Complementary Care Program - 2023

Dartmouth Cancer Center

CARE PROGRAM

Free programs, most connecting virtually, for patients, survivors—and those who love them

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Services

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Reiki

Creative Writing

Visual Arts

Healthy Eating & Cooking

Support groups

Caregivers

Caregivers

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Acupressure

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Living with Cancer (for all cancers)

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Gentle Yoga

Yoga

an exercise class for women)

Tai Chi/Qigong

Tai Chi/Qigong

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Thriving After Breast Cancer For dates and times, please contact the Complementary Care Program: cancersupport@hitchcock.org or (603) 650-7751

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Thriving After Breast Cancer For dates and times, please contact the Complementary Care Program: cancersupport@hitchcock.org or (603) 650-7751

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Visit the Dartmouth Cancer Center website at cancer.dartmouth.edu or

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dartmouthcancer

Support and education groups

Get connected to our community of support.

Groups connect virtually. All are led by caring staff.

Our support groups provide you with a place where you are accepted—no matter what you need to talk about and if you don’t want to talk at all. There is no judgement, only the understanding that what you are going through is really hard. And, being with others who understand how hard it is can help you to develop the resilience you need.

Patients and family members from all locations are welcome to connect from the comfort of home through our virtual options. To join a group, please contact cancersupport@hitchcock.org to receive the zoom link to participate.

PEER CONNECTIONS: BREAST CANCER

If talking to a fellow breast cancer survivor can help you on your own path, ask your provider or contact the social worker at (603) 653-3513.

METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

1st Wednesday, 2:30 to 4:30 pm

A group for people with stage IV breast cancer.

THRIVING AFTER BREAST CANCER

3rd Wednesday, 5 to 6 pm

Support and education for women who are beyond their initial treatment for breast cancer.

CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS

1st Tuesday, 4 to 5 pm

By taking care of yourself, you can better care for another – a group for care partners, family members and friends.

LEUKEMIA, LYMPHOMA AND MYELOMA

2nd Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 pm

A group for people with any type of blood cancer at any stage and/or partners, family members and friends.

LIVING WITH CANCER

2nd and 4th Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:45 pm A group for patients with any cancer diagnosis, during or after treatment.

PEER CONNECTIONS: ANY CANCER

If talking to a fellow cancer survivor can help you on your own path, ask your provider or contact a social worker at (603) 653- 5789 to identify a connection for you.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT

4th Monday, 5:30 to 6:30 pm Education and support for men and/or partners, family members and friends.

Registration required.

Virtual Option.

Register for programs by emailing CancerSupport@Hitchcock.org or calling (603) 650-7751.

FREE RESOURCE PACKETS

Coping with cancer means finding ways to deal with change and challenge. To request one of the following free resource packets mailed to your home, call (603) 650-7751.

■ Cancer-related fatigue resources

Discover strategies and tips to help you manage the fatigue that may accompany your cancer journey during treatment and beyond.

■ Caregiver resources

Caring for someone with cancer? You may benefit from our collection of tips and resources designed to help you care for yourself and others.

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Wig and personal care resources

Let us share with you our listing of local salons and boutiques that offer wig services, mastectomy prosthesis fittings, apparel and more.

■ Young adult resources

Coping with cancer in your twenties or thirties? We offer information and resources to help you face the challenges that are unique to your age group.

ACUPRESSURE FOR SELF-CARE

VIA ZOOM

Held quarterly.

Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Hoyt Bingham, LMT

Attend this virtual workshop to learn a relaxing practice that can be applied to living with cancer before, during and after treatment. Registration required.

HEALTHY COOKING DEMONSTRATION

Co-op Culinary Demonstration Kitchen

Lebanon, NH

Held quarterly.

Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Elise Cushman, MS, RD, LD, CSO

This class will help break down the barriers to healthy eating. We’ll focus on simple meals that are easy to prepare, keep us on budget and help us to get more fruit and vegetables into our day..

Registration required.

HEALTHY EATING CLASS

VIA ZOOM

Held quarterly.

Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Dianne Kelecy, MS, RD, LD

Healthy eating discussions with our Oncology Nutritionist. Topics will vary each quarter. Registration required.

MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS

VIA ZOOM

Workshops held quarterly.

Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Kim Hall, RYT 500

Multiple workshops designed to help you relax and be more present in your day-to-day life. Each workshop will focus on a different style of meditation. No experience necessary. Registration required.

SELF-HYPNOSIS

AND STRESS RELIEF

VIA ZOOM Held quarterly.

Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Karen Gray, CH, CHI, RN

Multiple workshops held quarterly. We’ll learn the basic principles of self-hypnosis and discover how this beneficial practice can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, increase positive feelings and so much more. Registration required.

SELF-MASSAGE FOR SHOULDERS AND NECK

VIA ZOOM

Held quarterly.

Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Jacey Cobb, PTA, LMT

Discover simple techniques you can use anywhere/ anytime to soothe tension, stress and anxiety and help you feel calm, relaxed and refreshed. Registration required.

WIGS AND MASTECTOMY PROSTHESIS FITTING SERVICES

BOUTIQUE AT WOMEN’S HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER (WHRC)

Wigs, breast prostheses, mastectomy garments, compression sleeves and more are available by appointment. These services are provided by the Amanda Thomas Women’s Boutique of Merrimack who will send staff from Merrimack to Lebanon when needed.

Please call the Amanda Thomas Women’s Boutique at (603) 595-9447 for more information and to schedule an appointment at the Boutique at WHRC.

For a listing of additional wig salons and personal care boutiques located throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as online stores, please email: cancersupport@hitchcock.org.

Registration required.

Virtual option.

Register for programs by emailing cancersupport@hitchcock.org or calling (603) 650-7751.

COLORS AND DOTS Acrylic painting by Trudy Savage.

Created during Art Outlet classes with Kim Hall, visual artist, Creative Arts Program.

BE HAPPY Paper and acrylic on canvas by Kathleen Shulman.

CREATIVE WRITING AND SHARING STORIES

Marjorie Sa’adah, MA

Our creative writer meets with patients and their families to guide and support them to write the stories, memories, letters, prose and poetry of their lives—finding joy, new understanding and meaningful connections. Meetings can be virtual or in-person; writing groups are held via Zoom. No prior writing experience is needed.

WRITING CIRCLE: A WRITING GROUP FOR THOSE TOUCHED BY SERIOUS ILLNESS

Multi-week workshops held quarterly. Please refer to calendar for date and time. Registration required for each workshop.

HEALING HARP

Margaret Stephens, BM, CTHP (Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner) Lebanon Pamela Stohrer, BS, CTHP, Manchester and Nashua

Patricia Williams, BS, CTHP, St. Johnsbury

The harp produces music that can aid in the healing process of body, mind and spirit. Our therapeutic harpists offer a supportive and restorative service tailored to your needs. We welcome you to enjoy the experience while socially distanced in the infusion suite and reception areas.

You can also listen and watch Margaret’s music videos on our Cancer Center Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dartmouthcancer

V ISUAL ARTS

Kim Hall, BFA

Through virtual art workshops and by appointment, in-person, phone or Zoom, our visual artist helps patients and their supporters find their own place of expression. No previous art experience is needed.

ART OUTLET VIA ZOOM

2-hour workshops held monthly. Please refer to calendar for date and time. Registration required for each workshop.

Registration required.

To request a personal session with one of our creative artists, please email: creative.arts@hitchcock.org

Virtual option.

Register for programs by emailing cancersupport@hitchcock.org or calling (603) 650-7751.

“If a medicine had the same result that we’veshownwithReikiandmassage,itwould beprescribed.Iwouldadvocateforpatients tobeaskingfortheseresourcesbecause they’reavailable.”

Max Vergo, MD

GENTLE YOGA VIA ZOOM

12-week series held on Monday afternoons. Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Alicia Armstrong RYT 500 and Kim Hall RYT 500, instructors

Our gentle classes teach controlled breathing and simple movements. This is a beginner-level class and no experience is necessary. Patients and supporters of all fitness levels are welcome. Join from the comfort of home.

Registration required for each 12-week series.

PAM’S CLASS VIA ZOOM

Wednesdays, 1 to 2 pm September through June (break for summer)

Kim Hall

Certified Healthy Steps instructor

Pam’s Class is an exercise class for women with cancer and/or upper body lymphedema. This class is open to women of all fitness levels. Join from the comfort of home. Registration required.

QIGONG FOR HEALTH VIA ZOOM

12-week series held on Thursday afternoons. Please refer to calendar for date and time.

Paul Mahoney, Tai Chi master

A gentle practice that can help to ease stress and tension and develop a calm center. Our class will teach seated and standing postures and meditations with a focus on the breath. No experience is necessary. Patients and supporters of all fitness levels are welcome. Join from the comfort of home.

Registration required for each 12-week series.

CH A IR MASSAGE

Our professionally licensed massage therapists provide 15-minute sessions to patients and supporters. Clients sit, fully clothed, in a massage chair with special cushions, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. Massage is currently available at the Cancer Center locations in Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua and St. Johnsbury.

REIKI

Reiki (pronounced ‘RAYkey’) is a soothing, healing arts technique that can affect the whole person— body, mind, emotions and spirit. Reiki is currently available at the Cancer Center in Lebanon and provided by our licensed massage therapists..

To learn more about Reiki or to request a session, please ask one of our massage therapists or contact cancersupport@hitchcock.org.

Registration required.

Virtual option.

Register for programs by emailing cancersupport@hitchcock.org or calling (603) 650-7751.

SURVIVORSHIP

PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT

Online Peer Support for Care Partners of Serious Illness

As relatives, partners, friends, and neighbors caring for a person with serious illness, understand how it feels to be alone and overwhelmed. Together, we can get through this. ConnectShareCare.org

ONCOLOGY SOCIAL WORKERS

Our social workers offer support to patients and families and help with questions, concerns, and resources, including emotional support, counseling during treatment, resource navigation around financial assistance, in-home support, and transportation.

To speak to an oncology social worker:

■ In Lebanon, call ........... (603) 650-5789

■ In Bennington, call (802) 447-1836

■ In Keene, call (603) 354-5454

■ In Manchester, call (603) 629-8683

■ In Nashua, call (603) 577-4170

■ In St. Johnsbury, call ... (802) 473-4100

Social work services are free of charge.

ONCOLOGY DIETITIAN SERVICES

We’ll help you create a plan, cope with change, find ways to improve your appetite and help you evaluate herbal and vitamin therapies. To make an appointment for your personal nutrition consultation, please contact Oncology Dietitian Services.

■ In Lebanon, call...............(603) 650-9404

■ In Keene, call....................(603) 354-5454 x3237

■ In Manchester, call........(603) 629-8691

■ In Nashua, call.................(603) 577-4170

■ In St Johnsbury, call.....(603) 473-4100

How to Join the CONNECTSHARECARE community

Go to www.ConnectShareCare.org

1. Click JOIN. 2. Enter your email address.

3. Create an @username and password (your username is the nickname that represents you and is visible to other members. You do not have to use your real name).

4. Click ACTIVATE MY ACCOUNT.

5. Click on Support Groups which interest you. We suggest you start with “How to use ConnectShareCare.”

DARTMOUTH CANCER CENTER TOBACCO TREATMENT PROGRAM

Want to learn ways to lower your tobacco use? Need help quitting tobacco (including vapes)? No matter what stage you’re at in becoming tobacco free, the Dartmouth Cancer Center Tobacco Treatment Program is ready to help. Our support can include quit coaching, tips for behavior change, medication recommendations, and options for managing withdrawal symptoms.

To learn more or make an appointment with a tobacco treatment specialist, call (603) 650-8537 or email tobaccofree@hitchcock.org.

THRIVING THURSDAY SURVIVORSHIP WEBINARS

Quarterly webinars on a variety of topics related to wellness beyond cancer. For more information: https://cancer.dartmouth.edu/patients-families/ complementary-care-program

SPIRITUAL CARE

Chaplains are available for our patients, their families and friends during times of hospitalization and when receiving outpatient care.

Chaplains can provide:

■ Emotional and spiritual support during challenging times.

■ Companionship throughout your health-care journey.

■ Rituals, prayer and sacramental ministry, for example, blessings, Anointing of the Sick or Holy Communion, if requested.

■ Connection with faith groups and other spiritual resources in the community, if requested.

■ Consultation and support when making important decisions.

LEBANON THE DHMC CHAPEL

Until the completion of the new Patient Pavilion, our chapel is located on level 3, next to the Garden of Hope (opposite the Cancer Center entrance).

We invite and welcome patients, visitors and staff of every faith tradition, spiritual practice and life philosophy to visit the chapel anytime—it is open for you 24 hours a day.

We hope you find our chapel to be a quiet place to:

■ Rest and relax your body.

■ Reflect and consider what may be on your mind.

■ Renew and nourish your spirit.

■ Pray, meditate or sit in silence.

Roman Catholic Mass: Sundays at 11 am and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 pm on Channel 15 when inside Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon

In-person spiritual care visits are available to Lebanon patients through the Cancer Center chaplain and Chaplaincy Department. Telechaplaincy visits—via phone conversation or video conferencing are also available. To schedule an in-person or telechaplaincy visit, please call the Chaplaincy Department at (603) 650-7939 and leave a message for the Cancer Center chaplain.

KEENE SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

Just off the main lobby of Cheshire Medical Center is a prayer and meditation room. To request a visit with a Cheshire Medical Center chaplain, please call (603) 354-5400.

MANCHESTER SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

The Chapel of Catholic Medical Center (CMC) is located on Level A of the hospital. Catholic Mass is Monday through Friday at 11 am, Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 11:15 am. To speak with a CMC chaplain, please call the Pastoral Care Office at (603) 663-2081 or the main number of the hospital at (603) 668-3545.

In addition, for patients who receive cancer care in Manchester, telechaplaincy visits—via phone call or video conferencing—are available with the Cancer Center chaplain or another member of the Chaplaincy team. To schedule a telechaplaincy visit, please call the Chaplaincy Department at (603) 650-7939 and leave a message for the Cancer Center chaplain.

NASHUA SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

For patients who receive cancer care in Nashua, telechaplaincy visits—via phone call or video conferencing—are available with the Cancer Center chaplain or another member of the Chaplaincy team. To schedule a telechaplaincy visit, please call the Chaplaincy Department at (603) 650-7939 and leave a message for the Cancer Center chaplain.

ST. JOHNSBURY SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

The interfaith chapel of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is located on the main floor of the hospital. To contact the NVRH interfaith chaplain, please call (802) 748-7473.

In addition, for patients who receive cancer care in St. Johnsbury, telechaplaincy visits—via phone call or video conferencing—are available with the Cancer Center chaplain or another member of the chaplaincy team. To schedule a telechaplaincy visit, please call the Chaplaincy Department at (603) 650-7939 and leave a message for the Cancer Center chaplain.

PROGRAMS

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING OFFERINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE UPPER VALLEY COMMUNITY TO CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS AND IN SOME CASES, CAREGIVERS. WHILE THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE NOT OFFERED BY THE CANCER CENTER, THEY COMPLEMENT OUR PROGRAMS. WE RECOMMEND YOU CONTACT THESE WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES DIRECTLY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE HAND TO HEART PROJECTFREE IN-HOME MASSAGE FOR PEOPLE FACING CANCER

Founded in 2007, this nonprofit program offers free in-home massage and compassionate touch to people facing cancer and cancer treatment, from diagnosis through recovery or end of life. The service is also available to their primary caregivers. The massages are provided by massage therapists with very big hearts and many years of experience. The Hand to Heart Project is supported almost entirely by donations from individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and foundations. It is a program of NH-VT Palliative Services, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit corporation with tax-exempt status under IRS rules.

Hand to Heart began in the Upper Valley area of New Hampshire and Vermont, but has expanded a great deal recently. The program now covers towns in the Upper Valley region from New London, NH, to the east over to Bethel and Randolph, VT, to the west, and from Bradford, VT, and Orford, NH, to the north—down to Charlestown, NH, and Springfield, VT, to the south. With the recent expansions, the program also now includes the Keene, NH, area, the Brattleboro, VT, area, and southwestern Vermont, from the greater Rutland area south to Bennington.

“Everyvisitwaslikeasmallmiracleofsufferingmadeeasier throughhealingtouchandpresence.”

“Massage,inthesafetyofmyhome,helpedmetore-entermy bodyforbriefperiods,andallowedmetoworkonthehealing propertiesthatareinherentinmyownbody.”

“IhavebeentellingeveryoneImeet(thatyouwere)somehow abletotakeallmylong-termpainawayfordays.Itwasa differentkindofmassagefromthattowhichIamaccustomed. Gentler,andmorepinpointed.AllIcantellyouisthatitworked miraculouslyforthreedays.”

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Hand to Heart Project PO Box 248

Cornish Flat, NH 03746

To request a massage from The Hand to Heart Project, call (603) 542-8376, or email: contact@handtoheartproject.org

ACUPUNCTURE

Britton Mann, DAOM, L.Ac.

Acupuncture is a complementary health approach in which a practitioner stimulates specific points on the body—most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is one of the practices used in traditional Chinese medicine. Research suggests that acupuncture can benefit cancer patients. It’s been shown that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy and can improve other common symptoms of cancer treatments, such as stress and insomnia.

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS CLASS Open Door Team

This class is geared toward developing resiliency and restoring the foundational tools of self-care, compassion, and equanimity in order to provide care for others. Mindfulness practices, healthy eating, and moderate physical activity are combined in practical ways in order to develop a sustainable practice in one’s busy and demanding life.

SOMATICS FOR WELLBEING

Kate Gamble, founder/director, BFA, MSPT

Somatic practices use your internal awareness—through proprioception, interoception, kinesthetic awareness, etc.—to bring awareness to both habits and potential new choices you have in moving and embodying your life. Somatic learning can make the unconscious conscious, and in the process leaves you with more options for moving, acting, thinking and living. It maximizes not just your physical body, but your full human potential. The processes of working this way allows your own nervous system to recalibrate and for there to be lasting change that comes from a deep inner awareness of how you move. Somatics can be used to relieve pain, manage stress, and improve performance both physically and qualitatively in all aspects of life (sports, arts, work, and play). One has the opportunity to find greater ease and pleasure in movement and life. No experience necessary.

“Movementislife.Lifeisaprocess.Improve thequalityoftheprocessandyouimprovethe qualityoflifeitself.“

Moshe Feldenkrais

Open Door Integrative Wellness is committed to making all classes and workshops available to those in need. If cost of services is prohibitive, please contact Kate Gamble at opendoorwrj@gmail.com to learn about scholarship opportunities.

CONTACT

INFORMATION:

Open Door is located at 18 North Main Street in White River Junction, Vermont. Please call (802) 478-4346 or email opendoorwrj@gmail.com to register for these programs. Open Door (opendooruv.com)

PALS for Life

PROGRAMS

THREE CONSECUTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAMS FOR THE BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

PALS FOR LIFE

A FREE 12-week research-based group training program for breast cancer survivors, following the University of Pennsylvania’s PALS (Physical Activity and Lymphedema Study) protocol. A lymphedema seminar hosted by DHMC Physical Therapy staff is included in this program. PALS for Life welcomes anyone who has been affected by breast cancer. A doctor referral and consultation with a physical therapist is required. Participants must be 6-8 weeks out from radiation or chemotherapy.

PALS FOR LIFE BRIDGE PROGRAM

Affordably priced small group training for those who have completed the PALS protocol and want to do additional training. This program is based upon the Strength and Courage Project. A collaborative work with many partners including MageeWomens Foundation, the philanthropic component of Magee-Womens Research Institute and Magee-Womens Hospital. Magee is committed to bringing women with cancer better prevention, detection and treatment options through individualized patient care, research, advocacy and education. OpenonlytoPALSgraduates $49 for 12-week session. Includes a UVAC membership (with full use of the facilities and equipment) with FREE land and aquatic fitness classes and Eat to Defeat* nutrition weekly seminars care for yourself by preparing foods, and develop a healthy relationship with food. Participants receive supporting literature, good food sources, shopping lists and recipes provided by Laleh Talebian PhD, research scientist.

LIVING BEYOND CANCER

There is mounting evidence that exercise and rehabilitative interventions improve outcomes for cancer survivors. Affordably priced group-supported training for cancer survivors to improve balance and range of motion through aerobic, resistance and flexibility training. Includes membership with FREE classes and Instructor-led sessions twice weekly. Physical therapy consult required for new attendees. Open to those living with breast cancer and beyond. $65 monthly, open enrollment. Join us!

WHO IS PALS FOR?

Upper Valley Aquatic Center wants PALS for Life to bring safe and effective research-based exercise to as many breast cancer survivors as possible!

PALS for Life welcomes anyone who has been affected by breast cancer. All survivors are encouraged to stay active. Strength training, if performed correctly and with proper guidelines, is very safe and extremely beneficial for those who have, or may be at risk, for lymphedema.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

■ Physical therapist clearance and referral is required.

■ Must have finished chemotherapy and radiation.

■ If you have any swelling, you should be seen by a physical therapist prior to starting.

■ Participants must be 6-8 weeks out of radiation or chemotherapy.

PALS FOR LIFE

■ FREE UVAC membership with full use of the facilities and equipment.

■ FREE small group training.

■ FREE land and aquatic fitness classes.

■ Childcare for an additional fee.

■ Lymphedema seminar provided by staff from DHMC.

QUESTIONS AND REGISTRATION:

Contact Erin Buck (802) 296-2850 ext. 112 or ebuck@uvacswim.org

Upper Valley Aquatic Center 100 Arboretum Road, White River Junction, VT, 05001

CRe W: CANCER RECOVERY THROUGH ROWING

An indoor and on-the-water rowing program through the Upper Valley Rowing Foundation that is free and open to anyone living with cancer or beyond. No experience necessary!

QUESTIONS AND REGISTRATION:

Take Charge of