For your safety, and while cases of COVID-19 remain in our community, support groups and other wellness programs offered by Cancer LifeNet are being held virtually. For information on any of these programs please visit the Cancer LifeNet calendar of events or call 866-393-4355. We hope to resume in-person programs soon, but for now we continue to gather and remain connected to each other online. Thank you for understanding.
Cancer LifeNet programs are offered to individuals impacted by cancer who live in our community, regardless of where treatment is received. Whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, remission or having a recurrence, we invite you to participate in our support groups, integrative health offerings and other programs. For real time information about all support groups, classes and programs offered through UM Upper Chesapeake Health (both onsite and online), please visit our community calendar of events.
Blood Cancer (Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma)
Blood cancer is typically the result of an abnormal reproduction of white blood cells in the body and accounts for about ten percent of all annually diagnosed cancers in the U.S. Our blood cancer support group, offered in collaboration with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, provides patients and their family members a place to share information, education and feelings in a compassionate and caring setting. It is open to all adult patients affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome.
Breast Cancer
Our breast cancer support group includes compassionate discussion about how having breast cancer can affect our daily lives. A safe place to share stories and fears, the support group encourages participants to learn from—and lean on—one another. We share resources and coping strategies, discuss medical information and experiences, and most importantly, we offer support and understanding. Led by professional social workers, we emphasize the fact that you are never alone.
Caring for Caregivers
Practicing self-care as a caregiver of someone who has cancer may be challenging, but it's vital for you and your loved one. Learn what you can do.
CLIMB™ - Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery
There may be nothing more frightening to a child than learning his or her parent or family member has cancer. Kids often lack many of the coping skills that come with adulthood and can experience a wide range of emotions.
Created by The Children's Treehouse Foundation®, Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB) is a free support program designed to help children cope when a family member has cancer. By creating a safe setting where kids can express their fears, concerns and questions, CLIMB helps children to be able to take comfort in knowing that they are never alone. It is designed to be fun and interactive for kids and reassuring for parents.
Facebook Group for Cancer LifeNet
People with cancer and their caregivers need support; Cancer LifeNet is offering a private Facebook group to help. The private group offers a safe place to connect with others, to share stories and to get—and offer—support to one another. If you or someone you love is affected by cancer, please consider joining our group. Because no one should have to endure cancer alone. Join the Cancer LifeNet Facebook group today.
Head and Neck Cancer
Our educational and informative support group is a time for sharing and learning with the goal of providing positive coping strategies, reducing stress and maximizing your quality of life. Meet with other individuals with head and neck cancer, as well as health care professionals. The group is open to individuals who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or recovering from treatment and their families.
Healing through Support
Social support is essential to our mental and psychological wellbeing. It helps enhance our resilience to stress, anxiety and other negative emotions that when left unchecked, can lead to a decline in our overall health. This compassionate group welcomes individuals who are coping with cancer and their caregivers, and offers unconditional support, fellowship and understanding.
Meditation
Meditation and mindfulness have a host of well documented health benefits. Known for its calming aspects, meditating can help you increase self-awareness, lower levels of stress and anxiety and reduce negative emotions, while relaxing your body and mind.
Prostate Cancer
Considered a ‘couples disease’, prostate cancer and its side effects can have a profound impact on a couple’s relationship; therefore, our prostate cancer support group is open to both men and their partners. What the group does best is embrace newly diagnosed men who are still making decisions about their treatment options. It also offers a safe place to share experiences and hear how others have managed the disease and its treatments.
Tobacco Cessation
Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It isn't easy, but you can do it and we're here to help with free classes offered throughout the year. Learn more about the tobacco cessation class.
Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that involves movement through different postures to build strength, improve balance and release tightness and tension in both the body and mind. It offers benefits for side effects that current and post-treatment patients experience, including fatigue, neuropathy, pain, loss of mobility and bone loss. Breathing techniques assist in calming the nervous system, easing anxiety and relaxing the body. Following a flow, students finish with a guided visualization or meditation.
Cancer LifeNet offers two levels of yoga classes. Level 1 is ideal for students new to the practice or seeking a gentler flow. Level 2 is designed for students who have greater range of motion and are comfortable moving in a variety of ways on the floor and in standing postures. Modifications will be offered in both classes to best meet the needs of students in attendance.