FALL 2008

QUICK REFERENCE

American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Navigator

206-215-6557

Art Therapy206-386-3200

Cancer Education Center 206-386-3200

Cancer Rehabilitation ACTIVE Program 206-215-6333

Hereditary Cancer Clinic 206-386-2552

Massage Therapy 206-215-3007

Naturopathic Services 206-386-3015

Nutrition Care Clinic 206-781-6228

Oncology Social Work 206-540-0477

www.swedish.org/cancer

When a doctor tells you that you have cancer, your world

changes in an instant. No longer worried about the gro-cery list or next week’s soccer game, your new concerns are chemotherapy, radiation, insurance and how to tell your family members. A cancer diagnosis is alarming and confusing.

The American Cancer Society is here to help. Its Patient Navigator Program provides guidance for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers to help them navigate the cancer experience.

Because no cancer experience is the same, American Cancer Society patient navigators connect patients, survivors and caregivers with the most appropriate services and pro-grams to help improve each individual’s access to health care and quality of life.

Whether it is getting patients and caregivers the informa-tion they need to make treat-ment decisions, helping them deal with the day-to-day chal-lenges of living with cancer, or connecting them with com-

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Navigators Help Guide Patients through the Cancer Experience

Navigators Sarah Mathison (far left) and Stephanie Wichmann (second from right), along with Swedish cancer patients, Kristin House (second from left) and Karen Flowers (far right) at the Navigator Launch on April 16 at the Swedish Cancer Institute.

munity resources, patient navigators can provide help throughout the disease continuum – from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, into survivorship.

In a collabora-tion between the American Cancer Society and the Swedish Cancer Institute, patient naviga-tors Stephanie Wichmann and Sarah Mathison are available at Swedish to meet with patients, family members, friends and care-givers.

Stephanie has worked as a patient navigator since December of 2005. Her of-fice is located in the Cancer Education Center on floor A-West of the Swedish Cancer Institute/First Hill.

Sarah came on board in March 2008. She works on the fourth floor of the Swedish Cancer Institute/First Hill, in suite 400. She divides her time between Swedish’s First

Hill and Cherry Hill cam-puses. Sarah’s position is funded in part by a grant from AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca has partnered with the American Cancer Society in a strategic effort to signifi-cantly extend the reach of the Society’s innovative Patient Navigator Program nation-wide.

Cancer patient Kristin House’s first exposure to the navigator program occurred when she met with Stephanie at Swedish in the fall of 2007. Kristin was looking for wigs,

Information and resources for patients at the Swedish Cancer Institute

UpdatePATIENT EDUCATION

Swedish Cancer Institute

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Patient Education Classes

Eating Well When Dealing With CancerJoin registered dietitian Brian Higginson as we cover healthy eating, side-effect management and maximizing nutritional intake. Recipe sampling provided.Tues., Sept. 30, noon-1 p.m.

Frankly Speaking About Advanced Breast CancerHank Kaplan, M.D., an oncologist from the Swedish Cancer Institute, presents informa-tion about current treatment options for ad-vanced breast cancer.Gilda’s Club Seattle (1400 Broadway)Thurs., Oct. 16, 7-8:30 p.m.

*General Principles and Treatment Options for Lung Cancer in 2008This informative lecture is about the causes of lung cancer, role of screening, approach to work-up and general treatment plus new and emerging treatment options for lung cancer. Meal provided.Wed., Nov. 19, 6-7:30 p.m.

Gentle YogaCreate balance in the body, breath and mind in this therapeutic class. Bring mat and blanket. Five sessions.Thurs., Sept. 11-Oct. 9 2:30-3:30 p.m., orThurs., Nov. 6-Dec. 11 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Hair AlternativesJoin us as we create different hair alternatives with scarves, hats and accessories. Mon., Oct. 6, 1-2:30 p.m., orTues., Nov. 11, 1-2:30 p.m., orWed., Dec. 3, 1-2:30 p.m.

*Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients Join Kristine Rinn, M.D., for a talk about the varied use of hormones for breast cancer treatment and prevention.Wed., Oct. 22, noon-1 p.m.

*Is Cancer Hereditary?Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovar-ian cancer can provide important medical in-formation for you, your family and your doctor. Wed., Nov. 12, 1-2:30 p.m.

*Learning About LymphedemaJoin Swedish physical therapist Cora Trujillo for an informative discussion on lymphedema prevention, treatment and management. Meal provided.Thurs., Oct. 30, noon-1:30 p.m.

Life After TreatmentThe completion of cancer treatment offers op-portunities for personal growth, but also new challenges. Explore and share personal experi-ences. Meal provided. Two sessions.Tues. and Thurs., Oct. 21 and 23 5:30-7 p.m., orTues. and Thurs., Nov. 11 and 13 5:30-7 p.m.

Look Good, Feel BetterThis American Cancer Society class is de-signed for women undergoing cancer treat-ment, and the class focuses on skin, hair care, cosmetics, hair loss and nutrition.Mon., Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m., orMon., Dec. 1, 1-3 p.m.

*Meditation for People With CancerSwedish physical therapist Carolyn McManus teaches mindfulness meditation. Two sessions.Wed., Sept. 24-Oct. 1 10:30 a.m.-noon

Optimal Health During Cancer TreatmentDiet, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations can help you remain strong and healthy during cancer treatment.Gilda’s Club Seattle (1400 Broadway)Thurs., Nov. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.

Playing in the Rain: Music and Art Therapy WorkshopJoin us for this creative life review using music and art therapy to ease the way, identify strengths and envision the future. No experi-ence needed.Gilda’s Club Seattle (1400 Broadway)Sat., Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Breast Cancer and NutritionLearn how vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutritional strategies can affect breast cancer risk and treatments. Meal provided.Wed., Oct. 15, 6-7:30 p.m.

The Cancer Caregiver’s ExperienceJoin us to learn about self-care, navigating the health-care system, family needs and other helpful information. Meal provided.Tues., Oct. 14, 5:30-7 p.m.

Cancer and Finances 101This series will help you navigate the maze of insurance benefits. Three sessions. Session 1: Social Security disability/eligibility criteria and the application process. Session 2: COBRA and disability insurance benefits. Session 3: Medicaid and Medicare benefits, the differ-ence between them, eligibility criteria and the application process. Meal provided. Tues., Oct. 7, 14 and 21 noon-1:30 p.m.

“Chemo Brain” UncoveredJoin Wendy France, R.N., to discover the mys-tery and reality of “chemo brain,” including the cause, symptoms and management.Tues., Nov. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.

*Complementary Medicine, Part ILearn how complementary medicine can help without interfering with cancer treatment. Meal provided.Tues., Oct. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.

*Complementary Medicine, Part II Learn advanced concepts about how diet, nu-trition, mind-body and other complementary therapies can help during cancer treatment. Meal provided.Thurs., Oct. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

Creative Jewelry DesignCome create a beautiful holiday gift for your-self or a loved one in this beginning jewelry design class. Materials provided.Conference Room CFri., Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Swedish Cancer Institute offers programs to assist you, your family and your caregivers in making treatment decisions, managing your symptoms and accessing complementary programs to help your mind, body and spirit to heal. Registration is required for all classes. To register, call (206) 386-2502 unless otherwise indicated.

Most classes listed here are offered at the Swedish Cancer Institute’s First Hill location (Arnold Building, 1221 Madison, A-Floor West, Conference Room AB). We also offer, on occasion, classes on the Swedish/Cherry Hill campus (500-17th Ave.) and on the Swedish/Ballard campus (5300 Tallman Ave. N.W.).

Note: Classes marked with an asterisk (*) will be videotaped and available in the Cancer Education Center’s Loan Library collection three weeks after the date of the class. The Cancer Education Center is located at the Swedish Cancer Institute, Arnold Building, 1221 Madison, A-floor West.

SwedishCancer

Institute3

The Swedish Cancer Institute is excited to offer two special opportunities for cancer survivors and their families and friends:

Sign Up! 2008 Cancer Survivors Event and New E-Newsletter

Second Annual Cancer Survivors Event

New E-Newsletter for Survivors Focuses on Living Life to the FullestThe Swedish Cancer Institute’s new Life to the Fullest e-newsletter is designed for can-cer survivors and includes a wide range of articles of interest to survivors as well as family members, loved ones and friends.

Future issues of this quarterly newsletter will address an array of topics that im-pact people who have lived with cancer – whether they’re still in treatment or are longer-term survivors. Topics will focus on: emotional issues, social is-sues, practical concerns, ongoing and late effects of treatment, educational and lifestyle resources, genetic test-ing and counseling, survivorship research news, healthy living and eating, and advocacy skills and empowerment.

To be added to the Life to the Fullest e-mail subscription list, please e-mail: life.full@swedish.org.

Saturday Sept. 6, 2008

9 a.m. to noon

Event check-in and breakfast

at 8:30 a.m.

Arnold Pavilion First Floor

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 6 when the Swedish Cancer Institute will host a special event for cancer survivors (and one family member or friend). The event will feature educational sessions of interest to survivors, a breakfast and the opportunity to share stories and experiences with fellow survivors. Session topics include:

Family Resilience: Family Relations Back Together•Fatigue and Chemo Brain: An Update•Hormones and Breast Cancer Treatment: Facts •and FictionIntroduction to Qi Gong•

To register for the event, call the Douglas Health Education Center at 206-386-2502 or register online at www.swedish.org/classes. Please register by Sept. 2.

Sound Therapy for BeginnersLearn basic sound therapy principles and techniques you can use. Experience Tibetan bowls, tuning forks and bells. Bring a blanket and cushion. No experience needed.Thurs., Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m.

Sound Therapy 102Practice new techniques and refine your sound therapy skills. Prior attendance at Sound Therapy for Beginners highly recommended; bring handouts from that class and a blanket and cushion.Mon., Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-noon

Spark Your CreativityJoin us for an art class (materials provided) to engage your creative spirit using different me-diums each week. Fun and relaxed art exer-cises for all skill levels. Attend one or all three classes.Conference Room CMon., Oct. 6, 13 and 20, 10 a.m.-noon

To register for any of the following sessions, please call (206) 386-3200

Art Therapy: An Approach for HealingArt therapy is a confidential, supportive and individualized experience for visually and verbally examining health issues through self-exploration. Prior art experience is not a requirement. Appointment necessary.First Hill:Swedish Cancer InstituteA-floor West, Cancer Education CenterTuesdays and Thursdays (ongoingwith 50-minute appointments)

Knit for Life™This network of volunteers use knitting as a healing experience to enhance the lives of can-cer patients, their families and caregivers dur-ing treatment and recovery. It provides a supportive environment for beginning and ex-perienced knitters. All materials are provided.Cherry Hill:Hospital Lobby StarbucksMondays (ongoing) 6-8 p.m.

First Hill:Swedish Cancer InstituteFirst-floor LobbyThursdays (ongoing), 1-3 p.m.

Swedish Cancer Institute

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CanCer eduCation CenterArnold Building1221 Madison St., A Floor West(206) 386-3200

©2007 SWEDISH HEALTH SERVICES CI-07-07720 12/07

1-800-SWEDISH | swedish.org

but found that many of them were too expensive.

“I was introduced to Stephanie, who had free wigs for cancer patients,” said House. “I didn’t know that she could help and provide all these resources for me.”

As Kristin continued her treatment at Swedish, she would stop by the Cancer Education Center to say hi to Stephanie. Over the next few months, the two really got to know each other.

“Stephanie knew that I lived in Redmond and had to drive pretty far to get to Swedish,” said House. “So she called me up and told me about gas cards that the American Cancer Society was giving to patients – it was fabulous.”

With only a few months under her belt, Sarah is also making an impact on patients. She had the opportu-nity to shadow a cancer patient from Alaska from the beginning to end of her treatment at Swedish, and learn more about the navigator-patient relationship.

“Knowing that the tidbits of support I give to a patient and their family can help them is a very re-

warding experience,” said Sarah. “I find that there are often resources that people do not realize they need or would benefit from until we have a chance to sit together and talk about their story.”

Cancer patients, family members, caregivers and friends are all welcome to meet with the patient navigators. To set up an appointment with either one, you can stop by their offices or call Stephanie at 206-386-2587 and Sarah at 206-215-6557.

Navigators Help Guide Patients Through the Cancer Experience(continued from page 1)