Cabrini Center for Cancer Care—support groups

Community support groups

The cancer program at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini hospital is dedicated to extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. We strive to provide compassionate, high-quality care to the whole person and make every effort to enhance services by creating and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Maintaining an optimal level of functioning is a significant part of the cancer treatment experience, and supportive services play an essential role in that experience.

Three support groups are facilitated and coordinated by the medical social worker assigned to the center. These groups are the Cabrini Life Management Group, the Man to Man Program and Look Good...Feel Better.

The Cabrini Life Management Group

This group meets on the third Monday of each month. Cancer patients, survivors and their families are invited to attend. The purpose of this group is to provide support and education related to cancer and its treatment. Lunch is provided. Guest speakers for this group include mental health professionals, clinical nurse educators and medical social workers. Representatives of the Pets and People Program have also participated.

Topics covered at the meetings included the "Be happy attitude for stress," coping with workplace issues, advance directive education, the healing power of nature for wellness, art and healing, image enhancement, the therapeutic benefits of pets, understanding your Complete blood count and coping with stress during the holidays.

Man to Man Program

This program is offered in association with the American Cancer Society. It is a prostate cancer education and support group that helps men and their families cope with prostate cancer. This group meets the second Tuesday of each month. During the year 2000, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Center for Cancer Care co-sponsored four Man to Man meetings, held during the months of January, April, July and October. Speakers included Doctor Lawrence Menache; Doctor Templeton, Cabrini business office; and Cherry Winkle Moore, M.F.A., M.Div.

Look Good...Feel Better

This program benefits female cancer patients in a unique way. It is designed to help women deal with the physical changes that can occur during cancer treatments. The programs offered in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, the CTFA Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. This group meets the last Monday of each month. Approximately 140 women and their guests attended the Look Good...Feel Better¬ program during 2000. The cancer survivors received a free box of cosmetics, along with a 12-step make-up guide, nail- and skin-care tips, and scarf, turban, wig and hair accessory ideas. Lunch is provided.

I Can Cope

I Can Cope is a series of educational classes for people facing cancer. The classes are designed for people diagnosed with cancer and those close to them. It provides information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and offers practical help for coping with some of the related emotional issues. I Can Cope is presented in an initial series of four classes of approximately two hours each. The topics of the classes are:

Learning about cancer and cancer treatment. Keeping well in mind and body. Understanding feelings and relationships. Discovering resources and celebrating life. The classes are offered in conjunction with the American Cancer Society and are sponsored by the Cabrini Center for Cancer Care. The classes are free and are open to the community. Bereavement support groups Compassionate Friends, for parents who have experienced the death of a child. This group meets monthly on the first Monday. Widowed Persons Support Group, for women and men whose spouses have died. These meetings are held in the morning and in the evening monthly on the second Monday.

To learn more about our services, use the links at right or call us at (318-487-1122).