The cancer survivorship series at the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is designed to improve the physical, social, psychological and spiritual health of cancer survivors and their caregivers in Fort Bend County. During the COVID-19 pandemic, support and connection is even more important, so survivorship resources are being offered virtually.
“With the tremendous strides made in cancer care, we are seeing more and more survivors live long and productive lives,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “But these survivors, most over the age of 50, often require specialized services to overcome the physical and emotional impacts of their disease and treatment. Now, due to the isolation and precautions we have all had to take during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hosting virtual survivorship classes to help survivors stay connected and engaged from the safety of their own homes.”
The cancer survivorship series continues to offer these programs free of charge:
- Thriving Through Creative Arts — offers survivors a chance to engage in art making, discussion, writing and mindfulness. Thriving Through Creative Arts is held virtually via Webex on the first Thursday of each month.
- Life in Motion — designed to help survivors engage in gentle movement and mindfulness practices. Life in Motion is held virtually via Webex on the second Thursday of each month.
- Music4Life — designed to improve muscle relaxation, mood management and expression of emotion. Music4Life is held virtually via Webex on the third Thursday of each month.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land also offers a breast cancer support group. Trained facilitators help women and men at any stage of diagnosis and treatment by providing education on a variety of topics, sharing resources, and providing a forum for survivors to share their fears and talk about their feelings. These meetings are held once a month virtually via Webex.
The ostomy support group is also hosting virtual meetings to continue providing support, encouragement, education and guidance to patients with ostomies. The group meets every third Thursday virtually via Webex.
For those looking to quit smoking, Beat the Pack® is a free quit-smoking program developed by Pfizer Inc. and sponsored by Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land. The program consists of four sessions led by Houston Methodist facilitators and includes tools and tips to help quit smoking; a support group of smokers who want to quit; and help to create a quit-smoking plan. The four-week series will be offered virtually via Webex, beginning October 28. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events and search for ‘Beat the Pack’, or call 281.205.4514.
“All of these programs provide other benefits, too, because they allow survivors to connect with others who have lived through the same experiences,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “Having someone to talk with who understands what it’s like to fight and survive cancer is an important part of the healing process. Especially during the pandemic, having that camaraderie with others can be powerful.”
For more information on our cancer survivorship classes and support groups, contact Yolanda Lopez at ylopez2@houstonmethodist.org or 281.274.0145.
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