Giving Cancer Patients Some Control

Treating cancer is a complex process. Patients go through many phases on varying timelines, from diagnosis through remission. Critical to each phase of treatment is making sure that patients feel control over their lives, given how all-encompassing this disease can be. Exercise, nutrition and psychological support can help patients regain control over some portion of their lives.

At Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, we are committed to caring for the total cancer patient—mind, body and spirit. Our cancer patients have always had the opportunity to participate in classes and programs in which they can learn ways to cope and thrive while treating this disease. Patients also meet lifelong friends and learn about other support options through the encouragement of their peers.  

We have also found that, for some patients, having to drive to other places for supportive care was more of a burden than a help. Until recently, our patients have had to travel to the Northbrook Cancer Wellness Center to take advantage of these classes and support groups. But now, we are thrilled to offer them right here on the Lutheran General Hospital campus.

Beginning February 6, patients have been taking advantage of Lutheran General Hospital’s Cancer Wellness Program, located in the Center for Advanced Care at 1700 Luther Lane, right off of Dempster Avenue.  All of our programs are open to patients who have been recently diagnosed, those who are receiving treatment and patients who have completed treatment.

The Program is still affiliated with the Northbrook Cancer Wellness Center (NCWC). NCWC administration was especially helpful in offering their expertise throughout the design of Lutheran General’s program. We are also lucky to have NCWC’s highly qualified staff as our teachers and group leaders.

Not only is it more convenient for patients who are receiving treatment here, we also believe that even more patients will be able to take advantage of these important support services. And, if the first several weeks of the program are any indication, we will likely have to expand our services to accommodate more patients. To date, all of our class registrations have been at or above capacity.

Below is a list of classes currently being offered. Additional classes will be added as the program develops. 

Gentle and Restorative Yoga

This class will focus on opening the body with gentle breathing and some restorative yoga postures. Practice is appropriate for all levels of fitness and can be done in a chair if needed.

Exercise for Cancer

The focus of this class will be to improve strength, stamina and flexibility. All levels of fitness welcome.

Gentle Yoga

This class will focus on balance, flexibility and strengthening through the use of gentle yoga postures. Practice is appropriate for all levels of fitness and can be done in a chair if needed.

Stress Reduction

This class will introduce practical stress reduction techniques for everyday use. Healthy lifestyle and healthy thinking approaches will be incorporated into the class.

Nutrition for Optimal Cancer Wellness

This class is designed to educate individuals about which foods and nutrients help cancer patients and survivors eat as healthily as possible. The class will cater to those currently undergoing cancer treatments and survivors who are finished with treatment. The goal of this class is to empower those with cancer through optimal nutrition to provide energy, strength and an improved quality of life. This class will involve some lecture, class discussion and activities in a fun, friendly environment conducive to all nutrition learning needs.

Through Advocate Lutheran General Hospital’s Cancer Wellness Program, we hope to provide patients with a community in which they can receive treatment for their physical being and support for their psychological and emotional being. Ultimately, our goal is for patients to see that they aren’t alone.

All of our classes are offered free of charge, however, registration is required. Call 1-800-3ADVOCATE (1-800-323-8622) or visit www.advocatehealth.com to register.

Sigrun Hallmeyer, M.D., is in the Oncology Department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

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