Always There for Me

Yesterday I took a ride up to the Wellness Community Central Jersey ( TWC) to visit with Ellen Levine, the program director. Ellen and I go way back. Well, way back when it comes to my cancer journey. Ellen used to be the Director of Social Work at CINJ where I was treated.

I remember the first time we met. Patients in treatment at CINJ can attend programs offered by different departments at CINJ that educate and support cancer survivors. So one day in November of 2005 my IV pole (chemo attached) and I took the elevator up to the 2nd floor for a workshop on how to get through the holidays when you have cancer and are in treatment. Ellen ran the program that day and talked about food, interacting with family and prepping for the holidays. Instead of feeling guilty about not being able to do the things we usually do at the holidays she recommended starting new traditions. That is just what I needed to hear since I was the type of person who always went a little over the top at the holidays- decorating, shopping, coooking etc.

A while later Ellen took over as program director at the Wellness Community in Pluckemin. I started to attend the Gynecological Cancer Networking Group as well as some of the other wonderful programs they offer. After returning from the Livestrong Survivors Summit in 2006 I approached Ellen about ideas I had. She guided me on how to approach CINJ to start a support group there and also reigned me in so that I would not head off in too many different directions and loose site of my goal of raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer. After I attended Livestrong day in DC in 2007 , Ellen and TWC willingly hosted a workshop"Advocacy 101" where Betty Gallo and I talked about how cancer survivors can advocate at the state and national level.

Yesterday we spent time just catching up - talking about how we were feeling, how our families were and my new home. I was glad too that Karen a TWC social worker who runs the Gynecologic Cancer Networking Group could join us for our chat since I haven't been to group in many months. I shared with Ellen and Karen how I was feeling about my role as a cancer advocate and where I want to concentrate my efforts as an ovarian cancer advocate. I love sharing ideas and plans with Ellen and Karen . They listen carefully and then provide advice that is right on target for me.

TWC is in an old house so when I was done speaking to Ellen and Karen I went up the center wooden stairs to see Eunice, Executive Director and Patty, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach.

TWC building is a warm comfortable place to visit but the people inside make you feel welcome at any time - making you a cup of tea - just like old friends would. Ellen , Karen , Eunice and Patty have always been there for me.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing !

A Five Star Program - Cancer Transitions Moving Beyond Treatment

Tonight is the last night of the Cancer Transitions - Moving Beyond Treatment program offered at the Cancer Institute of NJ ( CINJ). Cancer Transitions - Moving Beyond Treatment is a partnership effort between the Wellness Community and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. It is meant to support and educate cancer patients during the transition period following treatment. It began in 2006 and participants have been evaluating and improving it ever since.

My evaluation of the program is 5 Stars.

I highly recommend this program.I have been involved in many different types of programs specifically for ovarian cancer survivors. This program is open to survivors of all types of cancer. And that is why I think this program is especially strong. It is applicable to all survivors - those who have had surgery, those who have had chemo and those who have had radiation or any combination thereof. Topics during the past few weeks included Taking Control of Survivorship, Exercise for Wellness, Emotional Health and Well-Being, Nutrition Beyond Cancer , Medical Management Beyond Cancer and Life Beyond Cancer.

Each week I came home with a piece of information or technique that I could use on my own path of survivorship. The exercise component was incredibly helpful. I walk almost every day but my upper body strength had gotten pretty weak over the past year during my treatment for a recurrence. Rita Musanti, a nurse and our Fitness Instructor, was able to show me exercises to build arm and shoulder strength. Her knowledge of the type of surgery I had allowed her to recommend exercises that would tone my abdominal muscles without causing injury. Last weeks presentation by Marlene McGuire, RN, discussed our awareness of side effects of treatment. In a discussion about neuropathy, I learned that the pain and tingling I feel in my left foot may be intensifying as the weather gets colder. It makes sense but I never heard anyone tell me that might be the case.

So a big thanks go out to all the presenters, and to Ellen Levine , Wellness Community of Central NJ and Julie Murphy, CINJ, for their efforts in making the program available to survivors here in NJ and for offering their insights into the emotional health of cancer survivors.


LiveSTRONG

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!