cancer support programs...inês will play piano (a smaller version than the concert grand in the...

CANCER SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Vol. 14 No. 1 Winter 2020 Newsletter/Calendar

IN THIS ISSUE

1 Highlights & Announcements 2-3 Special Events & Feature Programs 4-5 Support Groups 6-7 Support Activities 8 Complementary Services 9-11 Calendars

12 Stowe,VT, Weekend of Hope Pre-Registration info

page

Highlights!Welcome readers! We have exciting winter and spring programming in store for you!

First, let me mention our annual trip to the Stowe, VT, Weekend of Hope, which for many becomes the highlight of their year! Though this takes place the first weekend of May, we start preparing now. Info on page 2 and on back cover.

Our 16th annual Survivors Celebration luncheon usually is held in April, a week or two before the Stowe trip. Info and invitations regarding this event will be out in the spring.

I’m exceptionally pleased to tell you that two amazingly talented people will soon be lending us a lot of their time, effort, and enthusiasm! Inês Andrade is an internationally recognized musician who will be playing and teaching piano in Moakley as a BU Arts | Lab Fellow. Nora Valdez, whom some of you know from workshops last spring, is a sculptor whose work is installed around the world. She has received a large grant to create a “Healing Houses” art project at BMC involving numerous workshops open to all interested survivors. More on pages 2 and 3.

AnnouncementsRegular and hopeful attendees to our monthly support and activity groups will receive compact calendars listing all the 2020 dates for their groups. We hope you will mount yours on your fridge! We will no longer mail monthly reminders.

Doors into the Moakley 3rd floor clinics will be locking automatically at 5:30pm. Please put the number listed on page 4 in your phone to call if you arrive late to an evening group.

The Young Adult Program (YAP) at Dana Farber Cancer Institute is reaching out to young adult cancer patients at BMC. See pages 2, 4, and 5.

Thank you to the survivors and volunteers who made beautiful items for our successful Holiday Bazaar! , Manager

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Special Events TRUE STORY THEATER

Thursday, March 26, 6-8pmFGH Bldg, Ground Floor

The highly talented playback theater group, True Story Theater, listens to audience stories then “plays them back” with humor, song, dance, and drama. They delight and enlighten as they beautifully capture the essence of our experience. Dinner served at 6pm.

Inês will play piano (a smaller version than the concert grand in the photo!) at various times in Moakley. She will work with us in our programs. And she will provide simple, satisfying piano lessons to anyone interested! Look for flyers or call for more info.

*Healing Music in Moakley*

spring, she will spend 8 hours per week as a BU Arts | Lab Fellow in our Cancer Center. Her project: Piano instruction and performance for care and healing.

Accomplished Portuguese pianist Inês Andrade has performed across Europe and the USA and has a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Boston University. Beginning in January and into the

SAVE THE DATE: Sat., April 4YOUNG ADULT

CANCER CONFERENCEAn annual one-day conference at Dana Farber Cancer Instititue for patients ages 18-39 and their families. It offers a variety of excellent workshops and speakers. Check online or request a flyer be sent you when they become available.

STOWE WEEKEND OF HOPEPre-registration begins now for the 20th annual Weekend of Hope, which takes place in Stowe, VT, May 1st-3rd. Enjoy a

For members of the BMC survivorship community, the costs are largely covered by a generous donation from the We Beat Cancer organization. Please see back cover for information on pre-registering.

fun and fulfilling weekend in the beautiful mountain resort town of Stowe, VT, which opens its doors to welcome and celebrate cancer

survivors and those who love them. Many recreational, educational, and celebratory activities are being planned. You will be free to choose which activities you want to participate in. You’ll also be free to use the time to relax, breathe the fresh air, enjoy the scenery, socialize, and visit local shops.

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Feature Programs

RECIPE SWAP & POTLUCKTuesday, March 17, 6:15-8pmMoakely Lower Level

Write out a favorite healthy recipe. If you have the time, prepare the dish. Then bring both to share. We discuss the recipes and cooking techniques, have a good time, work up an appetite, and then eat! Don’t miss this multi-cultural treat. You are welcome to participate regardless of what you can or cannot bring.

PAINTING WORKSHOP w/Jonathan the Painter Reservations required.Thursday, Feb. 27, 5-7pmFGH Bldg, Ground Floor

Jonathan “the Painter” is an inspiring and encouraging teacher. No experience is necessary. All materials are provided.

MUSEUM of FINE ARTS TOURFriday, Feb. 14, 1:45-3:30pm465 Huntington Ave., Boston *Use group entrance on Museum Rd.

An informative tour of several exhibits led by volunteer guides. Meet at the Museum.FREE PASSES to the Museum, good anytime, are available from our office.

An incredible, upcoming, 7-month art project called

“Healing Spaces”Nora Valdez is an

international, award-winning sculptor and community artist from Argentina. Her work has been exhibited and installed in public spaces in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and

many states in the USA. Nora has been awarded a large

grant from the New England Foundation for the Arts* to lead a series of workshops

for cancer patients at BMC that will run twice per month,

March through October. At the end, she will assemble

the works created into 3 large “Healing Spaces” structures to

display at BMC and elsewhere. Be part of this exciting project!

Details to come.

BU College of Fine Arts FREE performances for BMC survivors and guests. Call our office for reservations. Complete listings and details can be found at www.bu.edu/cfa/events. Mosaic Series: Feb. 6, African American History Month ConcertMar. 5, Women’s History Month Concert College of Fine Arts, 855 Comm. Ave.

Feb. 10 & 26, BU Symphony Orchestra Tsai Performance Center, 685 Comm. Ave.

*New England Foundation for the Arts’ Creative City Boston Program, w/funding from The Barr Foundation.

Support Groups

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• Our support groups are open to all who currently have, or have had, cancer, regardless of when and where they may have been treated.

• Registration is not required, but it’s best to call ahead to let us know you are coming and for any additional information.

• Family members and friends are welcome (though men only to the men’s groups, women only to the women’s groups).

• Most groups meet monthly.

• Food, free parking, and limited transportation home are provided.

Participation by PhoneIf you cannot attend a meeting, you can participate by speakerphone. Please let Bob know in advance (617-638-7540) to arrange the call.If you don’t get a chance to arrange it in advance, try calling in:

Moakley 3rd floor -- 617-638-6447Moakley Lower Level -- 617-638-1778

One-to-One Peer SupportIf you would like to speak one-to-one with someone who has had a similar cancer experience as yourself, let us know and we can likely find someone who will be happy to speak with you.

The role of caregiver to a cancer patient can be very challenging. If you feel stressed, have questions, or would just like to talk about the

situation, our staff is available.

Caregiver Support

Please call 617-638-7540 to request a convenient telephone or

in-person appointment.

Young Adult Program at DFCI [email protected] 617-632-6819

The Young Adult Program at Dana Farber Cancer Institute is reaching out. BMC cancer patients ages 18-39 are invited to visit their website for programs and services (www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/care-and-treatment/support-services-and-amenities/young-adult-program/). You may sign up for their monthly e-newsletter and participate in support groups.

Support groups offer a unique opportunity for current patients and long-term survivors alike to get to know others who have had cancer experiences similar to their own. In a safe and confidential environment, participants may share details of their experience, ask questions, and offer knowledge and insights that doctors usually cannot provide. True support, encouragement, and uplifting energy are the norm.

Sometimes a doctor or specialist is invited to give information on treatments and self-care and to answer questions; but the heart of the group is always patients talking to patients. Generally what is gained in these groups can seldom be found elsewhere.

Groups meet monthly unless otherwise noted. LOCATIONMOAKLEY BLDG830 Harrison Ave.

NAME DAY TIME

by Cancer Type

BLOOD 2nd Wed. 1-3p

3rd Floor Conference Rm

BREAST 1st Tues. 5-7p

GASTROINTESTINAL (GI) 1st Fri. 12:30-2:30p

GYNECOLOGICAL (GYN) 2nd Mon. 12-1:30p

LUNG 2nd Thurs. 12-2p

PROSTATE 2nd Tues. 5-7p

HEAD & NECK 1st Wed. 12-2p Lower Level Conference Rm

by Population Group

WOMEN (any cancer) 3rd Wed. 12:30-2p Lower LevelConference Rm

MEN (any cancer) Last Mon. 12-2p

3rd Floor Conference RmHAITIAN CREOLE-speaking 2nd Thurs. 5-7p

SPANISH-speaking Last Tues. 5-7p

YOUNG ADULTS (ages 18-39) Call Molly at 617-582-9617 early evening Dana Farber

Cancer Institute

Additional Support

SPIRITUALTIY 1st Tues. 3-4:30p 3rd Floor Conference Rm

CAREGIVERS Telephone or in-person support sessions available. See page 4.

BEREAVEMENT For those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Call for info.

Related Support

AMYLOIDOSIS(Not shown on calendar) Every Tues. 12-1:30p 3rd Floor

Conference Rm

OSTOMYcolostomy/ileostomy/urostomy 3rd Thurs. 2-3:30p Lower Level

Conference Rm

SARCOIDOSIS(Not shown on calendar) 3rd Thurs. 6:30-8p FGH Bldg, Ground

Floor Conf. Rm

*Check calendar on pages 9,10, and 11 for changes in schedule. Call 617-638-7540 to be on the reminder list for specific groups.

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Our ongoing activity groups speak to

the interests of many cancer survivors. People get to know one another in the context of skill-building and mind/body activities.

• Registration is not required, but it’s best to call ahead to let us know you are coming and for any additional information.

• Family members and friends are welcome.• Free parking is provided for most groups.

NAME DAY TIME LOCATIONMind and Body

OBSERVER MIND Learning & practicing how to be mindful. 2nd Mon. 5:00-6:30p

Moakley Lower Level

YOGA Gentle and relaxing. Mats provided.

Every Tues. & Thurs. 5:00-6:15p

BODY • ENERGY • AWARENESS • MOVEMENT(BEAM) Exercises to loosen joints, fine-tune movements, and balance energy.

Every Wed. 4-6p

HEALTHY STEPS Exercises to improve lymphatic drainage, range of motion, flexibility, and balance.

3rd Wed. 6:15-7:15p

ZUMBADance exercise for all levels of fitness. 1st & 2nd Wed. 6:15-7:15p

Handiwork KNITTING

No experience necessary. Instructions and materials provided.

Last Wed. 6-8p Moakley Lower Level

ARTS & CRAFTSSimple, fun projects.

All materials provided.3rd Thurs. 5-7p

Moakley 3rd Floor

Conference Room

Diet and Nutrition

COOKING LESSONS for:Cancer (shown on calendar)

3rd Wed. 2:30-3:30p

Yawkey 2nd Floor Teaching Kitchen

Diabetes 1st & 3rd Wed. 12-1p

Weight Management3rd Tues. 11a-12p

3rd Wed. 5:30-6:30p

General Health 3rd Tues. 4-5p

*Check calendar on pages 9,10, and 11 for changes in schedule. Call 617-638-7540 to be on the reminder list for specific groups.

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Support Activities

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OBSERVER MIND - Bob DavidOur thoughts and feelings greatly affect our mood, stress level, and peace of mind. Research shows more and more how they also affect how our body functions.Participants in these monthly sessions learn and practice a series of short meditations designed to help them observe their thoughts and feelings. By observing, we become less controlled by these thoughts and feelings. We see things more clearly and gain power and choice. This also opens the door to greater self-discovery and awareness.

HEALTHY STEPS - Susan DeCristofaroA routine of guided exercises that are engaging and therapeutic. They aim to improve lymphatic drainage, range of motion, flexibility, and balance. They are particularly beneficial to those who have had breast surgery with removal of lymph nodes.

ZUMBA - Cyrena GasseFun dance exercise inspired by Latin and international rhythms. The classes are for all levels of fitness and ability. You’ll definitely have the opportunity to get a good physical workout!

COOKING LESSONS- Olivia WeinsteinA big welcome to Registered Dietitian Olivia Weintstein, the new head of

BMC’s fabulous Teaching Kitchen! She will demonstrate how to make tasty, easy, healthful dishes and will provide recipe sheets and samples.

YOGA - Betsy Simmons and othersThere are different types of yoga.These twice-weekly classes at BMC use very safe and gentle exercises in stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation. They may lessen pain and fatigue for cancer survivors, reduce back and joint aches, and help with insomnia and anxiety.

B•E•A•M: BODY • ENERGY •

AWARENESS • MOVEMENT - Bob DavidA series of low-impact exercises, some set to music, designed to help us:

• activate and loosen the joints• isolate, stretch, and strengthen

muscles• free up and fine-tune movements• improve coordination• tune into and release body tension• focus on balance and weight shift• feel and unify energy throughout

the body

In this weekly class there is often a fine line between what is exercise, Tai Chi, dance, and meditation. We cross all the lines. The activities and movements are healthful, satisfying, and relaxing. The overall goal is awareness of internal energy and greater awareness, comfort, and facility with our bodies.

KNITTING - Patty Doggett & volunteersKnit and socialize with other survivors. Materials, patterns, and instruction are provided for all levels of experience.

ARTS & CRAFTS - Pat Oliver and Cyrena GasseFun, simple craft projects. All materials are provided. Come get creative!

Activity Descriptions

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Complementary Services -- BMC patients only

INTRODUCTION TO WELLNESS Group Visits

Mondays, 5:30-7:30pmBMC Family Medicine Building, 11 Melnea Cass Blvd.

Join Dr. Scarlet Soriano for an initial consultation on practical tools to improve your health more naturally. These initial consults bring together 5-6 patients to focus on healthy nutrition, stress

reduction, and learning ways of decreasing toxic exposure from personal care and home care products. Group visits are very interactive, fun, and packed with practical information to help patients take greater control of their health. After the initial small group visit, patients are offered access to additional services through the Department of Integrative Medicine, including weekly group visits for various conditions, acupuncture, massage, yoga, mind/body relaxation sessions, and more. Open to all BMC patients.

Dr. Scarlet Soriano (shown left) and Jody Levy, MBA, MSW, offer an exciting program within BMC’s Program for Integrative Medicine and Healthcare Disparities for cancer survivors and others who have lived with a chronic disease. It uses the ‘medical group visit’ model to empower BMC patients to create their own personalized mind/body wellness plans.

The sessions include healthy nutrition, mind/body relaxation techniques, gentle movement, and much more! They are conducted over a 6-week period in a group of about 12 patients.

“Living Vibrantly” Series 6 weekly sessions, 11am-1pm *Call for dates. BMC Family Medicine Building, 11 Melnea Cass Blvd.

For the programs above, please call 617-414-6264 or email [email protected] for more information and to enroll.

American Cancer Society Free resources and services from the American Cancer Society are available through the BMC Oncology Patient Navigation Program. For help with wigs and for information on one-to-one mentorship programs for breast cancer, cancer education classes, and more, call: Katie Finn at 617-638-2362 (through January) or Madeline Booth at 617-414-0914 (starting February 1st). For info on other ACS services and events, call Nicole Sanders O’Toole at 508-897-4344.

ACUPUNCTURE CLINICA 2,500-yr-old method of treating pain and other symptoms. Beth Sommers, PhD, MPH, LAc, with over 40 years experience, offers sessions to cancer patients currently or recently in treatment. Thursdays, 9am-12pm, Moakley Bldg, 3rd floor. Call Bob at 617-638-7540 to request an appointment.

Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

1

NEW YEARS DAY

Clinics Closed

2 Yoga 5-6:15p

3 4 5 GastroInt. CSG 12:30-2:30p

6 7Spirituality SG 3-4:30p

Breast CSG 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p

8Blood CSG 1-3pB • E • A • M 4-6pZumba 6:15-7:15p

9 Lung CSG 12-2pHaitian CSG 5-7pYoga 5-6:15p

10 11 12

13GYN CSG 12-1:30p Observer Mind 5-6:30p

14Prostate CSG 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p

15 Women’s CSG 12:30-2pCooking Lessons 2:30-3:30pB • E • A • M 4-6pHealthy Steps 6:15-7:15p

16Ostomy SG 2-3:30pArts & Crafts 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p

17 18 19

20

MLK JR. DAYClinics Closed

21Yoga 5-6:15p

22B • E • A • M 4-6p

23Yoga 5-6:15p

24 25 26

27Men’s CSG 12-2p

28Spanish CSG 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p

29B • E • A • M 4-6pKnitting 6-8p

30Yoga 5-6:15p

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black = Moakley 3rd Floor Conference Rm green = Moakley Lower Level red = Moakley Lower Level Conference Rm orange = Yawkey 2nd Floor Teaching Kitchen blue = other location

January 2020 Call 617-638-7540 to confirm schedule.

SG = Support GroupCSG = Cancer Support Group

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1 2

3 4Spirituality SG 3-4:30pBreast CSG 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p

5Head/Neck CSG 12-2pB • E • A • M 4-6pZumba 6:15-7:15p

6Yoga 5-6:15p

7 8 9GastroInt. CSG 12:30-2:30p

10 GYN CSG 12-1:30p Observer Mind 5-6:30p

11 Prostate CSG 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p


13Lung CSG 12-2pHaitian CSG 5-7pYoga 5-6:15p

14 15 16Museum of

Fine Arts Tour 1:45-3:30p

465 Huntington Ave., Boston (Use group entrance on Museum Rd.)

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PRESIDENTS’ DAY

Clinics Closed

18Yoga 5-6:15p



21 22 23

24Men’s CSG 12-2p



27Yoga 5-6:15p

Painting Workshop

5-7p FGH Bldg

28 29


February 2020 Call 617-638-7540 to confirm schedule.


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2 3 > Spirituality & Breast Ca gps moved to 3/5

Yoga 5-6:15p

4Head/Neck CSG 12-2pB • E • A • M 4-6pZumba 6:15-7:15p

5Spirituality SG 3-4:30pBreast CSG 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p

6 7 8GastroInt. CSG 12:30-2:30p

9GYN CSG 12-1:30p Observer Mind 5-6:30p

10Prostate CSG 5-7p Yoga 5-6:15p


12Lung CSG 12-2pHaitian CSG 5-7pYoga 5-6:15p

13 14 15

16 17Yoga 5-6:15pRecipe Swap

& Potluck 6:15-8p



20 21 22

23 24Yoga 5-6:15p


26 Yoga 5-6:15p

True Story Theater

6-8p FGH Bldg

27 28 29

30Men’s CSG 12-2p



March 2020 Call 617-638-7540 to confirm schedule.


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PATRICE OLIVER, [email protected]

BOB DAVID, [email protected]

CYRENA GASSE, Assistant617.414.5726 [email protected]

FGH Building, 2nd Floor820 Harrison Ave.Boston, MA 02118

www.bmc.org/cancer/support-services

Stowe, VT, Weekend of Hope Pre-Registration

f Please Read Carefully!

The Weekend of Hope is a wonderful opportunity for patients and families who are part of the BMC cancer survivorship community. (Please read info on pg 2.) The generosity and work of the Stowe Weekend of Hope and the We Beat Cancer organizations, and BMC, make the hotel rooms, some meals, and all activities free.

Transportation is also free. There will be one large bus to transport people from BMC to Stowe and back. Those who can drive their own cars may request a $50 gas card.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a very popular trip. Seating on the bus is limited. Priority goes to first-timers, and the maximum number of people you may have in your party is 2. If you drive, the maximum is 5.

To participate, you must pre-register. When the official Weekend of Hope registration opens in March, we will then sign up as many as space allows. As always, priority goes to 1st-timers. Some repeaters may be placed on standby.

To pre-register, do either (A) or (B):(A) Carefully read and fill out the form if enclosed with this newsletter. Mail or email it back, or drop if off at the front desk in the Radiation or Chemo clinic.

(B) Prepare your answers to all the questions to the right, then call us.

1. Name, Address, Phone

2. Is this your first time going? If not, how many times have you gone?

3. Can you drive up? -Max 5 people. -Can get $50 gas card. Can drive but prefer the bus? Need the bus? -Max 2 people. -Priority to 1st-timers.

4. How many adults plus kids age 12 & over? How many kids under 12?

5. Have any special lodging needs?

6. Do you request the free Saturday chicken & gravy dinner if seats are available? For how many? -Priority to 1st-timers.

7. Your cancer type? Is it Stage IV (metastatic)? Diagnosis date (month/year)? Name of Primary Care doctor? Include cancer type on nametag?

8. Why do you want to go to the Stowe Weekend of Hope?

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