Done With Cancer Treatment? Wondering What's Next?
A Time To Heal, a holistic rehabilitation program for cancer survivors started with breast cancer patients in 2005.. Research showed that women who completed the 12-week program were functioning significantly better than women who did not participate. Inspired by cardiac rehabilitation programs, Dr. Kay Ryan and Dr. Stephanie Koraleski, founders of the program, wanted to give cancer patients access to the tools they need to be well after their treatments.
Now, one of only eight Lance Armstrong grants in the nation lets us expand the program to adult men and women with other types of cancer. Both of the A Time to Heal programs consist of 12 weekly group sessions featuring light exercise; a professional speaker discussing topics of interest to patients and their families; a discussion with other patients; time to journal; and time to learn specific skills such as guided imagery, dealing with fear, or other coping techniques. The topics include sessions about physical health (nutrition; activity to regain strength; relaxation; dealing with sexual side effects; coping with “chemo-brain;” safe use of herbs and supplements); mental and emotional health (dealing with fear; using mind power to create your best life after cancer; relationships with family, friends, and medical staff); and spiritual health.
Best of all, there is no cost to participate in these programs, thanks to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure-Nebraska Affiliate, A Time to Heal Foundation, Methodist Hospital Foundation, and the volunteered services of wonderful professionals. Comparable services would cost about $3,600 for the 12 weeks. Your obligation, if you choose to participate, is to commit to attending at least 10 of the 2 ½ hour sessions and to agree to complete research questionnaires at four different times to help us evaluate the program.
The current breast cancer program began on January 18, and is for women who have completed their treatment for breast cancer. The first “all cancers” program will begin February 23, and is for any man or woman who has completed the initial treatment for cancer (surgery and/or the first course of chemotherapy and/or the first course of radiation).
Each patient in the “all cancers” program may bring one friend or family member to participate. Family members who choose to attend must make the same commitment as the patient for attendance and questionnaires. Both programs will take place 6:15-8:45 p.m., at the Servite Center of Compassion on the Marian High School campus, 7400 Military Ave. Groups are limited to 20 people. We are enrolling now on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please call Dr. Stephanie Koraleski at (402) 354-8350 to discuss whether you are eligible to participate and begin the enrollment process.
Thanks to the A Time to Heal faculty: Dr. Kay Ryan, Dr. Stephanie Koraleski, Dr. Deb Carlson, Cathy Barnes, Marilyn Wadum, Joyce Swanson, Sister Mary Hogan, Sandra Wendel, Shanda Freitag, Dr. Teri Gabel, Lindsay Novak, Melissa Dahir, Natalie Dowty, and Dr. Ed Creagan!
