When is it fatigue and when is it lack of quality or amount of sleep? And, what can be done about it? Sleep disturbances are important to treat as they can worsen cancer fatigue and “chemo brain.” Presenters: Michele Williams, nurse practitioner, UM CMG-Pulmonology and Patty Plaskon, PhD, OSW-C. RSVP: 410-820-6800
- Look Good, Feel Better – Monday, June 18, 10am – 12 noon, Cancer Center, Easton. Hair, skin and nail rehab before, during after chemotherapy. Presented by Kim Hardesty, ACS Volunteer Beauty Consultant. RSVP to Teri Dulin, 410-820-6800.
- Presentation: Anyone Else Need to go to the Ladies Room? – Wednesday, June 20, 6 pm, Cancer Center, Easton. Q & A discussion presented by AquaCare pelvic floor specialist, Jane Franczak, PT, MSPT, WCS addressing urinary issues that occur as women age as well as those related to hormonal treatment and chemotherapy (frequency, urgency, leakage, or pelvic discomfort). Call 410-820-6800 to RSVP.According to Plaskon, programs planned for summer and fall will focus on a variety of topics, including medical marijuana, sexual activity during and after cancer, advance planning, nonprescription approaches to pain, neuropathy, managing the cost of care, “chemo brain” and clinical trials.
Information about cancer programs and services may be obtained by calling 410-820-6800.