Providence Experts Featured: Palliative Care and Wellness

Providence’s own Gregg Vandekieft, MD and Cobie Whitten, PhD have presented “An Unlikely Union - Palliative Care and Wellness at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine annual conference in Denver last week.

This discussion about chronic illness care and cancer survivorship will also be featured at the upcoming Providence Cancer Survivor Celebration on June 2 in Olympia, stay tuned for details. If you'd like to be e-mailed when the invitations are done please send your information to provcancer(at)providence.org. 

To read the blog in it's entirety, click here >>

Cancer 101: A new resource for everyone

Cancer 101: Basics and beyond

Providence Regional Cancer System invites patients at all stages of treatment to attend a complimentary dinner event with our team of cancer experts.

From diagnosis to treatment and more, you'll learn what to expect as you navigate the path ahead. Resources will be available, plus time to ask questions.

Bring a guest! RSVP at www.provregister.org or by calling 360.412.8949

Providence Centralia Hospital
Basement Classroom
Monday, Feb. 6, 6-8 pm

Providence St. Peter Hospital
2nd Floor, 200 Rooms
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6-8 pm

7 'take charge' tips from our new breast cancer navigator, Andrea Potter, RN

Welcome breast cancer navigator Andrea Potter, RN!Many of you may already know or recognize me because I have been caring for cancer patients in the community for the past eight years. The Providence Regional Cancer System is like family to me. I began my nursing career here and know the doctors, the staff and the community.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I want you to feel empowered as your own health advocate. Remember that you are not just a patient, but that you are the customer and should be made comfortable and happy. Here are some ‘take charge’ tips:

• Simplify things by keeping a journal and calendar to track symptoms and appointments.
• Be honest with your doctor about how you’ve been adhering to your treatment plan.
• It’s ok to seek a second opinion.
• Keep your own medical file and request copies of your records.
• Let me help you with practical problems that can get in the way like temporary housing, transportation or financial support.
• Take care of your emotional health by using counseling or integrative therapies.
• Keep up on changes in breast cancer research.

I am here for you throughout this journey, and the sky’s the limit to the resources I can help you access and support I can provide.

Free Community Event at Mason General Hospital

Transitioning from cancer patient to cancer survivor

When patients end treatment, they often report feeling lost, abandoned, and unsure of what to feel and do next. End-of-treatment stress is often unexpected because patients anticipate feeling relief when active treatment ends and hoping they can “get back to their lives.” The transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor can be very challenging.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our fall Cancer Transitions Program funded with the grant we won from LIVESTRONG (Lance Armstrong Foundation).

Check out the article I wrote on "Combating end-of-treatment stress" while I was in Austin for training.

This is a six-week program (Oct 10, 17 & 24, Nov 1, 7 & 14)) with a one month booster session Dec 12.  We will meet from 6 - 8:30PM on the Providence St. Peter Hospital campus.  Dinner will be served.

Please forward this information to anyone you know who has completed active cancer treatment and is looking for tools and resources to successfully transition to the next phase of survivorship. 

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like more information.  Thank you for your support!