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Survivorship | ChristianaCare

Survivorship Program Calendar

Providing support groups and and services for everyone affected.

Groups and Services

The Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute is proud to provide and promote support groups and services for our cancer patients, survivors and their families in our community and throughout the region.

The following list of programs is subject to change without notice, so be sure to register in advance, call or email to confirm the event.

Events and programs are categorized as:

        Cancer Specific Support and Educational Programs

        Rehabilitation Services online classes via Zoom:

        Cancer-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) and “chemo-brain” can be experienced during and after cancer treatment, to include radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. 

        Symptoms may include:

        • Difficulty with thinking
        • Concentrating
        • Remembering

        To learn more or to register for Cancer-Induced Cognitive Impairment and “Chemo-brain” Management, contact Stefanie Bonis at stefanie.bonis@christianacare.org.

        Breast surgery and radiation treatment may cause breast or arm swelling called lymphedema. You also may notice limited arm movement or feelings of a pulling sensation. Learn to prevent and manage lymphedema.

        This virtual class provides education on:

        • What is lymphedema?
        • How to prevent lymphedema.
        • How to manage lymphedema.
        • Information on axillary web syndrome

        To learn more or to register for Lymphedema Education & Precautions for Breast Cancer Patients, contact Stefanie Bonis at stefanie.bonis@christianacare.org.

        If you have numbness, tingling or pain in your fingers or toes and have had chemotherapy, you may have chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. In this class participants will be shown ways to reduce their discomfort with self-massage, exercises, breathing techniques and other helpful strategies.

        To learn more or to register for Numb Fingers, Numb Toes, contact Stefanie Bonis at stefanie.bonis@christianacare.org.

        Cancer-related fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Come learn the causes, signs and symptoms of cancer-related fatigue and how energy conservation and exercise can help relieve this overwhelming condition.

        To learn more or to register for Cancer-Related Fatigue, contact Stefanie Bonis at stefanie.bonis@christianacare.org.

        The female pelvic floor muscles line the bottom of the pelvis and are responsible for stabilization, continence, sexual function, and support. These muscles can become weak or painful during and after cancer treatment, causing side effects that are disruptive to daily living. Learn how to begin managing pelvic floor problems.

        This virtual class provides education on:

        • What is the pelvic floor?
        • How cancer treatment can affect the pelvic floor muscles and function
        • How to begin management of pelvic floor problems

        To learn more or to register for Female Pelvic Floor Health: Education for Cancer Patients, contact Stefanie Bonis at stefanie.bonis@christianacare.org.

        The male pelvic floor muscles line the bottom of the pelvis and are responsible for stabilization, continence, sexual function, and support. These muscles can become weak or painful during and after cancer treatment, causing side effects that are disruptive to daily living.

        This virtual class provides education on:

        • What is the pelvic floor?
        • How cancer treatment can affect the pelvic floor muscles and function
        • How to begin management of pelvic floor problems

        To learn more or to register for Male Pelvic Floor Health: Education for Cancer Patients, contact Stefanie Bonis at stefanie.bonis@christianacare.org.

        Other Support

        Community Health Outreach and Education program. Five free counseling sessions to assist you with going smoke-free. Program is through the Delaware Quitline (1-866-409-1858) Call 302-623-CARE for information.

        Basic scrapbook instruction for the beginner or experienced scrapbooker. This program is open to people receiving cancer treatment as well as those who have completed cancer treatment for any type of cancer.

        This program is currently on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

        Walk a labyrinth for serene, spiritual support.  More information is available in the Cancer Resource Library, Room 1106 in the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute.

        Research has shown that certain types of expressive writing can help to reduce stress, promote healing and improve the quality of life. Join Dr. Joan DelFattore for this free workshop. Online resources available at sites.udel.edu/jdel. Meets 2nd Monday of the month. Please call 302-623-4580 for more information regarding virtual workshops.

        Creative journaling is a way to record your experiences using a variety of creative outlets to promote healing. Developed by Wendy Wallace for the Graham Cancer Center and brought to you by the Junior Board Cancer Research Library.

        This program is currently on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

        Patients and families can share resources and receive support. Facilitated by Danielle Brown, MSW. This group is provided by Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Delaware. Meets 1st Wednesday of the month. To learn more, call 302-661-7300.

        Cancer Support Community Delaware offers a monthly support group in partnership with the survivorship program at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. For women with breast cancer, anywhere from newly diagnosed through treatment and into survivorship. Meets 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. To sign up, visit cancersupportdelaware.org or click to call or email Erika Narducci, LSW.

        Trained volunteers help women cope with the skin changes and hair loss often experienced during cancer treatment. Program sponsored by ACS, PCPC Foundation and NCA. Registration is required. To register, call 302-623-4580 or visit LookGoodFeelBetter.org - use referral code HE19713.

        Speech pathologist led program for people living with laryngectomies. Meets 3rd Thursday of the month, noon. For details, call Janet Sechrist, speech pathologist, at 302-623-4026.

        Cancer Survivor Support Groups

        Life After Cancer

        Surviving cancer does not mean you are now expected to be happy every minute. Like everything else, being a cancer survivor has its challenges, and — just as you did during your treatment — you will learn how to get through them. We can help you do that.

        A cancer survivor plays with a stuffed animal with her daughter and granddaughter

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