N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4

I s s u e 11

A N E W S L E T T E R F O R

PAT I E N T S , FA M I L I E S , S TA F F

A N D C O M M U N I T Y M E M B E R S

IN THIS ISSUE

Walking the Steps Toward Mindfulness

Lunch & Learn: Testicular Cancer

Library Corner: Resources for Caregivers

Nominate Someone Special for the Facing Cancer Together Co-Survivor Award

Patient & Family Education NewsP R I N C E S S M A R G A R E T C A N C E R C E N T R E

One hectic Wednesday morning, I made my way to The Labyrinth Walk, the “walking meditation” that the Princess Margaret Spiritual Care Program hosts once a month. I had been interested in seeing what The Labyrinth Walk was like for some time, but other things kept getting in the way. I decided it was time to stop making excuses and just go.

Dim lights, calming music, and a large, painted labyrinth laid out on canvas welcomed me into the room. Sharon, the Spiritual Care Professional who’d be coaching me through the path, greeted me with a friendly hello and handed me a short pamphlet about the labyrinth.

The pamphlet explained that a labyrinth is not meant to be hard to navigate. A labyrinth has one entry point followed by a winding, single path that leads to the centre. In a labyrinth, you follow the same pathway to get in or out. There are a number of spiritual interpretations or metaphors for walking the labyrinth, but at the most basic level it provides a set path for a self-paced, walking meditation.

The pamphlet suggested I take a minute to focus and calm my mind before starting the walk. I took a few moments to absorb the calmness of the room, then I slowly approached the labyrinth’s entrance, took a deep breath in, and carefully took my first step along the path.

I felt a little goofy as I started to walk along, but my awkwardness gradually gave way to distraction. My mind often wandered to my “To-Do list” for the day, and I had to pull myself back into the moment by concentrating on how the canvas felt under my feet. As I edged my way deeper toward the centre of the labyrinth, I found it easier to stay focused on the moment by repeating the phrase “the only way out is the way you came in” over and over in my head. I eventually found the centre, paused for a moment, then began the return journey out, continuing to repeat my mantra. As I took the last step out, I took a deep breath and noticed how a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Walking the Steps Toward MindfulnessBy Alaina Cyr, ELLICSR Social Media Coordinator

I recognize now that I was putting up barriers as a way to resist connecting to my spiritual self. By trying to talk myself out of taking time away from work, feeling self-conscious while walking the path, and constantly thinking about what I should be doing instead I was avoiding being in the moment. As I plodded deeper into the labyrinth, I found my way around these barriers and let myself be for a few moments.

Just 20 minutes after leaving my desk feeling frantic and overwhelmed, I returned feeling relaxed and calm. All the “To-Dos” were still there, but somehow they didn’t seem so stressful.

The Labyrinth Walk runs on the first Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am in the Princess Margaret Board Room. Call 416-946-4460 to register or for more information.

You can also find labyrinths across Ontario by visiting the Labyrinth Community Network website at www.LabyrinthNetwork.ca.

Testicular CancerBy Lauren Shorser, Web Writer, Princess Margaret Web & Digital Innovation

On Tuesday September 16, 2014, the Patient Education program invited Dr. Aaron Hansen, BSc, MBBS (Hons), FRACP, to host a lunch and learn session about testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between 18 and 35 years old. Dr. Hansen explained that doctors do not yet know what causes testicular cancer or what increases a man's risk of developing testicular cancer.

Fortunately, testicular cancer has a relatively high cure rate. Testicular cancer that is found early (stage 1 cancer) has a 99% likelihood of being cured. Advanced testicular cancer has an 80% likelihood of being cured.

Dr. Hansen then went on to talk about how testicular cancer is treated. Most testicular cancers are found early, when they are in stage 1. The treatment for

stage 1 testicular cancer is surgery that removes the testicle affected by cancer, called an orchiectomy.

For most people with stage 1 testicular cancer, the orchiectomy cures the cancer. However, some people may have a relapse, which wouldbe in the lymph nodes of the abdomen. People with a tumour larger than 4 cm have a higher chance of a relapse.

There are several options available to people after they receive an orchiectomy to prevent a relapse:

•  Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy reduces the risk of relapse, but it may also cause some side effects.

•  Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy reduces the risk of relapse, but it may also cause some side effects. Radiation therapy may also increase the risk of a second cancer later in life. Radiation therapy is not an option for non-seminoma types of testicular cancer.

•  Surveillance. Surveillance involves regular check-ups to make sure that the person is not having a relapse. It requires people to regularly visit the hospital for their check-up. Since most people do not relapse, surveillance spares people unnecessary treatment and side effects.

Advanced testicular cancer (stage 2 and stage 3) is treated with chemotherapy. The type of chemotherapy that people receive depends on where the cancer is and how advanced it is. The chemotherapy used for advanced cancer may cause side effects such as:

•  Fevers and infections

•  Low red blood cells and low platelets

•  Nausea

•  Skin problems (redness or ulceration on feet and hands, more sensitive to sun and sunburn)

•  Lung inflammation

•  Nerve damage

•  Kidney problems

Thank you to Dr. Aaron Hansen for an interesting and informative talk.

Thank you to Starbucks for generously providing tea and coffee.

Library Corner: Resources for Caregivers By Michelle Snow, Librarian, Patient & Survivorship Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Caring for a loved one, family, or friend can be physically and emotionally draining and may be a little overwhelming. The caregiving role is a big responsibility and it is also very important. Caregiving responsibilities can be challenging and you may need support and preparation for your role. Below are some resources that may help you through your caregiving journey.

Visit the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library:

Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Fridays 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Main floor, atrium

Phone: 416 946 4501 x 5383 E-mail: patienteducationpmh@uhn.ca

Caregivers Guide for Canadians By Rick Lauber

Caring for Aging Parents By Dr. Linda Rhodes

Complete Guide to Family Caregiving By American Cancer Society

Cancer Caregiving A To Z By American Cancer Society

100 Questions & Answers About Caring for Family or Friends with Cancer By Susannah Rose and Richard Hara

Mobile Apps:

CareZone is a secure, private place to manage and share information associated with caring for a child, parent, other family members or friends. Save important information, such as emergency contacts and medications, and invite extended family to keep everyone coordinated.

Online Resources:

Canadian Caregiver Coalition www.ccc-ccan.ca Click on “Resources” and “Community Supports” links at the top left side of the page

Caregiver Connect.ca www.caregiverconnect.ca Click on “Caregiver Tools” and “Caregiver Resources”

Cancer Chat Canada www.cancerchatcanada.ca CancerChatCanada has online support groups for people who are caring for a family member, friend, or loved one with cancer. Caregivers can discuss important concerns, give and receive encouragement and support, and express feelings.

CarePages www.carepages.com CarePages.com is an online community for patients and caregivers that connects friends and family during a health challenge. Through personalized websites, members can relate their stories, post photos and update friends and family instantly. In turn, people who care can read the posts and send messages of love and encouragement.

UHN brochures, ask library staff for a free copy:

•  Managing Caregiver Stress

•  When a Parent Has Cancer

•  Coping with Cancer-Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care: Helping Patients and Families

•  Activities to Help Children Cope When a Family Member Has Cancer

•  Meals on Wheels

•  Homemaking and Nursing Services

•  Where to Find Home Healthcare  Equipment and Supplies

•  How to Register for Wheel Trans

•  Driving Services to Medical Appointments

Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca

© 2013 University Health Network. All rights reserved. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional

medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific

medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.

Author: Zofia Kumas and Nancy Boutcher, Revised by: Diana Baylon and Stephanie Phan

Created: 10/2004Form: D-5031 (10/2013)

C034-A

Managing Caregiver StressInformation for people caring for a loved one with cancer

Read this information to learn:

• what caregiver stress is• how to know if you have it• how you can help manage caregiver stress• who to call if you need help

UHN

Gilda’s Club Greater TorontoTelephone: 416-214-9898Website: http://www.gildasclubtoronto.org/24 Cecil Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1N2 This club provides cancer support for the whole family.

It has a program of social and emotional support that can help anyone living with cancer. All program activities are free.

Developedby:ZofiaKumas&NancyBoutcher,Occupational Therapy Students Dalhousie University, August 2001.

Revisedby:DianaBaylon&StephaniePhan,OccupationalTherapists,PMCC

Books:

These caregiving resources are available for a 3 week loan from the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library:

The information contained in this newsletter is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only. © University Health Network - Princess Margaret Hospital - Patient and Family Library - 2014

Patient & Survivorship Education Editor: Alaina Cyr, Patient Education Coordinator | Editorial Board: Nazek Abdelmutti, Daniela Fierini, Robin Forbes, Myann Marks, Lauren ShorserGraphic Artist: Kristin Foster | Please forward comments, questions or submissions to Alaina.Cyr@uhn.ca

The Patient Education and Survivorship Programs are supported by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Nominate Someone Special for the Facing Cancer Together Co-Survivor AwardA message from FacingCancer.ca

We believe survivorship begins at the time of diagnosis. And surrounding every cancer survivor, there are people who care: we call them Co-Survivors. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, a medical professional or an online supporter, tell us who has made your cancer experience a little better with their selfless support.

From all submissions received across Canada, a panel of judges will choose the 10 most compelling submissions based on examples and descriptions that show selfless and caring support. The most powerful entry will be selected by online voting at FacingCancer.ca and Faceaucancer.ca. Share your story today and recognize your special Co-Survivor!

To nominate someone, you must be a woman who was diagnosed with cancer, at least 18 years of age, and a Canadian or permanent legal resident. Submissions can be submitted in English or French.

Go to www.FacingCancer.ca/contest (English) or www.Faceaucancer.ca/contest (French) for full details.

Nomination Deadline: Thursday, November 27, 2014 at noon EST.