The Patient and Family Cancer Support Center Lounge is open at PCMB

We want you to know that we are still here for you!

Walk-In Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

• Come see the many resources and support services available to you and your family members.
• Come and visit a comfortable resting area.
• Come check your MyChart or emails.
• Or stop by to just say Hi. 

EVENTS THIS MONTH

Just to highlight a few...

UCSF ONCOLOGY PRACTICE EVENTS & PROGRAMS

UCSF Breast Care Center

- Oct 8th: Taste for the Cure: A Taste of Science 

UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health

- Oct 3rd – Nov 13th: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (in Spanish)

- Oct 13th – 8 Weeks, Thursdays: Ayurvedic Nutrition and Lifestyle Wisdom

UCSF MERI Center

- Oct 12th & 26th: What Matters Most? Two-Part Advance Care Planning Workshop

- Oct 7th, Thursdays: Food for Thought: Poetry Café

WE ARE BACK

- Oct 18th: 3 Part Group Visit Series with Dr. Donald Abrams | Integrative Cancer Care | UCSF Osher Center

- Oct 24th: Mondays, Biweekly | Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group, ages 45 and under

- Mondays: 8-Week Survivorship Wellness Program | UCSF PsychOncology

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 

- Oct 5th: Balancing Work…, Communicating Effectively Part II | Cancer + Careers

- Oct 13th: In the Kitchen with Dini Klein/ Prep + Rally | Sharsheret

- Oct 19th: Creating a Positive Relationship with your Treatment Team| Sharsheret

- Oct 26th: Comprehensive Approaches to Chronic Pain Management | Sharsheret

- Oct 24th: Invasive Breast Cancer Webinar in Spanish| NCCN

Chris Wilhite,

Manager

UCSF Mission Bay:

We specialize in providing cancer products such as wigs, mastectomy bras, camisoles, breast prostheses, hats, and other head coverings. Let's not forget our comfortable clothes, gifts, books and so much more!

In addition to fitting all types of mastectomy bras and the free Athleta bras (in limited sizes), we're excited to announce we have resumed our wig-fitting services. Our trained fitters will help you shop in dignity and privacy in a warm and welcoming environment. You can be assured you'll go home with a smile on your face! Please call us at 415-353-7776, option 2

to schedule an appointment.  

Friend to Friend invites you to stop by our shop located in the lobby of the Precision Cancer Medical Building, 1825 4th Street, Room M1220,

(Mission Bay Campus).

Shop hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 

Please stop by either campus – We would love to see you!

And don't forget to visit our website at www.friend2friend.org!

It has been over a year since AFR launched

HeARTs for Recovery

on Facebook.

Have you checked it out yet???

Visit another one of AFR Facebook pages “HeARTs for Recovery” Here you may join others to experience and share weekly natural heart images with reflections, quotes, or story of the images.

This community hopes to offer calming images and personal stories that can touch and lift one’s inner spirit through their personal healing journey. Join and share:

HeARTs for Recovery

Art for Recovery Offerings:

Due to popular patient demand, many of the Art for Recovery Program workshops have currently reached maximum capacity. Those requesting to enroll in a workshop that has reached maximum capacity, will be placed on a waitlist.

(These Online Zoom Sessions are for Patients)

Expressive Healing: An Online Music & Creativity Workshop

6 -Week Workshop | Online via Zoom

Wednesdays, June 8th – July 13th | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Facilitated by Ned Buskirk, Writer, AFR, and Patrice Haan, Harper

HeART and Music

Thursdays | 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Facilitated by Patrice Haan, AFR Harpist & Amy Van Cleve, Program Manager

Musical Oasis: Healing Music

Tuesdays | 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Facilitated by Patrice Haan, AFR Harpist



Writing with Music Workshop for Men:

Creative Community Connection & Support

Tuesdays | 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Facilitated by Ned Buskirk, MA, Creative Writer & Jim Murdoch, Musician / AFR

Open Art Studio is BACK!!!

7

Open Art Studio (NOW in Person)

Limited space. To reserve your spot, please email Amy Van Cleve

Tuesdays | 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Mission Bay Campus)

Wednesdays | 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Mount Zion Campus)

Facilitated by Amy Van Cleve, Program Manager

(Registration is Required for all AFR Offerings)

Please Pre-register by emailing Art for Recovery or call 415-885-7225.

All sessions are free of charge

We thank you for your continued support.

For more information and updates:

WHAT'S NEW

UCSF Art for Recovery Presents,

Paintings by Ben Pax

~ Ben Pax is part of Art for Recovery as a patient & friend ~

We are thrilled to see artist Ben Pax’ three new works on display at the Breast Care Center on the third floor at the Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building at Mission Bay. Rather than look at a blank wall, patients will be able to see the pieces during their breast imaging procedures.

Thank you to our wonderful staff for making this place of beauty and peace come true.

Thank you Ben, for sharing your  gift!

It's a delight to see our patient's artwork on display.

You can see more of Ben’s work at BenPax.com

Ben Pax’

with Amy Van Cleve,

Director, Art for Recovery

Stop by and see and learn more...

This is located at the 1825 4th Street | 3rd Floor, Breast Care Center

Lipstick Angels are offering their

Beauty & Wellness 101 classes with UCSF

Virtual setting via ZOOM Offered Quarterly

Fall Session: Thursday, November 17th

2:00pm - 4:00pm



Theme: "Fall Frenzy"

Enhancing healthy skin and beauty with Lipstick Angels

just in time for the holidays!

Each participant will receive in the mail a “complimentary, personalized, specially curated bag” of non-toxic makeup and skincare supplies to use during the class for the fully interactive experience.

The course includes:

•    Aromatherapy & guided breathing

•    Skincare basics

•    Self-care tips 

•    Makeup tutorials (including eyebrow shaping)

*Required to participate: See below

*Patients must be under the care of a UCSF Cancer Center provider and in the state of California at the time of the class to participate.

To find out more and pre-register: call 415-885-3693

or email us at cancersupportcenter@ucsf.edu

This program is brought to you by the Donna Smith Fund at UCSF Health,

Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

The UCSF Breast Care Center Presents

Taste for the Cure: A Taste of Science

Saturday, October 8, 2022 | 10:00AM PST 

10:00 am: Introduction

         Laura Esserman

10:10 am: Flash Talks about UCSF Patient Services

         UCSF Breast Care Center Interns

10:30 am: Cooking Demonstration

        Alison Mountford, Chef Laura Esserman, MD, MBA

11:10 am: New Ways of Characterizing Tumors

        Laura van ’t Veer, PhD

11:25 am: Flash Talks about Current UCSF Clinical Trials

       UCSF Breast Care Center Interns

11:50 am: Panel Discussion: Why Clinical Trials Matter for Everyone;

From Screening and Prevention to Stage 4 Disease

      Moderator: Laura Esserman

12:55 pm: Closing Remarks and Question and Answer Session 

There is no charge for this event. Online registration required.

You are welcome to join for part or all of the event.

Questions? tasteforthecure@ucsf.edu 

Meeting details will be provided by email to all who register. 

Register Here  or scan the QR Code

Sponsored by UCSF Osher Center

for Integrative Health

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

in Spanish

Reducción del Estrés basado en Mindfulness

(En Español) 

Online Zoom Program (Must Register) 

October 3rd – November 13th

Mondays | 1:00pm – 3:00 pm 

*Sunday, November 13th 

9:30am – 4:30 pm

Through the Community Care Fund (CCF), the Osher Center is covering the cost of an eight week course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in Spanish. This course introduces mindfulness practices in the form of sitting meditation, body awareness, and mindful movement. This program can be beneficial or those experiencing the negative impacts of stress, for those experiencing chronic physical or emotional distress, or for anyone interested in learning ways to maintain health and well-being.

Con el Community Care Fund (CCF), el Osher Center está cubriendo el costo de un curso de ocho semanas en Reducción del Estrés basado en Mindfulness (MBSR) en español.

Este curso introduce prácticas de atención plena en forma de meditación sentada, conciencia corporal y movimiento consciente. Este programa puede ser beneficioso para quienes experimentan los impactos negativos del estrés, para quienes experimentan dolor físico o emocional crónicos, o para cualquier persona interesada en aprender formas de mantener su salud y bienestar.

Registration

This 8-week course is $395 and participants can register here. Through the Community Care Fund, the Osher Center is covering the cost of this course for the individuals who qualify for financial assistance. Visit our website to review financial eligibility guidelines and apply at https://osher.ucsf.edu/CCF. 

Led by Valeria Galetto, PhD, a certified MBSR teacher.

She has taught this program since 2016, both in English and Spanish.

For more information visit: https://osher.ucsf.edu/CCF 

or scan QR Code

Ayurvedic Nutrition and Lifestyle Wisdom

With Dr. Anand Dhruva

8 Week Group Medical Visits Held via Zoom

Thursdays – Starting Oct 13th | 2:00pm – 4:00pm PT

(No meeting on Thanksgiving)  

After cancer treatment many people are left with residual deficits that interfere with quality of life. Developing self-care skills is important for cultivating a balanced and optimal state of health. Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional system of medicine from South Asia that emphasizes utilizing natural practices, including nutrition, lifestyle, and yoga to reach a state of balance within ourselves and with our world. During this eight-week group medical visit series, you will learn essential self-care strategies and skills to create a personalized health regimen based on Ayurvedic medicine.

By the end of this 8-week group medical visit series, participants will be able to:

• Discover their mind-body Ayurvedic constitution
• Create and implement an individualized Ayurvedic nutrition plan
• Create and implement an individualized Ayurvedic lifestyle plan
• Describe and implement yoga breathing practices for self-care

Lead by: Anand Dhruva, MD Professor of Medicine, Integrative Oncologist,

and Ayurvedic Practitioner 

Interested? Reach out to the Osher Center for Integrative Health (415-353-7700)

or please ask your provider for a referral.

Sponsored by UCSF MERI Center



Are You Living with

Serious Illness?

Serious Illness Support Group

1st Tuesdays | 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

What Matters Most?

Two-part Advance Care Planning Workshop

October 12th & 26th | 12:00pm-1:30pm PST

November 9th & 23rd | 12:00pm-1:30pm PST

Two Wednesdays a month | 10:30 am

The psychologist Carl Jung coined the concept of "The Wounded Healer." He took the insights of this Archetypal healing from Greek Mythology. Chiron, the wisest Centaur, was once inflicted with a severe physical wound. In his way to recovery, he found the goal of being a “Teacher of healing.” Many wise people have said, healing is not a process between the healer and the wounded. It’s a process of two equals. The teacher does heal the wounds, but the one who orchestrates it is the healer’s own experience of healing.

Redwing Keyssar, RN, Author & Poet, of the UCSF MERI CENTER for Education in Palliative Care will guide us in using poem-making to explore the concept of what it means to be a “wounded healer” and to find healing in our creative process together. 

We will:

• Use poem-making to explore ideas about health and healing
• Create a supportive & caring community

“Everyone alive has suffered. It is the wisdom gained from our wounds and from our own experiences of suffering that makes us able to heal.”

~ Rachel Naomi Remen

Led by Redwing Keyssar, RN, Author & Poet

Open to all (UCSF/non-UCSF community)

To Register, please Click Here (then select a date).

For more information: Call 415-509-8645 or email Gayle Kojimoto

Food for Thought: Poetry Café

Fridays | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to express our feelings and connect to our own creativity and community.  Join us in using poetry writing as self-care & to explore our feelings, fears & hopes. 

We will: 

• Create a safe environment for each other-with a short-guided meditation and music 
• Listen to some poems read out loud and see how they make us feel 
• Use some specific words or “prompts” to encourage our own “poem-making” 
• Share our poetic explorations 

Making poems can:

• Surprise us 
• Allow expression of feelings in creative ways 
• Guide our own healing journey 



“Poetry is simply speaking the truth.

Each of us has a truth as unique as our own fingerprints”

~Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, from Intro to Poetic Medicine by John Fox

Led by Redwing Keyssar, RN, Author & Poet

Learn More:

If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter or learn about upcoming events:

UCSF MERI Center mailing list. To see all our Eventbrite Offerings

Help keep the MERI Center workshops free by donating

Sponsored by UCSF Osher Center

for Integrative Health

Laughter Yoga...Laughter is the Best Medicine

Join us

Thursdays | 6:00 pm

Laughter is like a mini-vacation away from

all your stresses and worries.

Join a fun group of laughter lovers.

Laughter has been shown to:

• Boost your immune system with feel good hormones
• Release tension and stress
• Help manage pain
• Improve your mood and help you feel lighter  
• Increase creativity, productivity and problem-solving skills

To learn more: Go to Osher Center Public Classes/Laughter Yoga

and to join Click here.  

Looking forward to laughing with you! 

Teresa Corrigan RN, MA, CLYT 

Laughter Yoga Teacher UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine 

For additional questions or concerns contact: Class Administrator

Restorative Yoga for Patients Living with Cancer 

Mondays | 10:00 – 11:00 am

Restorative Yoga facilitates health and relaxation by supporting the body in easy and comfortable positions with props. You can use items available in your environment such as pillows, couch cushions, blankets, yoga blocks, and bolsters. You may benefit and improve the central nervous system, supports your digestion, and improves your mood and sleep.

Please register to join the class – Click Here. You will receive the Zoom meeting information and a pass code unique to you. Hope you can join Marcia Degelman, CMT, and others, while in the comfort of your own home.

Sponsored by

UCSF Neuro-Oncology

Weekly Mindfulness Meditation Program for

UCSF Patients & Their Families

UCSF patients, caregivers, and family members are welcome to join this free drop-in weekly mindfulness meditation program. No mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary. This program is for all levels of experience, from beginners to life-long practitioners. This will be a safe space to sit together, explore, and connect.

Instructors: Marc Lesser and Lee Klinger Lesser

For more: Details & Registration

MarinHealth Medical Center

MarinHealth QiGong

for Cancer Survivors and Chronic Illness

Introducing Yuan Gong an updated, gentle and effective practice of QiGong, a traditional Chinese healing system (the origin of T’ai Chi). This class focuses on improving health and well-being. Appropriate for people experiencing cancer and chronic conditions. The class accommodates people with movement restrictions or even chair-based practitioners. 

Please Reserve in advance

Sponsored by UCSF Spiritual Care Services

Survivorship Wellness

Next Orientation: Monday | 3:30pm - 4:30 pm (2nd Mondays)

8-week program: Mondays | 1:30 - 3:00 pm (rolling)

Online, via Zoom

If you are a UCSF patient who has finished active cancer treatment, please join us for an orientation to our Survivorship Wellness program. This 8-week interdisciplinary program will help you focus on optimizing health and wellness after cancer treatment. Learn how to set personal goals and practice skills in: nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, goal-setting, sexual wellness, emotional wellness, and spiritual wellness.

Open to UCSF patients who are no longer in active treatment for cancer. Most insurance plans are accepted.

3 Part Group Visit Series

Leading cancer and integrative medicine specialist Dr. Donald Abrams, former chief of Hematology and Oncology at San Francisco General Hospital and leader at UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Mount Zion, is sought after by cancer patients around the world. This 3-visit series covers cancer nutrition, plant therapies and non-traditional medicine.

Must be a UCSF Patient

Interested?

UCSF Patients receiving treatment for cancer and/or patients with metastatic cancer can be referred by their oncologist or nurse to Dr. Abrams' Osher Group Medical Visits (Referral Order #374). Most insurance is accepted.

Questions? E-mail OCIM

Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group

for ages 45 and under

Biweekly 8 Session, Mondays | Starting October 24th

5:00pm – 6:30pm via Zoom

These biweekly sessions will offer a safe place for educational and emotional support. Young women at the age of 45 or younger and treated for early stage breast cancer will have the opportunity to learn from each other and our awesome UCSF team. 

On rotation you will learn from:

Kathleen Cavanaugh; NP of Integrative Oncology

Mindy Goldman, MD; Clinical Professor of Ob Gynecologic

Hope Rugo, MD; Professor of Medicine, Dir of Breast Oncology Clinical Trials

Facilitators: Debby Hamolsky, RN, MSN & Chiara Leifer, LCSW

Registration is required: Contact Kelsey Kuwahara or call 415-502-8318

Head & Neck Cancer Education & Support Groups

3rd Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:30 pm



This group offers a safe place (a confidential zoom setting) to share outlooks and feel supported by others dealing with similar experiences. You will learn tools to cope with the emotional and physical aspects of Head and Neck cancer. The group is open to UCSF and Non-UCSF patients and caregivers.

(Alternate months will have a speaker and topic)

Next group meetings:

Oct 20th | Support Group Meeting

Nov 17th | Teddy Scheel, LCSW | Meditation

Facilitators: Dennis Ho, LCSW & Cara Evans, MS, CCC-SLP

For more information or to RSVP

Email: Dennis Ho or call: 415-514-6338

Our dietitian Greta Macaire, MA, RD, CSO, has selected the following recipe to feature this month. Also, be sure to check out our online video library of our

nutrition workshops. 

Easy Whole Grain Porridge with Golden Milk

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pot over a medium flame, add the cooked grain, the plant-based milk, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to mix. Add the raisins, dates, the grated ginger root, and the turmeric. Stir again. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn the heat down to low. Cook for 5-8 minutes stirring from time to time. For a thicker porridge, crack the lid.
2. Stir in the grated apple. Mix in well. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes more. Cover, turn off the heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes while you toast the nuts.
3. To dry toast the nuts: heat a small heavy frying pan over a medium flame. Add the nuts and cook shaking until they are a light golden color - about 2-3 minutes. As soon as they are pale gold, turn off the flame as there will be enough heat left to finish the toasting.
4. Serve the porridge in bowls sprinkled with nuts and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt if using.

Yields 2 servings

Recipe adapted from Cook for Your Life  

Are you a UCSF cancer patient and have some nutrition concerns?

Note: One-on-one Nutrition Counseling is available at no cost to UCSF cancer patients, via zoom (video visit) or telephone, by scheduling through your oncologist office/team.

Don’t miss the opportunity to add a simple and effective exercise! 

No equipment needed! Can be done anywhere with BIG value! 

MONSTER WALK

The PERFECT Exercise for the Halloween Season

When walking, running or riding a bike, all movements are in the frontal plane. If you’re ONLY doing the above activities, there is often weak glute activation, and most people end up with much stronger quadriceps than glutes and hamstrings. Overtime this can result in muscle imbalance or injuries when you don’t engage lateral movement.

Monster walks can help add more movement and more strength benefits in multiple planes, which can benefit glutes, hips, and overall lower body strength! Monster walks can be done several different ways. Below are some ideas. You can choose just the step patterns or you can use a small band as shown in the picture below. Bands can be placed above the knees, below the knees, or around the ankles (most difficult). 

Monster Walks can be done several ways with wide foot patterns. For a more advanced level you can add swinging of the arms, which can add increased heartrate and a mobility bonus:

From side to side:

• LATERAL (Sidestep) – This is the most common version of a monster walk
• WIDE foot placement (outside of hip width)
• ANGULAR step foot placement (one forward and outward from the other)
• LONG stride

Please Note:

1. If new to these exercises, please start with no resistance bands until comfortable with the movement options.
2. When moving forward and/or backward (keep safe from falling or hitting anything)

See Images Below

Remember - ALWAYS listen to your body and STOP if something doesn't feel right. 

"Pain is not part of the process."

Have fun and stay safe & healthy!

Here's to making a stronger YOU!

~Jane

The Oley Foundation is here for you. Please note: As we work through this national crisis together, Oley staff and volunteers remain committed to handling donations and requests for supplies. You may experience a delay in response as we all try to navigate these changing times. As always, we are here to answer any questions. 

Shipping Options

Below are links to recommend shipping organizations.

American Cancer Society Road To Recovery Program

The program gives cancer patients free transportation for cancer-related medical appointments. Our trained volunteer drivers will pick you up, take you to your appointment, and drop you back at home when you’re finished, at no cost to you.

Lifesaving cancer care should not be prevented or delayed because of location or transportation. Connect with us to learn more about Road To Recovery availability in your area and other resources to help you on your cancer journey.

Call the ACS at 800-227-2345 for more information.

American Cancer Society Lodging Program is Back

Getting the best care sometimes means cancer patients must travel away from home. This can place an emotional and financial burden on patients and caregivers during an already challenging time. Extended Stay America, the leading mid-priced extended stay hotel brand in the U.S., has committed to making this difficult situation easier for cancer patients and their families. To reduce disparities in cancer outcomes and help patients affordably receive the treatment needed, Extended Stay America has renewed its partnership with the American Cancer Society to offer some free and some reduced rate nights at over 760 Extended Stay America locations nationwide.

Patients who live more than 40 miles from the treatment location and have a demonstrated need for lodging assistance in order to receive cancer treatment will be eligible for the program.

You may call: 800-227-2345 or email SSBCREF@cancer.org 

ACS Video Support

Caregiver Support Series

Caregivers are a crucial part of any cancer care team. The goal of this video series is to provide educational support to caregivers as they assist with the everyday needs of cancer patients and provide.

Serie de apoyo para cuidadores

Los cuidadores son una parte crucial de cualquier equipo de profesionales médicos contra el cáncer. Esta serie de videos tiene la intención de conformar un recurso educativo de apoyo para las personas encargadas del cuidado de una persona con cáncer en relación con sus necesidades cotidianas y ofrecer información sobre técnicas de cuidado para mejorar su calidad de vida.

Join our Healing Circles:

If you have been newly diagnosed, are at the beginning, in the middle or beyond treatment, or if you have lived with cancer for a while, we invite you to join our circles. You may seek to find meaning in the challenge of cancer, bear witness to your own or others’ suffering or loss, and explore your own individual choices and capacity for healing.

Our healing circles are a safe and supportive space to walk with each other through these times. Each circle is a blend of sharing and silence, compassion and curiosity. Our agreements ensure acceptance and confidentiality. We honor our own unique paths to healing and respect the choices of others.

Upcoming Webinars

Sharsheret in the Kitchen

Cooking Demo with Dini Klein of Prep + Rally 

Thursday, October 13th | 11:00am PDT

Join Sharsheret in the Kitchen for “Prep + Rally” a healthy cooking demo with Dini Klein (@prepandrally), food host, founder of the Prep + Rally ™ family meal prep subscription service, and the author of Prep + Rally; An Hour of Prep, a Week of Delicious Meals. Dini will demonstrate delicious recipes from her new cookbook while giving us tips on how to simplify weekly meal planning. This program is part of the “Sharsheret in the Kitchen” series, bringing nutritious and delicious kosher ideas to empower all of us at risk for breast and ovarian cancer to make healthier diet choices. Recipes will be sent out a couple of days in advance of the webinar.

Contact Jessica Jablon for more information.  Register here 

Ask and Advocate:

Creating a Positive Relationship with your Treatment Team

Wednesday | Oct 19th | 5:00pm PDT

Join us on Wednesday, October 19th for an important conversation about creating a strong, collaborative relationship with your treatment team. Studies show patient understanding and involvement increase positive outcomes, so join us to learn the best ways to advocate for yourself through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Neshama Marcus, Director of Social Work at Astera Cancer Care will join us to present.  

Contact Melissa Rosen for more information.  Register here

More Living, Less Pain:

Comprehensive Approaches to Chronic Pain Management for Patients with Cancer

Wednesday | Oct 26th | 5:00pm PDT

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you likely have questions. We’re here to answer them. Join experts Drs. Robyn Roth, MD, Board Certified Radiologist at Cooper University Hospital and Catherine Pesce, MD, FACS, Chief of Surgical Oncology at Northshore University HealthSystem as they share recent updates on reducing cancer risk, detecting cancer at early stages, and answer YOUR questions. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and this webinar is open to everyone. Monday, October 24, 8 pm EDT/5 pm PDT.

Contact Melissa Rosen for more information. Register here   

FREE Patient Webinar in Spanish

Seminario web gratuito para pacientes en español:

Cáncer de mama invasivo

Invasive Breast Cancer

Monday, October 24th | 12:00pm – 1:15pm EDT

Join the experts

As they discuss the diagnosis and treatment of invasive breast cancer. This webinar is designed to help participants:

• Understand breast cancer
• Understand staging, treatment options, and genetic testing
• Engage in shared decision-making: Compare, discuss, and select medical treatment options with their care team
• Learn about side effects, and healthy habits
• Identify and utilize supportive care and patient and caregiver resources
• Learn the importance of finding a support community

Este seminario web tiene como objetivo ayudar a los participantes con lo siguiente: 

• Comprender el cáncer de mama
• Comprender la estadificación, las opciones de tratamiento y las pruebas genéticas
• Participar en la toma de decisiones compartida: comparar, debatir y elegir las opciones de tratamiento médico con su equipo de atención
• Informarse sobre los efectos secundarios y hábitos saludables
• Identificar y utilizar el tratamiento complementario y los recursos para pacientes y cuidadores 

Agenda: Entire Program will be Presented in Spanish!

• Introduction
• Expert discussion of Breast Cancer
• Question & Answer Session

Presenters

Aixa Soyano, MD

Assistant Member, Department of Breast Cancer

Moffitt Cancer Center 

Miembro Asistente

del Departamento de Cáncer de Mama

Carla Garcia, RN, BSN, MSN

Moffitt Cancer Center



Yesenia Fernandez

Patient Advocate

Latinas Contra Cancer 

Defensora de pacientes

Breast Cancer Support Group

for People 45 and Under in partnership with MPHS

Thursdays | 7:00pm – 9:00 pm PT

This group is offered in partnership with Mills-Peninsula Health Services (MPHS). It is for people 45 and under who are recently diagnosed, in treatment, or have completed treatment for breast cancer. Topics include coping with the long-term side effects of aggressive cancer treatments, fertility, sexuality and intimacy, and long-term health concerns.

Facilitated by Judy Goldstein, LCSW

*Please contact our Helpline, if you are new to BACC or to this support group and would like to join the group meetings.

You may call 650-326-6686, or email info@bayareacancer.org

Register Here 

_____________________________________

Healing and Guided Imagery 

1st &3rd Wednesdays | 5:30pm – 7:00 pm PT

Lisa will guide you through deep relaxation techniques for mind and body, helping you to tap into your own healing powers and lower your stress level. CD audio recordings are available for loan in our library.

*If you are new to BACC, please contact the Helpline before joining one of our programs to complete an Intake Form.

Facilitated by Lisa Petrocchi, BA, MH 

Register Here

Webinars

Balancing Work & Cancer:

Communicating Effectively Part II

Wednesday, October 5th | 1:00 pm PT

The ability to communicate clearly at work can make all the difference in success and achieving your goals. Communicating with coworkers, supervisors, and others in the workplace following a cancer diagnosis can be nuanced and can require some strategy.

Join us for this first-of-two sequential sessions where we will focus on:

• Thinking through your communications style
• Understanding how disclosure decisions can shape how to communicate at work
• Tips and techniques for ensuring conversations in the workplace are appropriate and comfortable 

Facilitator: Rachel Becker, LMSW, Deputy Director, Cancer and Careers

PREGUNTALE A LOS EXPERTOS  

Martes 4 de Octubre (3pm ET/ 12pm PT) |  Con Jose Perez, ESQ 

Martes 11 de Octubre (1pm ET/ 10am PT) | Con Nieves Cuervo MD

(Espacio limitado)

La serie Pregúntale a los Expertos (Ask the Experts, en inglés) es un foro en línea abierto e interactivo diseñado para brindar a nuestra comunidad conocimientos y perspectivas sobre sus preocupaciones relacionadas con el trabajo. Cada sesión se centrará en el tema del trabajo y el cáncer, guiada por un experto en ese campo. Es una oportunidad especial para escuchar sus pensamientos, obtener orientación y obtener respuestas a sus preguntas en vivo.

Durante la sesión con José Pérez (abogado y experto en derecho laboral) el responderá sus preguntas sobre cosas importantes que debe saber sobre sus derechos en el lugar de trabajo después de un diagnóstico de cáncer. Durante la sesión con la Dra. Nieves Cuervo (especialista en Psiquiatría) ella responderá a sus preguntas relacionadas con el equilibrio entre la salud mental y las demandas laborales.

More upcoming webinars:

Ask the Experts

Environment Q&A

Tuesdays, October 4th | 4:00 PM PST

Join us with Green Living and Environment Expert Deborah de Moulpied, who will summarize key points from the Environment module of the Anticancer Lifestyle Program. She will also review and answer questions from the audience. Please note that completion of the Environment module is not required - however, it’s highly recommended—you’ll get a lot more out of the Q&A that way.

If you have a question for Deborah, feel free to submit it in advance

by emailing AntiCancer Lifestyle, or ask your question live during the Ask the Expert.

** Even if you can't attend the live event, register anyway and we'll send you the replay when it becomes available.

Register here

Daily Weekday

Nature Meditations

An Online Practice Group, via Zoom

Mondays - Fridays | 7:30 - 8:15 am

Every weekday morning, mindfulness teachers/instructors will lead a nature-oriented, guided meditation session for anyone. Sessions include a short talk, followed by a 30-minute guided meditation.

Morning meditation can help one wake up and begin the day feeling more centered, focused, and uplifted, and the natural world can inspire our practice. Attendees are welcome to participate from any peaceful environment, ideally in nature or with a view of nature.

Instructors:

Mark Coleman, Rachelle Calvert, Diethild Simon, Nina Horne Odin Zackman

Sponsored by Awake in the Wild

(Free / Donations welcome)

To learn more about the instructors and to register:

Today our children and teens communicate differently.

Find what works best for your family.

Facebook | My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks

First, know that there are an estimated 1 million other US teenagers with a parent who has cancer. Teens supporting teens can make a difference

American Cancer Society | “Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer”

Cancer Support Community | Talking to Kids & Teens

“Talking to Kids and Teens About Cancer”

“Worry about Family Children and Friends”

National Cancer Institute | “When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens”

MD Anderson Center | “When a parent has cancer: Helping teens and kids cope”

Camp Kesem | "Transformation Support of an Empowering Community"

We believe all children facing a parent's cancer deserve the chance to fully experience the joys of childhood and be their best selves. 

Multiple Myeloma Support

for SF Bay Area

Multiple Myeloma Support Group     

3rd Saturdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Virtual 

We're here to help patients, their families, and loved ones. Multiple myeloma need not be seen as a death sentence, but rather a disease to be managed. Education and support are key. We have newly diagnosed patients as well as patients diagnosed more than 10 years ago. We share what we know about myeloma diagnosis, symptoms, markers, treatments, side-effects, clinical trials, quality of life, and many other topics of interest.

Register here

For more information email: Jack Aiello or Neil Collier

 

Financial Assistance

Available Now!

Fertility

Within Reach:

Advocating for

Fertility Health Benefits  

Fertility Within Reach is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals increase access to fertility treatment and preservation. Cost or access to fertility preservation should not be a barrier in someone’s ability to start a family when they choose.

Fertility Preservation (Adolescent Oncology)

Fertility preservation gives many families a chance to look forward, allowing them to imagine a future beyond cancer where they do not need to lose hope of having a biological child. Studies have shown that childhood cancer survivors express regret if their fertility is affected by prior therapy and they were not counseled at diagnosis and during their treatment. Fertility Within Reach aims to support youth and their families through this journey, expand the options for parenthood, and provide financial support for fertility preservation.

Fertility Preservation (Transgender)

Fertility preservation is a beacon of hope for many patients, allowing them to imagine a future where they do not need to give up the possibility of having a biological child. Studies have shown that most adults who chose gender-affirming treatment in adolescence were not counseled about preserving their fertility during treatment. Fertility Within Reach supports transgender youth and their families through this journey, broadens the options for parenthood, and provides financial support for fertility preservation

Open to Options:

A service of the

Cancer Support Community

Have you recently been diagnosed with a new or recurrent cancer? Do you need to make decisions about treatment options? Do you have an appointment scheduled to meet with your doctor?

Cancer Support Community offers a question listing service to help you prepare for your upcoming oncology visit. This service is available at no cost to anyone diagnosed with a new or recurrent cancer who has to make decisions about treatment options. The goals of this program are to help you communicate clearly with your medical team, ask critical questions about your options, and help ensure that your treatment decisions fit your personal hopes and goals. To make an appointment, please call us at 925-933-0107.

MarinHealth:

Free Weekly Online QiGong for Cancer Survivors & Chronic Illness

Thursdays | 10:00 - 11:00 am

QiGong is a form of gentle, exacting movement and still meditation that uses the breath and mind to work with the body’s energy (or Qi). The intention is to help patients regain a deep sense of trust in their bodies and to encourage an open, relaxed, and calm mental state that more readily allows self-healing. This class is best suited to cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses. UCSF patients and caregivers are welcomed.

NCEFT Open House:

Mental Health & Resilience Program

Learn about the benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy. Join them for an informational hour. Meet the staff and their heard of horses, learn about what they do and stay up-to-date on upcoming programming.

NCEFT is a non-profit physical, occupational and mental health therapy facility in Woodside, CA. For over 50 years, NCEFT has tapped into the profound rehabilitative power of the human-horse relationship to facilitate healing to thousands of Bay Area children and adults (ages 2-85+) living with physical, cognitive, and neuromuscular disabilities, as well as mental health conditions/concerns. 

Participants will learn tools to help cope with their diagnosis, and gain a positive sense of self through:

• Mindfulness exercises with horses
• Bonding and caring for horses
• Group Discussion
• Guided meditation
• Participating in barn life
• Journaling
• Community building

For more information

Call: 650-851-2271, Email or

Meditative Hiking

(In person)

Explore the outdoors and be present to the flow of conscious awareness in and around you. Meditative walks or 'mindfulness hikes' are a special opportunity for embodied walking, self-observation, mindful movement, reflection, lightheartedness, and building intra & interpersonal community. 

This month's locations are coming soon:

Below are the usual locations, but may vary. 

Please email the Facilitator or visit the website for details.

• Mountain Lake to Baker Beach, round trip. Meet at the NE corner of the tennis courts, which are approximately 30 meters North of the intersection at Lake Street and 12th Avenue in San Francisco. 

• Park Presidio (round trip) meet in the parking lot at 300 Finley Road, San Francisco. 

• Glen Canyon Park to Cole Valley (one-way), meet at the corner of Elk and Chenery Streets in San Francisco. Public transportation is suggested for this hike. You can also utilize BART, MUNI, or Uber when arriving or when concluding our hike.

Cost: Donation based. A suggested donation of $10-20

Email to confirm dates and times: Email James Mitchell or text/call: 415-290-6718.

Join JAM4JOY:  Sign up now  to get the weekly updates and zoom links

Contact for more information: jam4joy2020@gmail.com