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Several of these groups and programs meet in Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Vernon Cancer Center — these are run by hospital staff.
Breast Cancer Support Group
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays every month; 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Where: Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital Integrated Support Services (Lower Level, Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital)
More Information: please call 617-219-1230 to register or for more information. This group provides an opportunity for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, or for those who have recently finished treatment, to gain emotional support for all that they are going through, including body and body image changes, management of side effects, lifestyle and family changes, sharing of resources and coping strategies.
General Cancer Support Group Enrolling Now
Please call us at 617-219-1230 to register or for more information.
Support for those with all types of cancer who are coping with their illness.
Look Good... Feel Better Program
Please call us at 617-219-1230 for more information.
The Look Good… Feel Better (LGFB) program is designed for both men and women going through cancer treatment. Treatment may cause temporary changes in appearance that can be upsetting. It is often said, “If you look good, you’ll feel better” and that is the purpose of this very special program. LGFB teaches participants cosmetic tips to look and feel good about themselves during chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Participants learn about skin care, nail care, makeup and ways to deal with hair loss. The Look Good… Feel Better Program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, along with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and the National Cosmetology Association.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets first Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm. Bowles Conference Center.
For more information, please call Carleton Merrill at 617-244-2421.
Support Group for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays every month; noon - 1:00 pm
Where: Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital Integrated Support Services (Lower Level, Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley)
More Information: Please call 617-219-1230 for more information. Registration is not required. This group is for those who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past month. This group will be led by Susan Swick, MD and the cancer center's social worker. Dr. Swick is a child and adult psychiatrist and Director of the PACT program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She has a clinical interest in patients coping with the impact of their cancer diagnosis.
WeCanRow-Boston
Founded in 2002, WeCanRow-Boston is the original chapter of the National WeCanRow program, which has affiliates across the country. The program was founded in 2002 by Olympic gold medalist, Holly Metcalf, who heads the National WeCanRow program. We Can Row is specifically designed to allow breast cancer survivors to reorient themselves with their bodies, giving women a sense of control and putting them in contact with other breast cancer survivors. Rowing helps survivors to re-build physical strength and mental focus, renew self-image and develop the bond of teamwork with women who have had similar cancer experiences.
Casting for Recovery
Casting for Recovery was founded in 1996 in Manchester, Vermont, the unique brainchild of a breast cancer reconstructive surgeon and a professional fly fisher. It began as a local grassroots group with a big heart and an original national vision, and quickly received endorsements from medical and psycho-social experts for its innovative healing program model while at the same time provoking intense interest by national media. Casting for Recovery was founded on the principles that the natural world is a healing force and that cancer survivors deserve one weekend — free of charge and free of the stresses from medical treatment, home, or workplace — to experience something new and challenging while enjoying beautiful surroundings within an intimate, safe, and nurturing structure. (As seen in the NY Times)
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free-of charge twelve-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors looking to improve their overall health and well-being through programs which build mind body & spirit.
The program's goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.
There are currently two locations of this program in Boston:
- Charles River YMCA
380 Chestnut St
Needham, MA 02492
617-927-8080 - West Roxbury YMCA
15 Bellevue St
West Roxbury, MA 02132
617-323-3200
Email contact for both locations: livestrong@ymcaboston.org
Lebed Method Exercise Classes at Newton-Wellesley Hospital
When: Tuesdays; 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Where: Allen Riddle Living Room, a part of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Campus
Please call Linda Dudis at 617-243-6172 to register.
If she not immediately available, Linda will return your call.
Open to women living with breast cancer as well as any cancer patients, Lebed Method Exercise Classes offer therapeutic exercise and movement to music. All ages and fitness levels welcome. These exercises are designed to increase overall physical wellness, range-of-motion, balance, strength, endurance, emotional well-being and self-image.
Classes are taught by certified physical therapist Linda Dudis, PT. Classes are ongoing - you can join at any time - and free of charge.
Strength in Motion
Cancer Rehabilitation Program at the Vernon Cancer Center
The following professionally guided exercise classes are free of charge and appropriate for all fitness and energy levels. Come learn how to make exercise and fun and effective!
Exercise Screenings
Screening appointments are available on Wednesday between 8:30 and 10:30 am
Vernon Cancer Center
These informal screenings by a physical therapist provide an overall fitness assessment and recommendations for future exercise plans. The physical therapist can also refer patients for physical or occupational therapy for specific concerns.
Rehabilitation Exercise Class
When: Friday, 11:00 am – noon
Where: Department of Rehabilitation Services Small class size, rolling admission for 10-week sessions. This exercise class, led by a physical therapist, offers gentle aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching.
Shipley Fitness Center
When: Tuesday, 11:00 am – noon
Where: Shipley Fitness Center
Small class size, rolling admission for 10-week sessions. This class, led by an exercise physiologist at the Shipley Fitness Center, offers a more vigorous aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching. Personal training is also available.
Key Phone Numbers
American Cancer Society: 1-800-ACS-2345 or http://www.cancer.org
Leukemia Lymphoma Society: 1-800-688-6572 or 508-879-5083
National Cancer Institute: 1-800-4-CANCER or http://www.cancer.gov
