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The Outreach Program at the St. Joseph Cancer Center continues to evolve with much of the thanks going to valued volunteers in our community. In 2007, our volunteers donated over 2,700 hours to serve cancer patients and their families in our community and the services and programs that we offer were utilized by 1,029 people in the 2007 calendar year. We continue to expand our Holistic Healing program and currently have four licensed massage therapists, a licensed Energy Healing counselor, licensed Acupuncturist and a licensed Reike therapist. All of these therapies provide physical, emotional and spiritual support throughout a patient’s medical treatments. Used with --- not instead of --- medical care, this approach encourages the mind-body connection for healing and is offered to cancer patients receiving treatment locally. Each of these licensed therapists donates their time to offer support and comfort to cancer patients in our community. In addition to our support groups and educational offerings, we now offer Healing Through Creativity; an art class for survivors and no talent is required to participate! On a weekly basis, a Meditation Class is offered for patients and their friends and families to attend. We recently developed a partnership with the Bellingham Athletic Club for local patients to have free memberships (on a temporary basis) via doctors’ referral – Fit –vs- Fatigue. It has been proven that nutrition and exercise can help reduce the fatigue that normally comes with cancer treatment. We currently are referring an average of 6 patients per month to the Cordata facility of the Bellingham Athletic Club. Our Patient Navigator program connects a volunteer cancer survivor with a newly diagnosed patient to discuss what lies ahead as far as treatment, appointments and even how to have meaningful discussions with your doctors. Our Patient Navigators will offer a patient journal to help organize appointments and keep track of medications, lab work and other details to track through the wellness journey. Each patient will be offered the opportunity to visit with a Cancer Center Patient Navigator. Dedicated volunteers staff the Boyer Cancer Center library on a full-time basis, Monday through Friday, assisting patients and their families with all types of services including finding a wig or scarf, books or class and support group registration. To inquire about volunteer opportunities or any of the programs and services at the St. Joseph Cancer Center, contact Carol Brumet or by phone at (360) 738-6706. |
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Cancer Center Classes We offer several educational classes on a monthly basis. Class sessions are ongoing and to register for classes, contact the Cancer Center volunteer desk at (360) 738-6701. American Cancer Society Programs Many programs of the American Cancer Society are offered through the St. Joseph Cancer Center. Road to Recovery offers transportation assistance to patients needing to get to treatment appointments. Reach to Recovery is a peer contact support program for women with a new diagnosis of breast cancer. Look Good Feel Better is a class designed to teach women undergoing treatment how to use makeup, wigs and scarves to enhance appearance and boost spirits. We also have a wig, hat and scarf bank and a limited supply of breast prosthesis available. All the programs, which are offered as joint services of the American Cancer Society, are available at no charge. Screening Events Cancer screening events continue to be well attended and participation
has increased in both the Colo-rectal screening event, which takes place
in March each year, and the Prostate Screening event each October. Each
March, local residents are encouraged to visit their pharmacy to pick up
a Hemoccult kit, follow the directions for completion and return it to
the Cancer Center for developing and results. We offer a patient journal that guides people
through treatment and assists them in keeping track of appointment
schedules, test results, medication lists and other resources. We also
offer a navigation
program with cancer survivor volunteers that will assist patients
through their care journey. To contact a cancer navigator or receive a
patient journal, contact
Carol Brumet at 360-738-6706. |
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Cancer Services |
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Cancer Committee |
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Cancer Program |