Drawing Strength from Each Other
Living with cancer is a challenge. At every stage of your illness, there will be new decisions to make and you may experience emotional ups and downs. The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital is here to help you. Cancer support groups bring patients and their loved ones together with others facing similar issues.
We offer a number of support groups that are open to any cancer patients, as well as family members and caring friends. Those who attend support groups often find them very helpful. Many participants remark that they help reduce stress and feelings of isolation. Support groups also expand knowledge of the particular disease and increase feelings of hope.
Support groups help pave the way through the course of the disease. For many, they provide an emotional release. In addition to providing information regarding pain relief and clinical trials, they also teach patients to be their own best advocates and assist in developing working relationships with their physicians.
Support groups sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital:
The Lost Chord Club West
This group provides support for people who have lost their larynx from cancer. Meetings are held on the 1st Friday of every month 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (excluding July, August, Jan. & Feb.) at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital, 1st floor conference room, Moll Pavilion (across the street from Fairview Hospital). For more information call Al Keneda, facilitator 330-239-2571 or Gwen Paull, LISW at 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Look Good… Feel Better ®
A free, non-medical product neutral program offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, the National Cosmetology Association, and The Cosmetic Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation, a charitable organization supported by the cosmetic industry. A trained, volunteer cosmetologist teaches women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. This is a supportive group environment that helps patients combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. The program is held the 2nd Tuesday of most months 5 – 7:00 p.m. in the 1st floor Conference Room of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital, Moll Pavilion (across the street from Fairview Hospital). To make reservations call into the Ohio Call Center of the American Cancer Society at 1-888-227-6446 (Select Option 2) by the Friday prior. Questions? Please call Gwen Paull, social worker here at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center – Fairview 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Prostate Partners…..formally known as Man to Man®
This group is for patients and families coping with Prostate Cancer. It provides a forum to learn about prostate cancer and treatment options – as well as coping and everyday living – through interactive presentations and materials. This group provides a comfortable setting among peers for discussion, education and support through the recovery process. Spouses or significant others encouraged to attend. The group is co-sponsored with The Gathering Place. Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of most months 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Fairview Hospital, Meeting Room A. There are also meetings periodically at The Gathering Place in Beachwood for all participants in the Cleveland area. For more information contact Nat Cooke, coordinator at 216-932-2760 or Gwen Paull, LISW, 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Women with Gynecologic Cancers Forum
This is a group for women living with Gynecologic Cancers. This peer support environment offers women the chance to meet and share their feelings and concerns. Through education and mutual support emotional and medical issues are faced together. Meetings are held on the 1st Thurs of the month 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the 1st floor conference room of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Moll Pavilion (across the street from Fairview Hospital). Dinner is provided. The group is facilitated by Gwen Paull, LISW. For registration and additional information call 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Breast Cancer Support Group
This is a support opportunity for women coping with breast cancer. Those recently diagnosed or in treatment are encouraged to attend this group. The group is facilitated by a social worker and a nurse and is intended to provide educational and emotional support. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the 1st floor conference room at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Moll Pavilion. Dinner is provided. For registration and additional information call Gwen Paull at 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
This is a support group co-sponsored by SPOHNC, a national non-profit program of Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer. The group is a peer led support group with social work staff support. The group provides an opportunity for discussion, education and support. This group meets on the second Thursday of the month 4-5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conf. Room in the Moll Pavilion. To obtain additional information about meetings and meeting times contact Tom Wurz at 440-243-6220 or Gwen Paull, LISW 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Monthly Support/Educational Opportunity for those with Blood Cancers
A monthly support group is co-sponsored by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center – Fairview Hospital. This group offers education and support to adults diagnosed with Leukemia, Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, or Myeloma, Multiple myeloma their family members and friends. The meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month 5:30-7:00 p.m. .in the 1st floor conf. room here at the Moll Pavilion. Dinner is provided. For registration please contact Gwen Paull, LISW at
216-476-7341 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
I CAN COPE®
I Can Cope is an educational program developed by the American Cancer Society for people facing cancer – either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. Classes are taught by doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. The sessions help dispel cancer myths by presenting straightforward facts and answers to your cancer-related questions about: Diagnosis and treatment, Side effects of treatment, Emotions and self-esteem, Communication skills, Community resources, Financial and Legal concerns, Pain management, Nutrition and Fatigue. Classes will be held on Saturdays Sept. 6, Sept 13, Sept. 20, 2008 10:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in the 1st Floor Conference room in the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Moll Pavilion (across the street from Fairview Hospital). Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. For registration call Gwen Paull, LISW at 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org
What about Us?.. A Caregivers Series for those caring for loved ones with advanced cancer.
This is a series of educational and supportive sessions focused on helping those that provide care for a loved one with advanced cancer. These informative meetings will provide practical information to enable you to perform well in your role as a caregiver and will provide emotional support. This will be an opportunity to meet and gain support from others coping with the similiar issues. This is a three week series. This series will be offered – Mondays: July 14, July 21 5:30-7:00p.m. and then again on Saturdays: Nov. 8, Nov. 15, and Nov 22, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room here are the Moll Pavilion. Each participant will receive a copy of “Caregiving: A step-By-Step Resource for Caring for the Person with Cancer at Home” provided by the American Cancer Society. Contact Gwen Paull, LISW for registration additional information at 216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Lymphedema Awareness Opportunity
Lymphedema is a condition that may occur following cancer treatment and post-surgical trauma. This class will address the signs and symptoms, the population at risk and presentation of this condition. Resources and techniques for management and treatment options will also be presented by Marisa Oplanic, Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Licensed Occupational Therapist. This class will be held in 1st floor Conference Room here at the Moll Pavilion.
Future dates: July 30, 2008 and Oct. 29, 2008 from 5:30-6:30. Call 440-356-9103 for registration and information.
Survive and Thrive: The New Normal after Cancer Treatment
A multidisciplinary panel including an oncology nurse, social worker, dietitian, occupational therapist, physical therapist, clergy and cancer survivor will discuss management of late and long-term physical side effects of cancer. Program includes the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of recovery from cancer. This program will be offered here again in the Fall of 2008. Please contact Jean Ellsworth-Wolk, RN, ONC at 216-476-0683 for information.
Therapeutic Yoga Class
Yoga classes are presented to our cancer patients as a tool to reduce stress, provide gentle restorative exercise, and promote wellness. These classes are held each Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lower Level Meeting room.
The Yoga instructor is Judi Barr from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Integrative Medicine. Call Jean Ellsworth-Wolk at 216-476-0683 for more information.
Less is More – Weight Management for Wellness After Cancer Treatment
An educational and support opportunity focused on learning how to balance meals and activity for a healthy lifestyle is presented in a five-week series by our registered dietician, Mary Hricovec, RD LD. This series of weekly classes are held in the early evening here at our center for no cost. A commitment to attend all 5 sessions is required. For more information about future classes please contact Jean Ellsworth-Wolk at 216-476-0683
Information and Referral to Other Area Support Groups and Peer to Peer Support Programs
Other support groups are available in our area for cancer patients. And there are several support programs that provide one on one contact by persons who have experienced cancer. Consultation and referral can be arranged by contacting Gwen Paull, LISW, at
216-476-7241 or email gwen.paull@fairviewhospital.org.
Future Support Opportunities
Planning is underway for some future support opportunities. Please make sure you pick up the most recent copy of our Cancer Center News, our bi-monthly center newsletter. They are on display throughout the Center. Please ask a staff member to locate one for you if you can not locate one. This is a tool to keep you in touch with all the support opportunities available here at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center – Fairview Hospital – Moll Pavilion. You can also check out this information on our web site at www.fairviewhospital.org/cancer
Revised 5/15/08