Caring for the Whole You

When a diagnosis of breast cancer is received, conventional medicine shifts the focus from the patient to attacking the cancer. While this is a necessary part of overcoming a cancer diagnosis, caring for the whole person during cancer treatment is essential to the patient's well being. Saint Francis is dedicated to providing a broad spectrum of care including integrative and informative approaches developed with the whole you in mind.

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies are just that- therapies that are complementary to conventional treatment. They are designed to encourage overall well-being in cancer patients by reducing stress, managing symptoms and side effects and diminishing anxiety.

Below are a few links to complementary therapies Saint Francis Health System offers thier breast health clients. If there is something you are intersted in and do not see any infomation listed on this page, please contact Saint Francis Breast Health Services for more information.

Classes available through Health Zone
Pathways- A stress management class
Pathways is a comprehensive 4-week stress management program for adults. One hour sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30-12:30 at the Health Zone. Program highlights include Understanding Stress in Your Life, Your Mind and Stress, Conflict Resolution and Time Management. Please contact Jennifer Daley at 494-8263 or by e-mail for more information.

Light Exercise, Gental Yoga and Aquatic classes- 
All classes designated with  are appropriate for oncology patients. Please note: Talk with your physician before starting any physical activity. Physician approval is required for these classes. Classes designated as appropriate for oncology patients include Gentle Yoga, Pilates Lite, Water in Motion and Arthritis Aquatics. For more information contact Health Zone at 918-494-1671 or via e-mail .

Massage Therapy- Relax and rejuvenate with Health Zone spa services. Massage Therapy is currently available with an expanded spa selection coming to Health Zone in 2009. To schedule a massage, or to learn more contact Health Zone at 918-494-1671 or e-mail .

Health Zone is Saint Francis Health System’s state-of-the-art, medically-based fitness facility. For membership information visit them online at healthzone.saintfranics.com or call 918-494-1671.

Available through Saint Francis Hospital
Pastoral Care- When illness or injury strikes, the whole person is affected. One’s faith, feelings, hopes, relationships and even one’s view of self can change. The role of the Pastoral Care staff is to listen carefully and understand compassionately, to care and to pray with those who desire to do so. We believe people can help each other and be open to the healing of body, mind and spirit that God wills for us. To set up a time to talk with the a Pastoral Care staff member, please call 918-494-7435

Visit our Chapel- The Chapel, located on the south wing of the first floor, is always open to you, your family and visitors. Mass is celebrated daily and all are welcome any time.

Look Good...Feel Better- Volunteer beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of 6 to 10 women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop. Classes are held at the Saint Francis Breast Center.  Reservations are required.  Please call your local American Cancer Society at 918-477-5400 for dates, times or to R.S.V.P.  

I Can Cope- The American Cancer Society's I Can Cope service is an educational program for people facing cancer—either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. Online classes are available in a come and go format on a variety of topics.


Side Effects, Fatigue and Anemia
Managing Chemotheraphy Side Effects
Feeling Tired vs. Cancer Related Fatigue
Cancer Related Anemia
Cancer Related Fatigue
Chemotherapy Effects
Radiation Therapy Effects


Family Life
Talking with Children about Cancer
Helping Your Child Deal with a Family Members Cancer Treatment
Sharing a Cancer Diagnosis with Family and Friends
Breaking the News About Your Diagnosis
Fertility and Cancer- What are my Options? 

 
Breast Cancer and You 
Tips for Coping with Breast Cancer
Breast Reconstruction
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Breast Cancer



Stories of Hope- American Cancer Society
Breast Cancer: 'More than One Woman's Struggle'
Young Breast Cancer Survivor Channels Anger into Action
One Couples Funny and Inspiring Story of Intimacy after Breast Cancer
A Couple's Journey
Finding the Positives of Breast Cancer

For more stories visit Stories of Hope.