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NEW! LIVING WITH CANCER AS A
CHRONIC
CONDITION
May 14, 2008 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
With a TWC-WLA Facilitator
2nd Wednesday of every month 10:30a.m. - 12:30p.m.
Ongoing, recurrent, or metastatic, cancer is now often seen
as a chronic condition. This new group at TWC-WLA is open to
all diagnoses who wish to support each other and share
thoughts about life with cancer.
With the extraordinary
advances in the treatment of cancer, many diagnoses are
being viewed as chronic diseases. This shift brings hope
and, at the same time, challenges. Redefining a cancer
diagnosis as a chronic condition--whether it is ongoing,
recurrent or metatstatic--may require a shift in thinking,
as well. As those with cancer consider the possibility of
ongoing or intermittent treatments, they may be exploring
different approaches to treatment decisions, planning, and
quality of life issues.
This new networking group provides an opportunity for those
with “chronic” cancer to come together to express their
feelings and thoughts, receive and give support, and share
ideas and strategies for relieving the distress associated
with cancer.
ASK THE DOCTOR: BREAST
CANCER DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND NEW VIEWS
Monday, May 19, 2008
6:15 - 8:45 p.m.
Presented
by
David Chan, MD
A diagnosis of breast cancer can start you on a frightening and
confusing journey with an abundance of information and
misinformation. There are options to explore and sort
through, along with managing the emotional impact on you and
your loved ones.
In this workshop, Dr. Chan
will discuss ways you can more easily navigate this journey
by learning about your options and how to avail yourselves
of the most current resources available to make the
decisions, along with your health care team, that are best
for you. Dr. Chan is an oncologist in private practice and
an instructor at the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center.
Dr. Chan is an oncologist in private practice
and instructor at the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center. All
attendees will receive his book,
Breast Cancer: Real
Questions-Real Answers.
A lite supper will be provided.
In collaboration with The American Cancer
Society-Coastal Cities Unit.
ASK THE DOCTOR: DEPRESSION &
ANXIETY DURING AND AFTER THE CANCER
EXPERIENCE
Saturday,
May 31, 2008 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Presented
by
Deborah Nadel, MD
Many people find themselves experiencing a roller coaster of
emotions throughout their journey with cancer. It may not
always be clear whether these new feelings are related to
specific treatments, long-term late effects from treatment,
and/or fears about a cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Nadel will discuss the most recent research findings and
the risks and benefits of pharmacological and other
interventions. Dr. Nadel is in private practice and is a
Psychiatric Consultant at The Maple Center and UCLA Bowyer
Oncology Center. She is also an Assistant Clinical
Professor at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute.
ASK THE DOCTOR & NURSE: IN
SPANISH A DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER
“Preguntas Para El Doctor” Un programa para Pacientes de
Cáncer y sus Familiares
Saturday, June 7, 2008
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fecha: Sábado,
7 de Junio - 2008
Hora: 10:30
am – 12:30pm
Lugar: 2716 Ocean Park Blvd.,
Suite 1040 Santa Monica, CA 90405
Presented by Augustin Garcia, MD, Angela
Garrido, NP, AOCN
Presentando: Dr. Agustin Garcia
– USC Norris Angela Garrido – Enfermera de Oncología
Tocante los
temas de – • Nutrición • Fatiga • Control del dolor • Como
mejor hablar con su doctor
Para reservar su espacio llame a:
Elizabeth Mejia 310-314-2555 or reserve
a space online.
Almuerzo
gratis para todo los participantes!
En collaboracion con American Cancer
Society
TWC-WLA 26th
Anniversary
Party
Come join us for a Mexican style
buffet. All participants and caregivers welcome.
RSVP
to 310-314-2555 or reserve
a space online.
LYMPHEDEMA WORKSHOP
Tuesday,
June 17, 2008 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Presented by Cynthia Wood, PT, CMLDT
Lymphedema is abnormal swelling that can
occur as a result of mastectomies and lumpectomies. Physical
therapist, Cynthia Wood, will present strategies for
prevention and treatment.
ASK THE DOCTORS: IN FARSI
A DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER
For Farsi-speaking People with Cancer & Their Families
Monday, June 30, 2008
6:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Presented by Sepehr Rokhsar, MD & Behrooz
Hakimian, MD
A diagnosis of cancer presents significant
concerns for people with cancer, their families and
community. For some, it may be more difficult to address
these concerns than others. Drs. Rokhsar and Hakimian will
answer your questions about a cancer diagnoses and the
latest treatments, helping to provide you with support,
education and hope. Dr. Rokhsar is a medical oncologist and
part of the Tower Hematology Oncology Medical Group. He is
an active member of the American Society of Hematology and
the Southern California Lymphoma Group. Dr. Hakimian is a
radiation oncologist and staff member at the Cedars-Sinai
Outpatient Cancer Center’s Radiation Oncology program and
Co-Director of the Gamma Knife Center at the Samuel Oschin
Comprehensive Cancer Institute. He is an associate
professor at the University of California, Irvine.
There will be a lite supper for all attendees. This
workshop is in collaboration with American Cancer
Society-Coastal Cities Unit.
Walking Chi Gong
Every
Monday and Friday, 10:00am - 11:30am
Instructed
by Michael Sieverts
Try
this simple Chi Gong method that combines walking, moving and
breathing. TWC-WLA also offers a Chi Gong class every Monday
from 5 to 6pm!
Nine year brain tumor cancer survivor, TWC-WLA participant
& Walking Chi Gong instructor, Michael Sieverts. Click on 25
Stories of Inspiration for his story.
MAKING DECISIONS
/ FINDING SOLUTIONS
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
7 pm - 9 pm
Facilitated by Malcolm Schultz, JD, MFT
People
with cancer and their loved ones often have to make decisions
and find solutions to issues that are crucial to their lives
at a time when they are under great stress. Given the
uncertainties, ambiguities and differing expert opinions that
seem inherent in the cancer experience, plus the complexities
of life in general, the wisest decision or the best solution
is not always immediately obvious. And, ultimately, each
individual has to take responsibility for deciding what is
best. This workshop offers people with cancer and their loved
ones the opportunity to (1) tap into the wisdom and supportive
feedback of a group of people who are similarly situated, and
(2) learn and practice a method for entering a contemplative
state of mind so that each person can gain access to her or
his own intuitive wisdom.
CINEMA
WELLNESS
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Kite Runner 3 - 5pm
Friday, June 6, 2008
Lars and the Real Girl 3 - 5pm
Facilitated
by Robin Shlien, MFT
Join
us for an entertaining afternoon of “Movie Therapy.”
Cinema Wellness uses the art of film to stimulate conversation
relating to quality of life issues in the fight for recovery
from cancer. LIVELY DISCUSSION will follow film. Popcorn will be provided.
ON
MY OWN: BEING
SINGLE AND THE CANCER EXPERIENCE
Saturday, May 17, 2008 11 am - 1 pm
Saturday,
June 21, 2008 11 am - 1 pm
Facilitated
by Jill Searle, MFT
Regardless of one’s relationship status, a cancer diagnosis often stimulates feelings of loneliness. Being a single person with a cancer diagnosis, however, may come with a special set of additional issues. Practical concerns, such as getting to and from appointments and procedures, or planning for the aftermath of chemotherapy treatments can become more problematic for those who live on their own. Larger concerns, such as accessing emotional support can feel like it requires more conscious effort than one has the energy to summon. This workshop provides an opportunity to come together with others who live on their own to discuss these challenges and explore solutions.
RESTORATIVE
YOGA
Every
Wednesday 5 - 6 pm
Current research indicates that stretching, movement and
breathing can be beneficial to one's physical, mental and
emotional health. Yoga is wonderful for releasing the stress of stored
up tension and can be helpful for regaining strength. No
experience is necessary. Wear comfortable clothing.
YOUNG
ADULTS NETWORKING GROUP
1st
and 3rd Tuesday
7 - 9pm
with a
TWC-WLA Facilitator
The
Wellness Community - West Los Angeles is offering a support
group for young adults with cancer ages 18 and up.
Come talk about the things
that are important to you during your fight for recovery and
meet new people who understand exactly what it means to be
young with cancer. . A
light snack will be served.
MEDITATION
TECHNIQUES:
BREATHING, VOCALIZING, CHANTING,
MOVEMENTS, VISUALIZATIONS AND POSTURES
Saturday,
June 14, 2008
11am
- 1pm
Presented
by Malcolm Schultz, MFT, JD
For
thousands of years meditation has been used to enhance
spiritual
development. Additionally, research indicates that meditation
can be an effective tool to reduce physical, emotional, and
mental
distress. There are a great variety of meditation techniques
to
meet the equally great variety of personal preferences and
inclinations.
This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to
explore, practice and find what works best for them. Malcolm
Schultz has been a student, daily practitioner, and teacher of
numerous meditation practices for 32 years. He also
facilitates the
weekly 45 minute meditation session on Thursday evenings at
TWC.
LUNG CANCER NETWORKING GROUP
2nd
Monday of Every
Month 5
pm - 7 pm
This
group is offered free of charge to anyone with a lung
cancer diagnosis. All
TWC-WLA groups are facilitated by licensed psychotherapists
and require no interview or reservation.
*Participants
in TWC-WLA groups report:
-
Stress
Level Improved 79%
-
Feelings
of Isolation Improved 91%
-
Quality
of Life Improved 79%
-
Feelings
of Control Improved 87%
-
Feelings
of Hope Improved 84%
*From
a July 2007 survey of TWC-WLA participants
DID
YOU KNOW . . . ?
Guided
visualization is considered to be one of the more helpful
psychological measures used to reduce the side effects of
cancer treatment. Some studies suggest that imagery can
directly affect the immune system and is possibly helpful in
reducing nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Imagery has
been used as a therapy for hundreds of years; there is
recorded evidence that Tibetan monks in the 13th century began
visualizing the Buddha curing disease. Today, athletes use it
to improve their game! The Wellness Community offers several
ongoing stress reduction groups that employ this powerful
technique. Why not stop in and engage your mind in the fight
for recovery in Relaxation/Visualization every
Wednesday from 6 to 7pm and Meditation every Thursday
from 6 to 6:45pm. Also, check the calendar for dates and times
for Meditation Techniques. These groups require no
prior interview and are open to participants and family
members.
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