Cancer, Stroke, Perinatal Support Groups Offered At St V’s

BRIDGEPORT — A free prostate cancer survivors educational lecture series offered by St Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound is held on the second Tuesday of every month from 4:30 to 6 pm. The next session will be Tuesday, August 14, in the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care Level 3 Medical Oncology Conference Room.

Lynn Roberge, psychotherapist will be the speaker presenting on “Let’s Talk.”  The series provides information, support, and resources to men being treated for prostate cancer, those recovering from treatment, and prostate cancer survivors.

No reservations required and there is free parking with validated ticket.

General Cancer Support

Also, a free General Cancer Support Group is offered by St. Vincent’s on the third Wednesday of every month from 9 to 10 am.  The next group will meet August 15 in the Oncology Conference Room, located in the Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care adjacent to the St Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main Street.

This ongoing monthly group is focused on giving support to patients and families who have been diagnosed with lung, colon, head and neck, esophageal, GI cancers, and other solid tumors. The one-hour session incorporates dialogue and discussion on medical issues and stress-related issues regarding the medical, physical, and emotional effects concerning the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Facilitators Lynn Roberge, CAS, LPC, NCC, psychotherapist, and Teresa McLaughlin, RN, MSN, AOCN, oncology nurse case manager will lead the group in discussions.

Stroke Survivors,        Caregivers

St Vincent’s Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month as well, with the next meeting on August 15 from 5:30 to 7 pm in the Seton Room on Level C at St Vincent’s Medical Center.  

The Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Support Group will be discussing stroke education, the concerns and needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers. It also provides an opportunity for participants to interact with others for emotional support as well as to share strategies and techniques to improve their quality of life.

Speech, occupational, and physical therapists, as well as neurologists and social workers, are also available to provide information and links to services in the community. The group is sponsored by St Vincent’s Department of Social Work and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

There is no charge for attendance at the group, and parking is free with validated ticket. For more information, call occupational therapist Melissa Kopp at 203-576-5361.

Perinatal Grief Support

Also, St Vincent’s “We Care” Perinatal Grief Support Group will meet on Wednesday, August 15, from 7 to 8:15 pm in the Ambulatory Infusion Center waiting area located on level 3 of the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, adjacent to the medical center.

The group is for those grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillborn, or newborn death. The group is facilitated by a maternity nurse and a chaplain who are certified grief counselors.

It meets the third Wednesday of each month. Speakers experienced in grief counseling are scheduled periodically.

There is no charge for attendance and no registration is required. For additional information, call Sister Arthur Marie Donnelly in the Pastoral Care Department at 203-576-5110.

To view a full listing of health and wellness programs offered at St Vincent’s Medical Center, visit www.stvincents.org/events.