1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cancer

C ancer Patient Support Services
Newsletter
Coping with a Chronic Cancer
Volume 18, Number 2 | May–August 2013
For most people who receive a cancer diagnosis,
there is some kind of end in sight — the end
of chemo, the end of radiation, the end of side
effects. Even if the cancer recurs, there’s an end
to the next round of treatment.
Inside this issue:
– Community Events
– Support Group and Class Schedules
– Cancer Resources
– Mind/Body Connection Programs
– Caregiver Corner
For some, however, cancer can be chronic, to
live with and manage. There is no end in sight.
Their cancer is and always will be present.
Editor
Diane Kornick, MA, LMHC
Jeff Mathesius has a rare, slow-developing blood
cancer called polycythemia vera. His bone
marrow produces too many red blood cells. If
not treated, this cancer can be life-threatening,
but with the right medical care, many people
can live a long time.
For Jeff, living with polycythemia vera (PV)
means living with the disease and its side
effects … forever.
It’s been 10 years since he was officially
diagnosed in 2003.
“I was going for blood tests every week, and my
blood counts were getting dangerously high,”
Jeff said. “Finally, I had a bone marrow biopsy
and received a diagnosis of polycythemia vera.”
He and his wife had to look up PV online to
learn what it was.
Jeff’s bone marrow was producing too many red
blood cells and, as time went on, the blood cells
became larger. The danger? Blood clots, heart
attack, stroke, numbness in extremities … risks
Jeff lives with every day.
The treatment? A drug called hydroxyurea and
periodic phlebotomies to reduce the blood’s red
cells. But the treatment is not designed to cure,
just keep the PV under control.
Over the years, Jeff has experienced a
number of PV symptoms, including fatigue,
weakness, deep bone pain and joint and
muscle aches.
“I had been very athletic,” Jeff said. “I was used
to sports injuries, but this pain all the time is
tough to take.”
Furthermore, the treatment causes its own
side effects. “I’m glad the hydroxyurea works
for me and has brought my counts down,” said
Jeff. “But it also causes nausea, diarrhea, dry
skin and dental problems. Recently, without
Associate Editors
Jeff Mathesius
“I know I can’t do it
by myself. I need the
support of others.”
Ingrid Asmar, MSW, RCSWI
Ken Bliznick, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Kristi Dodson
Jackee Festi, MSW, RCSWI
Agnes Jastrzebski, RN, CBHN
John Llauget, MA, EdS, LMHC
Matt Novak, MHA
Director of Operations, Morton Plant Hospital
Gloria San Miguel, BS, MSHS
Manager, Cancer Services
What’s NEW?
New Yoga Class
es
See page 7
warning, one of my teeth broke off. And I do
experience `chemo brain.’”
Coping is tough. “Sometimes it wears on you,
feeling lousy and knowing you’re not going to
get better, knowing it will never go away.”
When Jeff was first diagnosed, he decided to
attend a CaPSS support group. “I started going
within a month of my diagnosis. I wanted to
know how to cope with it.”
Jeff attended the group for about a year. “I
always thought I could deal with anything,
overcome anything. I didn’t want to burden
others with my problems. I didn’t want to
upset my wife. And I wanted to talk to others
who were going through similar situations,”
Jeff explained.
“In the group, I was able to talk freely about
what I was experiencing,” Jeff continued.
For more information: MPMHealth.com
Jeff stopped attending the group because “the
major adjustment was over. I was still working,
still feeling pretty good, so I put it on the back
shelf and tried not to think about it.”
However, “it” has not remained on the back
shelf. The side effects continue, and in the past
several years, several events have caused Jeff to
think about his situation once again: he has had
a couple of surgeries, possibly unrelated to his
condition; he lost his job and went on disability;
(continued on page 2)
Community Cancer Awareness Events
CaPSS Holiday Celebration
Celebration Picnic
Cancer patients and guests enjoyed
the CaPSS Holiday Celebration
festivities, which included delicious
refreshments, fun entertainment and
the always-moving Tree of Hope
Ceremony. The 18th annual Holiday
Celebration was held on December 14.
More than 150 people enjoyed a fun-filled
day at Philippe Park on March 23, as people
whose lives have been touched by cancer —
patients, survivors and their families —
enjoyed the beautiful surroundings,
entertainment and complimentary lunch.
Special thanks to Rodie’s for the box lunches.
Coping with Chronic Cancer
(continued from front page)
his wife had to go to work so he now stays home and cares for her disabled
daughter; and he no longer coaches youth football. “I’ve always coached football
and now I can’t. It’s hard to accept it all.”
Jeff knew it was time to return to a CaPSS support group, which he did about
a year-and-a-half ago. “After all those years, it was starting to get to me again.
I wake up every day wondering, `am I going to have a stroke today?’ I realized
that maybe I can no longer handle it on my own, maybe I need to talk to others
again,” he explained.
“I enjoy coming to the group. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I feel
and hear what’s going on with others,” Jeff said. “I’m in a different place now
than I was when I came to the group the first time around. I know I can’t do it
by myself. I need the support of others. Also, I’m able to offer my support to
somebody else.”
Because PV is so rare, research into the disease is limited. “Maybe I’ll get lucky
and someone will be looking for a cure for something else and find out it works
for PV,” Jeff said.
He continues to have hope. “I plan to stick around until they find out
how to fix it.”
Whatever kind of cancer you’re dealing with, you are welcome to attend a
CaPSS support group and receive support and encouragement from others.
CaPSS support groups are free, they’re open to cancer patients/survivors in our
community, with some open to family members/caregivers as well, and you don’t
even have to register … just come. See page 4 for details.
What Is Polycythemia Vera?
Polycythemia vera (PV) is one of several blood cancers known as
myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), in which blood cells produced
in the bone marrow develop and function abnormally.
Red cells, white cells and even platelets are overproduced, although
with PV, it’s primarily the red blood cells.
Almost all PV patients have a mutation of a specific gene, called JAK2,
although exactly what the gene does is currently unknown.
PV is a chronic disease. It is not curable, but it can be effectively
managed for a very long time.
Information from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, “Polycythemia Vera Facts,” revised June 2012.
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Special Features and Education
CaPSS Oncology Resource Libraries
Two Evelyn R. Simmers Oncology Resource Libraries are available for those
interested in cancer information:
• Axelrod Pavilion at Morton Plant Hospital, 1st floor
• Mease Countryside Hospital, Shaffer Tower, 4th floor
Cancer-related books and educational materials are available to patients,
families and the community at no charge. Topics include diagnosis/treatment
of specific types of cancer, coping with emotional issues, spirituality, caregiver
support, and information on other cancer resources. Internet access is also
provided at both locations with links to Web sites for cancer information.
If you would like to know more about our libraries, please call (727) 462-2125
for Axelrod Pavilion or (727) 725-6016 for Mease Countryside.
Community Cancer Education
Our Community Cancer Education lectures feature cancer-related
information provided by physicians and other health care professionals. All
cancer patients, family members and friends in our community are welcome to
attend. Please call Kristi Dodson at (727) 461-8344 for the lecture schedule and
further information.
Look Good ... Feel Better
Look Good ... Feel Better is a partnership of the American Cancer Society,
the National Cosmetology Association and the Personal Care Products
Council Foundation. It is a free program that teaches beauty techniques
to women in active cancer treatment to help them with the treatment’s
appearance-related side effects. Reservations required: (727) 953-9038
Morton Plant Hospital
Monday, May 13, 6-8pm
Monday, July 8, 10am-Noon
Axelrod Pavilion, Oncology Services
Conference Room
2nd floor
Mease Countryside Hospital
Monday, June 10, 10am-Noon
Monday, August 12, 10am-Noon
Meeting Rooms 1 and 2
Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-5pm
Wednesday, August 28, 3:30-5pm
Bekesh Education and Conference Center
SAVE THE DATES!
Melanoma Monday:
Free Skin Cancer Screening
Monday, May 6, 8am–1pm
Morton Plant Hospital
Cheek-Powell Heart and Vascular Pavilion
Meeting Rooms A & B
Our Florida sunshine is great, but spending
time in the sun can increase your risk for
skin cancer. It’s important to get regular skin
cancer screenings. Join physicians and other
health care professionals from Morton Plant
Mease who will be providing free skin cancer
screenings at our 17th annual Melanoma
Monday. Reservations required. Please call
(727) 953-9038 to register.
Melanoma: What Can You Do
to Prevent It?
Tuesday, May 14, 12–1pm
Morton Plant Hospital
Cheek-Powell Heart and Vascular Pavilion
Meeting Rooms A & B
Speakers: Peter Blumencranz, MD
Amy Ross, MD
Melanoma is the most life-threatening form
of skin cancer. You can take steps to prevent it.
Join us for this information session and find out
how. Please call (727) 953-9038 to register.
Prostate Screenings
Wednesday, June 26, 3:30–6pm
Watch for flyer for location
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause
of cancer death for men. A prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) screening test can detect the
presence of prostate cancer before symptoms
become evident.
Morton Plant Mease is offering free prostate
cancer screenings, which include educational
information, digital rectal exam (DRE) and
PSA blood test.
Pitch for Pink
Fight for a Cure
Friday, July 12
Bright House Field
601 N. Old Coachman Road
Clearwater
Saturday, August 10
Florida Auto
Exchange Stadium
373 Douglas Ave.
Dunedin
Game begins: 6:30pm
Gates open: 4pm
Pregame celebrity softball game: 4:30pm
Pregame survivor lap: 6pm
Game begins: 6:30pm
Help strike out breast cancer! Pitch for Pink
is a fun evening at the ballpark. The Clearwater
Threshers slug it out with the Charlotte Stone
Crabs, and all proceeds will benefit Morton
Plant Mease breast health services and
programs. The evening includes a pregame
celebrity softball game, pregame survivor lap,
free gift to the first 1,000 women who attend,
and a silent auction that includes autographed
pink game jerseys worn by Threshers players.
For more information, please contact
Amanda Koch at (727) 712-4405 or
[email protected] and
visit ThreshersBaseball.com.
The Dunedin Blue Jays will host the Brevard
County Manatees in the annual Fight for a Cure
event to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The Blue Jays will wear purple jerseys that will
be auctioned off, CaPSS will have a table at the
event and other fund-raising activities will be
held throughout the evening.
Tickets can be purchased online for only $7 at
DunedinBlueJays.com. Tickets are FREE for:
• Those who register to donate blood
at the event (schedule your appointment
at FBSDonor.org)
• Cancer patients/survivors who RSVP
to the Blue Jays at (727) 733-9302
Please contact Kathi Beckman with questions:
[email protected]
Camp Living Springs
October 18–20
Camp Living Springs is a fabulous, free,
fun-filled, relaxing and supportive
weekend for cancer patients/survivors,
ages 18 and older. The camp is funded by the
Morton Plant Mease Foundation and staffed
by MPM volunteers and professional staff in
collaboration with the YMCA of
the Suncoast.
Applications will be available at the Morton Plant Mease Volunteer Resources offices as well as at
the CaPSS offices at Axelrod Pavilion and Mease Countryside Hospital. Applications must
be completed and signed by you and your physician and submitted by August 19. For more
information, please call Morton Plant Mease Volunteer Resources at (727) 461-8010.
By appointment only; please call
(727) 953-9038 to register.
Celebrate Survival!
Monday, June 3, 4–6pm
Morton Plant Hospital
Axelrod Pavilion, Bernard F. Powell Conference
Room, 2nd floor
Celebrate being a cancer survivor at our Cancer
Survivors’ Celebration, an event honoring
National Cancer Survivors’ Day! Enjoy a
relaxing afternoon of refreshments and
fun-filled activities. Family and friends are
welcome to attend with you. More details will
be available in May. For more information,
please call (727) 461-8344. Registration:
(727) 953-9038
THANK YOU!
Thanks to the many organizations in
our community who generously create
and donate items to CaPSS to bring
comfort to our cancer patients. These
organizations include: Create and Share
Ministry/Presbyterian Church of Palm
Harbor (cotton headcovers), Fill A
Heart (heart-shaped pillows for breast
cancer surgical patients), Mad Hatters
Knitting Circle (knit hats, blankets and
shawls), the Sewing Room (knit hats) and
Sojourn Bears (teddy bears).
Pictured here are several of the Mad Hatters at their
monthly meeting. Standing, from left: Nina Lomurno,
Marilyn Ferreri, Anna Georgiadis, Betsy Tight, Effie
Tetris; seated, from left: Deanna Bennett, Pat Stevens,
Pam Beauvais, Tina Kageyama.
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CaPSS Support Groups
At Morton Plant Hospital
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis: Toolkit for Patients,
Families and Caregivers
The first year after receiving a cancer diagnosis can be stressful … often a shocking
and difficult challenge for everyone. This group provides a valuable toolkit of
information to patients, family members and caregivers, and includes supportive
group discussion. Facilitator: Ken Bliznick, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, (727) 462-2149
2nd and 4th Wednesday
3-4:30pm
May 8 and 22, June 12 and 26, July 10 and 24, August 14 and 28
Axelrod Pavilion, Oncology Services Conference Room, 2nd floor
Women’s Cancer Support Group
Experience the power of shared support. This group gives you the opportunity to share
your cancer experiences while learning and gaining strength and comfort from the
experiences of others. This group is open to women of all ages with any type of cancer.
Facilitator: Jackee Festi, MSW, RCSWI, (727) 462-2145
1st Monday
6-8pm
May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5
Axelrod Pavilion, Bernard F. Powell Conference Room, 2nd floor
LUNA de Pinellas
At Mease Countryside Hospital
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis: Toolkit for Patients,
Families and Caregivers
A cancer diagnosis can be stressful … shocking … a difficult challenge
for everyone. This “Toolkit” support group offers valuable group
discussion as well as helpful information to patients, caregivers and
family members as they adjust to their cancer diagnosis, treatment and
survivorship. Facilitators: Ken Bliznick, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C,
(727) 462-2149, and Diane Kornick, MA, LMHC, (727) 725-6016
1st and 3rd Tuesday
3-4:30pm
May 7 and 21, June 4 and 18, July 2 and 16, August 6 and 20
Shaffer Tower, 4th floor
Evelyn R. Simmers Oncology Resource Library
Women’s Cancer Support Group
Connect and share with other women in similar circumstances. Learn
how others are coping and facing similar challenges. You’ll have the
opportunity to tell your story and listen to the stories of other women.
You’ll gain strength and comfort from the other women’s support. The
group is for women of all ages with any type of cancer. Facilitator: Diane
Kornick, MA, LMHC, (727) 725-6016
(Latinos Unidos por un Nuevo Amanecer/Latinos United for a New Awakening)
Our LUNA group is open to men and women with any type of cancer.
Family members/caregivers are also welcome. The group is run in Spanish by a
bilingual facilitator. For additional information in English or Spanish, please call
the number below.
2nd and 4th Tuesday
6-8pm
May 14 and 28, June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23, August 13 and 27
Shaffer Tower, 4th floor
Evelyn R. Simmers Oncology Resource Library
Un grupo para mujeres y varones con cualquier tipo de Cancer. Familiares y
amigos son bienvenidos. La moderadora del grupo es bilingue y el grupo es en
Español. Las reuniones son el segundo martes de cada mes de 6-8pm. Para más
información, favor llamar al siguiente número. Facilitator: Ingrid Asmar, MSW,
RCSWI (727) 462-7153
Prostate Cancer Discussion Group
2nd Tuesday
6-8pm
May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13
Axelrod Pavilion, Bernard F. Powell Conference Room, 2nd floor
This discussion group provides support and information to men
with concerns about prostate cancer. Men only please. Facilitator:
John Llauget, MA, EdS, LMHC, (727) 462-2141
2nd Tuesday
2-3:15pm
May 14, July 9, August 13*
*No meeting second Tuesday in June
Shaffer Tower, 4th floor
Evelyn R. Simmers Oncology Resource Library
Additional Support Groups
The following groups are not part of the CaPSS program, but are offered at Morton Plant Mease locations and are facilitated by medical professionals
and/or cancer survivors.
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
This group meets at 7pm on the fourth Monday of each month* at the Lansky
Pavilion at Bardmoor Outpatient Center, Administration Conference Room.
For further information, call Joe Chapin at (727) 547-5522.
*No meeting on Memorial Day, May 27.
Multiple Myeloma Educational Group
Patients, caregivers, families and the interested public are invited to join
this educational group sponsored by the International Myeloma Foundation,
with featured speakers and group discussion. For information, contact
Sam Kalig at (813) 758-0772, Ginny Vaillancort at (727) 345-0711, or
Jim Barth at [email protected].
1st Saturday
10:30am-12:30pm
May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3
Mease Countryside Hospital
Meeting Room 3
4
Thyroid Cancer Support Group
This group is offered by the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association,
Inc. (ThyCa), an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization of survivors,
family members and health care professionals. ThyCa is dedicated to
support, education and communication for thyroid cancer survivors,
their families and friends. They do not give advice, but do make every
effort to provide support and share their own unique experiences.
Contact the volunteer facilitators Doris Proni at (727) 742-9056 or
Lydia Hartney, ARNP, BC, at (727) 271-0703.
2nd Saturday
10:30am-Noon
May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10
Morton Plant Hospital
Tuttle Auditorium, Room D
Breast Cancer Services
Breast Care Nurse Navigator
Our Breast Care Nurse Navigator, Agnes Jastrzebski, RN, CBHN,
is located at the Axelrod Pavilion, and is available to provide free
individualized guidance to anyone who has been diagnosed or
treated for breast cancer at Morton Plant Hospital. The role of
our Breast Care Nurse Navigator is to follow patients throughout
every aspect of treatment and assist as needed with coordination
of care prescribed by the patient’s team of breast health
specialists. Additional ways the Navigator may assist include:
• Providing education, information and resources to
women recently diagnosed with breast cancer
• Being a liaison between the patient and physicians
to ensure better patient understanding of medical
recommendations
• Assessing the educational, physical, psychological and
social needs of the patient and family members
• Serving as a knowledgeable advocate for each patient
• Linking patients with community resources
For further information, contact Agnes Jastrzebski:
(727) 298-6800.
Breast Cancer Educational Materials
For patients diagnosed with breast cancer, educational
information and a list of community resources for wigs,
prostheses and more are available. Please contact CaPSS
to receive this helpful information.
For Patients Having Breast Cancer Surgery
If you are scheduled to have a mastectomy or partial mastectomy,
you can receive a recovery camisole from “A Place for Her.” The
camisole is soft cotton and has a fiberfill, unweighted prosthesis
for use as an easy-to-wear post-surgery garment. It also has two
detachable drainage pouches. The camisole can be worn during
the first weeks after surgery, before you are ready for a weighted
prosthesis. Your insurance company may cover all or part of the
cost; please check.
To receive a camisole, consult with your doctor. You can visit
“A Place for Her” at 1245 South Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater,
or call (727) 447-1146.
Genetic Counseling/
Testing for
Breast Cancer
A small percentage of
breast cancer—less than 20
percent—may be the result
of an inherited disorder.
The more blood relatives
you have with breast and/
or ovarian cancer, the
higher your risk of getting
these cancers. Genetic
counseling/testing can
identify your risk of future
cancer as well as the risk to
your children and siblings.
The most common genetic syndrome associated with a higher risk of breast cancer is BRCA1 or
BRCA2. Please talk to your doctor about a referral for genetic testing and counseling. Identifying
your inherited risk can help you and your doctor make the most informed decisions about your
health care needs.
For more information, contact Informed Medical
Decisions (IMD) at (800) 975-4819,
or online at InformedDNA.com.
Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer
Clinical trials are research studies in which people
help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer
care. The studies test new ways to prevent, detect,
diagnose or treat diseases. People who take part in
cancer clinical trials are contributing to scientists’
knowledge about cancer and are helping in the
development of improved cancer treatments.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you
may want to speak to your treating physician to find
out what clinical trials are currently in progress and
to determine if a study is right for you.
If you do participate in a study, you will be followed
for the length of the study, and your status will be
closely monitored. Remember, today’s research
treatments may be tomorrow’s “standard of care.”
For more information, contact Morton Plant
Mease Clinical Research at (727) 461-8519.
Welcome, Agn
es!
CaPSS is pleased
to
Jastrzebski, RN, C welcome Agnes
BH
Breast Care Nurse N, as our new
N
her role, Agnes pr avigator. In
ovides guidance
to those diagnose
d with or treated
for breast cancer
at Morton Plant
Hospital. She will
al
the weekly breast so coordinate
/tumor board
meetings and serv
e
of the Breast Prog as a member
ram Leadership
team. Agnes has
mor
years of professio e than 20
na
in both nursing an l experience
d
Most recently, sh business.
e has worked
as Research Nurse
C
and Data Manag oordinator
er in Morton
Plant Mease’s Tota
lC
Research Departm ancer Care
ent. Agnes is
in the process of
obtaining her
OCN (Oncology
Certified Nurse)
designation.
Heart Pillows for Those Affected by Breast Cancer
Join us for the next special Fill A Heart with Hope Day ... no sewing experience necessary! There’s
something for everyone to do! You will prepare pre-sewn heart-shaped pillows by stuffing with fiberfill,
closing, completing gift card enclosures and bagging pillows for delivery. Bottled water will be provided.
Sponsored and hosted by CaPSS. For registration: (727) 953-6857
Fill a Heart with Hope Day
Tuesday, June 11
10am–2:30pm
Axelrod Pavilion, Bernard F. Powell Conference Room, 2nd Floor
Mark your calendar for future Fill A Heart with Hope Days:
• Tuesday, September 10
• Tuesday, October 8
5
Cancer Resource Highlights
A variety of cancer-related programs and services are available to support
you and your family. If you have questions about these or any other available
resources, please contact a CaPSS counselor.
American Brain Tumor Association
(800) 886-2282 • ABTA.org
Your source for information about all types of brain tumors, including those
that are malignant, nonmalignant, primary or metastatic. Find information
on new treatments and help with many aspects of living with a brain tumor.
American Cancer Society (ACS)
(800) 227-2345 • Cancer.org
Providing numerous programs, including resources for transportation to
treatment appointments, peer support for breast cancer survivors, free wigs
and breast prostheses, financial assistance, and telephone and online support
programs for patients and families.
American Institute for Cancer Research
(800) 843-8114 • AICR.org
This not-for-profit health charity funds research and sponsors educational
programs relating to the link between diet, nutrition and cancer prevention
and treatment. Offers free educational brochures and nutrition hotline.
CancerCare
(800) 813-HOPE (4673) • CancerCare.org
A national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support
to those affected by cancer, including counseling and support groups,
education workshops, publications and financial assistance.
Colon Cancer Alliance
(877) 422-2030 • CCAlliance.org
Through patient support, education, research and advocacy, this nonprofit
organization is committed to increasing screening rates and survivorship
for those affected by colon cancer.
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
(800) 444-4441 • TheGCF.org
A not-for-profit fund-raising organization to support ovarian cancer research,
training of cancer specialists in laboratory research, and a variety of programs
for patient education and public awareness of gynecologic cancers.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
(800) 955-4572 • LLS.org
Offering a variety of services to patients and families touched by blood
cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Services include peer
support, education, financial assistance and an information resource center.
Lung Cancer Alliance
(800) 298-2436 • LungCancerAlliance.org
A national nonprofit organization offering education and support programs,
dedicated to patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk
for lung cancer and their loved ones.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
(800) 4-CANCER (422-6237) • Cancer.gov
Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NCI, which conducts
and supports research, is a valuable source of cancer information for
patients, families and caregivers.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
(888) OVARIAN • (888) 682-7426 • Ovarian.org
The largest ovarian cancer organization raises awareness about ovarian
cancer and promotes early detection and education. The Coalition is
committed to improving the overall survival rate and quality of life for
women and families living with the disease.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
(877) 272-6226 • PanCan.org
This national nonprofit organization includes a nationwide network of
people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients
and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Quit Smoking
Although the precise cause of lung cancer is uncertain, experts agree that the
major risk factor for developing lung cancer is a history of smoking. If you’re a
smoker looking to quit, you may want to contact the organizations below:
Florida Department of Health Quit Line: (877) 822-6669
Freedom from Smoking® Online
American Lung Association • FFSOnline.org
Florida Area Health Education Centers
(877) 848-6696 • AHECTobacco.com • SmokeFree.gov
Breast Cancer Resource Highlights
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Suncoast Affiliate
(727) 823-0728 or (877) 506-6927 • KomenSuncoast.org
Contact the local or national organization for breast cancer information and
resources. The Suncoast Affiliate, which has raised more than $10 million to
date, returns 75 percent of funds to our local community through grants to
nonprofit organizations and 25 percent to the National Susan G. Komen for
the Cure® Grants Program for research.
The Pink Fund
(877) 234-7465 • ThePinkFund.org
This organization provides short-term financial aid to breast cancer patients
in active treatment who have lost their jobs or taken medical leave as a result
of their diagnosis and treatment and who are not receiving a paycheck.
6
Viva Las Chicas
(727) 238-7488 • VivaLasChicas.org
Viva Las Chicas provides support, encouragement and
compassion to breast cancer patients and their families.
Their mission includes providing the tools, knowledge and
resource information to ensure breast health.
Mind/Body Connection Programs
The Art
of Well-Being
Relax … create … connect.
Learn how the expressive
arts can help improve
relaxation and focus,
decrease stress and tap into
your creative side for your
overall health and well being.
Discover how we are ALL creative with this
special program for Morton Plant Mease
cancer patients/survivors, caregivers and family
members. No art experience needed! Materials
are provided. The focus is on the process, not
the end product. Space is limited. Reservations
required. To register: (727) 953-9038
Morton Plant Hospital
Thursday, May 16, 4-5:30pm
Thursday, July 18, 6-7:30pm
Axelrod Pavilion
Bernard F. Powell Conference Room
2nd floor
Mease Countryside Hospital
Thursday, June 20, 4-5:30pm
Thursday, August 22, 6-7:30pm
Meeting Room 5
Guided Imagery Program
CaPSS counselors are available to provide
guided imagery to Morton Plant Mease
cancer patients and families who are interested
in learning this technique. Guided imagery
has been shown to help increase one’s hope
and motivation, decrease depression and
fatigue and reduce the perception of pain.
It can also help alleviate chemo-related nausea
and vomiting, increase comfort during radiation
and help one gain a sense of control during
cancer treatment. For additional information,
please contact a CaPSS counselor. See phone
numbers on back page.
Qi Gong: Beginner Training Program
This is a training program to introduce Morton
Plant Mease cancer patients to the practice of
Qi Gong (pronounced CHEE-GOONG). Qi
Gong is an exercise that originated in China and
has been practiced for thousands of years. This
exercise method stresses mind/body awareness
through breathing, proper posture and slow,
gentle movement. Presenter: John Llauget, MA,
EdS, LMHC. For registration and class location:
(727) 462-2141
June program: Thursdays, June 13, 20 and 27
July program: Thursdays, July 11, 18 and 25
3:15-4:15pm
Yoga Classes for Morton Plant Mease Cancer Patients
Free yoga classes for Morton Plant Mease cancer patients, taught by certified yoga instructors.
Choose your class and location. Registration is required. To register: (727) 953-9038
At White Orchid Yoga
907 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 101, Clearwater
Restorative Yoga
Relieve your stress and calm your mind.
Restorative yoga focuses on slowly and
comfortably relaxing and realigning the body.
Fridays, 1:30-2:30pm
NEW! At Sublime Yoga & Wellness
919 Broadway St., Dunedin
Restorative Yoga
Relax and balance your body and mind.
Restorative yoga can help with managing pain and healing.
Mondays, 9-10:15am
Gentle Flow Yoga
Soothing practice involves moving slowly into basic yoga poses
and includes meditation and stretching.
Tuesdays, 7-8:15pm
NEW FEATURE
Caregiver Corner
General Manager of Information
You, as caregiver,
are often called
upon to serve as
general manager
of your loved
one’s health care
team. You make
appointments,
maintain the
schedule, answer
phone calls
and coordinate
information.
While your
loved one focuses
on treatment and recovery, you are the go-to
person for most activities and issues related to
his or her care.
Here are several suggestions on how to be an
effective general manager of your loved one’s
medical information:
• Accompany your loved one to his or her
medical appointments. It always helps to
have a second set of eyes and ears.
• Take notes. Even if you hear everything
the doctor says, you may not remember
it all later, so write it down.
• Have questions for the doctor? Write
them down before the appointment.
It’s not uncommon to become a little
anxious during doctor visits and forget
your questions.
• If you don’t understand something the
doctor says, ask. If you don’t let the doctor
know you don’t understand, the doctor
may assume you do.
• Organize your information. Keep a
calendar of your loved one’s medical
appointments, as well as a list of
medications and a spreadsheet for
dispensing medication (once a day, three
times a day, every four hours, etc.).
• Keep copies of your loved one’s medical
records, store them in a folder or binder
and bring them to each appointment.
As general manager, you can create your own
method for managing the numerous pieces of
information that come your way. What’s most
important is not how you do it, but that you do
manage it.
7
Volume 18, Number 1
Individual and Family
Counseling/Support Services
Cancer Patient Support Services (CaPSS) offers
individual counseling and support services to all
Morton Plant Mease cancer patients, their families and
friends. Our services are absolutely free. If you wish to
receive this type of service, please call the CaPSS office
or contact one of the following people:
CaPSS Office: (727) 462-2125
Ingrid Asmar, MSW, RCSWI,
Social Services Specialist/MVP Patient Navigator
(727) 462-7153 (Spanish or English)
Ken Bliznick, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Counselor
(727) 462-2149
Jackee Festi, MSW, RCSWI, Social Services Specialist
(727) 462-2145
Diane Kornick, MA, LMHC, Counselor
(727) 725-6016
May–August 2013
If you have any comments or questions about our CaPSS newsletter, or would like to be added
to our e-mail or mailing list, please call (727) 725-6016 or e-mail [email protected].
CaPSS hours are Monday-Friday, from 8:30am to 5pm, with evening groups. You can also find
us and view the newsletter at our Web site, MPMHealth.org/Cancer.
Support Group and Class Locations
Axelrod Pavilion at
Morton Plant Hospital
400 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Bardmoor Medical Arts Building
8839 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo
Cheek-Powell Heart and Vascular Pavilion
at Morton Plant Hospital
455 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Mease Countryside Hospital
3231 McMullen Booth Road
Safety Harbor
John Llauget, MA, EdS, LMHC, Counselor
(727) 462-2141
Mease Countryside Medical Arts Building
1840 Mease Drive, Safety Harbor
Agnes Jastrzebski, RN, CBHN,
Breast Care Nurse Navigator
(727) 298-6800
Mease Dunedin Hospital
601 Main St., Dunedin
Morgan Heart Hospital at Morton Plant
300 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Morton Plant Hospital
300 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
6600 Madison St.
New Port Richey
Powell Pavilion at
Morton Plant Hospital
303 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Ptak Orthopaedic and Neuroscience
Pavilion at Morton Plant Hospital
430 Morton Plant St., Clearwater
Sarah Walker Women’s Center
at Morton Plant Hospital
300 Pinellas St., Clearwater
For special events information, contact
Kristi Dodson: (727) 461-8344
BC1203996-0413
Morton Plant Mease Health Care
P.O. Box 210
Clearwater, FL 33757-0210