Breast Cancer Education & Support Groups
Knowledge and empowerment
At the Breast Health Center your team of providers understand how you may feel about your breast cancer diagnosis. We want to ensure that you begin your journey of treatment and recovery with as much knowledge and empowerment as possible, while surrounded by a support system of caregivers, as well as patients who have received the same diagnosis.
The eight-session education and support group has been carefully planned and formatted to fit the needs of a newly diagnosed patient. During these sessions, our nurse practitioner and certified breast patient navigators along with other health care practitioners, will guide you through your journey.
If you would like more information about our breast cancer education and support groups, please call 978.304.8101.
Breast cancer basics
During this session, you will understand the goals of the eight sessions, meet your fellow classmates, and ask the Certified Breast Patient Navigator any questions you may have. They will discuss breast cancer; what it is and what it means for you.
Preparing for treatment
Speakers from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and a certified breast fitter will attend this class and discuss the resources available to you and your families. Samples of undergarments will be shown. A member from the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better Program will be in attendance. This workshop teaches female cancer patients certain beauty techniques to help combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. It is a hands-on workshop that includes skin care and makeup lessons, nail care techniques, and advice on using wigs, scarves, hats, hairpieces and other accessories.
Coping with the diagnosis of breast cancer
During this session, a member of the Lahey Health social work team will be available to discuss the challenges you may face when discussing your diagnosis with your family and friends. The social worker will provide tips on how to handle these conversations, as well as tips on how to manage the influx of support and advice you may receive. During your treatment, it is important to take care of YOU.
Managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment
An oncology nurse and a pharmacist from our team will be present to discuss the expected side effects from your treatment and the importance of managing these side effects. A member of the physical therapy team, whom is also an expert in lymphedema, will discuss post-surgical exercises and demonstrations.
Living healthy with breast cancer diagnosis
Speakers from the Lahey Health's Lifestyle Management Institute will present ways to live healthy. Diet, exercise and nutrition are important factors in becoming and staying healthy. Tips on managing fatigue and how to quit smoking are also available during this session.
Learning to love the "new me"
Being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatment can be exhausting and change the way you feel about your body. During this session, you will learn about the medication effects on the body, hormonal changes and how to increase your self-esteem.
Finding a balance
Complementary medicine may help with symptoms of treatment and overall well-being. During this session, experts in the area of complementary medicine will discuss stress management and reduction, finding peace within yourself and tips on caring for yourself during treatment. Reiki, yoga and other alternative approaches are discussed.
Living with a breast cancer diagnosis
A breast cancer survivor and a patient of our Breast Health Center will tell the story of her journey, from treatment to survivorship. Tips on managing lifestyle changes and staying positive will be discussed. The next steps in your journey will be discussed, as well as where to go for additional support groups.
