St. Joseph Cancer Center - Education Series

The Cancer Education Series is a free service offered to cancer patients, their families and anyone interested in learning about dealing with cancer.  To ensure enrollment, pre-registration is encouraged.  To pre-register please call: (360) 738-6701.

"Will I Glow?" - An Overview of Radiation Therapy
Patients and their families may have many questions and concerns regarding radiation therapy.  Drs. Thompson and Taylor at the St. Joseph Cancer Center want you to have as much information as possible before you begin your treatment.  "Will I Glow" is an informal class designed by former patients to answer common questions.  "Will I Glow" will run on the following dates this quarter:

  • Thursdays 2:15-3:00 PM No registration needed

Nutrition & Cancer Management
Learn about the importance of nutrition during cancer treatment, including tips on managing treatment-related symptoms. Our Registered Dietitian will also discuss the role of nutrition in cancer prevention and recurrence.

  • Offered every other month at St. Joseph Cancer Center. Call for class dates and times and to register at (360) 738-6701.

Fit -vs- Fatigue
St. Joseph Cancer Center and Bellingham Athletic Club have partnered together for the benefit of local cancer patients to combat fatigue during cancer treatment.

Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with cancer and cancer treatment. For many patients, fatigue can have a profound negative effect on quality of life, affecting the way you think as well as how you feel.

It has been proven that nutrition and exercise can help reduce fatigue and actually yield more energy. On an emotional level, exercise tends to reduce depression by increasing endorphins as well. It is recommended to keep a regular exercise schedule -- at least three times a week.

Local patients, with their doctor’s permission, can qualify for a discounted or free membership to the Bellingham Athletic Club during their treatment time. Hopefully patients will enjoy the benefits of an exercise program and choose to continue their membership after their treatment has been completed.

Carol Brumet, Cancer Center Outreach Coordinator works directly with Bo Wilde, Bellingham Athletic Club Membership Director to refer local patients for an appointment to receive a tour of the Athletic Club. Patients are then encouraged to slowly begin a safe exercise program that works well with their treatment schedule.

If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, please ask your doctor for a referral to this valuable program.

Meditation
Lead by Chris Stephens, certified by the Self Awareness Institute in Laguna Beach, California.  Participants are invited to focus attention on increasing mental awareness and clarity of mind. Mind-body modalities are recommended as a part of a multidisciplinary approach to reduce anxiety, mood disturbance or pain.*

In a study of patients with breast and prostate cancer, meditation has shown significant improvement in overall quality of life, stress & sleep quality.*

  • This group meets weekly at the St. Joseph Cancer Center from 10:00 - 11:00. Please call to register at (360) 738-6701 as space could be limited.

* As reported in September 2007 journal of the American College of Chest Physicians

Healing Through Creativity
Offered to current patients and survivors, Glen Goforth, a volunteer at the Cancer Center for over six years and an eighteen-year cancer survivor, will teach the class. Watercolor is his favorite art medium and he ensures that each participant will have a good time and enjoy this experience. After a couple of months of watercolor, Goforth plans on introducing the group to sculpture or pottery or perhaps other creative ideas.

  • The class will run on Wednesdays, from 1:30 to 3:30 at the St. Joseph Cancer Center conference room located at 3217 Squalicum Parkway.

The class will be limited to ten people each week and must be at least eighteen years of age. All supplies will be provided. For more information or to register for classes, call the Cancer Center at (360) 738-6701.

Return to previous page

Cancer Services


Cancer Committee


Cancer Program