Cancer Center Annual Report, 2006 - Hartford Hospital!
Cancer Center Annual Report, 2006 - Hartford Hospital!
Cancer Center Annual Report, 2006 - Hartford Hospital!
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support programs<br />
l s p e c t r u m o<br />
f t h e i<br />
r c a r e<br />
f r o m<br />
e a r<br />
l y<br />
d e t e c t<br />
i o n<br />
o n<br />
t s<br />
f u l<br />
t h r o u g h t h e<br />
t r e a t i n g p a t i e n<br />
Advanced Prostate <strong>Cancer</strong> Support Group<br />
Advanced Prostate <strong>Cancer</strong> support at <strong>Hartford</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> has reached a new level as patients are living longer, more productive<br />
lives with the myriad of side effects of chronic metastatic disease. Men in this Group are very well informed, both<br />
about their cancer status and also about their treatment options and where to go for the most effective care. The group<br />
discussions help train patients to identify any changes in bodily form or function, alerting physicians to quickly diagnose<br />
and treat problems. A now yearly visit with medical oncologist Dr. Robert Siegel detailing his most recent experiences<br />
with patients in clinical trials is heavily attended.<br />
Many of our members have been in the Group for several years, and have formed bonds of friendship both within and<br />
outside of the meetings. We have a luncheon group that meets every other month outside of the <strong>Hospital</strong>. Members share<br />
life experiences, trips, and family experiences, both happy and sorrowful with each other. When someone dies, we talk<br />
together to honor the memory of someone we have known and loved over our time together in the Group.<br />
At the end of the year a holiday party celebrates another year of survival with this chronic disease. In 2007, the Group<br />
will begin its14th year, thanks to the support from the Gray <strong>Cancer</strong> <strong>Center</strong> and the Department of Urology.<br />
Carole B.C. Fox, CURN<br />
Support Group Coordinator<br />
Spouse Prostate <strong>Cancer</strong> Support Group<br />
The group met every other month for 3 sessions this year. Because of declining attendance, coordinators Peg Garrison<br />
and Carole Fox decided to place the group on hiatus to reexamine its purpose.<br />
Based on feedback from members, women want to focus more on dealing with their partner’s cancer diagnosis and treatment<br />
issues and less on stress reduction for themselves.<br />
It is likely that meetings will resume in 2007 as part of the main P.C.S.G.’s breakout session rather than on a separate<br />
night.<br />
The key to success for any support group is membership involvement; otherwise they wither and die on the vine. This is<br />
an important point for group leaders to remember. We hope for a resurgence of growth in 2007!<br />
Margaret A. Garrison, APRN, BC<br />
Carole B.C. Fox, CURN<br />
Support Group Coordinators<br />
30 HARTFORD HOSPITAL CANCER PROGRAM
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