People Living with Cancer » Support

Pretoria Support Group Dates

Hilly — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:13:12 +0000

We are pleased to let you know that we have many exciting meetings planned for the coming year – please diarise the following dates :

4 Feb Social meeting – get to know each other :14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

3 March CANSA Shavathon : Time and place to be confirmed

24 March Bottles of Hope Workshop : 9h00 – 11h30 : Westview Methodist Church – Wierda Park

7 April Distribution of Easter Eggs to those in hospital : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

5 May Dr Paradza – to be confirmed : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

2 June Dietician : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

9 June Bottles of Hope Workshop : 9h00 – 11h30 : Westview Methodist Church – Wierda Park

7 July Children’s cancer : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

4 Aug Men’s cancer : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

1 Sept Spring day – distribution of cupcakes to those in hospital : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

15 Sept Bottles of Hope Workshop : 9h00 – 11h30: Westview Methodist Church – Wierda Park

6 Oct Breast cancer – Dr Coccia-Portugal – to be confirmed : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

28 Oct Church service at Westview Methodist Church : Time to be confirmed

3 Nov Music / Art therapist – to be confirmed : 14h00 – 16h00 : Little Company of Mary Hosp Groenkloof

1 Dec Picnic at Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary ; Time and place to be confirmed

All of our monthly meetings take place on the first Saturday of the month from 14h00 to 16h00 at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Groenkloof – Mary Potter Oncology Conference Hall (enter into the hospital through the main entrance – turn immediately right and follow the pointers to our meeting).

Regards

PLWC Pretoria Committee

Cell : 078 727 1078

Active Support Groups

Hilly — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:09:21 +0000

People Living With Cancer Active Support Groups

Support Group Meetings – dates & topics

Hilly — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:52 +0000

Vincent Pallotti Support Group

Time : 18h00-19h30
Place : Oncology Centre Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Pinelands
Contact person : Linda Greeff
0219494060
0825513310

Date Topic Speaker

30 Jan Laughter is the best medicine

27 Feb General discussion getting on with living despite my cancer Linda Greeff

26 March Supportive and Palliative Care DR Jan Chris Grove

30 April Finding meaning in my cancer experience Peter Fox

28 May Tai chi for stress relief To be announced

25 June Clinical Trials and the Value it brings to Oncology care DR Corlia Coetzee

30 July New Developments Oncology treatment To be announced and Oncologist

27 August Supporting a Family member of Friend with cancer Clare Manicom (Oncology social worker)

24 Sept Have I made peace with dying ? What does it mean and should we talk about it ? How can we do it meaningfully .”No I ; that is negative I don’t want to talk about it, leave me alone “ Linda Greeff general discussion

29 October Creativity and Quality of life To be announced

26 Nov Festive Program
Evaluation of year program and planning

LDOC – Support group/ info meetings for 2012

10h00 – 11h30 in LDOC Boardroom
Address : Langenhoven Oncology unit in PE
Contact Mariana Lourens / Debbie Swartz 041 3630581

8/2 : What is cancer? Different treatment options

7/3 : Managing cancer treatment

11/4: Emotional impact of cancer

9/5: What about diet, supplements, alternative treatments?

13/6 : What is cancer? Different treatment options

11/7 : Managing cancer treatment

1/8: Emotional impact of cancer

12/9 What about diet, supplements, alternative treatments?

10/10 : What is cancer? Different treatment options

7/11 : Managing cancer treatment , diet

5/12: Emotional impact of cancer

GVI Cancer Support Group – Panorama

Evening Support Group:
Panorama Hospital – Second floor: 17h30- 19h00
Emerentia Esterhuyse Tel – 021-944 3850

Specially inviting pt.’s with these cancers to give their testimonies and help others.
The buddies can be very helpful in this regards.

7 Feb.- Talking about breast cancer

13 March- Talking about prostate cancer

10 April-Creative Wellness talking about home care

8 May- Talking about lung cancer

12 June- Talking about colon cancer

14 Aug-Video- testimonies on managing cancer

11 Sept- Talking about melanoma

9 Oct-Dietician visiting the group

13 Nov-Reflecting on the year

Morning Support Group:
Panorama Oncology Centre – boardroom-10h00-12h00
Patient and family currently on treatment

23 Feb.- Stress

15 March- Talking about children and how they manage with their parents cancer

19 April- Radiographer talking about radiation and side-effects

17 May- Talking about managing the workplace and cancer

14 June- Chemo nurse Talking about chemo and the side-effects

16 Aug- Talking about self-image

20 Sept- Talking about sexuality and cancer

18 Oct.- What happens after cancer

22 November- Dietician visiting the group

Contact No : 021-944 3800

GVI Oncology Support Group Cape Gate

CAPE GATE MONTHLY PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS – FEB 2012 – DEC 2012

10h00 – 12h00 in the Boardroom at the Cape Gate Oncology Centre

Contact Person : Caron Majewski Oncology Social worker 021 9443800

DATE TOPIC SPEAKER
2nd Feb
Cancer and Losses Caron & Pt testimonies

1st March
Family & Friends in our Lives Clare Manicom

12th April
Hope as Resource & Coping strategy Linda Greeff

3rd May
Creativity & Coping Madre Fraenkel & Emma Venter (OT’s)

7th June
Balanced Living (nutrition,diet,exercise) Dr. Tina Malan

5th July
New Drug Developments Dr. Corlia Coetzee

2nd August
Supportive & Palliative Care Sr. Deniese – Tygerberg Hospice

6th September
Cancer and my Children-how do they manage? Patient testimonies/Play therapist

4th October
Chemo & Radiation managing side-effects Chemo Sister / Radiographer

1st November
End of treatment-what now? Patient testimonies

6th December
Reflection on the year & staying focused Motivational speaker (if possible)

Laughter Session – 30 January 2012.

Hilly — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:10:34 +0000

The first Cape Town Support Group Meeting for 2012 at Vincent Pallotti Hospital will be a Laughter Session!

A Laughter Session consists of Laughing, Clapping, Breathing and Stretching exercises.

It dramatically reduces Mental, Physical and Emotional Stress and Tension Levels, it reduces Depression, by releasing Serotonin (‘happy hormones”- a natural anti depressant) , Improves Health and Well Being, Boosts Self Confidence and Self Esteem, Unites people of all Ages, Cultures, Languages, Genders and ……. It’s Lots of FUN and makes you FEEL GOOD! Ho ho… Ha ha
ha!

Many succesful NGO Groups and Programmes are incorporating Laughter Sessions into their:

* Conferences, Seminars and Meetings

* Community Events

* Team Building Events

* Skills Training / Learning & Development Workshops

…. and are PROVING that Laughter, actually Reduces Stress, Improves Health and Improves Relationships. .

The Session will take place at 18h00 at the GVI Oncology Department of Vincent Pallotti Hospital.

Festive Season’s Message from PLWC Director

Hilly — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:34:34 +0000

Dear People Living with Cancer, our Sponsors , Supporters , Cancer Buddies,
and all Caregivers and Support Group Members across South Africa .
.Let me first wish you all a special time of sharing and a wonderful Festive
Season as you gather across South Africa to spend time with friends ,
family and loved ones .It is at a time like this that we realise how precious our lives are and how
important it is for us to really make an effort to make special memories
as we all know how short life becomes when you are fighting an illness like
cancer.Anyone who has ever had to face it knows that cancer is tough. It attacks
your body, shakes your spirit, turns your life upside down.That’s why People Living With Cancer / Cancer Buddies and our associate
projects - Cancervive and CanSir - devote every ounce of energy we have to making
sure people affected by cancer know they have us on their side —no matter what
comes their way – they do not have to journey this road alone !!!!We want to be
there for you all along the way !!! .

Cancer is tough. But, together, we’re
tougher.

With your immediate support, and our 2012 HOPE OF ROPE CAMPAIGN we want to raise
critically needed funds to strengthen our efforts to offer concrete, tangible
support to cancer survivors in South Africa in 2012 .

We are requesting you to seriously think about the work we are doing as an
organisation and the fact that we seriously need your generosity to
assist us in growing this work in 2012 .

Please support us!

Because if people like you support PLWC/Cancer Buddies so enthusiastically,
we’re able to reach out to cancer survivors across South Africa who
urgently need our resources, our advice and our passionate commitment to taking
cancer on.

Cancer survivors are some of the toughest people I know. But no one
confronting cancer should ever have to do it alone. That’s why your year-end
support is so crucial. With your Tougher Together contribution,
we can:

Reach out to more people with our one-on-one support services
that help survivors navigate the emotional, financial, and physical challenges
that come along with a cancer diagnosis.
Launch targeted public education campaigns in South Africa to
reduce the stigma of cancer that keeps to many people from getting the
treatment they need.
Support public investments in cancer prevention and care,
including a groundbreaking 2012 Campaign to get Cancer Control prioritised in
South Arica
Fund innovative cancer support programs that reach those who
need it most in communities across the country.

Help PLWC/Cancer Buddies. We stand side by side with People
Confronting Cancer .

Make your year-end Hope of Rope Donation now at http://plwc.org.za/donate/

You know how much your financial support can help. We’re counting on your
generosity, your compassion and, yes, your toughness. Please let us hear from
you.

Sincerely,

Linda Greeff

Director PLWC/Cancer Buddies

Cancer Survivor

Hand prints of survivors completing treatment in a
Unit in Australia

http://plwc.org.za/request-a-cancer-buddy/

A few Feathers in PLWC’s Cap!!

Hilly — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:33:27 +0000

1. Thank you for being in touch with me and sending me your booklet. It has been very helpful indeed. It is truly wonderful that you guys have founded this much needed organisation based on your own experiences.

We felt so lost in the beginning and our heads were reeling. Although we had been to the oncology unit to see the oncologist and had even see Anita, we didn’t have all round information to know what to expect. Obviously from the emotional support side Anita was going to be there if we needed help but I needed more info about medical and dietary issues and trying to get it from the unit seemed to be impossible even though I tried. Many days went by. I was also in a lot of pain (pancreas cancer) and pain management hadn’t been addressed. There were a lot of uncertainties.

Next time I am at the unit, I will have a chat to Anita about these shortcomings and see if she is not able to have them addressed. Just so that you know, she has been in touch with us and had a good discussion with my husband Paul, and has helped direct us and for that we are very grateful. Thank you for being the much needed catalyst.

Just so that you know, the local hospice has also made an initial contact with me and the sister will be getting in touch tomorrow, so thank you for that too. I no longer feel like a rudderless boat in a terrible storm.

Kind Regards

Gail and Paul.

Another Feather -

2. A friend was shocked to find she was in stage 4 cancer, in both her pancreas and her liver. I guessed that if that were me, I would be too sick, too shocked and too exhausted to be able to find my way. My friend lives in a relatively isolated area on a large property. I judged her husband would be reeling too.
So, I did some research and found PLWC support services. I am not sure what I expected but perhaps mediocrity, instead I received excellence in every way that counts. The important information. Who, where, why and what. The most important thing, as I had already said to my friend, don’t try and re-invent the wheel. Let’s find out who can help. And we did.

The help and advice my friend received from PLWC under such difficult circumstances was the difference between by friend giving up, and moving forward, both for herself and her husband. I can never thank you enough for your roadmap for people in
situations such as my friend found herself and for your caring and understanding. All along I knew my friend needed people who had walked this road. I had not. How could I offer what she needed? I couldn’t and I knew it, that is why I am so grateful for finding PLWC and for Linda.

Thank you for making a difference .

Warm greetings

Jenny

Imerman Angels

Hilly — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:58:37 +0000

Imerman Angels is a not-for-profit organization that connects a person fighting cancer today (cancer fighter) with someone who has beaten the same type of cancer (cancer survivor). The one-on-one relationship provides the cancer fighter the opportunate to ask personal questions and receive encouragement from someone who is uniquely familiar with the situation, and it allows the cancer survivor the opportunity to personally help a fighter as he or she battles the disease.

Imerman Angels also connects “caregivers.” A caregiver is a friend or family member who is supporting a cancer fighter. Similar to fighters and survivors, caregivers wish to be paired with another caregiver who relates to and understands their situation.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Imerman Angels helps cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers regardless of the geographical location – throughout the United States and around the world. All of the services that Imerman Angels provides are 100% free. Whether you are a cancer fighter, survivor or caregiver, Imerman Angels does not turn anyone away.

PAIR UP PROCESS

The pair up process begins when Imerman Angels meets a cancer fighter in need.

Once the initial contact is made, an Imerman Angels representative speaks to each cancer fighter, either by phone or in person. The representative, who is a survivor himself/herself, then searches the database for a survivor most like the fighter based on factors such as cancer type, treatments, age, gender and geographic location. The cancer fighter and survivor are then introduced.

The relationship is in the hands of the fighter-survivor pair; Imerman Angels is always available to offer further advice, information and guidance.

FOUNDER

Jonny Imerman is the founder of Imerman Angels. He is a survivor of testicular cancer. During his own chemotherapy, he noticed how many people fought cancer without family, friends, and other forms of support.

He created Imerman Angels so that no one would have to fight cancer alone. The cancer survivor would be an angel – walking, living proof that the fighter could win too. What an amazing connection.

If you, or anyone you know, have been touched by cancer, please contact Imerman Angels. In addition, we welcome your questions, feedback and ideas. We look forward to hearing from you.

Phone: (312) 274-5529

info@imermanangels.org

www.imermanangels.org

One-on-One Cancer Support: Connecting Cancer Fighters, Survivors and Caregivers

400 W. Erie St., Suite 405

Chicago, IL 60654

Phone: (312) 274-5529

Fax: (312) 274-5530

info@imermanangels.org

www.imermanangels.org

Cape Gate Support Group – 2012

Hilly — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:48:20 +0000

CAPE GATE MONTHLY PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS – FEB 2012 – DEC 2012.

10h00 – 12h00 in the Boardroom at the Cape Gate Oncology Centre

Contact Person: Caron Majewski. Oncology Social Worker.
Tel : 021 9443800

DATE&TIMES

TOPIC

SPEAKER

2^nd Feb

Cancer and Losses

Caron &

Pt testimonies

1^st March

Family & Friends in our
Lives

Clare Manicom

12^th April

Hope as Resource & Coping Strategy

Linda Greeff

3^rd May

Creativity & Coping

Madre Fraenkel

Emma Venter

(OT’s)

7^th June

Balanced Living

(nutrition,diet,exercise)

Dr. Tina Malan

5^th July

New Drug Developments

Dr. Corlia Coetzee

2^nd August

Supportive & Palliative
Care

Sr. Deniese

Tygerberg Hospice

6^th September

Cancer and my Children-how do they manage?

Patient testimonies

Play therapist

4^th October

Chemo & Radiation managing
side-effects

Chemo Sister

Radiographer

1^st November

End of treatment-what now?

Patient testimonies

6^th December

Reflection on the year

& staying focused

Motivational speaker (if possible)

Panorama Support Group – 2012

Hilly — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:04:45 +0000

The dates for the Panorama Support Group:

Evening Support Group:

Venue : Panorama Hospital – Second floor

Time : 17:30- 19:00

Specially inviting patients with these cancers to give their testimonies and help others.

7 Feb. – Talking about breast cancer

13 March – Talking about prostate cancer

10 April – Creative Wellness – talking about home care

8 May – Talking about lung cancer

12 June – Talking about colon cancer

14 Aug – Video : testimonies on managing cancer

11 Sept – Talking about melanoma

9 Oct – Dietician visiting the group

13 Nov – Reflecting on the year

Morning Support Group:

Venue : Panorama Oncology Centre, Boardroom

Time : 10:00-12:00

Patients and family currently on treatment

23 Feb. – Stress

15 March – Talking about children and how they manage with their parents’ cancer.

19 April – Radiographer talking about radiation and side-effects.

17 May – Talking about managing the workplace and cancer.

14 June – Chemo nurse talking about chemo and the side-effects.

16 Aug – Talking about self-image.

20 Sept – Talking about sexuality and cancer.

18 Oct – What happens after cancer.

22 November – Dietician visiting the group.

Contact person : Emerentia Esterhuyse : 021 9443850

Cape Town Support Group – 2012

Hilly — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:46:23 +0000

Dear All

Please mark these dates in you 2012 diaries:
Venue: Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Pinelands. GVI Oncology Unit

Time: 18h00 – 19h30

Contact person: Linda Greeff

Tel: 0219494060

Cell :0825513310

Date	Topic	Speaker
30 Jan	Laughter is the best medicine	To be announced
27 Feb	General discussion : Getting on with living despite my cancer	Linda Greeff
26 March	Supportive and Palliative Care	DR Jan Chris Grove
30 April	Finding meaning in my cancer experience	Peter Fox
28 May	Tai chi for stress relief	To be announced
25 June	Clinical Trials and the Value it brings to Oncology care	DR Corlia Coetzee
30 July	New Developments in Oncology treatment	To be announced and Oncologist
27 Aug	Supporting a Family member or Friend with cancer	Clare Manicom (oncology social worker)
24 Sept	Have I made peace with dying ? What does it mean and should we talk about it ? How can we do it meaningfully .”No I ; that is negative I don’t want to talk about it, leave me alone “	Linda Greeff : general discussion
29 October	Creativity and Quality of Life	To be announced
26 Nov	To be decided
10 Dec Festive celebration	To be decided on – to far away !! Evaluation of year program and planning