Did you know Life with Cancer offers:
Short-term counseling
A cancer diagnosis often leads to concerns and fears about one’s life, changes in body image, side effects of treatment and disruptions in life, work, and relationships. Family members may also experience their own unique set of concerns. Short-term counseling can provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges that follow a cancer diagnosis and to explore effective ways of coping. For more information on this free service offered by our oncology counselors, please call Life with Cancer Program Manager at 703-698-2535.
Educational consultations with an oncology nurse are available to discuss questions and concerns about treatment, side effects, clinical trials, fertility, information about your cancer and more. To schedule a consultation, offered free of charge, contact Eric Cohen, Education Program Manager, 703-776-8786.
Do you have any bright ideas?
We are always looking for topics and areas of interest to explore. If you have suggestions for future classes and groups, please send an email to sabine.gnesdiloff@inova.com. Thanks!
How to locate a class, group or service in this Calendar:
All classes, groups and services, regardless of location, are listed alphabetically and by date:
- This month's highlights
- Life with Cancer en Español
- Seminars, Groups, &
Services of General Interest
- Grief, Loss and Recovery
- Fitness and Nutrition
- Complementary Approaches
- Breast Cancer Classes
and Groups
- Diagnostic-Specific Seminars and Groups
- Programs for Children &
Teens
Check individual listings to find their locations. Check the Location Key for the exact address of each class.
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This Month's Highlights |
Seminars for Survivors: Improving Your Sleep
Thursday, July 17
7-8:30 p.m.
FC-11
Sleep is one of the basic requirements for healing and restorative function. Yet one of the most common issues many cancer survivors face is challenges or problems with sleeping. Problems may arise due to illness, medications, psychological or emotional issues, treatment issues, or side or after-effects of treatment. Join us for this special evening program with Navdeep Dhaliwal, MD, as she provides an overview of common challenges around sleep, and offers some strategies for improving your sleep. Please register by Monday, July 14. Note also, “Sounder Sleep” Seminar on Monday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 23. |
Check this box to select this
class for online registration
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Life with Cancer en Español |
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Seminars
& Groups of General Interest - Listed by Date |
BMT/Stem Cell Support Group
Thursday, July 24
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Fairfax-Northern VA Hem-Onc
8503 Arlington Blvd., # 320, Fairfax, VA
This monthly group meeting is open to past, current, and upcoming Bone Marrow Transplant and /or Stem Cell Transplant patients and caregivers. Facilitators: Drucilla Brethwaite, LCSW and Donna Eichna, MSN, APRN-BC, OCN®, Inpatient Stem Cell Coordinator. Please register. |
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class for online registration
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CanSurvive
Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Call weekly for exact time
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library
7584 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA
This patient-led support group is for people with cancer of any kind, their families, caregivers, friends and associates. For more information and for exact time contact us, 301-294-0566, linsil@usermail.com, or www.Can-Survive.net.
You Are Not Alone
Tuesdays, July 8 and 22
7 – 8:30 p.m.
IFOH, Conf. Rm. 3
Everyone is welcome to share and learn from others in a comfortable, relaxed and upbeat social atmosphere. Talk about day-to-day issues, learn helpful information and improve your sense of well-being. For more information call Donna McAllister, LCSW, to register, 703-391-4743. Everyone welcome.
Family and Friends: Partners in Care– two locations
Meet with others for ongoing support in dealing with the emotional and physical challenges of caring for a loved one with cancer. Explore topics of concern, coping strategies and information related to cancer and its treatments.
Fairfax New Location!
Wednesdays, July 9 and 23
7 - 8:30 p.m.
FC-12
Facilitators: Alternately, Drucilla Brethwaite, LCSW or Shara Sosa, LCSW.
Loudoun (Registration Required)
Monday, July 21
6:30 – 8 p.m.
ILH-ROC
Facilitator: Saundra Weller, LCSW. |
Check this box to select Loudoun for online registration
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Lymphedema Group Meeting
Wednesday, July 9
7 - 8:30 p.m.
FC-12
Meet with others to discuss physical and emotional concerns about hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation, or trauma to the lymphatic system. Facilitators: Shara Sosa, LCSW, and a certified lymphedema therapist.
Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia
Sunday, July 6
No meeting in August
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
PCC
An ostomy nurse is present at every meeting for help and advice. Park in Blue garage. For information call (703) 802-3457 or visit www.ostomysupportofnova.org.
Woman’s Support Group – Loudoun
Monday, July 7 (different date this month)
6:30 - 8 p.m.
ILH-ROC
Providing support to one another can offer many physical and emotional benefits. Come together monthly to share, support and learn from each other and increase your sense of well-being. This group is open to women diagnosed with any type of cancer. Please contact facilitator at 703-858-8466 prior to attending first meeting. Facilitator: Saundra Weller, LCSW.
Young Adult Group
Thursday, July 24
7:30 – 9 p.m.
FC-12
Meet with others, ages 20 to “30-something”, to discuss work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, body image, dating, intimacy, fears of recurrence, sustaining a normal lifestyle, and more. Facilitators for summer months: Eric Cohen, RN, OCN® and Shara Sosa, LCSW. Check out our blog for young adults at http://lwcyoungadults.blogspot.com.
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Good Grief Bereavement Group
If you experienced the death of a loved one from cancer within the last two years this seminar can help you understand the grieving process, accept and express emotions, deal with children, family and friends, cope with special dates, manage life style changes, learn about community resources, and handle changes that come after the loss of a loved one. New groups forming in fall; for information, call Drucilla Brethwaite, LCSW, 703-776-8798.
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Gentle Yoga – Alexandria
Wednesdays, July 9 – August 27
6 – 7:15 p.m.
IAH-Physical Medicine Gym
2nd Floor of Cancer Center Wing
Learn movements to stretch, strengthen and relax muscles and yourself. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Please call Maureen Broderick at 703-504-73-921 to register.
Meditation and Guided Imagery
Tuesday, July 29
6:30 – 8 p.m.
ILH-ROC
Learn about and practice the art of meditation in this monthly support group for patients, family, and friends. Call Karen Archer at 703-858-8857.
Reiki-Individual Appointments – Fairfax
Schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient practice involving placement of hands on different parts of the body to direct energy in order to release tension and discomfort, and enhance well-being. Dress comfortably. Appointments are limited. Schedule your appointment by preceding Friday. Online registration is no longer available.
Monday, July 14
4 – 6 p.m., by appointment
7 – 9 p.m., by appointment
FC-11
Wednesday, July 23
10 am - noon, by appointment
1 - 2 p.m., by appointment
FC-11
Reiki Program - Loudoun
Thursday, July 24
6:45 – 8 p.m.
ILH-ROC
To help you relax and rebalance. Class size is limited and registration is required. Call Karen Archer at 703-858-8857 for information and registration.
Spiritual Support Group – Loudoun
Tuesday, July 15
6:30 - 8 p.m.
ILH-ROC
A support group to help cancer patients and their loved ones draw upon their own spiritual resources to help them cope with the cancer experience. Group meets on the third Tuesday monthly.
Spirituality Quest
Tuesday, July 8*
*No meeting in August
10:30 a.m. – noon
FC-12
Come for our annual Summer Potluck Brunch. Bring and/or discuss books and movies that have given you spiritual strength. This support/education group meets monthly on the second Tuesday to explore the meaning of spirituality in our lives. Facilitated by Marsha Komandt, RN, OCN®.
Writing Your Way to Wellness
Summer Break!
Join us on Friday, September 19, 10:30 a.m. – noon and learn about the value of writing as you practice a variety of journaling techniques with Mary Kiernan-Stern, LCSW.
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Breast Cancer Classes |
Tour of Care: A Pre-op Class for Breast Surgery
Thursdays, July 3, 17, 24 and 31*
*Same session offered weekly
*No class July 10
2:30 – 4 p.m.
FC-13
Learn about pathology reports, sentinel node biopsy and breast anatomy, what to expect during your hospital stay, how to manage drains, dressings and discomfort; practical hints for bathing, sleeping, and moving comfortably and safely; prostheses and undergarments for comfort and places to shop for them, and resources available to help you along the way. A friend or relative is welcome to join you. Facilitator: Doreen Grzelak, RN, MSN, AOCN, Breast Care Navigator. Please register. |
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for online registration
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Breast Cancer Groups - Four Locations
Learn, discuss and gain support from others who understand the concerns and challenges you face.
Fair Oaks Area
Wednesday, July 9
7 - 8 p.m.
SAL
Facilitator: Saundra Weller, LCSW
Falls Church
Wednesdays, July 2 and 16
5:30 – 7 p.m.
IFHC
Facilitator: Corinne Cook, LCSW
Alexandria -Young Women with Breast Cancer
Tuesday, July 8
6 – 7:30 p.m.
IAH-CCW
For pre-menopausal women. Facilitators: Maureen Broderick, LCSW, and Shara Sosa, LCSW.
Alexandria
Tuesday, July 22
5:30 – 7 p.m.
IAH-CCW
Facilitators: Maureen Broderick, LCSW, and Shara Sosa, LCSW.
Loudoun – Newly diagnosed
Monday, July 28
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
ILH-ROC
For those newly diagnosed or starting treatment. Registration requested if attending for the first time. Call Karen Archer 703-858-8857.
Loudoun – Post-treatment
Monday, July 28
6:30 – 8 p.m.
ILH-ROC
For those finished with treatment, who have a recurrence or metastatic breast cancer. Registration requested if attending for the first time; Call Karen Archer 703-858-8857.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Groups – Falls Church
Meet in a closed support group setting with other women living with metastatic breast cancer to share life’s joys and sorrows. Facilitators for summer months: Geronima Cortese-Jimenez, RN, OCN®, MPH OR Shara Sosa, LCSW, and a psychiatrist. Registration is required. Please call Program Manager Sabine Gnesdiloff LCSW, for registration and more information at 703-698-2535.
Coalesce I – Falls Church
Fridays, July 11, 18 and 25
(no meeting July 4)
Daytime, call for time
IFHC
Coalesce II – Fairfax
Tuesdays, July 1 and 15
Afternoon, call for time
FC
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Diagnisis Specific Classes & Groups |
Brain Tumor Group
Tuesday, July 8
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
FC-11
Adult patients and families are invited to share and learn ways to meet the challenges of living with primary malignant or benign brain tumors in this monthly educational support group. Facilitators: Vera Hirshman, RN, and Micheline Toussaint, LCSW.
Carcinoid Cancer Group
Saturday, July 19
10 a.m. - noon
FC-11
Meet with other carcinoid (neuroendocrine tumor) cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another in this patient-led meeting on third Saturday, monthly. For more information call 703-255-0519 or visit http://hometown.aol.com/cacsva.
GYN Cancer Group
Wednesday, July 23
5:30 – 7 p.m.
FC-13
Women diagnosed with ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers are invited to drop in, share experiences, and learn from one another in these meetings. Facilitators: Geronima Cortese-Jimenez, RN, MPH. and Paulina Escobar.
Head and Neck Cancers - Heads Up!
Wednesday, July 9
5:30 – 7 p.m.
IFHC
This educational support group is for current and former head and neck cancer patients and their significant others. Facilitators: Corinne Cook, LCSW, and a Radiation Oncology team member.
Leukemia Group
Thursday, July 10*
*No meeting in August
7– 8:30 p.m.
FC-11
Come to our annual Summer Potluck Dinner and share your answers to the question, “How Do You Have Fun?” Invite someone new to join our group: someone you met in your doctor’s office, a friend or acquaintance who has leukemia, or one of your favorite nurses! Join us on the second Thursday, monthly. Co-sponsored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Co-facilitated by Drucilla Brethwaite, LCSW and Marsha Komandt, RN, OCN®.
Lung Cancer Group
Wednesday, July 9
5:30 - 7 p.m.
FC-13
Join fellow lung cancer patients, family members and friends to discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Facilitators: Paul Clark, LCSW, and Geronima Cortese-Jimenez, RN, MPH, OCNâ.
Melanoma Group Meeting
Wednesday, July 2
7 - 8:30 p.m.
FC-13
Meet with patients/survivors, their family and friends to share information, discuss and explore ways of meeting the challenges of living with melanoma. Light Refreshments. Sponsored by the Ashley Fister Cole Foundation. Facilitator: Paul Clark, LCSW. Please register. NOTE- Coming in September: Dr. Wen-Jen Hwu from MD Anderson will address Melanoma treatments and research.
Multiple Myeloma Group
Tuesday, July 15
11:45 a.m. - 1:35 p.m.
FC-11
Monthly discussion and psycho-educational group meeting for patients and families to share experiences, emotions, and challenges of living with multiple myeloma. We will also give a short overview on how to get involved with “Light the Night” this fall. Co-sponsored with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Facilitator: Sabine Gnesdiloff, LCSW, OSW-C. Light refreshments provided.
Thyroid Cancer Support Group
Saturday, July 12
10:30 a.m. - noon
FC-12
Thyroid cancer survivors and their adult loved ones are invited to share information and support in this patient-led monthly meeting, co-sponsored with the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. For more information call Sally Snyder, 703-981-3831.
Prostate Cancer Group (an US Too and Man to Man affiliate) – Three Locations!
Meet with other men and their families coping with prostate cancer to share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly meeting.
Falls Church New Location!
Tuesday, July 8
7:30 - 9 p.m.
FC-11
Loudoun
Man to Man
Tuesday, July 8
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Loudoun County Senior Center
Cascades Market Place, Sterling, Virginia
For more information call 703-421-5283.
Alexandria
Tuesday, July 15
6 – 8 p.m.
IAH-CCW
For further information contact Fred Gersh, 703-768-6001
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After Treatment for Childhood Cancer:
Reconditioning, Fitness, Nutrition and Bone Health
Sunday, July 20
1-6 p.m.
Sport and Health at Ballston Commons
Ballston Commons Mall.
4238 Wilson Blvd, Suite 3018, Arlington
Teens (14 and older) and young adult survivors of childhood cancers are invited to learn about the impact of treatment on physical function, late effects, safe exercise and nutrition. Have fun learning Zumba, kick boxing, and yoga and try out equipment with personal trainers. For more information and to register visit www.lifewithcancer.org or contact Connie Connor, LCSW, 703-280-3854, constance.connor@inova.org.
Teens’ Meet and Eat
We will not be meeting in July
Please call Jenny Eckert, Children’s Program Manager at 703-208-5623 for more information.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens 13 – 18 years old
Wednesday, July 16
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
FC-13
This monthly dinner offers teens an opportunity to meet others who have lost a loved one to cancer, share thoughts and feelings, and learn about the grief process. Call Jenny Eckert, LCSW at 703-698-2536 for registration and information.
Kids with Cancer Day – Please Register
Monday, July 21
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fairfax Area
Children ages 5-12 with cancer are invited to come together to meet other children with cancer, play games, do arts and crafts and just have fun. Please call Jenny Eckert, LCSW at 703-698-2536 to register or for more information.
Children’s Educational Support Program – Two Locations
Children ages 5-12 are invited to join us as we learn about cancer through discussion and activities, and find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. Please call Jenny Eckert, Children’s Program Manager at 703-208-5623 to register or for more information.
Fairfax
Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16 and 23
5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
FC, Kid’s Room
Loudoun
Tuesdays, Call for next group dates
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
ILH-ROC
Good Grief for Children 5 – 12 years old
Mondays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28
5 - 6:15
FC, Kid’s Room
Children who are 5-12 years old and have lost a loved one to cancer are invited to join us for discussion, and art therapy, share thoughts and feelings as they work through the grief process. Please call Jenny Eckert, Children’s Program Manager at 703-208-5623 to register or for more information.
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Please review all your selections above before pressing this button. |
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FC-8, FC-11, FC-12, FC-13
Life with Cancer Family Center, 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Ste. 100, Fairfax, VA, 22031; Rooms 8, 11, 12 and 13
IAH-CCW
Inova Alexandria Hospital, Cancer Center Waiting Room, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria
IFHC
Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room,
3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 (Parking for a $5 fee is available in the BLUE parking garage)
IFOH
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, 3600 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033, past the Café to the left
ILH
Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Suite 100, Leesburg, VA 20176
ILH-ROC
Inova Loudoun Hospital, Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Parkway, Suite
100, Leesburg, VA
MPB
Medical Plaza Building, Conference Center, 3700 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax 22033
SAL
Sunrise Assisted Living at Fair Oaks, 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax (on the grounds of Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
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| For Directions to Life with Cancer Program Facilities call 703.776.2841, and select option #2
For more information about programs and services or to register for classes call 703.776.2841 Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
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Life with Cancer will adhere to the following guidelines to determine cancellation of classes or groups due to inclement weather
*If Fairfax County School System and Adult Education Programs are closed due to weather, classes will be canceled for that day and evening.
*If Fairfax County School System and Adult Education Programs have a delayed opening, classes and groups scheduled before 12 noon will be cancelled. Decisions on evening program cancellations will be made by 3 p.m. Please call 703-776-2841 and press option #3 for afternoon and evening cancellations.
For information on cancellations due to inclement weather, please call 703-776-2841 and press option #3. Decisions on evening program cancellations will be made by 3:00 p.m., then call 703- 776-2820 the following business day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for rescheduling information.
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